Australian golfers have shown their generosity to the victims of the Black Saturday bushfires in the Victorian Red Cross Bushfire Appeal and Golf Club Relief efforts. Combined, the industry raised a total of $675,677.20 to assist in the rebuild and recovery process. Of this, $534,585 was distributed to the Red Cross. Included in the $534,585 is: $207,480.60 raised by the Melbourne Sandbelt group of clubs which included $100,000 from The President s Cup which will be played at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in 2011. $211,502.50 donated by PGA and ALPG members which included approximately $200,000 from Craig Parry & Nick O Hern donated on behalf of the US Tavistock Group. $115,601.90 came from Clubs donating to the Red Cross Appeal. In addition, a number of players including Karrie Webb wore yellow ribbons in support of the victims during the Women’s Australian Open at Metropolitan Golf Club earlier this year. Golf Australia Chief Executive Stephen Pitt said it was grateful that Australian golfers were able to generously contribute to the communities and clubs affected by the fires. Many of us have little idea of the true impact these fires have had on the areas. When I visited Marysville, I witnessed the devastation first-hand and I m happy that these funds will go some way towards helping these golf clubs and their community recover as they are often the life-blood of these communities, Pitt said. PGA Chief Executive Max Garske said The Australian Golf Industry s generous contribution to those affected by the bushfires has been nothing short of remarkable. The Golf Industry is one of the strongest communities within the Australian sporting landscape, and we are extremely proud of what we can achieve united behind such a noble cause. ALPG Chief Executive Warren Sevil said Women’s Professional golf came together to contribute to the Bushfire appeal during the Women’s Australian Open in Melbourne, the very week the bushfires were devastating so much of Victoria. Contributions were received from a domestic and international field of players representing up to 20 different countries. Whilst we crowned a champion that week, our thoughts were with those who had lost everything. Of the total money raised, more than $125,500 was for affected clubs with $95,500 donated directly to the Victorian Golf Association/Women’s Golf Victoria Bushfire Hardship Fund to provide assistance to those golf clubs directly impacted by the fires. The remaining $30,000 came in the form of direct donations from other clubs and organisations to affected clubs. Of the $95,500 in the Victorian Golf Association/Women’s Golf Victoria Bushfire Hardship Fund, $30,000 has already been distributed to the affected clubs. Finally, a further $15,592 came in form of fundraising and donations to organisations and charities involved in bushfire relief such as the Salvation Army and Country Fire Authorty. The Appeal saw an incredible outpouring of generosity and support from the Australian people, said Andrew Hilton, Australian Red Cross Executive Director in Victoria. And we thank Golf Australia, the PGA of Australia, the ALPG and the associated golfers and clubs for their contributions, which are directly helping people to rebuild their lives and communities. Last week, the Australian Golf Writers Association raised more than $6,000 for Horsham and Marysville Golf Clubs by auctioning a World Golf Hall of Fame pin flag signed by current Australian members Kel Nagle, Greg Norman, Peter Thomson and Karrie Webb. If individuals or organisations would still like to donate to the clubs affected, they can do so throughwww.golfvic.org.au and follow the links.