Bellarine bands together again for Ryan

A FULL field of around 400 golfers is expected to tee off in front of hundreds more friends, family, sponsors and supporters next month for the second annual Ryan Gatgens Memorial Golf Day.

The benefit returns to Clifton Springs on the Labour Day weekend to raise money for charity and awareness of mental health issues in the region.

Last year’s inaugural event attracted more than 200 players, 800 total attendees and raised a whopping $55,000 for local non-profit organisation Hope Bereavement Care.

The day is in honour of much-loved local community member and Drysdale premiership footballer Ryan Gatgens, who died in 2019 on the eve of his 33rd birthday following a mental health battle.

Event organiser Daniel Driscoll came up with the fundraising idea shortly afterwards, initially with a target of $20,000.

But after just one edition, the event has grown to a scale that requires help of a committee to organise for more than 1000 expected attendees.

Ryan’s impact on the community is evident from the explosion of the memorial event, with friends, golf buddies, workmates and football club members all getting involved to raise vital cash for the local service.

“All those people that knew him have made sure they’re playing, contributing and sponsoring,” Mr Driscoll said.

“Even people that don’t know Ryan or us, but have been or know someone that’s been affected by mental health, have wanted to donate or buy tickets just to be part of the day.

“They’ve been affected by it in different areas so were all keen to get on board because it is such a big issue.

“If we can make a difference to someone else, then it means a lot.”

The Gatgens family selected Hope Bereavement Care as the recipient of the day’s proceeds because of the invaluable support it provided them after the tragedy.

Last year’s donations helped Hope employ an extra full-time counsellor to support grieving families, and Mr Driscoll said organisers were hoping to go bigger and better in 2022.

The event will have three tee-off groups across the day playing nine-hole, four-player, Ambrose-format rounds, with golfers sorted by their experience level – from keen, every-weekend players to novices.

Food trucks, barbecues, full bar services, live music, a petting zoo, jumping castle, kids’ games and face painting ensure patrons young and old will be entertained regardless of their golfing persuasion.

Stockdale and Leggo Drysdale and Eco Choice Solar are major sponsors of the event, alongside dozens more local businesses tipping in cash.

Only a limited number of playing slots are available for the March 13 tee-off, but the event is still encouraging sponsorships and donations including goods and services for its raffles and auction.