Rugby-based banker claims victory at Chamber golf day
A Rugby-based banker has put himself in the company of some of golf’s greats, by claiming victory at an event in the region – despite only playing a handful of times a year.
Stuart Andrews, Relationship Director in Commercial Banking for Lloyds Bank, signed up for Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Annual President’s Golf Day which took place at Nailcote Hall Hotel and Golf Club.
The venue is home to one of the best loved Par Three courses in the country – so much so that it plays host to the British Par Three Championship and has seen the likes of Major winner Ian Woosnam grace its greens.
Stuart didn’t hold out much hope of victory when he saw just how tough the course was, but was still keen to give it a go and enjoy the event, which was sponsored by Rybrook Warwick BMW and raised money for Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA).
But after getting off to a flying start, he secured the win by a single stroke, after handicaps were taken into account.
Stuart said: “I only play three or four times a year – I wish it was more – and it means I haven’t got an official handicap, so I was given the maximum extra strokes possible.
“I think, ultimately, that gave me a slight advantage, because I was effectively given two extra shots per hole. I got the first down in three so, technically, it meant I’d got a hole in one!
“As the round progressed, I managed to get enough fours and fives to hang on for the win. I can honestly say, I never thought I’d be mentioned in the same breath as Ian Woosnam when it comes to golf!
“It was a great day and, as a business, we really see the value in attending a variety of Chamber events right across the region.”
Stuart, who is the Chamber’s bank manager, was one of 27 golfers to tee off at the annual event that raised funds to support the vital work of the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance – a service which relies entirely on voluntary donations and support from our communities.
Tom Mongan, president of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It was a wonderful day and big congratulations to Stuart for taking home first prize.
“A big thank you to Rybrook Warwick BMW for sponsoring and to everyone who took part for making it such a great event and raising much-needed funds for Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.
“On top of that, a big thank you to Rick Cressman at Nailcote Hall for his hospitality on the day and for offering prizes to the golfers taking part.”
Rybrook BMW Corporate Manager Rob Underhay said: “It is great to be able to support local business and, as a Chamber member, we want to get as many of our local businesses into our cars and to explore the range and the fantastic offers we have available.”
For further details on Rybrook Warwick BMW email robin.underhay@rybrookbmw.co.uk or go to https://www.rybrook.co.uk/bmw/dealers/warwick/
