The Felix Cup 2019
Battle at Burhill
Sponsored by Crystal Sports Travel
On 4 April 2019 the first Felix Cup took place at the excellent Burhill Golf Club in Weybridge, Surrey. The event saw two teams of 16 compete in an 18-hole matchplay team duel consisting of amateurs versus professionals. The professionals, led by Colt Mackenzie McNair Director Adam Keable, were worthy winners 5–3 in a closely-fought contest that took part on a cold and windy but largely dry day.
The idea for the event came after a suggestion from Lord’s Taverners Regional Development Manager Tom Warner, who I was originally planning a cricket match, because golf would give us the opportunity to involve more people and, with courses around the country, hosting events week-in week-out would simplify administration.
After speaking to Adam Keable we designed the concept of a unique golf day that included a team element, fundraising opportunities and a clinic for those newer to the game to improve so they can hopefully play in the event one day. As the event is smaller than many golf days, it enabled us to apply more of a personal touch for everyone involved
I picked two charities to donate funds to from the event, the Lord’s Taverners and the Variety Club,both of which help disabled and disadvantaged children by providing access to sport.
We were hugely fortunate to have a vast array of silent auction and main auction prizes including the highest-grossing prize of an amazing four nights in the Maldives thanks to Four Seasons Resorts Maldives. This has helped us raise in excess of £5,000 for our charities.
Our day would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors and partners, particularly lead sponsor Crystal Sports Travel and drinks sponsor Carter Jonas. The golf events company One Golf Club and clothing brand Kjus provided some of the nicer touches to help make the day special, with clothing and gifts the guests were not expecting.
Golf sometimes has a negative perception around it, and before I started the game it did not appeal to me as a sport. I was inspired by watching Tiger Woods play and win the 1997 Masters, and now 22 years on when he has won the Masters again, many more can be inspired to take up this great sport. My experience of playing the sport has been incredibly positive.
I love golf for many reasons. It is one big challenge and never gets boring because you can always improve. You can spend as little or as much time as you wish practicing or playing. And I have met some fantastic people through the game that will I am sure be friends for life.
Those who work in the sport do so because of a shared sense of passion, as they spend long hours, often at unsociable hours. However, the rewards are great in terms of being at special places and enjoying experiences that few other sports can match.
As a player, the game is complex and challenging to start, though with some advice from a PGA Professional you can quickly learn the basics in 3–6 months, and the skills will stay with you forever. Luckily for myself and playing partner Mark Ramprakash, we had a good day on the course where things just clicked. I know our opponents will be keen to reverse the scoreline next year and I for one will be doing my best to help Team Madina win the trophy back in 2020!
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