Hight Sheriff Youth Award Charity Golf Day
This was held at Foxhills Country Club and Resort on Monday 6th June and was the first such day for this charity, which is always supported by the High Sheriff of Surrey. 88 players in teams of four competed for a magnificent Cup which was won by Julian Bates, Stephen Bates, Michael Walsh and Phil Leahy with an excellent two ball better ball score of 91 points. They won by one point and third place was only two points behind. Nobody had a hole in one, which would have won £30,000 and been divided equally with the charity. But players won a prize for nearest the pin on each of the four par 3 holes, for the straightest drive, and for a long putt on the 18th green. The weather was reasonable and it didn’t rain. The Half Way Hut provided Italian ham, salami, Parmesan and pecorino cheeses, wine and beer, all of which attracted many compliments.
At the dinner it was a great pleasure to welcome as guests Jackie Alliss, wife of the late Peter Alliss, “the Voice of Golf”, and their son Simon Alliss. When their presence was announced, an affectionate round of applause immediately followed, a tribute to them and the late Peter, who was beloved of generations of golfers.
Ken Schofield, the Director of the European Tour 1975-2004, was on the committee that prepared for the day along with the highly experienced organiser of charity golf days, Brendan Reynolds, to whom the High Sheriff presented An High Sheriff’s Award Certificate in appreciation of his exceptional service to the community. Shahid Azeem and Peter Lee, former High Sheriffs, Jamie Sehmer, and Paul Evans were also on the organising committee with the High Sheriff.
Such an event could not have been successful without sponsorship and grateful thanks go to Wates, Keltbray and Srixon for their financial assistance. Josie Perks of Wates produced the excellent Auction Catalogue. Adger Brown raised many laughs and was highly successful in running the auction, that raised just over £20,000: the overall benefit of the day to the charity was nearly £30,000. The trustees of the charity and those who work for it are extremely grateful to all competitors and to the donors of the auction lots. It was a splendid day and hopefully it will be repeated next year.