Golf Queensland’s new charity, the Queensland Golf Foundation, has launched a program called ‘Pitch In’ with the future of the game firmly in its sights.

Put simply, golfers throughout Queensland are being asked to give back to the game they play and love and contribute financially to assist three specific areas – Juniors, Ladies and Golf Clubs.

‘Pitch In’ is a program based on each golf club member contributing $20 annually to the Queensland Golf Foundation. The fee will be added to the annual subscription of each member but, importantly, members will be given the opportunity to opt out and not pay the additional fee.

Golf Queensland Chairman, Peter Castrisos, said the vision for the Queensland Golf Foundation was to grow communities through the great sport of golf.

“We want to share golf with communities who may not have access to the game and share it with people who never thought they would give the game a try,” Mr Castrisos said.

“Our belief is that everyone, from all different walks of life and in our many and varied communities, should have the opportunity to play golf and experience the multitude of satisfaction and the benefits it offers.

“Those of us lucky enough to play the game understand the fun, fitness, learning, perseverance, friendship and personal growth we derive from the sport and we need to encourage others so they can share the same enjoyment.

“I am urging everyone who loves the game to help us grow the sport and the golfing community in Queensland by donating to the Queensland Golf Foundation.”

The Queensland Golf Foundation will be the fundraising arm of Golf Queensland, the peak body for amateur golf in Queensland, and was borne out of the need to focus on participation and development of golf throughout the state.

The aims of the Foundation are reflected in Golf Queensland’s vision of “more people playing more golf”. The most immediate goals are to secure future participation and sustainability of the game, grow and promote the game and its benefits and diversify income streams to invest in the future of the game.

And through the three key focus areas of juniors, ladies and golf clubs, the Foundation will actively raise funds to build new programs and pathways while also enhancing existing programs and ensure the sustainability of clubs by assisting them to manage and grow their operations.

Donations to these areas means Golf Queensland can deliver more learn-to-play programs for juniors and ladies across the state. The funds will also help to deliver programs that will help clubs increase their membership bases and ensure the viability of the club network in Queensland.

The Queensland Golf Foundation’s fundraising partner is the Australia Sports Foundation. Donations are tax deductible and can be made either directly to the Queensland Golf Foundation page on the Australian Sports Foundation website (www.asf.org.au) or via the donate now button on the Queensland Golf Foundation website www.qldgolffoundation.org.au).