Goodwood’s golfers raise over £8,000 for Chestnut Tree House

On Friday 30 October Golf At Goodwood hosted its annual charity day, which for the second year was held in aid of Arundel-based children’s hospice, Chestnut Tree House. Through a combination of entries, an auction and some very generous donations, the day raised a total of £8,135.

The day entailed teams of four heading out for a round on the renowned James Braid-designed Downs course, with prizes awarded to the top two team stableford scores, and top three individual stableford scores. Adding another competitive element was a ‘Beat James Braid’ challenge, which entailed players using hickory clubs and attempting to hit the ball closer to the first hole than Goodwood’s professional, who was dressed as the legendary course architect.

After a fine round, it was the team of Ian Will, Angie Martin, Richard Martin and Paul Porter who returned triumphant, posting an impressive score of 98 points between them.

In the evening the players were entertained by Geoff Swain, the reigning world trick shot champion, who performed a number of unique swings and awe-inspiring drives through the gardens in front of Goodwood House. Some of the lowest handicapped players in attendance were invited to replicate Swain’s shots, but none were able to match his remarkable skill.

Hugh Lowson, Chief Executive of Chestnut Tree House, said; “Goodwood has held many initiatives that have helped Chestnut Tree House, choosing us as the charity for the Festival of Speed and Revival, as well as hosting this golf day for the second time. I really enjoyed the day, playing alongside Joe Sykes, who at the age of twelve plays phenomenally well, but I think my own game has room for improvement! The course is playing well and the views are spectacular.

“We opened 13 years ago and during that time we have helped over 1000 children in our community who are life-limited or life-threatened. Currently, we are helping around 300 children aged from a couple of days old up to 24 years, providing care in the House itself in the form of overnight stays, respite care and, where appropriate, end of life care too. We also have a team of around 35 people who provide care for families in their own homes.”

Stuart Gillett, Golf At Goodwood General Manager, said; “Our charity golf day is always very well supported and we are delighted to have been raising money for Chestnut Tree House for the second year. The team there do an incredible job and we hope that by raising money for them they can continue to provide vital care for young people and their families in desperately sad situations.

“We had lovely conditions on the Downs and everyone was in good spirits. The trick-shot show before dinner provided great entertainment and our terrific auctioneer did a superb job in getting people to part with their cash!”