Lema Publishing’s first joint ‘Masters’ golf day, bringing together 48 golfers across its portfolio of titles, including Gifts Today, took place on July 1 at Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel & Golf Club in Tewkesbury.
Lema chairman Malcolm ‘Tiger’ Naish said: “It may not have matched the famous fairways of Augusta, but Puckrup Hall provided an excellent course under perfect summer skies. With golfers competing for some prestigious trophies, we also had to contend with the date coinciding with England’s FIFA World Cup match against Congo DR, which kicked off at 5pm.
“As all red-blooded Englishmen wishing to support their team – and following the example of the LTA – we consulted the F.A. and decided that all play should be finished by 4.30pm so everyone could enjoy the build-up to the match. The hotel also kindly arranged a private room with a bar and large TV screen for us to watch the game together.
“Some very good scores were played, with Premier’s Nick Crispin off 18 coming in with 43 points, followed closely by Tom Hotson off 5 and Glenn Harrison off 10 with 41 points.
“The team four-ball ‘Babystyle’ Cup was won for the first time by Andy Crane’s Babystyle team of Andy, Josh Gill, Kim Rollinson and Iain Kelly, coming in with 99 points.
“Our popular Yellow Ball Trophy was claimed by the greeting card industry’s team from Celloglas with 36 points. Of the 12 four-balls, only four managed to retain their yellow ball and, most frustratingly for the ‘Tiger Naish’ team, we lost ours in the water on the 18th. Celloglas sales director Steve Middleton is pictured with Phil Barlow, Mike Oliver and Olly Gale from G.F. Smith Paper receiving the cup.
The longest drive was won by Jonny Hotson with a monster that took me three shots to reach. Nearest the Pin was won by Babystyle’s Josh Gill, nestling just a few inches from the hole, and Nearest the Pin in Two by Premier’s Jason Barnett.
Following a relaxed barbecue and England’s victory on the big screen, the day’s trophies were presented.”
Looking ahead to next year, Malcolm Naish added: “With no major sporting events to contend with, we shall revert to our traditional format of a morning Texas Scramble followed by afternoon individual and team events. The date will be announced shortly.”
