Glanville Golf Course, located in the beautiful beachside town of Semaphore South (South Australia), understands its community and focuses strongly on providing a venue that is inclusive and welcoming for all. As a community-focused venue, the team saw a need for inclusive golf and chose a glow in the dark golf night to raise funds for equipment as part of our partnership with the Belgravia Foundation.
The theme for the fundraiser was a galactic one with a “come dressed as your favourite galaxy character and have your photo taken with visitors from far, far away”. As a glow in the dark event, glow in the dark golf balls were scattered across the fairways with the practice green area as a kid’s area with various games for children to play for free. Fluro fairy and night lights decorated the fairways; with light-up swords and glow lights available for all patrons to purchase.
Venue Manager Jerry Goonting said, “There is an increasing need for inclusive golf and costs for equipment to conduct these programs are high. The glow in the dark fundraiser needed to raise a higher figure of funds in less time and it was the best way to bring the community together for a fun family night.”
Involvement from the 501st Legion was a great way to support the cause. Their team donated time and dressed up as galactic characters to enhance the theme of the evening. The 501st Legion has supported three events at different centres across South Australia and we are thankful for their commitment.
Developed by Glanville’s Inclusion Coordinator, the team jumped at the opportunity and donated their time to run the event. The team set up the course, managed tee times, and managed the flow of participants and the cooking of the BBQ.
Jerry continued, “we are so proud of the event we produced for our community. The impact of funds raised will increase our capacity to purchase equipment specifically to cater for inclusive golf programs at Glanville Golf Course. We are also looking at keeping the cost down for programs for people living with disability, mental health issues, veterans and others to access programs and play a sport that they normally would not be able to.
“Our venue takes pride in its involvement with groups and organisations, including Just Living and Beyond Blindness, who use our course for the health and wellness of those living with special needs and mental health difficulties.
“The local community thought our glow in the dark night was a fantastic idea and loved what we were bringing to the community. Our contract partner helped promote the event via their social media platform with a great video, and our regular golfers supported by participating in the event whilst expressing they loved the way we support inclusion for all. Feedback from the night was fantastic and we have already been asked when the next one be,” Jerry concluded.
