Cleeve Hill Golf Club, sitting high above the town of Cheltenham, played host to the inaugural Cotswold Trophy last week which saw 15 teams compete on the iconic old Tom Morris designed Cleeve Hill course as 60 players from across the golf industry enjoyed an event with a difference.
Competitors were treated to a rolling pizza lunch on arrival, before tackling a modified Foursomes format over 13 holes in the afternoon. This gave the players their first look at Cleeve Hill and with blue skies present showed off the incredible views from every hole.
The good weather prevailed into the evening which was complimented by a wonderful BBQ and live music outside the Clubhouse. A floodlit nearest the pin chipping competition took place later in the evening onto the putting green, which created a wonderful atmosphere.
Day 2 commenced with the second round which incorporated a Golf Sixes format. The competitors were treated to on course refreshments from ‘Eric’ – Cleeve Hill’s iconic yellow Land Rover which provided much needed sustenance in the morning. To continue the theme of being ‘a little different’ a ‘Wildest Drive’ was held on the 9th hole and this was eventually won by Gary Johnson from EGD with a drive that finished just 124 yards from the middle of the fairway!
The event was won by the team from Intuitive Edge Marketing (pictured), and they received the trophy which has been created from limestone taken from the hill.
Brandon Trimmer from Intuitive Edge commented, ‘This event has been totally unique, my team all commented that this has been the most fun we have had at a golf event and it has been great fun to do something different. It goes to show what can be done when you approach things from a different angle. It has been wonderful to meet others from the industry that we wouldn’t normally get to network with. The hospitality has been first class and the golf course is simply ‘wow’.’
Sam Foyle, co-owner of Cleeve Hill said, ‘When the team from Legacy Golf Advisors came up with the idea for the Cotswold Trophy, we were excited to see how it would materialise. The event couldn’t have been better, it really showcased everything we love about Cleeve Hill and the relaxed and fun formats are totally aligned with our vision. I’ve received so many great comments about the course and am proud of the team for delivering a memorable first Cotswold Trophy.’
Plans are in place to secure a date for the 2024 version and further details will be published in due course.