Visitors from around the state, plus the ACT and Queensland, have rolled into town to participate in the highly anticipated event. 75 players teed off on Monday May 23 under beautiful blue skies.

The event is one of NSW Veterans Golf 52 week long competitions played over 45 weeks of the year. It is the biggest week of golf organisation in Australia designed to offer friendly, competitive, recreational sport for people over 55. Gloucester’s event is a very important part of the veteran golf calendar.

Secretary of  NSW Veterans Golf Len Payne says the events contribute around 15 million to the rural economy of NSW. During the week, golfers are given a day off to enjoy the community.

“Giving them an opportunity to engage in other local activities,” Mr Payne says.

Former Barrington local Barbara Hunter, representing Toowoomba Golf Club, says the Gloucester event is the most social of all the weeks of golf. Due to the team draw, players can’t choose who they play with, giving them an opportunity to mingle with different people each day of play. Ms Hunter thinks this is on the strengthens of the competition.

The spirit of socialising is also supported by the teams having the same start and finish times, allowing the players to spend more time getting to know each other.

This event is heavily supported by 100 local business by generous donations.