Club to offer ‘golf and poker challenge’

A Surrey club has come up with an innovative way to attract visitors – by offering an event that requires competitors to excel at both golf and poker.

Kingswood Golf and Country Club has even secured sponsorship from TaylorMade Golf for the ‘Golf & Poker Challenge 2013’.

For £45 (or £25 for club members), visitors are given 1,000 chips before they play nine holes of golf. They can then earn hundreds of bonus chips for Stableford points and for winning golf competitions such as the longest drive and nearest the pin.

After an inclusive two-hour break for drinks and food, a Texas Hold’em poker tournament will take place at the club in the evening, in which croupiers will provide assistance for poker beginners.

Mark Stewart, secretary at the club, said: “Many clubs are trying to keep their heads above water in these financially difficult times. Fortunately, Kingswood does not follow the norm!

“We’re trying to differentiate ourselves to old fashioned golf clubs, and have been thinking of ways to do something that will bring the image and enjoyment of golf into the 21st century.

“After hosting two successful poker evenings in 2012, I made the decision to host this event on Friday, April 12.

“The idea is that the amount of Stableford points you get over nine holes of golf will determine how many poker chips you start with during the poker element of the event. There will also be bonus chips for longest drive and nearest the pin, and a bonus ball will be used on one hole only which will allocate you double points on that particular hole.

“The winner will be the last man standing on the final poker table of the day. TaylorMade have generously donated the first prize, the latest R1 driver, and the prizes will go down to fifth.

“Golf needs a little something to get everyone excited.”

Mark added that the golf club introduced a flexible full membership category more than five years ago, which means that its membership is “now stronger than ever”.