Golf is the new challenge as councillors to tee off for charity

Golf is the new challenge as councillors to tee off for charity

5 August 2015

TWO local politicians are hoping their latest charity fundraiser won’t drive a wedge between them.

Fresh from their success in the boxing ring last year when they slugged it out to raise £2,500 for worthy causes, Rowallane politicians Billy Walker and Terry Andrews are concentrating on getting into the swing of things for a charity four-ball golf tournament this October at Bright Golf Club.

Both have never played golf before and at last week’s press launch ahead of the charity fundraiser it showed with the councillors attempting to putt the ball on the green with a driver.

The politicians hope that despite teeing off their latest fundraiser using the wrong clubs, they will again be able to raise several thousand pounds for charity with the October tournament in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society’s Down Lisburn branch and Killyleagh Youth Club.

Councillors Walker and Andrews also hope their driving ambition to help others will be supported by golfers keen on a bit of enjoyment and raising money for two worthy causes. Noted for their work on “bread and putter issues,”  the duo are planning a crash course before they step on to the first tee on October 24 with the main aim to stay out of the bunkers and the rough.

“We have never played golf before so it is going to be very interesting to say the least,” admitted councillor Walker. “The winner is certainly not a fore-gone conclusion but we aim to have some fun and will respect the course, making sure we don’t leave too many potholes. Bright is such a long course that we may need the floodlights on to see us home.”

The DUP man, who hopes to see off the challenge of his SDLP rival, said the duo are delighted to be able to help the two organisations they are supporting given the “tremendous work” they do locally.

“Killyleagh Youth Club is facing a battle to secure funding and while we helped this group last year, we plan to do so again. It takes teenagers off the streets in the town and since the group’s launch there has been a noted reduction of anti-social behaviour at the weekends. It caters for up to 80 young people and has been tremendously successful.

“The Alzheimer’s Society’s Down Lisburn branch also does sterling work, providing support for individuals and families across the district. The volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes are among the unsung heroes in our area.”

The Rowallane councillors are hoping their charity endeavours will become an annual event and hope the support for the golf tournament will be as successful as last year’s boxing bout at Killyleagh’s Bridge Centre.

Councillor Andrews is delighted to be able to help charities “working at the heart of the community.”

He continued: “As everyone knows, Billy and I are the best of friends, but we are both determined to return the best scorecard to secure the bragging rights. Our boxing clash was a success and we hope the golf tournament can raise a similar amount.

“The gloves are off and it’s going to be a straight shoot out between Billy and I. Hopefully we will be supplied with a golf buggy as it’s a long trek around Bright Golf Course on foot and we still want to be standing at the finish. We are both determined to win but the real winners will be the Alzheimer’s Society and Killyleagh Youth Club.”

Councillor Andrews added: “We hope the community will support this and get as much fun out of this as Billy and I will by entering into the spirit of this event.”

The October 24 tournament tees off at 9am, with the Rowallane councillors hoping local businesses will sponsor holes and prizes for the winners. Tee off times are available by contacting either of the councillors or Bright Golf Club.