Smith Brothers hosted their annual National Golf Day on the 22nd of August at the prestigious JCB Golf and Country Club, one of the country’s most exclusive golfing venues. Sponsored this year by Crane and Polypipe Terrain, this annual event has become a highlight of the year for the company and its valued customers, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy a day of golf in a stunning setting.
The day’s goal was to provide customers with an unforgettable experience, combining a relaxed round of golf with great company and the luxury and exclusivity of the JCB Golf and Country Club. The meticulously maintained course, renowned for its challenging layout and beautiful scenery, provided the perfect backdrop for a day of friendly competition. Attendees had the chance to test their skills on a course that is not only visually spectacular but also demands precision and strategy, making it a favourite among golf enthusiasts.
The course
Nestled in the picturesque Staffordshire countryside, the JCB Golf and Country Club is a testament to the visionary ambition of Lord Bamford, who is the Chairman of the world-renowned construction and agricultural equipment manufacturer, J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited (JCB). The 240-acre site, designed by Robin Hiseman of European Golf Design, offers a strikingly modern course against a rural backdrop. The making of the course involved shifting over half a million tonnes of soil and installing an advanced drainage system to manage the heavy clay terrain.
The course was created to challenge elite golfers, akin to the TPC Deere Run in Illinois, which hosts the annual John Deere Classic on the PGA Tour. The Uttoxeter course aims to host a similar professional tournament, enhancing the global reach of the JCB brand.
The 18-hole layout is ingeniously routed in two loops around the historic ruins of Woodseats Hall, transitioning through diverse landscapes, including parkland, woodlands, and multiple lakes and streams, like the Alders Brook and the old Uttoxeter Canal.
The day’s events
Upon arrival, guests were treated to a club-cleaning service and breakfast. Then, during a briefing, players discovered they’d have the opportunity to win £10,000 by scoring a hole-in-one on the par-three ninth hole! The 173-yard shot required precise club selection, considering the drop in elevation and the nearby water and sand hazards. Whilst a few came close, unfortunately, nobody could claim the prize on the day.
After an evening dinner and awards presentation, guests were able to relax in the luxurious on-site lodge accommodations within the golf course. These executive lodges, each with four bedrooms and private ensuites, offered a perfect retreat after a day on the greens.
The winners
Congratulations to Andrew Smith of Re-Carb Engineering, who was the overall winner on the day and was also part of the winning team. See below for the full list of winners.
Winner: Andrew Smith (Re-Carb Engineering)
Runner up: Scott Narbeth (Narbeths Mechanical Services Ltd)
Team Winners: Stu Bridgewater (SBS Midlands Regional Manager), Harry Gibson (Blue Cat Mechanical Limited), Andy Smith (Re-Carb Engineering) and Vincent Langley (DPL Group Limited)
Longest Drive: Jamie Shepherd (James Ramsay (Glasgow) Limited)
Nearest the Pin: Steve Smith (SBS)
SBS Staff Member Winner: Steve Smith (SBS)
Wooden Spoon: Shane Head (Intoheat Limited)
Our special guest
We were delighted to have Tony Cottee as our special guest for the event. He participated in the day’s activities, taking on the challenge of the golf course, and later captivated everyone as the guest dinner speaker. He retold fascinating tales of his impressive professional football career, which included seven England caps, over two hundred league goals, and a period as the most expensive player signed by a British club.
Tony began his football journey in 1982 at 17 with West Ham United, where he quickly became a pivotal player. His exceptional talent earned him the PFA Young Player of the Year award 1986. In addition to West Ham United, he played for Everton, Leicester City, and Norwich City and became one of his era’s most effective strikers.
After retiring from professional football, Cottee transitioned into media work, becoming a football pundit and commentator. He has also been involved in various football-related ventures and remains a popular figure in the sport.
Our Sponsors
We would like to thank Crane and Polypipe Terrain for sponsoring the event and for their continued support. Our strong supplier partnerships are essential in maintaining strong stock levels and close working relationships, allowing us to uphold our high service standards and meet customer demands.
Finally, Thank you
Thank you to everyone who attended the event. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Your presence truly means a lot to us, and we deeply appreciate the time you took out of your busy schedule to join us.
