Spring Bank Holiday Monday saw the augural ‘Suffolk Punch Trophy’ golf tournament held at Ufford Park to help raise funds for the Suffolk Punch horse.
The event, founded by owner and keen golfer, Colin Aldous, and attracted elite golfers from across Suffolk to play two rounds at the award-winning 18-hole, par 71 course, nestled in the Suffolk countryside.
Ufford Park has previously hosted various prestigious golf tournaments including, The Rett Classic, Best Western National Seniors and Sky Televised Euro Pro Tour.
Colin said, ‘Back in 2019, we felt the time was right to introduce a new annual golf competition, and after significant research and consideration, we decided on a Regional Annual Order of Merit event, which could support an appropriate charity.
We managed to secure sponsorship from six local companies; AllGlass (Anglia) Ltd, Foskett Farms, GAH, Humphreys Removals, Hopkins Homes, and the Tru7 Group, all of which have strong connections with the village of Ufford. However, COVID-19 forced a twelve-month delay, but we are very grateful that the generous sponsors have been retained.
My wife and myself were raised in rural Suffolk and both of our fathers were full-time Suffolk Horseman, working the land before tractors started to dominant around the 1950’s.
Ufford Park had the opportunity to support the “Suffolk Horse” by sponsoring a foal at The Suffolk Punch Trust, which like every other living Suffolk Horse could trace its pedigree back to Crisps Horse born in Ufford in 1768. Unfortunately, our foal died prematurely, however, this new event creates another opportunity to support this endangered rare breed and Suffolk icon.’
The event was held on Monday 31st May 20201 and was open to golfers with a maximum Handicap index limit 9.0.
A presentation took place in the evening and trophies and prize money were awarded to the both the scratch and nett winners, plus vouchers for the overall top five places and best AM/PM rounds.
Best Gross score and winner of the Gold Suffolk Punch Trophy was Teddy Hall from Bury St Edmunds Golf Club. He shot gross scores of 77 and 75 for a total winning score of 152 over 36 holes.
Best Nett score and winner of the Silver Suffolk Punch Trophy was Fraser Johnson from Ufford Park Golf Club. He shot nett scores of 71 and 74 for a total winning score of 145 over 36 holes.
A donation from each entry fee has been collected to support both The Suffolk Punch Trust and The Suffolk Horse Society.
“We are always looking for new ways to promote this critically endangered breed of horse, so we were delighted when asked to attend The Suffolk Punch Trophy Golf Tournament with a Suffolk horse. The continued support Ufford Park has shown us, and of course the Suffolk horse in general, is truly overwhelming and we could not continue our work without your help. Thank you.” said Tracey Pettit, The Suffolk Punch Trust.
John Fleming from The Suffolk Horse Society said: “We are so very grateful to Ufford Park and Colin Aldous for arranging this golf event in aid of the Suffolk Punch horse. The Suffolk Punch has come ‘home’ today as back in 1768 Ufford was discovered as the birth place for this breed of horse.” The Suffolk Horse Society is the official charity for the preservation and promotion of the Suffolk Punch Horse.