There are probably a number of reasons why the Macleay Vallery Veteran Week of Golf is so popular.

But one of them no doubt is that the renowned long-time tournament director Frank Ryan has been “hanging around” – as he says – the event for some 11 years.

The 73 year old is one of less than a handful of NSW veteran golf tournament directors who has achieved that milestone.

The NSW Veteran Golfers Association is known throughout the country for overseeing more than 50 Week of Golf events every year, with often hundred of participants experiencing a week of fun but competitive golf, camaraderie and socialising.

The weeks are open to men and women golfers aged 55 and over who must be amateur member of a registered golf club affiliated with Golf Australia.

Like most others the Macleay Valley Week of Golf runs Monday to Friday, culminating with a celebration and Presentation Dinner on the final evening.

It is centred on the idyllic NSW mid north coast seaside town of South West Rocks and includes rounds at Frederickton, Kempsey and South West Rocks golf clubs.

With its spectacular beaches, national parks and other attractions the Macleay Valley is a popular tourist spot.

Then there’s the golf… and Frank.

So how did he first get involved?

“I was conned,” he says.

“One of the fellows on the committee at the time, Bruce Thomas, he grabbed me one morning and said, “We’ve got a meeting to go to”. And that was that was about it. I was involved in vets golf at South West Rocks just prior to that.”

It was the start of 11 years of 11 months a year work involving countless hours of planning and organising.

Asked why he continues to do it, Frank is quick to acknowledge the hard work and assistance of the committee around him.

“It’s mainly because the committee, and obviously you form friendships with a lot of the the participants. I have seen a lot of them come back every year. So that is another reason for hanging around.”

“It’s also a valuable source of income for three vet clubs involved, Kempsey, Fredo and the Rocks. It assists the trading of the three licensed clubs. And moreover, it helps the local business community, particularly because of the number of visitors that we get.”

So will he be back for more next year?

“Good question. Let’s to see how the dust settles. There’s a few challenges. Plus I lost my wife two and a half months ago. So yeah, the week of golf has been good in some respects. It’s given me a good distraction.”

“But I’ve got other things to do too. The house is going to wreck and ruin and a few other things. So I’ll check, we’ll have a wash up meeting in a couple of months time and I’ll make me mind up.”

However that decision goes, no doubt one of his able assistants would step up to continue the proud Macleay Valley Week of Golf tradition.

For more information on the NSW Veteran Golfers Association Weeks of Golf click here

Macleay Vallery Veteran Week of Golf Photo Galley