THE Angel Billy Golf Classic is still two months away but organisers behind the event, now in its 19th year, are busy teeing players and sponsors up.
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This year’s classic, to be held on November 6, will run a little differently.
Tee-off will be 9am, not 11am, and include lunch instead of dinner.
Gary Troon, from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Nelson Bay Support Group, organisers of the golf classic, said the time change would cater for golfers from outside Port Stephens.
Money raised from the golf classic, which is played at Nelson bay Golf Club, goes to supporting the helicopter service.
“It’s a very worthwhile charity,” Mr Troon said.
“We need the helicopter on the peninsula; iIt’s a necessary service.”
The group has raised more than $1.4 million for the helicopter in the past 19 years.
Of that, $600,000 has been raised from the golf day alone.
Maitland and Port Stephens Toyota has come aboard as a major sponsor again this year.
A Toyota Yaris is up for grabs if a golfer can get a hole in one on the eighth and 11th hole on the day of the classic.
Bob Greenlees, the sales manager, said there was a simple reason why he continued to say yes to sponsoring the golf classic.
“One day I might need to use the helicopter just like anyone else in the area,” he said.
“It [service] relies on charity donations.
“We find it only fitting to participate in this great event.
“It is one of the top golf classic days in the Port Stephens area.”
The golf classic is a four-person ambrose open to men, women and mixed teams with a handicap or without.
It has a shotgun start.
Golfers will play a 18-hole competition, but all 27 holes will be used on the course.
The cost is $90 per person, or $860 for a sponsor team.
Social entries will open on October 1.
Forms will be available at Nelson Bay Bowling Club, golf club, from Mr Troon on 0407 968 931 or Jo Holley on 0401 655 521.
Phone Mr Troon or Ms Holley for more information.
Mr Troon said the format of the classic made the day so appealing, and why golfers came back year after year.