Newark Rugby Club’s 33rd Annual Golf Day proved to be one of the finest editions yet — a record-breaking occasion blessed with glorious weather, exceptional golf, and the kind of atmosphere that only grows stronger with each passing year. Thirty-two teams, 128 golfers in all, gathered for a shotgun-start, best-two-scores-from-four competition on one of the finest parkland courses in the East Midlands.

A PING Setting Like No Other

It is no coincidence that this event takes place at Thonock Park. The Karsten Lakes Course is not simply a spectacular venue — it is the home of PING in Europe. The course takes its name from Karsten Solheim, the visionary engineer and founder of PING Golf, and sits just over a mile from PING’s European headquarters and their world-class European Custom Fitting Centre, which is located right alongside the driving range at Thonock Park. It is widely regarded as one of the finest inland parkland courses in the region, and on a perfect summer’s day it was simply breathtaking.

PING is one of the most respected and innovative names in golf equipment globally. As one of the sport’s leading manufacturers — renowned for pioneering custom-fit technology, precision engineering and club design that has shaped the modern game — their products are trusted by golfers at every level, from club members at Thonock Park to the biggest stages in world golf.

The fact that the same brand that equips elite champions also sponsors Newark Rugby is a connection the club is enormously proud of.

PING - A Record-Breaking Day

The record entry of 32 teams made this the biggest Annual Golf Day in the club’s history, and the competition was fierce from the very first shot. The shotgun start ensured a lively atmosphere across the course from the outset, with teams from across the region representing Newark Rugby Club in great spirit.

After completing their rounds, all competitors sat down to enjoy the renowned Thonock Park Carvery and Dessert — a fitting reward after a demanding day on the course, and a highlight that has become as much a part of the day as the golf itself.

Acknowledgements

Events of this scale and quality do not happen by accident, and Newark Rugby Club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to all those who made the day such a success.

The staff of Thonock Park deserve enormous credit for ensuring the entire event ran seamlessly from start to finish. Their professionalism, warmth and attention to detail — from the pristine condition of the course to the quality of the food and the smooth running of the day — set the perfect stage.

Special thanks are due to three individuals whose tireless work behind the scenes made everything possible:

Ann Gooden — for her outstanding management of the event’s administration and finances, ensuring every detail was accounted for.

Barry Thompson — for securing sponsorship for every hole on the course, a tremendous achievement that significantly enhances the event.

Diane Clark — for her excellent work on the raffle, which made a significant contribution to the funds raised on the day.

The club also extends its heartfelt thanks to PING for their outstanding prize donations, which are central to the success of this event year after year. Having PING as our title sponsor is something we never take for granted, and their continued generosity and association with Newark Rugby Club is greatly appreciated by everyone at Kelham Road.

Finally, our thanks go to all 128 golfers who entered, competed and contributed to what was a genuinely memorable day. The success of this event, which raises vital funds for Newark Rugby Club, is ultimately down to the support and enthusiasm of everyone who takes part.

Competition Results

Position Team Points

1st Place - Noah Catley, Ollie Firth, Ben Firth, Brett Adams 99 pts
2nd Place - Kevin Brassington, Tom Hughes, Brad Larimore, Derek Northin 90 pts
3rd Place - Nick Burgess, Colin Wagner, Michael Smith, Charles Baker 88 pts
4th Place - Rory Underwood, Dave Forbes, Richard Brighton, Leigh Bartlett 86 pts (BB9)
5th Place - Matt Cove, Andrew Boydell, Lorraine Boydell, Jack Haswell 86 pts

Individual Awards

Nearest the Pin — 12th Hole: Andrew Hounsfield
Beat the Pro — 17th Hole: Alan Staines

Thank you to everyone involved in making Newark Rugby Club’s 33rd Annual Golf Day such a resounding success. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.

John Clark | Barry Thompson
Newark Rugby Club Golf Day Committee

PHOTOS OF THE WINNERS CAN BE FOUND "HERE"