Unlike sport and politics, the worlds of fresh produce and sport definitely do mix, if last weekend is anything to go by.
The 50th running of the PGA Seniors Championship was held at the Stoke by Nayland Golf Club owned and run by top fruit’s Boxford Group and the Peake family.
The prestigious event was graced by many of European golf’s most renowned over 50s, and won by perhaps the best-known of them all, Sam Torrance. The Scotsman, who sunk the winning putt in the 1985 Ryder Cup at the Belfry, conquered the Gainsborough Course and blew away his closest challengers with a final round 66 on Monday.
It was a return to the big-time for the area, which last hosted the PGA Seniors Championship 27 years ago. “The last time it was held in East Anglia was in 1979 - the year that my father, Bill Peake, who built the courses, died. This event has been like a dream come true for him and my mother, Devora Peake, and they would both have been so proud to see all the spectators and famous players enjoying the splendid facilities,” said Boxford Group director Carmella Meyer.
“The last day of the championship was especially exciting, with Sam Torrance dodging thunder storms and fighting back to take the lead and retain his title. The orchards growing alongside the courses also played their part, providing delicious fresh Discovery apples as a welcome refreshment for our visitors,” she told FPJ.
The event will be shown on Sky Sports 2 on September 5 at 8pm.