First-ever Queensland Golf Day swings into action for kids’ cancer research
2025-06-20
The sunshine state lived up to its billing last Friday as The Kids’ Cancer Project held its inaugural Queensland Golf Day at Brisbane’s Nudgee Golf Club.
21 teams descended upon the stunning course for a day underpinned by the need to fund vital kids’ cancer research. The day was a surefire success, managing to raise over $45,000, the equivalent of what it costs to support a comprehensive, long-term follow-up program for at least eight children who have completed cancer treatment.
The day culminated in an address in the clubhouse to the guests from Rod Saunders, father of Tiana Saunders, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just age 6, now currently The Kids’ Cancer Project Partnerships Coordinator.
Talking through what he describes as a ‘dad’s version of his little girl’s cancer journey’, Rod detailed the setbacks, struggles and moments of hope throughout Tiana’s time in hospital.
“There was a lot of “what if’s” spoken about during Tiana's initial time in hospital,” Rod says.
“No matter how many times you say to your wife that things will work out, it doesn’t seem to help. But you still have to keep saying it though because, not only does your wife need to keep hearing it, you also need to try and convince yourself. Because deep down you’re terrified yourself that your little girl might not be with you for as long as you want her to be.
“As men, we want to be strong for our families, to let them know that we are there for them and that everything is going to be ok, but I’m not ashamed to tell you that I shed a few tears during that week.
"If you get the chance and you are in a position to, I would implore you to donate to The Kids’ Cancer Project.
“Help them fund research so more dads can see their daughters grow up, so more mums can spend hours with their kids when their heart is broken,
and more kids can get a Bear which might just give them a long-lasting happy memory from what is a very unhappy time.”
Out on the course, RRMB Projects shot to victory, with Fyre Pro and Alpha Building rounding out the podium. Chris Jeffrey and Katrina Martin of Martin Whips and Souvenirs took out the Longest Drive in the male and female categories respectively, while Sanctuary Beach Resort’s David Ekberg took home a bottle of Grange for being Nearest to the Pin.
“On behalf of The Kids’ Cancer Project, we are simply overwhelmed by the support of our Queensland corporate contingent,” says The Kids’ Cancer Project CEO, Owen Finegan.
“To each of the teams, Nudgee Golf Club and Rod Saunders, thank you for playing your part as we drove closer to our dream of no child dying from cancer last Friday. I can’t wait to see you again next year!”
The Kids’ Cancer Project would like to thank its Major Partners – Bryant Building Contractors, Nova Printworx and Alpha Building Services – for ensuring the day was an undoubted triumph, as well as Golf Pro Adam Blythe and Brett Sharples from Your Virtual for their roles on what was an incredible day.
Our next Golf Day will be held in NSW at St Michael’s Golf Course in Little Bay on Friday 19 September.
To book your team’s spot, hit the button below.