THE sun was shining at Renfrew Golf Club on Thursday as 21 teams competed in Celtic FC Foundation’s inaugural Golf Day event.

The tournament, held on World Autism Awareness Day, was organised to raise funds for Celtic FC Foundation’s upcoming pilot project intended to help children and young people with autism.

The sold-out event began with a shotgun start mid-morning tee off with ex-Celts Tom Boyd, Bobby Petta, George McCluskey and Lisbon Lion Bertie Auld turning out to play and show their support.  

However, after the final stroke had been hit, it was team OSAV led by Chris Shaw who emerged victorious and had the honour of becoming the inaugural winners of Celtic FC Foundation’s prestigious trophy.

After the presentation of awards, all golfers and partner attendees were treated to a fantastic three-course carvery lunch as well as speeches from Emma Hanley (University of Strathclyde) and Donna-Marie Henry (Celtic FC Foundation), both of whom spoke passionately about the need to help children and young people with Autism.

The day was rounded off by a charity auction, raffle and an entertaining Q & A session which saw each of the former players regaling the crowd with Celtic stories from the past and present.

At the conclusion, everyone left in high spirits and thanks to the generosity of the Celtic Family, Celtic FC Foundation are delighted to announce that upwards of £10,000 has been raised to help children and young people with autism.

Speaking about the event, Celtic FC Foundation CEO, Tony Hamilton, said: “Enormous thanks to all of the players who turned up at Renfrew for our first golf event.

“I would also like to thank European tour pro, Stephen Gallacher, for his wonderful support and kind donation of gifts that served to ensure our auction and raffle prizes were met with considerable interest.

“The people at Renfrew Golf Club were very kind to us and made us feel especially welcome, and a rain-free day capped it all off.”

To register your interest for Celtic FC Foundation’s upcoming project with children and young people with Autism or if you wish to participate in future golf events, please email[email protected] or call 0141 551 4321