mar11 goodwoodopen

The Park Course at Goodwood will be the scene of a sports celebrity ‘Nearest the Pin’ shoot out next Monday (March 16) as Golf At Goodwood announces that the Park Course is opening to casual green fee golfers.

The course officially opens to the public on Saturday April 4th, but the shoot out has been created to set a target for all golfers who play from April 4 – 10.

Ex-Ryder Cup stars Steve Richardson and Paul Way have been signed up to lead sports celebs, Darren Gough, John Francome, Richard Hughes, Tiff Needell, Alan Brazil and Ronnie Irani in a competition to see who can get nearest to the pin on the 11th hole on the Park Course… and lay down a marker for everyone playing during the Launch Week.

Whoever wins the ‘Celebrity Nearest the Pin’ competition will receive a donation of £1,000 to go to their favourite charity.  

Any golfer who beats it during the Launch Week, will win a free round of golf on the Park Course and whoever records the best shot each day will win a Callaway putter. The golfer who manages to get nearest the pin throughout the week will win a luxury weekend at The Goodwood Hotel for 2 people including dinner, bed & breakfast, 2 free rounds of golf, a spa treatment and your very own Porsche to tour the beautiful Sussex countryside in during your stay.

The competition is designed to be fun and not taken too seriously although Golf At Goodwood Marketing Manager, Callum MacKay knows that when all of the players get to the 11th tee they will all want to win.

“I have explained to everybody that its meant to be a relaxed day out and a bit of fun which is how we want golfers to approach Goodwood when they come here.

“But I know how competitive they all are, and they will have the added pressure of having all of their efforts filmed which we will then put on our website to let people see what they have to beat when they play during the Launch Week.

“We also want to have a bit of fun during the opening week and we will be filming everyone who plays and posting the top 10 and worst 10 efforts on our website.”

General Manager of Golf At Goodwood, Rob Greig is expecting a busy year despite the current gloomy economic outlook.

“Golf At Goodwood is all about flexibility and as such, believe we have the complete range of golfing products, whether you are looking for membership of a fantastic golf club or just want to turn up and pay a green fee.

“The Goodwood Hotel will be the clubhouse for the Park Course whilst The Kennels will remain the clubhouse for members of Golf At Goodwood.

“We have priced the Park Course very sensibly at £25 for a round during the week and £35 at the weekend and the feedback we have had so far has been very positive.

“The Park Course is a good test of golf, set in a very picturesque setting, and it is also fairly flat and easy to walk.”

Spectators are welcome to come and watch this unique event, and should be at the Goodwood Hotel golf reception for 1pm on Monday where they will be directed to the 11th hole.

Golfers wishing to play The Park Course, take part in the Launch Week or play at any other time should call 01243 755168 or visit the Goodwood website www.goodwood.com