Golfers swing into action for mental health charity

MORE than 100 golfers will tee off at Teven Valley Golf Club next week to raise funds for men’s mental health.

The Gotcha4Life charity day returns to the club on Friday, May 16, with 108 players set to take part in the second annual event.

Gotcha4Life was founded by television and media personality Gus Worland and delivers mental fitness programs in schools, sports clubs and the wider community.

Teven Valley Golf Club general manager James King said the event had become a key date on the club’s calendar.

“The owner of the golf club, Curt Zuber, is the treasurer of Gotcha4Life and it’s something he is really passionate about,” King said.

“As a nine-hole course, we split it up into three shotgun starts with each time slot acting as its own event with winners and prizes in each.

“It’s almost like we run three different events in one day, which is huge for the club.”

Ballina RSL Club will again assist with catering before and after the competition.

King said the fundraiser was a chance to raise awareness and support for the charity.

“There is a cost-of-living crisis and all sorts of things going on at the moment, no one is immune to it,” he said.

“Gotcha4Life is open to men and women now with a whole bunch of free programs.

“I know they have a gym program online that anyone can log on to and they’re also about to launch a new app.”

Local businesses are encouraged to get involved, with spots still available for the 7.30am tee-off time.

The club will also host one of the NSW Open qualifying rounds in July for the second year running.

“We had 150 spectators on both days last year,” King said.

“We liaise with (Ballina Shire) Council to have traffic control on the road, and we set up a little precinct where people can get food and drinks.

“It was covered by SEN last year and might even get picked up by a free-to-air channel this time, too.”

The tournament will be held from July 24–26, with a three-day Lismore event to follow from July 27.