Brisbane Golf Club board of directors has become the first in Queensland to approve member participation in the Queensland Golf Foundation’s ‘Pitch In’ program.
Queensland Golf Foundation is Golf Queensland’s new charity arm, and ‘Pitch In’ has recently been launched with the future of the game as its primary focus.
Through the program Queensland golfers are being asked to contribute $20 annually to assist three specific areas of the game – juniors, ladies and golf clubs themselves.
And The Brisbane Golf Club president John Kelly said he was delighted, and proud, to announce that his board had been the first in Queensland to support the concept.
“As a club we are firmly focused on getting more people playing golf, and particularly youngsters,” he said.
“We have a really strong junior program at Brisbane and have recently become the home of the Queensland Academy of Sport Golf Program. As well, our club has reduced fees for golfers aged between 18 and 35 and as a result our membership numbers in that age group have recently increased to 180.
“But our major focus is getting young kids to play golf. After all, they are the future of our wonderful game.”
When The Brisbane Golf Club sends annual subscription notices to its 1620 members next month, a $20 ‘Pitch In’ fee will be added to the invoice. However, the fee is not compulsory and members can opt out of making the additional payment.
But Mr Kelly has urged his members to understand the aim of ‘Pitch In’, and to support the ideals of the Queensland Golf Foundation.
“I have no doubt that the majority of our members, when they understand the philosophy of the Golf Foundation, will be only too willing to offer their support by way of a $20 annual donation.
“Increasing golf participation, growing and promoting the game and the golf industry in Queensland and generally investing in the future of golf is something we, as active golfers, should all support.
“And, put simply, to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for our clubs we need to have more people playing more golf. The ‘Pitch In’ program is aimed specifically at that target.”
Through the three key focus areas of juniors, ladies and golf clubs, the Foundation will actively raise funds to build new programs and pathways while also enhancing existing programs and ensuring the sustainability of clubs by assisting them to manage and grow their operations.
Donations to these areas means Golf Queensland can deliver more learn-to-play programs for juniors and ladies across the state. The funds will also help to deliver programs that will help clubs increase their membership bases and ensure the viability of the club network in Queensland.
The Queensland Golf Foundation’s fundraising partner is the Australia Sports Foundation. Donations are tax deductible and can be made either directly to the Queensland Golf Foundation page on the Australian Sports Foundation website (www.asf.org.au) or via the donate now button on the Queensland Golf Foundation website (www.qldgolffoundation.org.au).