Bollinger tees off cancer campaign on golf courses

FORMER Australian cricketer Doug Bollinger is happy to be the face of a Cancer Council NSW campaign to promote sun protection among golfers.

Doug Bollinger is promoting the Improve your long game campaign to reduce their risk of cancer at Lynwood Country Club. Pictures: Carmela Roche

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FORMER Australian cricketer Doug Bollinger is happy to be the face of a Cancer Council NSW campaign to promote sun protection among golfers.

The Ponds 36-year-old, who is also a keen golfer and Lynwood Country Club member, is part of the Improve Your Long Game program, which was unveiled at the club on Friday.

“I’ll be donning long sleeves, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses every time I play and I want our club members to do the same,” said Mr Bollinger, who plays off a 3.8 handicap. “Absolutely I use a lot of sunscreen and I try to play twice a week.”

Lynwood Country Club pro Darren Robel, junior player Toby Farrar, former Australian cricketer Doug Bollinger and LCC manager Eamonn Sleigh promote the Cancer NSW campaign.

Cancer Council NSW greater western Sydney community engagement manager Aruni Ratnayake said men over the age of 40 were 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma and around twice as likely to die from it, compared with women of a similar age.

“Recreational golfers spend extended periods of time outdoors in an environment that has minimal shade and is highly reflective of UV from surrounding surfaces like grass, sand and water,” Ms Ratnayake said.

Lynwood Country Club professional Paul Gow encourages golfers to practice good sun protection both on and off the course.

Aruni Ratnayake from Cancer Council NSW helps Lynwood Country Club’s senior member Arthur Graham apply sunscreen. Picture: Justin Sanson

“Over the years, golf has given me some of the greatest experiences of my life,” Gow said.

“Above all, it’s about having good times with my mates and family.

“For us blokes over 40, it’s really important that we look after ourselves to make sure we can keep having those good times for many years to come.

“It’s never too late, that’s why Improve your long game and good sun protection benefits everyone.”

In most parts of NSW, UV levels are high enough to require sun protection for most of the year.

Cancer Council NSW encourages golfers to wear long-sleeved clothing (slip), apply sunscreen (slop), wear a broad brimmed hat (slap), find shade wherever possible (seek), and wear sunglasses (slide) each and every time they are out on the green.

Lynwood Country Club is one of over 100 clubs across NSW are participating in the Improve your long game Program in 2018.