Up until a couple of weeks ago, he was routinely walking around the course on Wednesday afternoons, helping guide the future of our club, our young cadet players.

Sadly, Col is now in The Canberra Hospital rehabilitation unit after suffering two strokes in rapid succession.

Until this recent setback, Col could be seen playing in our Saturday and Tuesday competitions, and the Thursday Vets 9 hole competition.

He walks the first nine, before changing to his motorised cart - until it breaks down, which happens regularly; he finds himself walking more often than not.

Col was made a Life Member of Club Catalina in 2013. He is one of the original staff members and our first course superintendent.  He knows every inch of the course like the back of his hand and is on first name basis with every tree. He should be, as he planted most of them!

Col often tells stories sitting around at cadet golf afternoons - how he formed some of the greens by hand with a shovel; how he pulled a hand roller around the course to roll the greens.

His comment is priceless: “Needless to say, we did not roll the greens too often.”

Then there is his tech side, with many aids on his golf cart to assist him in playing the game he loves. 

To save bending, he has a string with a bit of Velcro tied to the tee so he can pick it up with his club, which also has a matching piece of Velcro.

Col’s favourite response when asked how he is going is: “Must be good, still breathing.”

Even in rehab, Col is still analysing his swing! Col practised virtually every day and was well known in his single seat cart, travelling from the Manor to Catalina.  

Col IS Club Catalina and we all wish him a speedy recovery. The kids miss him and so do all the other members. Please get well, Col. We all miss you.

Know a grey-haired someone with grit? Email community.eurobodalla@fairfaxmedia.com.au with the words GREY GRIT in the subject field.