Kingstonians dusted off their golf clubs teeing-off baked delicacies towards a small boat in the middle of the Thames.
Golf balls were replaced by dough balls for this year’s British Bread Golf Open in Kingston on Sunday.
Kingstonians dusted off their golf clubs teeing-off baked delicacies towards a small boat in the middle of the Thames.
The wacky event, now in its third year, raises funds for Creative Youth, a charity that enables young people to realise their potential through the arts equipping them with the skills and confidence to succeed.
Organiser Robin Hutchinson said: “Is there a better way to end a year of fantastic sporting achievement than the British Bread Golf Open 2012?”
Competitors donated five pounds and were in turn awarded three dough balls in which to hurl towards the Thames target.
The famous bread open green jacket was up for grabs for the closest attempt on the day.
Cllr and duty Mayor Barry O’Mahony, winner of the 2010 event, turned up in full golfing attire.
He said: “I’m a big supporter of Creative Youth. I’m hoping to take the title again and get the green jacket which clearly surpasses the Master’s jacket of Augusta Georgia.”
Crowds exceeded 200 outside Woody’s bar with over 70 people taking part in the dough feast raising approximately £800.
Phillippa Willes, a youth worker from Chessington helping out at the event, said: “There’s a fashion angle. People will get dressed up for this sport. However, the quality of the golfing attire does not always match the golfing prowess.”
This year’s dough ball consistency was under scrutiny with many unable to cope with the force of a well swung five iron.
Mrs Willes added: “It’s a lot like conkers today, you might get a hard dough ball which will fly straight and true or it might burst into a thousand pieces across the Thames.”
It is estimated that of the 684 dough balls specially baked for the open over 500 were used resulting in some very well fed Thames based birds.
This year Ian Richardson claimed the prize by planting a dough ball agonisingly close to the boat target.
Marginally missing out on top spot was 12-year-old Sam Morgan, a self-confessed golfing fanatic.
He said: “I’ve been playing golf for nearly three years but never with dough balls.”
The unique event is set up by the State of Seething which was set up in 2009 by the people of Surbiton.
The groups aim is to develop a stronger sense of community by creating events that everyone can join in with, bringing people together through creativity.
Mr Hutchinson said: “The ambition is to try and redevelop that real sense of community. The danger is we live in threatened times where work is dominant. If you don’t have work then you might find you are lonely.”
He added: “We are about how you re-engaged people in their community and more importantly putting a smile on people’s faces. We hope to create a few new friendships through shared experiences. This is made possible by doing something a little silly together.”
For more information on the Seething State and their future events visit: www.seethingwells.org
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