And major sponsor Joblink Plus’ chief executive officer Chris Sheppeard agrees, confirming his organisation’s financial backing was mainly due to the charity aspect of a golf day drawing some 200

players.

“When Anthony first approached us the charity aspect was the big thing, a great promotion and with $5000 of our sponsorship going to the Bullimbal School Emergency Respite Fund,” Sheppeard said.

“That was attractive for us because of the great community contribution.”

He said it was one of the first events his organisation had sponsored where much of the sponsorship went to a local charity

Seventy professionals tee up today in the 18 hole Joblink Plus Pro-Am event, a part of a $250,000 NSW pro-am circuit.

Many of those professionals played in the two-day Moree Pro-Am and were playing in yesterday’s novel nine hole Kensell Holden Foursomes Pro-Am at the Longyard.

“The foursomes was just a bit of fun, a great way for a little bit more interaction,’ Painter said.

“But what we have done with the Joblink Plus Pro-Am is give $5000 to charity. I’d like to see other pro-ams use it as a model and start putting something back into the community.

“Sure everyone is looking for value for money and this makes sense, I just think it’s something that’s got to

happen.”

Painter’s idea is based on the US golf circuits where huge million dollar amounts are raised at each US PGA tournament.

“It’s worked beautifully in the US and is an example of what we can do here,” he said.

“I’m sure it would only take us a few short years to raise a million, even at our small tournaments.”