January 2026 www.insidegolf.com.au CHARITY 42 With the aid of a walking stick, John stood proudly with Lorrae as she described how he had had a motorbike accident in his twenties, resulting in Acquired Brain Injury, some paralysis and memory issues. His mother Marilyn was a keen golfer but, as his carer, she had to give up golf and focus on John’s health. Later, she took John to the golf course to hit some balls and he loved it, eventually playing in the Special Olympics Golf Tournament at Maroochy River and winning an award. After 43 years of caring for John, Marilyn passed away in October. “I think of Mum when I play golf,” he says. The Women’s Invitation Day was also a special day for new women’s captain Carmel Smith, who was recently awarded Life Membership at Maroochy River, where has been a member for 51 years. Carmel’s husband Greg was diagnosed with dementia five years ago, so she knows first-hand about the valuable work of the Dementia Network. Carmel and Greg donated all the prizes for the tournament. And there were many, with prizes for couples placed first to fifth, four Nearest the Pin prizes and several raffle prizes. MOMENTOUS Golf Group hosted a charity golf day at Beerwah Golf Club raising more than $3500 for Movember despite organisers having less than three months to plan the event. “We ended up with a sell-out field of 72 players (18 teams),” said organiser Josh Sherwell. “We filled all spots within 10 hours of the event going live. “In total, we raised $3544 with 100 per cent of the funds donated directly to Movember.” Sherwell said Movember’s mission was aimed at changing the face of men’s health by funding life-saving work in prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health and suicide prevention. Every dollar raised helps men access the treatment, support and early intervention they need to live longer, healthier and more connected lives. Sherwell said it was their first attempt at running the charity day. “We were extremely happy with the outcome – both in turnout and in impact,” he said. “My event partners Jeremy Morris and Rob Bibby and I play Beerwah often and we were genuinely impressed with the condition of the fairways and greens on the day. “The feedback from teams has been overwhelmingly positive. “Looking ahead, we’re hoping to run a bi-annual charity event with future instalments placing a stronger focus on supporting local Sunshine Coast charities and community organisations. “Our goal is to continue growing the event into something that not only brings people together, but meaningfully contributes to causes close to home.” Beerwah GC Charity Golf Day success Ladies in pink light up Tura Beach CC THE Ladies Golf Pink Charity Day at Tura Beach Country Club delivered a colourful blend of fun, fundraising and friendly competition. Laughter, sharp shot-making and a sea of bright pink outfits set the tone for a vibrant day on the course. Following the four-person Ambrose event, players and supporters gathered for a relaxed lunch, lively raffles and the official presentations. The occasion brought together golfers and community members in support of a worthy cause, with camaraderie proving just as strong as the golf. By day’s end, organisers announced that $3000 had been raised for the Pink Ribbon Campaign. Buoyed by the success, the club has already locked in next year’s event for Wednesday, October 21, with registrations closing on October 19. A sea of bright pink outfits grace Tura Beach Country Club’s fairways. THE power of golf to connect women players from 19 clubs, and at the same time raise funds for a deserving organisation, was on full display at the annual Women’s Invitation Day at Maroochy River Golf Club on November 20. The four-ball Stableford event attracted a record number of players – 143, compared with 88 last year – and raised more than $4000 for Dementia Network Sunshine Coast. The excellent condition of the course and favourable weather conditions were reflected in the excellent scores, with Maroochy River member Denise Barry teaming with Nadia Engler of Tin Can Bay to card an impressive 51 points. However, there was another golfer who stole the limelight at the presentation, a humble man called John Mancini, who has defied a brain injury to find joy in golf. John was introduced by Lorrae and Vince O’Rourke, an inspirational duo from Dementia Network Sunshine Coast, who work tirelessly to assist those living with dementia and their carers. More than 7880 people were diagnosed with dementia on the Sunshine Coast in 2024. A CHERISHED event proudly continuing its partnership with Ray Quinlan in honouring the memory of his beloved wife, Rosalind, the fourth Annual Rosalind Quinlan Classic tees off at the Anglesea Golf Club on Monday, February 23. Formerly known as the Anglesea Classic, the event pays tribute to Rosalind’s legacy and her passionate involvement in women’s golf, in particular through her long-standing support of the Anglesea Ocean Spray and events on the SWGA calendar. The Rosalind Quinlan Classic celebrates her passion, commitment, and the positive impact she made over many years. As part of this tribute, a portion of all registration fees are donated to the Cancer Council in Rosalind’s memory, with these contributions helping to fund critical cancer research, prevention initiatives, and essential support services for individuals and families affected by cancer. In addition, attendees are encouraged to participate in the event-day raffle, with all proceeds going directly to the Cancer Council. The Rosalind Quinlan Classic is played as to a Aggregate Stableford format in teams of three, with a shotgun start at 8am. Ray Quinlan presents the prizes at the 2024 Rosalind Quinlan Classic to the winning team from Ocean Grove. The fourth Rosalind Quinlan Classic to tee off at Anglesea The entry fee is $210 per team, which includes lunch for what is a SWGA Merit Award Event. Prizes are awarded to the winning and runners up teams and to the individual winners and runners up in A, B and C grades. Also on offer are prizes for nearest the pin on all par threes, as well as longest and straightest drives. All entries can be made via MiTournament.com, searching Anglesea Golf Club or by visiting the “What’s On” section of the Anglesea Golf Club website. Anglesea look forward to welcoming players, supporters, and community members to this special event. For further information please contact Mel Wilson via email at marketing@angleseagolfclub.com.au or by phone on (03) 5263 1582. Rosalind Quinlan. Harnessing the power of golf for a good cause Lorrae O’Rourke and John Mancic. Winners Nadia Engler (left) and Denise Barry with Maroochy River women’s captain Carmel Smith (centre). The Rosalind Quinlan Classic, which raises funds for the Cancer Council, is fun for all who compete.
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