The annual GIMA Charity Golf Day teed off in style on Thursday 5th June, welcoming garden industry professionals to Belton Woods Golf, Spa and Hotel in Grantham for a day of sporting competition, networking, and fundraising – all in aid of the Greenfingers Charity.
With 23 teams made up of suppliers, retailers and colleagues from across the industry, the event combined sporting spirit with charitable generosity, raising a fantastic sum to help Greenfingers continue its mission of creating magical gardens for children’s hospices across the UK.
Following a day on the course, participants gathered for a well-earned post-round buffet, awards presentation, and charity auction, where the camaraderie continued late into the evening.
The all-important results!
Pureprint Imprint emerged victorious at the 2025 GIMA Golf Day, taking the title with a score of 86 points. Hot on their heels were Smart Garden 2 in second place with 85 points, while Woodlodge 2 secured a strong third with 84 points.
The "Wooden Spoon" award was sportingly accepted by theHomefire/Rocketgro/Potting Shed team who, despite a sterling effort, found themselves at the bottom of the leaderboard.
New-for-2025, the Yellow Ball Challenge – kindly sponsored by Vitax - saw Team GIMA take home the win with 37 points, closely followed by Woodloge 2 andSmart Garden 2 with 36 and 33 points respectively.
Longest drive & pin challenges
Big hitters and precision players were celebrated across the course:
- Longest Drive: Jonny Hotson, GIMA
- Straightest Drive: Andrew Fitzmaurice, MorePeople
- Nearest the Pin (2nd hole)): Arron Rutherford, Pureprint Imprint
- Nearest the Pin (5th hole): Richard Newton, Woodlodge
- Nearest the Pin (17th hole): Ryan Mason, Anderson & Mulch
Beat the Pro
In the ever-popular "Beat the Pro" challenge, honours went to Neil Lafford, James Parr, Jonathan Payling, Neil Blake, Daniel McAlpin, Chris Clements, Scott McCabe, Phil Park, Nick Griffin and Andrew Fitzmaurice, who all managed to land their ball closer to the pin than the on-course pro.
Best dressed team
Also new for 2025, this award added a touch of flair to the fairway, with the team from Premier Decoration receiving this year’s accolade thanks to some rather eye-catching attire. Also, recognised for their sartorial choices were the teams from Smart Garden 1 and Zest Outdoor Living.
A day made possible by generous sponsors and supporters
GIMA is hugely grateful to all sponsors and donors who made the event such a success. This year’s sponsors list included Pureprint Imprint, Durstons, Smart Garden Products, Hornby George PR, Meadow View Stone, Eco Fuego, Webb Garden Power, Vitax, Homefire, Spear & Jackson, Gardena, Woolcool, Keter, Outtrade, Greenman Tools, Glee, Yard Force, CM Ventures, Toolbank, Decco, Woodlodge and Primeur. Together these brands sponsored everything from the on-course banners, drinks stations, spot and hole prizes, plus also kindly providing prizes for the raffle and auction.
Talking post-event, GIMA Director Vicky Nuttall said: “It’s always incredible to see the industry come together to support Greenfingers. The 2025 event was one of the best yet with almost 100 golfers coming together for a day of fantastic golfing, wonderful company and – most importantly – a brilliant fundraising total for a cause close to all of our hearts. Thank you to every golfer, sponsor, and donor who contributed.”
Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers Charity, added: “We are truly grateful for the continued support of GIMA and its members. The funds raised from the Golf Day make a tangible difference to the lives of children and families in hospices across the country – thank you for helping us grow more magical gardens.”
To see more events upcoming at GIMA, or for more information regarding membership, please visit www.gima.org.uk or contact the GIMA Press Office on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk
