Wooden Spoon Surrey Golf Day: A Heartwarming Success
The annual Wooden Spoon Surrey Golf Day, recently rebranded as the “Jackson Hodges Memorial Day,” took place on 27th June 2024 at the prestigious Purley Downs Golf Club in South Croydon. This event, held in honor of the late committee members David Jackson and Brian Hodges, brought together avid golfers, esteemed guests, and notable personalities in a day filled with sportsmanship, remembrance, and philanthropy. The All-Star team included John Inverdale, past President of Wooden Spoon, and guest Tim Stimpson, the ex-England and Leicester Tigers rugby player. The day’s entertainment was provided by the renowned comedian and impressionist Danny Posthill, adding a light-hearted and humorous touch to the event.
The golf competition began with a shotgun start, featuring 21 teams of four players each. The format included a unique “Spoon Yellow Ball” competition, where each player had to play a distinctive yellow ball over at least four holes. The event also featured traditional contests such as the longest drive and nearest the pin, along with a new individual prize for the best Stableford score. Following the golf, participants enjoyed drinks and a two-course dinner. The evening included a lively auction, entertainment from the guest speaker, a prize-giving ceremony, and a raffle. The weather was favorable, contributing to the day’s success and the high spirits of all attendees.
Purley Downs Golf Club, known for its exceptional facilities and picturesque views, served as the perfect backdrop for the event. The club has a history of supporting charitable causes, having been the beneficiary of the Captains Charity in the past 12 months. The event raised an impressive £3500, which will be added to the Wooden Spoon Surrey fund. These funds are earmarked for projects that support children with disabilities and those facing disadvantage, ensuring that the event’s impact extends far beyond the golf course.
The winners of the day included the Surrey Copper Distillery team, led by Mike Grieshaber, with 93 points. Second place went to Sporadics with 90 points, and third place was secured by Mixed Fortunes with 88 points. Matt Hall, with an outstanding 41 points, won the new individual prize sponsored by Turquoise Cleaning. The introduction of new trophies for the best team and individual scores, sponsored by Turquoise Cleaning, added an extra layer of excitement and prestige to the event. These trophies will be contested annually, becoming a cherished tradition in the years to come.
The success of the Wooden Spoon Surrey Golf Day was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the Wooden Spoon Surrey team, the supportive management of Purley Downs Golf Club, and the unwavering commitment of the attendees. The event’s combination of good weather, engaging entertainment, and competitive spirit ensured a memorable experience for all involved. For more information about Wooden Spoon and its initiatives, please visit Wooden Spoon Charity.