MORE than ?7,000 was raised by local sponsorship and 160 golfers from Tavistock, St Mellion, Launceston and Okehampton at a special charity golf fun day Tavistock Golf Club last week.

Players were there to raise funds for Parkinson's UK research and for the Tavistock area Parkinson's Support Group in 'Patrick and Mark's Golf Adventure.'

The day was hosted by Mark Hoar and Patrick Stewart, both members of Tavistock Golf Club and diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Despite unseasonal showers of rain and hail, together with a strong breeze blowing across the course, 40 teams of four, men, mixed and ladies, played a fun round of golf, including 'Russian roulette' and 'beer goggle glasses,' over the Tavistock course in prime playing condition. Despite the weather there were some exceptional scores in the teams of four, two to count, full handicap, Stableford competition.

The main sponsor of the day was Spring House Residential Care Home, of Peter Tavy. The event was, also, sponsored by 36 local businesses and various golfing members.

Pat Hoar ran a target challenge putting competition all day, and together with raffles and silent auctions, all donated, contributed to the ?7,000 raised.

The day was organised by Jill and Tony Millichamp, Sue and Patrick Stewart, and Mark and Nic Hoar, with support from volunteer members. A display by the charity's local area support group and regional area staff contributed to the awareness of Parkinson's Disease, which affects more than 10,000 people, of all ages, every year.

Results: Men's team: Kiely's Heroes (Dave Burge, Shaun Kiely, Tony Cooper, Graham Ruth) 91 points; ladies team: Tavistock Ladies (Elaine Cooper, Bridget Luckham, Lyn Swift, Nicky Gawman) 81pts; mixed team: Bookies Choice (Marion and Keith Stenhouse, Val and Rob Jarman) 87pts; second overall: Senior Golfateers (David Young, John Harding, Mike Coles, Richard Wraith) 90pts

Longest drive: Duncan File (men), Emmy Hoyte (ladies'); nearest pin: Richard Burrows (men), Hilary Picton (ladies'); putting competition men Ken Cole; ladies Barbara Porter, Sybil Cole, Marion Stenhouse.