Cricketers Victorious In ‘Bat And Ball’ Challenge At De Vere Mottram Hall

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As final preparations were made at De Vere Mottram Hall for the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship, the 3rd Annual ‘De Vere Bat & Ball Golfing Challenge’ saw well-known faces from the world of cricket and football combine with golfing legends on the eve of the highly anticipated European Senior Tour event.

England cricket hero Darren Gough was joined by the likes of ex-England stars Steve Harmison and Dean Headley, to complete a five point win against their footballing counterparts, that included De Vere Golf ambassador Harry Redknapp, and Ryder Cup legends Sam Torrance, Mark James and De Vere ambassador, Colin Montgomerie.

Gough, who captained the cricketers’ team, was joined by 1999 Ryder Cup Captain Mark James to score 82 points, which spearheaded the cricketers’ team to a 483 points total. The winning captain commented on his team’s success over the footballers, saying: “We’re over the moon. They may get paid more than we do, but we’re better golfers.”

Colin Montgomerie, who represents De Vere Golf will join the European Senior Tour later this month following his 50th birthday, competed along with Harry Redknapp, who took the ‘Nearest the Pin’ prize.

Following his round at the recently renovated De Vere Mottram Hall, Montgomerie was full of praise for the resort which will host the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship from Thursday to Sunday of this week, saying: “The course is playing fantastically well, and I’m looking forward to playing in tournaments like this when I turn 50.

“I have a few weeks before I’m eligible but this is a fantastic tournament and is a great chance for people to watch some top quality golf. It was a pleasure to play with some illustrious stars from other sports; you have really got to respect their achievements and from what I’ve seen today in the Pro-Am, some of them are more than handy with a golf club too! Steve Harmison is a serious 6 handicapper and Darren Gough was knocking it over 340 yards from the tee!”

Daniel Hodson, De Vere’s Director of Golf, noted: “The Bat & Ball Challenge is a great way for us to get the tournament week underway at Mottram Hall, and the course looks fantastic. We’ve been very fortunate to attract some of the biggest names on the Senior Tour once again so we’re looking forward to a really competitive week. The footballers and cricketers who joined us today looked like they were having a great time, but when the tournament starts tomorrow I think there will be some great golf being played.”

Members of the De Vere Club receive free entry and tickets are available on the gate for £15.

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