FOUR golfers, 72 holes and a 12-hour timeframe.
Peter Smith, Marshall Bond, and Luke and Jaimee McLachlan put a whole new meaning into the term “whacking away” when they teed off at Bingara golf course early Saturday morning.
The team played golf continuously for 12 hours to raise money for the Cancer Council’s Longest Day Fore a Cause Appeal – and an entire community rallied behind the awesome foursome as they slogged their way through the ultimate golf challenge.
The fundraising quartet are all well-known locals, and the Bingara community came out in numbers to support them.
Jaimee and Peter both work at Bingara Sporting Club and Bingara IGA, and Jaimee’s husband, Luke, is a mechanic at BW Welding & Mechanical Services.
Marshall, named Junior Citizen of the Year at the Bingara Australia Day Awards, works at McGregor Gourlay’s Bingara branch.
Jaimee, Luke, Marshall and Peter all have one thing in common – they don’t mind a game of golf – and found time away from their busy work schedules to raise a substantial amount for the Cancer Council.
“What started as four local golfers deciding to take on The Longest Day challenge quickly grew into something much bigger, thanks to the incredible support from our community and surrounding towns,” Jaimee said.
“We originally hoped to raise $2000, and thanks to the generosity of the community, raffle donations, and support from local businesses, we exceeded that goal,” Jaimee said.
Before tee-off early Saturday, the amount raised edged well past $3000 with post-challenge raffle sales and activities still being calculated.
“We are still finalising the exact total, but the response has been incredible,” Jaimee said.
Businesses, community organisations and families from across Bingara – even as far as Roma and Beachmere in Queensland – contributed prizes, donations and support.
“We’re truly grateful to be part of a community that always shows up when it matters,” Jaimee said.
The day wrapped up with a barbecue and raffles at Bingara Sporting Club, where locals went along to cheer on the team as they finished the final holes of the 72-hole challenge.
Playing 72 holes of golf in 12 hours is no stroll in the park by any stretch of the imagination.
The Bingara foursome were encouraged every step of the way by a loyal back-up crew and supporters.
“We want to give a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us out on the course throughout the day,” Jaimee said.
“We were kept hydrated with a few well-earned beverages, and simply spending time with us and lending a hand meant more than they know.”
Gwydir Shire mayor Tiffany Galvin congratulated Bingara’s awesome foursome for their remarkable achievement.
“This is an extraordinary effort and a testament to their determination, community spirit, and compassion,” Cr Galvin said.
“A sincere thank-you also goes to the generous sponsors and to the Bingara Sporting Club for proudly hosting the event.
“Our small communities consistently show immense heart, giving their time and resources to support important causes like this.
“In a place where we all know someone affected by cancer, it is truly inspiring to see our community rally together with such strength and kindness,” she said.
