Microgaming’s PlayItForward annual Charity Golf Day has raised ?8,006 for The Children’s Centre.

With 21 teams entered in total from local businesses, the Microgaming Charity Golf Day teed off on Friday 16 June at Castletown Golf Club (with much better weather conditions than the previous year!). Each team battled it out to finish top after 18 holes. The inclusion of a ‘wild ball’, which could award double points along the course, added pressure to the teams, but also increased donations; teams had to pay ?20 for each wild ball they lost!

After an excellent round, SMP 2 took first place with 116 points, followed by Old Mutual International (115 points), and SMP 1 with 115 points.

Other teams that took part were GVC, KPMG, Continent 8, Black Grace Cowley, Simcocks, PayGenie, Robinsons, Red Star Ventures, Knox Capital Solutions, Knox House, Newfields, Barclays, Blonde Barbarians, MAC Financial and Alex Holt.

Aside from winning the round of golf, there were a number of other accolades up for grabs throughout the day. Courtesy of BMW Buchanan, a Mini Cooper was on the cards for the hole in one winner, but this unfortunately was unclaimed. Teams also competed for the longest drive and the nearest pin, with Breeshey Jansen making the longest drive and Ciaran Broad, Steven Boyd and Michael Charmer winning the nearest pins on the 8th, 13th and 16th holes respectively, receiving a ‘Car for the Weekend’ thanks to BMW Buchanan.

Sponsored and organised by Microgaming, a team of PlayItForward staff volunteers took to the course to assist with the set-up, to give out goody bags to all participants and award the prizes.

Prizes were donated by Will Halsall from Your Personal Wine Service, and a raffle draw prize was donated by Raybon Putters who provided a custom-made putter with a one to one custom fitting session, won by Steve Zybert.

With Microgaming covering event costs, a fantastic ?8,006 was raised from entry fees and wild ball penalties for The Children’s Centre.
Jane Dellar, Income Generation Lead at The Children’s Centre, who helped the PlayItForward volunteers on the day, commented:

“Everything was exceptionally well organised and whilst there was some serious competition there was also a lot of laughter. All of this whilst raising much needed funds in support of our wide range of charitable services. We help the Island’s families put children first, promoting child wellbeing alongside practical advice and support in challenging times, helping protect children from neglect and harm and supporting those with physical, emotional or cognitive difficulties. A big thank you to Microgaming & PlayItForward for choosing The
Children’s Centre to benefit this year and to everyone who took part for their generosity.”

Claire Coleman, Head of Microgaming PlayItForward, added: “This is now the third year we’ve organised a Charity Golf Day and it was another fun and successful event! And most importantly it’s raised over ?8,000 for a very important local charity. A big thank you to everyone who took part, to those companies that donated prizes and to all the Microgaming volunteers.”

Photo - Team Microgaming.