A CHARITY golf day will be lucky for some as players get to pit their skills against a professional on the 13th tee.
Ladies European Tour golfer Ellie Givens has agreed to play allcomers at a charity golf day in aid of St Teresa’s Hospice, Darlington.
Blackwell Grange Golf Club will again host the annual event, on September 2, now in its 20th year, which raises between £10,000 and £15,000 for the hospice.
St Teresa’s needs to find more than £3m a year to provide free end of life care to people and support for their families in Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire.
Darlington-born and bred, Ellie has been playing golf since she was six-years-old. Her father Ralph used to be the professional at Blackwell Grange while her mother worked in the shop.
“I have literally grown up at the club,” said Ellie, who after leaving Polam Hall School secured a four year golf scholarship to the University of Denver in America to develop her game while studying finance.
“I finished in 2011 and turned pro the following year,” she said. “Now I have the privilege of playing golf for a living on the European tours.”
This year Ellie took time out to recuperate following an illness allowing her to be in Darlington for the annual St Teresa’s golf day.
So far more than 20 teams have signed up for the day and there is still time to take more golfers and support the popular event with sponsorship and prizes.
Ellie will host a ‘beat the pro’ activity on the par three 13th hole with the nearest to the hole from the tee winning the challenge.
She agreed to take part after being approached by the hospice’s chairman Carol Charlton and her husband Steve who has played golf with her in the past.
“I’m normally travelling at this time so it’s great to be around for the event this year and be able to help out just as I’m returning to fitness,” Ellie said. “The hospice is such a great facility for the area and is blessed with such a positive vibe.
“I’m really looking forward to it as it will be great fun. Players don’t often get the chance to play a pro so I hope they enjoy it.”
St Teresa’s Hospice marketing manager John Paul Stabler said: “We are so grateful to Ellie for getting involved which will really enhance the day. I’m sure the teams will enjoy this new aspect.”
Anyone wanting to sign up for the golf day, sponsor the event, or offer any prizes should contact the St Teresa’s Hospice events team at events@darlingtonhospice.org.uk or phone (01325) 254321.