We have all seen the pictures of devastation on our TV screens and social media channels and heard and read the statistics about loss of life, property and wildlife.

And all this on a stretch of coastline where businesses large and small rely on this season, and the tourists it brings, for a significant portion of their annual income.

From Nowra in the north to Eden in the south, golf clubs are among those feeling the aftershock of such a sudden and massive loss of trade.

While no courses suffered significant flame damage, all find themselves in a less than ideal position as they contemplate the year ahead.

And this is where golf – and golfers - can help.

It’s not often the answer to the question ‘How can I help?’ is ‘Play golf’ but finally the ultimate win-win scenario is upon us.

Many golfers will have been amongst those who donated. But to really be part of the solution the advice is something we’d all love to hear more often: just go play golf.

The south coast is home to some superb and varied golf including 27-hole facilities at Catalina Country Club at Batemans Bay and Pambula- Merimbula further south.

Mollymook, too, has 27 holes though the Hilltop and Beachside courses are separated by a couple of kilometres and a world of golf culture.

Narooma is home to one of the most famous par-3s in the nation, brought to the public’s attention by an ad featuring Paul Hogan for a product that is no longer allowed to be mentioned.

Moruya, Sussex Inlet, Vincentia, St George’s Basin, Tuross Heads, Tura Beach, Tathra, Eden…the list of fabulous golf facilities goes on.

RIGHT: Can you imagine the intense heat that did this? PHOTO: Rod Morri.

What they have in abundance is quality golf; what they need is golfers to play it.

So, here is what you can do to help: grab a few mates and head south. There is accommodation aplenty and tee times won’t be hard to come by.

It’s a trip worth doing regardless of current circumstances and if you’ve never been before it would be surprising if you didn’t come back with every intention of returning.

There has been bucket loads of cash raised by charities to help those in need after what has been a devastating period.

Many golfers will have been amongst those who donated. But to really be part of the solution the advice is something we’d all love to hear more often: just go play golf.

Golf is often seen as a recreation that exists outside the broader community, an image problem I have written about before.

Wouldn’t it be nice to think the game could flip that switch and play a significant role in giving back to the communities of the NSW south coast in their hour of need?