Sporting stars join tee off for golf club’s Pro Am day
Torquay Golf Club’s Pro Am benefit golf day is back with the support of some of the sport’s biggest names.
The popular event has not been held since 2019 due to Covid but tomorrow (Friday 26 May) 46 professionals from across the South West will tee off for the 2023 day, with the main beneficiary being Rowcroft Hospice.
Among the amateur players who are joining them are Steve Backley, former British javelin thrower and record holder, and former British javelin thrower Katherine “Goldie Sayers” Dinch, who are both experienced golfers and have recently joined Torquay Golf Club and are getting more into the game employed by the members of the golf club as well as supporting the club with charity and social events.
The interest in the event is so great that players from outside the region also participate. Each of the teams consists of a professional golfer accompanied by three amateurs, all playing on the same team. There is also an individual competition for the pros. Pro golfer James Ruth will be hoping to continue his winning streak from winning the last Pro Am in Minchinhampton with an impressive -8 performance and taking the win three shots ahead of runners-up Jamie Clare of Long Sutton, who also has to play at Torquay.
Club Captain Phil Bragg and Ladies Captain Sue Arnold say sponsorships are important as it gives the club the opportunity to host the event with confidence and contribute to the club’s chosen charity.
They said: “This is always a very popular and well supported event which allows us to showcase our club and golf course. The support comes not only from the field of participants, but also from the number of volunteers that day who helped with registration.” We help at the start desk and help put up the sponsor signage, staff the drinks tent and ball spot for stray golf balls .”
Many local businesses, including Pegg Estate Agents and drinks wholesaler Tolchards, who along with club members are big supporters of local sport, have all contributed to the fundraiser.
Phil and Sue say: “Due to Covid, 2019 was the last time the club held their popular Pro Am. When this year’s Pro Am was first promoted to its members and suppliers in November last year, it became clear that this was the case very quickly.” was that this event would not only be popular but also sell out, which had never happened before.”
The club hosts a range of charity events, whether in support of the growing junior section or each captain’s chosen charity, ranging from nationally recognized charities such as Cancer UK to local organizations such as Young Devon.
Without the support of the members and the organization and commitment of each individual captain, every event would not be possible.
Laura Colman, who was responsible for all administration of the event, said: “Everyone has a chance to win a prize at the Pro Am. We have 18 spot prizes for men, women and juniors, as well as course prizes for handicap divisions.” The top three prizes will be custom golf clubs: Scotty Cameron Putter for 1st place, a TSR Hybrid for 2nd place and a Vokey Wedge for 2nd place 3rd place for each amateur player. For those not playing but want to win a prize we have Our Mega Bonus Ball where you buy a golf ball for £5 and have a chance to win £200 cash.”
To find out more about how to host a charity golf event or membership at Torquay Golf Club please contact Laura Colman Golf & Retail Co-ordinator on 01803 314591 option 1 or email golf@torquaygolfclub .co.uk