The History of the Event
All figures shown are funds raised on the day prior to expenses incurred in running the event. No committee members receive any fee or payment for organising the event
The event first played in 2004, to raise money and in support of the 'Heads Up' Head and Neck Cancer Research charity based at the John Radcliffe Hospital , Oxford. Now the event attracts a field of more than 160 players and in excess of 200 for the evening dinner and Auction.
More than 8000 people per year (22 per day) are diagnosed with this disease each year and although more than 50% survive we still need to know more about head and neck cancer.
You can find out more by visiting the 'Heads Up' website.
Shark Attack was started by me after I was diagnosed in 2003. The event got it's name when two of my playing partners decided to issue the 'press release' below to advise other colleagues of my recent surgery at Oxford:
Water Hazard adds Extra Bite
Golfer attacked by Rare Shark
Golfer John "Huggy" Hughes is recovering at home after being bitten by a rare Vampire Shark at the Wiltshire Golf Club.
Playing the 17th hole, as usual John's second shot went into the lake. Cursing, John was heard to say "**** it" ! I'm not losing another ball in there " and waded in to retrieve it. Playing partners Norman and Brian noticed a fin gliding towards John and shouted a warning, but the shark ignored it and continued its attack grabbing John around the throat. After conferring Norman and Brian decided a 5 wood and a 6 iron was the correct selection and went to drive off the attacker. The shark released his hold and swam away spitting to try and remove the taste. Norman and Brian dragged John out asking him if he wanted to take a penalty drop.
Speaking from home John Hughes said "I've put so many balls in there I did not think the water would be deep enough for a fish like that. I must be grateful to my playing partners, they could have just left me, but they threw my clubs and bag into the lake and loaded me on my Powercaddy and took me with them while they finished their round. They then called an ambulance after taking my £2 for the kitty to stop me worrying about not putting in."
The Vampire Shark is very rare and sucks blood from its victim before devouring them. This shark bit off more than it could handle as it was later found floating belly up. It died of food poisoning.
As you can see the golf is all fun, if you want to join us this year go to the event page for more information and download an application form and an event poster for the day.
