Sarah Stirk’s lucky competition winner spent the day playing a round of golf with the Sky Sports reporter at our very own Springs Golf Club. Darwin Ambassador and Sky Sports golf reporter, Sarah Stirk recently ran a competition in partnership with Darwin Escapes, where one winner would be able to play a round of golf with her at The Springs Golf Club in Oxfordshire.
Scott Peggie, from near Falkirk in Scotland was that lucky winner and travelled down the country to Wallingford, Oxfordshire to play with Sarah! Scott was surprised and delighted to hear he had won the social competition and was excited to play alongside Sarah and Matt Kimber, the pro-golfer at The Springs. Scott regularly plays with his friends at his local clubs, including St Andrews Golf Club and Falkrik Golf Club, as well as having played on our own championship course at Dundonland Links Golf Club. 
Although the weather was not on their side, the trio had a wonderful (if wet) day playing golf on the stunning Oxfordshire course, with Sarah winning the day. Scott and Matt both ended on 35, with Sarah out-scoring them on 39 points.
the q&a
We sat down with both Sarah and Scott after their game and had a quick question and answer session with them about the day.
scott peggie
What made you enter the competition? – I’m a big fan of Sarah’s work on Sky Sports & thought it would be a great chance to play golf with her.
Are you a keen golfer? – I try to play golf every week whether its games with friends or medal competitions at my local golf club.
Are you a member of any other golf clubs? – I’m currently a member of Falkirk Golf Club and The St Andrews Golf Club.
How did you find the day? – It was a fantastic experience & everyone made me feel very welcome. I was a little nervous prior to meeting with Sarah but she was so easy going & down to earth that it felt like I was playing with a lifelong friend!
What did you think of the course? – The course was excellent, very playable for all levels of player. The condition of the course was great, the green in particular were fantastic to putt on, running very true which gives a lot of confidence. The rain didn’t have any negative impact on how the course played as there was no noticeable water lying on the course. The green keeping staff should be commended for the overall condition.
Did you encounter any difficulties/what was your favourite hole? I didn’t encounter any difficulties. There were a number of good holes but my favourite was the 8th hole, which is a short par 3 with a lake to the left of the green. I didn’t play the hole as well as Sarah but it’s one I would like to play again!
Did the weather affect the day? – The weather wasn’t pleasant that’s for sure! However, it didn’t impact on the quality of the golf we all played and certainly didn’t reduce the enjoyment on the day. Only thing it probably stopped me taking photos on the way round as trying to stay dry!
How did you find the clubhouse facilities? – The facilities were really good, the locker room was well set out with individual lockers available for belongings etc. The Pro shop was well stocked with lots of quality brands, both in clothing & golf clubs. The bar/lounge area was spacious and comfortable with nice views out onto the golf course. The staff throughout the clubhouse were very welcoming & happy to assist with any queries that I had.
How was lunch? – I had fish & chips from the ‘specials’ menu and it was tasty. I would definitely recommend having food & a drink after playing as it rounded off the day perfectly.
Would you try another Darwin Escapes Golf Resort? – I’ve been lucky to have played twice at Dundonald Links in the past so I’m really looking forward to seeing how Darwin Escapes develop the course & in particular the facilities further. I’d like to have a game at the Kilnwick Percy Resort in Yorkshire as it looks a good set up with accommodation available onsite & restaurant facilities.
sarah stirk
How’s the course playing at the moment? – Fantastically well, the greens are great and it’s certainly more challenging off the tee
What was your favourite hole? – 18, visually it’s stunning with the trees splitting the fairway. A real tough driving test and it’s imposing from the tee
Lose any balls in the water? – No, but lots on the bunkers!
How did you find golf pro Matt’s performance? – Matt was fab, a true professional despite him saying he rarely gets to play nowadays, it doesn’t show
How did you find Scott’s performance? – Scott played really well. A lovely guy and an unbelievable putter. He couldn’t miss!
You don’t play as much as you’d like to? How does that affect you? – I miss it, I’ve played more this year, but still not enough. Definitely hope to get a few more rounds in this season and aim to play more in 2020