By Denis Sheehan MIH
As people arrived at The Belfry for the Institute of Hospitality Golf Day in Partnership with Caterer.com 2023, it was apparent someone had turned up the happy dial, everyone was beaming. Most were returning and knew what was in store, and those that weren’t seemed to tune into the happy vibe with ease.
Bacon rolls were wolfed, and teas and coffees quaffed as golfers renewed or made acquaintances while registration progressed.
Once the teams were briefed on the day’s play, buggies were brought round, teams guided to their starting tee’s, the claxon sounded, and the teams were off.
The Derby was in pristine condition, the midday sun in full display, a gentle breeze was enough to keep players cool, but not sufficient to adjust shot play.
To monitor play throughout the day Susa Comms Director Piers Zangana whizzed around in a buggy capturing the images displayed throughout this review, as well as the video footage below, I joined him for the ride.
We stopped at the halfway house and enjoyed a sausage roll and a coffee, if you’ve not tried a sausage roll at The Belfry, I can strongly recommend them, yum!
Player handicaps ranged from 0 – 36 and the stableford points scoring system levelled out golfing prowess to be in with a chance of silverware. Two golf novices joined the day, both displayed remarkable aptitude for the game. Some of the lower handicap players were delivering lessons to team mates.
As teams made their way round the course, the sun shone and the payers played, we witnessed many a good shot, so the hopes of many were deservedly high, more importantly, everyone was having a great time.
Once play was complete the teams arrived back at The Sutton Suite which became the 19th for the afternoon. Players relaxed with a few drinks on the terrace in the afternoon sun overlooking the Brabazon’s signature 10th hole.
Before dinner framed certificates were presented to all teams, and the winners were announced and awarded their trophies.
- The Longest Drive Award went to Warren Edmondson from Cleenol.
- The Nearest the Pin Award went to Calvern James from Caterer.com.
- The Wining Team Award with the lowest score for the day went to Hand Picked Hotels.
Well done all.
Dinner was then served…
Starters: Bruschetta of Prosciutto & Manchego with macerated cherry tomatoes & pesto dressing, balsamic glaze, and sun blushed tomato tart.
Vegetarian diners enjoyed Avocado, Bocconcini & Basil.
Main Course: Pan seared Chicken Supreme, with leek & leg pot Pie, carrot puree, baby vegetables & asparagus, truffle jus.
Vegetarian diners enjoyed Chickpea, butternut squash & spinach Bake, with sundried tomato & red pepper pesto.
Dessert: Wild Strawberry & Cream Cheesecake, with lemon curd & poppy seed meringues.
As always, the meal delivered by the Chef Brigade at The Belfry, under the stewardship of Executive Chef Robert Bates was truly exceptional.
We were then treated to a short presentation from three members of the Institute of Hospitality Youth Council. Marco De Simone MIH, Jasmine Zaman AIH, and Jake Armston AIH.
All three spoke with commitment to and passion for what the IoH Youth Council do, help young people enter and develop careers in hospitality. All funds raised on the day, £4,145, have gone towards helping even more work to be done by the Youth Council.
The funds were raised through an auction and prize draw, our thanks go to all the contributors below, as well as all that bid in the auction, and/or bought tickets for the prize draw.
- Canopy London
- Dakota Hotels, Leeds
- Eastwell Manor
- Foxhills Club & Resort
- Gouqi, London
- HIT Training
- Pearly Queen of Dalston
- The Beaumont, London
- The Belfry Hotel & Resort
- The Grand Brighton
- The Hari, London
- The Manor House Golf Club
- Ting Restaurant, The Shard, London
- Titanic Hotel, Belfast
It was a great day, and a very enjoyable evening, most importantly funds totalling £4,150 were raised to further help recruit more people into our great industry and develop the skills needed for them to thrive in their careers.
Before we left, we spoke with IoH CEO Robert Richardson FIH MI who reflected on the event saying: “I couldn’t be any prouder of everyone that represented our industry today. Once again, we have come together and raised a huge amount of money that helps recruit and retain people in hospitality and catering.
“We could not have done so without the help of hundreds of hospitality people, all who took part today, the Belfry team that hosted the event, the golf events team, the chefs, the front of house team, the greenkeepers, and all who donated generously for the auction and prize draw. I must also say a huge thank you to Caterer.com who sponsor the day and make it possible. I look forward to next year’s event with relish.”
A short video with some of the highlights from the day can be seen below
The Institute of Hospitality Golf Day 2024 takes place at The Belfry, Thursday 23rd May 2024. A Four-Ball Team including a three-course dinner in the evening is £1,195 + VAT.
If you would like to take part and enter a team in next year’s golf day just complete the form below and one of the H&C News team that organise the event will be in touch.