We’re teeing off for a good cause: Our third annual golf tournament is back to raise funds for former colleagues Ryan Thomas and Kristian Smith

We're proud to announce the return of our third annual golf tournament for construction clients, kicking off on April 10th and running through to October 3rd – and this year, it means more to us than ever before.

All proceeds from this year’s tournament will go toward supporting two very special former colleagues of ours: Ryan Thomas and Kristian Smith.

Ryan, now team manager of Pontypool RFC, suffered two heart attacks and a stroke in November. He spent seven weeks in intensive care and is still on a long road to recovery. Ryan was a hugely valued member of our team, working as a Client Relationship Manager here at Acorn for five years until 2022.

Kristian, a talented rugby player from Blaina and a Recruitment Consultant with us in 2023, sadly passed away last June after suffering a cardiac arrest. He left behind a young family, including a daughter he tragically never got to meet.

Over the past two years, this tournament has raised more than £8,000 for great causes, and we’re determined to build on that success this time around. It’s become a real highlight on the calendar – not only because of the friendly rivalry it sparks, but also because of the way it brings our construction community together for something that really matters.

We’ve designed the tournament to be both fun and flexible. With 24 teams of two, players will organise their own head-to-head league matches at various golf courses generously made available by our partners – all free of charge. Matches can take place anytime between April and September, leading up to a finals day on October 3rd, when all 48 players will come together for the final round. Based on league standings, teams will compete for one of three trophies – so expect plenty of excitement and a good dose of competition.

For us, this tournament is about more than just golf. It’s a chance to unwind, network, and build meaningful relationships in a relaxed setting – and to do it all while supporting causes that are incredibly close to our hearts.

As our Client Development Director, Lawrence Beach, puts it:

“The decision to support Ryan and Kristian reflects how close we are to them both, and the impact these events have had on all of us. We want to help Ryan continue his recovery, and make sure Kristian’s memory lives on by supporting his family in any way we can.

The construction industry is full of competitive, sporty people, and this tournament is the perfect way to bring us all together. It’s about raising money, of course, but it’s also about connection – bonding over golf, sharing ideas, and supporting each other through tough times. That’s what makes this event so special.”

We’ve seen lasting friendships and new business connections come out of this tournament in the past, and we can’t wait to see what this year brings.

Let’s make this our biggest and best one yet – for Ryan, for Kristian, and for the entire Acorn community.