This is the 4th year we have been the main sponsor of this charity golf day and each year we’ve had a lot of fun!
Charlies Trophy is organised by Martin Smith, Chairman of Firewatch Ltd, and this guy seriously knows how to put on a good day. The focus is on having a great time whilst raising money for local charities who really need the support. The main charity is RTB Support Group, which supports sufferers (and their families) of Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, like Martin’s grandson Charlie (after whom the day is named).
On arrival at Dainton Park Golf Club, we were greeted with a bacon bap and a coffee and sat on the terrace to enjoy them in the morning sunshine. By the first tee was what looked like a mini circus, however on closer inspection it turned out to be the Trick Shot golf show (complete with trampolines!), all set up and ready for later on in the day. We would definitely make sure we were around for that!
Our very own Donna was on the first tee, making sure everyone was aware of the rules before they started their round. Each hole presented its own mini competition and chance to win a prize. We (System Six) were offering a kitchen worth £10,000 to anyone who got a hole-in-one on Hole 8 (gulp!). “It’s for charity” we kept reminding ourselves!
Over the course of the morning and early afternoon, Donna saw 124 golfers set off around Dainton’s perfectly kept grounds, enjoying the sunshine and various food and drink stops along the way.
Also on hole 8 was the chance to try and beat Trick Shot Pro, Rob Brown, with a nearest the pin drive. As Rob’s a pro, we couldn’t make it easy for him so he had to make his shot whilst standing on a step-ladder, on one leg, with his back to the green! Even in this position, only 13 players succeeded in beating him, and Rob nearly got the hole in one!
Once through the course, everyone was invited to take part in a Marshmallow drive, with the person hitting it the furthest winning a Samsung Galaxy Tablet – as you can see, no one got that far!
Back at the clubhouse terrace, the Dainton Park chef was cooking up a storm on the BBQ. After a round that wasn’t quite up to his usual standard, Steve (System Six designer) was clearly cheered up by this amazing spread (the beer probably helped too).
After everyone had had their fill of the BBQ, it was rime to see the Trick Shot Show. Audience participation played a large part and we all enjoyed various people (including our good friend Steve) being asked to make the most bizarre of the golf shots. However, Steve did remarkably well, managing a decent shot despite using this extra long and very bendy club!
Shortly after the show it was on to the prize giving and auction, and we were all surprised to hear that Ian’s team (System Six CEO) had come 2nd! Very much aiding him in this achievement were friends Andy Tucker, Jeremy Hill and Steve Bristow.
There were also some excellent auction lots which really boosted the amount raised over the course of the day, such as 2 tickets to Henley Regatta, a Jaguar F-Type for a Weekend, 3 Course meal for 2 at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant ‘Fifteen’ and a signed photo of Rory McIlroy. But the biggest smile of the evening came when Pip got to meet one of his hero’s – Chris Whitehead – and walk away with his signed shirt.
This year, the golf day raised a massive £12,147, some of which will go to our chosen Charity – Children’s Hospice South West as well as Newton Abbot Community Transport, Newton Abbot Rotary Club, Shelterbox and Rowcraft Hopsice. Huge thanks go to everyone who came along.