The AHC1895 Annual Charity Hickory Pro-Am was well supported by a full field of 10 teams and took place on 30th September 2022.
This is the second year that the event has been held and it was good to see a number of FGC members taking the opportunity to walk the course and spectate, enjoying the complimentary bar on the tee of the short 5th hole, while Jazz courtesy of the Pasadena Roof Orchestra gently accompanied the golfers tee-shots and drifted across the fairways.
Play got under way with a 9 hole scratch team event with a shotgun start. The leading score of (-5) 30 strokes was shared by two teams: James Arbon Team & Gene Sarazen Team. On count-back the James Arbon Team took the spoils courtesy of an unmatched birdie two on the short par three 5th Hole. After a hearty lunch and liquid refreshment the 18 hole main event got under way. Following completion of play drinks in the clubhouse were taken before the prize giving. A charity raffle and auction were also held. Teams then enjoyed an excellent three-course meal by Head Chef Tony Walton in what was his final official function for FGC before moving on to pastures new.
A Brief Synopsis Of The Prizes Awarded On The Day & A Few Images:
Professional Prize: Awarded to the Pro in the J.H.Taylor Team: Andrew Marshall shooting an impressive 71, seen third from the left below.
*Leading Amateur came from the Ted Ray Team: Harvey Finbow scoring a gross 76 on his impressive debut with hickory clubs. Seen on the right of four below:
The Team Prize was notably won by the Tom Morris Jnr Team with 80 points – the best 2 of 4 scores counting. The team comprised Culford Schools Head of Golf and PGA Professional Lawrence Dodd and three of his Academy players, Ben Mason, Lennie Loos, & Lis Mendez.
*The Amateur Stableford Prize went to Billy Riddick with an impressive 44 points from a handicap of 19.
*Nearest The Pin On The 5th Hole: James Hurst came within a whisker of a hole in one and hickory golfing nirvana!
*Best Dressed Golfers On The Day Were Judged To Be – Graeme Murray & Emma Gordon:
Emma is seen below striking a hickory iron into the short 5th hole & Graeme Murray looks on as his PGA Professional Robert Joyce holes out on the 4th hole at FGC.
A special mention to Robert Ashton for again making his 1925 Alvis 12/50 TF Ducks Back Sports Car available which always helps set the scene and ambience of the day! The Ashton family have a long standing association with FGC.
We also thank FGC Member Jorge Arizpe for entering the Francis Ouimet Team on behalf of our American friends at RAF Lakenheath.
Above a handsome trio of the J.H.Taylor Team on the 3rd Tee: (L-R) Professional Andrew Marshall, Jonathan Bonner and Christian McMillan
Andrew Marshall plays a pitch to the 4th green.
On behalf of AHC1895 and the charity Target Ovarian Cancer we thank Flempton GC and its Membership for their continued support and willingness to host the Annual Charity Hickory Pro-Am. This years Charity Hickory Pro-Am raised £3,038.20 and when this figure is combined with the various events held last year the combined total raised now stands at over £15,000.
To find out more about Target Ovarian Cancer please click the link: https://targetovariancancer.org.uk
The Charity Hickory Pro-Am would not be possible without a number of individuals and companies that have kindly sponsored the event and supplied prizes and auction lots over the past two years – our thanks to: Highland Property Ltd, 9 Iron Media, Culford School, Savills, Trotter & Dean and Nethergate Wines. In addition Dr Philip Evans, Andrew Marshall, and Dez Halil generously supplied this year’s auction lots. We are pleased to confirm the date of the Charity Hickory Pro-Am in 2023 is scheduled for Friday 29th September.
Stay Safe & Keep Swinging!
MISSION STATEMENT: AHC1895 has been established to promote the merits of the Hickory Game, whilst raising funds for worthwhile causes. The primary recipient being Target Ovarian Cancer. The UK’s leading ovarian cancer charity, the organisation funds life-saving research, and undertakes important work leading to early diagnosis and supports women living with cancer.