Ryder Cup icon leads the way
Golfing legend Tony Jacklin CBE is set to return as host of the Farmfoods British Par Three Championship. The four-day event takes place from Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 August 2025 at Nailcote Hall in Warwickshire. Jacklin, a two-time major winner and Ryder Cup hero, will not just host, but also play. He’s expected to feature in one of the week’s celebrity Pro-Am tournaments. Fans will be able to attend for free and see stars up close. It promises a mix of legends, laughter, and serious golf action.
Speaking ahead of the event, Jacklin said: “I am very much looking forward to returning to Nailcote Hall in early August. I’ll be getting together with some of my old Ryder Cup colleagues and friends at the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship. I have been the host since 2008 and have the fondest memories of years past!” With over 15 years at the helm, Jacklin remains the heart of this popular short-course showdown. The Cromwell Course is known for its tricky layout and close crowd access. And in 2025, the Championship is celebrating its 92nd edition in style.
Big names, big swings, and big prizes
The line-up is packed with talent from the worlds of golf, sport and showbiz. More than 60 professionals will compete for a €150,000 prize fund at this year’s tournament. The winner alone will walk away with a €50,000 cheque. Familiar names from Ryder Cups past will tee it up once again at Nailcote Hall. Ian Woosnam, Phil Price and Peter Baker are all confirmed for the event. Major winner Stephen Dodd will also be part of the action.
Also on the card are TV golf analyst Rob Lee and 2005 US Open champion Michael Campbell. International stars like Clarke Dennis and crowd favourites Gary Wolstenholme and Andrew Marshall are back too. Fans can also expect a special family moment as Paul Lawrie and son Craig take part together. Paul famously won The Open in 1999 and is a long-time supporter of the event. With seasoned professionals and younger names in the field, competition will be fierce. And all of it will be captured for Sky Sports Golf highlights.
Celeb Pro-Am chaos is guaranteed
The celebrity Pro-Am days on Tuesday and Friday are often the wildest and most entertaining parts of the week. It’s where elite golfers meet total amateurs, and hilarious shots are guaranteed. Among the 2025 celebrity names are football favourites Alan McInally, Don Goodman, Peter Odemwingie and Clayton Blackmore. Former Scotland international Gary McAllister is back on the course and keen to impress. So too is 1983 World Darts Champion Keith Deller. And West Indian cricketing legend Franklyn Stephenson will swap the crease for the green.
TV actor Danny Walters from EastEnders and Benidorm is set to play alongside Olympic greats. Derek Redmond and Kris Akabusi will bring their sprinting style to the fairways. Team GB stars Gail Emms and Calum Giles are lined up to play too. Also expected is broadcasting heavyweight John Inverdale, another familiar face at the tournament. Whether it’s outrageous putting or wild tee shots, the Pro-Am days always deliver something special. And with Tony Jacklin in the mix, there’ll be no shortage of banter.
A proper throwback event
The Farmfoods British Par Three Championship first teed off in 1933 in Torquay. Back then, it was a gentler affair but still rooted in fierce competition and style. Today, it’s one of the most unique and charming events on the UK golf calendar. It mixes the seriousness of tour-standard golf with the informality of a summer day out. Its home at Nailcote Hall’s Cromwell Course suits the format perfectly. Short, sharp holes mean constant action and a chance to see the pros up close.
With more than 90 years of heritage, the event has developed a cult following. Many players call it the most enjoyable week of their year. It brings out a different side of the game, one where smiles matter as much as scorecards. There’s still glory at stake, but it’s about enjoying the game too. For spectators, it’s a rare chance to see elite golf in an informal setting. And for the players, it’s golf with a social twist.
Free to attend and perfect for summer
What makes the Farmfoods British Par Three Championship even better is the price tag for fans. Entry is completely free, and the experience is anything but basic. Visitors can wander the course, see the stars and grab a spot by any hole. The compact course makes every vantage point a good one. Families, casual golf fans and seasoned spectators are all welcome. It’s a rare gem of an event that feels open to everyone.
For those looking to go one step further, VIP packages are also available. These include top-tier dining and access to the event’s exclusive marquee area. It’s a luxury day out without losing the spirit of fun that defines the tournament. Golf lovers can get close to the action while enjoying serious comfort. Hospitality upgrades are in high demand every year, and 2025 is no different. Whether you go casual or VIP, this is a must-attend event for any golf fan.
A global stage with a British heart
The Farmfoods British Par Three Championship might be a UK event, but it attracts attention worldwide. Champions (UK) plc are behind the scenes once again in 2025. The business consultancy group has helped shape the event into a major calendar fixture. Their expertise in international golf growth and sponsorship has raised its profile. With Sky Sports involved, the tournament enjoys national TV exposure year after year. It gives fans across the country a chance to enjoy highlights at home.
But while the exposure is global, the heart of the tournament remains firmly British. From cream teas to celebrity banter, it’s charmingly homegrown in every way. You’re just as likely to hear a shout of “you beauty” as you are “fore!” It’s a golf event with a distinctly friendly flavour. And despite its big-name line-up, it remains accessible and warm. That’s part of its enduring magic after all these years.
A celebration of the short game
Par-3 golf doesn’t always get the spotlight, but this event makes it the star. Nailcote Hall’s Cromwell Course is tight, technical and always testing. Players have to be sharp with wedges and deadly with the putter. The layout levels the playing field, letting touch and accuracy shine. It’s golf in its purest form, minus the monster drives. And it reminds fans just how thrilling short-game battles can be.
Every hole has the potential to turn things on their head. Birdies are possible but never guaranteed, especially under pressure. One poor chip or misjudged bunker shot can send scores tumbling. It’s part of what makes the competition so watchable across all four days. Every shot counts, and fans see that drama unfold in real time. For short game lovers, this is golf heaven.
Where the game meets entertainment
The mix of celebrities, legends and live sport makes for an unforgettable experience. You’ll see golfing technique alongside outrageous amateur attempts. It’s part golf tournament, part summer festival with familiar faces everywhere. Each day brings something new, whether that’s a hole-in-one or an unexpected celeb meltdown. There’s humour and heart behind every round. And thanks to the intimate course design, fans are right in the thick of it.
The event’s format encourages interaction and spontaneity. Players chat with fans, celebs swap jokes, and every tee box has its own energy. It’s a million miles from the hush of traditional tour events. And that’s exactly why people love it. From first-timers to lifelong followers, everyone feels part of the show. It’s the most fun you can have at a golf tournament without swinging a club yourself.
The GolfTimes verdict
We love everything about the Farmfoods British Par Three Championship. It’s the perfect blend of heritage, high-level golf and hilarious celebrity encounters. Tony Jacklin continues to bring class and charm to the event. The course delivers constant drama. And the line-up for 2025 is seriously impressive.
Whether you’re a golf obsessive or a casual fan, it’s well worth the trip to Nailcote Hall. Free entry, good vibes and unforgettable moments? Count us in. The Farmfoods British Par Three Championship isn’t just another tournament. It’s golf with a grin. And that’s exactly how we like it.
