The prestigious venue for this year’s Golf Classic Gala Dinner and Prize Giving event could not have been more iconic for the finalists, sponsors and media partners who joined us in the hallowed Ryder Room at The Belfry on Friday 27th September 2019.
Thirty two golfers played the PGA Course at the luxury golf resort with hope in their hearts and smiles all round. The finalists had won through five rounds of golf to be at the event. The Golf Classic is now in its 27th year and rightly holds a paramount place in industry calendar, being as it is, the only national golfing tournament exclusively for those working within UK mainland construction.
Our finalists not only represented golf played geographically across the country, they also demonstrated the breadth of professional services and trades that go to make up our vibrant working community, from architects and lighting design to plumbing, electrical engineers and specialist plastering.
Through sun, the breeze and some showers, the final day’s play progressed through eighteen exhilarating and challenging holes, until all the points were tallied and the winners confirmed.
The Belfry has hosted the Ryder Cup on four occasions and staged numerous European Tour events. Among the more memorable of these was the 2002 Ryder Cup where Sam Torrance captained the triumphant European team. Indeed, the Ryder Room, our base for the day and evening’s events, was famously where Sam discussed strategy and tactics, gave team talks and from whose balcony those same players later celebrated with champagne before the rapturous spectators gathered below.
Stan James, Marley Plumbing and Drainage Manging Director presented winning finalist team Steve Hodgson and Colin Trestrail, and Runners Up team, brothers Gary and David Fountain with their trophies and prizes. Runner up David Fountain said of the day, “As far as my brother and I are concerned we had already won by being here and taking part in such a wonderful day. We knew from the 1st hole that our opponents were going to be tough to beat and so it transpired. It was nip and tuck all around this wonderful course with Steve and Colin winning through by a single point on the last.”
This was the second time Steve Hodgson had won the Golf Classic and he was generous in his acceptance speech, thanking the players, sponsors, media partners and organisers, Mainspring, for their work in making the tournament and final such a success. He also heaped praise on the teams he and partner had played against as they progressed through the rounds, “As always, we met some great people on our travels, playing at new courses, sharing experiences and taking part in the sport we all love.”
A pair of Main Sponsor Marley Plumbing and Drainage four-ball teams secured 1st and 2nd place in the sponsor’s competition with Stan James, Paul Burton, Gavin Fryer-Kelsey and Matt Hilton winning through, closely pursued by Warwick Mitton, Roland Potts, Shahir Patel and Richard Cowley.
Chris Barnes of MKM Building Suppliers secured the TSP Media sponsored, Nearest the Pin prize with the Hamerville sponsored Longest Drive accolade going to winning finalist team member David Fountain.
Following much merriment during a memorable evening, some of our guests took advantage of their free overnight stay to play another round at the Belfry the following day.
Why not join us for the 2020 running of the Golf Classic and find out why players return year after year to take part in great sport, visit new courses and forge new friendships and business networks.
Visit www.thegolfclassic.co.uk facebook.com/thegolfclassic/ @TheGolfClassic E. info@thegolfclassic.co.uk or call us now on 01892 752300 to join for just £46 per two ball team.
