Jay makes hay while the sun shines

JAY McGarvey kept his cool in the energy-sapping heat to win the Penwortham Rose Bowl. It was the Whitefield youngster’s first success in the Mitsushiba Northern Order of Merit and he owed to a two birdies on the final nine holes.

McGarvey carded 73 and 72, eight-over-par in total, on a course that played every inch its length in the wind. He prevailed by a shot from Hawarden’s Marcus Mohr on a day when merit leader Tommy Fleetwood, from Formby Hall, strengthened his Walker Cup hopes by winning the Scottish Ipen Amateur Championship at Murcar Links.

DETAILS: 145 Jay McGarvey (Whitefield) 73 72; 146 Marcus Mohr (Hawarden) 72 74; 147 Thomas Winn (Morecambe) 74 73, David Simpson (Penrith) 73 74; 148 Stephen Jopson (Carlisle) 74 74, Sean Nicholls (Shaw Hill) 74 74, Declan Dixon (Fairhaven) 69 79; 149 Mark Howarth (Penwortham) 79 70, David Smethurst (Formby) 72 77; 150 Matthew Galley (Morecambe) 74 76; 151 Anthony Holden (Preston) 79 72, Paul Armstrong (Penwortham) 77 74.

FULL ORDER OF MERIT (After 5 Events):
Tommy Fleetwood, Formby Hall = 300
John Carroll, Huyton & Prescot = 200
James Robinson, S&A = 165
James Wilson, Formby = 150
Charles Ford, Kirby Muxloe = 150
Zac Harrison, Preston = 150
Thomas Winn, Morecambe = 150
Jay McGarvey, Whitefield = 150
Ollie Smith, Ashton-on-Mersey = 145
Michael Hearn, Chorley = 100
Marcus Mohr, Hawarden = 100
Gareth Hastie, Dunscar = 70
Mark Rabone, S&A = 60
Richie Blundell, Hillside = 60
Andrew Addison, Ashton-in-Makerfield = 60
David Simpson, Penrith = 60
Paul McFerran, Childwall = 55
David Hurd, Leasowe = 50
Jonathan Corke, Rowany = 50
Will Jones, Oswestry = 50
David Marshall, The Worcestshire = 50
Stephen Jopson, Carlisle = 50
Richard Pickard, Mere = 45
Mark Millhouse, Bolton = 45
Sean Nicholls, Shaw Hill = 45
Adam Wills, Sandiway = 40
Kevin Reilly, S&A = 40
Richard Kilshaw, Hillside = 40
Declan Dixon, Fairhaven = 40
David Smethurst, Formby = 35
Paul Lowey, Rowany = 30
Kristian Taylor, Formby = 30
Simon Coumbe, Pontefract = 30
Michael Downs, San Roque = 30
Reece Cranfield, Haigh Hall = 30
Mike Howarth, Penwortham = 30
Jon Harrison, S&A = 25
Anthony Bolton, Formby = 25
Ewan Patterson, St Annes Old Links = 25
Mark Young, Longridge = 20
Drew Molloy, Hillside = 20
Tim Cooper, Marriott Worsley Park = 20
Matthew Galley, Morecambe = 20
Anthony Stirling, Formby = 15
Anthony Holden, Preston = 15
Kevin Kean, Ashton-on-Mersey = 10
Gavin Nesbit, Boldon = 10
Paul Armstrong, Penwortham = 10

Nottinghamshire Golf Tournaments

Many golf competitions can be found in Nottinghamshire at the following page: http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/nottinghamshire-clubs.htm

Golf Clubs holding the events include; Beeston Fields Golf Club, Bulwell Forest Golf Club, Chillwell Manor Golf Club, Cotgrave Place Golf Club, Coxmoor Golf Club, Mapperley Golf Club, Norwood Park Golf Club, Ramsdale Park Golf Club, Retford Golf Club, Ruddington Grange Golf Club, Rushcliffe Golf Club, Sherwood Forest Golf Club, Southwell Golf Club and Stanton on the Wolds Golf Club.

Seniors Golf Championship in Spain

We are delighted to bring you details about a Senior Golf Championship that will be played on the Indiana golf course at the Desert Springs Resort in Spain.

The event is organised by Gullivers Sports Travel and costs £399 per person.

TOURNAMENT FORMAT
Individual and Team Stableford

DESERT SPRINGS RESORT & GOLF CLUB
• Panoramic views of Almanzora Valley and surrounding mountains
• International award winning family leisure resort
• Quality Colonial Apartments and Town Houses
• Swimming pools
• Private gardens overlooking desert and fairways of Indiana Golf Course

EUROPE’S ONLY DESERT GOLF COURSE
• A spectacular example of man’s creativity in harmony with nature
• Emerald green fairways set amongst massive rocky outcrops, arroyos and dry rivers
• Stunning contrast between the arid landscape of cactus, rock and flowering desert with the green of the fairways
• Masterful blend of challenge and playability – a complete golfing experience

LEISURE ACTIVITIES
• Thatched Crocodile Club at the heart of the resort offers bars, restaurants, terraces, sun lawns and pool
• El Torrente for breakfast, dining and leisure facilities
• Golf Clubhouse with elegant lounge, gallery and deck
• Private Reserve with day spa, billiards and film screening room
• The Sierra Sports and Fitness Club’s facilities include tennis, paddle, gymnasium and beach volley ball

Please call Rob Langley on 01684 293175, email rob.langley@gulliverstravel.co.uk
or visit www.gulliverstravel.co.uk for more information and to book.
From just £399 per person cost includes:
• Welcome Cava and Canapés Reception
• Five nights’ accommodation in Colonial Apartments, self-catering
• One practice round and two tournament rounds on the 18 hole championship Indiana Course
• Use of grass bay practice area before rounds

EXTRAS Flights, car hire, transfers, meals and travel insurance are all available on request.

Junior Open at Blackpool Park GC

A new Junior Open golf competition has just been added to Golf Empire at Blackpool Park Golf Club in Lancashire.

The event will take place on the 28th July and costs just £7 to enter. The junior golf tournament is open to boys and girls with maximum handicaps of 28 and 36 respectively.

More information can be found on the Blackpool Park Golf Club page.

Derbyshire Golf Events

Golf Empire hold details about many golf competitions to be played in Derbyshire.

New events have been added in the last few days at; Allestree Park Golf Club, Ashbourne Golf Club and Breadsall Priory Golf Club.

All events in Derbyshire can be seen at http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/derbyshire-clubs.htm

Erlestoke Golf Club Competitions

Check out the open golf competitions to be played at Erlestoke Golf Club in Wiltshire during 2009.

http://www.golfempire.co.uk/golf-clubs/erlestoke-golf-club.htm

Like Golf? Love Golf in Gloucestershire!

If you like golf and more specifically golf in Gloucestershire then you will love Golf Empire!

The open golf competition website lists several open golf tournaments throughout the county and has just added many more new events for you to choose from.

The most recent golf opens can be found at; Bristol & Clifton Golf Club, Knowle Golf Club, Minchinhampton (New) Golf Club, Shirehampton park Golf Club, Stinchcombe Hill Golf Club, Ross-on-Wye Golf Club and Westonbirt Golf Club.

See all events at http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/gloucestershire-clubs.htm

Wales Golfing

Golf Empire (www.golfempire.co.uk) list hundreds of amateur golf tournaments at golf courses throughout Wales.

Some new events have recently been added at the following golf clubs; Abersoch Golf Club, Pennant Park Golf Club, Porthmadog Golf Club and Ruthin Pwllglas Golf Club.

Littlestone Golf Club in Kent

See when open golf competitions will be played at Littlestone Golf Club, a famous links course on the Kent coast.

Detals here: http://www.golfempire.co.uk/golf-clubs/littlestone-golf-club.htm

Prestwick St. Cuthbert Opens

Details about open golf tournaments at Prestwick St. Cuthbert Golf Club in Scotland (South-West) are now available on the Golf Empire website.

http://www.golfempire.co.uk/golf-clubs/prestwick-saint-cuthbert-golf-club.htm has the full details.

Attention Golfers in Gloucestershire!

Golfers in Gloucestershire will no doubt be interested in learning to hear that a number of open golf tournaments are listed on Golf Empire due to be held in their county.

Many different types of events are detailed including those at the following golf clubs; The Bristol Golf Club, Chipping Sodbury Golf Club, Cirencester Golf Club, Cotswold Edge Golf Club, Cotswold Hills Golf Club, Filton Golf Club, Forest Hills Golf Club, Kendleshire Golf Club, Long Ashton Golf Club, Packrup Hall Golf Club, Tewkesbury Park Golf Club, Thornbury Golf Club, Thorpe Wood Golf Club and Woodspring Golf Club.

The full list can be found at http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/gloucestershire-clubs.htm

West Byfleet Golf Club

Open Golf Competitions at West Byfleet Golf Club in Surrey - http://www.golfempire.co.uk/golf-clubs/west-byfleet-golf-club.htm

Amateur Golf Tournaments in Staffordshire

A whole host of amateur golf tournaments can be found on the open golf competition website - Golf Empire (www.golfempire.co.uk).

A list of golf courses listed includes; Barlaston Golf Club, Beau Desert Golf Club, Bloxwich Golf Club, Brocton Hall Golf Club, Craythorne Golf Club, Drayton Park Golf Club, Druids Heath Golf Club, Enville Golf Club, Great Barr Golf Club, Leek Golf Club, St. Thomas's Priory Golf Club, Sandwell Park Golf Club, South Staffs Golf Club, Stone Golf Club, Swindon Golf Club, Tamworth Golf Club, Uttoxeter Golf Club, Walsall Golf Club, Whittington Heath Golf Club and Wolstanton Golf Club.

The complete list of open events can be seen at http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/staffordshire-clubs.htm

Cookridge Hall Pro Am & Yorkshire PGA joins forces

Since its launch in 2005 the Cookridge Hall Pro-Am continues to go from strength to strength thanks to a lucrative sponsorship deal secured last week with Horsforth based A. Priestley Roofing Services. The deal incorporates both the Corporate Classic on June 29th and the Pro Am on August 10th.

“This is a huge boost for the event”, said Gary Day General Manager. "In these tough times it means that the Professionals again will be competing for one of the biggest prize funds on the circuit alongside the benefits this will bring for the charity this year being Ward 48a The high dependency children’s surgical ward at Leeds General Infirmary. The ward receives very little funding, even the acquisition of colouring books requires a fund raising event, we are confident that with this sponsorship we will raise a healthy four figure sum."

Adam Priestley, Managing Director of A Priestley Roofing, commented “Being a local businessman I am aware of the progress that Cookridge Hall has made over the past few years, it is an honour to be involved in the events but more so play such a big part in raising crucial funds for the children’s ward."

In addition to the sponsorship, Gary Day has revealed after talks with Jim Pape, secretary of the Yorkshire PGA, that the Pro-Am will now feature on the YPGA tournament calendar. "Having the backing and valuable support of the PGA was the only lacking ingredient, hence why it is a great honour for us at Cookridge Hall and the Pro Am to be associated with the YPGA."

"I am excited to be working alongside Jim and his team, with whom I have a longstanding relationship since my playing days. Their involvement will add to the profile of the event immensely and will further highlight the strength and depth of professional golf in Leeds."

Meanwhile, the first of these events, the Corporate Classic takes place on Monday 29th June, when Cookridge Hall welcomes businesses from across the county to compete for the title of Corporate Champions. With teams consisting of four players, the Corporate Classic provides an ideal opportunity to reward staff members or entertain clients in a very relaxed yet competitive environment. The Entry fee includes breakfast sandwiches on arrival, 18 Holes of golf, a magnificent buffet, fantastic prizes, the official prize giving ceremony and evening entertainment. Once again, the children’s ward at Leeds General Infirmary is the beneficiary.

Looking for Cornwall Golf Competitions

Looking for open golf competitions in Cornwall? Look no further!

Simply visit http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/cornwall-clubs.htm for a comprehensive list of amateur golf opens to be be held in this county.

Golf courses holding events include; Bude & North Cornwall Golf Club, Carlyon Bay Golf Club, Lanhydrock Golf Club, Lostwithiel Golf Club, St. Austell Golf Club, St. Enodoc Golf Club, St. Mellion Golf Club, Tehidy Park Golf Club and Truro Golf Club.

Junior Swiss Closing Date now 15th June

The closing date for the Graham Moore Junior Tour European Championships is now the 15th June. The popular event takes place at the famous Golf Club Crans Sur Sierre in Switzerland.

More information is available here.

Amateur Golf Events in Sussex

A number of open golf events can be found on Golf Empire, the open golf competition website, that will be played in East and West Sussex this year.

A full list of tournaments can be found here which includes events at; Bognor Regis Golf Club, Cooden Beach Golf Club, Copthorne Golf Club, Cottesmore Golf Club, The Dyke Golf Club, Eastbourne Downs Golf Club, Foxbridge Golf Club, Ham Manor Golf Club, Haywards Heath Golf Club, Highwoods Golf Club, Ifield Golf Club, Lewes Golf Club, Littlehampton Golf Club, Mannings Heath Golf Club, Nevill Golf Club, Royal Eastbourne Golf Club, Singing Hills Golf Club, West Hove Golf Club and Worthing Golf Club.

More Open Golf Competitions in Surrey

Even more open golf competitions are now listed in the county of Surrey.

Golf Clubs with events recently added include; Addington Palace Golf Club, Betchworth Park Golf Club, Bramley Golf Club, Chobham Golf Club, Clandon Regis Golf Club, The Drift Golf Club, Effingham Golf Club, Epsom Golf Club, Guildford Golf Club, Hindhead Golf Club, Horne Park Golf Club, Laleham Golf Club, North Downs Golf Club, Purley Downs Golf Club, Roehampton Golf Club, St. Georges Hill Golf Club, Tyrrells Wood Golf Club, West Surrey Golf Club and Woodcote Park Golf Club.

See the complete list of open golf competitions in Surrey.

Shropshire Golf Competitions

Find open golf competitions in Shropshire at http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/shropshire-clubs.htm

Venues include; Arscott Golf Club, Bridgnorth Golf Club, Lilleshall Hall Golf Club, Ludlow Golf Club, Oswestry Golf Club, Patshull Park Golf Club and Worfield.

Golf in Herefordshire

See a list of open golf competitions in Herefordshire at http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/herefordshire-clubs.htm

Courses include; Belmont Lodge Golf Club, The Herefordshire Golf Club and Leominster Golf Club.

Amateur Golf Tournaments in Lincolnshire

Several new open golf tournaments in the county of Lincolnshire are now available to search and enter online at www.golfempire.co.uk

The full list of golf opens in Lincolnshire can be found on the Lincolnshire Golf Competitions page and includes golf opens at; Belton Park Golf Club, Belton Woods Golf Club, Boston Golf Club, Burghley Park Golf Club, Canwick Park Golf Club, Carholme Golf Club, Gedney Hill Golf Club, Greetham Valley Golf Club, Grimsby Golf Club, Immingham Golf Club, Market Rasen & District Golf Club, Seacroft Golf Club, Sleaford Golf Club, Spalding Golf Club and Stoke Rochford Golf Club.

More events to be played in Yorkshire

Even more golf opens are now available to search and enter in Yorkshire.

Amateur golf tournaments can now be found on www.golfempire.co.uk at; Bawtry Golf Club, Boothferry Golf Club, Bracken Ghyll Golf Club, Bradley Park Golf Club, Castlefields Golf Club, Crookhill Park Golf Club, Forest Park Golf Club, Flamboro Head Golf Club, Halifax Bradley Hall Golf Club, Halifax West End Golf Club, Hanging Heaton Golf Club, Kirkbymoorside Golf Club, Longley Park Golf Club, Masham Golf Club, Meltham Golf Club, Outlane Golf Club, Phoenix Golf Club, Ryburn Golf Club, Sclam Park Golf Club, Todmorden Golf Club, Whitby Golf Club, Woodhall Hills Golf Club and Woodsome Hall Golf Club.

They can all be found on the Yorkshire page of the Golf Empire website.

Zac zaps ’em in Henriques

ZAC Harrison, a 17-year-old Preston member who has never had a lesson in his life, overcame wind and rain to storm to victory in the Henriques Trophy at Hesketh. And he’s hoping the Lancashire selectors will take note of his maiden win in the Mitsushiba Northern Order of Merit.

The one handicapper, who is studying golf at Myerscough College, said: “I’m self-taught and happy with the way I play. It would be great to represent my county but I know I will have to put together a few more results like this.”

Harrison beat former Lancashire champion John Carroll by two shots as he chalked up six birdies in rounds of 74 and 76, six-over-par in total.

“It was blowing a gale at times and I just tried to play safe in the conditions,” he added.

Carroll, from Huyton and Prescot, followed up his opening 80 with a best-of-the-day 72 to move into second place in the merit, 100 points adrift of Tommy Fleetwood. The Formby Hall player was in an eight-way tie for fourth place with Ashton-under-Lyne’s Matthew Nixon in the Brabazon Trophy at Moortown at the weekend will join Carroll in the Lancashire County Championship which starts at Southport & Ainsdale on Thursday.

DETAILS: 150 Zac Harrison (Preston) 74 76; 152 John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot) 80 72, Thomas Winn (Morecambe) 78 74, Andrew Addison (Ashton-in-Makerfield) 75 77; 153 David Marshall (The Worcestershire) 79 74, Ollie Smith (Ashton-on-Mersey) 77 76, Paul McFerran (Childwall) 76 77, Reece Cranfield (Haigh Hall) 76 77; 154 Ewan Paterson (St Annes Old Links) 80 74, Tim Cooper (Marriott Worsley Park) 75 79; 156 Michael Downes (San Roque) 81 75, David Smethurst (Formby) 78 78.

ORDER OF MERIT (after 4 events):
Tommy Fleetwood, Formby Hall = 300
John Carroll, Huyton & Prescot = 200
James Robinson, S&A = 165
James Wilson, Formby = 150
Charles Ford, Kirby Muxloe = 150
Zac Harrison, Preston = 150
Ollie Smith, Ashton-on-Mersey = 145
Michael Hearn, Chorley = 100
Thomas Winn, Morecambe = 75
Gareth Hastie, Dunscar = 70
Mark Rabone, S&A = 60
Richie Blundell, Formby Hall = 60
Andrew Addison, Ashton-in-Makerfield = 60
Paul McFerran, Childwall = 55
David Hurd, Leasowe = 50
Jonathan Corke, Rowany = 50
Will Jones, Oswestry = 50
David Marshall, The Worcestshire = 50
Richard Pickard, Mere = 45
Mark Millhouse, Bolton = 45
Adam Wills, Sandiway = 40
Kevin Reilly, S&A = 40
Richard Kilshaw, Hillside = 40
Paul Lowey, Rowany = 30
Kristian Taylor, Formby = 30
Simon Coumbe, Pontefract = 30
Michael Downs, San Roque = 30
Reece Cranfield, Haigh Hall = 30
Jonathan Harrison, S&A = 25
Anthony Bolton, Formby = 25
Ewan Patterson, St Annes Old Links = 25
Mark Young, Longridge = 20
Drew Molloy, Hillside = 20
Tim Cooper, Marriott Worsley Park = 20
Anthony Stirling, Formby = 15
Kevin Kean, Ashton-on-Mersey = 10
Gavin Nesbit, Boldon = 10
David Smethurst, Formby = 10

Open Golf Tournaments in Essex

Search and enter open golf competitions in Essex by visiting http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/essex-clubs.htm

Here you will find several golf opens with online entry-forms at various golf clubs including; Abridge Golf Club, Chelmsford Golf Club, Colchester Golf Club, Colne Valley Golf Club, Epping Golf Club, Ilford Golf Club, Orsett Golf Club, Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Stoke-by-Nayland Golf Club.

Golf Events in Kent

Several open golf events are now listed in Kent.

Golf Clubs with tournaments listed on www.golfempire.co.uk include; Bearsted Golf Club, Gillingham Golf Club, Hawkhurst Golf Club, Hever Castle Golf Club, Mid Kent Golf Club, The Ridge Golf Club, Rochester & Cobham Golf Club, St. Augustine's Golf Club, Sene Valley Golf Club, Sittingbourne & Milton Regis Golf Club, Sundridge Park Golf Club and Wildernesse Golf Club.

The full list of golf opens can be found at http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/kent-clubs.htm

Scarborough Golf Week

You can find information about the 2009 Scarborough Golf Week on www.golfempire.co.uk - the open golf competition website.

Details about each event can be found online along with an entry-form to secure your place in this fantastic tournament.

Events are held at Scarboro North Cliff Golf Club, Scarboro South Cliff Golf Club, Filey Golf Club and Whitby Golf Club.

Visit the Yorkshire Open Golf Competitions page for further info.

Doherty claims Irish prize by one stroke

Jack holds his nerve to win Green17 Faithlegg Championship

Jack Doherty held his nerve in the home straight to complete a one stroke win at nine under par in the PGA EuroPro Tour’s Green17 Faithlegg Championship in Ireland.

Doherty (North Gailes) was one of five player’s two strokes behind leading duo Kieran Staunton (Woodcote Park) and Scott Jamieson going into Friday’s final round, but as the leading pair slipped up, the Scotsman capitalised with a final round of 69 to follow his level par opening round and a fantastic 66 in the second round for a tournament score of 207 to claim the £10,000 winner’s cheque.

The 27 year-old’s victory is all the more impressive given the number of players who put him under pressure in the closing stages. Doherty always looked in good shape after shaking off a bogey at the first with birdies at the seventh, tenth, 11th and 13th before keeping his cool with pars to the finish – but nothing was ever certain on a day where so many players were in contention.

George Woolgar (Capitalservices.com) flew out of the blocks with three birdies to move to eight under, and birdies at the tenth and 11th saw him touch ten under for the tournament. He was unable to press home his advantage though, dropping those two shots straight away with bogeys at 12 and 13 and although he picked up his 12th birdie of the tournament at the 14th he ruled himself out with a bogey-bogey finish to end two under for the day, seven under for the tournament (209) leaving him to ponder what might have been in third place.

Woolgar’s lapse seemed to open the door for Andrew Thorpe (Peterborough Milton) who recorded three birdies from the 13th to move to eight under – but Thorpe couldn’t grab another birdie in the closing three holes and finished at eight under (208) for the tournament, one shot behind Doherty in second.

Steve Surry (Cumberwell Park) was tied in second spot overnight and was cut from 6/1 to 5/1 when Sky Bet released their final round prices. Had it not been for a quadruple bogey eight on the fourth, Surry could’ve finished much higher than the fourth spot he shared with Paul Dwyer (Clitheroe), Anthony Tarchetti (Princes), James Busby (The Shropshire) and James Hepworth (Ilkley GC). The latter recorded the lowest round of the day – 68 – along with Ian Ridgway (Regency Factors) and Adam Constable (Cardiff GC).

Constable is joined in ninth spot by Paul O’Hanlon (Curragh) and overnight leader Staunton who shot a 75. Fellow final round leader Jamieson recorded six bogeys on the back nine to shoot 77 and finish tied in 19th spot.

Ridgway’s final round saw him finish in a cluster of seven players in 12th spot, including Scotsman Elliot Saltman (Aegon) and New Zealander James Gill.

The next event on the PGA EuroPro Tour takes place at Prince’s Golf Club in Kent on June 9-12. Full scores from the Green17 Faithlegg Championship are available at www.europrotour.com via the Score Updates link on the homepage.

GREEN17 FAITHLEGG CHAMPIONSHIP – FINAL RESULT
1 Jack Doherty 72, 66, 69 – 207 -9 £10,000
2 Andrew Thorpe 69, 69, 70 – 208 -8 £5,000
3 George Woolgar 70, 69, 70 – 209 -7 £2,500
=4 James Hepworth 70, 72, 68 – 210 -6 £1,240
=4 Paul Dwyer 74, 67, 69 – 210 -6 £1,240
=4 Anthony Tarchetti 72, 69, 69 – 210 -6 £1,240
=4 James Busby 72, 67, 71 – 210 -6 £1,240
=4 Steve Surry 73, 65, 72 – 210 -6 £1,240
=9 Adam Constable 70, 73, 68 – 211 -5 £800
=9 Paul O’Hanlon 73, 69, 69 – 211 -5 £800
=9 Kieran Staunton 68, 68, 75 – 211 -5 £800

NB: The Michael Ward UK Open was the first event on the 2009 PGA EuroPro Tour at Collingtree Park and is on Sky Sports 3 next Wednesday 20 May at 8am, 2pm, 8pm and midnight. The following Wednesday 27 May sees the Green17 Faithlegg Championship on Sky Sports 3 at noon and midnight and on Sky Sports Xtra at 2pm and 8pm.

Derbyshire Golf Events

Many open golf events can now be found on Golf Empire, the open golf competition website.

A full list can be found at http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/derbyshire-clubs.htm with all sorts of events ranging from junior golf competitions to ladies open golf tournaments. You will also find senior golf events and mixed open golf competitions.

Host venues include; Bakewell Golf Club, Broughton Heath Golf Club, Buxton & High Peak Golf Club, Chaple-en-le-Frith Golf Club, Chevin Golf Club, Derby Golf Club, Erewash Valley Golf Club, Grassmoor Golf Club, Hallowes Golf Club, Horsley Lodge Golf Club, Kedleston Park Golf Club, Matlock Golf Club, Maywood Golf Club, Mickleover Golf Club, New Mills Golf Club and Sickleholme Golf Club.

Jamieson and Staunton top low scoring Irish EuroPro event

Duo on top in Ireland but Surry leads the chasing pack at Green17 Faithlegg Championship.

Scott Jamieson and Kieran Staunton share the lead at eight under par in the Green17 Faithlegg Championship in Ireland ahead of Friday’s final round.

The duo are two shots clear of five players at six under par led by Steve Surry who shot the lowest round of the day in a bid for back-to-back victories after winning the opening event at Collingtree Park in Northampton last week.

Jamieson came out of the traps with an eagle at the second to build on his two under 70 in the opening round and recovered from a bogey at the fourth with five birdies to shoot 66.

“I really took advantage of the par fives all day, I think I was five under for them in fact,” said Jamieson, who won the first round of qualifying school at Forest Pines. “I was just playing good golf, not really holing any long putts or anything – just playing a solid game and that’s all I need to do tomorrow really, just keep going and concentrate on my game plan.”

Staunton (Woodcote Park) was one of five leaders from the first round and he started his round on the back nine with just one birdie to go out one under after an opening round 68. He kicked on in the home straight though with three more birdies to post another 68. Jamieson was 25/1 for victory with official bookmakers Sky Bet before the event, while Staunton was 66/1 – they will be the last pair out at midday in the final round.

Surry (Cumberwell Park) began on the back nine and went out at two under before attacking the front nine with gusto to pick up five birdies to shoot record the lowest round so far in the tournament of 65 to move to six under following a one over opening round of 73 –Sky Bet will be sweating on his fine form having offered 20/1 that he would win three or more tournaments on this year’s Tour.

Jack Doherty (North Gailes) takes a spot in the chasing pack after he plundered three birdies on the last three holes to move to six under after starting at level par. Jeremy Kavanagh (Stoke Park) was in that group of leaders overnight but dropped off the pace with a two under round of 70, while Steven Capper (Caldy GC) and Andrew Thorpe (Peterborough Milton) carded rounds of 68 and 69 respectively to move right into the hunt.

Elliot Saltman (Aegon) was Surry’s partner in favouritism before the event and is still in the thick of things after a 71 and heads a group of eight player’s three shots off the lead at five under par. Sandeep Grewal also carding a 66 with six birdies on the front nine to move to five under, along with James Busby (The Shropshire) who dropped just one shot in his round of 67. Spaniard Carlos Balmaseda shot a fine 66 with an eagle and four birdies to add his name to the list, with four players a shot behind that group at four under par.

Tim Rice (Limerick) can claim the most remarkable burst of the day after starting on the back nine and going out at one over. Birdies at the first and second were followed by a hole-in-one at the third and another birdie at the fourth in a three under round of 69 to be part of a clutch of five players at three under for the tournament.

With the top fifteen players within three shots of each other it is sure to be a thrilling finale in Waterford. 57 players made the cut at level par for the final round with the first tee-off time at 7.30am – the full leaderboard and live scoring can be found at www.europrotour.com by clicking on the Score Updates link on the homepage.

Surrey Open Golf Competitions

Below is a list of golf clubs who have open golf competitions listed on www.golfempire.co.uk in the county of Surrey.

Burhill Golf Club, Hampton Court Palace Golf Club, Leatherhead Golf Club, North Downs Golf Club, Puttenham Golf Club, Rusper Golf Club and St. Georges Hill Golf Club.

The full list is available here: http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/surrey-clubs.htm

Saltman starts well in Ireland

Joint-favourite one of quintet at four under at Green 17 Faithlegg Championship

Elliot Saltman is one of five players sharing the lead at four under after the first round of the Green 17 Faithlegg Championship at the Faithlegg House Hotel and Golf Club in Waterford – the second event on the 2009 PGA EuroPro Tour.

Official bookmakers Sky Bet made Saltman the joint favourite at 14/1 after his second place finish in the opening event at Collingtree Park and a losing play-off at Faithlegg on last year’s Tour. The Scotsman won the Pro-Am in Northampton last week and continued his fine start to the year by racing to three under after four holes thanks to an eagle on the second and a birdie at the fourth. Further shots were gained at the 11th and 13th for Saltman to move to five under but a bogey at 14 and pars to the finish saw him shoot 68.

Kieran Staunton (Woodcote Park) also stormed to three under after four holes and went out four under after picking up another shot at the seventh. Four soon became five with his fifth birdie of the round on the tenth but like Saltman, he dropped a shot soon after at the 12th to also shoot 68. It was a back-nine birdie burst from Adam Mason (AJM Golf Ltd) that sees him in the leading group with four birdies in the first five holes on the back nine after going out one under – but a bogey at the last robbed him of sole possession of the lead. Irishman Peter O’Keeffe (Douglas GC) started his round on the back nine and also recorded four birdies after five holes and seven birdies in total – meaning the 9/1 shot to be the Top Irishman at Faithlegg will rue his double bogey at the seventh. Jeremy Kavanagh (Stoke Park) completes the quintet after also starting on the back nine – five birdies and one bogey in his 68.

Paul Grannell (Vale Royal Abbey) won the Pro-Am with a round of 67 and leads a quartet of player’s one stroke behind the leaders on three under. Like many of the leaders, Grannell burst out of the blocks racing to three under par after three holes before bogeys at five and six pegged him back. He birdied the eighth to go out at two under but bogeyed the 12th to drop to one under, before what could turn out to be crucial back to back birdies at 14 and 15 saw him shoot 69. Brendan McCarroll (Ballyliffin/Prepa Golf) finished strongly on the front nine with two birdies to move to three under, while Andrew Thorpe (Peterborough Milton) dropped a shot at the 17 to miss out on a spot with the leaders.

James Ruebotham (Welwyn Garden City GC) completes the chasing pack after a topsy-turvy front nine with four birdies and two bogeys was followed by a more serene ending to his round with two more birdies and one further dropped shot.

It was a fine day of scoring in Ireland with 18 players at two under par (70) and a further ten players a shot behind them at one under (71). The 16 players who shot level par rounds of 72 meant that 53 players recorded rounds of level par or better in what is promising to be a keenly fought tournament. Steve Surry (Cumberwell Park) was Saltman’s companion as favourite at 14/1 with Sky Bet and he is five shots behind the Scotsman after a one over par 73.

The full first round leaderboard from the Green 17 Faithlegg Championship scores are available at www.europrotour.com by clicking on the Score Updates link – where the second round scores will be live when play begins at 7.30am on Thursday.

Mount Murray Open Events

Details about 2009 open golf competitions to be played at Mount Murray Golf Club, Isle of Man, can be found on the Golf Empire website.

Visit http://www.golfempire.co.uk/golf-clubs/mount-murray-golf-club.htm for full info.

Golf in Devon

Wanting to play golf in Devon? Why not take advantage of some reduced green-fees and enter some of the fabulous open competitions to be found in this county.

All sorts of open tournaments can be found suiting golfers of all abilities and types. A full list can be found here.

Venues hosting events in Devon include; Bigbury Golf Club, Dainton Park Golf Club, Downes Crediton Golf Club, Exeter Golf & Country Club, Hele Park Golf Club, Holsworthy Golf Club, Honiton Golf Club, Ilfracombe Golf Club, Sidmouth Golf Club, Tavistock Golf Club, Teignmouth Golf Club, Tiverton Golf Club, Torquay Golf Club, Willingcott Valley Golf Club and Wrangaton Golf Club.

Sky Bet offer 20/1 for Surry EUROPRO tournament hat-trick

Collingtree winner 14/1 joint favourite for Faithlegg event!

Steve Surry won the opening event of the 2009 PGA EuroPro Tour season at Collingtree Park in Northampton and official bookmakers Sky Bet offer 20/1 for him to win three or more tournaments on the 2009 Tour.

Surry capitalised on Chris Hanson surrendering a five shot overnight lead ahead of the final round to win The Michael Ward UK Open by one shot at one under par and bank the first £10,000 cheque of the 2009 Tour. Surry is the joint 14/1 favourite to win the Green 17 Faithlegg Championship in Ireland which starts on Wednesday along with Elliot Saltman. The Scotsman was one of three players to finish tied for second place one stroke behind Surry and will be keen to go one better at the Waterford course this year, after losing to 2008 Order of Merit winner Irishman Noel Fox in a play-off last May. Paul Dwyer joined Saltman in joint second and is 16/1 to win the Irish event.

“The front three in the betting seem pretty strong this week having all been the top guys in Northampton,” said Sky Bet’s John Rhodes. “We expect a good week golf and betting wise, with the locker room buzzing last week with players and caddies alike discussing their odds.”

Fox was the first of three Irish winners last year and Sky Bet make it 13/2 that an Irishman will the event and they have priced up which of the Irishman will perform best on home soil. Michael McDermott is 13/2 favourite ahead of Cian McNamara at 8/1, Peter O’Keeffe at 9/1 and fourth favourite Paul O’Hanlon at 10/1.

Hanson will not be playing in Ireland but is a 3/1 shot to win an event on the 2009 Tour. To bet on any of the EuroPro Tour markets above, use this link: http://www.skybet.com/skybet?action=GoEvClass&id=34&aff=4527&EPT_Website

Amateur Golf Tournaments in Suffolk

You can now easily find several open golf competitions to be played in Suffolk.

Golf clubs featured include; Bungay & Waveney Valley Golf Club, Bury St. Edmunds Golf Club, Diss Golf Club, Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club, Halesworth Golf Club, Hintlesham Golf Club, Rushmere Golf Club, Stonham Barns Golf Club, Stowmarket Golf Club and Ufford Park Golf Club.

A full list of events can be found at http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/suffolk-clubs.htm

Ford makes his trip worthwhile

WALKER Cup hope Charlie Ford, disappointed to finish 14th in last week’s Lytham Trophy, fared better on his return to the North West when he won the Pines Trophy at Hillside.

He made the long trip from Leicestershire club Kirby Muxloe for the sole purpose of familiarising himself with the course where the Home Internationals will be played later in the year.

But he had to work hard for his victory, a birdie at the penultimate hole in a second round 70 denying Cheshire player Ollie Smith by a shot. Ford opened with a 74, which included a run of four successive bogeys from the 11th, as he posted a level par total.

Smith, from Ashton-on-Mersey, claimed second place on a card play-off from merit leader Tommy Fleetwood, another Walker Cup squad member from Formby Hall, and Richie Blundell from the host club.

DETAILS: 144 Charles Ford (Kirby Muxloe) 74 70; 145 Ollie Smith (Ashton-on-Mersey) 77 68, Tommy Fleetwood (Formby Hall) 73 72, Richie Blundell (Hillside) 71 74; 148 Will Jones (Oswestry) 77 71, James Robinson (S&A) 75 73, Richard Kilshaw (Hillside) 72 76, Simon Coumbe (Pontefract) 71 77, John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot) 70 78; 149 Drew Molloy (Hillside) 74 75, Paul McFerran (Childwall) 74 75; 150 Gavin Nesbit (Boldon) 73 77.

ORDER OF MERIT LEADING SCORES: 300pts Tommy Fleetwood (Formby Hall); 165 James Robinson (S&A); 150 James Wilson (Formby), Charles Ford (Kirby Muxloe); 100 Michael Hearn (Chorley), John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot), Ollie Smith (Ashton-on-Mersey); 70 Gareth Hastie (Dunscar); 60 Mark Rabone (S&A), Richard Blundell (Formby Hall); 50 David Hurd (Leasowe), Jonathan Corke (Rowany), Will Jones (Oswestry); 45 Richard Pickard (Mere), Mark Millhouse (Bolton).

FULL TABLE:
Tommy Fleetwood, Formby Hall, 300
James Robinson, S&A, 165
James Wilson, Formby, 150
Charles Ford, Kirby Muxloe, 150
Michael Hearn, Chorley, 100
John Carroll, Huyton & Prescot, 100
Ollie Smith, Ashton-on-Mersey, 100
Gareth Hastie, Dunscar, 70
Mark Rabone, S&A, 60
Richie Blundell, Formby Hall, 60
David Hurd, Leasowe, 50
Jonathan Corke, Rowany, 50
Will Jones, Oswestry, 50
Richard Pickard, Mere, 45
Mark Millhouse, Bolton, 45
Adam Wills, Sandiway, 40
Keviin Reilly, S&A, 40
Richard Kilshaw, Hillside, 40
Paul Lowey, Rowany, 30
Kristian Taylor, Formby, 30
Simon Coumbe, Pontefract, 30
Jonathan Harrison, S&A, 25
Anthony Bolton, Formby, 25
Mark Young, Longridge, 20
Drew Molloy, Hillside, 20
Michael Downs, San Roque, 15
Anthony Stirling, Formby, 15
Paul McFerran, Childwall, 15
Kevin Kean, Ashton-on-Mersey, 10
Gavin Nesbit, Boldon, 10

Golf Opens in Hampshire

Did you know that a list of open golf competitions due to be played in Hampshire can be found on the Golf Empire website? Just visit the Hampshire Golf page for more information.

You can find events at the following clubs; Army Golf Club, Basingstoke Golf Club, Blackmoor Golf Club, Bramshaw Golf Club, Brockenhurst Manor Golf Club, Cams Hall Estate Golf Club, Dummer Golf Club, Hartley Wintney Golf Club, Hayling Golf Club, Hockley Golf Club, Petersfield Golf Club, Rowlands Castle Golf Club, Southwick Park, Royal Winchester Golf Club and Waterlooville Golf Club.

Berkshire Golf Tournaments

Search several golf clubs in Berkshire to find open golf competitions that you may be interested in playing in.

Golf courses featured include; Calcot Park Golf Club, Caversham Heath Golf Club, East Berkshire Golf Club, Newbury Racecourse Golf Club, Reading Golf Club, Royal Ascot Golf Club, Sand Martins Golf Club and Sunningdale Ladies Golf Club.

The full list of events is at http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/berkshire-clubs.htm

Hanson’s collapse hands Surry Collingtree Park victory

Hanson blows five shot lead – 40/1 shot Surry wins Sky Bet punter £5,000.

Steve Surry has won The Michael Ward UK Open at Collingtree Park after Chris Hanson let a five shot lead slip in the 2009 PGA EuroPro opener.

Surry (Cumberwell Park) heaped real pressure on Hanson from the start and was four under par after the 11th after starting the final round on level par. Surry’s first blemish came on the 12th before back-to-back bogeys at 16 and 17 looked to have undone his earlier good work and he finished level for the day, one under for the tournament (215) following steady opening rounds of 70 and 73. Ultimately though his early work was enough to wrestle the advantage from Hanson and secure the opening event of 2009.

“I’m chuffed to bits,” said Surry, who scoops £10,000 for the win. “I knew that if I played well today I would at least put pressure on and that paid off.”

“I was annoyed that I dropped a couple of shots at the end but I had a great front nine and ultimately that has won me the tournament,” said the 27 year-old, who topped the first stage of qualifying school at his home club. “I was only going to be playing six tournaments but my schedule has changed and I will play most of them now, so this win is a fantastic start.”

“No-one likes to see a player go through that but Chris is a quality player and I know he’ll come back stronger.”

Hanson’s difficulties started immediately with a bogey on the first and although he cancelled that out with a birdie at the third, a bogey at five and a double at eight saw him in real trouble. A third bogey came at the 11th but the Huddersfield man strung together six pars to stay three under until he bogeyed 17 leaving him one shot ahead down the last.

Disaster struck straight away when he drove out of bounds. His provisional found the fairway but his approach to the green landed in the water. A drop and a chip later and he was at the back of the green where his chip ran past the hole for a tricky return putt which was missed, finally tapping home for a nine to follow rounds of 70 and 67 with a final round 81, leaving him joint eighth at two over.

“I’m obviously disappointed but I was 100 per cent committed today and it just wasn’t there for me,” said Hanson. “I can still take a lot from the tournament – from leading and being in contention to my first two rounds where I played really well.”

“I felt fine on the last but my tee shot just caught the wind. I thought my pitch had made it over as it looked good and I can’t believe it didn’t make it. It was the toughest day of the three with the wind but it was the same for all the players.”

The round of the day belonged to Paul Dwyer (Clitheroe), who was in the third group out at five over but finished the tournament on level par with six birdies in his 67. A bogey at the last denied Elliot Saltman (Aegon) a 67 of his own and ultimately a play-off for first place, with his four under round seeing him join Dwyer at level par. The local charge was led by Wellingborough’s Simon Lilly but he was left to rue a double bogey on the fifth hole and had to settle for a one under round 71 to finish level.

It was the first event for the new official bookmakers of the Tour – Sky Bet – who were delighted with Surry’s win after facing a big payout on Lilly should he had prevailed. One punter placed £100 each-way on Surry at 40/1 before the tournament though and collected £5,000. “Despite both Surry and Lilly being well backed and us losing on the event, the turnover and the general interest that Sky Bet have achieved over this sponsorship has been phenomenal, and we are looking forward to Faithlegg already,” said Sky Bet’s John Rhodes, who will release prices for next week’s Green 17 Faithlegg Championship in Waterford, Ireland at the weekend.

THE MICHAEL WARD UK OPEN FINAL RESULTS
1 Steve Surry 70, 73, 72 – 215 -1 £10,000
=2 Paul Dwyer 77, 72, 67 – 216 Par £3,066.66
=2 Elliot Saltman 74, 74, 68 – 216 Par £3,066.66
=2 Simon Lilly 70, 75, 71 – 216 Par £3,066.66
=5 Mark Ramsdale 71, 72, 74 – 217 +1 £1,200
=5 Paul Streeter 71, 71, 75 – 217 +1 £1,200
=5 George Woolgar 72, 70, 75 – 217 +1 £1,200
=8 Daniel Gaunt 73, 75, 70 – 218 +2 £875
=8 Chris Hanson 70, 67, 81 – 218 +2 £875

Cheshire Open Golf Tournaments

A huge list of 2009 open golf competitions to be held in Cheshire are now available to view online.

The comprehensive list can be found at http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/cheshire-clubs.htm and includes golf opens at; Alderley Edge Golf Club, Alder Root Golf Club, Aldersey Green Golf Club, Bidston Golf Club, Birchwood Golf Club, Bramall Park Golf Club, Bramhall Golf Club, Carden Park Golf Club, Chorlton-cum-Hardy Golf Club, Congleton Golf Club, Didsbury Golf Club, Disley Golf Club, Dukinfield Golf Club, Frodsham Golf Club, Gatley Golf Club, Hazel Grove Golf Club, Houldsworth Golf Club, Leasowe Golf Club, Macclesfield Golf Club, Marple Golf Club, Northenden Golf Club, Prestbury Golf Club and The Tytherington Golf Club.

Hanson odds-on for Collingtree victory

Sky Bet make Chris 4/6 to convert five shot lead.

Chris Hanson looks like he is in complete control ahead of the final round of The Collingtree Park Masters in Northampton – and Sky Bet make him 4/6 to win the opening event of the 2009 PGA EuroPro Tour.

The Huddersfield man carded a five under round of 67 without dropping a shot to move to seven under after two rounds and said his “confidence is high”, but there was a word of caution from the official bookmakers of the Tour.

“A five-shot lead is not to be sniffed at but we reckon there are plenty of opportunities to mess up,” said Sky Bet’s Andy Thorp. “With 24 other players within three shots of each other, Hanson still has it all to do.”

Hanson tees-off at 12.21pm with George Woolgar, one of three players five shots adrift of Hanson at two under. Woolgar is 16/1 for victory, with Kevin Harper and Paul Streeter also on two under and 9/1 and 12/1 for victory. Steven Tiley is one under and also a 12/1 poke, with Steve Surry joining Tiley and three others at one under – he’s a 14/1 shout. Overnight leader Cian McNamara dropped two shots today and is 33/1 at one under.

To place a bet on the final day of The Collingtree Masters, visit Sky Bet

Hanson in control at Collingtree Park

Chris holds five shot lead ahead of final round in Northampton!

Chris Hanson holds a commanding five shot lead at The Collingtree Park Masters in Northampton following a fine second round 67.

Hanson (Crosland Heath) was in a pack of six players at two under par after the opening round of the first tournament of the 2009 Tour, but he instantly improved that with a birdie on his first hole – the tenth – with two further birdies seeing him go out at three under. The Huddersfield man avoided dropping a shot on the first seven holes of his back nine before birdies on the eighth and ninth holes ended his round in style – and gave him vital breathing space at seven under for the tournament (137).

“It’s a little extra cushion going in to the final day which gives me a boost and it’s a wake up for the others to get good scores, which puts them under pressure,” said Hanson of his birdie-birdie finish.

“My confidence is high going into the final round – I’ve played two good days of golf and I’ve had a fantastic caddy too. The fitness work I’ve put in over the winter is paying off as well so I’m really pleased.”

Hanson is chasing his second EuroPro Tour victory – his first came in 2006 at Bovey Castle – with three players five shots behind him on two under par (142). Two of them – George Woolgar (Capitalservices.com) and Kevin Harper (East Devon) – started the day at level par, with Woolgar producing four birdies in his move up the leaderboard and Harper one fewer in his. They are joined by Paul Streeter (Belton Woods) who produced his second round of 71 with three birdies and an eagle. Woolgar will tee-off with Hanson in Friday’s final pairing at 12.21pm.

A clutch of players are one shot behind that trio at one under (143). Steven Tiley (Club ISM) will count himself in the reckoning after shooting 70 to follow an opening 73 – although he will rue not pressing home a blistering start where he posted four birdies in five holes. Overnight leader Cian McNamara (Limerick) had a frustrating day and was unable to build on his opening round of 69, with two bogeys and a double bogey in his 74. Steve Surry (Cumberwell Park) fell from two under to one under with a 73, while Mark Ramsdale (Formby GC) consolidated his position with a solid level par round. Daniel Brooks (Mill Hill) makes up the quintet with a birdie on his final hole making the difference.

Nine players sit on level par ahead of the final day, which sees the 56 players at five over or better taking part in Friday’s final round.

Full scores for The Collingtree Park Masters are available at www.europrotour.com by clicking on the Score Updates tab, where you will find live scoring when the final round begins at 8am.

Find Golf Competitions in Norfolk

Find amateur golf tournaments in Norfolk on www.golfempire.co.uk

Some golf clubs including; Eaton Golf Club, Great Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club, Royal Norwich Golf Club, Sheringham Golf Club and Thetford Golf Club have events listed at http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/norfolk-clubs.htm

Durham City Open Golf Events

Listings for several open golf tournaments at Durham City Golf Club are now live on the Golf Empire website.

Check out http://www.golfempire.co.uk/golf-clubs/durham-city-golf-club.htm for the full listings.

Richard edges opening round of EuroPro season

Edginton shoots 68 to lead in Northampton!

Richard Edginton leads the field by one stroke at four under par on the opening day of the first event on the 2009 PGA EuroPro Tour at Collingtree Park in Northampton.

Edginton (Effingham) was three under after 13 holes with an eagle and three birdies in his round before he added a fourth birdie at the last to sneak ahead of Cian McNamara and Chris Evans in second spot.

Irishman McNamara (Limerick) started his round on the back-nine with a birdie on the tenth, and went out level before birdies at the second, seventh and ninth holes contributed to a fine first round 69. Like Edginton, Evans (Stonebridge GC) eagled the ninth but had back to back birdies at 16 and 17 to thank as he joined McNamara behind the leader.

Sky Bet are the official bookmakers of the Tour for 2009 and they will be watching the progress of Simon Lilly nervously. The 2004 EuroPro Tour Order of Merit winner was a 70/1 shot for the tournament and that was a price the locals liked the look of. The Wellingborough man was backed into 33/1 joint favourite and is sitting pretty in a group of six players are two under thanks to four birdies on the front nine after starting his round on the tenth and going out two over par.

Francis McGuirk (Princes GC), Steve Surry (Cumberwell Park), Jason Levermore (Clacton-on-Sea), Chris Hanson (Crossland Heath) and Matthew Evans (Rotherham GC) join Lilly at two under par. Evans produced a fine comeback to sit just behind the pacesetters, after starting his round on the back nine with two bogeys. The Rotherham man gained a shot back with a birdie on the second before a birdie-eagle finish saw him turn his indifferent start on its head.

McGuirk also began his round at the tenth and went out at two under par, which became three under with a birdie at the first. He followed that with a double bogey on the third but his fourth birdie of the day on his final hole left him at two under. Surry’s round of 70 was a calm affair, with three birdies from the ninth following a solitary dropped shot at the eighth. Levermore managed five birdies in his 70 with a double bogey at the fifth and a bogey at 15 costing him. Hanson was one over after five but recovered well with three birdies to shoot 70.

Tony Piccolo (Woolston Manor) tops the group of eight players at one under (71), boosted by three birdies from the eleventh. Oliver Turnill (Bognor Regis GC), Paul Streeter (Belton Woods), Ismael Castillo, Michael McDermott (Team Ireland/Stagstown), Mark Ramsdale (Formby GC), Aran Wainwright (De Vere Oulton Hall) and Chris Kelly join Piccolo three shots behind Edginton.

Golf Open Events in Buckinghamshire

A few open golf comps are now listed in Buckinghamshire.

Venues include; Beaconsfield Golf Club, Buckingham Golf Club, Chartridge Park Golf Club, Flackwell Heath and Milton Keynes Golf Club.

Graham has record at his fingertips

WHEN push comes to shove Graham Maly will do anything to raise money for a good cause.

And when he heard about the Wishes 4 Kids charity he decided not only to support it but aim for a world record.

Maly, the PGA North Region secretary who lives in Salford, will attempt to achieve the most push-ups on his fingertips in one minute at Marriott Worsley Park on May 25.
He said: “The charity has been created to grant a wish for youngsters who are terminally ill or have experienced life-changing physical or emotional traumas or major abuse.

“It has already granted hundreds of wishes for local children and although they do not have a magical cure for the suffering they can bring a short period of respite.”
Fitness fanatic Maly, who once contemplated joining the Royal Marines, keeps himself in shape for golf by working out four or five times a week.

“I want to try to reach a personal goal and help the charity at the same time,” explained the 34-year-old former tour professional.

“The record push-ups in one hour stands at 3,416 and to date I have managed 2,600 but I hurt my shoulder during training and have since focused on the one minute challenge. There is no official target but I understand 113 has been clocked.

“I recently did 118 but my mark is between 130 and 140 which I think is realistic. My training consists of aerobics and heavy weights but I also try to do at least 1,000 push-ups a day.

If you would like to support Maly, log on to www.justgiving.com/grahammaly

Durham Golf Opens

Some excellent golf opens to be played in Durham are now listed on www.golfempire.co.uk

Events are due to be played at; Darlington Golf Club, Dinsdale Spa Golf Club, George Washington Golf Club, Hartlepool Golf Club, Heworth Golf Club, Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club, Ramside Golf Club, Ravensworth Golf Club, Ryton Golf Club, Seaton Carew Golf Club, South Moor Golf Club, South Shields Golf Club, Wearside Golf Club, Whickham Golf Club and Woodham Golf Club

Visit http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/durham-clubs.htm for more details.

SKY BET BECOME OFFICIAL BOOKMAKERS OF EUROPRO TOUR

ISMAEL CASTILLO 7/2 TO WIN ON 2009 TOUR – MATTHEW FORD 25/1 FAVOURITE FOR COLLINGTREE OPENER!

The PGA EuroPro Tour is delighted to announce that Sky Bet have signed a deal as the official bookmaker of the 2009 Tour.

Sky Bet will offer odds on all EuroPro Tour events this year, and have already put up a specials market on the top finishers at final qualifying winning a Tour event this summer.

Sandeep Grewal won the final stage at Frilford Heath earlier in April and he is 9/2 to win on the Tour, along with Paul Dwyer (Clitheroe). Ismael Castillo and Duncan Stewart are both 7/2 to notch victories, you can get 5/1 on Steve Surry (Cumberwell Park) and Chris Kelly (Wentworth). Martin Sell and Mark Wilkinson (West Mallin) are quoted at 7/1 and Stuart Archibald is an 8/1 shot.

John Rhodes, Sky Bet’s chief golf compiler, said: “This link up for the 2009 season is a first for bookmakers and a developmental golf tour and we are both pleased and proud to be supporting the development of young golfers in their goal of reaching firstly the Challenge Tour, then ultimately the European Tour itself. 2009 is an exciting year for the EuroPro Tour.

“Spanish youngster Ismael Castillo and Scottish prospect Duncan Stewart are both 7/2 shots to record a win I think they could have a promising first year on the Tour.”

The first event of the Tour takes place at Collingtree Park in Northampton from May 6-8, and Matthew Ford (Marriott Tudor Park) is 25/1 favourite for victory. Ford was edged out of the top five in the 2008 Order of Merit by Tour Championship winner Robert Steele and will be desperate to make up for that disappointment early on this term. Carlos Balmaseda is 33/1 second favourite, while Scotsman Elliot Saltman (Aegon) is a 35/1 poke. Brian McElhinney (Team Ireland) won the first event of last year’s Tour at The Shire and he is 55/1 to repeat the trick, while Daniel Gaunt (Burhill GC) and Nicky Harris (Whitefield GC) both recorded victories last summer and they are 35/1 to open with a win. Live scoring will be available at www.europrotour.com from Wednesday morning when the Tour gets underway in Northampton.

Sky Bet customers in the Northamptonshire area have latched onto local hope, Gary King, to land the first EuroPro Tour event. After an initial show of 200/1 for the season opener, a host of local connections to Gary have backed him into 125/1 and then again into 66/1, leaving Sky Bet with large liabilities on the Collingtree showpiece.

Sky Bet’s John Rhodes said “Gary King winning this week would be a terrible start for Sky Bet to the 2009 EuroPro season, with punters hoping his local course knowledge may prove a huge advantage against a host of big names lining up.”

To view both markets, visit www.skybet.com. Ahead of each event, former Tour pro and Sky Sports EuroPro Tour commentator Sam Pigott will film a betting preview for the EuroPro Tour website and www.MatchroomBets.com.

Bedfordshire Opens

A small selection of open golf tournaments to be played in Bedfordshire are now listed on the Bedfordshire page of the Golf Empire website.

Some of the golf clubs with open events are; Aspley Guise & Woburn Sands Golf Club, Bedford & County Golf Club, The Bedfordshire Golf Club, John O'Gaunt Golf Club, Leighton Buzzard and South Beds Golf Club.

Northamptonshire Golf Comps

A number of golf opens in Northamptonshire can be found here.

Events are due to be held at; Farthingstone Golf Club, Kettering Golf Club, Kingsthorpe Golf Club, Northampton Golf Club, Northamptonshire County Golf Club, Oundle Golf Club, Overstone Park Golf Club, Peterborough Milton Golf Club, Priors Hall Golf Club, Wellingborough Golf Club and Whittlebury Park Golf & Country Club.

Cambridgeshire Golf Events

Find open golf competitions in Cambridgeshire at http://www.golfempire.co.uk/club/cambridgeshire-clubs.htm

Venues include; Abbotsley Golf Club, Brampton Park Golf Club, Cambridge Meridian Golf Club, Cambridgeshire Menzies Golf Club, Gog Magog Golf Club, St Neots Golf Club and Thorpe Wood Golf Club.

Comprehensive List of Open Golf Events in Yorkshire

The most comprehensive list of amateur open golf competitions can be found on the Yorkshire Golf Tournaments page of Golf Empire, a website that lists golf opens throughout the UK.

A selection of golf courses featured include; Allerthorpe Park Golf Club, Barnsley Golf Club, Bentham Golf Club, Beverley & East Riding Golf Club, Bingley St. Ives Golf Club, Burstwick Golf Club, Cleveland Golf Club, Crow Nest Park Golf Club, Doncaster Golf Club, Elland Golf Club, Filey Golf Club, Fulneck Golf Club, Garforth Golf Club, Halifax Golf Club, Hallamshire Golf Club, Harrogate Golf Club, Hebden Bridge Golf Club, Horsforth Golf Club, Howley Hall Golf Club, Lees Hall Golf Club, Marsden Golf Club, Moortown Golf Club, Normanton Golf Club, Otley Golf Club, Pannal Golf Club, Pontefract Golf Club, Renishaw Park Golf Club, Richmond Golf Club, Scarborough North Cliff Golf Club, Scarcroft Golf Club, Seaton Carew Golf Club, Selby Golf Club, Shipley Golf Club, Sitwell Park Golf Club, Thirsk & Northallerton Golf Club, Todmorden Golf Club, Wakefield Golf Club, Wath Golf Club, Wetherby Golf Club and Whitby Golf Club.