The story so far. The first 11 years
In June 2000, Heysham, Lancaster and Morecambe Golf Clubs combined to create the Morecambe Bay Golf Festival with a number of objectives.
It was hoped to be able to promote and develop the facilities of Heysham, Morecambe and Lancaster Golf Clubs and to make golfers aware of a region of outstanding natural beauty and its many attractions.
By staging the festival in early September it was anticipated that it would extend not only the Golfing Season but also increase the number of visitors visiting and staying in the area and extend the Tourist Season.
With this in mind the Festival was generously endorsed for the first three years by Lancaster City Council and enabled the Committee to present prizes to the value of £6,000.00. As National and Local companies have sponsored the Events, the prize fund has now been increased to £10,000.00.
Each day Competitions are held at two of the Clubs and consist of pairs or team events. There is also a three-day event with a prize for the overall winning pair who receive the Festival Trophy and replicas. This present format meets with the approval of the visiting golfers.
The Festival attracts golfers from all over the United Kingdom and it is hoped that not only do they return but do so having spread the word and introduce new competitors. Each year golfers residing out of the region total over 85% of the entries.
At the outset in 2000, Gary Wolstenholme MBE, the twice-Amateur Champion and Walker Cup Player who has many local connections kindly agreed to be the Honorary President of the Festival and he promotes the event at every opportunity.
The Festival continues to grow and each year the Committee are grateful for the support they receive in Sponsorship, which enable innovations to be introduced. The past five years has seen the introduction of a Charity Appeal with the money raised being donated to various charitable causes including the Macmillan Cancer Appeal, the Northwest Air Ambulance Service and Help for Heroes.
Finally, the three clubs have used the revenue raised by the Festival in different ways by improving amenities, including the construction of a Halfway House at Morecambe Golf Club and creating the fund for the centenary celebrations two years ago at Heysham Golf Club.
