In the 15th annual outing for The Social Golfer OPEN 2024 at Bletchingley Golf Club in Surrey, more than fifty golfers from all over the south-east gathered to compete and raise money for the upcoming Cairns Cup 2024. Disability Golf’s Premier Matchplay event in Detroit, Michigan this summer.
The TSG OPEN Championship, played over eighteen holes rewarded the golfers ‘on form’ with Individual Stableford competitions for Men and Women, and a Yellow Ball team competition.
The latter was won by the disability golfers representing the European Team in the Cairns Cup 2024.
This included Iain Millar (Brain Injury) who will be teeing up in Detroit in the hope to bring back the much-coveted cup. Played between USA and Europe bi-annually and Jason Croucher (Muscular Dystrophy) who is hoping to make the 2026 team.
However, this event also saw us add some fun to the serious competition, with a Sound System playing Motown Tunes on the 18th Green, a two-course American-style BBQ and the ONE ARMED CHIP (sponsored by GoGoGo Sport Rangefinders).
Players were asked to experience golf with a disability by only being able to use ONE hand to chip the ball into the chipping net.
Only three golfers managed to hit the target!
In addition, the members’ guests on the day played for the now ‘famous’ GOLF NEWS MAGAZINE – GUEST TROPHY!
The partnership between The Social Golfer & The Cairns Cup (now in its fourth year) saw the attendees raise over £3K for disability golf on the day. Providing much-needed funds for the team to get to Michigan and for their supportive carers.
With golf clubs including the prestigious West Hill GC, Sundridge Park, The Shire, The Inspiration, Hanbury Manor, Wentworth and many more, donating a fourball voucher to the raffle table.
Commenting on the day, the Women’s winner Chrissy Peacham said: “How exciting, I have never won a golf event before, this is a fantastic golf day and for an amazing cause. Big thanks to all the sponsors and donors. I cannot wait to defend my title!”
Jason Croucher – Team Captain for The Stooges (Motown Theme) said: “I am so proud to win the Golf News Magazine – Guest Trophy. A massive thank you to The Social Golfer team for an amazing event and good luck to all The Cairns Cup players this year in Michigan.”
The field, ranging from 4 handicappers to 36, and the superb conditions of the golf course, proved to make for a hugely enjoyable contest. The unique tournament was won this year by Essex and Kent based Golfer – Chrissy Peacham (24 H’cap) and Sam Cooke (27 H’cap).
1st – Chrissy Peacham (Essex) 39 Pts
2nd – Ruth Brand (Sussex) 35 Pts
1st – Sam Cooke (Kent) 35 Pts (on countback),
2nd – John Moody (Bucks) – 35 Pts
3rd – Steve Slater (Herts) – 34 Pts
1st – Jason Croucher (Cambs) – 35 Pts
2nd – Phil Meadows – 34 Pts
By Ian Mullins
Ian is the Editor of The Social Golfer. He has been reviewing golf courses for more than ten years. He was the Marketing Director of the London Golf Show from 2011-2016. He has had golf articles published in Golf News Magazine, Today’s Golfer and Golf Business News. Ian is also the Brand Director for The Cairns Cup (Golf’s Premier Disability Match Play Event).
