GOLFERS who held a fundraising drive have managed to tee up an amazing £24,000 for a cause close to their hearts.

A total of 128 golfers took part in the Celebrity Golf Day at Gourock in aid of Ardgowan Hospice.

One family who took part generously doubled the amount raised on the day in recognition of the excellent care received by a loved one.

Kirk Beaton, who lives in Hong Kong, match-funded the cash collected in honour of his late mother Phyllis, who was cared for by the hospice in 2013.

He said: “The hospice was so wonderful to all of our family during my mum’s stay that we have decided to match fund the day at Gourock Golf Club.” 

Kirk’s dad Charles, who played on the day, was also swift to praise the support given to all the family.

He said: “The care that all of the family received from the hospice was fantastic, we will never forget that.”

Club captain Bill Hawthorne says the club has raised more than £100,000 for various charities over the years and also the former Lilybank and Glenburn schools.

He said: “We are thrilled with the amount raised for our local hospice and Gourock Golf Club was only too happy to give the course for free for this great cause.

“The hospice is close to the hearts of many of the members of Gourock Golf Club, not many people in Inverclyde haven’t been linked to the hospice in some way.”

He also thanked all the celebrities who took part, including Bertie Auld and Gordon Smith.

Hospice bosses say the generous donation will make a significant contribution to patient care.

Ian Marshall, acting chief executive at Ardgowan, told the Tele: “This is an amazing amount and I want to thank everyone who took part on the day, and of course the Beaton family for their kindness.

“The total of £24,000 will help to pay for 40 patient nights in our specialist in-patient unit so we are incredibly grateful to receive this.

Hospice fundraiser Elaine McNeill said: “We would like to thank Gourock Golf Club for their fantastic hospitality and providing a great course, all the teams who took part on the day, the celebrities who gave their time to come along and play and everyone who donated items to the goody bags, raffle and auction hosted by Brian Clements of McTear’s Auctioneers.”

Elaine also thanked Clyde Tool Hire for sponsoring the bar and keeping the golfers refreshed plus Andy Stark Photography for capturing all the action.