The National Golf Club Challenge Patrons
Lee Westwood
“Together we have the chance to change the lives of those who have sacrificed and endured so much so we might live full and free lives. Many brave men and women have suffered often the most horrendous injuries in the line of duty and these heroes deserve our wholehearted support in July. I am honoured to become patron to the challenge and deeply humbled to be asked by Wedgwood to name the National Golf Club Challenge Trophy 'The Lee Westwood Cup' continuing Wedgwood's long tradition of naming their stunning trophies after some of the most iconic golfers the world has ever seen.”
About Lee
During his successful career, Lee has won 18 events on the European Tour and has also won tournaments in America, Africa, Asia and Australia. His Official World Golf Ranking peaked at 4th, and in 2000 he won 7 tournaments worldwide and is now ranked first on the European Order of Merit.
Lee's manager, ISM Chief Exec Andrew 'Chubby' Chandler, believes Lee has re-established himself among the current golfing greats and is now ready to win a major. In 2009, Lee won the inaugural European Tour Race to Dubai, the Portugal Masters and the Dubai World Championship.
Visit Lee's fan site >>
The Lee Westwood Cup
The National Golf Club Challenge winners will be awarded the 'Lee Westwood Cup'. Lee has kindly given permission for the trophy to bear his name. Made by Wedgwood in aid of help for Heroes, the trophy will stand as a magnificent symbol of the UK golfing community coming together to benefit our injured armed forces.
Find out more about the Lee Westwwod Cup >>
Ian Poulter
“Help for Heroes provides an incredible support for these tough and inspiring people and I am proud that British golf clubs and golfers are giving their full support. I hope the National Golf Club Challenge raises a huge amount of money and that men and women all over the country have fun participating.”
About Ian
Ian turned professional at the age of 19 when he won the Open de Cote d’Ivoire on the Challenge Tour in 1999. Winning the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year title in 2000 provided the spring board for Ian to become one of the most exciting talents on the European tour.
On 10th May, dressed head to toe in the stunning Collection 4 colour palette, Ian finished 2nd at The Players Championship and is currently ranked 21st in the world. Quite an achievement for someone who has fought his way up the hard way from working as an assistant pro.
Visit Ian's fan site >> Follow Ian on Twitter >>
Sam Torrance
“I'm delighted that golf clubs up and down the country are supporting the National Golf Club Challenge in July 2010. It's one of the most worthy causes I can think of. We take for granted the job that service men and women do day in, day out, to protect us, often in the toughest of conditions. Hopefully this challenge will make us all stop and take a few moments to think about their dedication and selflessness, and show some support and thanks for the great job that they do.”
About Sam
While Sam's success as a professional golfer speaks for itself – 44 career wins and a record of over 700 appearances on the European Tour – he might be remembered best for his momentous putt on the 18th green at The Belfry, which delivered victory to the 1985 European Ryder Cup Team over America for the first time in twenty eight years.
Sam went on to have further Ryder Cup success when he captained the 2002 European Team to victory. He was awarded an MBE in 1996 and then an OBE in 2003 for services to golf. Today, golf fans around the globe can enjoy his humour and expert punditry as part of the BBC golf broadcasting team.
Gary Lineker
“The National Golf Club Challenge is all about bringing the entire golfing community of the UK together on one day to show our support to our wounded service heroes whose selfless acts are an inspiration to us all. We may not be able to stop our service personnel from getting injured, but we can try to make sure they receive all they need when they arrive back from active duty. Our passion for golf can make a massive difference to the lives of our injured heroes, please be a part of it.”
About Gary
Gary made his England debut in 1984 and over the following eight years earned 80 Caps and scored 48 goals, finishing as England's all-time second highest scorer. His international goals-to-games ratio remains one of the best for the country and he is regarded as one of the all-time best English strikers. He was top scorer in the 1986 World cup the only time an Englishman has achieved this feat.
After his retirement from football Gary moved into broadcasting and now presents flagship shows such as Match of the Day, Sport Relief and, until recently, the BBC’s Golf Coverage and has become one of the nation’s most loved sports presenters.
Gary recently visited British troops at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan and the bravery and commitment of UK service personnel Gary witnessed here moved him to want to assist British troops in any way he could which includes helping to launch the Tickets for Troops initiative and becoming patron to The National Golf Club Challenge in support of Help for Heroes.
