Set against the impressive backdrop of the Solent and South Downs 24 illustrious warriors gathered together to face the unseasonable autumn conditions of the magnificent Goodwood Downs golf course for the first, of hopefully many ARNO Golf Days. Suitably spiked, clothed and fortified by a bacon roll the first group embarked on, what was for some almost 5 hours of highs and lows, windy and wild, exciting, and exhilarating conditions.  As the sun broke through for the first time all players returned to the 19^th hole – unanimously agreeing that it had been a wonderful day albeit challenging enough to merit the anticipated refreshments and much awaited curry supper.

As in all these events there must be winners and those who, due to many an excuse and tale, were “seen off”!  There were some impressive scores and some exceptional play resulting in a fierce competition and close field.

The overall winner of the competition was ARNO member David Dominy, who not only scored 34 Stableford points but also won the Nearest the Pin contest on the 1st hole with a hole in one.  For his efforts David was rewarded with a weekend for two kindly donated by The Rag. Mark Eaton came a close second claiming a Miniature RN Officer’s Sword donated by Pooley swords. Third place went to Chris Wall who claimed the highly sought after bottle of ARNO Gin. The prize for the longest drive went to Jim Munt who beat all other comers with a magnificent drive on the 18th.

After a well-earned curry, the President of ARNO and the RNOC, Vice Admiral Paul Bennett thanked everyone who had attended and thanked our hosts. For those not familiar with the work of the RNOC he recounted some examples of families living on a tight budget who are unable to absorb one unexpected or incident and how intervention by the RNOC is lifeline.

Over the last 4 years over £2m of grants and other support had assisted hundreds of serving and retired officers and their families across the globe.

All applications are reviewed in a non-judgemental and timely fashion and normally turned around within 48 hours.

In closing, he thanked all the sponsors of the event and explained that without their support, staging an event like the golf day would be virtually impossible.

The evening concluded with an obligatory raffle the proceeds of which ensured a healthy donation of £3000 pounds for the RNOC

Many sponsors donated money and/or prizes, and we would like to thank them all for helping to make the day such a success:

AM Designer Jewellers, ASAP Computer Services, Biscoes Solicitors, Callum Knowles, Geerings Print, Pooley Sword, Go Commando, Gieves and Hawkes, One Financial Solutions, SDB Marketing,  Southdowns Motorhome Centre, SSCL, Thales, The Army and Navy Club (The Rag), The Honourable Company of Master Mariners, The Handmade Gin Company and WUD Menswear Tenterden.