ATLANTA – With the spring season just days away, Georgia State men's golf announced on Wednesday an initiative to help raise money for victims of the devastating fires throughout Australia.

Senior Josh Edgar who hails from Gold Coast, Australia, saw the devastation first-hand when he returned to his native country over the holiday break and along with head coach Chad Wilson came up with the idea to raise money for Rural Aid through golf.

Fans of the program are asked to give a commitment for each birdie or better that Edgar makes in his first three tournaments of the spring this February and March. The season kicks off at the Dorado Beach Classic this Sunday. The Panthers will also compete in Auburn's Tiger Invitational and Georgia Southern's Schenkel Invitational in March.

"All of us have seen the devastation in Australia on television and via social media," Wilson said. "However, when you have a student-athlete who was able to see it up close, it hits home a little more. I know Josh is excited for his final semester of collegiate golf and hopefully can compete well and raise a bunch of money for a great cause."

Rural Aid is one of Australia's largest rural charities. Well known for the highly successful 'Buy a Bale' campaign, the charity also provides financial assistance, water, and counseling to farmers in times of drought, flood or fire. Other initiatives support its vision that farming and rural communities are safeguarded to ensure their sustainability both during and after these natural disasters.

It is estimated that there were more than 10,000 farms and 10 million farm animals in the first affected zones in Australia.

Fans who would like to participate can reach out to Coach Wilson directly at cwilson119@gsu.edu or at 404-413-4065. To learn more about Rural Aid, visit ruralaid.org.au.