Kedleston Park celebrates successful charity skins match

Four past and present Kedleston Park golfers took part in a skins match at the Derbyshire Club to raise £1,500 for charity

More than 300 golf fans took to Kedleston Park's fairways on Sunday as the Derbyshire Club staged a charity skins match to celebrate a milestone year for its past and present playing representatives.

Former head professional and European Tour Committee member DJ Russell, 2013 European Senior Tour Order of Merit winner Paul Wesselingh, current head professional and 2013 Lombard Trophy winner Ian Walley and 2013 McEvoy Trophy winner Bradley Moore took part in the match, the first of its kind since 1995.

The players - all current or former Kedleston Park members or representatives - competed in a 12-hole contest presided over by 2014 Ryder Cup referee and general manager Robert Simpson.

Wesselingh took an early lead with an eagle at the par-5 1st before Walley caught fire, winning seven skins over the next eight holes to all-but secure the match.

It was 16-year-old Moore who finished the contest with fireworks, following a stunning fairway bunker shot at the 9th with consecutive birdies at 10 and 11.

The 12th hole was fittingly halved, with all players winning money for their chosen charities, as well as funds for the Captain's Chartity, Parkinson's Society.

Following the golf, Walley was presented with a cheque for £450 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund - part of the £1,500 raised on the day for worthy causes.

"The event was designed to mark the success of 2013; the most successful year in the club's history.

"We were delighted to welcome both DJ and Paul back to the club for what was a thoroughly enjoyable day for members, guests and visitors.

"It was fantastic to see so many people of the fairways supporting the event and to know that in both Ian and Bradley, the future of our club is safe hands."

In 2013, Moore became one of the youngest-ever winner of the McEvoy Trophy, Walley claimed the Lombard Trophy and the PGA Pro Captain Challenge and Wesselingh won four European Senior Tour titles en route to Order of Merit glory.