The fund-raising golf event was hosted on 2nd October at the prestigious JCB Golf and Country Club in Uttoxeter and saw 60 determined players compete head to head – all with the goal of raising as much money as possible for this worthwhile cause.
In recognition of the Armed Forces’ service to the Nation, SSAFA works to relieve the needs, suffering and distress amongst service men and women, veterans and their families in a sensitive and timely way, with more than 5,000 trained SSAFA volunteers who provide personalised support to those in their local area.
The event kicked off on the night of the 1st, where players, supporters and SSAFA members enjoyed a supper at the JCB Visitor Centre and a short speech on the importance of the day from James Grant, Head of Corporate Fundraising and Events at SSAFA.
An auction of generously donated prizes was held to help raise extra money for the chosen charity, including a drone experience, iPad Pro, children’s tractor, a Tower of London memorial poppy, donated by SSAFA, and a JCB visitor experience and dinner for four, just to name a few.
On the day, in a rare break in the recent Uttoxeter weather, the players arrived early to blue skies and bright sunshine to sharpen their short game and hit the driving range before being briefed on the event format. Attendees were amazed by the course layout, rolling fairways and breath-taking water features.
During the round, golfers had the chance to win a £40K Toyota Hi-Lux and other prizes if they could achieve the first ever hole in one at the course. Sadly, all the prizes went unclaimed! Nearest the pin, beat the pro and longest drive provided each golfer further chances to win a prize with just one good shot. Jordan Brooks, professional golfer and long drive specialist, provided on-course entertainment on the 16th hole, hitting the drives for all players over 400 yards to the awe and jealousy of the competitors. Luckily Jordan was not allowed to enter the long drive challenge!
Mark Harris, Senior Corporate Commercial Manager at Landmarc who organised the event, said, “We are staggered with the outcome of the golf event. I particularly want to thank event partners Briggs Equipment and Gunn JCB, event sponsors Dahua, Lister Wilder and R & W Langley, along with the 17 other companies who sponsored each hole and/or donated auction items and of course the 60 participants, who all gave so generously and without whom the day would never have been such an incredible success.”
James Grant, Head of Corporate Fundraising and Events at SSAFA said, “The Landmarc golf event at the JCB Country Club was a superb day. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of all those who contributed, and the sum raised is truly impressive. Our sincere thanks to all those at Landmarc and event partners’ Briggs Equipment and Gunn JCB for their substantial efforts in putting on such an excellent and successful event.”
Trophies were awarded to the winning players at a post-event buffet lunch. Mark Harris and James Grant awarded the winners of five categories, which included Mens and Ladies Winner, Mens Runner Up, Team Runner Up and Team Winner. Every player, winner or not, left the event with a unique gift box to mark the day and as a thank you from Landmarc, JCB Golf & Country Club, Briggs Equipment and Gunn JCB.
For more information on Landmarc’s fundraising projects, please visit: landmarcsolutions.com/community-hub/the-landmarc-difference.
