Following on from the hugely successful competition in March earlier this year, the event saw returning teams from Delta Sound, Sound By Design, Creative Technology, Ambassador Theatre Group, Crewsaders, White Light, Media Lease, Autograph, PLASA, and Martin Audio, alongside the welcome addition of newcomers Elation Lighting and ALD.
Teeing off at 13:30, the weather was certainly more forgiving than in previous years. Instead of lashing wind and icy rain, the sun continued to shine throughout the day, allowing the teams to go 18 holes under near-perfect conditions, no excuses then.
After five and a half hours of intense golf which saw a number of birdies, an eagle, a fair few pheasants and countless bogies, the scores were in. As always, it was down to Sound By Design's Lee Dennison to present the awards which famously document the competitions moments of utter brilliance as well as its biggest bloopers.
Retaining his award for 'Arse of the Day' in some style was Bryan Raven of White Light who unfortunately couldn't attend the event due to work commitments. However, after sending a text during the awards ceremony to team mate Hayden which read, "At least I won't win 'Arse of the Day' if I'm not playing", Lee couldn't help but award the title once again to Bryan, claiming only the true 'Arse of the Day' would choose work over a round of golf.
The award for longest drive was two-fold, going to John Bakker and also to Elation Lighting who had driven all the way from Bolton that morning... Of the specialist awards, the final trophy went to one of last year's winners, Dylan Thomas of Crewsaders who took home the award for 'Closest to the Tee'.
After the jokes and laughter had subsided and the sun began to set, it was down to Lee to deliver the all important final scores. In third place and tied on level points, were the players from Autograph and ATG. However, after winning the competition in 2012, Autograph kindly allowed the team from ATG to take home the coveted trophy. In a second twist to the saga that is the PLASA Golf Day, there was another tie at the top with nothing to separate the teams from Delta Sound and Media Lease. That was, however, until Lee revealed that the team from Media Lease had been spotted practicing on the driving range on the morning of the competition. Like so many teams before them, half a point was deducted from Media Lease's total score leaving them in second place. In first place therefore, by a whisker, a pinch, or in this case, a driving range, Delta Sound were crowned winners of the September 2013 PLASA Golf Day.
Reporting on the competition, Lee Dennison commented, "It was a great day and we have added the additional 9-hole Texas Scramble in the morning with mixed teams so this helps loosen up the joints and gets everyone up to speed before hitting the 18 holes in the afternoon. A very good presence from the industry only goes to show how this event is growing year on year and we are already looking forward to the next PLASA Golf day in April."
Congratulations to all the teams who competed. Over the two events held this year, a fantastic total of £4,000 has been raised for Light Relief so a big thank you must go to all involved. The competition continues to go from strength to strength and we look forward to returning to the Drift in April 2014.
(Jim Evans)