Invitational Pro.Am 2012
One hundred and sixty golfers braved typical Scottish summer weather – wind and rain – to produce a memorable Teddy Bear Pro Am at Gleneagles.
Hot baths were the order of the day after competitors were battered by the elements on the legendary King’s Course.
Yet despite the conditions, most agreed that May 18 had produced one of the best Teddy Bear golf events ever.
“By the end of the evening, people were raving about the time they’d had,” said charity co-founder, Barry Chuwen.
“It’s a challenging course at the best of times but it made it all the sweeter when our guests completed it and then pampered themselves in Gleneagles Hotel.”
The winner on the day was Banchory professional, Greig Hutcheon, who shaded fellow pro Callum Macaulay by one shot with a four-under-par 69.
Callum, however, steered his three colleagues to success in the team event. This was a photo-finish in which the CBC Stone team of James McAlpine, Graeme Frame and Scott McKinnon took the honours.
Players were delighted to see the now-familiar face of former England and Newcastle captain, Alan Shearer, who has been a staunch supporter of the event over the years.
The Geordie legend was only to happy to chat with other guests and enjoy the evening.
Following a Champagne reception, guests were piped in to the dining room in true Scottish fashion.
Then it was over to host for the evening, Peter Martin, who went down a storm with the crowd. It was his first time in charge of the microphone at a Teddy Bear event but such was his reception, he’s bound to figure prominently in the future.
After a sumptuous meal, it was revealed that all 14 paintings created by long-standing supporter Craig Campbell had been snapped up by discerning guests.
At the end of the day, an impressive £55,000 had been raised to help Teddy Bear continue its valuable work.
Added Barry Chuwen:”This is an exciting event that keeps evolving year-on-year.
“Half of our competitors were playing the Teddy Bear Pro Am for the very first time.
“We had a large number of people come down from Aberdeen, which was greatly appreciated.
“A big thanks to everyone who took part. The money raised will be used to bring a bit of sunshine into the lives of children who don’t have their troubles to seek.”