In the 14 years since the Bali bombing, the community has done what it does best and banded together to raise more than $100,000 to help support children in Bali also impacted by the tragedy.

And it looks like this legacy will live on for years to come, in memory of Greg Sanderson, Paul Cronin and Brad Ridley, who were killed, and their fellow members of the Forbes Platypi rugby union team. 

It was a bittersweet moment for the Sanderson family on the weekend, as golfers gathered on what would have been Greg’s 40th birthday to take part in the Greg Sanderson Memorial Golf Day.

The day raised $15,000 for the Kuta International Disaster Scholarship (KIDS), a charity that helps educate children in Bali who lost parents in the bombings. Since its inception in 2003, when 13 golfers played an individual event won by Greg’s father Ray Sanderson, the event has raised more than $100,000.

On Saturday evening, Ray thanked all who had contributed to the outstanding success of the event and welcomed all players which included family members and friends, many of which had attended from Sydney and across the state.

“Today was special for me as I had a great surprise being able to play with my son Craig and my grandson Jack who came home from America to play with me and my other son Andrew,” he said.

“That was really special for Monica and I.

“Today is the last for us as the day now stands but I hope it is continued in some way,” Sanderson added with news that the family farm in Forbes has been sold and travel, along with a move to the coast, is in the family’s plans.

After play, entertainment was co-hosted by Judy Prior who sang along with husband Phil and included stints by the ever popular Brian Dwyer and Dennis Grosvenor from Sydney.

As usual Tim Mackay added his musical talents prior to conducting the auction along with Randal Grayson.

Grant Nicholson saw that the school days for Greg were not forgotten inviting six former Year 12 classmates from St Gregory’s Campbelltown to take part in the day.

It is planned that the memorial golf day will continue as a memorial to Greg, Paul and Brad, and to all those who were with them on the trip. 

RESULTS:

The first to tee off at 7am in the Greg Sanderson Memorial Golf Day on Saturday had to contend with darkness, requiring spotters in the first few holes, while the last group at 1.30pm enjoyed ideal  conditions for the near capacity field of 200 players.

With each player required to take three drives, it was Shirley Dukes who led the winners home with her tee shot on the first hole played (the 10th) taken as her team of husband Phil along with David Mylecharane and Niel Duncan scored 48.7/8 nett after a scratch score of 14 under par 58.

A near-perfect round saw the foursome score 29 off scratch for both nines.

During after play celebrations and presentation of trophies Duncan said putting was the key to success for the winners.

“Everything we putted went into the hole,” he said.

“In fact, we were more then happy with the way the course was presented, a great day I’m sure for everyone,” he added.

The best scratch scores presented went to the team of Christine and Shirley Davies along with Andrew Cogswell and Peter Nixon who scored 61 after a blistering 28 on the front nine complemented by 33 on the back nine holes.

Trophy for the best all-lady team score was presented to Alison Baker, Shirley Redfern, Chris Drane and Sue Shine with 71.5 nett.

Trophies were presented to the top 10 combinations. Along with the winners these included the Davies, Cogswell and Nixon team with 53 nett.

Then came Tim Mackey, Gerard Everson, Andrew Rousell and John Gunn 54.1/4; Sandy Paterson, David Quirk, Barry Shine and John Betland 54.5/8; Gary and Brendan Besgrove, Terry Rousell and Mark Churchill 55.1/8; Adrian Acheson, Steve Jarrick, Troy Howe and Randal Grayson 55.1/2; Tim West, Luke Hurford, Nathan Corliss and Clint Sanderson 55.1/2; James and Oliver Carlisle, Russell Sams and Peter Watson 56.1/2; Michael Wood Snr and Jnr, Bruce Carpenter and Adam Andrews 56.1/2; Steve Betland, Charlie Dwyer, Phil Prior and Tony Wallace 56.1/2.

Nearest the pins, 9th ladies Christine Davies, men David Mylecharane, 18th ladies, no player found the green on one, men Kevin Roche.

Long drives: ladies Verna Lane, men Andrew Cogswell.

Contributed by Short Putt’s Mate