Many sports followers, golfers included, would remember the dramatic scenes when Aussie world champion surfer Mick Fanning appeared to fight off a large shark in Jefferies Bay South Africa (2015) while in the final of the WSL championship, and the heroics of his mate Julian Wilson who came to his aid.
It turns out Mick Fanning is no ‘Great White Shark’ on the links, but with a heart of gold his post-surfing career has involved helping the less fortunate via his uber successful charity golf day, an event which sees some of Australia’s top shelf sports stars, actors, comedians, musicians and business owners chipping in to raise funds for the Northern Rivers Flood relief.
Inside Golf’s Andrew Crockett put a series of questions to Fanning, about his golf and his charity endeavours which has assisted many of those in need.
Can you remember when you first played golf? Who was it with and who helped you get into the game?
Ha! I don’t know if I’ve ever played actual golf. First time I hacked around a course though was probably 20 years ago. I was never crazy about it but a few of the boys would go hack around when the waves were crap on tour. I’d tag along occasionally for a bit of fun.
Did you used to play much golf while on tour with surfing, when the surf was flat? Got any funny stories with the surfers and golf?
I’d play a couple of times a year. Jake Paterson, Kelly Slater, Luke Hitchings and Tom Whitaker were always the mad golfers on tour. They call themselves the ‘Golf Geeks’. Occy and Andy Irons would play sometimes too and when they played, I’d go out for a knock. Occy and Andy were the funniest to play with. Andy was a hot head competitor so he’d meltdown and break clubs and stuff. So funny.
Ever had a hole in one?
I have. I got an Albatross on hole 7 at Chinderah. I hit driver and accidentally hit a stinger. The thing never got higher than two metres. It ran across the grass forever and eventually found its way into the hole. I retired from golf after that until recently. Haha!
Aside from your own charity golf day at Tweed, have you played many other pro-ams and celebrity golf events around the world?
Not really. After the hole-in-one I didn’t play for ages. Then in 2019 I was recovering from a knee injury and Ash Barty invited me to play in the Presidents Cup Pro-Am alongside Shane Warne and George Gregan at Royal Melbourne. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I knew some of the greats, like Tiger, were going to be there, so I said yes.
I was so nervous about really sucking in front of everyone that I went and saw Mark Gibson and got some lessons. I also needed some tips on how to swing without hurting my knee. I loved the experience.
Before that I was just swinging away like a wild man. Once you have something to work on you quickly get the bug.
Callaway set me up with some clubs and I’ve been hooked ever since. Unfortunately, the pro-am didn’t happen but I got to play some golf with Ash which was lots of fun. She’s incredible.
Mick Fanning the golfer, at his charity golf day in June. Credit: Andy Jackman
Can you name some great golf courses you have played around Australia (and the world) and any on the ‘bucket list’?
I’ve got so many still to tick off, but I played Barnbougle, the Dunes and The Lost Farm blew me away.
So beautiful. That’s the big one for me.
Have you got any friends on the pro golf tour and have you any desire to caddy at some of the bigger events?
I’ve hung out with Adam Scott a bit, he loves his surfing. He’s really good mates with Julian Wilson, who is a great golfer. I’ve played with Pete Lonard and Paul Gow. Awesome watching the good guys get around a course. I don’t think I’d have much to offer as a caddy… I could keep the Yeti stacked with Balter but that’s about it.
Life after the ‘world tour’ of surfing, are you still chasing good waves and have plenty of commitments with the industry?
I’ll be chasing good waves forever. Still plenty on with a young family and lots of commitments. I’ve got two little kids now so my time on the course has basically been limited to my Charity Golf Day. Once they start school, I’ll probably devote some more time to it.
Your charity day is only in its third year and already is one of the most successful in Australia. How can Australian golfers get more involved in your event and support your efforts?
It’s overwhelming to have such incredible support from our partners, local businesses and celebrities. Our goal is to make it the funnest golf day there is. We make our online auction and raffles available to everyone and that’s the best way to get involved. Spots in the draw are unfortunately limited but if you get in early with a team once we open registration you’ll be a chance and you won’t regret it. Stay tuned to our website mickfanningcharitygolfday.com for announcements.
What would Mick Fanning’s ultimate golf group look like?
The group I was meant to play with at The Presidents Cup is what got me psyched on golf so it would be them: Ash Barty, George Gregan and Shane Warne. Obviously, that can’t happen now, but it would have been amazing.
Mick Fanning Charity Golf Day supporting families in need
By Andrew Crockett
Three-time surfing World Champion Mick Fanning hosted the third Annual Mick Fanning Charity Golf Day at Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club in June.
Celebrities, athletes, businesses, and generous donors took to the 36-hole course to raise funds for those impacted by the Northern Rivers floods of February, 2022 which wiped out homes, schools, businesses, and whole communities.
Two years on and the region is still recovering with many families still displaced. After Fanning took part in rescue operations he stayed in touch and has been committed to helping people get back on their feet.
More than $1million had been raised in the first two years since inception, with this year’s event, the biggest yet, adding another $674,000 to the previous total.
The 2024 Mick Fanning Golf day attracted a big crowd of celebrities, athletes, businesses, and generous donors in raising funds for those impacted by the 2022 Northern Rivers floods. – Credit: Andy Jackman
“It’s been two years now and still, there are so many people, families, and businesses in need of help to rebuild their lives. As we’ve gone on this journey, we’ve met so many incredibly strong people, and we want to let them know that they aren’t forgotten,” Fanning commented before the 2024 golf day teed off.
Celebrity golfers at this year’s event included Andy Lee and Hamish Blake, Ash Barty, Bernard Fanning, Nedd Brockman, Cam Smith, Pat Rafter, Dylan Alcott, Ellidy Pullin, Guy Sebastian, Leila McKinnon, Wade Graham and Max Gawn.
All funds raised are distributed directly with the help of charities GIVIT, Hands on Heart Project and Human Nature.
This year the general public took part via the online auction, which featured a range of donated items and money-can’t-buy experiences from Mick’s high-profile friends, including a Daniel Ricciardo racing suit, fishing with Cam Smith and The Mad Hueys, and five nights’ accommodation at Fanning’s private estate, Rolling Seas. Each year there’s also the chance for one lucky golfing four to play alongside the star-studded lineup of athletes and celebrity participants, via the auction.
The primary sponsor for the third year in a row was Balter Beer, with other key sponsors including Lululemon as the Official Merchandise Sponsor, ClubCar, Callaway, Yeti, Bushnell Golf, Super Stroke and Shortees.
