Southern stars shine for Seve

Kentish stars Jordan Godwin and Craig Sutherland tied for victory in the KCOM Seve Ballesteros Foundation Pro-Am at Foxhills Resort in Surrey.

At the scene of the PGA Cup next week, Godwin (Barnehurst) and Cherry Lodge’s Sutherland both shot six-under par 66 around the Longcross course, impressive achievements which added to the flamboyance of the auction dinner and entertainments.

Supported by KCOM and celebrating its eighth successful year at Foxhills, one of the highest profile events in the southern schedule has now raised funds in excess of £300,000. The money not only aids a cure for brain cancer, but also helps provide opportunities for underprivileged children to learn to play golf.

“Many people happily go the extra mile to make this very special event so successful,” said Brendan Reynolds, long-time friend of the Ballesteros family and the Pro-Am.

“With all the efforts we’ve all put in over the past eight years, it’s now taken on a life of its own and of course it’s even more wonderful when golfers everywhere can all continue to be inspired by today’s two winners.”

Sutherland was delighted to pick up another win to add to his season’s tally. He added: “It’s impossible not to be inspired when you think of Seve and everything he achieved. It’s great that Brendan’s created an event that helps us all to celebrate Seve’s memory and to raise more funds for the causes that were closest to his heart.”

Kent’s PGA Professionals had a particularly good showing at Foxhills, as the two winners nudged their county colleagues, Pentland’s Benn Barham and the Ridge’s Scott Stevens, into second spot despite their scoring five-under par 67s.

Sutherland made it a particularly good day at the office. He led his three amateurs including Brendan Reynolds and BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty to the top team prizes at the winners’ table with 15-under-par. Wildwood’s Phil Harrison and his team came close with 14-under par.