Welcoming a host of celebrities and professional golfers, the inaugural Tony Jacklin CBE Wentworth Charity Invitational was a fantastic success that helped to raise vital funds for charity Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young people.
Hosted by two-time Major winner Tony Jacklin, the event took place at Wentworth, one of the world’s most exclusive courses and home to the BMW PGA Championship. Some of the other professionals competing on the famous West Course included former Ryder Cup Vice-Captain, Peter Baker; fellow Ryder cup stars David Gilford and Phillip Price, European Senior Tour star, Gary Wolstenholme MBE; and multiple European Tour winner, Paul Broadhurst. The course is particularly special to Jacklin as it is the scene where he twice won the British PGA Championship in 1972 and 1982.
The all-star cast of celebrities in attendance included: legendary cricketing all-rounder, Sir Garfield Sobers; five-time Olympic Gold medallist, Sir Steve Redgrave; World F1 Champion, Damon Hill OBE; actor, Jimmy Nesbitt; Rugby World Cup winner, Mike Tindall; MasterChef presenter, Gregg Wallace; Football Focus presenter, Dan Walker and Ashes-winning cricketer, Matthew Hoggard MBE.
After the golf, guests enjoyed a delicious three-course meal back at the Clubhouse. Entertainment was provided by comedian and entertainer Kev Orkin, as well as musical legend Merrill Osmond and Boyzone singer Keith Duffy who sung a duet of ‘Love Me For A Reason’ much to the delight of the audience!
Organised by brand agency Champions (UK) plc, the event also presented a fantastic opportunity to raise significant funds for Midlands-based Children’s Hospice, Rainbows, through a number of activities including a charity auction conducted by TV auctioneer, Charlie Ross. Prizes included a round of golf with Tony Jacklin CBE at Lytham St Annes and a one week stay at Royal Westmoreland Golf Resort in Barbados. The charity offers children and young people with life threatening and life limiting illnesses specialist hospice facilities at their base in Loughborough and money raised ensures that they can continue their important work.
Jacklin was overjoyed with the event and said: “This is the first year of many I hope for the event, I would like to say a big thank you to all the professionals, celebrities, sponsors and Wentworth for helping us to put together a truly special day for all who came. Most importantly we managed to raise a fantastic amount for Rainbows which I am delighted about!”
Guests enjoyed accommodation at the beautiful Pennyhill Park, situated in nearby Bagshot. Lyle and Scott generously donated all the players’ shirts for the day and there was also an exclusive whisky tasting on the first tee kindly provided by luxury Scottish whisky brand, Glenmorangie. The event was generously supported by sponsors: Farmfoods, William Hill, Glenmorangie, Lyle and Scott, Pennyhill Park and the Barbados Tourist Board.
Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People www.rainbows.co.uk