More than 100 people braved rain and lightning to participate in the Sam Matters Cup at Gerringong Golf Club.

The annual event raises awareness of suicide prevention, in honour of 18-year-old Sam who took his own life five years ago.

Each year those in the tight-knit Gerringong community turn out to remember the “loveable, cheeky, beautiful boy” who had “every reason to live”. And each year they are prepared for a downpour.

“It rains every time,” says Sam’s brother Perry who, along with hundreds of supporters, donned wet weather gear and braced for a wet and windy 18 holes on the picturesque, but notoriously tricky course.

The Sam Matters Cup is usually held in September but it was postponed to December this year after hundreds of millimetres of spring rain made the hilly course unplayable.

Despite being moved to summer, the heavens opened again on the morning of the cup but the deluge didn’t deter supporters of Sammy and the Matters family - dad Dean, mum Mel and brothers Josh and Perry.

Photo: Ella Gunning

About 120 golfers braved the weather in honour of Sam’s love for a game he had played for almost a decade and to raise money for the Saving Sammy Foundation, set up by Dean and Mel in the hope other families don’t have to experience the loss they feel every day since their son’s death.

“Today is a chance to remember Sam with our community and friends and prevent the same heartbreak happening to another family,” says Mel, who organised all the catering for the event at The Hill, the family’s well-known Gerringong restaurant.

“Golf was such a big part of Sam’s life,” says Gerringong Golf Club professional Shane Cochrane who, along with Dean and other club stalwarts, has been instrumental in organising the annual event.

This year, like many before, the weather thwarted players’ attempts to complete 18 holes, with the event cancelled midway through due to the severe weather.

“Steve would’ve continued to play in weather like this, he’s used to the rain, he’s from New Zealand,” grins Shane. He was referring to Tiger Woods’ caddy Steven Williams, who visited the picturesque course in October to play 18 holes and launch his book, written by Gerringong Golf Club member Evyn Priest, about life on tour with the GOAT of golf.

While many of Sammy’s supporters would’ve happily continued on in the rain, nearby lightning strikes made the event unsafe and forced the course to be cleared.

Alex and Greg Weir. Photo: The Bugle

Toolijooa farmer Greg Weir, a relative of the Matters’ family, dusts off his clubs each year to play in the cup and managed to squeeze in 10 holes before being called in.

“I only play golf once a year, this event, with my son Alex,” says Greg.

Although the pair were the inaugural winners of the Sam Matters Cup in 2020, Greg says the day is not about competition, it’s an opportunity for people, especially fathers and sons, to bond and have important discussions about mental health.

Photo: Ella Gunning

“We might not do it much but things like this charity event get us talking, and put a spotlight on suicide and mental health,” says Greg. “That’s Sam’s legacy.”

And that’s why the Matters’ family pour their heart and soul into organising the event, with Dean at the forefront of the golf day making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible - rain, hail or lightning.

Photo: Ella Gunning

The downpour failed to dampen the spirits of those who knew and loved Sam and the close-knit coastal community joined the extended Matters’ family at The Hill for lunch.

Mel, Kiama’s Deputy Mayor and a baker by trade, was on the tools helping to churn out delicious meals and hot and cold drinks for the wet, bedraggled golfers.

Photo: Ella Gunning

Dean, with the help of his granddaughters Jess and Nicky, drew names out of a hat to determine who would win prizes, given the competition was cancelled.

“Unfortunately it rains more often than not when we hold the cup, apologies for that, but it never stops people from showing up,” he told the crowd gathered to honour Sam.

No one seemed to mind that the golf game was cut short, with connection, camaraderie and mental health awareness the real winners on the day.

“I was very proud of Melissa, she spoke at the presentation this year, something she hasn’t been able to do in the past because it was just too painful,” says Dean. “Our community is amazing, it’s like it gives us a collective hug saying ‘we are with you’.”

With Australian Institute of Health and Welfare figures showing 3214 Australians died by suicide in 2023, the need for connection, awareness and suicide prevention has never been greater. On average nine people across the nation lose their lives to suicide every day. In NSW, suicide deaths rose to 954 in 2024, higher than in previous years.

The Saving Sammy Foundation hopes the more than $100,000 raised will help bring down these heartbreaking numbers through funding youth development programs at Nowra PCYC and the Building Young Men Program, a mentoring initiative with Kiama High School.

“Mentors talk to the boys about their own challenges, the difficulties they faced in growing into young men,” explains Dean. “It is a fantastic initiative which I wish had been available when Sam was alive.

"Maybe the outcome would have been different. If we can save one young person Sam's life will not have been in vain.”

Young people needing support can reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, both are free and confidential 24/7 phone and online chat counselling services.