Golf initiative serves pints for a purpose

GEELONG’s community of indoors golfers turned schooners into support during Men’s Health Week.

Members of X-Golf in Geelong donated $2 from every beer sold to raise funds and awareness for men’s mental and physical wellbeing.

The initiative was part of the facility’s commitment to providing more than just a space to play, but somewhere where mateship, mental health, and movement come together.

Co-owner Cody Craven has enjoyed seeing the important fusion firsthand.

“X-Golf opened a gateway to better health for me personally. It’s become a safe space, a stress reliever, and a way for me and many other men to connect,” he said.

One of the patrons who has found support through the sport is 48-year-old prison guard Tom Nawar.

“After 17 years in corrections, I thought I was coping, until I wasn’t,” he said.

“I hit a breaking point and had to face some difficult truths.

“Part of my recovery involved professional help, but having X-Golf was a major contributor to healing. It gave me a non-judgmental outlet, kept me active and reconnected me with people.”

Monday night X-League regular Tom agreed.

“It’s a place where, after a while, you just relax. You start talking and you realise others have been through it, too,” he said.

“It’s that kind of quiet support that makes a real difference for men overall.”