The WPGA International Challenge at Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa kicked off to a sparkling start with a pro-am graced with some famous faces.
Actress, Magic FM Radio hostess and Strictly star, Denise Van Outen and former Westlife singer and solo artist Brian McFadden brought their friends along to play on the championship Gainsborough course at Stoke by Nayland. Brian, who skilfully plays off 10, was accompanied by former footballer, Neil Razor Ruddock, and a friend from Ireland. Denise, who has only recently started playing golf and has become passionate about the game, brought along TV presenter Zoe Hardman and friend, Kirsty Williams. Their professional was another close friend, Rachel Drummond. Both teams enjoyed a two night stay in the hotel’s luxury Country Lodges, which are idyllically situated near the hotel on a wooded hill, with fabulous views over the courses and Constable country.
Brian later tweeted to fans “If you haven’t been to Stoke by Nayland I highly recommend it. Beautiful place. Had a lovely few days there”. And Denise said “Love our lodge at Stoke by Nayland. Can’t wait to play the course again and have a cheeky spa treatment”.
Other pro-am participants included BBC Look East’s Stewart White and ITV Anglia’s Jim Rice. The day ended with a drinks reception and Gala Dinner in the hotel’s Devora Suite with speeches from Susanna Rendall, MD of the family-owned Stoke by Nayland resort, Rob Maxfield COO of the PGA, Di Barnard, the LETAS Tour Director and George Wale, PGA Tournament Director – followed by after dinner entertainment from comedian Adger Brown.
