golf day nets $15,000 for charity

140 Attend Annual Golf Day

On Monday 13th of September, 140 unheralded golfing superstars converged at Camden Valley Golf Resort for the inaugural National Hire Golf Day. The team from Australia's rising force in equipment hire battled it out with their favourite clients to raise money for Barnardos, handing over an impressive $15,000 to the charity, which has traditionally been supported by National Hire.

Once again, Camden Valley Golf Resort made the day a special occasion.

"It's always a good day," says Charlie Pidcock, one the organisers contributing to the successful event. "They did an excellent job. They know us well and they know how to run a Golf Day well. They provide good facilities and good tucker."

The annual event has become one of the highlights on the National Hire calendar; a good chance to bond with clients, away from the frenetic business climate of construction and equipment hire. Many National Hire clients attended, including players from major accounts like Karimbla, PMS and Abi Leightons JV, joining industrial clients like BHP. Charlie recognises the importance of the event in maintaining the strong relationships existing between the company and its associates.

"It's a relationship building excersise," he says. "You're not on the grog, so for the most part, you remember what you say (laughs) and it's a chance to see people in an environment where they're more comfortable than when they're transacting business on a daily basis. You can build better relationships that way. It's well-supported and all the guys are keen to attend."

So, after several years of Golf Days, surely the National Hire team are showing improved form?

"Mine's appalling," says Charlie. "Mark Lawrence and Ian Schofield are probably the best golfers we've got. John Oxman won 'off scratch'. He's one of our area managers down at Wollongong/Shell Harbour. He picked up a prize."

Luckily, the Golf Day featured plenty of novelty events for the many players who consider their own game as a 'handicap'. 'Nearest To Pin', a novelty driver hole and a 'champagne and port hole' provided plenty of laughs. Intriguing. I wonder what the 'champagne and port hole' involves?

"You've got to skull a champagne, then turn it upside-down and tee off it," says Charlie. "That's a bit of fun."

But if golf wasn't the real winner on the day, Barnardos certainly benefited from the exercise, as Charlie explains:

"I said at the time, during my speech to everyone, that we all get very busy, generating revenue, but to generate $15,000 and give that Barnardos is very healthy. It's a very worthwhile cause and makes you appreciate what you have in life."

For clients who missed out on the day, make sure you check our 'community' section on the National Hire website. With the success of the 2004 fixture, the National Hire Golf Day promises to continue as one our favourite annual events.