Scores of budding and experienced golfers got into the swing of fundraising and networking at a major golf day hosted in Warwickshire

Forty players across 11 teams took part in Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s third President’s Golf Day at Whitefield’s Golf Course, part of Draycote Hotel in Rugby.

Sponsored by Meriden-based TBL Fire Protection and supported by the Coventry office of accountancy firm Azets, the event raised more than £400 for Coventry and Warwickshire charity The Myton Hospices, which supports people living with terminal illnesses and their families.

The competition - played to handicap so that seasoned golfers could compete fairly alongside newcomers – was followed by a BBQ where players were able to network with other companies in the hotel’s scenic grounds.

Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “I’m delighted the event was once again an incredible success, raising vital funds to support The Myton Hospices.

“After a pretty chilly start to the summer, the weather on the day was absolutely perfect and the course provided a stiff, but fair challenge for those who competed.

“The BBQ allowed everyone to mingle and relax after their exertions on the course and was the ideal way to round off a brilliant day of fundraising and networking.”

Martin Lord captained the winning team from West Midlands solicitors Talbots Law.

He said: “We thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the day and to have won the tournament was an unexpected cherry on top.

“Thank you to all involved in organising and to all of our fellow participants who made it such an enjoyable day and a wonderful networking opportunity.

“This is a thriving and energetic business community which we love being a part of…and hopefully they’ll get a good 12 months of practise in now to try and wrestle the crown off us!”

Jerri Thompson, Business Development Manager at TBL Fire Protection, said sponsoring the event aligned with the company’s core values and the interests of its staff members, many of them big golf fans.

“Everyone at TBL Fire Protection is incredibly proud of the great work The Myton Hospices do so we were only too happy to be involved as headline sponsors,” Jerri said.

“We recently launched a small works division which aims to assist in any firestopping compliance issues landlords and tenants may have within their commercial or residential buildings.

“Sponsoring this event was a fantastic way for the team to network and meet a range of potential new customers.”

Danielle Hamill, Regional Managing Partner of Azets, said: “It was a great event bringing together local businesses and supporting an amazing local charity.”

The day all started with welcome speeches from Chamber President Steve Harcourt, of Prime Accountants Group, and Jo Billings, Business Development Manager at Draycote Hotel, as well as some much-needed breakfast.

Before play got underway attendees were able to purchase up to three mulligan tickets giving the owner the option of replaying one bad shot for each ticket bought, without it adding to their score.

Money generated from mulligan ticket sales was added to that raised through entry fees and a raffle held after play on the course had concluded.

The cash was handed to Chris Willmott, Partnerships Manager at Myton Hospices, at a cheque presentation ceremony at Coombe Abbey Hotel, who had put up a prize for the raffle.

Chris said the money was a welcome boost for the charity, which has to raise £11million each year to continue to provide its services free of charge.

“We’re so grateful to the Chamber of Commerce, its sponsors and Draycote Hotel for organising this amazing event in aid of The Myton Hospices,” he said.

“Eighty per cent of our funding comes from donations so events like this really make a massive difference to our ability to provide end-of-life care to our patients, from diagnosis to death.”

The Chamber is already making plans to stage a fourth annual golf day in 2025. Anyone wanting to register to play in the event, or to express an interest in sponsoring, should email info@cw-chamber.co.uk