WHILE numbers are down on what was expected, the inaugural Australian Over Bloody Eighty (OBE) golf championship will start at Harrington Waters on Tuesday.

“At last count we had around 40,” Harrington Water GC president Peter Budden said.

“We were hoping for more. But w’re going ahead – this is the first time this event has been held so we have to start somewhere.

“We’re hoping to build from this.”

One player will travel up from the Murray River area while there are others from South West Rocks and Coffs Harbour with the rest from the local area.

He said there’s a sprinkling of 12 and 14 markers in the field.

“That is still handy golf for an 80-year-old,” he said.

The championship will be decided on 27 holes with nine holes each day, hitting off from 10am.