Golf club event raises over £2500 for disadvantaged children

A special charity event hosted by Kirkby Lonsdale Golf Club raised £2,500 for mentally, physically and socially disadvantaged young people.

The golf day was organised by the Cumbria region of Wooden Spoon, rugby’s children’s charity, in conjunction with the golf club.

Eighty competitors in 20 teams from across the North West took part in the competition, which used a Texas Scramble fourball format.

“It had been very wet early in the morning but brightened up by 10am when the competition began and got progressively better as the day went on,” said Tom Benn, administration and marketing assistant at the golf club.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the event and some people who have not played here before said they would be coming back in future.”

Praise for the club was given by John Cunningham, chair of Cumbria Wooden Spoon, who used to live in Kirkby Lonsdale and is a former member of the club. “It is such a stunning course and the views from some of the tees are spectacular, especially at this time of year when the colours are turning,” he said.  “The club is very friendly and unpretentious and we had a fantastic day. Everyone enjoyed it so much that we want to repeat it next year.”

The money was raised through entry fees and raffles.  Golf brand Ping donated prizes, including a golf bag and backpack, embroidered with the Wooden Spoon logo.

Cumbria Wooden Spoon has raised about £180,000 in the region for specific projects since 2004. That includes £42,000 for a sensory room at the Eden Valley Children’s Hospice at Carlisle, £35,000 for a specially-equipped minibus for the Bendrigg Trust at Old Hutton and £2,000 for Kirkby Londale Community Cupboard, a food bank which helps people in the town and surrounding areas.

The golf day was the final event of Kirkby Lonsdale’ Golf Club’s successful summer season. Attention now turns to the winter season and the club’s Winter League has just begun. This pairs competition takes place over 12 Sundays and there was a record 42 teams taking part on the first day.

Winter open competitions will be held once a month and there are plans to improve several bunkers and level some tees as part of regular maintenance work.

The club has a special winter membership of £225 from October to March and £180 from November to March, which is seen as a stepping stone towards players becoming full members.

“The club continues to thrive,” said Tom. “There is a very friendly atmosphere here and members and visitors really appreciate that.”

Kirkby Lonsdale Golf Club was established in 1906 and has been at its present site since 1991. The 18-hole course measures 6,594 yards and is laid out in more than 160 acres of spectacular countryside.

Each of the holes has its own unique character and has four tee options, providing different degrees of difficulty. The River Lune and Barbon Beck both run through the course, which offers amazing views of Barbon Fell and the Howgills.

Other facilities include a swing room with launch monitor; a short game chipping area; a pro shop selling equipment and clothing; and ten driving range bays.