SMP’s Golf Day raises money for cancer charities

Engine management specialist SMP Europe’s first annual Golf Day was held at the iconic Hollinwell golf club in Nottinghamshire on Wednesday 12th July, raising over £1,500 for breast cancer charities, with the Great Britain ice hockey team also featuring on the playing roster.

Founded in 1901, Hollinwell has played host to a succession of high-calibre tournaments throughout its history, including the Brabazon Trophy, English Amateur and Jacques Léglise Trophy. Hollinwell was until recently one of four qualifying venues for the 150th Open to be played at the legendary St Andrews.

Players and teams from across the automotive aftermarket took part alongside two SMP Europe-sponsored GB Ice Hockey teams, in a four-ball format golf day with the two best stableford scores on each hole counting towards the team total.

After the 15 teams tackled the 18-hole Hollinwell course, it was GB Ice Hockey’s Red team who came out on top with 82 points, followed by Knights PLC in second and GB Ice Hockey’s Blue team in third, with all the top three teams collecting Hollinwell vouchers as prizes.

Martin Turner, marketing director at SMP Europe, said: “It was fantastic to have so many of our friends and customers from across the aftermarket and our sponsored hockey teams join us at Hollinwell for a successful Golf Day. Our event provided an opportunity to network across various areas of the industry with a fun, competitive edge.

“We’d like to extend our thanks to all the teams that took part on the hallowed turf of Hollinwell against the backdrop of raising money for charity. We’re delighted to have raised crucial funds for breast cancer charities, supporting those with or recovering from such a devastating illness that we've seen the effects of within our business and amongst colleagues and families.”

Individual prizes were also available with Hollinwell’s ninth hole playing host to a Beat the Pro competition, with only five of 64 attempts beating pro James Birch, assistant pro golfer at Lees Hall Golf Club. Teams were also able to compete for the Nearest the Pin game on the 13th hole, with Ben O’Conner taking home a Hollinwell hat, and the Longest Drive on the 18th hole was won by Alex Stubbs of the Knights PLC team.

Further fundraising post-event included a charity raffle taking place within Hollinwell’s clubhouse, with prizes such as hospitality tickets to Michael McIntyre’s Nottingham show, four-ball sessions at Hollinwell and Retford golf clubs and John Lewis and Marks and Spencers vouchers all up for grabs.

Following the Golf Day’s success, SMP Europe has confirmed its Golf Day will return in 2024, with details to follow soon.

For more information on SMP Europe, visit: https://www.smpeurope.com/