WHEN Duntryleague hosts the Julian Reynolds Benefit Golf Day on Friday, it will be as much about supporting the club’s former professional as it will be about raising awareness.
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Reynolds was the head professional at Duntryleague from the end of 2011 through to May 2013.
He then took on a teaching professional’s position at Bonville, however it was only brief as he was diagnosed with bone cancer.
Wentworth professional Todd Brakenridge, who is friends with Reynolds, said he didn’t realise how sick his mate was until he saw him six weeks ago at the NSW PGA Foursomes.
“Julian walked in and he had a walking stick and was visually unwell,” Brakenridge explained.
“He wanted to play but he could only swing the club with one hand.
“On the way home I thought we had to do something.”
Since then Brakenridge has worked with Duntryleague’s Mark Furze and Peter Mitchell to organise Friday’s fundraiser.
Brakenridge said while the goal was to raise money to help Reynolds and his young family, including his partner Dani, and sons Tiger, 4, and Rocko, 1, they also want to raise awareness about cancer and how it can hit anyone.
Brakenridge said the day was not just for golfers.
The four-person ambrose will be relaxed and players don’t need to have a golfing handicap or a be a member of Duntryleague.
After the 18-hole event, there will be an auction that will include some special sporting items.
Up for grabs will be two tickets to the 2014 NRL grand final, a signed Cricket Australia bat, signed jerseys from the Queensland Bulls, Waratahs, North Queensland Cowboys and Canberra Raiders, and a pair of Brett-Kimmorley signed footy boots.
Orange’s Jason Belmonte, the world’s best tenpin bowler, has signed and donated the ball he used to smash records on his way to his second place in the 2013 US Open.
People can also bid for rounds of golf, including carts, at Avondale, Concord, Hope Island, Port Macquarie and Bonnie Doon golf clubs.
There is also a 430-litre stainless steel fridge to be auctioned off, along with other items.
Brakenridge said he was amazed at how willing people and businesses were to help out.
“I don’t think any business has turned us down. It’s good considering the fact he only spent 18 months in Orange,” Brakenridge said.
“That’s been the amazing bit - everyone has chipped in.”
“[Orange CYMS captain-coach] Mick Sullivan has organised a pair of signed Brett Kimmorley boots. I don’t really know Mick but he’s done this to help us. It’s fantastic.”
A special guest during the day will be NSW cricketer Steve O’Keefe who played cricket with Reynolds as a junior.
O’Keefe, who has also represented Australia in Twenty20 matches, will be on hand to chat with those participating in the fundraiser.
There will be some special features in Friday’s round of golf with Japan Golf Tour regular Steve Conran hitting tee shots off the first all day for all groups for a small donation.
On the 18th, putting will be completed using one of Reynolds’s putters, keeping in mind he is left-handed.
Entry is $100 per person and includes the round of golf, a pre-game barbecue, prizes and finger food after golf.
Be at Duntryleague at 10am for an 11am shotgun start.
The auction will start at 3.30pm and is open to anyone interested, not just those who play golf on the day.
For more information or to book a place, call the Duntryleague pro shop on 6362 4072.
