Golf Pitches in to Help Bushfire Victims

golf course bushfire helicopter
A helicopter collects water from a golf course at the Winmalee Country Club in Winmalee, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

The Australian Golf Bushfire Appeal Fund kicked off on Tuesday with the industry pledging to hand over 50 per cent of the total raised to the Disaster Relief Recovery Fund run by the Australian Red Cross and the remaining funds raised to be distributed to other bushfire-related charities (including wildlife funds) and to any golf clubs impacted by the disaster.

The central point for donations has been set up by the Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC), the collaboration of all the industry bodies. It includes not only a GoFundMe page but a designated bank account for donations for donors who prefer that method.

As a mark of respect for our fire and emergency workers, they and their families will be admitted to the upcoming tournaments – the ISPS Handa Vic Open at 13th Beach and the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open at Royal Adelaide – free of charge.

Gavin Kirkman, chair of the AGIC said the industry is heartbroken at the devastation that has been caused by these fires.

“It’s something that we need to act on and it’s something that needed a coordinated approach; a galvanisation of the golf industry,” said Mr Kirkman.

“We’ve had contact from a number of clubs and other stakeholders looking to see what they can do to help, and we’ve had a number of high profile players who’ve already dug into their pockets to make donations. We are aiming to pull that together.”

The industry applauds the efforts of people within our sport who are working to assist the victims of the bushfires.

To donate go here.

Advertisement Sign up to our NZ Golf Updates