The 2022 Essendon Fields Golf Classic held last month on King Island will make a series of wishes come true for critically ill children.

101 golfers took part in the successful event, held over two days on two of the world’s most spectacular golf courses, which raised a total of $28,524 for Make-A-Wish Australia.

This is the fifth consecutive year the event has taken place, meaning the collective total raised for the children’s charity since 2018 now exceeds $100,000.

Essendon Fields helped create this special golf event in conjunction with Air Adventure to offer a special experience for golf lovers who also want to give something back to the community.

On the weekend of February 26-27, 70 participants flew directly from Essendon Fields to King Island thanks to Air Adventure and played 18 holes at the Cape Wickham course on Saturday, followed by 18 holes at Ocean Dunes course on Sunday. Steve Bowtell from The National and Metropolitan Golf Clubs went back-to-back and won the 2022 event with 74 points across the 2 days.

This year, event hosts Air Adventure and partners Essendon Fields were supported by sponsors Callaway, Drummond Golf, Walkinshaw Sports, Bushnell, Sharp Airlines, King Island Dairy and Future Golf.

Make-A-Wish Australia CEO Sally Bateman said it was through the support of organisations like Air Adventure, Essendon Fields, and the key sponsors that the organisation was able to grant life-changing wishes to critically ill children across the country.

“Air Adventure is an incredibly valued member of our Wish Force and has raised more than $100,000 over the past five years through the Essendon Fields King Island Golf Classic. We are very grateful for the ongoing support we receive from everyone involved in this event, including Air Adventure, Essendon Fields, local businesses and all the golfers who together raised over $28,000 to help grant wishes to seriously ill children.”

“With over 800 kids currently on their Wish Journey, these funds will go towards making more wishes come true, bringing hope and joy to sick kids and their families.”

Air Adventure’s John Dyer said: “We were proud to host this incredible event for the fifth consecutive year.”

“Air Adventure offer regular tours that fly to Tasmania’s world class golf courses directly from Essendon Fields Airport. King Island’s Ocean Dunes and Cape Wickham are two of the most spectacular courses on the planet, and many of our guests mark this event in the calendar and attend every year. The camaraderie of the event and playing golf on magnificent courses is a big drawcard, but doing this and knowing we’re raising funds for Make-A-Wish Australia at the same time makes it extra special,’’ John concluded.

Air Adventure is now making plans for next year’s event, announcing 18-19 March as the date for 2023, with details to be released later this month.

John Dyer and Essendon Fields’s CEO Brendan Pihan were proud to celebrate the fundraising efforts with Make-A-Wish Australia CEO, Sally Bateman at Essendon Fields Airport Terminal.

The Air Adventure and Make-A-Wish Team will be returning to Essendon Fields on Sunday 27 March for the EF100 Open Day, providing an opportunity for community members that wish to learn more about these organisations to meet the teams. For more information please click here.