A golf society has raised more than £1,000 for charity at an annual national championship.
The Notts and Lincs Irish Golfing Society hosted the National Championships of the Union of Irish Golf Societies GB at Newark Golf Club.
A total of 120 players came together from across the country on May 14-15 to compete for both team and individual prizes at the championships, which are held each year at different courses around England.
Notts and Lincs Golf Society chairman Rev Father Michael O’Donoghue, president Neil Crockett, committee member Pat Roche, secretary Frank Duffy, and captain Jackii Crockett. Photo: Supplied
It was the first time in 40 years the society had hosted the event, and excellent conditions were reported — with the 14 participating teams of golfers also serenaded by the May Cuckoo on both days.
There was home success as the team champions trophy was won by players from the Notts and Lincs Irish Golfing Society.
Aside from the golf, attendees were also treated to a gala dinner — which included a “mesmerising” display of Irish dancing with the current men’s world champion, Shay Brunning — and took part in charity fundraising.
Notts and Lincs Irish Golf Society committee member Pat Roche, Irish dance champion Shay Brunning, and society chairman Rev Father Michael O Donoghue. Photo: Supplied
Over its 43 year history the Notts and Lincs Irish Golf Society has followed the motto of “friendship, golf, and giving” — and the chosen charity for this year’s national championship was Newark Mencap.
The charity, which provides support for adults with learning disabilities, will receive a large donation of around £1,400 thanks to the generosity of the Irish golfers from all across the UK.
Neil Crockett, president of the Notts and Lincs Irish Golf Society, said: “This was the first time in 40 years our society has hosted the national championships and it was a wonderful festival of Irish golf — good, bad and ugly — Irish culture, and fun, and supporting Mencap which is such an important charity in Newark.
“The icing on the cake was that we walked off with the national team trophy, a great home win, Thanks to Newark Golf Club for looking after us and giving us a great course to enjoy.”
The Notts and Lincs Irish Golfing Society, which has around 40 members who play three events a year, will host its captains day at Stoke Rochford Golf Club on Friday, June 19.
It welcomes new members to attend, and anyone interested can email frankduffy1966@gmail.com.