Portarlington golfer’s fundraising fight reaches half-decade mark

FIVE years on from conducting his first The Longest Day fundraiser, Portarlington resident Trung Truong says the fifth annual event will be his biggest to date.

The Longest Day fundraisers, held all over the state raising funds for cancer research for Cancer Council of Victoria, encourage residents to get out onto the golf course and complete four rounds (72 holes) of golf in a single day.

Mr Truong will attempt that challenge for the fifth time at Portarlington Golf Club on December 16, with the club also opening up registrations for players to join Trung on the course for the first time.

“I never thought this idea would get as large as it has,” Mr Truong said.

“The idea only came to me during the COVID-19 pandemic as something to keep me busy, but it’s clear cancer touches everyone, so everyone is curious to find out how to help.

“That’s also why the Portarlington community is so great, everyone is always eager to help.”

Portarlington Golf Club has offered up to 48 participants a chance to take part in the fundraiser, as Mr Truong embarks on achieving his $4,000 financial goal.

Mr Truong has also raised over $15,000 as a result of his efforts, an accomplishment which motivates him to continue hosting the event each year.

“It has certainly grown over the years, it’s quite big now, so this year we’ve really organised it properly, so others are able to join in as well,” Mr Truong said.

“It certainly makes me a bit nervous having a lot more people joining in this year, but playing golf is what I enjoy doing so it should be a great day no matter what.”

Mr Truong who is also the owner and director of the Fat Fox Art Gallery, added Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70.

To get amongst Trung’s The Longest Day event for 2024, inquire at the Portarlington Golf Club Pro-Shop , or ask the club’s business development manager Mark Hayes for any additional information.

Follow along with Mr Truong’s progress or donate to his fundraiser via longestday.org.au/fundraisers/trungfriends