Bega Squash officials are delighted with the start to 2020 the club has enjoyed.
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The Grand Hotel autumn competition started on Tuesday and a spokeswoman for the club said there had been an incredible response to the "bring a friend" night with more than 95 players nomination for the draw.
Details of the draw are being shared now on the club's Facebook page and website. If you need further info email the club on secretary@begasquashclub.com.au.
Following on from a strong 2019 season, the club said there were many milestones to celebrate to begin 2020 with the continued support of Peter and Janelle Turner as the major sponsors of the club.
"Peter and Janelle have supported the club for over 35 years, initially with their business Top Video and more recently as the Grand Hotel," the spokeswoman said. "They along with the many other sponsors are an integral part of the club's success."
The spokeswoman said after launching with two courts in 1976 the Bega Squash Club had grown to become one of the most successful regional squash clubs in the country, playing host to the Australian Open of squash last year and securing the rights again in 2020.
It will run from August 26-30 and club president John Stylianou said he was already receiving expressions of interest from a number of internationals after glowing feedback of the 2019 tournament and the welcome reception from locals.
"It is an amazing and unprecedented achievement for a small regional club."
The club's major awards were handed out late in 2019, but officials said with bushfires now under control they were delighted to acknowledge their major award winners including the induction of two new life members.
Keri Blacker and Peter Bolst have been named life members of the club.
"They have worked tirelessly for both junior and senior areas, both having served on the committee in various roles for 25 years." the spokeswoman said.
In other major awards, Adam Twyford was awarded the Peter Eaton Consistency Award for his contribution to the club and consistency on and off the court in 2019.
Most improved was Will Gray-Balcomb, following on from big brother Jordan who won in 2018. Club Person of the year (for the 3rd time) was Peter Bolst, with Dennis Curtis the Karen Jamieson Memorial Club Ambassador recipient.
Open Club Champions were Nathan Fuller and Brooke Bartlett - with Brooke holding both the junior and senior awards at the time of the presentation.
The club will also host a NSW Masters tournament on May 8-9 for the fourth year running. The club is encouraging players to "bring and empty esky" and support businesses on the Sapphire Coast.
