Four star golfers in Baxter Droop’s group walked and played 72 holes, had 71 birdies and three eagles, and walked about 33 kms at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort last Sunday.
They were one of two groups participating in the Australia-wide Cancer Council’s Longest Golf Day.
Baxter’s group, which hit off at 5.20am, at day-break and finished at 5.00pm in 30 degree temperature, had a good number of club members admiring their awesome display.
It was Baxter, the second-year trainee professional, who came up with the idea for his group to participate in the event.
“It’s for a good cause, the Cancer Council Golf Day and a few guys thought it would be a good way to spend our day off,” explained Baxter, who reeled off 32 birdies and two eagles. He looked at his latest watch technology and said: “We walked 33kms and 44,000 steps.”
Playing partners Dale Crothers put on a dazzling display with 15 birdies and one eagle, his mate Travis Hocking from Woodlands Golf Club via Benalla was terrific with 13 birdies and the YMGCR marketing manager Rob Alexander played riveting golf with 11 birdies.
Their long drives, fairway shots, chips, bunker shots and putting enthralled spectators. Their drives? For example, playing off the slight advantage yellow markers, close to the greens on the Par 4 Lake 11th 346 metres and Par 4 15th 255 metres uphill, with Baxter’s drive clearing the green! Club player Brendan Clarke attended the pin for most of the holes and marvelled at the distances and shots of all four.
“Most importantly, we’ve raised over $7,000 and thank everyone who helped raise this amount,” Baxter said. His grandfather, former Carlton footballer John Tresize helped contribute by sponsoring his grandson $50 for every birdie. Baxter shot 32 birdies! John was pleased to see his son Nathan appear at the 72nd hole to assist with the very worthy expenses!
The overall total by Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort participants could reach $15,000. Last Friday, the trio of Jake Stevenson, Tom Mason and Alex Kealy played 72 holes in another wonderful performance for the Cancer Council. That story and confirmation of the total money raised will appear in a future edition of the Yarrawonga Chronicle.