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Margi’s day keeps on giving
W
HEN Margi Doig passed away from
terminal cancer in 2006, her sons
Ben and Matt decided to hold a
golf day in her memory and donate the funds
to Westmead Medical Research Foundation
(WMRF).
The first Margi Doig Memorial Golf Day was
a success and raised $5000 for the Westmead
Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit.
Since then, the event has raised $74,000.
This year’s event, the ninth, will be at
Rosnay Golf Club on Thursday, June 5 and
Ben and Matt hope to raise much-needed
funds to meet the needs its doctors and
nurses identify each year.
The funds enable the foundation to
purchase self-administered pain relief
machines for patients to receive care from
home and refurbish some areas of the
Palliative Care unit.
“There are not enough words, funds raised
or actions that can show our appreciation
to the doctors and nurses at Westmead
Hospital,” Ben’s fiancée Belinda said.
“Not every patient and family receives the
happy ending they pray and hope for, but
when a team provides the level of care we
have experienced with Dr Lee and his team
all you can do is try to repay it in some way.”
WMRF executive director Eric d’Indy said he
was inspired by the action Ben and Matthew
have taken to make a difference for other
families going through similar situations.
“Our whole team is so inspired by the Doig
Family and their Margi Doig Memorial Golf
Day,” he said.
“Buying state-of-the-art medical
equipment, enhancing care services or
supporting research projects all can be done
through the foundation.”
If you would like to play in the event, call
(02) 8836-4000. To donate, call 1300-639-037
or go to www.wmrf.org.au
Ben Doig needs your support to help raise much-needed funds for the Westmead
Medical Research Foundation.
National Veteran Golf Champs
headed for WA
Brian O’Hare
[email protected]
Handiskins
V
When: Various
Where: Various
Info: www.handiskins.com.au
eteran golfers are in for a treat in
2014 with the national veteran golf
championships to be played in the
beautiful South West region of Western Australia.
The area, centred around Bunbury just an
hour and half south of Perth, is the most
popular regional tourist destination in the
state and boasts a plethora of man-made and
natural attractions – as well as some great
golf courses.
The 2014 Regis Australian Veteran Golfers
Union National Championships will take
place from November 9 – 14.
The championship, open to all male
amateur golfers aged over 55 with an official
handicap, will be played at four of the
region’s premier golf courses, Bunbury Golf
Club, Capel Golf Club, Busselton Golf Club
and Sanctuary Golf Resort.
The event, which rotates around the states
and territories annually, includes a 54-hole
championship for men while lady partners
play daily stableford events on the same
courses and at the same time as their partners.
Tournament Director Mike Elliott and his
team have put in untold hours of voluntary
work in ensuring the championship goes off
without a hitch.
“Preparing to host the 2014 event is a most
exciting time for the South West,” he said. “It
promises to be one of this year’s great events
for seniors.”
Organisers have taken well over 200
bookings but with four courses in operation
and plentiful local accommodation the
capacity is at least double that.
For many veteran golfers the national
championship is an annual odyssey that
over times sees them visiting every state
and territory of Australia. Some of the low
handicappers are there to challenge for the
title of National Veteran Champion (Victoria’s
John Ciezki will be looking to make it an
unprecedented three in a row) while for
many B and C graders it is all about the fun
and companionship.
Many design their trips to arrive a few
weeks early, or to have plenty of time after
the championships to play other courses and
explore further afield.
Mike is quick to extoll the region’s attractions.
“It has been said that the whole of
Australia’s population could live in the South
West of Western Australia,” he said. “There is
abundant underground water, lush farmland,
giant trees, and the South West boasts a
Mediterranean climate.
“Bunbury is the regional centre. It has a
network of waterways, ample accommodation,
good shopping, Australia’s newest cathedral
and a busy port. Just down the coast is the
tourist city of Busselton and just beyond that
is the rugged cape to cape coastline. This
stretch is mostly national park and contains
spectacular caves besides the surfing beaches
of Margaret River. There is much for the tourist
to see and experience, from the dolphins and
dive wrecks to surfing and sandy coves. From
limestone caves, olive farms, wineries and
cheese & chocolate factories to Artists’ studios
and craft shops.””
For more information, visit:
www.australianseniorgolfer.com.au
Handiskins the ultimate game of skins
for club golfers. Handiskins is a fivequalifying-round stableford competition.
A player’s best three rounds count
towards their final score. Players don’t
have to play all five qualifying rounds if
their scores are good enough.
The top four players with the best scores
at the end of the qualifying rounds go
into the ‘skins’ format final and have the
opportunity to play for $1,200 in club or
pro shop vouchers.
UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS:
Wodonga Golf Club
10 Club