Carra, Stevie, golf and wooden spoon

As professionals from the worlds of entertainment and sport gathered to help generate funds for Gerrard's personal charity, the desire to succeed added a competitive nature for all participants.

"I've got to go and embarrass myself on this tee now," joked Souness after approaching the first hole and explaining to LFC TV why events such as these are crucially important.

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"It's mighty impressive; Steven gives a great deal back, and it's to his credit that he puts the time and effort into something like this," he continued, before smashing a crisp drive onto the fairway.

The Scot was one of many household names in attendance around the Laranjal golf course at the Quinta do Lago resort in the Algarve, with a view to raising money for the SG Foundation.

Gerrard's close friend and former teammate Jamie Carragher, a reluctant golfer, tried his hand with a putter; the guest-list also included Charlie Adam, John Aldridge, Harry Kewell, Gary McAllister and Neil Mellor.

Showing support from elsewhere in the Barclays Premier League were Manchester City duo Gareth Barry and Joleon Lescott, plus Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Scott Parker.

"Steven is such a big figure and a big player, but he's got enough about him to come and do this and help other people - the children and the charity which he's raising for," said Parker.

Recent shoulder surgery ruled Gerrard out of the tournament, but the 33-year-old travelled across and around the 18-hole course to watch events unfold - including two attempts from the first tee by Carragher.

Reflecting on his 'victory' last time the competition was held, in 2011, Carragher said: "I won last time, there's still a bit of a steward's enquiry over that. I'm not a big golfer, I just want to enjoy it.

"We're in a privileged position, it's important we give something back. That's what Steven is doing here with these couple of days. Because of who he is, he'll attract people to come here and raise more money for the charity. That's what it's all about."

Gerrard was keen to echo those sentiments: "We're over here for a very important reason, that's to raise funds for important causes.

"Missing golf is not the end of the world - it's just great to be here and be involved. It's great to see so many familiar faces, I've had fantastic support once again so I'm really happy."

Just played in stevie Gs golf day great company weather food beer,oh and the golf wasn't bad!!gettin ready for the dinner tonight,Hes TOPMAN

— John Aldridge (@Realaldo474) June 26, 2013

The midfielder refused to be drawn on his favourite for golfing glory - 'anyone can win it', the No.8 insisted - but could not hide his amusement at the bright green clothing of a member of one particular team.

Kewell bemoaned his performance with the putter, Mellor was baffled by his quartet's position on the leaderboard and Lescott - new to golf - admitted that nerves were building.

As the day's early starters, self-professed 'Happy Gilmore' James Beattie among them, concluded their round and returned to the clubhouse, tension was mounting; television presenter Matt Smith accepted that his specialist range-finder made no difference.

Once the final scores were calculated, the footballers had failed; another TV presenter, Max Rushden, and his associates had claimed top spot with a score of 95, one clear of the chasing pack.

Aldridge secured a respectable sixth position in the rankings, ahead of Souness in ninth, and Carragher can return to Merseyside reasonably pleased with the joint-12th place his team managed.

For ex-Liverpool midfielder Adam it was the wooden spoon as the Scotland international's team trailed last of the 28 groups who participated in the fun-filled tournament.

With the sporting exertions completed, the golfers swapped caps and gloves for suits and ties for a special gala dinner, during which further fundraising took place and an auction of memorabilia was held.

"It's a part of Steven that people don't see; he puts his heart and soul, as he does on the football pitch, into what means a lot to him - raising money for these kids who desperately need it," said Aldridge, perfectly summing up the past three days in Portugal.

To find out more about the Steven Gerrard Foundation or to make a donation, visit the charity's official website.