By Casey O'Connor
When you come across a bunch of blokes at the races dressed in funny hats and specially minted T shirts you know there has to be a story. And there was.
The first race at Warwick on Saturday, the 21st Annual Warwick Golf Classic. That was been a clue.
The race sponsored by said gentlemen in funny hats. Spokesman for the group, John Preston shared their story. Twenty-one years ago a group of mates were enjoying a drink at the bar following their round of golf at the Samford Club and someone had the great idea they should go away for a weekend.
An off-the-cuff comment from one of the bar staff began a yearly tradition when it was suggested the group try the Warwick Golf Club because they had a great stay and play deal going. The rest as they say in the classics is history. The group gather from not just Brisbane but around the country (some from Perth normally attend but not this year – COVID etc). they now number 40. They descend on Warwick on Thursday evening and follow a program, of Golf, Pool, Lawn Bowls, Races and home on Sunday. Their tried and true program was disrupted this year when they found the Bowls club had their green out of action, but I am guessing they found plenty to fill the gap in the schedule.
The group estimates over the 21 years they have contributed at least $500k to $800k to the local economy and a fair bit to the bookies over the years.
To celebrate turning 21 the group decided it was time to sponsor a race. Not many were keen to share if they backed the winner Pennyworth.
Hope they make it back to celebrate their 22nd and beyond.
