On Sunday 17 March, Golf Victoria in partnership with Sandhurst Club and the PGA conducted its Inaugural Golf Open Day.
The intention of the event was to give men, women and children the opportunity to come and try golf with the aim to foster an interest in the sport.
Although the weather was not kind on the day, 128 people attended the event with fantastic feedback being recorded. The mix of men, women and children enjoyed a variety of activities including tuition on the range, mini-golf, SNAG Golf (playing golf using modified equipment), having swings analysed using state-of-the-art technology in the PGA Learning Centre, jumping castle and face painting.
Golf Victoria CEO, Simon Brookhouse was very pleased to see the turn-out of many young families on the day and encouraged those who attended the day to get involved with a development program.
"It was wonderful to see many families come out on Sunday to experience a wide range of golf specific activities. Although the weather wasn’t attractive, everyone who turned up had a great time and I hope those new to the game got a taste for it. Golf is an ideal sport to enjoy as a family and all of us here at Golf Victoria look forward to seeing Mum, Dad and the kids participating in one of our development programs soon to continue their interest in the game for life," said Brookhouse.
A very positive outcome from the day was the support and praise of the golf industry towards this concept. Golf Professionals across Victoria who donated their time to provide tuition on the day were supportive of future events as were representatives from Wilson Golf, Cobra-Puma and Henry-Griffitts golf brands that supported the day through donations and providing club fitting services.
It was also a good opportunity for Blind Golf Victoria, Deaf Golf Victoria, Special Olympics and Limbs 4 Life to promote the work their organisations conduct to support people with a disability to play golf.
Golf Victoria would like to acknowledge the 40 Sandhurst Members who volunteered their time to assist in the set-up and implementation of the event.
"Engaging volunteers is always a challenge, but Sandhurst Members were outstanding from helping set-up signage in the pouring rain on Saturday to providing such a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the event – the day could not have run without their support and we are greatly appreciative," Brookhouse added.
Golf Victoria’s Development Department is currently revising the structure of the event with the focus to give as many people across Victoria the opportunity to try golf in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
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