More than a game!

Words by Amanda Wallner

“It’s not often you get to play 18 holes in tropical conditions, walk a course with sweeping ocean views, tropical rainforest or see a croc adjacent to the course. As a passionate golfer, I personally don’t think there’s a better place in the world for golf.”

There’s nothing quite like the rush of adrenaline, the feeling of pure joy and a sense of being ‘in the moment’ when you hit a perfect golf shot, especially when it’s witnessed by spectators. That’s the feeling that local company Survivor Golf Series wants to harness and bring to amateur golfers across the country.

This progressive event is designed to make amateur golfers feel like professionals while putting a playful twist on traditional golf.

The Drummond Golf Survivor Golf Series originated in far north Queensland, and it is the fastest growing two-person Ambrose golf tournament across the country. Aimed at providing a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, along with a high level of organisation and professionalism, competition day allows participants to feel like they’re part of something special throughout the 18-hole competition.

Unique event elements - including putting competitions, food, entertainment, live music and a wide range of prizes across the day, as well as a prize for every hole - all help to create a party-like buzz which serves to increase the nerves and the excitement as players head out on their round of 18-holes alongside their teammate.

Each event hosts up to 50 teams and each winning team of the Drummond Golf Survivor Golf Series event is presented with the ‘golden ticket’ which automatically qualifies for a place in the grand final. This year the grand final will be played on 10 December at the magnificent Palmer Reef Golf Course in Port Douglas.

Grand finalists receive luxury accommodation at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas. The grand final winning team prizes include a spectacular cruise on the Great Barrier Reef aboard the luxurious catamaran Liquid Desire.

Even if you don’t win the major prize, you might win the nearest the pin, or get a hole in one and there’s some incredible prizes to give away provided by event major sponsors Drummond Golf, Adidas, TaylorMade, PCQ Reef Print & Design and Fleet Plant Hire. In last year’s grand final, Ken Frost Homes offered $50,000 dollars for a hole in one on the 18^th hole and in a recent qualifying event, Trinity Auto Group offered a new car for a hole in one on a designated hole.

It’s not hard to see why the series has taken off in popularity and received the backing of so many renowned businesses. As you walk into a clubhouse on the morning of competition day, something that stands out as unique to this event is its inclusivity. The series is open to all amateur golfers who have a Golf Australia handicap. The team handicap is worked out by combining both players’ handicaps and dividing by a quarter. The format requires players to take eight drives each. The tournament is open to men and women of all ages, young up and coming golfers, all sorts of abilities! Everyone is genuinely welcomed and encouraged to get involved. Spectators can attend and be involved in the day including the festivities on the ‘19^th hole’ at the end of play.

The Ambrose style play versus a traditional handicap golf tournament means it’s a more even playing field for all involved and with no count backs in this format, often event days end with a high stakes play off, where the tension and the excitement is palpable!

“Golf can be a solo sport, so we like to encourage banter. We see the 18 holes as a great opportunity to build connections that can often lead to meaningful conversations - something as a society we’re not always naturally good at and that’s why the alignment with Kick On Charity and supporting men’s mental health is a key partnership of this event,” says Drummond Golf Survivor Golf Series Co-Founder and CEO, Dave Cameron.

“It’s one of the key motivators behind the Survivor Golf concept. Ever since I was a young kid, I have been passionate about sport and I’ve always been interested in media. Combine that with my own experiences of mental health and seeing some people really close to me who have had their own challenges, helping support Kick On and providing a vehicle for people to start the conversation is one of the things I am most proud of in running these events.”

Kick On is the official charity of the Drummond Golf Survivor Golf Series. Kick On promotes positive mental health through their various educational programs, events and campaigns and helps fund mental health and well-being projects that aim to connect, empower and inspire community members. The Drummond Golf Survivor Golf Series supports Kick On and donates some proceeds from each event to this worthwhile charity.

Making amateur golfers feel like professionals

The Drummond Golf Survivor Golf Series is open to all golf clubs that would like to promote and showcase their golf club by hosting a tournament. The event provides players an opportunity to visit new locations and experience championship and regional golf courses.

What started out initially as a local endeavour, the Drummond Golf Survivor Golf Series has grown to 26 tournaments in 2023. Events are played across the beautiful far North Queensland region, as well as interstate, and the team is working towards expanding the tournament to become Australia wide.

“From a tourism point of view, for me personally, growing up in Victoria and moving up here in my mid-twenties, and through Survivor Golf being able to explore all the immaculate and amazing golf courses we have across Far North Queensland, they all offer something different and I’d encourage everyone visiting the local area to pack your clubs and book in advance and get out on the courses up here. We’re spoilt for choice!” Dave said.

“It’s not often you get to play 18 holes in tropical conditions, walk a course with sweeping ocean views, tropical rainforest or see a croc adjacent to the course. As a passionate golfer, I personally don’t think there’s a better place in the world for golf and I feel really lucky to be a part of hosting and organising these events.

“It’s a lot of hard work but the reward is worth it when you see people enjoying golf, supporting Kick On and golfers having a fun day with their mates and being made to feel like golf professionals.”

There are exciting things ahead for Survivor Golf. If you’re travelling up this way in the coming months make sure you check out www.survivorgolf.com.au and register to play in one of the upcoming events. It’s sure to be a memorable way to spend your holiday in this beautiful part of the world and even make some new mates while you’re at it.