Golfers throughout Victoria can now make a difference to the lives of 6000 children living in out-of-home care in Victoria. The Tee Up for Kids Foundation (TUFK) with the assistance of Golf Victoria are pleased to launch the Geoff Ogilvy Challenge the first event of its type in Victoria – to raise funds and help with the education and other assistance needed by disadvantaged children throughout the State. The event was announced by the President of Golf Victoria, John Hobday and the President of The Tee-Up for Kids Foundation, Ian McPherson. It was launched by Geoff s father, Michael Ogilvy and TUFK Director and former British Open Senior Champion, Ian Stanley. US Open champion and International Patron of the Foundation, Geoff Ogilvy said he was honoured that Golf Victoria was supporting the event to help the children. It is distressing to know that we have more than 6000 vulnerable children in Victoria living with foster carers or grandparents because of circumstance out of their control, he said. These kids deserve a chance to change their lives, so I encourage all golf clubs in Victoria and golfers to support the Foundation and its work for these children. Golfers can make a difference to them and this event is an opportunity to show that they care. The Geoff Ogilvy Challenge kicks off in May with every golf club in Victoria being invited to participate in the event with the final at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in December this year. The winners will receive an invitation to play in the 2014 Victorian Open Pro-Am and also go into the draw for a ticket for two to the 2014 British Open. The President of Golf Victoria, John Hobday, said that the Tee Up For Kids Foundation was set up as a golfers charity and it was important for golfers to show their support for these children. Golfers can make a difference to the challenges these kids face. It is something all golfers would find extremely rewarding and of which they can be proud, he said. Tee Up for Kids Foundation President, Ian McPherson, said the Geoff Ogilvy Challenge was supported by Foundation director and former British Open Senior Champion, Ian Stanley and the Foundation s Patron, Stacey Keating, the Australian Amateur champion and winner of the 2012 French and Spanish Opens. TUFK Ambassadors Glen Boss, three times Melbourne Cup winner; world champion netballer, Sharelle McMahon; and Olympian and world champion cyclist Shane Perkins are also behind it and hoping to take part as guests. Mr. McPherson said the funds raised by the event would be directed by the Foundation to registered charitable or not-for-profit organisations in Victoria specialising in providing basic educational assistance for severely disadvantaged children in the state. Each of Victoria s 370 golf clubs will be invited to either play a selection event to determine representative pairs, or simply nominate a men’s pair; a women’s pair and/or a mixed pair (amateurs or professionals) to represent the club in the Final. To be part of the final, pairs need to be either nominated by an affiliated golf club; Country District Golf Association or the Victorian Golf League or can directly enter the Championship after May 31 subject to field capacity still remaining. The final will be played as a four-ball-best-ball stableford event over 18 holes at Royal Melbourne Golf Club on Monday 16 December immediately after the 2013 Australian Masters. The cost to play in the day is $350 per pair, includes lunch and all prizes. Key elements of the Challenge are: The pair with the best overall score on the day will play in the 2014 Victorian Open Pro-Am in February at 13th Beach Golf Links The winning pair will receive a Tee Up for Kids Foundation Golf Bag. The winning club and pair will receive the Tee Up for Kids Foundation Geoff Ogilvy Challenge Trophy. Each participating club will go into a draw to receive a visit by Geoff Ogilvy. Each participating club will go into the draw for two players to attend the 2014 British Open and a return airfare for two [accommodation is not included]. To register go to www.golfvic.org.au
Author: Golf Victoria