Walkings Brilliant Golf Day @ Tankersley Park GC

We returned to Tankersley Park Golf Club again this year for our much-loved annual charity golf day.

On World Suicide Prevention Day, which perfectly aligned with our mission and objectives, our teams of golfers, accompanied by their celebrity, took to the course to compete for honours and excellent prizes.

Twenty-eight teams of golfers took part this year, with each team consisting of three golfers and a celebrity.

The day started with a downpour, but that soon cleared and the sun was out in South Yorkshire. After enjoying a bacon sandwich, coffee, and a few beers, the teams headed out to the course to their designated tee in a shotgun start format.

Some excellent golf (and some not so great) was played, with the winning team, GBR Solutions, taking the honours, closely followed by One Hit Wonders, with Smarttrax A in third. Our wooden spoon prize went to 50 Shades.

The nearest pin was won by Jon Thompson, the nearest pin in two went to One Hit Wonders and the ‘closest to the line’ was won by ex-pro John Beresford. Tom Cherryholme won the ‘nearest first tee’ (worst tee shot off the first).

Following the golf, guests were entertained by MC Pete Emmett, who, as always, had the room in fits of laughter. He really is a hilarious man and consistently delivers for us year after year. Mark Crossley, who is heavily involved with the charity, said a few poignant words about the aim of the fundraising on what was a fitting day, with many ex-pro footballers holding mental health causes close to their hearts.

Pete then introduced guest speakers Dean Saunders and Matt Le Tissier, who captured the room with comical tales from their footballing careers.

Following the auction, football card, raffle and all other donations, a total of over £10,500 was raised.

The money raised by Walkings Brilliant is donated to amazing charities and causes, such as children’s charities, mental health support, hospices and many more worthwhile organisations that need financial support to do the brilliant work they do.

We would like to extend our gratitude to our sponsors, including APS Surveying, Rapid Response, Readypower, Smarttrax, and Howcroft Group.

Thank you to Tankersley Park Golf Club, the pro shop and the catering team for helping put on a great day and evening.

Finally, a special mention to all the volunteers who help organise these days. The work they put in can’t be underestimated, and without them, these things wouldn’t happen.

All that remains to say is, see you next year for more of the same!