Media Release 20 March 2009

Golfers Tee Off at Sandhurst to Rebuild Marysville Golf Course

A group of golfers from Marysville will be in green surrounds today when they join golfers from Sandhurst Club on the driving range to officially launch a special fundraising event to help re-establish the Marysville Golf Course, which was severely damaged during the Black Saturday fires.

Sandhurst Club in conjunction with the Marysville Golf Club has announced the establishment of the Marysville Sandhurst Challenge, a special golfing event to raise funds to help re-establish the Marysville Golf Course.

Sponsored by Sandhurst Club, the event to be held on Tuesday 21st April 2009, will see both 18 hole championship courses at Sandhurst utilised to raise funds.

Sandhurst Chairman Ken Roche and Sandhurst Golf Club Captain Paul Ferrari said, the establishment of the Marysville Sandhurst Challenge would provide the sporting community of Victoria an opportunity to help re-establish the Marysville Golf and Bowling Club, which is an important part of the social and economic infrastructure of the popular tourist town.

Dave Stirling, Manager of the Marysville Golf Club Pro Shop said the course provided a fabulous golfing experience at an affordable price to tens of thousands of golfers in the popular tourist town.

"Whilst our clubhouse is still standing, the Marysville Golf course has suffered severe damage with bridges burnt, greens, fairways, landscaping and our new watering infrastructure destroyed. All of the Club's golf carts were burnt.

"These serious issues, however, are secondary to the fact that sadly two of our junior golf members and a junior and senior bowls member were killed by the Black Saturday fires."

Mr Stirling said the establishment of the Marysville Sandhurst Challenge provides a great rallying point for the Golf and Bowling Club as well as the general community at Marysville, and is a positive event in the recovery strategy.

Golfers who want to rally and support Marysville Golf Club can contact Sandhurst Club on 8787 7011 for an entry form.

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Sandhurst Club Mobile: 0417 329 201
David Stirling, Marysville Golf Club Mobile: 0413 795 283