There was nothing to split Professional golfers, Chris Gane and Simon Lilly who shared the record breaking first prize at the South Region PGA Westcoast Pro-Am, hosted at Bearwood Lakes Golf Club, Wokingham.
Gane and Lilly both played in the morning session, beating the blistering heat of the day, scoring an impressive -5. It was a close finish with Matt Cort, Michael Bullen and Richard McEvoy all tied on -4.
The Westcoast Pro-Am, held at Bearwood Lakes always shines, with the highest first prize for a single day UK professional event; this year at £22,000.
The total prize fund of £40,000 makes this event the jewel in the crown of the stacked PGA calendar.
The amateurs however, did not miss out, with some great team prizes sponsored by the likes of Tag Heuer, Mizuno and Westcoast.
The players were treated to either breakfast or lunch before play and a gala lunch or dinner surrounded by large underlit ice sculptures.
The main carving featured a giant Westcoast logo with the two flanking pieces being delicate shell shapes which housed buffet items.
Gane and Lilly gave full praise to the Berkshire venue, Bearwood Lakes. Being one of the most exclusive clubs in England, expectation is always high and the course certainly delivered.
In their winner’s speech Gane praised the Course Manager and his greenkeeping team for the condition and presentation of the golf course, especially considering the 38˚ heat that the event was played in.
Praise was also given to the Executive Chef for his amazing buffet and to the front of house team who kept the players fed and hydrated.
Over 1000 bottles of water were drunk by the competitors, another record for the event.
Bearwood Lakes next event of interest is the inaugural Bearwood Pairs. This incredibly special event, to be played on Monday. September 12, will be open to non-members and gives and tremendous opportunity for people to play the course which is normally reserved for members and their invited guests.
For more information about this rare opportunity to play at Bearwood Lakes, please visit www.bearwoodlakes.co.uk/bearwood-pairs