April 27th, 2022Ian Stanley Golf Classic

THIS Friday, April 29, keen golfers from across the region will descend on the Hepburn Springs Golf Club to raise funds for Cafs (Child and Family Services, Ballarat) and to remember the late Ian Stanley, who was a great supporter of the Hepburn Springs Golf Club, in the annual Tee Up for Kids Foundation Ian Stanley Classic.
Ian was a champion both on and off the course. He was involved at the Hepburn Springs Golf Club for many years and, among his other achievements, was a founding director of the Tee Up for Kids Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation which raises money for under-privileged children in Victoria.
This year, proceeds from the Ian Stanley Classic will be directed to Cafs Thread Together program. Cafs Thread Together Hub services the Central Highlands region providing people in need with new clothing and is the first of its kind in regional Victoria.
Funds will be directed specifically to supporting young people with new clothing, allowing recipients to dress with dignity, removing another barrier to continuing their education and ensuring that each child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Ian Stanley’s close friend Rodney Robinson has donated the putter that Ian used in his 2001 Senior British Open win. The putter that Ian gifted to Rodney is now on display at the Hepburn Springs Golf Club as the Classic’s perpetual winners’ trophy.
Golfer and friend Pat Baird said Ian’s achievements and contributions to Australian golf were often underestimated.
“Many who knew Ian can attest to the fact that he was a great character, larger than life and a champion golfer. He was a winner of 19 events on the PGA Tour of Australasia, one on the European Tour and three on the Senior European Tour including the 2001 Senior British Open. Ian was both a champion on and off the course, relentlessly active in supporting grassroots golf. He was introduced to the club by long term member, Rodney Robinson and over a 10-year period helped the HSGC raise in excess of $200,000 through the Spa Country Ambrose Golf Day held in October each year. After 12 years the event is still going strong and is still supported each year by AFL greats Mark Maclure and Tony Jewell who Ian also introduced to the club. All three are honorary Members for Life of the Hepburn Springs Golf Club because of their generous contributions.”