RNLI appeal hits target after the Ian Walsh Golf Day

The day began at St Davids City Golf Club, where 60 players were able to enjoy pre-game bacon rolls and coffee in a specially erected marquee, before setting off in teams of four and contesting a Texas scramble competition.

Following the golf, 180 people attended the Crug Glas Country House Boutique Hotel, for a fantastic evening of entertainment that was hosted by Scrum V pitch-side reporter Phil Steele.

The event included the golf presentations, a unique auction, and singing from former X Factor contestant and Welsh household name James Williams, himself a scratch golfer who had taken part in the tournament in the morning.

The audience were also able to enjoy sporting tales from the likes of Walsh and Steele, Gerald Davies, Mark Ring, and John Hartson.

“It has been amazing,” Walsh told the Western Telegraph at the end of the night.

“We were blessed with the weather for the golf and it has been great to see how much people have enjoyed today.

“This occasion has attracted people to St Davids who have never visited here before, and they will leave with a fantastic first impression.”

Walsh added that the support he’d received for the event, from both local people and those further afield, had been superb.

Earlier this year football pundit Walsh, who won 18 caps for Wales and played more than 100 times for Crystal Palace, was asked by the RNLI to front their fundraising campaign alongside Gerald Davies, the former Wales and British Lions rugby player, who also managed the latter on their 2009 tour to South Africa.

It was an invitation the pair both duly accepted, and prior to the golfers teeing off yesterday morning, Walsh explained what motivated him to organise the day.

“The first question I asked myself is what I could add locally to this appeal,” said the 56-year-old, who attended St Davids Secondary School as a youngster.

“Being a keen golfer, and having good contacts in sport, I decided to arrange a golf day and the backing I’ve had for it has been fantastic.”

And there were more than just team prizes to play for, with ‘longest drive’ and ‘nearest the pin’ competitions, plus special bonus prizes for anyone able to land the ball on the green of the par three 13th.

Unfortunately, no one was able to nail a hole-in-one on the latter, which would have seen the lucky individual drive away in a new car.

“The 13th hole is significant to me as behind the green there is a plaque dedicated to my late brother, Kevin, who was a member here.” explained Walsh.

Amongst the 60 golfers to participate was former Welsh rugby international Ring, plus ex-football internationals in Hartson, Terry Boyle and David Giles, television presenter John Hardy, and Swansea City legend Wyndham Evans.

And they were joined by a host of local club players, keen to add their support to the local RNLI who have long been considered integral to the community of St Davids.

Former Welsh rugby winger Davies, who won 72 caps for Wales and scored 18 tries, and made five test appearances for the Lions, joked that he would not be getting any clubs out – but spoke of the importance of the RNLI.

“It’s such an important and integral part of life in St Davids,” said the 70-year-old, who spends large parts of the year in the city after first visiting the area with his wife, Sue, 20 years ago.

“The RNLI are superb in what they do – they don’t enjoy big grants but raise nearly all of their money voluntarily.

“Personally, I like to think I’m part of the community now and I’m happy to help anything that contributes positively to society – and the RNLI certainly does that.”

Former footballer Hartson meanwhile, who won 51 caps for his country and scored 14 goals, said he was honoured to be asked to support the day.

Of course, the ex-Celtic man is no stranger to charity work himself, and after overcoming cancer in 2009, has since set up his own foundation in 2010 to help raise awareness and funds for those battling the disease.

“It’s nice to be asked to come along and help support the appeal – and I think it’s wonderful what both Ian and Gerald are doing” he said.

“They are legendary figures that the public can look up to as both have done so well in their chosen sports.

“It’s vitally important to have people like them involved in charity appeals and putting something back into their local community.”

The golf was won by the team of St Davids member Gareth Thomas, Ring, and Dafydd and Huw Hardy – who were later presented with a new golf bag each, along with bottles of wine and cheeseboards.

Nearest the pin, and a brand new putter, went to David Evans, while Chris Davies bagged the prize of a four ball at Tenby Golf Club by virtue of having the longest drive.

At Crug Glas, Steele entertained the guests with a variety of stories, and spoke of his own Pembrokeshire connections as his wife, Kate, hails from Pembroke Dock.

“I spend a lot of time here so I know how important this cause is,” he said.

“And when you have greats like Walshy and Gerald Davies involved, and people like John (Hartson) who is a modern day hero in Wales with his charity work, it really helps.”

Steele conducted amusing interviews with Walsh, Hartson and Ring, and there was an impromptu ‘heads or tails’ game conducted by John Hardy.

Local RNLI member James Wilcox was also joined on stage by St Davids coxswain Dai John, and the pair spoke of the importance of raising funds for the new boathouse, the importance of the group’s work, and thanked everyone for their ongoing support.

And following dinner, Walsh acted as auctioneer as a host of unique sporting items were put up for grabs.

A Welsh rugby shirt, signed by a number of legendary players from over the years, went for £1300, while a Real Madrid top signed by Gareth Bale fetched £1000.

A painting by Pembrokeshire artist Huw Richards Evans, portraying a view from the St Davids golf course, made £700, a Jamie Donaldson signed Ryder Cup flag went for £500 – and a Celtic shirt signed by Hartson raised £600.

Amongst the numerous other items, a Welsh football shirt, signed by the current Welsh team, went for £550, and even a signed England rugby shirt made £250 – with Steele joking it would be £1 for the top, and £249 for the coat hanger.

And prior to Williams taking the stage to round off a hugely successful day, Walsh thanked everyone involved for their efforts.

And he reserved special praise for his wife Delyth, and daughters Lilly and Aimee, the latter a professional event organiser who had been pivotal in arranging the day, for their contribution.

All profits made from both the golf and the dinner went towards the new boathouse, with the donated amount of £10,133 enough to help the RNLO over the £150,000 mark.