ONE of the region’s biggest golfing weekends, “Golfanza”, is bringing up a massive milestone on the Labour Day weekend.
Fifty years ago, representatives from Cohuna, Barham and Kerang Golf Clubs met to establish a three-day golfing event that has stood the test of time.
From its humble beginnings, Golfanza now attracts more than a hundred golfers from all over the state.
Tournament co-ordinator Howard McClelland explained the event’s origins to The Gannawarra Times last week.
“It started off as a local tournament because the golf season was only a winter sport at that time,” he said.
“So, the delegates of the three clubs decided we should have something before the season begins and Golfanza was born.
“Originally, it was a tournament for local golfers, but around the mid-1980s, it became an event people from Melbourne and Bendigo wanted to play in, which saw our numbers skyrocket.”
Over the years, the tournament has become a big tourist boom for the region, with many making it a holiday to see old friends.
“We’ve had incredible support from clubs like Melbourne Airport and many more over the past 30 years,” McClelland said.
“In the last 20 years, it’s become so popular that people use it as a reunion of sorts.
“They’ll load up the caravan and spend ten days in around the area fishing and visiting all the towns.”
A dinner will be held at CluBarham on Sunday night to celebrate half a century.
Tee-off on day one is at Cohuna Golf Club at 11.30am.
Day two will be played at Barham Golf Club, with the final day competition at Kerang Golf Club.
Last year local prodigy Olive Spitty took out the women’s event, whilst Ben Tatt won the men’s.
