Sporting heroes go head to head in golf match

Jun 25 2009 by Rob Pattinson, The Journal

ON paper, it was a mouth-watering match – one of the region’s most prolific-ever goal scorers squaring up against a home-grown World Cup-winning England centre-back.

But when Alan Shearer took on Jack Charlton yesterday, there wasn’t a football in sight.

Instead, the only clubs the big hitters from the beautiful game were getting to grips with were their drivers and nine irons as they teed off for a professional amateur golf tournament at Slaley Hall, Northumberland.

The soccer stars were taking part in the De Vere PGA Seniors Championship Pro Am 2009, with the day set to benefit children’s charity the Variety Club.

Earlier in the day Durham star and England cricket captain Paul Collingwood swung into action.

All the celebrity sports stars were competing in separate teams, each with their own professional golfer.

Shearer took time out from the ongoing saga over whether he will be appointed permanent manger of Newcastle United to take part in the event.

Looking relaxed for his round Shearer said: “This period counts as my holiday, sort of, so I’ve been taking the time to relax by playing some golf.

“Obviously the work the Variety Club does is fantastic. I’ve done plenty of things with them in the past; it’s great to be here to support the charity again.”

After finishing his morning round, Paul Collingwood said it was great to be back in the region.