Who's Playing? Naming Rights and Gold level sponsors will have first choice from the list below. Sunbury and the surrounding region has a wealth of sporting and entertainment celebrities who will be invited to participate. Many of the Goonawarra Golf Club members have connections to these personalities and although tentative, a large number have indicated their intentions to play on the day.
Adding to this will be the big name tournament professionals returning from their over sea's playing duties. Australian stars from the US, European, Japanese and Asian Tours have been approached to play and sharpen their games the week before the Australian Masters.
As confirmation is obtained from the players and celebrities a full list with individual BIO's will be published to all existing and prospective sponsors.
** Although these celebrities and professionals have indicated their intention to play in the classic, short notice withdrawal's may occur.
Tony Shaw: AFL Footballer (Retired) - HCP 7
Shaw has played more games than any other Collingwood player in history, won two Copeland trophies, captained Collingwood's famous 1990 Premiership side and won the Norm Smith Medal. Tony’s grasp of all things sport extends to regular time behind the microphone on flagship programs, Sports Today and Sports Saturday. He is now part of the AFL coverage on radio station 3AW.
Mark Allen: Professional Golfer/Sports Broadcaster
Mark is the popular professional host of the SEN radio show “Chasing Birdies”. Mark also wraps the golf with Kevin Bartlett on the Hungry for sport morning SEN time slot Reputed during his playing days as being the “WORLDS BEST BUNKER PLAYER” His golfing credits include turning pro in 1990 and playing tournament golf around the world for 15 years. He had success in the US, Europe and Asia and was one the highest ranked Australian Tour Pro's throughout the 1990's.
Kevin Bartlett: AFL Footballer/Sports Broadcaster - HCP: TBC
Say the name HUNGRY and practically every football follower will know who you mean. Kevin Bartlett played 403 games for Richmond from 1965 to 1983 and kicked 778 goals. He was a member of 5 premiership winning teams, the Norm Smith Medalist in the 1980 Grand Final and also won five Best and Fairest awards.
Dean Jones: Australian Cricket Legend - HCP: 3
Dean Jones wrote the book on one-day cricket - literally. He played a new game in which he walked down the pitch to fast bowlers, ran frenetically between wickets and turned fielding into an attacking occupation. He was also a classic cricketer who once made a triple-century for Victoria and remains their record run maker. Dean has aspirations of playing professional golf on the Australian Seniors Tour in a couple of years time, with a handicap of 2.8, who's to say he wont?
Matt White: AFL Footballer: Richmond - HCP 18
After a bout of second-year blues in 2007, the pacey youngster bounced back to play 20 games last season, with his rapid development highlighted when he took home the club’s most-improved player award. He will look to continue his progression across halfforward and the wing in 2009.
Ted Fordham: AFL Footballer: (Retired) - HCP: 11
Debuting in 1961, Fordham played as a half back flanker and follower during the early stages of his career. It was later in the 1964 season that he moved to full forward, under the instruction of John Coleman. He helped Essendon win the premiership the following season with 6 goals in the preliminary final and then kicked a record equaling 7 goals in the grand final against St Kilda.
Martin Pike: AFL Footballer: (Retired) - HCP TBC
Not many AFL footballers can claim lay claim to four premiership medals, but Martin Pike can. 247 Games with four clubs, Melbourne, Fitzroy, North Melbourne and the mighty Brisbane Bears. Best and Fairest with the Fitzroy Lions in the last year of that clubs operation 1996 is another unique stat from the footballer that slipped under many players and coach's guard. Pikey can also lay claim to being one of the strongest hitters of a golf ball around, now if he just knew where it was going...
Jude Bolton: AFL Footballer (Sydney) - HCP Social Golfer
There was speculation the tough midfielder would be traded at the end of 2007 and this seemed to rejuvenate him as he had a fine 2008 season. He finished fourth in the best and fairest and, as always, was busy in and under the packs. His commitment could never be questioned and the 2005 premiership player sets a fine example for his younger teammates.
Robert Shaw: AFL Footballer/Coach/Administrator - HCP: TBC
Played 51 Games for Essendon FC and then embarked on a coaching career, first with the Fitzroy Football Club between 1991-94 and Adelaide Football Club from 1995-96. In 2005, he quit his assistant coaching role at Essendon, a position he held since 1999, and instead became a presenter for Melbourne radio station SEN 1116. In December 2005 it was announced that Shaw would be appointed General Manager of Football Operations at the Fremantle Football Club for the 2006 AFL season, a position he held until 2008.
David McKenzie: US Nationwide Tour Professional
Since 2004 David has been playing either the US PGA Tour or the US Nationwide Tour. In 2005 he finished 11th on the Nationwide which included a win in the Gila River Golf Classic. A full year on the prestigious PGA Tour followed in 2006 before returning to the Nationwide in 07 08 and 09. David is renowned as one of the straightest drivers and most consistent putters on tour.
Wayne Schwass:
AFL Footballer (Retired) HCP:
Wayne Schwass played 282 games with the Kangaroos (Duel Best&Fairests) and Sydney. Schwatter" was a champion wingman, known for his blistering pace and courage who played in the Kangaroos' 1996 premiership side before becoming a leader in the Sydney Swans side. In 2006, Schwass announced that he had suffered from depression during his successful AFL career. Since his retirement he has set up The Sunrise Foundation to help other athletes who suffer from depression.
Glenn Joyner:
Former Champion Australasian Tour ProfessionalGlenn is semi retired from the tour having spent 20 years playing in Professional tournaments across the globe with over 60 professional wins.
