Record-breaking turnout delivers GIMA's biggest Golf Day yet
The annual GIMA Charity Golf Day teed off last week on Thursday 4th June, welcoming a record-breaking 100 golfers to Belton Woods Golf, Spa and Hotel in Grantham for a day of sporting competition, networking and fundraising – all in aid of the Greenfingers Charity.
Despite facing strong winds and challenging conditions throughout the day, spirits remained high as garden industry professionals from across the sector came together for what proved to be the largest GIMA Golf Day ever held. With even more guests joining the evening celebrations and prize-giving dinner, the event once again demonstrated the strength of support that exists across the garden industry for both GIMA and the Greenfingers Charity.
This year’s top golfers were…
When the final scorecards were counted, it was Toolbank that emerged as winners of the main team competition, narrowly edging out Hyve/Leon Boots in second place, with APAC securing third position.
Elsewhere on the leaderboard, Woodlodge 2 claimed victory in the ever-popular Yellow Ball competition, whilst Monty's Miracle ensured they were dressed to impress, taking home the award for Best Dressed Team.
The individual hole competitions delivered plenty of standout moments throughout the day, with:
- Nearest the Pin – Hole 4: Michail Michailou (MorePeople)
- Nearest the Pin – Hole 8: Jacob Lewis (Leon Boots)
- Nearest the Pin in Two – Hole 9: Si Holdsworth (Primeur)
- Nearest the Pin – Hole 15: Daniel McAlpin (Hyve)
- Longest Drive – Hole 18: Daan Cueto (Toolbank)
Finally, there was a rush on ‘Beat the Pro’ bragging rights with Mark Bickerdike, Casey Warwick, Rob Fox, Chris Clark, Andy Bestwick, Simon Neate, Alan Burdon, Dan Durston, James Bodle, Charlie Burgess, Jacob Lewis, Pete Barham and Tom Lay all receiving a four-ball prize for managing to land their ball closer to the pin than the on-course pro.
A day made possible by generous sponsors and supporters
GIMA is hugely grateful to all sponsors and donors who made the event such a success. This year’s sponsors list included Vitax, Evergreen Garden Care, Westland Horticulture, Durston Garden Products, Smart Garden Products, APAC, Keter, Charles Bentley, Meadow View Stone, Hex Living, Imprint, Toolbank, Husqvarna UK, Greenfingers Charity, Hornby George PR, CM Ventures, Handy Distribution, Primeur, Decco, GARDENA, Rectella, David Austin, Gtech, Kärcher, Hozelock, Glee and BRITA. Together these brands sponsored everything from the on-course banners, drinks stations, spot and hole prizes, plus also kindly providing prizes for the raffle and auction.
Special thanks also go to the many businesses and individuals who generously donated raffle prizes and auction lots. Their support played a vital role in helping to maximise the event's fundraising efforts and ensuring Greenfingers Charity can continue creating magical outdoor spaces for life-limited children and their families spending precious time together in hospices across the UK.
Martin Ward, Director of GIMA, said: "This year's Golf Day has exceeded all expectations. To welcome a record number of golfers is a fantastic achievement and a clear demonstration of the commitment, generosity and camaraderie that exists within our industry.
"The weather certainly gave everyone an extra challenge, but the atmosphere throughout the day was exceptional. Events such as these are about far more than competition on the golf course. They provide an opportunity for businesses to come together, strengthen relationships, support an incredibly important cause and enjoy the unique sense of community that makes the garden sector so special. On behalf of GIMA, I would like to thank every sponsor, prize donor and participant for helping to make this our largest-ever Golf Day. Thanks to their support, we continue to raise awareness and valuable funds for the Greenfingers Charity whilst bringing the industry together for a truly memorable event."
Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers Charity, added:
“We are truly grateful for the continued support of GIMA and its members. The funds raised from the Golf Day make a tangible difference to the lives of children and families in hospices across the country – thank you for helping us grow more magical gardens.”
To see more events upcoming at GIMA, or for more information regarding membership, please visit www.gima.org.uk or contact the GIMA Press Office on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk