GIVING SOMETHING BACK
Golfers from all over the country converged on Tandridge GC for the tenth staging of the GM forum charity day in aid of Help for Heroes
Good things tend to happen when golfers get together, and the 2019 Golf Monthly forum charity day for Help for Heroes was no exception. On its tenth edition, the purpose was, as always, to raise as much money as possible to support military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become sick as a result of service.
This year, people travelled from afar to enjoy Tandridge, a Golf Monthly Top 100 Course and the home club of GM courses expert Rob Smith, who was said to have asked the greenkeepers to get the putting surfaces running at club championship levels of speed and quality.
They were in splendid condition, as was the rest of the course, which was bathed in sunshine throughout the day. The Harry Colt classic was a test for all who took it on and there were plenty of high scores, but also numerous birdie opportunities when the ball was kept in play.
Prizes galore
There were several players who kept control of their ball admirably during their rounds. Lilyhawk claimed third place with 35 points, behind Hooker and Duncanmackie, who had 38 points each. The latter secured first prize on countback. Fiona Gray from Battle Back Golf, a programme that uses golf to enhance recovery among wounded service personnel, cleaned up on the day as she put together the best guest score with 39 points, won the team prize alongside Teegirl,
Sawtooth and Diablo and secured the ladies long drive on the 9th hole. GM’S own Neil Tappin won the men’s long drive on the same hole.
The gross prize went to Mikejohnchapman, who produced an excellent 78, while Hooker took the FJ Forum Challenge – his second win of the day. Two holes were used for nearest the pin competitions, with
Adam Williams nearest at the par-3 4th and Radbourne 2010 closest in two at the par-4 17th.
Finally, the rickg Memorial Trophy – awarded to someone who makes a great contribution to both the day and the forum as a whole – went to Blue in Munich. It’s given in memory of Rick Garg, who was instrumental in starting the Help for Heroes charity day. Carved by Ted Granger, the trophy, along with several others, was provided by Veterans Woodcraft, which helps those who have experienced trauma through the art of crafting wood.
More to come
After the golf, everyone got stuck in to the delicious carvery and famous Tandridge Pudding. Barrie Griffiths, a Beneficiary Ambassador for Help for Heroes, then gave a poignant speech about the positive impact the organisation had made on his life.
The charity auction with professional auctioneer Mark Head was once again one of the most anticipated parts of the day. Some excellent prizes were there to be had, such as rounds at Bearwood Lakes and Tandridge and an Open experience with GM editor Mikeh.
All in all, an amazing £16,000 was raised for Help for Heroes, which pushes the total over the last ten years to more than £130,000. Special thanks went to richart, Vicky, Lincoln Quaker, Cameron, the Help for Heroes team and everyone else who helped to organise such an incredible event.