It’s fair to say that Wentworth had its share of action on Friday 14th November. The day, organised by Darren with the help of Nina Allard, Events Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity, had a delayed shotgun start due to very heavy rain. Play luckily commenced and very soon Simon Barkworth, 18 handicapper, scored himself a hole in one in the very wet conditions on the stunning West Course’s 2nd hole as the sun started to shine on this fantastic day, in its 4th year at Wentworth.
Says Simon, Sales Director UK for Crown Lift Trucks Ltd, on his shot ‘I was third in my team to play from the elevated tee. I changed my 9 iron for my 8 as their shots had landed a little short of the green which is surrounded by four bunkers. The ball pitched 12 inches in front of the 135 yard hole & rolled in! I’m surprised our shouts weren’t heard back at the club house!’ Simon’s ace certainly helped to push his team, playing with former England & Essex Cricketer, Ronnie Iranni into the leading position on the vpar score board, much to their delight; which is where they stayed to gloriously win the team prize of the day.
Simon’s prize for his hole in one was a ‘Stay & Spa Package’ kindly sponsored by Porsche Centre Byfleet, part of the bespoke Wentworth hole in one insurance package offered through Worldwide Hole ‘N One Ltd.
Karen Jennings, Manager of Golf at WHNO said ‘I am absolutely delighted for the charity that we have had a win today! We have been involved from the start in 2011 so this is fantastic news. The main prize on offer was a Porsche Boxster which was up for grabs on the 14th; there were a few close shots but none as fruitful as Simon’s on the 2nd!’ The fun on the fairway was continuous with numerous prizes & challenges on offer including beat the lady pro, courtesy of European Golf Challenge for the fundraisers to play for.
Darren has been helping to support the Bolt family with their fundraising efforts after receiving a letter explaining Alex’s illness and how he was a talented cricketer and a great fan. Darren decided to visit Alex and since his passing has been determined to raise as much money as possible for research into brain tumours. As well as the golf day, a glamorous gala dinner for over 280 people with auction and live singers graced the Ballroom at Wentworth which ran into the wee hours. Guests included Nicky Clarke OBE, Kevin Pietersen MBE South African born English Cricketer, Jessica Taylor singer & TV personality & British ballroom star James Jordon.
Many companies supported the fundraising including Sony, Direct Golf & Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. The funds raised will contribute to the total already raised by this event to over 300K. This will certainly help to change people’s lives in the future affected by brain tumours by investing into research to find a cure.