When Tom McCann snapped a picture of himself and a friend on the golf course little did he imagine it would win him the golf trip of a lifetime.
Tom’s photograph (illustrated) was one of many entries in an exciting photo competition – named #greatgolfdrives – run by golf travel specialists, Golfbreaks.com, to celebrate its newly established partnership with Volvo Car UK and shine a light on some of the finest links golf tours in the British Isles.
Thousands of golfers submitted their best golfing images through social media channels – with entries covering everything from courses and clubhouses to birdies and beers – but it was Tom’s entry that caught the eye of leading golf photographer, Kevin Murray, who had the casting vote.
“It’s not the best ‘photograph’ but it beautifully captures the essence of golf,” said Kevin. “That joy of going out for a round or on a trip with mates, playing for a few quid, having a laugh and enjoying the banter. There’s a real story behind this picture that we can all relate to as golfers. I love it.”
Tom’s prize was a sensational UK links golf tour for four people, including use of a brand new Volvo XC60 and a new Callaway Big Bertha driver each. With the choice of no less than seven incredible links golf destinations in the UK and Ireland, Tom opted for the far reaches of Scotland, and an itinerary that included the magical trio of Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart and Trump International.
“It was an absolutely brilliant week,” said Tom, an assistant Pro from Morecambe Golf Club in Lancashire. “From start to finish everything was perfect. The weather was amazing; playing in T-shirts that far north in late September is a miracle really. We were all booming our new Callaway Big Berthas and the Volvo XC60 was superb – so smooth to drive and loads of room for all our gear.”
“Of course, the golf was the real star. Trump was out of this world, like nothing I’ve ever played. It’s brutal but beautiful! Dornoch was old school, a truly magical course. Pitching in on the famous 14th hole, ‘Foxy’, was a real highlight. Castle Stuart was magnificent too, really fun to play and amazing views. It was a week we’ll never forget.”
The #greatgolfdrives competition was part of a wider partnership between Golfbreaks.com and Volvo Car UK, bringing together two companies with a shared commitment to excellence. As part of the agreement, a bespoke Affinity scheme also enabled Golfbreaks.com customers to access discounts and offers to buy new cars at reduced prices.
“We’re delighted that Tom and his group enjoyed such a great trip,” said Keith Mitchell, Marketing Director of Golfbreaks.com. “The #greatgolfdrives campaign reached thousands of golfers and highlighted the amazing quality of links golf in the UK and Ireland. Tom couldn’t have picked a better Tour than one that runs from Aberdeen up to the Highlands – and with new Callaway gear and a state-of-the-art Volvo car to enjoy it was really a great golf drive!”