Events calendar - Golf Day - 28th July 2008

Steve Hanley is local rugby union Guinness Premiership club Sale Sharks longest serving player and is the Guinness Premiership's all-time leading try scorer. He played for England in 1999 in the match which is every anorak's favourite quiz question - where did Wales beat England at rugby union in 1999. You will have to enter a team for the Golf Day to find out the answer from Stan (as he is known to his friends and fans).

Join Stan and some of his sporting friends from Cricket, Football and Rugby , to celebrate his testimonial year and raise some funds for a good cause.

What's this all in aid of ?

Steve Hanley is the first Sale Sharks player to be awarded a testimonial for 10 years loyal service with the club and, to honour this achievement, a testimonial year has been set up. The year will focus not just on raising funds for Stan and his chosen charities, but also so the player can show his appreciation to the fans that have supported him throughout his career, so far.

The chosen charity for this event is St Ann's Hospice, which was not chosen for its name (Spells STANN'S), but for the brilliant care and support it gives in the Greater Manchester and Cheshire areas. The charity is also Mere's Club Captain, Alan Baxter's chosen charity for 2008 and we thank him for supporting this event.

The Venue - Mere Golf & Country Club, Cheshire .

Mere's history dates back to the 12th century, when it was recorded as the home of one Robert de la Mere and earned a mention in the Dom esday Book. Mere Golf Course was designed in 1934 by Open Champions James Braid and George Duncan. It was opened on May 11, 1935, to great acclaim. Membership became immediately sought after, a trend which has continued to this day. Over the years, Mere has hosted several championship tournaments, including the 2001 Dan Technology European Tour Seniors Championship.

Mere is as famous for its beauty as it is for the challenges it presents. The 6,817-yard, par-71 course was created out of 150 acres of Cheshire parkland in 1934. Mature trees, rhododendron bushes and the lake add considerable charm to a day's golf but they are also there to test you! Water, ravines and thick vegetation have been incorporated into the layout so that care and accuracy are demanded on many holes. The last four holes in particular are notorious for wrecking previously respectable score cards. Sky Sports commentator Steve Beddoes has described Mere as 'The Wentworth of the North'.

The Charity

St Ann's Hospice is one of the largest adult hospices in the UK caring for over 3,000 people across three sites at Little Hulton, Heald Green and Wythenshawe free of charge each year. 

This year it will cost around 9 million to do this of which 6 million must be raised from voluntary donations such as legacies, trusts, in memory gifts, shops, St Ann's Hospice lottery, own fundraising events and supportive 3rd party events such as this one. 

It is the support of the local community that enables the Hospice to continue to provide physical, psychological, social and spiritual care and the wide range of services when people are seriously ill to help them achieve the best quality of life.

The Rules & Format

The competition will be a team event played over the championship course at 'Mere Golf Club'. The teams will comprise of four competitors (including one Celebrity Player), playing to full handicaps on stableford scoring, with all three non celebrity scores counting on each hole. The maximum handicap will be 24 for Men and 30 for Women. Full rules are available on request. The Decision of the Tournament staff and ultimately the Tournament Director is Final.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, with other special prizes on the day.

Celebrity players will consist of Sale Sharks 1 st Team players, former and present Lancashire County Cricket players, and former Manchester United /City Players. Your celebrity player will be drawn at random 1 hour prior to the event start time.

Your Team Package will include:

•  Entry into the Celebrity Golf Event

•  Professional Event Management

•  Welcome Gift (Ping Golf Polo Shirt with special embroidery)

•  Bacon Rolls, Tea, coffee and Orange Juice on arrival

•  4 rounds of golf at Mere Golf Club (Including Celebrity)

•  Prize Table

•  Entry to Gala Dinner

•  3-course dinner with wine

•  Guest compere / comedian / Auctioneer

Itinerary of the day

11.30– 13.00hrs Registration / Light Brunch

Whilst enjoying a light brunch we will be drawing your final four-ball playing partner from the pool sporting celebrities .

13.30hrs Shotgun Start / Event Begins

19.00hrs Prize Presentation

19.30hrs Gala Dinner & Auction (10 special items only)

22.30hrs Carriages