Sold-out golf day continues men’s health discussion

A SOLD-OUT E.J. Whitten Golf Day will swing into Portarlington Golf Club today (Friday, February 10), promoting conversations about maintaining good prostate health.

The annual golf day is back at the Bellarine for a sixth year for the event’s 15th edition and will raise money for the RULE Prostate Cancer initiative.

National liaison for RULE and son of E.J. Whitten, Ted Whitten, said the full, fun-filled day featuring 18 holes of golf will be followed by lunch, entertainment, and fundraising.

“This year’s event was booked out so early,” Mr Whitten said.

“We have people coming down from Melbourne, the Bellarine and all over the Surf Coast, and the early bookings have allowed us to put on a terrific event.

“It’s a fun, relaxed day and everyone knows not to take themselves too seriously. We’re all there for a common cause and one that affects us all in one way or another.”

This year, former Hawthorn footballer and three-time premiership player Josh Gibson will be the guest speaker at the event.

Mr Whitten said one in six Australian men would be affected by prostate cancer in their lives, with too many losing their lives to the disease.

“Men living with prostate cancer often battle side effects that require ongoing care from allied health professionals.

“The Australian Prostate Centre offers both medical and allied health services to give men the chance to live longer, better quality lives.

“Progress in prostate cancer diagnosis, treatments and care is advancing every year thanks to the contributions of fundraising events like the EJ Whitten Golf Day.

“It’s great raising funds, money is definitely good for the cause, but spreading the message is more important.

“Getting blokes to get their annual check-ups is definitely the way to go. If we can save one life through this golf day, then we would consider this event a success.”

RULE Prostate Cancer has several local community sponsors including Portarlington Golf Club, Carlton and United Breweries, Lions Club, Portarlington Beach Motel, Portarlington Grand Hotel and Port Phillip Ferries.

To support the E.J. Whitten Golf Day and RULE Prostate Cancer, head to the website ruleprostatecancer.org.au and purchase a RULE Prostate Cancer bucket hat.

All funds raised go towards the Australian Prostate Centre in vital research collaborations in diagnosis and individualised treatments, and to the APC Clinic.