Memorial golf day a success despite heat

MORE than 380 golfers braved heatwave conditions over the Labour Day long weekend, raising $35,000 in support of mental health awareness.

Held on March 10, the annual Ryan Gatgens Memorial Golf Day remembers Drysdale man Ryan Gatgens who died in 2019 at the age of 32 following a battle with mental health.

In the now four years the event has been running, more than $200,000 has been raised for not-for-profit organisation Hope Bereavement Care to aid its counselling and support the services.

Some of the funds raised during the golf day are also put back into the event to ensure it is able to continue running year-on-year.

Event organiser Daniel Driscoll said that although the heat had affected the golf day’s turnout and fundraising efforts, it was great to see so many people still come down and support the event.

Attendees playing a 9-hole golf tournament, enjoyed live music, market stalls, food trucks, a raffle and a wide variety of family friendly activities.

Plenty of shade options were on offer, along with a misting tent to help keep the conditions manageable.

“Everyone had a great time…the heat just made it so much harder than usual,” Driscoll said.

“The golfers that started at 11.30am, I was pretty happy that they all turned up and pushed through and played.

“It was great to see them all because they could have easily pulled the pin.”

Approximately 30 volunteers worked over three days to set up, run and pack down the event, including a couple of individuals who had to man the barbecue across the day despite the heat.

Driscoll said he was grateful for the ongoing support from the community, the efforts of the event’s dedicated volunteers and its growing number of sponsors who are keen to throw their support behind the cause.