Golf Australia is proud to confirm its support for the Australian Red Cross Bushfire Appeal through a number of golf industry initiatives. The support will begin immediately at the Women’s Australian Open at the Metropolitan Golf Club. Across the four championship days (February 12-15), collectors with buckets will be on course at Metropolitan accepting cash donations. On Sunday, all gate takings will be donated to the Appeal. World number 9 and defending champion Karrie Webb said she was keen to see crowds come out to help the victims of the fires. I hope we see as many people as possible at this fantastic golf course and while they re enjoying the action, people will know that the money from their ticket is directly helping those affected by the fires, Webb said. Golf Associations, Member State Organisations and Golf Industry bodies have all committed to fundraising events between now and the end of March 2009. These initiatives will include clubs raising money through competitions and donations, donating their green fees, hosting fundraising functions, employee donations (approximately 23,000 employees in the industry) and some of Australia s finest courses hosting special golf opportunities for the public to play their courses. Golf Australia has 1566 affiliated clubs representing 450,000 members and venues for 465,000 social players, representing 915,000 golfers in Australia.