By Raquel Stevens
EVERY four minutes, a life changes forever in Australia with three devastating words: “You have cancer.”
It is a stark reality, but few communities rally against it quite like the golfing world.
On October 13, the power of that community takes centre stage at the legendary Kingston Heath Golf Club for The House of Golf Charity Challenge.
It promises a day of world-class golf fuelled by a deeply personal mission, proving that while a diagnosis can isolate, a fairway can unite.
For Innes Ireland, co-owner of The House of Golf, the connection to the cause is intensely personal. Innes was diagnosed with Mycosis Fungoides, a rare type of skin lymphoma. His journey led him to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Peter Mac), a world-renowned institution where over 750 researchers, doctors, and nurses collaborate under one roof to pioneer kinder, faster cancer treatments.
“From the moment I arrived, I knew it was the best place to help manage my condition. After receiving incredible support during my three weeks of radiation, I knew I had to give back,” Innes expressed.
What began as a grateful patient’s vision has rapidly evolved. Securing Kingston Heath was a dream come true for Innes.
“Hosting an event at one of the world’s top courses, and my personal favourite, adds immense prestige. In just two years, we’ve created an atmosphere where players experience a genuine ‘golfing life moment’ while raising vital funds,” Innes said.
Innes Ireland (back centre) with his team at Peter Mac.
Because Peter Mac relies heavily on public donations to fund its cutting-edge work, the impact of this Charity Challenge cannot be overstated. The proceeds from the day go directly to the Skin Lymphoma Department, aiming to accelerate diagnoses for patients facing rare conditions.
Innes’s treating specialists, Dr. Belinda Campbell and Dr. Chris McCormack, are aiming to use the momentum to help establish a crucial worldwide database for the disease.
The golf industry has rallied behind the cause. Last year’s event raised $71,000, and it is on target to reach a six-figure sum this year.
Innes adds; “It is a collaboration of great sponsors and golf clubs, and I want to extend a big thank you to our naming rights sponsor, Bendigo Bank – Parkdale, who joined as soon as I started the event.”
Innes says this event is a powerful reminder of how golf can serve as a vehicle for hope, recovery, and survival.
“My condition is not curable, but it is manageable. The challenges are lifelong, so this event gives me a massive psychological boost. The body responds physically to that positive mental state. When I’m feeling flat, I’m constantly reminded that what we are doing makes a real difference.”
To find out more: https://fundraise.petermac.org.au/thehouseofgolfcharitychallenge
To register sponsorship interest: Contact Innes
Ireland directly at innes@houseofgolf.com.au or call 0409 216 631.
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Article Link: https://www.insidegolf.com.au/events/charity/the-house-of-golf-challenge-swings-ahead/