The Christmas season teed off early at the Royal Golf Club in Riffa as spirited Santa, Mrs Claus and their helpers put down their sacks full of presents and picked up bags of clubs to take a swing at raising money for a worthy cause.
The 9-hole Wee Monty Course was taken over by 17 members of the British Club’s Golf Society in a bid to raise funds for Help for Heroes, a British charity that provides practical support to wounded, injured and sick men and women of the armed services, veterans and their families.
The festive golfers created a ‘fine’ system where every lousy shot cost them a charitable donation.
Fundraising organiser Neil Dawson, 49, a project director for an interior construction firm, who lives in Mahooz, said: “If we got our balls in the bunkers that was BD1 and if it hit the water then that was BD5 and even if you hit it onto the green off the tee that was worth BD1.
“I was trying really hard to find water at any part of the course and other members were deliberately ensuring that their balls weren’t on the green. We just wanted to raise as much money as possible … just ask Santa!
“Santa’s helpers found it extremely hot in the suits but it was a fun day for all with a lot of camaraderie. People at the course loved the costumes. Everybody thought it was really funny. In fact, we passed by the British ambassador who was playing on the main course and he shouted over that we looked great.”
Some of the participants also picked up prizes. British Club’s golf chairman Chris Mace, 53, also from Mahooz, a regional manager of an equipment rental company in Saudi Arabia, was awarded a BMMI voucher for shooting a gross 33.
And Lewis McDonough, 28, from Juffair, an operations manager for Rezayat Group, won a sleeve of golf balls for hitting nearest to the pin.
To date, Santa and his helpers have raised BD650 which includes BD300 donated by Bahrain True Blues Rangers Supporters Club.
For those interested in making a further donation can watch Santa and his helpers in action again on the green on Christmas Eve from 4pm to 5pm. And don’t worry; Neil assures us that Santa and his helpers will be up and away in plenty of time to make sure all deliveries arrive the following morning. Rudolph insists.
