Cup overflows for PGA Benevolent Fund at Lanark

The Ryder Cup made a surprise appearance at Lanark Golf Club – just hours after £7,500 was raised for the PGA Benevolent Fund.

The funds were raised via a pro-am at the club organised by the club’s PGA Professional Alan White.

It is the second successive year White has organised the event to raise funds for the PGA’s own charity, which offers assistance to PGA members, who fall on hard times.

A total of 21 teams played in the event, with 20 PGA Professionals willingly giving up their time to play in the event. The team of Raymond Kerr, Jim Kerr and Dave Armitt were steered by Stephen Gray (above holding trophy) and won with 121 points. 

In addition, Lanark provided the course free of charge, while a number of companies in the golf industry supplied prizes.

White said: “I’ve been a PGA pro for 30 years and the PGA has given me a very good career, a great job and great life.

“I have been very lucky with my health throughout that time but I know of PGA pros that have not been as fortunate with their health and have benefited from the benevolent fund.

“It does so much to support PGA pros and when I made the calls to the 20 pros that played in the event all of them had no hesitation in giving up their day to come and support it and help fellow PGA members.

“I had the same response last year for the first event when we raised almost as much.”

The Ryder Cup was kept under wraps until the conclusion of the event, when it was put out on display ahead of the prize-giving.

“It was a great surprise for everyone to see the Ryder Cup, which was by way of a thank you from The PGA for supporting the benevolent fund. Everyone taking part didn’t expect to see it and had their photo taken with it.

“The day was such a success that people left asking about next year’s event.”

*The PGA Benevolent Fund was one of the founding principles when the association was formed in 1901.

It is supported entirely by donations, from within the golf industry, but also by PGA members. A new initiative is currently running called #benevolesson for pros to support the Benevolent Fund.