Sixty-eight golfers participated in a charity golf day on March 3, 2024, at the Gunnedah Golf Course, raising approximately $8,000 for the local swimming club, Swim Gunnedah. This annual event not only drew a larger crowd than the previous year but also showcased the community’s commitment to supporting local sports initiatives.
The funds generated from the event will directly contribute to the operations of Swim Gunnedah, ensuring that young swimmers can continue their training and activities. According to Marcus Shorter, president of Swim Gunnedah, “We can’t continue to do what we do without important fundraisers like this each year.” He emphasized the importance of the local community’s generosity in sustaining the club’s efforts over its 70-year history.
Community Spirit Shines Through
This year’s event saw a notable increase in participation, despite rain affecting last year’s turnout. Many returning golfers joined the event, alongside new participants and teams that included members of Swim Gunnedah. The Gunnedah Golf Club contributed by donating $1,276 in green fees, further boosting the fundraising totals.
Prizes were awarded for various categories, including nearest-the-pin and longest drives, with participants from first to fourteenth place receiving awards. The raffle prizes included a golf bag, a set of putters, and a hair voucher. A new feature this year was a $500 incentive for a hole-in-one on the second hole, which, while not achieved, added excitement to the day.
Shorter highlighted the significant involvement of young club members, noting, “It’s always great to see that we have members turn up again and again on their weekend and help out.” Their contributions included selling raffle tickets and assisting with the barbecue, showcasing the strong community bonds in Gunnedah.
Golfing Results and Recognitions
The winners of the four-person Ambrose competition were Zak Kelly, Isaac Reeves, Jim Jewiss, and Joshua Dowse, who finished with a score of 50 5/8. The second place was secured by the Newton team, consisting of Simon, Leonie, Olivia, and Maddison, with a score of 54 5/8.
Additionally, Kurt Bartlett and Jess Bartlett excelled in the straight drive competition, while the nearest-the-pin winners included Dave Grosser, Kylie Patterson, Leonie Newton, Farran Lamb (twice), and Richard Turner.
Reflecting on the event, Shorter expressed gratitude towards local golf pro Tom Major for his support and guidance throughout the day. The success of this charity golf day exemplifies the spirit of Gunnedah and its dedication to fostering local sports and community initiatives.
