PENGUINS AGAINST CANCER
PAC Annual Golf Day 2025
Hever Castle
Friday 12th September 2025
This is the third time PAC Golf has been staged at this wonderful venue. Thanks to John Costello, Penguin golfers and their supporters returned to Henry VIII’s back yard, Hever Castle Golf Club. Set in the gorgeous garden of Kent this ancient landscape provides the vast expanse of varied fairways, the lush country vistas and stunning backdrop to challenge any golfer.
This was our 12th PAC Annual Golf Day and the largest number of players ever to take part. 80 golfers in all, split between starts on the 1st and the 10th Tee-Boxes, heading out in teams of 4 at 8-minute intervals. The format, Florida Scramble, was a variation on the popular Texas Scramble from previous years. It enables speedy play and levels out any potential disparity in playing ability: well, that was the theory underpinning the logistical and organisational headache that John had to contend with.
He pulled off an outstanding event with aplomb, skill and wit, with very able assistance from Harry, Jack, Charlie and of course Julia Costello beavering diligently behind the scenes. As well as the traditional mulligans, the longest drive and nearest the pin competitions, John introduced some novel twists to add spice and generate funds along the course. On a par 3 at the 12th, beat the pro was a fabulous challenge, there was also a putting competition at the 18th and throughout the course, each team had to protect the pink ball, purchased by each captain at the start. Clearly the expectation was that the course would swallow up every team’s pink – this was a great idea on paper – alas we were playing on grass, and a number of pinks came back!
The weather leading up to the PAC golf day had been a mix of mischievous winter and autumnal uncertainty. The day itself, however, was bathed in glorious sunshine and perfect conditions. The occasional drizzle produced rainbows rather than raincoats and the Penguins simply shook their heads dry. 80 players gathered in the clubhouse at 9.30am for coffee, bacon butties and the chance to catch up with old friends, check their order for tee-off and discover the format for the competition. John briefed the expectant crowd with humour, charm and clarity of conviction. Some of us were bemused schoolboys, too shy to raise a hand. Others bombarded him with perfect irrelevance and conundrums, all of which John rebutted like a seasoned Dumbledore. The PAC Claret Jug, freshly engraved, sat proudly on the prize table to tantalize and inspire each team.
Beer was already flowing while outside the putting green and driving range were pointlessly utilized. Registration ran smoothly, coordinated by Harry and Jack, and while Charlie and Immie Gush loaded beers into the buggy, the first teams headed to their respective boxes and were underway, on time.
The course was beautiful but extremely challenging in places, not least of which - the 650-yard 17th. The greens ran true and fast and although teams rarely crossed paths, cheers, laughter and banter could be heard across the fairways throughout the course. Universal agreement that the beer cart is fabulous and a great fund raiser – so too was having the half-way house open to maintain hydration. Despite the competition, a Corinthian spirit and tomfoolery make these PAC Golf Days a truly special calendar item. There were stalwarts aplenty taking part along with returning teams and some new faces joining the fray. Special thanks to Captains who return each year with their players.
Left: Longest Drive. Cameron Roberts
Right: Nearest the pin. Peter Moylan
The longest drive was won by Cameron Roberts and nearest the pin was Peter Moylan. Everyone paid to take on the pro and only 2 Penguins got inside his ball. In a closely fought contest, (3 teams tied at the end) the outright winning team after countback, with a score of 58, was Cameron Roberts, Michael Jacob, Michael Proctor and Will Cowling: Congratulations guys.
As in previous years, Hever Golf Club is so welcoming and supportive. It’s wonderful that PAC Golf grows each year reflecting the spreading support and wider awareness of Penguins Against Cancer. It’s also joyous to see an increase in fathers & sons playing together and family teams out there too. Regardless of levels or handicaps everyone was clearly enjoying their golf and the spirit that flows across this event. As teams completed the 18th, they gradually filled the terrace at the clubhouse overlooking the grounds whist the preparations for dinner were completed with the raffle and auction prizes awaiting the 100 plus guests.
PAC has raised and disbursed £650,000 so far, and the annual golf day contributes significantly, enabling further PAC grants to treat cancer, support cancer research or provide palliative care for cancer patients. We hope you all become PAC members so that we strengthen PAC’s 6 Cancer Research Awards and so that you, as members, nominate where the money goes.
Supper began with an address from John and a rousing ‘Heads-&-Tails’ led by Jack Costello. Following a hearty meal, the awards the speeches and the auction were boisterously enjoyed by the now ‘well-oiled’ audience. Charlie Beardmore (President) and Pat Gush (Vice President) spoke about the work the charity does, PAC Membership, and PAC Research Awards.
Next, the Auction, which had a few online bidders for the caps, the golf days and the wine, but bidding on the night was fierce and extremely generous. Our thanks to all who donated super items: Golf & Bath RFC Tickets [Brewin Dolphin]; Hever Golf [J Costello]; Queens Tennis Tickets [Lampitt]; Box of Domain De Chevalier 2 x Red Wine [Wallis & Oatley]; Ryder Cup Signed Caps [Andy Skyrme]; FA Cup Semi-Final Tickets [Lee-Amis]; Deal Golf [Ufton]; Teeth Whitening [J Costello]; Wine Tour & Tasting [Louise Aaron]. And a huge thanks to those who kindly and successfully bid for each item.
Lastly, Pat’s Magic Raffle saw penguins, spirits, champagne, wine and a variety of creative gifts fly off the prize table. Thanks again to everyone who contributed to the prizes and indeed to a wonderful day of fun, PAC awareness and fundraising. Your support raised £7770 for Penguins Against Cancer – thank you. Thanks to John and all the Costello Family and also to our hosts, Hever Castle GC.
Next year’s PAC Golf Day - possibly at Sundridge Park Golf Club: Date and Venue TBC.
Please contact me if you have an item or experience you would like to donate for future auctions.
Players & Teams: (Please forgive me, for missing First Names for some of you): Johnny Staffurth, Guy Selmon, George Selmon, Andy Skyrme, Pat Gush, Charlie Beardmore, Alex Reeve, Nick Armitage; Paul Barwell, Guy Barwell, Dave Quick, Miles Quick; Gwyn Pugh, Ben Phillips, Mike Titterton, James Smith; George Ashton, Toby Davis, Will Berg, Jamie Dunbar; Gerry Murphy, Steve Farmer, Ralph Bull, Paul Summers; Cameron Roberts, Michael Jacob, Michael Proctor, Will Cowing; Alan Mistlin, Jamie Coombes, Coombes Jnr, Coleman Carpenter; Tony Willetts, Tim Earl, Callum Owen, Kell; Gunter, McGowan, Peter Moylan, Bridges; John Costello, Pascoe, McInnis, Allen; Jack Costello, Peffers, Howland, Ufton; Harry Costello, Mulholland, Holland, Coquelin; Charlie Costello, Azria, Connell, Leversedge; Ian Buckley, Whittall, Lampitt, Faure-Walker; Smart, Ben Staffurth, Ryan Spragg, Alex Underwood; Paul McParland, Malham, Grant, Hamilton; Saunders, Atkinson, Holland, Tomlinson; Mark Lee-Amis Family 4 Ball inc Charlie; Wallis, Wallis, Oatley, Oatley
