Organisers were pleased with the turnout although numbers were down a little at 134. Westpac Helicopter Support Group’s Lisa Dalton said only 94 had registered by the Tuesday, with many just turning up on the day.

Compliments were flowing thick and fast for Michael Townes, whom Ms Dalton said did a fantastic job in organising the event. Together with major sponsor Wagners, the annual event is destined to continue being a highlight of the golfing calendar and a good fundraiser for the rescue helicopter service.

Special celebrity guest Jeff Thomson enjoyed regaling tales of some of his ferocious cricketing experiences, reminding those gathered at the presentations at the end of the day that he is still the world’s fastest bowler at more than 100km/hr, a bowl that forcefully hit the sight screen after a single bounce on the pitch.

Ms Dalton and the rest of the rescue helicopter support crew thanked everyone involved in making the event so successful this year.

“The support from local businesses was overwhelming,” she said.

“Even though the numbers were down slightly from last year the total amount raised on the day was $19,000. It is also great to see so many people travelling from out of town to join in this event.”

The major sponsor for the day was Wagners Cement, who has committed to being back again next year.

“And the Tenterfield Golf Club greenkeepers put in so much effort to have the course looking so stunning for the day,” Ms Dalton said.

Results for the day were (first place) D Townes, C Melville, I Slapp and A Long; (second place) N Gale, J Milton, W Eastgate and J Faithfull; and (third place) S Bates, G Sutcliffe, J Murphy and M O'Neil.

Nearest the pins (each winning $500) were N Gale (6th hole), D Cluff (9th), G Whitley (13th), L Jones (14th) and N Gale (18th). Mr Whitley donated his prize back to the charity.

Warwick Grebert won the raffle of two nights at The Ramada Ballina, and Ms Dalton won the second prize, a portable rotisserie donated by Mitre 10.

Click below for some photos from the day.