World snooker star Barry Hawkins and Paralympic gold medalist Charlotte Evans MBE were among 50+ footgolfers at the 2017 Kent Sports Trust Foundation Footgolf Cup.
Held on the bespoke 18-hole footgolf course at Deangate Ridge Golf & Sports Complex, The Bespoke Brick Company-sponsored 2017 Kent Sports Trust Foundation Footgolf Cup attracted competitors from far and wide, including entrants from Cambridgeshire, Surrey, Sussex, and Essex.
Among the 50+ footgolfers in action and in contention for the prizes on offer were world #7 snooker player Barry Hawkins (playing alongside wife Tara) and Charlotte Evans MBE, both of whom are Kent Sports Trust Foundation ambassadors.
While Paralympic gold medal winner Evans was back on the footgolf links for a second time – having taken part in the charity’s inaugural event at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course in July 2016 – Hawkins was making his official footgolfing debut on the undulating course of Deangate Ridge FootGolf.
“I’d never played footgolf before,” Hawkins said. “I’d recommend anyone come down and have a go, though.”
“I didn’t know what to expect, but it was all good fun and all for a good cause.”
In the end, the Kent-based squad of Blake Cavender, Scott Harrison, Kevin Walsh, Gavin Barnett, and UK #1 female footgolfer Sophie Brown took home the coveted team prize.
Richings Park FootGolf Club’s Mark Scotchford, meanwhile, picked up the trophy for the lowest individual score on the day with a phenomenal score of 50 (-9).
The Bespoke Brick Company’s James Gordon was rewarded for his stellar efforts during the afternoon with the award for the lowest individual score for an amateur, having carded a very respectable 65 (+6) on his maiden outing.
Sunbury firefighter Scotchford also scooped the longest drive award for his powerful strike on the 10th hole, while Lordswood’s Cavender went home with another trophy after seeing his tee shot on the challenging 4th hole finish nearest the pin.
Having played himself and not faring as well as some of the others in the windy, chilly conditions, CEO of the Kent Sports Trust Foundation Steve Wolfe was pleased to have seen so many people turn out for the charity’s latest event.
“I clearly didn’t get the memo about the weather and found it tough going wearing just shorts and a polo top, but I have to congratulate everyone that turned up on a Friday afternoon to raise funds for our charity.
“It’s events like this that enable us to do what we do,” Wolfe added. “And put simply, we couldn’t do that without the support shown to us from sponsors such as The Bespoke Brick Company and all the competitors.”
“We were delighted to welcome many businesses, media outlets, and community organisations to Deangate Ridge FootGolf, including representatives from Flip Out Chatham, KM Team Talk, Haines Watts, Pearson Whiffin, The Crayford Arms, Marks & Spencer, Gatwick Footgolf, and Sheppey Leisure Complex.”
“It was great to have two of our ambassadors join us for the day, too, so I can’t thank Barry and Charlotte enough for giving up their time.
“Footgolf is a fantastic sport that’s growing all of the time, and I can’t wait for our next event at Deangate Ridge FootGolf as we and the Invicta Dynamos Ice Hockey Club team up to host a charity day there on Saturday 22nd April.”
Spaces are still available for the Invicta Dynamos Footgolf Cup, with places just £20pp for adults and £15pp for juniors.
The event starts at 12.30pm with tea / coffee / soft drink on arrival along with a bacon / sausage roll for those taking part.
To book your place(s) at the Invicta Dynamos Footgolf Cup, please visit this page or call 01634 820780.
The Kent Sports Trust Foundation is planning to stage a series of further charity events in 2017, including a cricket match, a running event, a golf day, a darts challenge, and more.
To find out more about the Kent Sports Trust Foundation in general or to get in contact with the team, please call the foundation on 01634 820780 or visit the foundation’s website.