The 2014 Open Heart Open, now in its 25th year, was conducted today at Green Acres Golf Club in overcast showery conditions. 53 open heart surgery recipients teed it up in an event that emphasis comradery and friendship. Golf Victoria, along with Green Acres, feels proud to support an event for this very special target.
The Open Heart Open was initiated by Commonwealth Golf Club member, Con Davie and the late Don Lawrence, a Victoria Golf Club member and renowned golf writer for many years with the Melbourne Herald. Lawrence and Davie approached the former Victorian Golf Association in 1988 with the suggestion to start an event for both men and women players who had undertaken various forms of heart surgery after becoming aware of a similar concept in the United States.
In this year’s event, Robert Carter (Rosanna) took the honours and the Don Lawrence trophy for the day with a fine stableford score of 44 points off a handicap of 31. Carter started on the 6th hole and had a consistent 22 points on either nine.
For the women, Frances Boehm (Yackandandah) played some solid golf to finish at the top of the leaderboard with a stableford score of 34 points of a handicap of 27.
Players concluded the day with a formal meal at the club followed by presentations.
For full results, please click here.
The Heart Foundations ‘Heart Week’ being conducted this week expresses the importance of recognising signs of a heart attack and improving the heart health of all.
“Each year, almost 10,000 Australians die of a heart attack. And more than 1million Australians aged 30-65 are at high risk of having a heart attack or stroke — but they may not even know they’re at risk. That’s why during Heart Week this year, the Heart Foundation will be urging all Australians to learn the warning signs of a heart attack and reduce their risk of having one.” (Heart Foundation, 2014)
For more information on the ‘Heart Week’, please visit their website by clicking here.