Professional golfer, Richard Mansell, achieved a world-first by completing a hair-raising trick shot from the roof of the Utilita Arena in Birmingham, onto the Old Turn Junction Island in the middle of the Birmingham Canal.
The daring “No Risk, No Reward” trick shot has brought the iconic Belfry Brabazon Course’s 10th hole water hazard to an eager crowd in Birmingham City Centre in anticipation of what’s to come at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo from 29th June-2nd July. Birmingham City Centre, the home of more canals than Venice, made the perfect backdrop to host a reimagining of the internationally-renowned Brabazon water hazard which regularly challenges the most seasoned of professionals.
Cannock-born Mansell, took the impressive shot from the 20-metre-tall Birmingham landmark as crowds watched on with bated breath as he nailed the shot, having only a brief window of time to succeed while the traffic on the canal was halted. To ensure the ecological integrity of the canal and its wildlife, biodegradable golf balls were used to ensure any missed shots would dissolve had they landed in the water.
With a focus on sustainability the Betfred British Masters is supporting DP World Tour’s ‘Green Drive’ vision, by taking social and environmental responsibility on a global stage as part of the wider ‘Golf for Good’ programme. Richard said: “Teeing off from the roof of the Utilita Arena has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a golfing highlight I’ll never forget.”
“Now, I’m excited to get into the real action at the Betfred British Masters later this month - the tournament is set to be even more exciting this year with the anticipation for the Ryder Cup building.” Mansell will be teeing up on home turf against world-class golfers at the Betfred British Masters at the Belfry, Sutton Coldfield.
Players confirmed to be competing at the tournament include 2022 defending champion, Thorbjørn Olesen, and former world number one Justin Rose. Golfing legend Sir Nick Faldo will be hosting the tournament for the first time making it an unmissable event. Whether a keen golfer, sports fan or family, the Betfred British Masters will offer a spectacular day out.
Spectator villages around the course will be buzzing hubs of fun activities for the whole family with a variety of food and drink outlets. Another first for the tournament will be the performance of live music, with Oasis tribute band ‘Noasis’ taking to the stage on Sunday afternoon after the final putt has dropped.
Peter Adams, Championship Director of the Betfred British Masters, said: “Today, Richard Mansell has made a remarkable shot from the roof of the Utilita Arena onto a small island in the canal.
“With such a high calibre of golfing prowess teeing up this year, the Betfred British Masters is set to be one for the history books.” Director of Golf at The Belfry, Chris Reeve, said: “The No Risk, No Reward stunt has been an exceptional display of the real excitement of golf.
“The anticipation was palpable and that was just one small taster of what’s to come later this month. The Belfry’s Brabazon Course has hosted the Ryder Cup a record four times – more than any other venue in the world - it was incredible to see the iconic 10th hole come to life in Birmingham City Centre, 14 miles away from its home.”
The “No Risk, No Reward” stunt was made possible through the support of several organisations, including the Utilita Arena, Canal and Rivers Trust, and Brindleyplace.
