Demolition broker Ed McIlvaney is already planning next year’s golf event for shipping players after the tournament made a triumphant return for the first time in three years.
The Covid-19 pandemic put paid to the friendly EBM Challenge at the Essex Golf & Country Club in south-eastern England in 2020 and 2021, but 21 golfers were raring to go for its resurrection this summer.
The annual event is open to shipping industry players, usually shipbrokers, and there is also the Sean Hadfield Memorial competition, which is open to all, including family and friends, to commemorate the life of the former Waltons & Morse shipping lawyer.
Four other participants also joined in, for caddying duties, exercise or simply to meet up with old friends after such a long time.
“As if anybody needed reminding, Covid is still very much around, as the number of golfers was depleted with a late positive test, an achilles injury and business travel,” McIlvaney told TradeWinds.
“The morning started with the customary coffee/tea and bacon roll, and by the time of the first tee-off at 11am, the weather was down in the mid-20s with a cool breeze.”
Players were able to produce some excellent scores, with more than half the participants scoring in the 30s, McIlvaney said.
The day was topped off with a two-course meal at which the prizes were presented.
Darren Lepper, a director at broker Clarksons, walked off with the EBM Challenge trophy with a “creditable” 38 points, his host reported.
This was the 15th edition of the tournament, organised by former Simpson Spence Young broker McIlvaney as a “thank you” to those in shipping who supported him following his formation of EBM Shipbroking.
Everyone a winner
Jan Di Costa, a local club member, was the recipient of the Ladies trophy, with an excellent 37 points, while the Sean Hadfield Memorial trophy went to family friend Mark Driscoll with 36 points.
Another course member, Ricky Pegrum, received the Longest Drive trophy, while retired Gibsons broker Clive Hebden was the worthy winner of the Nearest the Pin trophy.
Courtesy of a gift from the golf club, McIlvaney was able to introduce an extra prize for the Nearest the Pin in two, which went to his friend Stuart Jones.
“There is never a booby prize award in the event,” McIlvaney explained.
Massive improvement
Instead, the Valiant Effort prize went to Gibsons sale-and-purchase broker Dave Cundy, who received a hip flask.
Had it been filled with his favourite tipple, it might well have helped his round, the organiser joked.
Cundy’s score of 14 points was, however, a “massive improvement” on his previous score, he added.
“Plans are already in hand in readiness for the 2023 event, which is, as always, open to shipping personnel, retirees, family and friends,” McIlvaney said.
