An RNLI supporter played her way to an expensive round after hitting a hole in one at a golf day.

Around 45 teams of four took part in a special golf day hosted by Hunstanton Golf Club, in aid of the charity that saves lives at sea.

While proceeds from the day are still being counted, Julia West was left counting the cost of her bar tab at the clubhouse after scoring a hole in one on the 14th green.

Julia West, who racked up a £470 bar bill after hitting a hole in one. Picture: RNLI/Chris BishopJulia West, who racked up a £470 bar bill after hitting a hole in one. Picture: RNLI/Chris BishopJulia West, who racked up a £470 bar bill after hitting a hole in one. Picture: RNLI/Chris Bishop

In golf, tradition has it that those who land the ball in the hole with their first drive must buy the entire bar a drink.

Julia, who has been playing golf for 17 years, said: “It’s the first one I have ever had and it’s going to cost me a fortune. I now have to buy the whole bar a drink, and there are how many players here – 180!”

Julia’s tab came to £470 at the 19th hole, with players mainly opting to toast her triumph with wine.

A woman tees off at the golf day in aid of the RNLI. Picture: RNLI/Chris BishopA woman tees off at the golf day in aid of the RNLI. Picture: RNLI/Chris BishopA woman tees off at the golf day in aid of the RNLI. Picture: RNLI/Chris Bishop

Despite the costly end to the day, Julia, whose husband David is a member of the Hunstanton and West Norfolk RNLI Guild, said: “As a team, we had a great round of golf. There was lots of money raised for the RNLI and a fun, happy day for everyone.”

Event organiser David Umbers, who is both a golfer and a member of the guild, said: “We have had 45 teams and the tee was full from 7.30am until 2.30pm. It’s a great cause without a doubt, and I think people have enjoyed it in previous years.

“Judging by the generosity of people who’ve come, they’re very happy to support the RNLI.”

The Hunstanton RNLI team of Seamus Griffin, Bob McDonald, Jeff Lenton, and Joe Sarsby. Picture: RNLI/Chris BishopThe Hunstanton RNLI team of Seamus Griffin, Bob McDonald, Jeff Lenton, and Joe Sarsby. Picture: RNLI/Chris BishopThe Hunstanton RNLI team of Seamus Griffin, Bob McDonald, Jeff Lenton, and Joe Sarsby. Picture: RNLI/Chris Bishop

Chris White, general manager at Hunstanton Golf Club, said: “We have been doing it for a number of years now, as long as I’ve been here.

“The club embraces it, the RNLI has always been the club charity, we just hope we never need it.”

The event was started by Ed Gifford, a former chairman of the club, and Carrie Harvey, who said: “We started it 12 or 13 years ago and we have raised a lot for the RNLI since then.

The Hunstanton RNLI team in action on the day. Picture: RNLI/Chris BishopThe Hunstanton RNLI team in action on the day. Picture: RNLI/Chris BishopThe Hunstanton RNLI team in action on the day. Picture: RNLI/Chris Bishop

“We raised just under £8,000 the first year, and it’s just grown and grown – it must have raised around £150,000 by now.”

A player tees off at the charity golf day at Hunstanton. Picture: RNLI/Chris BishopA player tees off at the charity golf day at Hunstanton. Picture: RNLI/Chris BishopA player tees off at the charity golf day at Hunstanton. Picture: RNLI/Chris BishopThe event was hosted by Hunstanton Golf Club. Picture: RNLI/Chris BishopThe event was hosted by Hunstanton Golf Club. Picture: RNLI/Chris BishopThe event was hosted by Hunstanton Golf Club. Picture: RNLI/Chris Bishop

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