Moderator's Golf Challenge

No stranger to the golf course, the Moderator was inspired to use his passion for the sport to raise much needed cash for the Children and Family Services arm of CrossReach. Mr Chalmers explains: "I spent a morning giving golf lessons to the boys from Ballikinrain School and on the spot decided that it would be good to raise some funds for Crossreach. I'm absolutely convinced that we can find 24 teams to join me from across the Church." Appealing to golfers to take part, he added: "Enter a team from your golf club or from your work or from your congregation."

The Moderator's Golf Day, championing the work of CrossReach, took place at Craigielaw Golf Club in Aberlady, East Lothian, on Friday April 17. A 'shotgun start' saw teams of four players tee off at the same time on different holes.

The two best Stableford scores counted on each hole and there were full handicaps, up to a maximum of 18.

Teams also had a rare opportunity to pit their golfing skills against the Moderator himself, as he said, "[There were] par three competitions on the course, including 'beat the pro' and 'beat the Moderator'."

Using his personal connections, he has also drawn on the friendship of Bill Lockie (for whom he once caddied on the European tour) and John McTear, former PGA Senior Champion, who were both at the course for the full day.

The Moderator encouraged golfers to arrive early: "Bill is one of the best golf teachers in Scotland and John has a wealth of golf knowledge to pass on, get to the course by 11.30am and for a small additional fee you can join in the short game school and get into the mood for the day ahead."

"At the post-tournament dinner, Bill will recount some of his tales from the world of golf and along with me; we will be running an auction of great days out and golfing prizes."

He added: "If we can make this work, we can do it every year for CrossReach!"

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