The 8th annual Jeff Wall Classic golf fundraiser went off without a hitch at Queenscliff Golf Club and raised thousands for the National Heart Foundation.
The day is named after Jeff Wall, who died suddenly in September 2019 while out for his daily run.
He spent 10 days in intensive care, but died, aged 61. He was a keen sportsman, surfer, a life member of Ocean Grove Football Club, a past player at North Shore and an avid golfer at Lonsdale Links.
Good mate and golfing buddy David O’Connor said the event raised about $9000 taking the tally in its eight years to about $60,000.
This year, 92 golfers took to the fairways at Queenscliff Golf Club.
“We had a representative from the National Heart Foundation come down and talk to those gathered there about the importance of heart heath and getting a heart-health check,” Mr O’Connor said.
“We had a record 14 ladies participate and there were golfers from all around the Bellarine and Geelong district. It was a great day, really fun and it’s well supported by the Wall family.”
Mr O’Connor said the message this year was to acknowledge first responders.
“We wanted to stress how important heart health is but how important it is to recognise the good work of first responders both trained and untrained,” he said.
“In light of the last 12 months, there have been a number of critical weather events across our nation, volunteers and trained emergency personnel have been the first responders.
“When people have a heart attack, the first responders are so critical and we wanted to recognise the good work they do both individually and through agencies.”
Jeff Wall’s daughter Ashleigh spoke to the group about the importance of coming together and everyone was already looking forward to the 2025 event.
