A Successful Golf Day​

It was with a mixture of sadness and pride that we all arrived to set up for the inaugural Murray Sharp Foundation Golf Day at Old Ranfurly in June of 2023. Sadness because we knew Murray wouldn’t be there and that still didn’t make sense. Pride, because we are honouring a practice that Murray pursued with great generosity when he was still with us.

After much organisational effort and debate over the 8 months before the MSF Golf Day and the coming together of the motley crew that is now the advisory board for the charity, created in Murray’s memory, the day had arrived.

It was fitting that were able to create the day at Old Ranfurly where Murray was a member for many years. We thank the Club for their assistance in many ways to allow the first attempt at the MSF Golf Day to go well.

Friends, family, business associates arrived to support the day. Jonny Sharp from The Carrick provided our scoring system for the day. Cue the quizzical looks as everyone tried to load the app onto their phone and work out the scoring system. It was even funnier as the live scoring switched off after 15 holes. It wasn’t a system error, it was to create some suspense before the prize giving.

So it was that 17 groups (circa 70 golfers) headed out into the welcome sunshine at Old Ranfurly. Murray would have been proud of his son, Struan, who hit the first ball of the day at the first tee. And what a cracker of a tee shot. I don’t think I ever saw Murray hit such a fine opening tee shot. Well done to Struan, Murray will have been so proud.

Fraser Campbell (The Trust, Kilbarchan) generously provided 3 bars out on the course which kept the players refreshed. There were a few soft drinks on offer (note to the committee, more for next year as it was warm!).

Players found their way to their respective starting holes. We had a couple of buggies on hand to help. Thanks to Ranfurly Castle GC for the loan. A few stragglers were seen zig zagging the course to find their starting position but play settled and heads were down to focus on some golf, banter and socialising.

The evening was an excellent way to relax and reminisce after the efforts of the day. The shotgun start meant everyone arrived in the clubhouse en masse. We are grateful to Old Ranfurly and Jason Andrews (River Inn, Crosslee) for an excellent spread and the well stocked bar which allowed the players to relax.

It was also the point where more friends, family and colleagues could join us. Those of a non-golfing nature and those who could not make the golf day descended to show their support.

Once everyone was fed post the golf the evening festivities began. We are very grateful to both Alan Tait, PGA “Specialist” Scottish Golf Professional and Ally McCoist (Footballer, TV Pundit and Talk Show host). “Taity” lead the evening auctions and prizegiving. “Coisty” provided his usual sense of humour whilst presenting prizes and encouraging the auction participants to do what we were hoping they would and make donations to the MSF cause, which was the main aim of the day. It was lovely to have Sam, Sara, Struan & Sandy there to present all the prizes.

We were amazed by the generosity shown by everyone connected to Murray. That includes those who came to the golf, the evening or indeed donated quietly aside from the event.

The summary of total money raised;

Silent Auction £8,579
Main auction £40,450
Total raised for the MSF £84,909

Until next year. Bigger and better, is our aim!