A former Premier League player has banked £10,000 for charity after narrowly beating Andriy Shevchenko to win the Cardhu Celebrity Pro-Am. Some of football’s most recognisable names were involved in the tournament at Trump International Links in Scotland. Gianfranco Zola, Roberto Di Matteo and Teddy Sheringham were just some of the former players to take part.
Alan Stubbs, the former Bolton Wanderers and Everton defender, claimed the honours alongside former Ryder Cup player Jarmo Sandelin. Playing off a handicap of six, he managed a birdie on the final hole to secure a round of 76. Stubbs finished level with Shevchenko but was declared the winner on a countback, securing £10,000 for a charity of his choice.
“I knew I played well, but I didn’t know if it would be enough to get the winning score or not,” reflected Stubbs after collecting his prize.
“As we were playing down our last hole, which was the second, one of the guys who I was playing with said: ‘I didn’t want to tell you before your last shot, but you’re level with Andriy Shevchenko.”
“You know, it’s nice, it’s a fantastic event. It really is well organised and the people here who run it are so welcoming, and the course is just off the charts, it really is. So, I must admit, I’m very happy, yeah.
“It was great to see so many faces, not just from the world of football, but the world of sport here today, familiar faces as well.
“They’re a great bunch, everyone gets on really well. I think there’s a real camaraderie and banter here, which adds to why it’s such an enjoyable event.”
Stubbs revealed that he would be donating the money to a charity helping those impacted by last year’s Southport attack.
“I think it’s poignant that I will probably donate it to the Southport funds on the anniversary, which I think was yesterday,” he added. “It’s a great cause and the money will go to a very worthwhile cause. I’ll be proud to hand over that cheque.”
Meanwhile, the Legends Tour put up another £10,000 for the celebrities finishing second and third to donate to their preferred causes. Shevchenko will be donating £7,500 to the UAF Foundation, which supports refugee students.
Sheringham, who came home in third place, has pledged to make a £2,500 donation to Variety Manchester, a children’s charity.
The event at Trump International Links was a precursor to the PGA Seniors Championship, which got underway on Thursday.
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