Making its eagerly-awaited return to one of the most celebrated greens in golf, The Belfry Classic Golf Day electrified the world-renowned Brabazon course for a second year running on May 21, raising a spectacular £100,000 for charity.
Sponsored by Turkish Airlines and hosted by sports presenter and award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Dan Walker, the exclusive annual event, in the Midlands, saw sporting and entertainment legends step up to the tee on the only championship course to have hosted the Ryder Cup a world-record-breaking four times.
Among those playing in an action-packed four-ball formation on the acclaimed Brabazon were model and former Rugby Union player Thom Evans, ballroom dancer and Strictly Come Dancing pro Brendan Cole, actor Danny Walters, five-time Olympic swimmer Mark Foster, and an iconic all-female influencer team comprising of Anna Halliday, Zainab Jeppe, Bethan Roberts, and Sophie Stone. Joining them were cricketer Chris Broad, singer Brian McFadden, Gladiator Giant (Jamie Bigg), choreographer and former Strictly Come Dancing pro James Jordan, and singer Keith Duffy who triumphed as Best Celebrity Golfer.
With Turkish Airlines as its headline sponsor, and flying to more countries than any other carrier, the award-winning airline operates double daily flights from Birmingham Airport, offering seamless global connections via its Istanbul hub. Connecting the Midlands to more than 350 destinations across six continents, Turkish Airlines delivers an exceptional international travel experience.
Activations on the day included wine tasting with specialist English Sparkling Wine producer, Silverhand Estate; bourbon tasting with whiskey connoisseurs, Elijah Craig and ‘Curry on the Green’, providing exquisite Indian cuisine from the home of the best curry in the Midlands, Five Rivers À La Carte, who were also the winning golf team.
With as much going on off the greens as on them, The Belfry Classic, whose other sponsors included Maserati, TaylorMade, Louis XIII, Golf Breaks, Monster, Budweiser and Cassidy Group, also included a sensational gala dinner. Designed by renowned chef, John Williams MBE of The Ritz London, and supported by 19 sous-chefs, the Michelin Star chef served more than 300 guests a flavoursome home-smoked VAR salmon starter, a sumptuous Dorset lamb main, and a moreish salted hazelnut mousse dessert. Guests were also treated to multiple drinks receptions, a gripping live auction, and a magnificent afterparty.
The money raised will support two of The Belfry’s life-changing partner charities – Hospitality Action and the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association. Hospitality Action provides relief for hospitality workers in crisis, supplying everything from financial assistance to mental health resources, while the MND Association is a national charity dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by MND, as well as improving access to care and funding research.
Chris Eigelaar, Managing Director at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, said:
“The Belfry Classic Golf Day has quickly become one of the highlights of the golfing calendar, and seeing it return bigger and better than ever this year has been incredibly rewarding. Events like this showcase the very best of The Belfry, bringing people together through world-class golf while supporting causes that change lives.
“Raising £100,000 for Hospitality Action and the MND Association is a phenomenal achievement and a testament to the generosity of everyone involved. We are immensely grateful for the support of Turkish Airlines and our sponsors, guests and partners who helped make the day such a remarkable success, and we look forward to taking this even further in 2027.”
The next Belfry Classic Golf Day will take place on Friday 21st May 2027. For enquiries, or to get involved, please email: belfry.classic@thebelfry.com.
