Nick Dougherty Launches 2009 HSBC Wee Wonders Championships

European Tour winner Nick Dougherty hosted a golf day on 18 March, 2009 at The Grove, Hertfordshire, to celebrate the launch of the 2009 HSBC Wee Wonders Championships. On the warmest day of the year so far, Nick was involved with a day of coaching and playing golf with Wee Wonders both past and present.

The HSBC Wee Wonders Championships supports the next generation of golfers by providing participants with the opportunity to challenge themselves in a fun, competitive environment without the need to have a handicap or be a member of a golf club. It is the biggest grassroots junior golf programme in the UK and Ireland for 5-12 year olds and, since HSBC began sponsoring the programme in 2003, participation has grown each year. An expected 5,500 young golfers will register this year for 145 local qualifying events.

The programme is played on par three golf courses throughout the UK and Ireland. It adopts the “flag format” of competition. Competitors have 36 strokes to play the golf course, and they place a flag where their 36th shot finishes. The winners from each age category are those that have got round the course the furthest, nearest to the hole. They then proceed to a Regional Final and those winners then take part in the Grand Final at St. Andrews, Scotland in August.

Nick Dougherty, a protégé of the Faldo Junior Series, knows how important and exciting junior golf can be. He enjoyed a fantastic amateur career, culminating in being a star member of the victorious Walker Cup Team in August 2001. Nick progressed from winning the World Junior Championship in Japan in 1999, and the Faldo Junior Series three times, to being hugely successful representing the men’s England and Great Britain and Ireland teams. Over his amateur career, Nick represented England 74 times (Boys & Men). Since turning professional in 2001, Nick has won twice on the European Tour, including the 2007 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Nick said “I am proud to be an ambassador for the HSBC Wee Wonders – it’s great to be able to help HSBC inspire and support the next generation of golfers. The years spent playing golf as a junior are so important – you are not only developing your game, but you are also developing socially. Nurturing the talent and enthusiasm of young golfers is vital and I’m thrilled to support HSBC’s commitment to the development of junior golf.

“Grassroots initiatives such as the HSBC Wee Wonders are so important for the game of golf. We have seen that here today where we have had aspiring young golfers taking their very first lessons, alongside previous HSBC Wee Wonders who are now representing their country and winning major amateur championships,” said Dougherty.

The HSBC Wee Wonders golf day at The Grove included current players and former Champions that have now developed into world-class amateurs looking to join the professional ranks. One HSBC Wee Wonders alumna in attendance was Hannah Barwood. Gloucestershire’s top amateur is part of the England Ladies’ Squad, making her full debut at the end of last year. By the end of 2008 she had cut her handicap to plus two and the Knowle Golf Club member is the reigning English Women’s Champion, defeating two Curtis Cup players along the way to winning the title. She is also the current English Girls Champion, and won the 2008 Faldo Series Grand Final in Brazil.

The HSBC Wee Wonders day included a coaching clinic, short game skills competition, and then nine holes of golf on The Grove’s Championship golf course. The Grove is widely regarded as one of the finest new golf courses in Europe.

Giles Morgan, Group Head of Sponsorship at HSBC, said: “As a major sponsor of golf worldwide, in addition to staging world class tournaments, we feel it is crucial to develop golf at the grassroots level. We are thrilled that Nick Dougherty is supporting the 2009 HSBC Wee Wonders Championships. Before making it on the world stage as a European Tour professional, Nick enjoyed a fantastic amateur career and is a true role model for all young golfers to emulate. We hope that with Nick's support, along with the commitment of so many great local golf facilities, we will inspire children all over the country to have a go at the game of golf.”

Children aged between five and 12 years can register for the 2009 HSBC Wee Wonders via the website at www.hsbcweewonders.com or by contacting us at info@hsbcweewonders.com.

Carnoustie confirmed as Local Qualifier for 2009!!

Carnoustie Golf Links have confirmed that they will be holding a Local Qualifier for the 2009 HSBC Wee Wonders Championships. The date of the event will be Sunday, 31st May starting at 1pm and it will be played on the Buddon Links golf course.

Buddon Links is a relatively new golf course having been opened in 1979. It was designed by Peter Allis and Davis Thomas although there have been significant changes since.

As would be expected given its location, it is an excellent example of links golf. Although shorter than the Burnside it still packs a pretty hefty punch around the turn with the 7th, 9th, 11th & 12th holes all testing the players accuracy and control.

Obviously the golf course will be shortened to accomodate the HSBC Wee Wonders format where every hole plays as a Par 3.

Carnoustie is one of the most famous golf courses in the world having held The Open Championship 7 times in 1931, 1937, 1953, 1968, 1975, 1999 & most recently in 2007. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a truely spectacular golf course and become involved in the UK and Ireland's largest golf competition for 5-12 year olds.

Ambler strolls to victory

SEVEN birdies in a six-under-par 66 eased Adrian Ambler into top spot in the PGA North Region winter pro-am series at Fairhaven.

The Walton Golf Centre professional was one in front of Lee Park’s Chris Crowder as Bolton-based Steve Parry and John Cheetham, assistant at Marriott Worsley Park, shared third place three off the pace.

LEADING SCORES: 66 Adrian Ambler (Walton Golf Centre); 67 Chris Crowder (Lee Park); 69 Steve Parry (unatt), John Cheetham (Marriott Worsley Park); 70 Matthew Davies (Rhuddlan), Tim Maxwell (Knutsford), Paul Carman (Huddersfield).

Keenan defies wind as he storms to Hillside success

IAN Keenan was the only player to beat par at gale-lashed Hillside in the penultimate fixture in the PGA North Region Mansell Finishes Winter Series. The Royal Liverpool-attached professional fired a two-under 70 then admitted: “It was hard work but I managed to keep the ball low in the wind.”

He racked up five birdies to win by three shots from North East exile Gary Donnison, the recently installed Mobberley pro; Bolton-based Steve Parry, and Yorkshire’s Aran Wainwright.

The sixth and final event is at West Lancs on April 2 with Welshman Matthew Tottey holding a 90 point lead over Houghwood assistant Barry Taylor who carded 74.

LEADING SCORES: 70 Ian Keenan (Royal Liverpool); 73 Steve Parry (unatt), Gary Donnison (Mobberley), Aran Wainwright (DPC); 74 Barry Taylor (Houghwood); 75 Nick Dulson (Mile End), John Watson (Total Golf), Paul Eales (Garstang), Matthew Tottey (North Wales).

ORDER OF MERIT LEADERS: 659pts Matthew Tottey (North Wales); 568 Barry Taylor (Houghwood); 550 Adrian Ambler (Walton Golf Centre); 525 Simon Edwards (Windermere); 460 Matthew Ellis (Romiley); 450 Mark Sheppard (Darland); 440 Craig Corrigan (Haigh Hall); 427 Andrew Baguley (Leigh); 400 Ian Keenan (Royal Liverpool); 385 Lee Shepherd (Willow Valley).

Ludwell appointed North Region captain

NICK Ludwell is taking his new role as PGA North Region captain seriously despite a busy playing schedule which he combines with his job as Selby professional.

“I intend to get involved as much as I can and see how the organisation works with its members. I won’t mind doing a spot of mediating if the situation arises,” said the 37-year-old former European Tour player whose appointment was confirmed at today’s (Tues) annual meeting in Huddersfield. “I was quite chuffed when I was asked. I never thought a lad from Castleford would be considered!”

But Ludwell has plenty of experience because he’s a past Yorkshire captain and was recently appointed the county’s vice-president.

Victory in the North Region Order of Merit last season guaranteed him a place in this year’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and finishing third in the Srixon PGA Play-offs at Royal Liverpool qualified him for the English, Irish and Scottish Opens.
And an added bonus he will be invitations to compete all the Challenge Tour fixtures played in the UK.

“It’s going to be hectic but I won’t let the region down,” he promised. “If I couldn’t help I wouldn’t have accepted the role. I’ve never been one for sitting around doing nothing. The PGA is our body so I have an obligation to do my best as captain.”

Ludwell returned to his Selby roots five years ago after losing his Tour card which he attributed to back problems.

EuroPro Tour confirm Faithlegg return

Irish date for the 2009 Tour in May.

The PGA EuroPro Tour is pleased to announce that the Tour will return to Faithlegg Golf Club in Waterford for the third year running.

The Irish venue has been a lucky one for the Order of Merit winners in the previous two visits, with 2007 money list winner Graeme Clark and last year’s number one Irishman Noel Fox both winning their first events of their victorious summers at Faithlegg.

The second tournament of the year, Faithlegg retains its regular May slot when it commences on Wednesday May 13 and finishes on Friday 15, with the Pro-Am and practice day on the preceding Monday and Tuesday.

Danny Nickless, operations manager of the PGA EuroPro Tour said: “It’s great that the Faithlegg are welcoming the Tour back to Waterford. The event has been fantastically well run in the last two years and I know the players love the course and we’re looking forward to returning to Ireland.”

The Qualifying School for the PGA EuroPro Tour begins on April 1 at four courses across the UK. For more information on how to join Q School for a chance to enter the 2009 Tour visit www.europrotour.com.

International Pairs Summer Matchplay

International Pairs is the UK's premier tournament for amateur club golfers and is now more accessible than ever. Now you can enter even if your club doesn't run a qualifying event.

Following the success of the inaugural Summer Matchplay in 2008, we are currently running a Winter Matchplay for winter 2008/9. The Winter Matchplay is already underway but you can register for the Summer Matchplay until 29th March 2009. You also have the chance to win a short break at Carnoustie courtesy of Oxford Hotels and Inns.

In England, the winning pair from each club qualifying event and each matchplay region is guaranteed a place in the regional finals which will be held on some of the top courses in England later in the year. All pairs will receive a night's accommodation either on-site or in a local hotel, a welcome reception and 18 holes of competitive golf. Practice rounds are also available the day before the regional final. The top three pairs (dependent on exact numbers) from each of the English regional finals will qualify for English Final at St Mellion in October where they will receive a night's accommodation in the brand new on-site hotel, a welcome reception and 18 holes of competitive golf. Practice rounds are also available the day before the English Final. The winning pair at the English Final will be crowned English national champions.

In Scotland, the winning pair from each club qualifying event and each matchplay region will qualify directly to the Scottish Final which will be held at Monifieth Golf Links in September. All pairs will receive a night's accommodation in a local hotel, a welcome reception and 18 holes of competitive golf. Practice rounds are also available the day before the Scottish Final. The winning pair at the Scottish final will be crowned Scottish national champions.

In Wales, the winning pair from each club qualifying event and each matchplay region will qualify directly to the Welsh Final which will be held at The Players Club near Bristol in August. All pairs will receive a night's accommodation in a local hotel, a welcome reception and 18 holes of competitive golf. Practicer rounds are also available the day before the Welsh Final. The winning pair at the Welsh Final will be crowned Welsh national champions.

The national champions of England, Scotland and Wales will all qualify to represent their club and country at the International Pairs World Final at Monifieth and Carnoustie in October where they will receive two nights' accommodation in the Carnoustie Hotel overlooking the 1st tee and the 18th green, a welcome reception, a gala dinner and, of course, the chance to play competitive golf on the world renowned Carnoustie Championship course.

Give yourself something to look forward to this summer...Register now at www.internationalpairs.com/uk.

Tottey grabs pole position in race for Mansell title

THE race is on for the PGA North Region Mansell Finishes Winter Pro-am order of merit award as several players jockey for top position with two events remaining.

Matthew Tottey claimed the high ground when he fired seven-under-par 65 at Royal Liverpool to share the honours with Adrian Ambler. He leads the Walton Golf Centre professional by 13 points going into the fifth fixture at Hillside later this month. But fellow Welshman Simon Edwards, from Windermere, is only 38 off the pace and Matthew Ellis, the long-time leader from Romiley, has not given up the chase as he trails by 103.

LEADING SCORES: 65 Matthew Tottey (North Wales), Adrian Ambler (Walton Golf Centre); 66 Barry Taylor (Houghwood); 67 Robin Carroll (West Derby), Lee Rooke (Vale of Llangollen), Darren Hopwood (Penwortham); 68 Simon Edwards (Windermere), Matthew Davies (Rhuddlan), Andrew Barnett (North Wales GR), Steve Parry (unatt), Lee Shepherd (Willow Valley), Michael Welch (Hawkstone Park).

ORDER OF MERIT LEADERS: 563pts Matthew Tottey (North Wales); 550 Adrian Ambler (Walton Golf Centre); 525 Simin Edwards (Windermere); 460 Matthew Ellis (Romiley); 450 Mark Sheppard (Darland); 433 Barry Taylor (Houghwood); 385 Lee Shepherd (Willow Valley); 377 Craig Corrigan (Haigh Hall); 370 Tim Maxwell (Knutsford); 350 Andrew Baguley (Leigh).

PGA EuroPro Tour heading back to Stoke by Nayland

The PGA EuroPro Tour is pleased to announce that the Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf Club & Spa has been added to the 2009 schedule.

June’s visit to the picturesque venue on the Essex/Suffolk border will be the eighth year in a row that Stoke by Nayland has opened its doors to the PGA EuroPro Tour, with the first stage of qualifying also being held at the course for the sixth time.

Last year’s event was a nail-biting affair, with Whitefield GC’s Nicky Harris edging out namesake Jamie (Nevill) by one stroke at eight under. This year’s visit kicks-off on Tuesday June 30 and finishes on Thursday July 2, with the Pro-Am on Sunday 28 June and the Practice Day on Monday.

“We are delighted to welcome back the PGA EuroPro Tour to Stoke by Nayland,” said Susanna Rendall, the managing director of the Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf Club and Spa. “It is always a pleasure to see the young pros tackle our course and we’re looking forward to opening our doors to them once again.”

“Stoke by Nayland has been a key feature on the PGA EuroPro Tour schedule for the last eight years and we are pleased to be returning there in June,” said Danny Nickless, operations manager for the PGA EuroPro Tour. “Susanna and her team have a first class venue both on and off the course and it is always a pleasure for the players to visit.”

The first visit to Stoke by Nayland this year comes on March 31 as one of the four courses to host the first round of Qualifying School for the 2009 season. For more information on Q School, visit www.europrotour.com.

If anyone is interested in putting a team in for the Pro Am, which will feature celebrity players, please contact Mary Saward at Stoke by Nayland on 01206 265827.

HSBC Wee Wonders

The 2009 HSBC Wee Wonders Championships have confirmed that Les Ormes Lodge and Leisure Village in Jersey and Truro Golf Club, Cornwall have been added to the list of local qualifying events in the England West region.

Les Ormes is situated on Jersey and is the only Local Qualifier taking place on the Channel Islands this year. With the full support of Adam Chamberlain and Adam Jones, resident PGA professional, we hope to see all of Jersey's budding golfing future stars taking part. Les Ormes offers a beautiful 9 hole course with fantastic views over St. Ouen’s Bay. With continuing improvements, this course gets better and better. We have quality golf clubs and shoes for hire if required. Trolleys and buggies are also available for hire if required.

Truro Golf Club is the second course in Cornwall to hold an event alongside Trevose Golf and Country Club. Truro Golf Club, with its mature course set in a superb landscape is a gently undulating golf course populated by mature trees. The course provides both a challenging test for low handicap players and enjoyable golf for all. Maintained in excellent condition by head greenkeeper Jim Sheehan and his team, a combination of attractively set fairways leading to some surprising slopes and borrows on slick summer greens makes for a course to delight members and visitors alike.

To register for one of these local qualifiers, or for a list of venues in each Region, please click on “Find your nearest qualifier”, and complete our on-line registration form along with your £8 entry fee. Visit www.golfempire.co.uk/features/wee-wonders-championship.htm for more details and find out how to enter.

Kenilworth Golf Club

The inaugural Junior Masters will take place at Kenilworth Golf Club on the 15th April 2009.

The event for golfers under 14 years has attracted golfers from all over the country and a great day is expected. Entry is £15 and the competition takes the format of a gross Stableford.

The tournament is sponsored by The Golf Society of Great Britain, includes refreshments after nine holes and a meal after the competitions. A practise round is also available on the day before the competition.

An entry-form is available here.