Last Sunday was a huge day for golf in Coolamon.
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The club hosted the annual Smedley Brothers Four person Ambrose event sponsored by the four brothers of Coolamon golf, Gordon Brennan, Geoff Glass, Tim Morris and Geoff Parmenter. Parmenter was the only one unable to be present, but he was probably still in celebration mode after his grandson, Tom Wright starred for Australia in his first test match against the mighty All Blacks the previous weekend.
A great turn out of 72 golfers, beautiful weather and a pristine course ensured the day was an enormous success.
After the prizes were distributed, Valda Irvine Rudd was presented with a plaque honouring her remarkable golfing achievements.
It was the first time in 25 years that Valda had played a game of golf.
When she walked away from the game, still in her prime, after a ruling following the 1996 Associates Championship she was deeply hurt. Her record to that point was incredible, perhaps unmatched in any other club in Australia.
It included: 24 Associates Championships, 20 foursomes championships, 20 mixed foursomes championships and 25 Rosebowl scratch titles. Her crowning achievements were three NSW Sandgreen championships in 1982, 87 and 90.
Present for the ceremony were Valda's husband Tony, himself a four time club champion, their two children, Rebecca and Greg and their grandchildren most of whom played in the day's Ambrose event.
It was noted that Valda's family were all distinguished golfers and great supporters of the club. Her father Don was a foundation member, a club champion and one of its first life members. Her brothers Graham and Trevor also feature prominently on club honour boards. Graham, known affectionately as Alfie, was also a club champion in his youth and perhaps could've matched his sister's achievements if not for the lottery of life that deposited him in Vietnam in the late 1960's and altered the course of his life forever.
It is an unmatched record of family success. Both brothers were present to help celebrate their sister's achievements.
The day was not just a celebration of Valda's achievements, but also a time for healing.
In an emotional speech, Valda spoke about her time in golf, the day she set an associate's record score of 69 and the support she received from her family and those who stood by her. Her life long friend and unwavering supporter Dorothy Allen was called upon to present Valda with the plaque detailing the highlights of her brilliant career.
This plaque will be permanently on display for current and future patrons as well as the Rudd-Irvine extended family to marvel at for as long as the club stands.
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