Given we have never played golf before it will be interesting to say the least

Given we have never played golf before it will be interesting to say the least

21 October 2015

TWO local politicians are dusting down their plus fours ahead of this Saturday’s charity golf tournament at Bright.

Rowallane councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews, who last year went toe-to-toe in the boxing ring in aid of charity, will be teeing off at Bright Golf Club this weekend to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society’s Down Lisburn branch and Killyleagh Youth Club.

The politicians — who are more at home in the debating chamber — hope to let their golf clubs do the talking when they go head-to-head this Saturday on the lush greens and fairways of the picturesque course.

A number of local businesses are sponsoring the holes and the charity tournament has created a lot of interest, but it is still not too late to sign up to take part.

The Rowallane councillors have never played golf before and each is determined to do well, staying out of the bunkers if possible and coming home with a scorecard they can be proud of.

Before a ball is struck in anger, they are delighted that their latest charity fundraiser is being well supported and hope others will join in to raise money for two worthy causes.

Last year in the boxing ring at the Bridge Centre in Killyleagh the two men set their friendship aside to slug it out in the name of charity and their competitive streak will be very much in evidence come Saturday.

“We are both determined to win and while the boxing match was declared an honourable draw, I hope to get one over on Terry to be crowned king of the clubs,” said councillor Walker. “I aim to surprise him and having learnt that the driver is not for the putting green, I hope to do okay. The competition will be intense.”

Councillor Walker is flying the flag for the DUP and while his sparring partner is a member of the SDLP, they have been close friends for many years and work together on a range of issues.

“While the tournament is about having a bit of fun, the main thing is to raise as much as we can. The interest and support which the tournament has sparked is great and I hope we can raise lots of money for two very deserving causes,” added councillor Walker.

Councillor Andrews is also looking forward to the weekend golf challenge and said while the two politicians will be going all out to win, the real winners will be the Alzheimer’s Society and Killyleagh Youth Club.

“These two organisations both do terrific work and Billy and I are hoping to raise as much as we can to support what they are doing locally. We were overwhelmed by the interest our boxing contest generated and are delighted with the response to the golf tournament,” he said.

Councillor Andrews is looking forward to his first shot off the tee and hopes he can keep the ball straight to heap the pressure on his opponent.

“Given that we both have never played golf before it will be interesting to say the least. I am out to win and hope my scorecard will be worth framing for all the right reasons. The support the tournament has received to date is very encouraging. Billy and I are very grateful to the businesses who have sponsored holes and all those who have signed up to take part. All we need now is a good day weather wise,” he added.

Some tee times are still available by contacting Bright Castle Golf Club, Coniamstown Road, Downpatrick or telephone (028) 4484 1319.