Chipping in for mental health

THE Clifton Springs Golf Club is gearing up for the fourth iteration of the Ryan Gatgens Memorial Golf Day.

Slated for Sunday, March 10, the annual event is held in memory of Drysdale man Ryan Gatgens who passed in 2019 at the age of 32 after a mental health battle.

In the three years the Ryan Gatgens Memorial Golf Day has been running, it has raised almost $200,000 for not-for-profit organisation Hope Bereavement Care to aid its counselling and support services.

Event organiser Daniel Driscoll said it was Ryan’s family that had selected the charity to be the recipient of the money raised.

“That’s who they chose because they were such a great help to them when they needed it, and since then I’ve found out how much they do for other people, and they really struggle with funding.

“We try to raise as much money for the charity as we can, but then also we want to raise awareness for mental health and try and make as many people aware that there’s help out there for people if they’re struggling.”

Some of the funds raised are also put toward ensuring the golf day can continue each year, providing free entertainment and fundraising opportunities to the community.

Mr Driscoll said the event was not just a golf day and anyone was welcome to attend.

“There’s something for everyone,” he said.

“You don’t have to be a golfer or be playing golf or be interested in golf to come down.

“You don’t have to know anyone that’s playing golf; it’s open for everyone.”

The event features an extensive program of family friendly activities including a petting zoo, jumping castles and mini golf.

For the adults, there will be live music and food trucks all day along with a major raffle and live auction.

The event’s golfing component will run in two different waves with the first teeing off at 7.30am and the second at 11.30am.

Golfers of all abilities are welcome to play.

For more information, phone Clifton Springs Golf Club’s operations manager Michael Platt on 0401 087 828.