Bernard Gallacher OBE at Eastbourne Downs
Golfing Legend Celebrates Eastbourne Downs Golf Course 50th Anniversary
Golfing Legend Celebrates Eastbourne Downs Golf Course 50th Anniversary
Scottish golfing legend and former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher was the guest of honour at a special dinner to celebrate a 50th anniversary of the Eastbourne Downs Golf Course, on Tuesday 9 May. More than 50 guests enjoyed a meal featuring 1970s retro dishes Chicken Kiev and Black Forest Gateau followed by a talk by the professional golfer.
While the club itself dates back to 1908, the original course was altered and relocated in 1973, with an official opening a year later with an exhibition match featuring Bernard Gallacher, who by then had become the youngest man to represent Great Britain in the Ryder Cup. Golfing legends Max Faulkner, Brian Barnes and Tommy Horton also joined him.
His record was subsequently beaten by Nick Faldo and others, but Bernard went on to play in the Ryder Cup eight times and was non-playing captain of the European Team in 1991, 1993 and 1995. After turning 50, Gallacher played on the European Seniors Tour.
Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Tourism and Culture Councillor Margaret Bannister said, “This is a remarkable achievement for the club and we are delighted to have been able to celebrate this with the legendary Bernard Gallacher. “As well as commemorating our past, the club is also continually moving forward with a packed schedule of tournaments, member’s social events, low cost junior memberships and new hybrid green technology, ensuring our greens are playable even during periods of heavy wet weather.”
The celebrations started with a special anniversary competition, following as far as possible the original course, with all the players issued with a retro course map and score card. Some participants got even more into the spirit of the day, dressing up in traditional plus fours, so great fun was had by all. The competition was won admirably by Barry Wooller, pictured receiving his trophy from Bernard Gallacher and the Club Captain, Pete O’Neill
Scottish golfing legend and former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher was the guest of honour at a special dinner to celebrate a 50th anniversary of the Eastbourne Downs Golf Course, on Tuesday 9 May. More than 50 guests enjoyed a meal featuring 1970s retro dishes Chicken Kiev and Black Forest Gateau followed by a talk by the professional golfer.
While the club itself dates back to 1908, the original course was altered and relocated in 1973, with an official opening a year later with an exhibition match featuring Bernard Gallacher, who by then had become the youngest man to represent Great Britain in the Ryder Cup. Golfing legends Max Faulkner, Brian Barnes and Tommy Horton also joined him.
His record was subsequently beaten by Nick Faldo and others, but Bernard went on to play in the Ryder Cup eight times and was non-playing captain of the European Team in 1991, 1993 and 1995. After turning 50, Gallacher played on the European Seniors Tour.
Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Tourism and Culture Councillor Margaret Bannister said, “This is a remarkable achievement for the club and we are delighted to have been able to celebrate this with the legendary Bernard Gallacher. “As well as commemorating our past, the club is also continually moving forward with a packed schedule of tournaments, member’s social events, low cost junior memberships and new hybrid green technology, ensuring our greens are playable even during periods of heavy wet weather.”
The celebrations started with a special anniversary competition, following as far as possible the original course, with all the players issued with a retro course map and score card. Some participants got even more into the spirit of the day, dressing up in traditional plus fours, so great fun was had by all. The competition was won admirably by Barry Wooller, pictured receiving his trophy from Bernard Gallacher and the Club Captain, Pete O’Neill