Gourock Golf club pro Derek Watters has raised more than £23,000 for the charity through his recent pro-am golf day and a ‘marathon’ golf event organised by his son Euan.
The pro-am event was the second Derek has organised, with 20 of his professional colleagues from across the country coming along to lead teams on the day.
The groups teed off in glorious sunshine and enjoyed a round of golf followed by an auction and a raffle.
Gourock Golf Golf Pro Am day organised by Derek Watters and his family raise an incredibl (Image: Duncan Bryceland 2026)
Delighted Derek said: “On the day we raised £15,400 which surpassed all my expectations. I can’t thank everyone who gave up their time to take part.
“It means the world to my family.
“Many of the pros on the day also gave up their fees and donated them to the hospice.
“The hospice is an incredible charity and means the world to us all.”
On the day, Derek finished second overall in the competition.
They were delighted to be joined on the day by members of the hospice team, who spoke to the golfers taking part about the impact the fundraising has on the families who rely on the hospice,
Gourock Golf Club’s close links with the charity are set to continue as Derek plans to organise the pro-am day every two years.
We reported previously that son Euan had raised £8,500 by completing 156 holes of golf in memory of both his grans, who were cared for by the hospice.
The Ardgowan Hospice was over the moon with the support from Derek and his family which will help continue to provide the first class care.
Fundraising officer Steven Anderson said: “The support from Derek, his family and the Gourock Golf Club is incredible and means so much to the hospice. It makes such a massive impact on the work that we do.
“The turn out at the event was fantastic and we would wish to thank them for all their support.”
The recent fundraising boost comes as the hospice gets ready to reopen with an open day,
Derek added: “We have been invited along to see for ourselves the work going on at the hospice and the improvements that have been made.”
The open day event will take place on Tuesday, September 15, from 2:30pm to 4pm, at the hospice on Nelson Street.
Visitors can join a short guided tour and see improvements made to the inpatient ward.