This page gives a state by state overview of veteran golf in Australian. For the latest veteran golf news and events see postings in the Events/Veteran Golf category.
VETERANS GOLF is played across Australia in a variety of formats.
As well as regular individual competitions conducted by local golf clubs, there are also Weeks of Golf, regional, state and national events.
Veterans golf events are usually open to golfers aged 55 plus who are members of a golf club affiliated with the Australian Golf Union and have a current AGU handicap. Ladies veteran events have similar requirements.
Each year a national Australian Veteran Golfers Union National Championship is held in a different location. In August 2009 the championship will be held in Cairns.
For individual state calenders of events, qualifying , organisational, contact and other details see the information below.
Veterans Golf NSW
The NSW Veterans Golfers Association has over 14,000 members and there are 31 group zones, many of which have 10 or 15 smaller groups within each zone. Veteran golf is growing and you can be assured of a great day out wherever you decide to play. You meet all sorts of people, strange characters, brilliant golfers, burglars, academics, businessmen and others from all stations in life, the 19th hole conversation is never dull.
Veteran groups have access to some of the best golf courses in Australia, and you get to play on any, or all of these courses, at our regular regional veteran golf days, at very reasonable rates.
The NSWVGA conducts 35 Annual Weeks of Golf throughout NSW each year. Visit their website for a full calender of events as well as results, contact details and other useful information.
Golfers aged 55 and over you are eligible to play with the ‘Vets’, the rules are simple and the cost is minimal, $10 to join and annual fees ranging from $5 to $25 per annum thereafter within NSW and the ACT.
To become a member you must be a member of a golf club which is affiliated with the AGU and you must have a club handicap. To actually join up all you need to do is find out when and where the next ‘vets golf day’ is being held and turn up.
Dick Farrant: a moveable feast of veteran golf in NSW (This feature story gives a detailed overview of veteran golf in NSW)
Sydney Vets a golfing treat (This story gives a good overview of the Sydney Veteran Golfers Association
NSW Veteran Golfers Association website
Sydney Veteran Golfers Association
Veterans Golf Queensland
The Queensland Veteran Golf Union comprises 21 Districts stretching from Cairns to the Tweed. The Union has around 7000 members from over 100 golf clubs and in addition to the two major State Championships around 50 open events are held throughout the State each year.
To become a veteran golfer you must be a male member of a golf club affiliated with the Australian Golf Union, be over 55 years and have a current AGU handicap.
Membership can be arranged through your nearest District Secretary, as listed on their website.
Queensland Veteran Golf Union website
Veterans Golf Victoria
The VVGA was formed in 1982 and now consists of 21 Districts from all parts of Victoria. Each District has their own autonomy and culture and are affiliated with the VVGA. Today there are almost 5000 veteran members in Victoria and 30000 in Australia.
Monthly fixtures are conducted by the 21 veteran districts at over 250 golf clubs. Open VVGA Championships are conducted at 5 different locations annually. The Four Ball, Country, Sandscrape, Teams and State events make up the VVGA Majors. VVGA supported events are conducted at 10 locations annually and Interstate events are readily available.The Bill Mead International Match Play is played annually at Rich River under the auspices of the AVGU and VVGA.
Joining the Veterans is easy all you need to be is 55 years of age and a member of a golf club affiliated with the VGA or VGL. Simply contact your local District Secretary listed in the Contact section of their website.
Victorian Veteran Golfers Association website
Veterans Golf South Australia
The South Australian Veteran Golfers Association caters for all golfers who belong to a recognised golf club and wish to partake in regular competitions played on golf courses around the city and in country towns. Extended tours are also organised.
To join members must have reached the age of 55. The joining fee is $5.00, and yearly membership is $10.00.
All games are ‘shot-gun starts’, where members must report to the starter 30 minutes before hit-off time, which is, on most occasions, 9.00am. Competition is in three grades. “A” handicap 1-16; “B” 17-21; “C” 22-32. In addition there are nearest the pin holes.
From the 12th to 17th October the SAVGA will be hosting the Australian Veteran Golfers Union National Championships in Adelaide.
South Australian Veteran Golfer’s Association website
Veterans Golf Western Australia
The Western Australian Veteran Golfers Association Inc. was founded in 1982. It encourages fellowship amongst players while playing at each others’ courses weekly throughout the year.
To be eligible for Membership of the “Vets” you must be over 55 and be a member of a WAGA affiliated A or C class golf club.
Nominate through your club representative or contact the Secretary with an initial fee of $45. This covers joining fee, badge, tie, plus the annual membership subscription. Following year’s subscription is $15.The golfing season commences on the first week of February with weekly games, mostly on Mondays, through to the first week of December.
An annual five day South West Tour is organised in October, including golf at some of the most exciting courses in the South West, including wives and partners, in a stimulating week of golf.
The Country Veteran Golfers Association conducts monthly golf competitions and operates in the South West area of the State.
Western Australia Veterans Golfers Association website
Related posts:
- Australian Veterans Championships Adelaide
- NSW Veteran Golf Matchplay Championship
- Veteran golf national championships on track
- Just 40 spots remain for Cairns national veterans championship
- 2009 national veteran golf championships for Cairns
- 2011 Australian Veteran Golf Championship spots still available
- Dick Farrant: a moveable feast of veteran golf in NSW
- 2011 Australian Veteran National Championship underway in Hobart
- Sydney Vets a golfing treat
- A Revolution in 50+ Golf Travel
I’d be interested to learn what age a veteran needs to be in Australia as it seems to vary around the globe. In the UK we classify a senior as 60 and over however I see that you qualify at 55 in Australia, good luck with the site if you are in the UK please visit my golf shop