A great day for golf: Winged Boots x Kerzner Golf Day at Sunningdale

Invited guests of Winged Boots and Kerzner International begin arriving promptly at 7:30 - despite the previous night's England win against the Netherlands in the Euros - and they are given their personalised tote bags, which include complimentary golf tops, balls, and towels. They're also asked if they would like to sign up for the 'Beat the Pro' competition, in which guests are challenged to take on ex-Italian youth champion Sophie Pavia at the 13th hole. If competitors get their ball closer to the hole than Sophie - who now works as Southern Europe Sales and Marketing Co-ordinator at Kezner International - they will be in with a chance of winning two nights at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, home to one of Morocco's finest golf courses and a wealth of amenities off the green.

Following a light breakfast (and plenty of teas and coffee to compensate for the early arrival time), they're off for a 9am shotgun start which rings out over the immaculate green.

Walking to meet some of our guests at the 13th hole, we got the chance to chat with Craig Jeffs, the Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for Kerzner International, to find out his thoughts on events such as this, the benefits thereof, and what adds the 'wow' factor. 

"It's great to meet with clients in a setting like this as it aligns more closely with the kind of thing we can offer them in-resort than simply doing a presentation. They see what we are about and we can personalise the experience by putting a face to the brand name. 

"Our tagline is “Business is personal”, so this is a prime example of doing business in that way – but, really, it’s not 'business'. We’re talking about travel and experiences. So why not bring it to life with a great day out? We’re saying 'This is what we can do for you'.

"Our guests are all busy executives and their time is highly valuable, plus they’re going to be invited to so many of these kinds of events. So, with events such as this, you’ve got to ask yourself 'Do they want to come'. For the answer to be 'yes' it’s got to be somewhere standout. Sunningdale is just that. It’s ‘wow’. And that is what we try to do; we try to bring the ‘wow’ factor into absolutely everything we do."

Later on, the players return from the round of 18 holes, their faces relaying tales of varying success while some goodnatured ribbing quickly makes clear who'd had a good day on the green, and who had perhaps seen better.

The outdoor bar, serving everything from ice-cold pints to fruity pitchers of Pimms and soft drinks, was a welcome sight after such a busy morning and given that we were enjoying one of the few truly sun-drenched days of the summer so far.

Reconvening on the gorgeous Colt Terrace, there was time for a post-game debrief, a chance to reconnect, and some networking opportunities before an incredible lunch spread of barbecue classics and some more adventurous fare (the lemongrass prawns, in particular, were hot property!).

As everyone milled around the buffet, we asked our guests if they would like to enter the Charity Raffle to be in with a chance of winning a stay at the One&Only Saint Géran in Mauritius: an incredible prize kindly donated by our sponsors, Kerzner International.

The response was phenomenal, with individuals buying books of tickets instead of just one when they heard that all proceeds go to Haven House Children's Hospice.

The leisurely lunch setting also gave us a chance to chat one-on-one with our guests, get their feedback on the day, and hear why they take time out of their packed executive schedules to attend events such as this.

Freddie Maidens, Global Sales Director at Shy Aviation, told us "You can't say no to a day like today, and more specifically to a venue like Sunningdale. If you're into golf, or even if you're not, it's such an incredible setting that you want to come and experience what it has to offer. It's a bit of networking, of course, but it's also social and the chance to get out of the office while meeting people in a different way."

Dr Douglas Dawson, Chairman of NTG Holdings, echoes this sentiment, explaining that

"There is nowhere better to network than on the golf course: you have someone's ear, and they have yours, for several hours and you get to see what they're about. There's a psychological aspect to golf, too, which can be useful in seeing if you would want to work with someone. Particularly with a group such as we have here today, some really powerful connections can be made."

When I joke that everyone had arrived bang on time, despite the previous night's football, he replies "We don't do late. That's how you can tell that you've got a group of C-Suite professionals: everybody's on time!"

One can also tell this from the healthy level of competition that characterised the day, and it was now time for final winners and prizes to be awarded. 

The group had been split into two teams, with Winged Boots Managing Director David Ox at the helm of the white team, while sports promotion legend Barry Hearn OBE was elected captain of the blues. Barry's blue team took the win to rapturous applause.

A client of Winged Boots and personal friend of David Ox, Mr. Hearn said "[Winged Boots] realise you have a choice when it comes to who you travel with, that's why they always push to go the extra mile. I've known 'Oxy' for years and always believed in him, but he's proven himself to be exceptional at what he does. His team has been outstanding to my family and me."

Stefan Dockx Xavier, Director of SDX Management, took the overall Best Golfer title, winning an eye-catching Masters-style green jacket (with some extra blingy bedazzlements). 

As for the 'Beat the Pro' competition, Paul Moss, Head of Product at First Rate Exchange Services, did just that - winning a stay at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort. 

Carl Hamilton, Managing Director of Green Rock Aggregate, was drawn as the raffle winner and so will be heading to One&Only Saint Géran courtesy of our sponsors.


A truly great time was had by all in attendance, and we have been delighted by the positive feedback from our guests. Here are just some of our favourite comments: 

"Thanks again for an awesome experience and congratulations on a successful event."
Adam Young 

"Thanks so much for your hospitality, it was a great day!"
Justin Speller 

"Absolutely brilliant day, thoroughly enjoyed it. Great hospitality & organisation as always. Food was spot on!"
Paul Moss 

"What a MEGA event - massive congrats to the team! Legends!"
Tom Warner 

"What an amazing day. Thank you so much, your hospitality knows no bounds and it was a real privilege to be part of the day." 
David Evans 

"Superb organisation, football result, weather, course, food, atmosphere and of course great company, how you bought all those things together on the same day is a miracle."
Jack Lavington 

"Thanks for putting on such a wonderful day, I had a blast. I was impressed by the format and set up of the day."
Simon Crosbie 

"A big thank you to you! We always value the partnership we have and looking forward to many more events together! Well done on a great day!"

Lize Smit, Atlantis, Kerzner International

 

In support of Haven House Children’s Hospice  

Of course, we love meeting up with our clients and thanking them for their patronage with a fun day out.

However, it is never far from our minds that the main reason we host our events such as this year's Golf Day is to raise money for Haven House Children’s Hospice. This wonderful charity provides vital specialist care for children with life-limiting, long-term conditions while supporting families through many of their most difficult days and we couldn't be more proud to support them in any way we can.

Haven House is especially near to our hearts as one of the Co-Founders of Ocean Holidays, Harry Hastings, has a son who uses their invaluable services.

We would therefore like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our guests and sponsors who supported the cause through both the Raffle and the 'Beat the Pro' competition, as well as Sunningdale Golf Club for hosting us on their beautiful grounds. 

Each and every one of your contributions is greatly appreciated and goes towards a truly worthy cause.