David Howell Pro Am 2007 

European Tour and Ryder Cup stars turn out 'fore' Toby

 

Some of the world's biggest golfing stars got in the swing for charity this week at Broome Manor Golf Club.

 

All 'fore' Toby: David Howell warms up

In an event organised by Swindon Ryder Cup hero David Howell, over £75,000 pounds was raised for the British Heart Foundation and the family of Toby Drayton, a former golf professional at the course and close-friend of Howell, who died suddenly in July.

Those turning out to play on the day included a whole host of European Tour winners including world match play champion Paul Casey, Nicholas Fasth, Graeme McDowell, Roger Chapman, Anthony Wall, Wayne Riley, Robert Lee, Steve Webster, David Park and Simon Khan. Former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallagher also teed-up.

 

On the Tee: World Matchplay Champion Paul Casey signs autographs on the first hole at Broome Manor

The chance to see a sporting line-up never seen before in Swindon attracted over 3,000 spectators, all keen to see their golfing heroes up-close and in action.

"The only person missing from the day is Toby," said David Howell, "but what a lovely memorial for him, to put this day on in his memory.
"It's been a challenge to put it on in five weeks but it's worked out perfectly and I'm delighted."

Despite the array of Tour stars on show it was Broome Manor's very own Mark Sandry and his group who took the team prize. However European Tour star's David Park and Graeme McDowell shared the Pro's prize, both shooting top class rounds of 64 (-7).

 

The tournament was organised by local company Jamega Pro Tour and was kindly supported by C&D Recruitment and a number of other local companies.

Club manufacturers Nike, Cleveland and Yes Golf also showed their support, putting on demonstrations, along with local pros giving free golf lessons for spectators.

A spectacular trick shot display by world champion Paul Barrington was also enjoyed by the massive crowd.

 

STORY UPDATE: 28 August 2007 11.45am

Golf event is all set to attract big crowds

Broome Manor Golf Club is getting ready to host Swindon's biggest ever golf event.

The David Howell Pro-Am, in aid of the British Heart Foundation in memory of Toby Drayton, will be taking place this coming Monday - 03 September 2007.

 

Come and join me:  David Howell

An event featuring some of the best professional golfers in the world, thanks to Swindon's own Ryder Cup star.

"The place will be transformed," David Howell told us, while visiting Broome Manor to help the organisers of the event.

 

"Toby was a friend to us all here, and we're all making sure that this golf day in his memory is one people will never forget."

All are welcome on the day, which will feature an 18-hole Pro-Am with guests including Paul Casey, Nicholas Fasth, former captain Bernard Gallagher and fellow pros Graeme McDowell, Roger Chapman, Anthony Wall, Wayne Riley, Robert Lee, Steve Webster, David Park, Sam Little, Simon Khan and coach Clive Tucker.

Other attractions include a display by world trick shot champion Paul Barrington, plus demonstrations by Cleveland and Nike, putting competitions and free coaching sessions on the driving range.

Entry in free. The action is set to start from 7.30am.

 

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Golfing stars putt Toby first
09 August 2007

The biggest golfing event ever to be held in Swindon will be taking place on the 3rd of September.

The David Howell Pro-Am will feature 26 of some of the best professional golfers in the world. An event organised to raise money in the memory of Toby Drayton and the British Heart Foundation, after Toby - a close friend of Swindon star Howell - died suddenly last month.

Best pals: Toby Drayton and David Howell,  seen here celebrating during David's  appearance in the Walker Cup 1995

"As soon as I heard the news, I wanted to help Toby's family," Howell told us. "He was a great guy and a fellow professional here at Broome Manor, so it's fitting that we should hold a golfing event here at the club to raise money."

 

Big Names

European Tour stars already confirmed for the Pro-Am include Ryder Cup players Paul Casey and Nicholas Fasth, former captain Bernard Gallagher and fellow pros Graeme McDowell, Roger Chapman, Anthony Wall, Wayne Riley, Robert Lee, Steve Webster, David Park, Sam Little, Simon Khan and coach Clive Tucker.

Local professionals from nearby clubs will also be taking part.
The one-off opportunity to play with the likes of Howell and his golfing friends has already been snapped up by various companies across Swindon to the tune of upto £2,000 pounds per team.

The day has been organised by David with help from those at Broome Manor Golf Club and those who stage the Jamega Tour tournaments.

 

The Pro-Am will also include a gala dinner for all those playing at the Marriott Hotel, where a prize auction will take place.

The unique event is expected to attract over three thousand spectators. Entry on the day is free.