John Daly Takes Centre Stage at Charity Golf Day at Forest Pines

Two-time Major winner John Daly took a break from his preparations for the Open Championship to play a starring role at the 10th KCOM Group Annual Charity Golf Day at Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort – and help raise around £40,000 for charity.

The big-hitting and colourful American golfing icon was the star attraction at the top QHotels venue in north Lincolnshire as he joined nearly 200 guests for a fun-packed day in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Daly, 48, winner of the 1995 Open who celebrates the 20th anniversary of his most famous victory at St Andrews this month, treated the thrilled audience to a full demonstration of his skills at a golf clinic as well as holding a question-and answer session.

There was also the opportunity for guests to take part in a long drive competition with Adrian Arnold winning the contest with a fantastic effort of 289 yards – just five yards behind Daly.

Annette Watling, from KCOM, said: “Golf names don’t come any bigger than John Daly and we feel very privileged that he could join us just a week before heading back to St Andrews for the Open. His presence helped us raise a fantastic amount charity and it is an event that will live long in the memory.”

The KCOM Group annual charity golf day brings together customers, partners and celebrity sportsmen, with this year’s star names including the likes of former Liverpool and England goalkeeper Ray Clemence, ex-Norwich star Bryan Gunn and Leeds United legend Eddie Gray.

Andrew Cameron, director of golf at Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort, said: “John Daly is still one of the most famous players in the world of golf and it was a great honour for Forest Pines to host him, 20 years after his victory at The Open.

“He is someone that all golfers talk about and identify with, whatever their ability. It was incredible for everyone to see how far he can hit a golf ball, while the question-and-answer gave a fascinating insight into one of the most colourful characters the game has ever seen.”

Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort is a part of the multi-award-winning, four and five-star QHotels – the UK’s largest golf resort operator- which offers championship-standard courses in 11 unique resort locations across England and Scotland.

Selected by The R&A for host venue for the 2013 Boys Home Internationals, Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort offers 27 superb holes of golf, which meander through majestic pines in three loops of nine – and it is as challenging as it is beautiful. Located a short distance from junction four of the M180 and nestled in 190 acres of beautiful woodland, its position makes it an ideal club for golfers in north Lincolnshire and Humberside.

To discover more about Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort, visit www.qhotels.co.uk/qfairway or call 01652 650 756.
www.qhotels.co.uk