Lions survive stormon charity Golf Day

Thunder, lightning and torrential rain did not deter Hastings Lions from taking part in their charity Golf Day last Thursday.
Eric HardwickEric Hardwick
Eric Hardwick

The 29th anniversary of the event, at Highwoods Golf Club in Cooden, coincided with the heaviest downpour of the year.

Lions member Eric Hardwick M.B.E. said: “A full house of 26 teams of four had entered, on what turned out to be the worst weather ever experienced for the event.

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The start was delayed by 30 minutes due to heavy rain and flooding of greens,but then the rain ceased and all the teams, except one, started playing from both the 1st and 10th tees.

However, with the threat of thunder always in the west,after a two hour period heavy rain arrived,but of more concern was the thunder and lighting that came overhead.

“It was too risky to stay out in these conditions, and the warning klaxon sounded to bring all the golfers back to the clubhouse.

“Some teams had played over nine holes,others only a few.

“The catering team at Highwoods brought forward the sumptuous lunch so that all players could enjoy a lunch in the dry.

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“Highwoods Golf Club very generously agreed to refund all green fees paid, but none such requests were received by the Lions club, so all these monies went towards St.Michael’s Hospice.

“This said an awful lot of credit to all the players, and reflects the good nature and atmosphere of everyone at highwoods that day,that out of a terrible weather day,still over £5,000 was still raised for the hospice .

“The prize giving still took place, and all the prizes on the 18 holes were awarded, as were the overall team prizes.

“The Lions Club were very sorry that the golfers,many of whom had travelled from afar,were not able to enjoy their golf,but thank them for their understanding in these unusual circumstances.

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“The Lions Club would like to say a big thank you To Highwoods for its great support for the event, especially the catering and office and green staff, who worked wonders on the day.

“Plus a further thank you to all the hole sponsors, and prize donators,who made the event viable.”

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