In January this year the R&A acknowledged that there is an element of luck when an ace graces its presence at a golf day. A defining moment when the ball rolls across the green and into the cup in one single shot. It’s a golfers delight and so offering prizes for this glorious achievement has never been more desirable.
How right were the R&A when you hear about the coincidental luck that fell upon host club Whitchurch Golf Club, Cardiff very recently. Not one but two holes-in-one for two team mates – both called Andy and both from Bristol!
The Williams Lea Jonathan Davies Celebrity Golf Day has been held for the last four years and has raised over £30,000 for Velindre Cancer Centre, which has been providing support and care to cancer patients in South Wales for over 50 years. Jonathan Davies is President of Velindre fundraising and each year his golf day sells out and attracts a wide range of celebrities and support from many companies and organisations.
Worldwide Hole ‘N One, Lloyds underwritten prize insurers, were called upon when the organiser of the day decided to offer some headline prizes for a hole-in-one.
Huw Rodgers, of Bridgend, South Wales, approached one such company, Guy Salmon Land Rover Bristol, part of the Sytner Group. Amanda Binner-Vaughan, Dealer Principal, who accepted the opportunity of sponsorship without question, agreed to put up a Land Rover as part of the insured hole-in-one package to add some fun & excitement to this very successful charity golf day. Knowing personally of Velindre’s amazing work, she was very keen to support such a worthwhile charity.
Here’s how Lady Luck played her game on the back 9 at Whitchurch Golf Club. Huw Rodgers says: “I have been playing golf for a very long time, had two holes in one myself and witnessed quite a few, but to see two in the same round is something quite special.
“Andy Williams, 18 handicapper from Bristol played his shot on the 13th which is a very tricky Par 3. He hit a perfect 9 iron pitched at the front of the green and it rolled straight in. The look on his face was a picture! I was amazed as he didn’t really say much, he was so shocked.
“Andy Cooper, another 18 handicapper from Bristol proceeded to take his shot on the 15th, which is my least favourite par 3. He hit a 5 iron which I believe hit the flag almost full on and went straight into the hole. His reaction was totally different as he dropped his club on the tee and took off down the fairway like a man processed, not the best golf etiquette but what the hell, I think it was required at the time!
“I had only commented just before we played the hole that it would be nice to win a holiday and to take Andy with his new clubs away!
“The only thing that Andys had to be pushed to do was put some drinks on the bar. But after a little while two bottles of whiskey appeared of which was well received with a round of applause.”
Worldwide Hole ‘N One are very pleased to reward Andy Williams, who is now the proud owner of a set of Callaway Razr X Black Irons and a White Hot Odyssey Ice Putter and Andy Cooper is about to book his 4 day stay for 2 at The Meridien Penina 5* Golf Resort in Portugal for 2013.
Such luck fell this day on a well deserving charitable day. Headed up by Jonathan Davies MBE & organised by truly dedicated people like Huw Rodgers, golf day organiser.
For this great work and support, Andrew Morris, Head of Fundraising for Velindre Cancer Care is truly grateful. Funds from this event will help to provide care, treatment and support for over 130,000 out patients and day cases next year alone at the Centre based at Cardiff Hospital.
Some say we make our own luck but this is a sign that perhaps we can guide it in the right direction with great people, hard work, dedication and a goal that we are passionate about.
One thing is for sure, the Andys will be pleased to keep their prizes and their 18 handicaps as thanks to the R&A they won’t be becoming professional golfers anytime soon, just extremely happy and lucky ones.
WorldWide Hole ‘N One www.hole-in-one.co.uk
Velindre Cancer Centre www.velindrefundraising.com
Whitchurch (Cardiff) Golf Club www.whitchurchcardiffgolfclub.co.uk