Charity workers’ ground-breaking Pro-Am golf event: ‘The greatest thing that could have happened in our life’
By Cameron Outridge
In what's being hailed as a world first a Nambour charity is breaking new ground this December with a Pro-Am golf fundraiser organised and run by people with intellectual disabilities.
The event is a partnership between the PGA of Australia and Golf Programs Australia Inc, the award-winning charity that runs Australia's largest weekly golf program for people with intellectual disabilities. The 2025 GPAI Charity Pro-Am will take place at Glenview Par 3 on December 4.
"To have a Pro-Am that is run by people with intellectual disabilities is the greatest honour probably of our life," an emotional Michelle Dalton told the July 3 Nambour Chamber of Commerce meeting at Ken Mills Toyota.
Charity founders Darrell & Michelle, have spent ten years building the program and the tournament represented a culmination of their hard work. "It's like the greatest thing that could have happened in our life," Michelle said.
The concept was the brainchild of The Australian PGA's national CEO, Gavin Kirkman, marking a significant milestone in inclusive sports management.
"If you ever want to choose a sport and put people with intellectual disabilities who could be nonverbal, partially sighted, with mobility issues - the elite sport of golf would not be your first choice," Michelle said. "But to break that ceiling after working with the PGA for ten years is truly remarkable."
The charity, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and was named Best Sunshine Coast Community Organisation of 2024, is calling on local businesses to support the event through sponsorship or team entries. Teams will consist of three amateurs paired with a golf professional at a cost of $440.
“This event represents more than just a fundraiser; it symbolises a significant step forward in creating meaningful opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities in sports management and organisation,” said Darrell. “It is an amazing partnership with the PGA. For them to come on board and align their brand with us is no small thing and we are extremely excited.”
• Local businesses interested in participating can find details at www.gpai.org.au/teamentry | president@gpai.org.au | 0407 472 526.
Darrell & Michelle Dalton.
Darrell Dalton and Ian Black at the July 3 Nambour Chamber of Commerce Coffee Catch Up at Ken Mills Toyota in Nambour.