Golf day tees up Cancer Society cash

Rangatira Golf Club had their best ever return for their Cancer Society Golf Tournament fundraiser, as $15,200 was raised for the charity on Saturday afternoon.

Delighted secretary Lesley Leary said the fifth edition of the 18-hole tournament meant they have raised $45,000 for the Cancer Society since it began.

"Sadly, most of us are familiar with the devastation this disease can bring to any one of us and as a result people everywhere are more than ready to support the society which does so much to ease the burden of the afflicted."

Rangatira donates their course for the day as Leary and fellow organiser Kuia Byford encourage sponsorship for the day.

"Two of Rangatira's more intrepid members dyed their beards one pink, one blue and bullied friends, neighbours and total strangers from all over the place to pay them to retain these for a fortnight," said Leary.

"Other members donated meat, sausages, even oysters and most of all their time and enthusiasm to make the day a success."

Cancer Society national president Dalton Kelly attended with friend and special guest John McBeth, the sports broadcaster.

"They were not able to head off the quality field so did not feature in the prizegiving, however they both gave very good presentations," said Leary.

"Dalton talked about the role of the Cancer Society and the need to raise over $30 million every year and John gave the crowd of 150 an excellent and amusing account of his career in broadcasting."

Major sponsors were John Turkington Forestry and Land Use Consultants and McCarthy Transport.