SINCE 2012, the sun-drenched fairways of Hamilton Island Golf Course have hosted more than just stoked holiday makers experiencing the visual splendour of the Ross Perrett and Peter Thomson designed championship course on adjacent Dent Island.
Each year, this spectacular island layout transforms into a powerhouse of purpose, staging a brilliant charity golf day that raises awareness, and serious funds, for Congenital and Childhood Heart Disease through the outstanding work of HeartKids.
What began as a modest idea has grown into one of the most anticipated and generous days on the islands golf calendar. Over the past two years alone, the unwavering dedication of Hamilton Island locals Kerri and Troy Martin has propelled the event past the $110,000 mark each time. Hole sponsors, team entries, individual donations, raffles, auctions, $5 boards and a full slate of on-course fun/games have all played their part. With an unmistakable emphasis on enjoyment, the golfers arrive ready to support, ready to give, and already eyeing their spot on next year’s start sheet.
Fun is had for a good cause at Hamilton Island in support of HeartKids.
The story started even earlier. The very first golf day, organised for the McGrath Foundation, raised $4,700. Kerri and Troy, island residents who simply believed a day on the course was the perfect vehicle for fundraising, soon received a timely suggestion from good friend and fellow islander Greg “Disco” Miller. His daughter April is a HeartKid, and that personal connection steered the event toward HeartKids. Fourteen years later, the island community is still swinging hard for the cause. Last year delivered the biggest total yet – an impressive $115,000.
On the day itself, the atmosphere is pure island golf energy. Raffles spin, the chocolate wheel turns, dollar boards fill, longest-drive and nearest-the-pin contests light up the scoreboard, and two BBQ holes keep everyone well fuelled. No one leaves empty-handed. Demand is so strong that the field sells out early every year, and 2027 is already locked in.
Adding extra star power is racing legend Craig Lowndes, a regular supporter who arrives with a treasure trove of memorabilia for auction and treats the gallery to a couple of high-octane hot laps in a golf buggy, that somehow never quite look regulation. It’s golf with heart. Literally. And on Hamilton Island, the fairways keep delivering both.
For more on the incredible work of HeartKids, visit heartkids.org.au.
For more on Inside Golf and charity days go here, www.insidegolf.com.au/charity-golf-days/
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Article Link: https://www.insidegolf.com.au/events/charity/teeing-off-for-tiny-hearts/