The first main prize winner of the newly launched Golf Lottery has hailed his decision to sign up to the initiative after enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime celebrity pro-am experience.
Pharmacist Jonathan Roberts won his place in this week’s Celebrity Series event at Formby Golf Club & Formby Ladies Golf Club alongside a star-studded field after his numbers were called out in the opening Golf Lottery draw in July.
The 44-year-old was grouped alongside two-time DP World Tour winner Jean van de Velde and Liverpool Football Club legend Robbie Fowler, who retained the Celebrity Series title he won last year on Merseyside in front of a delighted home crowd.,
Roberts, a 15-handicapper, said: “It was an absolutely awesome experience, everyone couldn’t have been better.
“It was great watching the likes of Jean Van de Velde, but Robbie Fowler was fantastic. He played some amazing golf and you can see why he is such a good player.”
Devised by Ryan Howsam – majority owner of the Legends Tour and chairman of the Staysure Group – the Golf Lottery’s primary aim is to raise funds for good causes. Charity partners include the Alzheimer’s Society, The Golf Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK.
Simple and easy to play, once signed up for £5 per calendar month or an annual subscription with a direct debit of £52 per year, players have the chance to win some fantastic weekly prizes.
Roberts added: “It took about to the fifth hole for my heart rate to come below 130. It was nerve-wracking but I loosened up on the back nine and felt like I had an OK round. It was well worth spending £1 a week for that experience.”
Fowler was also full of praise for the Golf Lottery and the work it is doing alongside supporting nationwide charities, saying: “Golf Lottery offers a chance for everyone to get involved.
“There is a chance for Jon to walk with professional golfers and charities earn from it as well, and that is the big thing. Fundamentally, it is raising money for people who are less fortunate and that is what it should always be about.”
Current prizes up for grabs include a once-in-a-lifetime playing experience in the Indian Ocean with a former Major champion or Ryder Cup captain with a golfing friend. The experience includes business-class flights and five-star accommodation. More prizes will be added throughout the year, including tickets to tournaments, signed merchandise, lessons with professionals, golf product and so much more.
Keith Mitchell, managing director of the Golf Lottery, said: “The first few draws have been a massive success and it is great to see so many prize winners. Jon enjoyed a great day and we encourage anyone to sign up to the Golf Lottery and follow in his footsteps by winning one of the many incredible prizes on offer.”