Who Won The Yorkshire Invitational At Ilkley Golf Club With Rob Harris And Gordon Strachan

Imagine the scene: lush green fairways, the quiet concentration of a top athlete, and then the roar of the crowd. That was the picture at the beautiful Ilkley Golf Club last week, which played host to the sixth annual Yorkshire Invitational.

The two-day event, held on Wednesday and Thursday in early September, was a fantastic mix of serious professional golf and light-hearted fun with some famous faces. And when all was said and done, English professional Rob Harris was the one left holding the trophy after a seriously tense finish.

A professional showdown on the green

The main event, the Pro-AM competition, saw professional golfers teeing off, and the action was top-drawer. The competition was fierce, but it all came down to a nail-biting conclusion on Thursday. After a brilliant day of golf, two players were tied at the top: Rob Harris and Fraser Mann. When that happens in golf, it's not a draw. Instead, they go into a play-off, which is basically a sudden-death decider to find a winner. It's about who can hold their nerve the best under immense pressure.

And hold his nerve is exactly what Rob Harris did. He had already shot a fantastic round of 65, which is an incredible score on a tricky course like Ilkley Golf Club. In the play-off, he and Fraser Mann headed to the 10th hole. Harris pulled off a brilliant birdie, which means he completed the hole in one shot fewer than expected. Scoring a three on that hole was enough to clinch the victory. It was a proper edge-of-your-seat moment and a fitting end to a great professional sport competition. This was the pinnacle of the Yorkshire Invitational, showcasing incredible skill and drama.

When sport worlds collide at the Celeb-AM

But the high-stakes professional action wasn't the only golf on show. The day before, on Wednesday, the course was buzzing with a different kind of energy for the Celeb-AM. This is where the fun really ramps up. A Celeb-AM, short for Celebrity-Amateur, pairs regular amateur golfers with well-known celebrities, often from the world of sport or entertainment. It's a chance for fans to see their heroes try their hand at a different game.

This year's event was hosted by a true golf legend, Mark James, a former Ryder Cup Europe captain and a member of Ilkley Golf Club himself. The line-up of celebrities was brilliant, especially if you're a football fan. Legends like Robbie Fowler, Lee Sharpe, and the one and only Gordon Strachan served as team captains. Seeing someone like Gordon Strachan, known for his fiery personality on the football pitch, carefully lining up a putt is quite a sight. The event brought together different kinds of sport in a relaxed atmosphere, giving participants a day to remember. It's this mix of serious competition and celebrity fun that makes the Yorkshire Invitational such a special event on the calendar, all thanks to the organisers, SGH Events.

More than just a golf competition

An event like the Yorkshire Invitational isn't just about who wins. It's about the entire experience and bringing people together for a good cause. After the golf clubs were put away, the participants didn't just go home. They were treated to a proper post-action celebration with a BBQ and plenty of entertainment. It's a great way for everyone, from the professional players to the celebrities and amateur participants, to relax and socialise. It's this social side that really makes the event memorable.

Crucially, the whole event had a bigger purpose. The chosen charity partner for the 2025 Yorkshire Invitational was Macmillan Cancer Support. Throughout the two days, funds were raised to support the incredible work they do for people affected by cancer. It shows that sport can be a massive force for good, using its platform to support a vital charity. It adds a really important layer to the competition, making every swing and every putt part of a larger effort to help others. The commitment to charity work is a core part of this fantastic golf event.

An event for everyone

The crowd at the Ilkley Golf Club was a brilliant mix of people. You had young kids getting their first taste of a live sport event, right through to lifelong golf fans and pensioners who have been following the game for decades. It's a day out where everyone can find something to enjoy. For some, it's about watching the pure skill of a professional golfer like Rob Harris; for others, it's about seeing celebrities like Gordon Strachan up close. For the older spectators, clear sound is key to enjoying the day, from the satisfying thwack of a well-hit drive to the banter between the players, which is where modern tech like discreet hearing aids can make all the difference to the experience.

The two-day schedule, with the Celeb-AM and the Pro-AM, ensures there's a wide appeal. It's this blend of high-level competition, celebrity star power, and a relaxed, fun atmosphere that makes the Yorkshire Invitational a growing success year after year.