Weybrook Park Golf Club Gents Open

We are delighted to give you more information about the Men's Open Amateur Competition at Weybrook Park Golf Club.

This competition is a 36 Hole Individual Medal for gentlemen over the age of 18 and with a maximum handicap of 15. The tournament will be played on Saturday 1st May 2010 and the entry-fee of £40 includes coffee on arrival, a light lunch plus an evening meal.

There will be scratch and handicap prizes with one overall winner plus 1st, 2nd & 3rd for morning and afternoon rounds. Tee times will be from 8am and entries should be sent as soon as possible - an entry-form can be found here.

Weybrook Park is situated in 150 acres of rolling North Hampshire countryside 1.5 miles from the centre of Basingstoke. The course provides a challenge for golfers at all levels. There is the usual mix of par three, four and five holes which by the use of sculptured fairways, strategically placed plantations and difficult bunker positions, make the course a challenge on all holes. Add to this greens of the highest order and you have the course to please all golfers.

Bunker Mentality launch BunkerFEST Event

Golf, Golf, Golf + Music + Good Times!

Bunker Mentality – one of Europe's most fashionable golf clothing brands – are launching a unique golf event this year called BunkerFEST at the De Vere Belton Woods golf resort. It’s intended to create a very lively atmosphere over the two days bringing something quite unique for the game of golf.

Bunker Mentality’s Robert Hart said: “We have been talking about this event for some time now and we thought this year is the right time to launch it. The main idea is to have lots of fresh and original golf options, some fun, some serious and to create a lively atmosphere through out the event by having DJ’s playing music giving people a great time and building a festival atmosphere. ”

The inaugural BunkerFEST is taking place at the De Vere Belton Woods where the staff under Head Pro Andy Cameron are very excited at the prospect. Andy Cameron says “ We do lots and lots of golf days here but when Bunker Mentality first approached us about BunkerFEST we were excited by the idea straight away. We are planning to create different challenges throughout the first 18 holes…stuff we have always wanted to do. So we can’t wait”.

The event is open to male and female golfers of all skill levels and several Bunker Mentality pro’s will also be playing. The overall winner will have to be good across 5 different golfing challenges ranging from two rounds of 18 holes to the unique “Mutha Putta Challenge”.

Bunker are open to having other golf company’s come along to promote their products at the event and both Stewart Golf and Orka Golf are attending and showcasing their products as well as providing major prizes.

To find out more about the Bunker Mentality visit www.bunker-mentality.com

North Region in seventh heaven

A RECORD seven Order of Merit events – five more than last year –another packed pro-am schedule and the return of a former sponsor add up to a recession-busting season for the PGA North Region.

De Vere, who put their name to the Leeds Cup and regional championship for more than a decade, have restored their relationship after a five-year absence and agreed to underpin the two flagship tournaments.

“It’s a fantastic deal and it hails the start an exciting new era for us,” said regional secretary Graham Maly.

New to the calendar is the Phoenix Gas Classic at De Vere Wychwood Park on July 7-8 in a sponsorship initiated with the Midlands-based energy company by the club professional Jon Farmer.

“That’s the first ranking event and we anticipate the prize-fund will be about £13,000,” said Maly who revealed the Spirotech Manchester Open at Marriott Worsley Park on August 3-5 will carry a £15,000 purse.

The Leeds Cup moves from Cobble Hall back to its former home Oulton Hall on August 24-26 and, likewise, the PGA North Region Championship returns to Blackpool’s Heron’s Reach on September 28-30. De Vere own both venues and will back each tournament to the tune of £12,500.

Jewel in the crown is the long-running Manx Classic 54-hole pro-am on July 29-31, which was such a well-supported event at its new home Mount Murray last year that title sponsors Poker Stars have upped the stakes to £30,000.

For the first time it will count for the Order of Merit and the format will change to one pro, one amateur from its customary four-man team.

In addition, half ranking points will be up for grabs in the Kerr Investments Cumbria Classic at Penrith and Carlisle on May 13-14 and Rocar Moores Fixby Classic at Huddersfield on September 28-30 which are both worth £11,000.

Hibernian Links Challenge 2010

North & West Coast Links presents the First Annual Hibernian Links Challenge 2010 - NATURES GREAT GOLFING CHALLENGES

Price:
€1395 per person sharing
€1690 per person single

Limited to 40 Participants – 2 Person Teams, Better Ball – Stableford Scoring

Includes:
· 6 Rounds of Championship Links Golf
· 6 Nights 4 Star Hotel Accommodation
· Full Irish Breakfast each morning
· Welcome Pack at each golf club (Drink, Bar of Chocolate, Strokesaver, Ball Marker)
· Lunch each day
· Welcome Dinner & Farewell Dinner
· All Ground Transfers by Luxury Coach
· Overall & Daily Prizes
· North & West Coast Links representatives on hand for duration of tournament

Contact – Justin Farrell
Email - wclgolf@iol.ie
Phone - 00353 91 868 642
Web - www.northandwestcoastlinks.com

Full Itinarary:

Saturday June 26th
Arrive Dublin Airport
Travel to Rosapenna
Optional Golf at Rosapenna Golf Links @ 2.00pm
Dinner at Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort
Overnight Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort

Sunday June 27th
Practice Round on Portsalon Golf Club @ 12.00pm
Lunch at Portsalon Golf Club
Overnight Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort

Monday June 28th
Play Narin & Portnoo Golf Club @ 10.00am
Lunch at Narin & Portnoo Golf Club
Travel to Sligo
Overnight Radisson Blu Resort & Spa

Tuesday June 29th
Play Donegal Golf Club @ 10.30am
Lunch at Donegal Golf Club
Overnight Radisson Blu Resort & Spa

Wednesday June 30th
Play Co. Sligo Golf Club @ 10.00am
Lunch at Co. Sligo Golf Club
Travel to Ballina
Overnight Mount Falcon Country House Hotel

Thursday July 1st
Play Enniscrone Golf Club @ 9.00am
Lunch & Presentation of Prizes at Enniscrone Golf Club
Dinner at Mount Falcon
Overnight Mount Falcon Country House Hotel

Friday July 2nd
Depart for Dublin Airport

Win a golf holiday to Ireland

Golf Empire has teamed up with North & West Coast Links to offer all our visitors and subscribers the chance to win a fantastic golfing break for two people at Connemara Championship Links on the west coast of Ireland.


To be in with a chance to play this fantastic course simply enter the competition and answer the following question:

What championship links course is North & West Coast Links offering as the prize?
A) Connemara
B) St. Andrews
C) Valderrama

We have also arranged a fantastic rate for you to stay and play at Connemara Championship Links from only €135 - see below for full details.


The Prize

• For 2 people (ie: the competition winner and his/her guest)
• 2 Rounds of golf on Connemara - www.connemaragolflinks.com
• 2 Nights hotel accommodation
• Full Irish breakfast each morning
• To be redeemed in 2010.

About North & West Coast Links & Connemara Championship Links
North & West Coast Links Golf is unique in that they are owned by the 12 courses they represent, therefore offering piece of mind to their clients as a reliable source of information on golf in Ireland as well as a means by which to arrange your golf vacation.

North & West Coast Links is a member of IAGTO and the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association, and promotes – Connemara Championship Links; Carne Golf Links; Enniscrone Golf Club; Co. Sligo Golf Club; Donegal Golf Club; Narin & Portnoo Golf Club; Rosapenna Golf Links; Portsalon Golf Club; Ballyliffin Golf Club; Portstewart Golf Club; Royal Portrush Golf Club and Ardglass Golf Club.

Did you know there are more than 32,000 golf courses around the world? What may come as a bigger surprise is that there are only 151 true links courses and more than a third of these are in Ireland! The west and north west of Ireland is proud to offer you the chance to visit 12 championship links venues. Whatever you’re looking for, whether it be unspoilt terrain, fantastic scenery, value for money, a friendly welcome or the famous Irish craic, it has it all!

Connemara Championship Links is nestled between the scenic splendour of the 12 Bens mountain range and the rugged Atlantic Ocean on the West coast of Ireland. The course offers a true test of golf with a stunning opening dog-leg and breathtaking back nine. Designed by Eddie Hackett, Connemara has been exulted as one of the best courses in Ireland and is a true championship links golf course. Relax after your round in the magnificent new clubhouse, stonefaced using local Connemara stone, it overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and offers 360 degree view of the beautiful course and unique Connemara landscape.

Special Offer Package for Golf Empire Members
For those that aren’t lucky enough to win, Golf Empire has arranged a fantastic rate for our visitors and subscribers to stay and play at Connemara Championship Links from only €135.

Golf on Carne & Connemara

• 2 Nights 3 Star Hotel Accommodation at the Wyatt Hotel.
• Full Irish Breakfast each morning.
• Nov – Mar From €135 pps
• Apr – Oct From €225 pps
• Upgrade to 4-star accommodation from €15 pp/night (Westport Plaza Hotel)

Please note: This package is only available through NWCL as they have negotiated special rates with the courses/ferry etc... To book at the above rates please use the contact details below and quote GE01.

Contact – Justin Farrell
Email - wclgolf@iol.ie
Phone - 00353 91 868 642
Web - www.northandwestcoastlinks.com


About the Wyatt Hotel
The charming boutique Wyatt Hotel in Westport is named after the famous Georgian architect, James Wyatt, who is credited with the design and planning of this picturesque town. Westport is nestled between the peaks of Croagh Patrick and the deep blue seas of Clew Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and has become one of the most popular holiday destinations in Co Mayo, in the West of Ireland.

2009 Order of Merit Champion starts 2010 campaign with empathic win

The 2010 Gtour season teed off in great style on Saturday 20th Feb at the De Vere Belton Woods near Grantham. A sell out field battled for points in the first event of the 2010 season around the superb Lakes course which was in great condition despite the overnight frost.

Although the bad weather subsided and the sun shone throughout, some of the players found the early frosty conditions difficult with partially frozen greens, but that didn't stop the field completing the round and carding some great scores in tough cold conditions.

Holder of the inaugural 2009 Order of Merit, Shane Davies played some excellent golf to post a score of 40 points to take home the title he won around the same course last year. Playing off five Shane posted a gross score of 73, which he put down to giving himself birdie opportunities on most holes

Davies said, 'I played well today, hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens, and the course suits my eye. I let it slip a little bit on the back nine but I’m not going to complain.'

The Gtour has extended its season to 12 events this year as well as signing up new Tour sponsor Srixon and looks set to build on a fantastic 2009 inaugural season. Tournament Director, Colin Astbury, is delighted with the start of this year’s campaign and commented, 'Today was a great opening for the season, the tour is growing and it’s great to see players from last year as well as new players in 2010. We want people to come to the events and enjoy the day and get to experience something that maybe new to them. Whilst it's a competitive event the players have great fun and it's a social environment for anyone wanting to play a new type of golf event.'

The field of 44 posted some great scores with positions 3 to 24 being separated by only 6 points. The top ten results were:

Shane Davies (5) 40 points, Adam Mccormack (1) 35 points, David Roth (12) 33 points, Paul Carey (14) 32 points, Steve Mclean (9) 32 points, Andrew Lee (9) 32 points, Wesley Godwin (11) 32 points Jonathan Crickmore (17) 31 points, Nigel Chaplin (11) 30 points, Gary North (8) 30 points.

The tour moves to De Vere Oulton Hall, West Yorkshire in two weeks time, visit www.gtour.co.uk

CROWN GOLF CLUBS TO RAISE FUNDS IN AID OF HELP FOR HEROES

The UK's Largest Golf Operator Gets Behind the National Golf Club Challenge! Crown Golf - the UK's largest golf club operator - has given its whole hearted support to the National Golf Club Challenge, in aid of Help for Heroes.

All 30 Crown Golf clubs will take part in the Challenge, from Eccleston Park in the north of England to the prestigious St Mellion International Resort in Cornwall.

The National Golf Club Challenge, on course to becoming the UK's biggest amateur charity golf event, will unite hundreds of golf clubs, and thousands of golfers on 24th and 25th July to compete, have fun and together raise over a million pounds for the Help for Heroes charity.

"We are happy to commit our full support to the National Golf Club Challenge," said Crown Golf CEO Stephen Lewis. "We have set fund-raising targets for all 30 clubs, and the entire company is excited about getting behind this extremely worthy cause."

Stacey Jeffries, event director commented, "We continue to be humbled by the good will and genuine support we have received from some of the biggest names in golf, including Crown Golf. The fundraising potential of an additional 30 clubs will give the Challenge a major boost in making a huge donation to Help for Heroes."

Crown Golf, known as an innovator in the golf industry, aims to provide an outstanding golfing experience for its members and visitors. The St Mellion International Resort - Crown Golf's flagship - recently underwent a £20 million re-development project, transforming it into a world-class golf and leisure resort based around the brand new four-star 80-bedroom hotel complex at its heart.

The format for the National Golf Club Challenge is very simple; the Challenge will coincide with an existing event at each participating golf club, with each club turning the day into their own charity golf event in aid of Help for Heroes. The competing clubs will submit their aggregate scores from their best scoring 10 players. This will determine the top 6 golf clubs against standard scratch, who will then be invited to compete in the National Final.

The Grand Final, sponsored by YourGolfTravel.com, is set to be a superb event, featuring a practice day, golf clinic, overnight accommodation, the final competition and a gala dinner, including guest speakers and the prize presentations.

For more information on The National Golf Club Challenge, including how to enter your golf club, go to www.nationalgolfclubchallenge.org.uk or www.ngcc2010.com.

For more information on the Help for Heroes charity and the work they do please visit their website: www.helpforheroes.org.uk.

Hot Tee Time Offers

Hottest tee-time offers of the week below:

Celtic Manor, Montmouth @ £10.00 saving 60%
Moor Allerton, West Yorks @ £10.00 saving 85%
Marriott Forest of Arden, Warks @ £15.00 saving 50%

New Daniel Willett 2010 Junior Championship

Join the region’s best junior golfers and participate in one of the year’s most talked about junior golf events with patronage from European Tour Professional golfer and former Bondhay Golf Club junior Daniel Willett.

The Daniel Willet Junior Championship is a 36 Hole competition and is played over two days between 16 – 17 August 2010 and offers an amazing opportunity to challenge one of the toughest championship courses in Nottinghamshire.

As well as playing this magnificent venue, players will experience the thrills and spills of playing in a major open event, being challenged in tournament conditions with the chance of the odd press interview and media coverage.

Eligible Players
The Danny Willett Junior Championship is open to all amateur golfers who will be 18 years of age or under on 30 July 2010. A maximum of 80 competitors will be selected to play in the 36-Hole Junior Championship.

If applications exceed 80 then a ballot will be held soon after the entry deadline of Friday 30 July 2010. Players with lower handicaps will be given priority and on these terms Bondhay Golf Club regrets that some players may be balloted out.

FREE SFG Tour Cards for all Scottish SFG's

As a partner for SingleFigureGolfer we are pleased to announce that all Scottish SFG’s (handicap under 10) can now get a FREE SFG Tour Card for the 2010 season.

This will allow all golfers the chance to compete in the SFG Scottish Matchplay championships with the final 16 qualifying through to the Carrick at Loch Lomond on 21st September for the Matchplay shootout.

The eventual winner of the Scottish Matchplay will then represent Team SFG in the SFG Challenge Cup Final at Trevose (Cornwall) on the 18th – 20th October 2010.

To find out how to get your free SFG tour card visit SingleFigureGolfer

Robin grabs the glory

ROBIN Welsby was reunited with his former PGA North Region pals in the Glenmuir Overseas Pro-am at the Vilamoura resort in Portugal.

And the former Cheshire professional, who teaches at German club Hude, stole their thunder with a two shot victory over Ashton-in-Makerfield European Senior Tour player Peter Allan.
Conditions were not conducive to low scoring, evidenced by Welsby’s four round total of six-over-par.

Best card of the week was a 69 by Bolton-based Steve Parry on the first day but he fell out of contention as Lee Park’s Chris Crowder claimed third place some six shots off the pace.

Crowder be in action again on Tuesday when the MyProGolfer Fairhaven Winter Pro-am Series resumes, the 30-strong field including Paul Eales, who is playing the Challenge Tour this week in Colombia.

LEADING SCORES: 294 Robin Welsby (Hude) 72 76 72 74; 296 Peter Allan (Ashton-in-Makerfield) 71 76 79 70; 300 Chris Crowder (Lee Park) 74 72 76 78; 303 Spencer Edwards (NI Golf Academy) 72 81 75 75; 306 Alex Rowland (Hawarden) 74 82 76 74; 307 Gareth Jones (Sandiway) 72 76 76 83; 309 Steve Parry (SP Golf School) 69 83 79 78; 313 Martin Edge (Hesketh) 73 81 80 79.

THE HELP FOR HEROES CHALLENGE TROPHY NAMED 'THE LEE WESTWOOD CUP'

Lee Westwood to Patron the National Golf Club Challenge! European number one, Lee Westwood, has thrown his weight behind the 2010 National Golf Club Challenge charity golf event, in aid of Help for Heroes.

Lee has not only agreed to show his support by becoming a patron of the event, he has also given permission for the Challenge Trophy - being commissioned by Wedgwood, creators of the stunning World Golf Championship trophies - to bear his name.

Presently fourth in the Official World Golf Ranking, Lee won the inaugural European Tour Race to Dubai, the Portugal Masters and the Dubai World Championship in 2009. Firmly establishing himself among the current golfing greats.

In speaking of his support for the Challenge, Lee said "Together we have the chance to change the lives of those who have sacrificed and endured so much so we might live full and free lives. Many brave men and women have suffered often the most horrendous injuries in the line of duty and these heroes deserve our wholehearted support in July."

Lee went to say "I am honoured to become patron to the challenge and deeply humbled to be asked by Wedgwood to name the National Golf Club Challenge Trophy 'The Lee Westwood Cup' continuing Wedgwood's long tradition of naming their stunning trophies after some of the most iconic golfers the world has ever seen."

Wedgwood (and Waterford Crystal) now part of the WWRD group, have enjoyed a long association with professional golf, producing among others, the stunning World Golf Championship trophies for the USPGA.

"In designing the World Golf Championship trophies, not only did we want to create beautiful trophies that would be worthy of these great tournaments, we also wanted to create iconic pieces to which some of the great contributors to the game of golf, pioneering players who have represented all that is good about the game, would be pleased to lend their name." commented Gerry O'Keeffe, manager for Sports and Special markets at WWRD.

"From great players of the past to great players of today," Gerry continued. "Lee Westwood exemplifies the professionalism of the modern day game displaying all the hallmarks of the truly great sportsman, the perfect candidate to carry on the tradition and lend his name to another great trophy."

The Stunning 'Lee Westwood Cup' will be hand thrown and turned out of blue Jasper and hand decorated with white bas-relies golfing and military figures forming the main design features. The trophy will be mounted on two blue jasper plinths and all edges hand gilded in 22 carat gold.

The trophy, now in the design phase, will go through an intensive sixteen week process from design through modelling to construction.

The National Golf Club Challenge, to be held on the 24th and 25th July, will bring hundreds of golf clubs, and thousands of golfers together on the same weekend as part of a nationwide charity golf event.

Stacey Jeffries, event director, commented "The 'Lee Westwood Cup' will stand as a magnificent symbol of the UK golfing community coming together to benefit our injured armed forces."

The format for the National Golf Club Challenge is simple; the Challenge will coincide with each participating golf club's monthly Stableford event. With each club turning the day into their own charity golf event, raising much needed funds for the Help for Heroes charity.

The competing clubs will submit their aggregate scores from their 10 best scoring players. This will determine the top 6 golf clubs against standard scratch, who will then be invited to compete in the National Final for some outstanding tournament prizes, including golfing holidays to Egypt.

The Grand Final, sponsored by YourGolfTravel.com, will be held on 11th and 12th October at The Belfry, one of the world's leading golf resorts, and four times host to the Ryder Cup.

For more information on The National Golf Club Challenge, including how to enter your golf club, go to www.nationalgolfclubchallenge.org.uk or www.ngcc2010.com.

For more information on the Help for Heroes charity and the work they do please visit their website: www.helpforheroes.org.uk.

FREE Tour Card for Scottish SFG's

SingleFigureGolfer are pleased to announce that all Scottish SFG’s (handicap under 10) will get a FREE SFG Tour Card for the 2010 season courtesy of sponsors Srixon.

This will allow all golfers the chance to compete in the SFG Scottish Matchplay championships with the final 16 qualifying through to the Carrick at Loch Lomond on 21st September for the Matchplay shootout.- click here for more details.

The eventual winner of the Scottish Matchplay will then represent Team SFG in the SFG Challenge Cup Final at Trevose (Cornwall) on the 18th – 20th October 2010.

To read more about this visit http://www.singlefiguregolfer.co.uk/freescottishsfgtourcard

Burstwick Country Golf Pro-Am

Burstwick Country Golf, based in the heart of the East Yorkshire countryside, is quickly establishing itself as one of the county's leading golf clubs. It is a newly established club in the East Riding and is set in 115 acres of contoured, tranquil countryside. The club was created in August 2004 and has a bright future ahead.

Later this year they will be holding what promises to be a fantastic Pro-Am. The event will be held on Thursday 12th August and at £150 per team is one of the best value Pro-Am's across the whole of Yorkshire. What's more, if you don't have a professional one will be found for you.

There will be £4,000 worth of prizes up for grabs in the strokeplay format where the best two scores count. However, even if you don't make the prizes you can still enjoy coffee and a bacon roll on arrival, the course and a hog roast meal afterwards. The tournament is open to men and women with handicap limits of 24 and 34 respectively but teams are limited so hurry if you want to secure your place. Any entry-form can be found here.

Gtour Amateur Golf Tour set for Great start in 2010

The Gtour Amateur Golf Events and Order of Merit Tour is back for 2010, bigger and better, with more sponsors, more venues and a new look website.

With the first event set to take place shortly on Saturday 20th Feb at De Vere Belton Woods, the season ahead will provide an exciting series of events for the average Amateur golfer wanting to compete in an event of difference, with the aim of bringing the Professional Tour experience to all golfers.

For 2010 the team behind the Gtour are delighted to announce Srixon as Tour Sponsor for the 2010 events alongside the 2009 Sponsors of De Vere, Bunker Mentality, Golfbreaks.com and Teeofftimes.co.uk.

Colin Astbury, Events Director, said, "The 2009 Gtour was great fun to set up and during the course of the first year on tour we visited some fantastic courses, met loads of avid UK amateur golfers and made many new friends. We are really excited about the 2010 tour, and have taken the opportunity to grab all of the good bits from 2009 and supersize them for the new season. We have kept many of the same great courses from last year and added lots of new venues including top 100 UK courses plus we have new sponsors who are really excited about the UK amateur golf scene."

The events take place around the UK at primarily De Vere venues played at the weekends and are open to all golfers with handicaps up to 28 and 36 for men and women respectively. Players can compete in either individual or multiple events which then counts towards the unique points driven Order of Merit leaderboard.

Richard Barker, Golf and Leisure Sales Manager, commented, "We are delighted to be Sponsoring Gtour for the 2nd year and 2010 looks set to be another exciting year, offering something different in terms of events to all golfers. The development of golf is key to De Vere and we are fully supportive of amateur golf through our courses, facilities and involvement in Amateur and Professional events throughout our venues."

The success of 2009 was a great achievement for all those involved including the Gtour team and the players themselves. The 2009 Order of Merit Gtour Champion was eventually won by Shane Davies after a nail biting final round at De Vere Staverton Park which saw 5 players competing in the final event all with a chance of claiming the 2009 title.

Bunker Mentality’s Robert Hart said: “The Gtour was very successful in the first year proving that there are lots of keen golfers out there looking to play in regular, well organised events. The profile of the golfer is changing and this new mindset appeals to those playing on the Gtour. The team behind the Gtour are keen to grow the game, recognising this change and want a sponsor that reflects this, which is why Bunker Mentality is a perfect fit.”

2010 will include some of the popular stops on the 2009 tour including De Vere Oulton Hall , De Vere Slaley Hall in May and this year the tour will visit De Vere Mottram Hall plus the first event in the South West at one of the UK's Top 100 golf courses, the Manor House on Oct 15th.

Colin Astbury, added, "Of course Gtour stands for "golf tour" but its not just about playing golf, its about the whole experience from when you first visit the website to attending your 1st, 2nd, 3rd event. Its about making new friends, playing competition class courses, first tee nerves and checking out your tour photos after the event. Its about watching the Order of Merit evolve during the year, second guessing who will lead after the next event, its about the final and the anticipation as the last 2 groups come in off the 18th, but most of all its about the players and ensuring that everybody has a thoroughly enjoyable day regardless of whether they win one of the great prizes on offer. 2010 looks set to be another thrilling and enjoyable year"

Scots call the tune

PGA North Region professionals were upstaged by their Scottish counterparts in the first of two overseas pro-ams at the Vilamoura resort in Portugal.

The third round was abandoned for the second year running because of stormy conditions and when play resumed Cawder’s Chris Kelly maintained the lead he had established on the first two days, closing with a 69 at the Victoria course for a 14-under-par total.

That left him two clear of Hayston’s Stephen Gray as fellow Scot Craig Lee, who is unattached, shared third place with Mytton Fold’s Jeff Mathews some nine strokes off the pace.

There’s more action next week at Vilamoura in the Glenmuir PGA pro-am.

LEADING SCORES: final rnd: 203 Chris Kelly (Cawder) 66 68 69; 205 Stephen Gray (Hayston) 68 69 68; 212 Jeff Mathews (Mytton Fold) 73 71 68, Craig Lee (unatt) 74 68 70; 214 Will Barnes (Garstang) 72 72 70; 215 Will Hancock (Morecambe) 72 73 70, Darren Leng (Far Grange) 72 72 71, Andrew Barnett (North Wales GR) 72 68 75; 216 Peter Allan (Ashton-in-Makerfield).

Scarthingwell Golf Club

Scarthingwell Golf Club lies four miles south of Tadcaster, adjacent to the A162 on the edge of the Vale of York. It is an easy-walking 18-hole course set in tranquil, rural surroundings and has become well established since it's opening in 1990.

The course provides a fair test for golfers of all abilities, as well as quickly gaining a reputation for a friendly and informal atmosphere.

There are three events this year that we would like to draw to your attention. The first is a Mixed Team Open on Sunday 4th July. It is an Am-Am Stableford with maximum handicap limits of 24 (men) and 30 (ladies). Places will no doubt fill up quickly with an entry-fee of just £48 per team.

On Tuesday 17th August an Adult-Junior Pairs Open will take place. This is a 4BBB Stableford with an entry-fee of £25 per couple. It is expected to be a great day of golf for gents or ladies partnering a junior boy or girl.

A Ladies Team Open is scheduled for the following day. This event is an Am-Am Stableford for ladies holding a handicap no higher than 30. Entry is £48 per team and includes refreshments at the halfway house.

Full details about each event can be found on the links below.

Featured Events at Scarthingwell
04/07/2010 Mixed Team Open - £48 per team
17/08/2010 Junior/Adult Pairs Open - £25 per pair
18/08/2010 Ladies Team Open - £48 per team

Burghley Park Golf Club Open Comps

Situated in lovely parkland surrounding Burghley House and located on the outskirts of Stamford, one of England's finest towns, Burghley Park is a superbly conditioned private golf club that extends a very warm welcome to all visitors.

There are six open events on their 2010 calendar that we would like to draw to your attention and which are now available to enter. They are listed below with the links providing full tournament details and a printable entry-form.

Featured Events:
09/05/2010 Mixed Pairs Open - £46 per couple
19/05/2010 Team Open - £96 per team
27/06/2010 Gents Individual Open - £30 per person
15/07/2010 Team Open - £96 per team
01/08/2010 Mixed Pairs Open - £54 per couple
26/09/2010 Gents Pairs Open - £70 per pair

The first event on Sunday 9th May is one of two Mixed Pairs competitions. It is a Greensomes Stableford and includes coffee on arrival and a two-course meal afterwards. Handicap limits are 24 for men and 30 for ladies. The second Mixed Pairs event is on Sunday 1st August and is a Betterball Stableford.

A 27-hole Team Open will be played on Wednesday 19th May. A 9-hole Texas Scramble in the morning will be followed by lunch and then an 18-hole Am-Am in the afternoon. This fabulous event is for any combination of men/ladies and is concluded with a 2-course meal. Another Team Am-Am is held on Thursday 15th July with proceeds going to Sue Ryder Home and the Evergreen Trust. Both events represent excellent value at £96 per team of four.

One of the highlights of the year is on the 27th June when the 36-hole Quincentenary Cup takes place. This Individual Strokeplay competition has a handicap limit of 9 and features on the Single Figure Golfer Challenge Tour. Finally a 36 hole Gents Pairs Open is scheduled for Sunday 26th September. Both rounds are 4-Ball Betterball's - Medal play in the morning and Stableford in the afternoon. Catering is provided throughout the day for both events.

PHIL MICKELSON ENCOURAGES GOLFERS TO TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE

World Number 2 Endorses the National Golf Club Challenge! Inspired like so many people by the professionalism and bravery of the armed forces, Phil Mickelson has sent a heart felt message of support to the National Golf Club Challenge, in aid of Help for Heroes.

Phil joins an illustrious list of golfers - past and present - who have sent messages of encouragement and support for the Challenge. Including Jack Nicklaus, Lee Westwood, Seve Ballesteros, Ian Poulter, Gary Player, Colin Montgomerie, Nick Faldo and many more.

"I applaud the initiative of Help for Heroes. The British military played an essential role in Iraq and it continues to be a force in Afghanistan. Regardless of how you feel about our governments' policies, these fighting men and women and their families are making an enormous sacrifice and deserve our full support. It is an honor for me to be a part of the PGA Tour's Birdies for the Brave program. I've been fortunate to meet a number of our troops who have benefited from that program and I can tell you that even after they have endured horrific injures their spirit remains strong. These people are an inspiration.

"I urge you to support the National Golf Club Challenge and want you to know that your participation will mean more than you can imagine for brave men and women you may never be lucky enough to meet." Phil Mickelson.

With golf clubs entering on a daily basis, the National Golf Club Challenge is on course to become the largest amateur charity golf event to take place in the UK. The Challenge will be held on the 24th and 25th of July and is free to enter.

The Challenge will bring hundreds of golf clubs, and thousands of golfers together on the same weekend as part of a nationwide charity golf event - with the aim of raising a million pounds for the superb Help for Heroes charity.

As well as a fund raising initiative, The National Golf Club Challenge is a nationwide competition, giving golfers up and down the country the opportunity to compete for some outstanding prizes - including golfing holidays to Egypt.

For more information on The National Golf Club Challenge, including how to enter your golf club, go to www.nationalgolfclubchallenge.org.uk or www.ngcc2010.com.

For more information on the Help for Heroes charity and the work they do please visit their website: www.helpforheroes.org.uk

Gay Hill Golf Club Open Tournaments

Gay Hill Golf Club is an attractive 18 hole parkland course which undulates gently and one you will find challenging but enjoyable. It is relatively short in length but the fairways are tight and the greens fast.

The five events that we would like to provide you with more information about are listed above with the links providing access to the full details and a printable entry-form.

Featured Events:
12/05/2010 Senior Pairs Open - £25 per pair
02/06/2010 Seniors Mixed Pairs Open - £20 per couple
27/06/2010 Gents Individual Open - £20 per person
02/07/2010 Seniors Individual Open - £17 per person
06/08/2010 Gents Team Open - £100 per team

The first event, a Senior Pairs Open in May, is always a popular competition and at £25 per pair usually fills up quickly! It is for male golfers over the age of 55 and takes the format of a Betterball Stableford.

A Seniors Mixed Pairs Open will be held in early June for couples over 55 and is a Greensomes Stableford - the entry-fee of £20 per couple has to be one of the best value events in the West Midlands! Meanwhile, a Gents Individual Open takes place on Sunday 27th June for men holding a handicap no higher than 18. There are two divisions on the day and for just £20 this promises to be a fabulous strokeplay tournament.

A Seniors Individual Stableford is scheduled for the 2nd July whilst the following month a Gents Am-Am will be held for teams of 4 costing £100 per team.

Galgorm Castle to host first Northern Ireland PGA EuroPro Tour event

Ballymena venue welcomes the Tour in June! Galgorm Castle Golf Club will host Northern Ireland’s first ever PGA EuroPro tour event and is scheduled to take place at the Ballymena venue from June 23-25.

Northern Ireland already boasts a rich golfing heritage with star names such as Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke currently flying the flag around the world.

However there hasn’t been a high profile professional golf event staged in the province since the Senior British Open was last played at Royal Portrush Golf Club in 2004.

News that Northern Ireland’s inaugural PGA EuroPro Tour event will be played at Galgorm Castle within the next six months comes as welcome news and is a great chance for the general public to witness some of the game’s emerging stars firsthand.

Galgorm Castle is already a proven venue and has hosted numerous professional events on the domestic Irish PGA circuit, while this year’s British Universities Championship was successfully staged over the championship course.

“We are absolutely delighted with the news,” said Gary Henry, General Manager, Galgorm Castle Golf Club. “Having already hosted domestic PGA tournaments and major celebrity events such as the George Best Golf Invitational, it is with great pleasure that we look forward to welcoming the leading European players from the PGA EuroPro Tour.”

“As a major international sporting occasion, the tournament will provide a great opportunity to showcase Galgorm Castle, Galgorm Resort & Spa and the general Ballymena area to a wider audience as Northern Ireland is once more placed in the global shop window.”

“I am delighted that the Tour is heading to Northern Ireland and Galgorm Castle Golf Club,” said Danny Nickless, Operations Manager of the PGA EuroPro Tour. “Northern Ireland is a passionate golfing country and Galgorm typifies the nation’s lust for the game – as challenging a course as the players will encounter this year and in a beautiful setting.”

The George Best Foundation will also be involved with the event - particularly the Pro-Am and gala dinner - to help raise funds for its many ongoing projects to help provide children with a better lifestyle through participation in sport.

The schedule for the 2010 PGA EuroPro Tour continues to take shape, with further courses to be announced this week including an exciting Tour Championship course. Entry for the Q School is open at www.europrotour.com.

For further information, please contact Anthony Leaver at the PGA EuroPro Tour – anthony.leaver@matchroom.com

Belton Woods Mixed Golf Open Competitions

A Mixed Pairs Open will be held at Belton Woods Golf Club on Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May.

The competition is a Betterball Stableford for couples with handicaps no higher than 24 (men) and 36 (ladies). Entry is just £35 per pair and whilst there is a closing date of 23rd April it is highly recommended that you send your entry off asap to secure your place. A form can be found here.

Established in 1991 and based at the outstanding 475 acre resort complex of DeVere Belton Woods the course offers a challenge for golfers of all abilities and has quickly matured into one of the premier 'must play' golf resorts in Lincolnshire.

Hawarden Golf Club Open Events

Hawarden Golf Club is an undulating 18 hole parkland golf course set in mature meadowland. The club prides itself on the service and welcome given to visitors... one of the friendliest in North Wales.

Located just a 20 minute drive from Chester it is well placed for golfers in Wales and across the North of England looking to make a trip to this impressive venue. The course is a real gem with some attractive holes and provides a good challenge for all levels of golfer.

We are delighted to inform you about five of their open competitions to be played this year, which are now available to enter.

Featured 2010 Open Events at Hawarden
29/05/2010 Gents Pairs Open - £20 per pair
27/07/2010 Senior Pairs Open - £18 per pair
30/07/2010 Ladies Team Open - £21 per team
31/07/2010 Gents Pairs Open - £20 per pair
01/08/2010 Mixed Pairs Open - £18 per couple

The open competitions at Hawarden provide something for everyone. The first event is on Saturday 29th May and is the ever popular Men's Pairs Open. This is a Betterball Stableford tournament and at just £20 per pair represents superb value. Entries are recommended asap.

There are three events during the last week of July. A Senior Pairs Open, also a Betterball Stableford, takes place on Tuesday 27th and costs £18 per pair. A Ladies Team Open, where the best 2 scores from 3 count, will be held on Friday 30th July costing just £21 per team. Whilst another Gents Pairs Open is scheduled for the following day.

The action doesn't stop there though! On Sunday 1st August a Mixed Pairs Open will be played. This is for couples with maximum handicaps of 18 (men) and 24 (ladies). The entry-fee is £18 per couple and like the other events spaces will be at a premium.

Entry-forms for each event can be accessed by clicking on the above links.

WEDGWOOD TO DESIGN THE 2010 NATIONAL GOLF CLUB CHALLENGE TROPHY

Wedgwood to Commission a Help for Heroes Golf Trophy! Inspired like so many people by the professionalism and bravery of the British armed forces Wedgwood - creators of the stunning World Golf Championship trophies - will create a bespoke 2010 Help for Heroes National Golf Club Challenge trophy.

The National Golf Club Challenge, tipped to be the largest amateur charity golf event the UK has seen, will be held on the 24th and 25th July. The Challenge will bring hundreds of golf clubs, and thousands of golfers together on the same weekend as part of a nationwide charity golf event -
with the aim of raising over a million pounds for the Help for Heroes charity.

Stacey Jeffries, event director said "The name of Wedgwood has been associated for many years with some of the finest trophies in golf. So what better way to reward the 2010 National Golf Club Challenge winners, than with a fantastic trophy made by the incredibly skilled Wedgwood craftsmen. The trophy will be a fitting end to the 2010 Challenge and a phenomenal addition to any club's awards cabinet."

Golfers participating in the National Golf Club Challenge will compete for some outstanding golfing prizes - including golf holidays to Egypt - and a chance to play in the Challenge Final at one of the world's leading golf resorts, The Belfry, four times host to the Ryder Cup.

Wedgwood (and Waterford Crystal) now part of the WWRD group, have enjoyed a long association with professional golf, producing among others, the stunning World Golf Championship trophies for the USPGA. "That association together with a proud tradition of giving back to the community has led to our collaboration with the National Golf Club Challenge in aid of the Help for Heroes foundation creating an equally impressive trophy for this very worthy cause" commented Gerry O'Keeffe, manager for Sports and Special markets at WWRD.

Once ready, the Help for Heroes National Golf Club Challenge trophy will be unveiled in advance of the Challenge competition in July.

For more information on The National Golf Club Challenge, including following the design and production of the 2010 Help for Heroes National Golf Club Challenge trophy, go to www.nationalgolfclubchallenge.org.uk or www.ngcc2010.com.

Bromborough Golf Club 2010 Open Events

Located at the heart of the English Golf Riviera, Bromborough Golf Club is considered by many to be the best parkland course on the Wirral Peninsula.

It is a challenging 18 hole layout, offering exquisite views and peaceful rural surroundings.

Playing from any of the tees provides a challenge for all standards of golfer. The full championship course measures a total of 6,547 yards and has a par of 72.

Meanwhile the clubhouse has comfortable surroundings, excellent bar/catering facilities and is therefore a perfect place to relax after a day's golf.

2010 Open Events at Bromborough
31/05/2010 Team Open - £72 per team
14/06/2010 Senior Pairs Open - £36 per pair
01/07/2010 Bromborough Bowl - £25 per person
21/07/2010 Ladies Team Open - £54 per team
06/08/2010 Team Open - £72 per team
23/08/2010 Junior Open - £14 per person
30/08/2010 Team Open - £72 per team
03/09/2010 Senior Pairs Open - £36 per pair

Eight fantastic open tournaments will be held at Bromborough in 2010 and we are delighted to inform you that they are now available to enter.

The first event is on Monday 31st May and is a Team Open for any combination of men and/or ladies. Because the competition is on a Bank Holiday it is expected to sell out very quickly. A Senior Pairs Open is held the following month for over 55's whilst in July there is a Ladies Team Open and the prestigious Bromborough Bowl, a 36 Hole Individual Scratch tournament which features on both the Northern Order of Merit and the Single Figure Golfer Challenge Tour.

Two more Team Opens will be held in August along with the annual Junior Open whilst a second Seniors Open takes place in early September.

Entry-forms for each event can be accessed by clicking on the above links.

Bewdley Pines Golf Club Seniors Open

A Senior Pairs Open will be played on Wednesday 29th September at Bewdley Pines Golf Club.

The event, for golfers over the age of 55, is a Betterball Stableford competition with a maximum handicap limit of 28.

It will be played off a 3/4 handicap allowance and at just £24 per pair, including the 2's sweep, it is expected to fill up very quickly. However, an entry-form can be found here so that you can secure your place.

Bewdley Pines Golf Club is situated in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside between Kidderminster and Bewdley on the B4190. It is a par 69 course which welcomes visitors to test their skills and enjoy its wonderful setting.

The course is based on sandy soil, so even on the wettest of days the course drains within a very short period of time, and very rarely are days lost due to the weather. There has never been a trolley ban on the course, showing just how good the drainage is!

Arscott Golf Club Gents Pairs Open

A Gents Pairs Open will be held at Arscott Golf Club on Sunday 27th June.

This popular event is for men with an 'active' handicap no higher than 24. It is a 4BBB Stableford competition and at just £20 per pair is one of the best value tournaments in the county.

As you can imagine it fills up very quickly but an entry-form can be found here so that you can secure your place. Golfers should note that any food required on the day must be ordered and paid for prior to play.

Arscott Golf Club is well worth a visit. It is set in a wonderful location with fantastic views from all parts of the course across Shropshire’s border country. The 18 hole course has only been open since 1992 but its maturity belies its age.

Massive old oak and beech trees grace the course along with the remains of long forgotten mining and brick making industries. There are testing water hazards on the last four holes and many golfers will tell you how they can change a winning card!

Rufford Park Golf Club Ladies Open

Rufford Park Golf and Country Club is set in the heart of Sherwood Forest. It is a unique venue with a fabulous 18 hole golf course.

The 6,368 yard, par 70 layout meanders through over 200 acres of beautiful parkland and woodland making it one of the most memorable clubs in the county. In addition to the course there is also some excellent practice and tuition facilities including a 16 bay floodlit driving range.

Featured Event at Rufford Park
22/04/2010 Ladies Pairs Open - £50 per pair

The above competition is one of the most popular ladies events in the region and is open to pairs of female golfers with a handicap no higher than 36. At £50 per pair this 4-Ball Betterball Stableford competition represents excellent value for money, as a 2-course buffet meal is included in the price.

Spaces are limited so get your entry in early if you are considering entering - an entry-form can be accessed by clicking on the above link.