The setting for Grant UK’s 2015 annual golf tournament was familiar to many, being held in the beautiful grounds of Bowood Golf and Country Club near Chippenham, Wiltshire.
The Grant Sales Team invited some of their local merchants and installers to enjoy a day’s golf before a formal dinner which was held in the evening at Bowood Hotel. This May event was organised by the Company to show their appreciation for the continued support of some of their most loyal merchants and installers.
The championship course at Bowood offers golfers the opportunity to play a challenging course while alternative tees are available to suit different levels of ability. The day started with a welcome cup of coffee along with a freshly cooked bacon sandwich, something to set everyone up for their time on the course. The Grant Sales Team, merchants and installers were able to chat within the relaxed environs of the Clubhouse Brasserie and garden terrace. The conditions were sunny, albeit slightly breezy, so with a coffee in hand this made for a good start to the day.
To help everyone get into the swing of things, golfers headed to the practice course for some professional tuition. This session, which was led by a member of Bowood’s professional golf team, allowed those present to get their eye into the game and prepare for the demands of the course. Just prior to teeing off, all of the players were asked to stand together for a group photo. After a small amount of shuffling to the left, right, and left a little bit more, everyone was in place and the winning shot was captured.
Once warmed up and confident to step out onto the course, the teams of three and four commenced teeing off from noon. Each team was led by a representative from Grant and no doubt there was plenty of competition between the groups (even if they deny it)! Each team played a round of eighteen holes and with prizes up for grabs for the best individual golfers, everything was worth playing for. To keep everyone going while they were on the course, a Grant goodie bag was given to each player which included a drink and snacks. Grant’s distinctive red umbrellas were also supplied to each player but luckily these were not needed on the day.
Not too many balls went amiss and some excellent play was witnessed throughout the day. Once the teams had completed their round, everyone headed to the clubhouse where afternoon drinks were waiting. While taking rest, the trials and tribulations of the fantastic championship course were discussed with attention soon turning towards the evening meal.
Afternoon drinks enjoyed, everyone then headed to the hotel, which is a short walk from the clubhouse, where check-in was completed and people were able to get ready for the evening.
The day recommenced at 6.30pm when customers were invited to early evening drinks before dinner. The diverse range of heating products which Grant supplies requires equally diverse merchants and installers to sell and fit them. Events, such as this golf day, not only allow Grant to say thank you; such days also create the opportunity for like-minded members from within the industry to meet and share ideas.
Following drinks in the bar, everyone headed through to the suite where the formal dinner was held. During dinner, the day’s winners from the golf were announced. The team which came in first was that led by Andy Smith, one of Grant UK’s Regional Development Managers. Alongside Andy in his winning team were Steve King (Advance Heating, G-One Installer) and Andy Muffett (Plumb City).
The best individual players from the day were also announced. The top individual golfer was Bill Marjoribanks (W. Marjoribanks Ltd, G-One Installer) who completed the course two over par. To reward this achievement, Bill was presented with a golf bag by Grant. Runner-up went to Gary Manson (G & K Manson Ltd, G-One Installer) whose round of four over par secured him into second place. Gary also received a prize courtesy of Grant, a golf shoe bag.
Prize-giving completed and dinner enjoyed, the guests’ evening continued with entertainment in the form of table top magician, Matt Daniel Baker, whose skillful tricks and clever illusions kept everyone on the edge of their seats with interest. To accompany the entertainment, the bar remained open and the guests were able to enjoy a relaxing evening all round, with many staying up late into the night and not turning into their rooms until the early hours of the following morning.
From the feedback that Grant has received, the event was a great success with quality golf during the day followed by an enjoyable evening of delicious food and excellent entertainment.