Joeys alumni chip in for a successful golf fundraiser

ST JOSEPH’S College alumni have pulled together to fundraise more than $30,000 at an annual Golf Day with funds going towards the school’s Bursary program.

Now in its 27th year, the Associated Cold Tread Tyres St Joseph’s Golf Day at Lonsdale Links Golf Course was a big success with 290 former college students arriving at the course in the early hours of the morning.

Consisting of an AM and PM playing group, avid golfers chipped the day away and helped raise $31,000, all of which will fund books, uniforms and fee assistance for Bursary program students.

Alumni and philanthropy manager Cameron Ling said the day was a wonderful opportunity for former students, friends and the wider Geelong community to get together and support the fundraising event.

“I was more than happy to stay back and keep things organised for the boss of our community department at St Joseph’s and not be exposed for the horrible golfer that I am,” he said.

“It’s funny just how competitive people get when they think they have a chance to win on the day.

“We had a group arrive called The Class of 2015, so it’s great to see younger players are also seeing the day as a chance to catch up with old peers.”

The school congratulated its AM winners IDAWS, consisting of Felice Male, Michael Noonan, John Bantow and Chad Rivett, as Balls Up finished runners-up with Andrew Green, Greg Smith, Gav Devola, Col Gillet, and Nathan Clarke.

Thursday’s weather held out well for the PM group which played to the strengths of team Kieser; Brodie Leishman, Tony Speed, Ned Arundel, Sarah Reid, and Martin Reid who earnt the bragging rights for the PM session.

The Paatsch five made up of Will Paatsch, Ned Harris, Mitch Diamond, Nick Egan, and Braden Hocking followed behind.

The golf day was a joint initiative of St Joseph’s College and its Old Collegians Association.