It was 121 years in the making but according to the 88 golfers who took part in Puttenham’s first-ever Pro Am it was well worth the wait. With the Course in pristine condition, the weather set fair and the sun breaking through it was all systems go for a great day’s golf. A brand new MG3 glinted temptingly in the sunlight alongside the 18th green but sadly, despite a few close calls, a Hole in One proved too elusive on the day! Local PGA professionals James Ablett (Lee on the Solent) and Chris Gane (Silvermere) were joint winners shooting two under par sharing a handsome first prize of £1300. The PGA commmented that Puttenham had proved a fine test of golf for all the professionals. Jack Clegg (Worplesdon) led PGC members Paul Bugdale, Jim Giberson and Colin Thody to victory in the team event.
Ultimately, the Pro Am was Captain Doug Fleming’s idea to raise funds for his chosen charity – the Guildford based Prostate Project. To highlight the tremendous work and research the Prostate Trust and other cancer charities carry a number of Club members who had all survived prostate cancer attended the pre dinner activities. Their leader Terry Bridgman gave a poignant reminder to all those men present of the importance of regular personal checks.
Doug said “Thanks to the generosity of our main sponsor Normandy Garage, the hole sponsors, those that donated auction items and raffle prizes, individual donors and our volunteers and supporters the event raised over £8000. It was a hugely successful first for Puttenham that has definitely set a trend for future Pro Am events!”