Eyes on the skies at Thornbury Golf Centre
August 20, 2012

There was plenty of hot air being blown at Thornbury Golf Centre as astonished golfers paused in their rounds to witness a hot air balloon taking off from the public pay-and-play facility.

Golfers were joined by Thornbury mascot Chip the Bear as all eyes were aimed skywards as the aircraft piloted by Pro Shop Assistant, Tom Gouder, ascended into the summer sky ahead of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which begins today.

Thornbury - part of BGL Golf, the UK's leading golf course owner and operator - has given Tom its full support allowing him to take off from the scenic Marlwood Course, which offers stunning views of the Severn Estuary towards the distant Cotswolds.

Celebrating the four year anniversary of qualifying for his Private Pilots' Licence yesterday, the 21-year-old was, at the time, the youngest to have qualified in the country and has since flown his hot-air balloon across Europe and North America taking part in the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta every year.

Melanie Drake, Thornbury Golf Centre General Manager, said: "It's wonderful to be involved in the Balloon Fiesta and we'll all have our eyes peeled to spot Tom among the hundreds of balloons that take part."

Tom's support crew and Thornbury Golf Centre staff will be on hand throughout the four-day fiesta giving out goody-bags to families and children plus offering details on Tom's busy schedule during the event, which will include numerous flights, two nightglow events and balloon tethering to offer the public an on-board experience.

For more information visit  www.thornburygc.co.uk  or call: 01454 281144.