An impressive £5,000 was raised for charity at the 29th Annual Sports Celebrity Am tournament at Brean Golf Club on Wednesday (June 12th).
25 teams took to the course after fuelling up on an excellent breakfast during the first to be hosted in the new multi-million pound Brean Country Club building.
Each of the teams had high hopes of lifting the Tom Childs Memorial Trophy at the end of the day as well as supporting two worthy charities, The Injured Jockeys Fund and St Margaret’s Hospice.
Andrew March, PGA Golf Professional and the club’s Director of Golf, said: “After some inclement weather in the days leading up to the event, the weather gods were kind to the golfers as they enjoyed a cool dry day with only a light breeze, a rarity!”
“The course was presented in good shape by Robin Williams and his team of staff despite the issues posed by the heavy rain ahead of the day.”
“Most teams of three were joined by a Celebrity from the sporting world to complete their quartet and a variety of sports were represented.”
Former Champion Jockey John Francome led the way alongside a couple of other former jockeys including 1987 Grand National winner Steve Knight and Jeff King.
Matt Banahan from Gloucester Rugby made his first appearance at Brean, as did former Sunderland and Bristol City footballer Gary Owers.
A few familiar faces also appeared as regular supporters Pete Trego and Max Waller from Somerset County Cricket Club, ex Bristol Rovers footballer Tony Pounder and former World Darts Champion Bob Anderson also tee’d it up.
A sprinkling of local PGA Professional also joined the fun and it was one of these who led home the winning team.
Andrew added: “Surf Bay Leisure entered three teams into the event and it was their number one team who ended the day as number one. Adam Lerwill, Josh Taylor and Rich Ross were joined by Burnham & Berrow Professional Graeme Biggs to accumulate a score of 91 points which saw them end up 2 clear of the field.”
“Runners-up on 89 were the Jones Bros Builders team consisting of Wayne Barrett, Phil Hodgson, David and Eric Jones. 2019 Brean Ladies Captain Lyn Bird led her troops to third place with an 88 point return.”
“Beryl Richards, Eileen Parnell and Millie Jones were her partners in crime that relegated the Fire at Will quarter to fourth spot. Joe Lemon joined forces with his brother Will, Justin Phillips and Phil; Strange to score 87 points.”
“The final prizewinners were the Heineken UK team with John Francome as the Celebrity. Alongside Francome was Dave Willis, Mark Short and Rich Fisher who all combined to return 85 points.”
The winners received their spoils at a presentation which followed another superb meal in the Country Club and both charities representatives addressed the room to thank the players and sponsors for their generous support over the years.
“In total, the day raised £5,000 for the Charities and plans are already being made for the 30th anniversary edition of the event in 12 months time,” added Andrew.
