The Portarlington Golf Club continues to take enormous strides in its joint missions of becoming both a community leader and hub.

The recent Carnival Of Golf featured large or full fields on most of its seven days, a great sign of its popularity.

But more importantly for the town, it attracted visitors from every corner of Victoria.

“It’s great for us as a golf club, naturally, but we had members from almost 40 separate clubs throughout the week,” club chief executive Michael Phillips said.

“That’s great news for the entire town, mostly other businesses who benefit from the influx of visitors, particularly midweek in winter.

“So we’re very proud to play our part in that sense, but in other ways as well, such as being the home of events for a series of really important charities throughout the year.”

The club was home to the EJ Whitten Foundation - through its new Rule branding - in February and will soon play host to two more key events.

“In September we are helping the Port footy club with their Fight MND charity day, featuring Terry Daniher as guest speaker to help his brother Neale’s great fight against the `Beast’,” Phillips said.

“Then on the heels of that one, we’ve got another in October that benefits the amazing charity work that the legends at Feed Me Bellarine continue to do for those in our society who aren’t as fortunate as others.”

More charity golf days are held on behalf of the Lions Club of Portarlington Drysdale to support junior sporting clubs, as well as the “Zipper Club” for those who’ve had heart operations.

We also attracted large national interest with our Legends Tour pro-am in February and will soon hold an event on the Associate Professional pro-am tour that will also lure people from around the country.

This, of course, comes on top of more than $125,000 the club has given in charitable support in the past four financial years alone, including more than $30,000 specifically via its Community Contribution Fund.

It also continues to be a “home base” of sorts for myriad business and community groups who hold functions within the club’s walls.

“We regularly host Probis groups, the Community Bank, the PBDA, Rotary, Bellarine Ladies Network and many other local community groups when they hold their meetings,” Phillips said.

“So while the club is golf to some and a restaurant to others, it’s a whole lot more to so many more.

“And we’re delighted to welcome all to our new-look clubhouse with its recently renovated entrance – another sign of us reinvesting for the entire community’s enjoyment and benefit.”