Tournament director John Plummer said everything was coming together well for the August 17-21 event.

“Some of the people who usually come have told us they have had to cut back a bit on their golf travel because of this global financial thing and a clash with the national veterans’ championship in Cairns has taken a few players as well, but overall everything is going along swimmingly,” John said.

“A few more numbers would be nice and we are still accepting nominations.”

Organisers will sit down in about 10 days to work out the draw for the four days of competition.

The week begins with a fourball competition on Monday, August 17, with the 54-hole championships for men and women played on August 18 and 20-21.

John said more than $8000 in prizes would be given away during the week, with the major trophy presentation to be held at a dinner at the Coffs Harbour Racing Club on August 21.

This is the 27th edition of the veterans’ Week of Golf, making it one of the longest running events of its kind in Australia, according to John.

Some of the players to watch in the 54-hole competition are locals Ian Llewellyn (5 handicap) from Bonville and Allan Wallace (6) from Sawtell.

There’s also a host of players off eight who have entered.

Last year’s women’s champion Melita Watson (7) from Branxton is returning to defend her title.

Junior tournament

Coffs Harbour Golf Club will host a junior tournament next month to replace the postponed Paul Sheehan Junior.

Sheehan, a former Coffs Harbour junior now enjoying success in the professional ranks, is unavailable to return home for his tournament next month and organisers have postponed the event until January 17 next year.

In its place will be an 18-hole stroke round for boys and girls in age divisions up to colts on Sunday, August 9. There will be nine-hole and five-hole events for cadets.