Keilor Park Golf Course partners with Golf Australia and Belgravia Foundation to create All Abilities Autumn Program
As the seasons begin to change, Keilor Public Golf Course (KPGC) gets prepared to launch its annual ‘Get into Golf’ All Abilities Autumn Program – an all abilities introductory golf program for people with a disability.
The seasonal partnership program with Golf Australia, focuses on introducing golf as a pathway for people with a disability. This program is critical to ensure KPGC can proactively lead the way in providing a safe and inclusive golf experience for individuals within the local community.
Venue Manager Jack McDonald says, “at KPGC we are passionate about creating pathways into the sport for all members of our community. The All Abilities Autumn Program is one example of our commitment to offering golf opportunities to segments of our community who gain significant health and social benefits from taking part in the program.”
Led by PGA Professional Scott Wearne, who is also a qualified PGA All Abilities Coach, participants get to engage in a variety of golf activities that have been designed to encourage participation in the sport and build individual confidence.
To amplify the teams efforts and the impact the venue can make within the local community, Jack McDonald has also worked closely together with the Belgravia Foundation on a Charitable Sponsorship Program – the KPGC Charity Hole Sponsorship Program.
In 2021, Belgravia Foundation and Keilor Park Public Golf Course launched the Charity Hole Sponsorship program to local community businesses. To get involved in the fundraiser initiative, local businesses could donate $1,300 and in return receive a large promotional board for their business on one of the courses' tee boxes at a specific hole, plus two corporate memberships for the year. The funds received then are funneled through the Foundation and back into KPGC to subsidize the specialised clinics such as the All-Abilities Program for local participants, allowing more access and ease of entry into the sport for people with a disability. Every dollar raised as part of the Course Charity Hole fundraiser is reserved for local community use and distribution into programs such as the All Abilities program.
Jack says that the “work with the Belgravia Foundation helps to produce a platform for our team to kickstart different community programs that allow social opportunities for underrepresented groups in the community. Today, we are continuing to work with local schools and community groups toward developing the design of the course to further support inclusion.”
“KPGC welcomes players and members from all backgrounds and playing abilities. As a champion of change, we embrace partnership community-based programs and take pride in running a golf venue where everyone is welcome.”