On the weekend that the PGA Tour pushed onto its Scottish leg at The Renaissance Club, The Albion Foundation welcomed their own cohort of golf aficionados.
On Friday, July 12, Sandwell Park Golf Club opened its gleaming fairways, silky putting greens and elegant clubhouse for the most extraordinary of contests between teams of Foundation sponsors, budding golfers and one very special guest.
The cause? To raise money for The Albion Foundation, who continue to grow opportunities through the heart of the community, affecting areas just a stone’s throw from the course they’ll be driving down.
Golfers are greeted by the warm, smoky smell of bacon rolls being served in the pavilion and tables lined with China receptacles brimming with homely tea and coffee. The reception area sees competitors sign in and make the decision whether to take on the imposing challenge of the pink ball.
With all teams seated, breakfast consumed, and the main pavilion room filled with those itching to get out on the course, Steve Meeson, events coordinator at the Foundation, steps up to rally the audience and take the bidding for the holes each team would wish to start on.
Bids test necks muscles, the first physical challenge of the day, as attention is turned from one side of the room to the other, vying for the ideal position to begin the day’s golfing escapade. Eventually, all is settled, and more crucial money is raised for the Foundation – whilst keeping participants with even the highest competitive spirit happy.
If the bidding was one twist, there would be another turn soon after, as Albion legend Chris Brunt walks onto the path just outside of the pavilion, decked from head-to-toe in his golfing gear. He wouldn’t get to enjoy his day of golfing just yet though, as he was soon tasked with signing t-shirts which would then be awarded to the winning teams. Brunt is soon noticed by the team beginning on hole one, who are keen to get a photo with the Baggies’ legendary number 11.
Before long, the time comes to begin the game, golfers laden with caddies jump onto the buggies that’ll soon see them parade from hole to hole across the course.
Players in position and dimpled, crisp balls placed upon tees – the golfers are ready. The starting claxon is sounded, echoing off the verdant and rustic shades of green and brown that line the course – birds in those trees give a cacophonous call to show their disgruntlement.
Swings of the clubs cut through the air. The most powerful swishes come from those playing on the hole with the longest drive, sponsored by Foundation patrons – Bennett Whitehouse.
Our golfers progress through the day, driving, chipping and putting with hopes of victory at the forefront of their mind. They must dust off their umbrellas midway through the afternoon though, as a deluge of rain intends to put them off course.
It doesn’t and the teams push through, and albeit sodden, come charging up the path on their buggies in buoyant spirits - having enjoyed a competitive near-six hours of golfing endeavours. Many of our golfers touched or came within touching distance of their pars set at the beginning of the day.
A short break is endured as the golfers wring themselves out over the radiators and the accommodating catering staff at Sandwell Park Golf Club race to prepare dinner service as the same pavilion room that served breakfast is turned into a picturesque banquet. The front of the room is decked with prizes, a large proportion of which provided by HSBC – Foundation partners.
The meal served is to excellent taste, a bowl of vibrant carrot and coriander soup lands on the table initially. Its warming flavour provides the perfect complement to a wet and windy day of golf – small crispy croutons are submerged partially in it.
Next, a succulent roast chicken greets mouths of hungry golfers across the table, flanked by roast potatoes with crackling exteriors and a smooth buttery inside along with simmered vegetables. The pudding goes down a treat, a cheesecake with crumbly biscuit base is passed from table to table – many couldn’t be blamed for fancying a second round.
The winners are revealed soon after dinner, the Bache Group team come up to the front to collect their third-place trophy along with an assortment of Baggies and HSBC branded gifts. Van Monkey are next for their silver medal. The winners, Hall Financial Planners who put in an excellent performance to take home the top prize.
Alas the end of the evening, and after £10,990 raised for the Foundation, there’s still a few minutes left for deputy director Jonathan Ward to show his appreciation for all who made the day possible.
“I would like to thank everyone for attending our Golf Day at Sandwell Park Golf Club,” Ward began. “It was a great day that has helped us raise vital funds for the Foundation’s excellent work in the community.
“This day wouldn’t be possible without our event sponsors, Bache Group, West Bromwich Albion Former Players’ Association and CPC Civils. They’ve endeavoured to put on this event and have been excellent throughout.
“Sandwell Park Golf Club have also been incredibly accommodating for us and we’re very grateful for their hospitality. A huge thanks to our events, media and administration team for pulling together to create a memorable day for our golfers.”