Raquel Stevens
Every fairway at Hepburn golf course last weekend was sparkling with joy, with lots of tinsel clad golfers getting into the spirit for the annual ChillOut Festival.
ChillOut is one of the biggest events on the Daylesford calendar and thousands of people flocked to the area to celebrate the rural LGBTIQ community which has been embraced by the region for more than 25 years.
The Ambrose golf event always draws an exuberant crowd. Organiser, Sue Howard, says this day is in recognition of the first female president at Hepburn Golf Club, Gale Orford, “Gale did some great work, and some of these people may play golf once or twice a year and they keep coming because they’re having a bit of fun. They get dressed up, catch up with old friends. Everyone gets into the spirit.”
There was some fabulous golf too. Sue showcased her skills by making an eagle on the 18th hole. A few birdies rolled in, left and right, and there were pars a plenty.
As a very high handicapper, I was incredibly chuffed to make par on the 11th. Known as the Pig’s Back, it’s a hole I almost need therapy on each time I play it.
Raquel on the 11th.
It was a fabulous day out, as many of the participants agreed.
“A beautiful day, I loved the weather. The Ambrose format made it really relaxed and chilled. The course is challenging, you never really know what can happen. Hit a rock and go flying into the bush or end up in a dam,” said Sally Richardson, one of the golfers.
“I love to dress up and try to be the best. It’s a family thing, we all love to dress up and the Chillout golf day is so much fun getting together,” said Best Dressed winner, Lyn Joyce.
Hepburn members, Rose Hobbs and Lyn Joyce
My playing partner was Bernie Redfern who I met on the day. We hit it off immediately. We covered a lot of territory over four hours of golf, talking high protein diets, Catholicism, cycling, relationships and, of course, golf. I wish she was my life coach. Bernie agreed: “We had an adventurous time on quite a few holes. I tried really hard to constrain myself from saying the F word too much because Raquel doesn’t use it. She’s a good Catholic girl, I’m not.”
L-R Finn Leach, Bernie Redfern and Sally Richardson
Great results in the end with Michael Sittons and James Margariti winning the Ambrose event with a net score of 52.5.
It was Michael and James’ 3rd year in a row, “we love coming up here. Always a great day. We’re also the only fellas, so that’s a bit of fun.”
Runners up were Tarnya Kruger and Sue Howard with a net score of 57.5.
Sue Howard, Michael Sittons and James Margariti
Tarnya Kruger and Sue Howard
With the magic of our March weather and the course in stellar condition, this year’s event reflected a tapestry of fun, friendship and inclusivity. No doubt this fabulous group of golfers will return next year to spread some more rainbow cheer.
Raquel Stevens is a former Network Ten News Journalist. She has been a part time local for more than 25 years, and one day hopes to be a full time local.
