The annual CRN Channel Golf Challenge is set to tee-off again in September and from all accounts it is looking likely to be another event that is well above par.

Now in its sixth year, the golf day, taking place this year on 16 September, is fast turning into another must-attend event in the channel calendar.

Many of the players will be brushing off their plus fours and spiked shoes, dragging their clubs down from the attic and having a quick practice down at the driving range in a bid to be part of the winning team.

This year’s event has moved to the luxurious East Sussex National Golf Resort & Spa, which is located in the picturesque setting of the South Downs and, which boasts not just one but two championship golf courses.

Both were designed by Robert Cupp, one of Jack Nicklaus’s course architects. The club has played host to some of the game’s leading players including Nick Faldo, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, Colin Montgomerie, Nick Price and Ian Woosnam.

Pedigree course
The Channel Golf Challenge will take place this year on the East Course ­ used for the 1993 and 1994 European Open. It has also hosted five European Challenge Tour events and four PGA European Tour qualifying schools between 1994 and 1997. It
measures 7,138 yards from the gold tees, part of a colour-coded system that allows the less experienced golfer to get the most out of the course, as well as seasoned professionals. The East Course also has two loops of nine holes that brings players back to the clubhouse after each nine.

On the day, bag drop-off and registration will start at 8.45am and players can have a bacon buttie and cup of tea before heading off to the course. With up to 24 teams of four players taking part, we have managed to secure the whole course again this year for a shotgun start ­ meaning everyone should finish their game simultaneously in time for a sumptuous three-course buffet dinner and a well-deserved beer afterwards. As per last year, the best three scores count from each four-ball play.

The venue also boasts a sauna and steam room to help players unwind if the game does not go according to plan, and to allow any non-golfers to relax.

There is a slight difference to the awards this year. Instead of prizes, we will be awarding trophies, which are often held in higher esteem by the winners. Trophies will be awarded to the winning team and those in second and third place. They will also be awarded for shots nearest to the pin and for the longest drive. For anyone skilled enough to get a hole in one there will be a special prize up for grabs.

CRN publisher Mark Burton is looking forward to the event.
“It was a great day last year and I’m convinced this year will be even better. I have been going down to the range every week to improve my game.”
Richard Eglon, channel manager at Comms-care, said there is more to it than just playing golf.

Good organisation
“Last year it was a really successful day for us and it helped to raise the profile of Comms-care. Also because the event is so well organised by CRN ­ everything runs very smoothly. All we have to do is network and enjoy a game of golf.”

Tracey Rawling-Church, head of marketing at Kyocera, said: “Sometimes with the working day going by at 100 miles per hour it is good to have the opportunity to network with channel contacts. It is also a chance to have conversations that might not occur in a normal working environment.”

Priti Yadav, sales executive at Eaton Group, which is getting involved with the event for the first time, said the networking
opportunities were invaluable.
“The golf challenge will be a good opportunity for us to raise the profile of Eaton,” she said.