Date: February 21, 2014
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Oates tees it up for Challenge

With huge crowds expected for the weekend, the 2014 Oates Vic Open has decided to lend a hand in an effort to raise money for Challenge.  Challenge is a not for profit group that raises money in order to bring colour and relief to the lives of children and families living with cancer. 

Jarrod Lyle, US PGA Tour player and competitor in this week’s PGA Tour of Australasia event, the 2014 Oates Vic Open taking place at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links in Barwon Heads, is as an ambassador for Challenge and he holds the cause near and dear to his heart having overcome Leukemia towards the end of last year.  In fact the 2014 Oates Vic Open is the second tournament that he has played while trying to make a return to full time tournament golf on the PGA Tour. 

Principal sponsor Oates has kindly donated their yellow “brush head” tee markers to the tournament and Jarrod has agreed to sign the markers.  The markers will be available for purchase for $200 each on Saturday and Sunday afternoons during tournament play.  In order to purchase your “Oates tees it up for Challenge” markers, please visit the Challenge booth located in the spectator village behind the practice putting green.  All of the proceeds will go to Challenge. 

Jarrod Lyle embraced the opportunity to be a part of this initiative.

“I am impressed with the level that Oates has gone to make this tournament a good one. They have gone really hard with their sponsorship early, and it’s paying off.  It’s great to see so many people down here.”

“I think it shows with having a major sponsor you are getting the field stronger as well.  Good on them, I reckon it’s great.

The 2014 Oates Vic Open recognises the need to embrace the community in which it operates and sees this initiative as one that tournament sponsors, patrons and players will get behind.  Oates CEO David Birch has already committed to purchase two of the tee markers and the 2014 Oates Vic Open greatly appreciates this gesture. 

Challenge CEO David Rogers was delighted with this additional fundraising opportunity. 

“This displays the commitment by Oates, Golf Victoria and Thirteenth Beach to support Challenge as part of our involvement with the 2014 Oates Victorian Open.”

“We certainly thank them and everyone involved and attending the 2014 Oates Victorian Open for this wonderful support.”

Visit www.golfvic.org.au for the full draw and all the latest news and tournament updates. 

Follow all the tournament news and updates at www.facebook.com/GolfVictoria and on Twitter @VicOpenGolf and @Golf_Vic.

By: Michael Speakman (Golf Victoria Contributor)