Going green for Blue September

PlaceMakers Mt Wellington’s annual charity golf tournament and auction on 15 November proved to be a smash hit, as those in attendance helped to raise more than $7,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation

Mt Wellington Retail Operations Manager Rusty Brooke says there were a number of no-shows, despite some ominous early morning showers, the day became fine and everyone got into the swing of things.

“We were expecting around 116 players, but the morning rain scared a few off so we had around 68 turn up. Everyone ended up having a hell of a day though,” he says. “The team at the Pakuranga Country Club were fantastic and took really good care of us. They provided a marvelous buffet and the course was in fantastic condition.

“One of the club professionals, Sam Thomas, had 15 umbrellas with his old logo on them that he kindly donated to us, which we sold for $10 each. The irony was those who bought them didn’t even need to open them!”

The main prizes at the auction were a Merida bike and 150-year-old anniversary cask of Jack Daniels that sold for $1,200 and $700 respectively. In addition to the auction, Rusty says they ran a raffle that saw everybody in attendance take away a prize.

“We got great support from our suppliers, so we had lots of tools and other useful products to give away. One of them actually ended up winning a big gift hamper with multiple prizes in it and felt it was a bit off that he keep them all, so he donated them back and we had six more draws as a result!”

At the prize giving, Prostate Cancer Foundation CEO Graeme Woodside gave a speech highlighting the importance of getting checked, as early detection is the best way to defend against a disease that claims 600 lives annually.

While the event was run for a good cause, there was fierce competition on the green. Rusty, along with his teammates Richard Huitema, Mike Stephens and Ian Crosby ended up winning by a few shots, thanks to strong team play.

“It was an Ambrose-style tournament, so everyone had to contribute. We shot 58 with a handicap of five and made 12 birdies and an eagle, which is pretty good!”

Rusty, who was part of Mt Wellington’s ‘Hard as Nails’ trophy winning team, displayed a soft touch on the day, making an 80-foot putt on a two-tiered green for birdie.