Golf: Hackers Cup To Take Place April 7-12th
The first Hackers Cup was staged on the fall of 2011, and the second Hackers Cup will happen from April 7th to 12th this year.
The Hackers Cup was a concept crafted by the late Peter Tory, Fleet Street Columnist, his brother Mike Winfield, then Port Royal’s Andrew Brooks and Elizabeth Ward.
The goal was to invite well placed journalists and celebrities from the UK to Bermuda for a few days of golf. The aim: to enjoy the Island and to encourage word of mouth endorsement from the celebrities and good copy in targeted UK publications.
A spokesperson said, “The plan worked and in 2011 we saw the results in publications such as Ultra Travel, The Independent and Women in Golf, blogs and twitters and mention was made on Sky Sports News, Al Jazerra Sports and the BBC to name a few.
“We are repeating the formula in 2013 the week of April 7th. The Hackers Cup AmAm, a fun tournament before they battle for the Hackers Cup Challenge, is an ideal way for our celebrities and journalists to interact with members of the Bermuda business and resident community.
“This will occur on Monday 8th April at Turtle Hill. Here the celebrities and journalists will be joined by local enthusiasts who can join in the fun day. The event will begin at 2PM. Anyone wishing to play should contact Liz Ward on emw@ebermuda.com
“This year the two day Hackers Cup will be played on two courses. On Wednesday, the first day, play will be at Tuckers Point and the final day, Thursday will be played at Port Royal. This two day event will have the media battling the celebrities for the Cup. As determined as Sir Steve is to retain the honours for his team, Peter Corrigan is looking to score a victory for the media team. We understand it will be a hotly contested event.
“We are very fortunate this year to be able to welcome back to Bermuda, Sir Steve Redgrave, the Captain of the Winning Celebrity team from 2011. Sir Steve who will also be visiting with the Bermuda Diabetes Association and the Bermuda Rowing Association, to encourage their work. Steve gave of his time and valuable expertise last year and is truly committed to Bermuda. Joining Sir Steve on the Celebrity team this year will be:
- James Christopher Bolam MBE
- Warren Clarke
- Johnny Vaughan
- Sara Stik
- Sion Tudor Owen
The Media team will again be led by Peter Corrigan of the Independent. Aptly, his column is called “The Hackers”. Returning again is well known journalist, Philippa Kennedy. They will be joined, this year by:
- Vic Robbie
- Simon Kelner
- Roderick Easdale
- Brian Viner
“British Airways were so impressed with the success of our last event that they will again fly all of our guests to Bermuda Club World, and will be represented in the event by two senior executives, Richard Tams, Head of UK & Ireland Sales and Marketing, British Airways and Iberia and Keith Chuter, Sales Manager, Specialised Markets and Marianne Wilcox, head of BA in Bermuda.
“Fairmont Southampton are joining forces with us to provide accommodation in Fairmont Gold and The Bermuda Department of Tourism will further support the event. HSBC are planning a special event at their Harbouview Building for our visitors.
“We are also grateful to: Goslings, Dunkley’s Dairy and of course the three courses Turtle Hill, Tuckers Point, and Port Royal for their support. Without our sponsors this event simply could not take place. The Hackers Cup is not a money making event, it is about Bermuda and the promotion of our Island in the UK market.”
“We are very excited about this event”, says the Hon Michael Winfield, “the Celebrity team is full of well known UK favorites and the media team is an impressive list of highly accomplished journalists. We are hopeful that this year we will generate even more favourable publicity for Bermuda.
“Golf players represent our market and by getting them all to play on three of Bermuda’s golf courses, we are convinced that, not only will we have an interesting and enjoyable five days, but that we believe will generate the positive word of mouth and copy we need in this important market”
For more information contact: The Hon. Michael Winfield JP on mjwbda@gmail.com
To arrange interviews or to participate in the AMAM Liz Ward on emw@ebermuda.com
Waste of money and achieved nothing. Good authority that Port Royal lost a great deal of money on this event. We already pay for the Grand Slam which maximizes the exposure Bermuda gets.