Sign up for historical golf day
The annual golf day that helped make Sandringham Hospital a reality will celebrate its 64th year on Monday 23 October.
On May 5, 1950, the first Black Rock Sports Auxiliary (BRSA) meeting was held with the core goal of raising enough money to build a hospital for the local community. It was 15 years of hard work – and many tee offs – before then-Governor of Victoria, Sir Rohan Delacombe, officially opened Sandringham Hospital in 1964.
Since then, the BRSA has raised $3.3 million for the Sandringham Hospital. On October 23, they will host the 64th annual Golf Day at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Players are invited to register now.
BRSA President, Graham Ludecke, has a strong association with the Auxiliary: his late father-in-law Arthur Beckett was one of its founding fathers and served as president. Mr Ludecke also served on the hospital Board in the 1990s.
“The Royal Melbourne Golf Club supported the Auxiliary’s fund raising efforts and an exhibition golf match was arranged in December 1951 with just four players,” Mr Ludecke said.
“The first BRSA Golf Day then followed in 1952 with 306 players raising over 1000 pounds. By 1954, player numbers had risen to 706. These days the field is limited to 400 players to ensure that everyone enjoys the day.”
In recent years, the BRSA has raised an average of $53,000 annually for the Sandringham Hospital.
“The hospital is still a big part of my life – my wife Pam worked there for many years until she retired last year. Three of my grandchildren were born there and now two of them volunteer on our Golf Day,” Mr Ludecke said.
“The Golf Day is one way of doing something that adds value to the hospital facilities.”
Over the years, players have travelled from all over Victoria to take part – with the Victorian Premier a regular attendee.
Royal Melbourne Golf Club General Manager, Warwick Hill-Rennie, said the popular fundraiser was very important to the club.
"The Royal Melbourne Golf Club values its long standing relationship with the Sandringham Hospital and is committed to the ongoing support of Sandringham Hospital," Mr Hill-Rennie said.
All funds raised will be donated to the Sandringham Hospital.
Event details
What: Black Rock Sports Auxiliary Golf Day
When: Monday 23 October 2017
Where: Royal Melbourne Golf Club
