Archerfield golf challenge boosts cancer charities

A celebrity golf challenge hosted by Sir Ian Botham and Boyzone singer Ronan Keating at the famous Archerfield Links in East Lothian has raised a staggering £135,000 for the stars adopted charities, Leukaemia Research and Cancer Research UK.

Besides the two illustrious hosts the event attracted a galaxy of celebrities from the worlds of entertainment and sport, including fellow Boyzone star Keith Duffy, Matt Dawson, Jamie Redknapp, Michael Vaughan, Paul Collingwood, Allan Lamb, Bob Willis, Willie Thorne, Dennis Taylor and Ray Clemence.

It also featured former Ryder Cup players Paul Way and Steve Richardson, along with Graeme Storm, leading golfer on the European and US Tours.

The event which was launched last year now promises to be an annual event and forms part of Sir Ian Botham's Charity Golf Series.

Beefy and Ronan, good friends and golf partners, decided they would like to get their celebrity friends together to raise some much needed funds for their favoured charities, Leukaemia Research and Cancer Research UK.

This year s spectacular at Archerfield saw 36 holes played over two days, interrupted only a by a Gala Dinner and Charity Auction at which Ronan Keating and Keith Duffy wowed the audience with an acoustic set.

The pristine Archerfield Links courses the Fidra and the Dirleton are built on some of the finest golfing land in the world, between internationally-renowned Muirfield and North Berwick.

They are a classic mix of softly rolling links and pine forest, with deep, challenging bunkers, and have attracted golfers of the stature of Gary Player and Ian Woosnam.

The centrepiece of the estate is the magnificent Grade 1 listed 17th century mansion Archerfield House, which boasts one of the most stunning locations in the country.

Operating these days as a deluxe 15-bedroomed private house which is available on a nightly basis to a discerning clientele, it is sited between championship golf courses and overlooks the wide expanse of the River Forth past Fidra, the lonely island with its distinctive lighthouse.

To find out more about about Archerfield Links Golf Club and Archerfield House, phone 01620 897050 or visit www.archerfieldgolfclub.com