Golfers have been swinging their clubs for Sylvanvale for the last 10 years. This November marked the 10th annual Sylvanvale Cronulla Charity Golf Day and it attracted experienced golfers, social players and those new to the sport with one thing on their mind – helping raise funds for to purchase wheelchairs and multimedia equipment for people with a disability to lead a more mobile, inclusive and connected life.

With three years of Sylvanvale charity golf days under their belt, Southern Security Alarms were looking forward to the day. “It a friendly day out for a worthy cause.” The team also made a prediction early on in the day – before the golf clubs even left the bags, “We’re not pro golfers – but we are going to win!” And they did! Taking first prize with pride. In second place was Team Shugg and in third was Team John Ward from Budget Fastners.

To add to the friendly competition, Sylvanvale had a policeman with a speed camera on hand to clock the drives of all the golfers. The fastest drive was won by Michael Shugg, whose drive was clocked at 253km per hour.

There were 26 teams totally 104 players on the course this year.

It was the fifth year that team AH Beard took to the green. “We keep coming back because it’s a great cause.” And the difference between playing on a Sylvanvale charity day and a regular game of golf? “The stakes are higher,” the team said.

New to the day was Team Highland Property and they were keen to “support Sylvanvale and meet new people.”

Unitech It Solutions were one of the teams who played. “We’re not professional golfers by any means and hope to not make any divots on the green! We’re here for a bit of fun and to support Sylvanvale.”

Team Commonwealth Bank Australia (CBA) was pleased to be part of the day. “There are no complaints from us – it’s a great day out and helping a worthy cause is the best excuse to be out of the office!”

This year’s Cronulla Golf Day made Team GD Morton and Co’s fourth one. “We like the teamwork involved in the day because it means there’s three other guys to get the ball on target! And of course it’s a good way to help a charity.”

The Rat Pack Social Club is a huge Sylvanvale supporter, but this was their first golf day. “We’d love a win, but are really just here to support Sylvanvale.

It was also Custom Fleet’s first Sylvanvale golf day and the team joked, “Golfing Monday to Friday is our full time job – we actually run Custom Fleet on the side on the weekend when the golf courses are too busy!” they laughed and added, “In all seriousness, we’re here to simply support Sylvanvale.”

2011 was Britton Marine’s first time on the green for Sylvanvale. “We’re keen to help a local charity,” they said and added, “We’ll never make a living out of golfing, so we’ll stick to what we do best – boats!”

Sylvanvale Foundation’s Acting CEO John Kelly said, “The support of the local community and business owners at Sylvanvale’s 10th annual Cronulla Charity Golf Day is overwhelming. Their generosity will help the lives of people with a disability and I am incredibly grateful for their kindness. But there’s also another group of people who need to be acknowledged, as without their help, the Cronulla Charity Golf Day wouldn’t be the success they are. I am thankful for the selfless and tireless effort that our volunteers and staff who make this day possible including Rob Aitken, Col Arnold and the entire team at Cronulla Golf Club.”

Over $40,000 was raised on the day, with the funds Multimedia equipment such as iPads will provide people who are non-verbal the opportunity to communicate, share their stories, thoughts and dreams. Wheelchairs will provide people with a disability mobility and the chance to interact more easily with the world.

Sylvanvale’s Fundraising Manager, Loretta Passerini said, “Sylvanvale’s Cronulla Charity Golf Day has always been one of our most supported and one of the most enjoyable events on the calendar. We look forward to seeing even more people take part next year.”

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