The Herald Sun has hosted its inaugural Herald Sun Classic golf day in Melbourne, with 100 News Corp Australia clients, advertisers, partners and executives rubbing shoulders with high-profile sporting identities, journalists and celebrity talent.
Held at the Commonwealth Golf Club, the Herald Sun Classic supported the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal through a “Notables in the Field” Playing Partner Auction, where guests bid to tee off with former Australian professional tennis player Sam Groth or putt up a storm with former AFL player David King.
Over $160k worth of prizes were presented from event sponsors TaylorMade, Mercedes-Benz, X-Golf, NewsVideo, Herald Sun and the Commonwealth Golf Club. Unfortunately no-one managed to score a hole-in-one on the seventh hole, as they would have received a Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe to the value of $75,000. Players won TaylorMade Golf Clubs, a Herald Sun advertising package valued at $50,000 and a News Video production package valued at $5,000.
News Corp Australia managing director Victoria & Tasmania publishing Peter Zavecz said: “We were proud to have hosted the inaugural Herald Sun Classic. It was a great way for us to say thank you to our valued clients who are passionate about their golf, and with the incredible support of our sponsors we raised some much-needed funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.”
The Herald & Weekly Times and Good Friday Appeal Chairman Penny Fowler said: “The Good Friday Appeal has been part of the Herald Sun for the past 86 years. Our association with the GFA stretches back to 1931 when a group of journalists organised a sporting carnival fundraiser, supported by then HWT managing director, Sir Keith Murdoch.
“Reflecting that spirit with a new sporting initiative, we were delighted to invite our corporate partners to support us in fundraising for this important Victorian cause.”
The Herald Sun Classic concluded in style with a luncheon, prize presentation and, with the 2018 AFL season approaching, a special AFL discussion panel featuring Mick Malthouse, Matthew Lloyd and David King.
Industry executives commended the event. Sean Salem, client operations director at Carat Melbourne, said: “It was a great opportunity to network with our industry peers in a relaxed environment. Thanks to News Corp Australia, Commonwealth Golf Club, the sponsors who gave us some incredible prizes to play for, and the journos and footy experts who put on a great discussion panel after the round.”
Rush HQ director Trevine Ludowyke said: “The Herald Sun Classic was the most well-organised Corporate Golf Day that I have ever had in my 22 years of work experience both locally and internationally, from organising golf professional Mark Allen, who I had the privilege to play with, through to the generosity of time given to the event (in support of the Good Friday Appeal) by Mick Malthouse, Matthew Lloyd and David King with a live footy panel. Herald Sun, you have a great team that your executive team should be extremely proud of.”
Tom Heddon, digital director at Spark Foundry, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be invited to play in the Herald Sun Classic for a charity close to all Victorians’ hearts, the Good Friday Appeal. The event was impressively run from start to finish on a magnificent course.”
Cbac Media director Caroline Burrowes said: “The Herald Sun Classic was thoroughly enjoyable, a great opportunity to network and was run by an enthusiastic and professional team. The opportunity to contribute to the Good Friday Appeal capped off a stellar day.”
Jennifer Carroll, investment director at Mindshare, said: It was lovely to be able to spend a morning raising much-needed funds for the Good Friday Appeal, with great company, all on one of Melbourne’s most spectacular courses. A huge thank you to the Herald Sun for hosting such a successful event.”
News Corp’s Peter Zavecz on his way to the 19th hole
The Winning Team Jon Ralph (Herald Sun), Dexter Prack (Harcourts Glen Waverley), Brad Granger (Leader), Thomas Sorenson (Melbourne City Football Club).
Mick Malthouse, Matthew Lloyd from the Herald Sun Classic AFL Panel
Ben Hall (LK Property Group), Penny Fowler (HWT Chairman), Simon Kelly (News Corp Australia), Justin Kestelman (NBL)
Patrick Byrne (Herald Sun), Darren Mehl (Resimax), Nic Cuni & Daniel Jabornik (Est8 Agency)
Michael Hauser (Visit Victoria), Caroline Burrowes (Cbac Media), Tonia Duggan (Herald Sun)