Thousands of Rotarians are already members of the European Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians (EGFR). It was founded in 1975, with 21 countries having separate organisations.
More than 2,000 Rotarians are currently members of EGFR which hosts European tournaments each year.
A new branch has been set up for the UK with a launch event at Walmley Golf Club in Sutton Coldfield on Thursday October 14th.
The EGFR is part of the International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians.
It was founded at St Andrews in Scotland in 1963 and has which representation in Australia, Europe and North America. There are developing organisations in Africa, Asia and South America.
Membership is totally free for Rotarians, the only criteria is that you have to be a member of both a Rotary club and a golf club, and hold a certified handicap.
Our launch event in October will, we hope, be the start of regular golfing days out around the UK where Rotarians can get together to both compete and make new friends.”
Chairman of the newly formed UK golfing fellowship, Trevor Johnson, said that this was the perfect time to launch in the UK.
He explained: “With so many golfing events being cancelled over the past 18 months, it’s a good time to focus on something positive that will help to bring people together.
“Our launch event in October will, we hope, be the start of regular golfing days out around the UK where Rotarians can get together to both compete and make new friends.”
A new branch of the European Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians is to open in Sutton Coldfield later this year
The launch event at Walmley Golf Club in Sutton Coldfield, takes place on a stunning parkland course with a 119-year old history.
The first tee time is 11.30am and includes a bacon roll and coffee on arrival, 18 holes of golf followed by a three course dinner for £60.
To register, email Trevor Johnson at teenjay79@gmail.com. Find more details on the European Golfing Fellowship on their website.
Meanwhile, last year, in response to the Covid restrictions, Denby Dale & District Rotary in West Yorkshire came up with a novel way of raising funds after the cancellation of its annual golf day.
Over the years, this golf event has raised thousands for the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice in Huddersfield.
And now they are running a similar distance golf tournament this summer.
The Charity Golf Challenge allows teams to play on any course at a time of their choice. Last year it proved very popular with around 50 teams taking part from all over the UK, in Europe and even in Australia.
It resulted in significant donations to both the children’s hospice and also Carers UK.
We didn’t know whether the event would work with all the Covid restrictions in place.”
Denby Dale & District Rotary President, Gil Davies, said that the response to the first event was very positive.
She explained: “We didn’t know whether the event would work with all the Covid restrictions in place but the response was excellent and a number of people told us that they enjoyed the format and have encouraged us to run it again this year.”
Last years Rotary Charity Golf Challenge was a success with over teams taking part from around the world
For this year’s tournament, teams of four can play anywhere they like and at any time from May 1st until September 30th.
The entry cost is just £10 per person and after completing their round, teams simply email their scorecard. The winners will receive 10% of all entry fees collected with prizes for the top four teams.
The Stableford competition is open to any combination of men and ladies. The only restriction is that golfers must be a member of a golf club and have a current Handicap Index.
For full information about the event, email denbydalerotary@gmail.com or visit the website.
