ALL is set for the Blue Lake Golf Links’ celebrity ambrose tournament, designed to aid the Nangwarry Football Netball Club after the devastating fire earlier this year.
The clubrooms were destroyed in a fire, which took with it much memorabilia and put the Saints on the back foot for the 2019 Mid South East season.
However, the community has rallied, along with the government, to ensure funds are available to rebuild at least the structures, then create more history for the club.
Bill Burley has become a big part of that, with his ambrose tournament attracting several big names on the Australian sporting landscape.
The tournament takes place Friday April 12, with funds raised going directly to the Nangwarry Football Club.
So far in excess of $5000 has been raised, with more expected to come.
The community has jumped on board, with limited places left in the field.
Teams of three will tee off for a 12pm shotgun start.
Also on the day there will be a ladies marquee at the back of the 18th hole, with a “party hole” on the par 3 fifth, where more than $500 worth of prizes will be up for grabs for the nearest pin, together with a DJ, while Nangwarry Football Club members will be on hand to sell refreshment’s and cook the barbecue.
Burley said the idea simply came about to help the club, with the chance to do something a bit different.
“I have run a few PGAs and Pro Am tournaments the last few years and I wanted to run an event for something different,” he said.
“I happened to see the unfortunate news come up about the Nangwarry Football Club and thought I would put together a charity day.
“I am pretty lucky to have a few good connections, so I got together a posse of blokes who are going to come along.”
That “posse” includes Australian Test cricketer Greg Ritchie, Saint Kilda great Danny Frawley, former Hawthorn player Ben Dixon, recently retired Essendon star Brendan Goddard, Brownlow medalist Jason Akermanis and former South Australian touring golf professional Gary Simpson, along with top Victorian amateur golfers Simon Goggin, Mat Walkenhorst and Clint Foster.
Meanwhile, Burley said it was exciting news to hear about the government grant for the Nangwarry club.
“I think people would be happy to get together and have a bit of a celebration and have some fun now,” he said.
The fun is certainly a part of the tournament, with the chance for the general public to mix with some big names along the way, have a chat and maybe grab an autograph, whether playing or just there to watch.
For the players there is certainly a big drawcard with the major prize.
“The main prize for the team which wins is a trip to the President’s Cup later in the year to watch Tiger Woods and his team play the internationals,” Burley said.
“But anyone is welcome to come along, even if they just want to pop in and have a look.”
At the time of going to print 38 teams had been nominated, with room for just four more.
For further information phone the club on 8725 6198, with final entries to be received no later than Monday.
