Record turnout: Lithuanian business community in the UK unites for golf and tennis tournament

Spalio 4, 2023

The Ambassador's Golf and Tennis Tournament, organized by the Lithuanian business community in England, celebrated its 16th edition with a gathering in Surrey. This year's event boasted the largest number of athletes and participants ever recorded, marking a significant milestone in the tournament's rich history. Notably, women clinched the top two spots in golf, a first in the tournament's sixteen-year existence.

From its modest beginnings, organized by the Lithuanian embassy and the Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce in the UK (LCCUK), where only a handful of enthusiasts participated, the golf tournament has now grown, accommodating almost thirty players on the Pyrford Lakes golf course this year. Sharon Puddle claimed the first-place position, followed by Sarah Hoesli in second, and Cristiano Acconci in third. Titas Bielskis secured the award for the longest drive, while Linas Bumblys earned recognition for his precision in the ‘closest to the pin’ shot category.

We are the winners. From left: Sharon Puddle, Sarah Hoesli and Monika Baltiejiene.

Cristiano Acconci was third on the golf course.

Linas Bumblys earned recognition for his precision in the ‘closest to the pin’ shot category.

Titas Bielskis secured the award for the longest drive.

Four years ago, tennis players joined the golf tournament, gradually increasing in numbers and skill levels. At the Foxhills’ Country Club court, twenty two tennis fans competed, with separate divisions for women and men. Lina Rimasauskiene, who picked up a tennis racket only four years ago, secured the top spot in the women's category, with Solveiga Skackovienė as the runner-up and the youngest participant, Urte Eismontaite, in third place.

In the men's division, Laimis Gruodis emerged victorious for the second time in the tournament’s history. Gruodis has been improving his tennis skills under the coaching of renowned Lithuanian tennis coach Remigijus Balzekas since the age of twelve. Balzekas famously nurtured and trained the best Lithuanian tennis player of all time, world junior champion Ricardas Berankis. Sarunas Gruodis, the younger brother of Laimis, couldn't outshine his sibling and secured second place, while Mindaugas Jakas took home the third-place cup.

From right: Lina Rimasauskiene, who picked up a tennis racket only four years ago, secured the top spot in the women's category, with Solveiga Skackoviene as the runner-up.

Laimis Gruodis emerged victorious for the second time in tennis tournament’s history.

Sarunas Gruodis, the younger brother of Laimis, couldn't outshine his sibling and secured second place in tennis.

Mindaugas Jakas took home the third-place tennis cup.

The youngest tennis player, Urte Eismontaite came in a third place.

"I'm thrilled by the energy of Lithuanian entrepreneurs and professionals and their active lifestyle. It's a joy to celebrate the success of our fellow Lithuanians in the UK," said Aiste Callaghan, President of the Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce in the UK (LCCUK), that organized the event.

The day of sportsmanship and competition culminated in an awards dinner. Among them were not only the golf and tennis players but also their family members, friends, colleagues, and business partners. Lithuanian Ambassador Eitvydas Bajarunas presented special embassy trophies and prizes to the winners, adding an extra layer of prestige to their achievements.

The Ambassador's Cup tournament, originally initiated by Vygaudas Usackas, the former Lithuanian ambassador to the United Kingdom, in 2007, has since evolved into a cherished tradition. Usackas envisioned golf, a highly popular sport in England, as a focal point for the Lithuanian community and an excellent platform to foster business relations and friendships. Over the years, this vision has been realized, as the tournament continues to grow and thrive, bringing the Lithuanian business community in England closer together while embracing new milestones along the way.