Ballarat Turf Club tees off for charity

A SIGNIFICANT slice of Ballarat’s racing community is preparing to swap the racecourse turf for the fairways, if only for a day.

The Ballarat Turf Club is again set to host its charity golf day at Midlands Golf Course in Invermay, with the wider community invited to tee off for a good cause on Friday 6 February.

Now in its second year, the event returns after a successful debut in 2025, raising $10,000 for local causes.

“We’re hoping to match that again, or even better it this year,” Ballarat Turf Club business development manager Leigh Brady said.

Proceeds from the day will support Hand in Hand Ballarat, a community-driven initiative focused on improving youth mental health across Ballarat and surrounding regions.

Founded in 2023 by local business owners Leah Ashton (PilatesFit Plus), Geoff Reese (Tennis Ballarat), and Dustyn Rodgers and Mel Blomeley from The Playground Gym, the organisation was established around a shared belief that “our kids deserve better when it comes to mental health”.

Also returning this year is the popular Party Hole, offering non-golfers a chance to take part with canapes, drinks and live music throughout the day.

“We’re hoping to get 30 teams of four golfers and around 70 to 90 people at the Party Hole,” Mr Brady said. “It’s a great atmosphere and very family-friendly.”

Mr Brady said team spots were filling quickly and encouraged those interested to register soon.