By Sonia Isaacs
THE Maleny Apex Charity Golf Day has once again proven a hit both on and off the course, raising $10,000 to support vital driver education programs for local teenagers.
Held on Sunday, May 17 at the Beerwah Golf Club on Biondi Crescent, the annual fundraiser drew 16 teams for an 18-hole, four-person Ambrose competition with an 8:30am shotgun start.
One of the main organisers, Karen Heading, said the day ran smoothly from start to finish, with players praising the organisation, the atmosphere, and the hospitality of the host club.
As part of the entry fee, golfers were treated to breakfast and lunch provided by the Beerwah Golf Club, while sponsors contributed items for goodie bags prepared by Karen and her husband for each team.
Sponsor signage around the course ensured strong visibility and positive feedback from local businesses who backed the event.
Proceeds from this year’s Maleny Apex Charity Golf Day will go to Roadcraft, supporting its defensive driver course for students from Maleny State High School.
The long-running Gympie-based program, delivered by Roadcraft, focuses on improving the safety and awareness of young drivers before they gain full independence on the road.
The day also featured a well-supported raffle, with the first prize generously donated by Ben Messina, adding to the fundraising tally and excitement among participants.
On the course, conditions were near-perfect, with the weather kindly delivering 17 dry holes and just one wet reminder that nature is still in charge.
Players also made the most of the hospitality, doing “a pretty good job of emptying the food and beverage cart” as they made their way around the course.
With strong community spirit, generous sponsors, and enthusiastic golfers, the Maleny Apex Charity Golf Day once again demonstrated how a good day out on the fairways can translate into life-saving education for young people in the hinterland.
