Golfers line up for $20,000 cash at world first event

Momentum is swinging behind this week’s world-first golf event on the Sunshine Coast, with all 27 amateur teams filled, 30 PGA professionals signed on, and a growing list of
sponsors backing Golf Programs Australia Incorporated’s (GPAI) groundbreaking 2025 Holey Moley Charity Pro-Am.

On top of this, a $20,000 prize is on offer for the first golfer to make a hole-in-one on the first hole of the Pro-Am tournament, thanks to sponsor Preferred Plaster.
The event, to be held at Glenview Par 3 this Thursday, 4 December, will be the first professional golf tournament anywhere in the world that is planned, staffed and delivered
by people with an intellectual disability.

Participants from GPAI’s weekly golf and social enterprise programs will take on roles across the event, including registration, hospitality, course operations, marshalling, media
support and presentations. GPAI President Darrell Dalton said the strong response from professionals, amateurs and sponsors shows the significance of the tournament.

“This Pro-Am represents a major step forward for inclusion in golf,” Mr Dalton said.

“To have every team position filled and a full field of PGA professionals committed is an incredible endorsement of our participants and the work they do.

“Our athletes have spent months building the skills they’ll use on event day, and this support shows the community believes in their ability to lead a professional tournament.”

The 27 teams will each feature one PGA professional and three amateurs competing in a Combined Stableford format. With full fields secured, attention now turns to event delivery,
corporate engagement and showcasing the capabilities of GPAI’s athletes to the broader golf community.

“As well as supporting a great cause, thanks to Preferred Plaster all the professional and amateur golfers have a chance to win $20,000 if they are the first player to make a hole-in-
one on the first hole of the tournament,” Mr Dalton said.

National Tournament Coordinator for the PGA of Australia’s adidas PGA Pro-Am Series, Peter Welden, said the strong response to the tournament reflects the significance of the
world-first event and the reputation GPAI has built across the sport and community.

“Given we have attracted a full field of PGA Professionals and all 27 teams of amateurs are now filled, it’s clear this tournament has struck a chord across the golfing community,” said Welden.

“The level of sponsor backing is reflective of the community support behind what GPAI is trying to achieve in building greater inclusion within golf.

“As the people who deliver such events throughout their year, we’re thrilled to see how GPAI has prepared participants to take on meaningful roles and help us to create a
memorable event.

“I know our players are genuinely looking forward to being part of a one-of-a-kind tournament and I’m sure that everyone who attends will come away having been part of
something truly special.”

Sponsor support has continued to grow in the lead-up to the event, with businesses backing GPAI’s mission to create training and employment pathways for people with
intellectual disabilities.

Sponsors currently supporting the 2025 Holey Moley Charity Pro-Am include:
• Holey Moley Maroochydore (Naming Partner), Preferred Plaster (Hole-in-One),\
• Salt 106.5
• Rounda
• Colomba Relocation and Home Clearance Service
• Tursa Employment & Training
• Golf World Kawana
• Haynes Paint Shop Maroochydore
• Project Urban
• 4CP Promotional Products
• Bendigo Bank Cooroy
• Deskstorm IT
• McLoughlin Media & Communication Solutions, and other local businesses contributing prizes, support and in-kind services.

Mr Dalton said the diversity of sponsors shows how strongly the event’s message is resonating.

“This is a charity event, but more importantly it is a demonstration of capability,” he said.

“Our sponsors are helping to show what inclusion in sport truly looks like by providing opportunities, opening doors and recognising the leadership potential of people with
intellectual disabilities.”

Community members who wish to support GPAI and its programs can enter its Golf World raffle to win a Prosimmon Heritage Golf Club set and bag, plus a professional fitting (tickets at www.gpai.org.au).