Split into two events, a day of ambrose golf on one of the best courses west of the Blue Mountains and then a dinner with celebrity guests, a raffle for limited edition items and an auction to close out the night, the event is focused on bringing attention to Mudgee and raising money for charities in the area.

Both targets were certainly achieved – the golf event has now managed to raise over $100,000 for the nurses and workers at Mudgee Hospital, as well as Pioneer House and the sponsoring of young golfers at the course.

While there are many people that put their efforts into running the day, the lion’s share of the praise rests on just a few men, one of whom is the local pro-golfer, and the mastermind behind the golf day – Peter Mayson.

“It’s fantastic to see the day come off after so much planning and preparation goes into the event,” Mayson said as the golfers set about working through Mudgee’s 18 holes.

"Every year there’s this big rush, and we have a lot on our plates right up until tee-off, but to see everyone having a great time and being able to see it all work out is such a great reward.”

Another key figure in the background of the classic is Peter Sterling, rugby league legend and strong advocate for the charity drive.

Sterling plays in the day, before MCing the evening dinner and drawing in the big names that give the event the ‘celebrity’ title.

“It’s always hectic in the lead-up but the day comes off well,” Sterling said as the day was unfolding.

“A full field is always great, and to not have the 40 degrees that was predicted is great – I don’t have a lot of protection up top.

“When things have to get done they get done.”

Sterling’s always proud of how well the golf runs on the day, and is glad when the time to play rolls around.

“The weekend was great, I’ve never had a bad day on the golf course even when I do have bad hit out,” he joked.

“The best thing about ambrose golf is even if you play badly it’s the other five guys that are at fault, and you can just blame them.”

With big names like Billy Birmingham, Jim Cassidy, Malcolm Johnson and of course Sterling and Ken Sutcliffe all appearing, the day was a fantastic one for all that attended, and the big names managed to draw in those that would donate to the charities, and reach the impressive milestone – another great Celebrity Classic.