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Australian Golf Foundation releases first Impact Report
Australian Golf Foundation's first Impact Report has been released publicly.
Through the generosity of the Foundation's many supporters, the report reveals how people's lives are being positively impacted by the game of golf.
These supporters, who are listed in the report, understand the importance philanthropy plays in delivering lasting benefits for others at all levels in the game.
There are many highlights in the report.
A standout is the significant growth in the Junior Girls Scholarship Program with over 909 girls now receiving scholarships across the country with a further 1,000 scholarships to be granted in 2023 and $830,000 projected to be raised in just over 2 years.
In addition, over $375,000 has been channelled through the Foundation from Minjee Lee, Lucas Herbert and the Cameron Smith Scholarship Program to support Golf Australia's Give Back Program. These funds benefit athletes participating in Golf Australia's high-performance program by supporting their future careers in the game.
Despite the recent pandemic and other natural disasters, over $1.2 million has been raised by the Foundation since its inception, which is an excellent start, and, as the report notes, fund raising initiatives in other areas benefiting the game and the community are planned for 2023 and beyond.
The full Australian Golf Foundation Impact Report can be found <HERE>.
For enquiries and further information regarding the Australian Golf Foundation, please contact Cameron Wade at cameron.wade@golf.org.au
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Australian Golf Foundation appoints Executive Director
The Australian Golf Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Cameron Wade as its first Executive Director. Wade joins the Foundation after 13 years with Golf Australia in game development and participation and a broader career in golf spanning 30 years across the sport.
Australian Golf Foundation Chairman Stephen Spargo AM said the appointment was a very important step for the future.
“As a national sports foundation raising philanthropic funds to support the game in Australia in alignment with the recently announced Australian Golf Strategy, Cameron's new role evidences the Foundation's commitment to continue to raise funds for the game's benefit. Cameron’s extensive experience and great relationships in golf, coupled with his passion for the game, made this appointment an easy and logical decision,” said Spargo.
Wade has worked closely with Australian Golf Foundation since its formation by Golf Australia in 2018 and highlighted the meaningful impact the Foundation can have on the community and golf’s longevity.
“I am extremely grateful to be appointed to this exciting role with the enormous potential that golf has to drive philanthropic investment into the game that will ultimately lead to more Australians playing more golf,” said Wade.
Australian Golf Foundation currently provides funding for the highly successful Junior Girls Scholarship Program and Golf Australia’s Give Back Program.
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Applications open for Australian Golf Foundation Junior Girls' Scholarship Program funding for 2023
Applications are open for Australian Golf Foundation Junior Girls’ Scholarship Program funding for 2023.
Clubs and PGA Professionals across Australia have the opportunity to apply for funding to run a junior girls golf scholarship program in 2023.
The Australian Golf Foundation, in association with Golf Australia, is delighted to present the Australian Golf Foundation (AGF) Junior Girls Scholarship program for a third year.
“The program has grown from strength-to-strength,” said Bonnie Boezeman AO, scholarship programme founder and Board member of the AGF.
“Following the outstanding success of our inaugural year in 2021 where 37 clubs piloted the concept engaging 226 girls, the programme rapidly expanded to involve 117 clubs and 683 girls this year.”
Boezeman who first founded the concept at her home club, is grateful the entire industry has come together to support the future of golf for girls and women.
“Our principal sponsor NEXTGEN, State Golfing Associations, Golf Australia, the PGA of Australia, the WPGA Tour of Australasia, GMA and many other generous donors have brought this dream to fruition. It is also wonderful that 50% of girls have been coming from regional and rural clubs.”
Tiffany Cherry, Head of Female Engagement at Golf Australia talked about the importance of the AGF Junior Girls Scholarship Program and what 2023 will bring.
“Each club successful in their application will receive $2,000 plus GST to run the program throughout 2023.
“Scholarship recipients at each club will receive group tuition and membership for the year, along with a branded shirt and cap to wear with pride.
“We look forward to watching the progress of our 2023 scholarship recipients who will be mentored and coached under the watchful eyes of talented PGA Professionals, or in some more remote areas our dedicated Community Instructors.”
The golf industry is not only in agreement that the AGF Scholarship is a good thing for golf. Clubs are too!
After long having issues with maintaining girls, Loxton Golf Club in South Australia has seen significant change courtesy of six girls thriving as part of the 2022 Australian Golf Foundation Junior Girls Golf Scholarship program.
“In the past, we have had girls who have showed talent, but they have dropped off as they were always ‘the only girl’,” said Terry Sawade, secretary of the club.
“The scholarship program has provided the opportunity for a group of girls to now enjoy golf together and form close bonds. It is keeping girls in the game as they make a commitment for the year, and this has enabled them to grow a further interest in the game.”
Richard Hogg, General Manager at Bonnie Doon GC in New South Wales is also thrilled about the outcomes of the program.
“The AGF scholarship program has enabled us to expand our offerings and continue to get more girls playing. It has been the perfect transition from our junior programs into on-course play and membership.
Applications are now open for 2023. The Australian golf industry invites all clubs across Australia to apply.
Click here for further information and to apply Vision 2025 | Australian Golf Foundation
Australian Golf Foundation is the national foundation for golf in Australia. The AGF supports Golf Australia’s vision to grow golf by investing in targeted initiatives to inspire all Australians to enjoy and play the game. Visit australiangolffoundation.org.au for further information.
Australian Golf Foundation is thrilled to partner with NEXTGEN Group as the principal partner of the AGF Scholarship Program, with significant further support provided by Golf Australia, Golf Victoria, Victorian Golf Foundation, Golf Queensland, Golf South Australia, Golf Tasmania, Golf Western Australia, Western Australian Golf Foundation, Golf Northern Territory, Jack Newton Junior Golf, Golf New South Wales, Golf Management Australia, WPGA Tour of Australasia and PGA of Australia, as well as a number of additional generous private benefactors.
The scholarship program has come to fruition thanks to the foresight and generosity of Bonnie Boezeman AO, Director of the Australian Golf Foundation, who originally established the program at Killara Golf Club, NSW.
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Generations of love for the game
For two sisters Audrey and Pearl, a mother and grandmothers love for the game, plus a scholarship experience has solidified their love for golf.
The pair had enjoyed junior clinics along the Victorian-NSW border at Murray Downs Golf Club before being invited to become a scholarship recipient in last year’s program.
“The scholarship program has been an amazing opportunity for the girls,” said Nonie Domaille, mother of the girls.
“It came at just the right time as Saturday netball was soon to clash with the girls’ golf lessons.”
Knowing golf loses many teenage girls to team sports, the AGF Scholarship program has been designed to retain girls in golf by connecting them with other girls in a fun and friendly team environment.
Cleverly, Murray Downs scheduled their sessions on a Tuesday evening so girls can continue to enjoy many sports.
For 14-year-old Audrey, the scholarship has vastly improved her golf game. She smashed her handicap from 54 to 34 within the year.
“I love playing netball, but golf is a cool way to do something a bit different,” she said.
“The scholarship program has given me the chance to learn all about golf – how to play on-course, course management and the rules.
“I now enjoy playing on the weekends and aim to drop my handicap to perhaps 10.”
Nine-year-old sister Pearl was ecstatic about playing her first round of 18-holes and obtaining her handicap through the scholarship program. For her, that achievement means a future of travel and fun with her family.
“The scholarship has helped me get a handicap so I can now play with my sister, Mum, and Granny,” she said.
“I want to break my handicap to 10 and play all around the world.”
There is no doubting that these girl golfers love to travel.
Nonie loves that she can go away and enjoy a shared interest with her daughters and mum (Kathy) having enjoyed a ‘girls golf weekend’ to Tocumwal Country Club together.
“It is pretty special having the four of us play together,” she said.
“My mum got me into golf and now I am a mum, I am getting my daughters playing too.
“Golf is a sport that is great for girls to learn as they then have it for life. I wish I took up golf earlier!”
Now with Pearl and Audrey quickly dropping handicaps, Granny (Kathy) on 12 and Mum (Nonie) on 15 – the scene is set for some healthy family rivalry!