Mark Billson

Gav,

There are so many people thinking of you right now in so many different time zones throughout the world.

What I know of you has been mainly through our times together on the golf course at the Classic. Much of why it is a classic is down to you and all the photos and video footage. I remember vividly your second jacket......mainly because it was you and me in the play-off at Hope Island. Nugget recalled how you won it from the bush....I remember it a bit differently......

I teed off first, feeling nervous having never been in contention for the jacket before. I duly sprayed my ball right (an ugly high cut!) and into the crap....You then teed up, everyone thinking this is Gav's jacket. You went driver even though you all you had to do was put it in play....You lined it up and let it rip.....you pulled it seriously left...tiger country. What a couple of choppers!! We pulled out another ball each. Unfazed, you then played a flawless hole to win in a canter.

This said a lot about you as a golfer but also a person. Why play safe when you can give it a red hot go.....you tackle every challenge with guts, creativity, enthusiasm and determination, not to forget humour. It shows through with your family, your career choices, RUOK, and the classic. Its why you are so successful.

I will always remember your advice to me on ordering a tequila......"not the cheap s**t.....only the top shelf"!

You are off the top shelf, Gav.

You and your family are in our thoughts every day.

Much love

Billo