Prince’s RIPs It for Derek

Benn Barham won his third event of the season to date with a five-under-par 67 round a windy Prince’s to win the RIP It For Derek Pro-Am and the Derek Barbour Memorial Trophy.

Played to celebrate the memory of the late Derek Barbour, the head PGA professional at Prince’s from 1998 to 2006, the pro-am raises funds to help his children’s education, and this year it also raised enough to buy a defibrillator for Prince’s Golf Club on behalf of former European Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher’s Defibrillator Campaign, launched earlier this year.

It was only thanks to the availability of an automated external defibrillator (AED) following his collapse during a dinner reception in Aberdeen, along with early-response CPR treatment at the venue, that Gallacher was able to regain consciousness and take steps towards a full recovery.

A raffle and auction was held on the day and through a host of supporters such as Landsell Drinks, GoKart, PR Golf, Callaway, TaylorMade, Under Armour, Shephard Neame, Vinum, Golf Repro, FootJoy and StrokeSaver a fine sum was raised for the good causes.

Runner up in 2013, Barham’s terrific performance pushed the fine 69 of local man Nick Drane (Prince’s) into second place, while a two-under-par 70 from defending Virgin Atlantic Little Red PGA South Order of Merit champ Richard Wallis (North Foreland) made third.

Barham was delighted with his golf, commenting: “I played really well today, and I’m delighted that my recent turn of good form continues to deliver good results, especially on a day like this when we are all supporting one of our much loved and deeply missed colleagues.” 

PGA Professional and director of golf at Prince’s, Rob McGuirk was delighted with yet another huge show of support from the 28 teams that took part in the event, with a shotgun start over the Shore and Dunes nines. McGuirk commented: “This is a very special day in The PGA in England (South)’s schedule, as Derek was one of our own and passed away at a tragically young age.

“I’m particularly pleased that this year the funds raised by the raffle were enough to buy a defibrillator, and now Prince’s is much better equipped to deal with the very situations that took Derek’s life. I’d like to say another very big thank you to the players, our supporters, to the club and to The PGA who have this day such a great success.”