A GOLF club in the Wee county once again welcomed a host of football celebrities for an annual charity tournament.

Friday, May 17, saw sunny bit slightly windy conditions at the Alloa Golf Club in Sauchie at the former Schawpark estate, set against the scenic backdrop of the Ochils.

The tournament raised money for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) and was organised by Andrew Matheson, who has been running the event for nearly two decades now.

In that time, the retired policeman’s tournament has netted more than £100,000 for the good cause with a further around £10,000 added this time around.

As part of the tournament, members of the club teamed up with well-known names including Gordon Smith, ex Rangers player and former SFA executive.

Also there were Alan Hansen, ex Liverpool and Scotland player as well as former BBC Match of the Day pundit; Tom Boyd, formerly of Celtic and Scotland’s national team; Ian Durrant, ex Rangers and Scotland player and former Rangers and Scotland goalie Stewart Kennedy.

The list grew with John Blackley, ex Hibs and Scotland player; Dunfermline Athletic manager Stevie Crawford; Gregor Shields, ex-Dunfermline and Kilmarnock player; Stuart Lovell, formerly of Livingston and Hibs; and ex Hibs man Ali McLeod.

Tam McManus, Alex Totten, Gregor Abel, Peter Houston and Scottish referee Craig Thomson joined in as well.

A dinner and auction followed the tournament with speaker Iain McSporran receiving a nod of appreciation for his excellent and humorous presentation.

Thanks is also given to Ali Logan for conducting the auction, which brought the money in.

Andrew told the Advertiser that he was “delighted” with the sum raised on the day.

Alloa Golf Club wanted to extend further thanks to all individuals and organisations involved, in particular main sponsors J Chandler & Co (Buckfast) Ltd, Andover.

Beneficiaries CHAS offer a full family support service for children and young people with life-shortening conditions with palliative care, respite and more.