Bridgestone trophy winners in dream round with Ryder Cup hero

The three winners of Bridgestone’s Chase Your Dream Trophy are reminiscing on the round of a lifetime with Ryder Cup hero Thorbjørn Olesen at the Sky Sports British Masters.

Martin Derrick, Spencer Burlingham and 12-year-old Isabelle Badger won the prestigious competition last month in partnership with England Golf and as the money-can’t-buy headline prize, they were invited to play at the pro-am of the Sky Sports British Masters at Walton Heath on Wednesday (10^th).

The competition, now in its second year, was created by the world’s number one tyre and rubber company with England Golf in an attempt to give something back to the ‘grassroots’ of the sport and to elevate Bridgestone’s range of premium tyre products with thousands of amateur players up and down England.

The trio enjoyed an occasion to savour in front of thousands of spectators at the European Tour event with Dane Olesen – the conqueror of Jordan Spieth in his Ryder Cup single match on Sunday – who was on hand to give his expert advice and tips during the 18 holes.

Olesen said: “It was great to play with Isabelle, Martin and Spencer. I hope they had a memorable day. It is always nice to be able to play with amateurs and help provide an experience like this. They were lovely company and I hope they enjoyed themselves.”

Isabelle said: “I loved every second. I felt more confident than I thought I would. There were lots of people watching and clapping. It’s usually only Dad with me, so this was a bit different.

“I watched Thorbjørn on television last week when he played in the Ryder Cup, so it was crazy to be playing alongside him today. He was such a nice man. All of my friends back at school are really proud of me and have supported me during the different stages to get here, so I can’t wait to see them again and tell them all about it.”

Spencer Burlingham, aged 34 from Saffron Walden, said: “It was just like playing with one of my mates out on the course. Thorbjørn was such a lovely guy. He was such an easy, down-to-earth man and was always helping with yardages and lines to take on the greens. 

Martin Derrick, aged 59, from Hove said: “The round flew by. Thorbjørn made it such a magical day and the experience is something that will live with me forever.”

Now in its second year, the Chase Your Dream Trophy has continued to capture the imaginations of thousands of amateur golfers in clubs affiliated to England Golf, just as it did in its inaugural year 12 months ago.

Bridgestone’s North Region Marketing Communications Manager Andy Mathias said: “Isabelle, Spencer and Martin were the stars of the pro-am. Their ball striking and calmness in such an environment really was incredible and to see them laughing and joking with a Ryder Cup star like they’d known him all their lives was a highlight of the day for us. We’re thrilled for them and to see them chasing their dreams with Bridgestone made the whole competition worthwhile – that’s what it is all about for us.” 

For more information about Bridgestone and its Chase Your Dream concept, visit www.nomatterwhat.uk.com

Related:

Honma launches ground-breaking Tworld747 Range