July 2008

'Putting' charity first

Professional and amateur golfers from all around the county came together to raise funds for local charities Oakhaven Hospice and First Opportunities.

The Charity Pro-Am staged at New Forest District Council’s Dibden Golf Centre, is one of Hampshire PGA’s most popular events.

Lee-on-the-Solent’s James Ablett successfully defended his title winning with a five-under-par. Starting from the 12th tee Ablett drove the green at the par four hole and holed from five feet to start his round with an eagle. Four and a half hours later he finished his round with a birdie two at the 11th.

Jon Barnes (Sherfield Oaks) took second place on 66, with Philip Bryden, Roger Tuddenham and Gary Stubbington sharing third place on 67.

Corhampton’s Lee Graves won the Pro-Am with his team of Mark Davies, John Peterken and Chris Allen. Their stunning twenty-one-under-par score of 119 was three better than Ben Johnson and his team of Matt Le Tissier, Heath Bland and Laurie Parsonage.

‘Nearest the Pin’ prizes were won by Mark Davies, Vic Grant, Laurie Parsonage, Tony Hobbs and Luke Russell while the La Vista Restaurant prize for ‘Longest Drive at the 10th’ went to Ryan Lewis. The Kings Volvo ‘What’s the Score’ competition was won by Richard Hargood.

Forty-five teams took part in the Tournament, which was organised by John Slade and Paul Smith.

Prizes were presented by Chairman of New Forest District Council Cllr Paul Woods, who commented, “The money raised from this event will benefit Oakhaven Hospice and First Opportunities New Forest; both very worthwhile charities helping and supporting the people of the New Forest. The Council is delighted to host the annual Pro-Am at our beautiful golf course at Dibden. What a view, what a course, what a wonderful place to play golf’.