Sport
21 January, 2026
Tributes flow for much-loved Innisfail golfer ‘Lombo’
INNISFAIL Golf Club members have farewelled a great mate – John Lombardi.
The club held a guard of honour at his funeral on 9 January.
On Facebook, the club posted a tribute to the 78-year-old.
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of John ‘Lombo’ Lombardi,” it said.
“John was a magnificent volunteer who gave countless hours to our club, always willing to lend a hand wherever it was needed.
“A tenacious competitor on the course and, above all, a great mate to so many, Lombo’s contribution, camaraderie and love of the game will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by our club and the wider community.
“On behalf of the committee and all members, we extend our sincere condolences to John’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
In the meantime a father and son battled in out in Friday’s sporters competition on 2 January and it was extremely close.
1st: Jake Cockle 18pts c/b
2nd: Caine Cockle Jnr 18pts
3rd: John Abbott 17pts
The course was playing OK in the Drummond Golf Cairns monthly medal on 3 January, but players needed to be on their ‘A’ game to get among the prizes.
It was great to see Leanne King on course who shot up the leaderboard in the Under 55s at +1, tying with Luke Peters.
After surgery, John Cavanah put together a solid round to post -1 and tied with Colin Bidgood, who also put in a great round. Both players tied for the clubhouse lead, until John Casale came in.
Casale was on fire with a 2 over the front 9, which put him in the driver’s seat and with a few dropped shots on the back, he coasted home with an impressive -3.
The afternoon groups struggled in the conditions, but young Terry Young was hot on Casale’s tail after a spell. Young birdied the last to be one shot back at -2.
Results
Under 55s
1st: John Casale (-3) (overall winner)
2nd: Colin Bidgood (-1)
3rd: Leanne King (+1)
Over 55s
1st: Terry Young (-2)
2nd: John Cavanah (-1)
3rd: Peter Milani (-1)
NTPs
1/10 - Andrew Grieve
4/13 - Luke Peters
7/16 - Jake Cockle
2/11 - Caine Cockle Jnr
5/14 - James Scullen
8/17 - E Nest
3/12 - Amandeep Singh/Leanne King
9/18 - Colin Bidgood