Last chance for golfers to enter matchplay comp

Golfers in the North of England have until noon next Monday to lodge their entry for the popular Northern Matchplay golf competition.

The knockout event, played initially on a local basis, attracts club golfers from across the North and has regional finals at six Open Qualifying courses. The winners at each, in both the Individual and Betterball competitions, will progress to a two-day, 72-hole grand final at The Alwoodley Golf Club in Leeds.

Entry has been held at £15 for the singles and £25 per pair for the doubles.

Those interested in entering should visit the Northern Matchplay Golf Championship website to register & pay online.

Llandrindod Wells Golf Club 2011 Opens

Llandrindod Wells Golf Club are now accepting entries for their 2011 open golf competitions. Places will no doubt be snapped up quickly at this popular venue.

There are two Gents Pairs Opens during the season, both of which are 4-Ball Betterball Stableford events, requiring a handicap of 24 or less to enter. Entry-forms can be found below:

04/06/2011 > Gents Pairs Open - £30 per pair

24/09/2011 > Gents Pairs Open - £20 per pair

Two team events will also take place. These are open to men and women in any combination and take the form of an Aggregate Stableford. Maximum handicap limits are 24 (men) and 30 (ladies). The first competitions is a 4-person event whilst the second is for three people.

08/06/2011 > Team Open - £50 per team

23/07/2011 > Team Open - £30 per team

Gentlemen golfers aged 55+ will be pleased to hear that the annual Seniors Open will be held on Wednesday 10th August and are urged to get their entries in as soon as possible. This singles competition has an entry-fee of £14 and is split into three age categories.

Finally the Autumn Open Men's Stableford is played on Sunday 25th September. This is an individual event for players with a handicap no higher than 24 and carries an entry-fee of just £10. Early booking is a must.

Ladies Opens

Llandrindod Wells run three events specifically for lady golfers throughout the season. Each one always proves to be very popular with a number of repeat visitors year after year.

In 2011 the first of these will be held on Saturday 4th June. It is a 4-Ball Betterball Stableford competition with a maximum handicap limit of 30. Entry is £30 per pair.

A second 4-Ball Betterball Stableford will be played on Saturday 24th September and early booking is advised with an entry-fee of just £20 per pair.

An Individual Stableford will take place the following day (Sunday 25th September). Entry is excellent value at £10 person.

Mixed Open

The annual Llandrindod Wells Mixed Open is scheduled for Saturday 9th July.

This competition usually attracts a strong field and will take the format of a 4-Ball Betterball Stableford. Handicaps limits are 24 (men) and 30 (ladies) with an entrance price of £20 per couple.

About Llandrindod Wells Golf Club

Overlooking the town and the neighbouring valleys, you get a sense of timelessness as you look down from the first tee at Llandrindod Wells across the boating lake to the roofs of the Victorian town.

To play the course you almost need a new game plan each time that you step onto the next tee. Length is not the most important asset on the course.

If you fail to place the ball in the correct part of the fairway off the tee, many approach shots are played blind, and blind shots can be dangerous and often lead to ugly double bogies!

This is the romance of playing golf at Llandrindod Wells. Linger a moment on your round and absorb the magic of the soft rolling hills which surround you. Admire the Buzzards and Red Kites which patrol the sky above the course.

To single out one hole is almost impossible but there has always been a certain notoriety attaching to the lucky 13th! From an elevated tee, you face a tee shot that has to carry an almost vertical bank some 200 yards away, with out of bounds tight to the left side and trees and deep rough to the right.

The approach shot from the fairway is a fairly simple one with a short iron to one of the more open greens on the course but, if you are standing on that tee with the wind in your face and the rain coming down, needing at worst a five to stay in the competition, you may well be just about to get the fright of your life.

Last chance to enter matchplay comp

Golfers in the North of England have until noon next Monday to lodge their entry for the popular Northern Matchplay golf competition.

The knockout event, played initially on a local basis, attracts club golfers from across the North and has regional finals at six Open Qualifying courses. The winners at each, in both the Individual and Betterball competitions, will progress to a two-day, 72-hole grand final at The Alwoodley Golf Club in Leeds.

Entry has been held at £15 for the singles and £25 per pair for the doubles.

Those interested in entering should visit the Northern Matchplay Golf Championship website to register & pay online.

Ilfracombe Open Competitions

Throughout 2011 Ilfracombe Golf Club are hosting over 20 open competitions. And during early June the Devon club host a series of events that provide some of the best value golf in the South-West.

There are various individual, pairs and team competitions with early booking highly advised for each. A schedule of the week's events can be seen below. Full details and entry-forms for these tournaments can be found by clicking here:

04/06/2011 > Team Open - £37.50 per team

05/06/2011 > Team Open - £50 per team

06/06/2011 > Mixed Pairs Open - £25 per couple

06/06/2011 > Pairs Open - £25 per pair

07/06/2011 > Ladies Individual Open - £15 per person

07/06/2011 > Gents Individual Open - £15 per person

07/06/2011 > Veterans Individual Open - £15 per person

08/06/2011 > Ladies Individual Open - £15 per person

08/06/2011 > Gents Individual Open - £15 per person

08/06/2011 > Gents Individual Open - £15 per person

09/06/2011 > Pairs Open - £30 per pair

10/06/2011 > Team Open - £50 per team

Two further events take place later in the month on the weekend of the 25th and 26th June. On Saturday there is a Mixed Team Open (2 men & 2 ladies). Entry is just £40 per team and this will be played off full handicaps.

Meanwhile on Sunday the popular Canada Cup will be held. This 36 Hole 4BBB Medal (3/4 handicap) is fantastic value at just £24 per pair with early booking required.

Hurry!!!

Two events coming up quickly on the horizon are The Ilfracombe Trophy (17th April) and Ladies Team Open (18th May). Entries for both these tournaments should be lodged asap to secure a place.

More events at Ilfracombe

July, August and September are also busy months at Ilfracombe as far as open competitions go.

A Sponsored Mixed Pairs Open is held on Sunday 17th July whilst the Wellington Trophy, a 3BBB in any combination team event, is played a fortnight later.

The Woodward Memorial, an 18 Hole Individual Medal for men, is scheduled for Sunday 28th August and always attracts a strong field.

Into September and events are concluded with the Ferguson Cup, a 36 Hole Individual Medal for men, on Sunday the 4th and the Veterans Open played two days later on the 6th. The Vets Open is an Individual Stableford and includes a carvery meal.

More about Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe Golf Club is a privately run members club offering a warm welcome to visiting golfers.

The course is situated one mile east of Ilfracombe towards Combe Martin on the magnificent North Devon coastline and offers spectacular views along the coast and across the Bristol Channel to South Wales.

The 18 hole course is well maintained throughout the year and although not the longest, the undulations and prevailing South Westerlys will still offer up a challenge to golfers of all abilities.

Blackburn Golf Club 2011 Opens

No less than 13 open golf competitions will be taking place at Blackburn Golf Club during 2011.

Blackburn are famous throughout Lancashire for the quality of their open competitions. They run a wide range of events throughout the year with many repeat visitors attending year after year.

The first tournament of this season is a Gents Pairs Open to be played on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May. It is a 4-Ball Betterball Stableford with a maximum handicap of 20 and an entrance price of just £24 per pair. Prizes are awarded to 5th place.

Similar events take place on Saturday 9th July (Garry Readett Memorial) and Saturday 10th September. Entry-forms can be found below.

02/05/2011 > Gents Pairs Open - £24 per pair

09/07/2011 > Gents Pairs Open - £24 per pair

10/09/2011 > Gents Pairs Open - £24 per pair

Senior golfers also have three excellent 4-Ball Betterball Stableford events to enter. All are open to male golfers aged 55+ with a maximum handicap of 24. Entry is £22 per pair with prizes awarded to 4th place. Entry-forms can be found below.

13/06/2011 > Senior Pairs Open - £22 per pair

15/09/2011 > Senior Pairs Open - £22 per pair

13/10/2011 > Senior Pairs Open - £22 per pair

Other events include the Gents 4-Man Team Open on Saturday 11th June. This is a Stableford competition and costs £48 per team. Again the maximum handicap is 20.

The Revidge Cannon is a 36 Hole Individual Strokeplay tournament for players with a handicap of 9 or less. It features on both the Northern Order of Merit and the Single Figure Golfer Tour. Entry is £29 per person and takes place on Sunday 21st August.

The Blackburn Salver is an 18 Hole Individual Medal for golfers with a handicap no higher than 20. Entry is great value at just £12 per person with this event taking place on Saturday 3rd September.

Meanwhile Blackburn also run four top class events for lady golfers.

The first of these, a Team Stableford, will take place on Sunday 15th May. Entry is £36 per team of four with a maximum handicap of 34 required.

The other three events are later in the year but early booking is advised to secure a place.

A Texas Scramble will be held on Wednesday 3rd August. This is also £36 per team of four with a maximum handicap limit of 34.

The annual Senior Ladies Team Open is scheduled for Wednesday 7th September. This 3-lady team event is open to golfers aged 50+ with a handicap of 34 or less and has an entry-fee of £24 per team.

Finally, the popular Ladies Turkey Shoot (team of three) will be held on Sunday 16th October. Entry is £21 per team for this 14 Hole competition.

About Blackburn Golf Club

Situated less than 6 miles mile from junction 31 of the M6 and 3 miles from junction 6 of the M65, Blackburn Golf Club is highly accessible.

The parkland course has extensive views of the Pennine Hills and Fylde coast.

The course measures 6,144 yards from the white tees, par 71 for men and 5,364 yards, par 73 for ladies. It is a fair and enjoyable test for any level of golfer.

Ashford (Kent) Golf Club 2011 Opens

Ashford (Kent) Golf Club have just published details about their 2011 open golf competitions, including its popular Open Week.

Taking place between Saturday 4th and Friday 10th June the Ashford Open Week is one of the highlights of golf in Kent. There are seven wonderful events to play each offering a great day out and fabulous value for money.

The week commences with two Pairs events. The first is an American Foursomes whilst the second is a 4-Ball Stableford.

These are followed by a Ladies Team Open and also a Seniors Individual Stableford. A Mixed Greensomes and Texas Scramble also take place during the week whilst everything is concluded with The Open Medal, an individual strokeplay competition.

A full schedule of events can be seen below. Click an event for full details and a priority entry-form:

04/06/2011 > American Foursomes Open - £25 per pair

05/06/2011 > 4-Ball Stableford Open - £30 per pair

06/06/2011 > Ladies Team Open - £60 per team

07/06/2011 > Seniors Individual Open - £15 per person

08/06/2011 > Mixed Pairs Open - £25 per couple

09/06/2011 > Team Open - £60 per team

10/06/2011 > Individual Medal Open - £15 per person

The Prize Presentation Night for the above events will be held on Friday 10th June at approx 7pm in the clubhouse with all competitors welcome.

To enter and of the events golfers must have an active handicap and be a member of an affiliated golf club.

2011 Ladies Open

The annual Ladies Team Open will take place on Wednesday 29th June 2011.

The cost of entry is £87 per team of three, which includes coffee & Danish on arrval and a two-course buffet lunch with coffee after your round.

It is a Stableford event with the best two scores to count. Early booking is highly advised. Download an entry-form.

Mixed Greensomes Open

The Open Mixed Greensomes competition at Ashford is fast approaching. To be played on Saturday 28th May this 18 hole Stableford is always a popular event.

Open to couples with maximum handicaps of 18 (men) and 30 (ladies) the entry-fee of just £50 per pair represents great value as it also includes a carvery meal and a wealth of prizes. Download an entry-form.

More about Ashford

Ashford Golf Club is located on the west side of Ashford, set in the countryside close to the M20 motorway and the Channel Tunnel.

It is a challenging 18-hole parkland course that demands accurate shots to tree lined fairways and difficult to hit greens. From the sloping fairway of the opening hole, with its pond to catch any balls off line, through to the difficult par 3 finishing hole, Ashford presents a true test of enjoyable golf.

After your round you can relax in their newly refurbished clubhouse where you can enjoy a drink and a meal overlooking the course.

For those wanting to spend longer in the area, perhaps for the Open Week, there are excellent road links and numerous hotels and guest houses in the town and surrounding area offering a range of accommodation.

Ashford is also well located to visit the beautiful Kent countryside or the coastal resorts and the historic city of Canterbury, with its renowned cathedral, is only half an hours drive away.

Gareth’s golden eagles

GARETH Jones is unlikely to forget his victory in the Mansell Finishes Winter Series final in a hurry.

The Sandiway assistant professional staged an astonishing display of scoring at St Annes Old Links which saw him race to eight-under-par after the first seven holes. And that included three eagles in a row from the fourth!

“It must be a record,” said the 27-year-old Welsh player. “I have never heard of anyone doing that before, either in the region of anywhere else.”

Jones started his round at the 18th, which he birdied, then picked up another shot at the third before his eagle blitz.

“I chipped in for the first one then holed short putts for the other two,” he added.

His one bogey at the seventh was understandably attributed to a brief lapse in concentration as he posted a seven-under-par 65 to win by one from fellow Welshman Andrew Barnett, Swinton Park’s David Smith and Will Barnes from Garstang.

Jones, who studied in Arizona and joined the paid ranks six years ago with a plus two handicap, also won a Mansell event at Hillside in 2008.

But last season was his most memorable, finishing runner-up to Simon Edwards after a play-off in the Welsh Professional Championship at Harlech then went on to represent his country in the European Team Championship in Portugal.

“I’d like to play more but I have to mix it with teaching and working in the shop of Sandiway,” he said.

Houghwood assistant Barry Taylor clinched the Order of Merit thanks to two wins in the six-strong series.

Yorkshire’s Adrian Ambler was runner-up with Haigh Hall teaching professional Craig Corrigan third.

DETAILS: 65 Gareth Jones (Sandiway); 66 David Smith (Swinton Park), Will Barnes (Garstang), Andrew Barnett (North Wales DR); 67 Darren Hopwood (Penwortham), Graham Cox (Davenport).

Southwood Seniors Open

The MACK GOLF Seniors Open will be played at Southwood Golf Club near Farnborough on Tuesday 16th August 2011 and tee-times are expected to be snapped up quickly.

The format is an Individual Stableford for golfers aged over 60 years.

The event has an entry-fee of £28.50 per person, which includes a bacon roll on arrival and a meal after your round!

The handicap limit is 24 with prizes awarded to both home and away players. There is also an over 70's prize.

Interested players are urged to send their entry-form off as soon as possible to secure a place. Download a priority entry-form.

Southwood Golf Club is a picturesque and tightly tree-lined course providing an enjoyable and challenging test ideal for all standards of golfer.

Its immaculate greens are widely regarded as being amongst the best in Hampshire and well worth a visit.

Rawlings is new Hampshire PGA Captain

Eddy Rawlings is the 2011 Hampshire PGA Captain.

41 year old Rawlings, the Club Professional at Southwick Park Golf Club, 'drove-in' to Office at South Winchester Golf Club with the promise of a busy year of Pro-AM golf in Hampshire.

Rawlings, a former Challenge Tour player, is looking forward to visiting Golf Clubs all over the County in his role as Hampshire PGA Captain.

'I'm keen to raise the profile of the Hampshire PGA and find some new Sponsors for Hampshire PGA events' said Rawlings.

Rawlings has already been instrumental in finding a new Hampshire PGA Order of Merit sponsor. Lawrence Clarke Limited will sponsor the award for the next two years. In return Lawrence Clarke Limited will be promoted at every Hampshire PGA Tournament in 2011 and 2012.

'Lawrence Clarke will be advertised at around seventy Hampshire PGA tournaments during the course of the next two years. It will prove excellent exposure for Lawrence Clarke with a potential audience of over 70,000 people,' said Rawlings.

If any Company is interested in sponsoring the Hampshire PGA please contact Eddy Rawlings at Southwick Park or David Wheeler at the Hampshire PGA Office (01962-860928).

Photo attached...Eddy Rawlings drives-in at South Winchester Golf Club, the home of the Hampshire PGA.

Wakefield Golf Club 2011 Opens

Wakefield Golf Club have now released details about their 2011 open golf competitions.

Fondly referred to as Woodthorpe, this club boasts a true hidden gem of a golf course located in the heart of West Yorkshire near Sandal. There are six competitions to enter but as you may expect tee-times will be taken up rapidly.

If you haven't already enjoyed the course at Wakefield Golf Club it is undoubtedly one of those courses that should definitely be added to your 'to play' list. And what better way than in one of their 2011 open events.

The first event of the season is the Gents Pairs Open, a 4BBB Stableford, which has an entrance fee of just £30 per pair! The maximum handicap limit is 24 although a 3/4 allowance will be applicable on the day. It will be played on Sunday 19th June and tee times are available from 8am until 4pm.

The annual Ladies Team Open will take place on Tuesday 5th July. This Am-Am Stableford is always a popular competition therefore early entry is advised. Entry is £60 per team of four (max handicap 36) with prizes awarded to 5th place.

Mixed couples will be pleased to hear that there are still some spaces available in the Mixed Team Open on Bank Holiday Monday 29th August. These aren't expected to remain too long so once again golfers are advised to send their entry off asap. The cost is £70 per team (2 men & 2 ladies).

One of two new events on the Yorkshire Order of Merit in 2011 is the Wakefield Woodthorpe Cup, a 36-hole individual strokeplay competition for golfers with a handicap of 7 or less. Expected to attract leading players throughout the county this tournament will take place on Friday 5th August and has an entry-fee of £25.

Gentlemen golfers aged 55+ are usually quick off the mark to secure their place in the annual Senior Pairs Open at Woodthorpe. In 2011 it will take place on Thursday 7th July. The format is a 4BBB Stableford and entry is £36 per pair. This includes coffee on arrival, halfway house refreshments and the 2's club.

The Rabbits Open Day, on Sunday 18th September, is another event where you can't afford to hang around if you want to ensure a start-time. At £25 per pair this event is open to players with a handicap between 12 & 18. This 4BBB has a 3/4 handicap allowance.

A full schedule of tournaments to be played during 2011 can be seen below.

19/06/2011 > Gents Pairs Open - £30 per pair

05/07/2011 > Ladies Team Open - £60 per team

07/07/2011 > Senior Pairs Open - £36 per pair

05/08/2011 > Woodthorpe Cup - £25 per person

29/08/2011 > Mixed Team Open - £70 per team

18/09/2011 > Rabbits Pairs Open - £25 per pair

More about Wakefield

One of the region’s most prestigious courses, Wakefield Golf Club is set in undulating parkland with views over Wakefield and the surrounding countryside. Less than 5 minutes from the M1 motorway, it is a mature course, where golfers play 'tee to green' all year round.

Each hole is very individual offering challenges to golfers of all abilities. Whilst many fairways are tree lined you are unlikely to lose your ball if you stray into them as the grass is kept short. Greens have true putting surfaces playable all year round. The two loops of nine holes each start and return to the clubhouse.

The A-Tour

Hundreds of golfers from all over the UK have already registered to take part in a new amateur golf tour.

 

Not surprising really as players competing on the ATOUR will be playing for the biggest prize in amateur golf and venues include Royal Liverpool Golf Club, host of the Open Championship on 11 occasions.

Amateur Tournament Golf (ATOUR) has been created to provide an elite tour experience for golfers with a handicap too high to enter major scratch events.

Twenty 18-hole tournaments will be held at top courses throughout the year where golfers can accrue points in an order-of-merit. Leading players will then have the opportunity to play in the season-ending championship at the luxurious Mere Golf & Country Club.

ATOUR is open to category 1 and 2 golfers. If your handicap is 12.4 or lower you qualify.

Play for the biggest prize in amateur golf. ATOUR guarantee the following prizes at all events:

• Gross Winner: £500.00
• Gross Runner-up: £250.00
• Nett Winner: £250.00
• Nett Runner-up: £125.00

No Geographical Restrictions

The first tour will be in Cheshire during 2011 and golfers from all corners of the UK have already signed up.

There are no geographical restrictions when entering any of the tournaments. Over the next few seasons the ATOUR concept will be introduced to other areas of the UK.

Mixed Pairs Open at Skipton

There are still a few spaces available in the forthcoming Mixed Pairs Competition at Skipton Golf Club on Sunday 17th April 2011.

The format is Greensomes Stableford (half combined handicap allowance) and it is open to couples with maximum handicaps of 24 (men) and 35 (ladies).

Entry is excellent value for weekend golf at just £26 per couple but times are limited to 10.30am-11.30am, 12.20am & 12.30pm and after 2pm.

Places will be allocated in order of receipt. An entry-form can be found here.

Westermark prevails on the Costa del Sol

Daniel Westermark (El Paraiso) won the 21st Hampshire PGA Overseas Pro-Am last Friday (18/3) in a tense finish on Spain’s Costa del Sol.

Westermark, a former European and Challenge Tour player, emerged victorious by a single shot in the 72 hole pro-am event.

Second place was shared by Brokenhurst Manor’s Kevin Saunders and David Wilton (Muswell Hill) with Corhampton’s Ian Roper in fourth place.

It was the fifth time that Westermark had won the event in the last nine years but only the second time he had won the title outright having previously shared the honours with Rob Edwards (2005), David Porter (2006) and James Ablett (2007).

David Wilton’s team of Paul Graham, Steve Walsom and Mario Constantinou won the Pro-AM with a twenty-under-par score of 308 points, eleven ahead of Westermark’s team of Tony Miles, Frank McCarroll and Tony Daly.

In all eight teams won prizes. In addition Mike Steadman, Daniel Westermark, Gary Macdonald, Gary Corbin and Tony Daly all won ‘Nearest-the-Pin’ prizes. Pride of place in the Nearest the Pin stakes went to Kieren Baldwin (Elsenham), who holed his five iron tee shot to win the Pro prize at the fiendishly difficult 8th hole on the New Course at San Roque.

The El Higueral Bowmaker preceded the 72 hole Pro-Am. The Bowmaker was won by Shaun Hall (The County), who shot a seven-under-par score of 43 points. Dean Jones was the leading amateur.

The week long event was played at the San Roque Club, La Canada GC and El Higueral GC. Teams stayed in the PYR Hotel in Marbella and amateur prizes were supplied by Titleist and Footjoy.

Leading Professional scores:

Daniel Westermark (El Paraiso) 135 points

Kevin Saunders (Brokenhurst Manor) 134 points

David Wilton (Muswell Hill) 134 points

Ian Roper (Corhampton) 133 points

Shaun Hall (The County) 124 points

Leading Pro-AM Team scores:

David Wilton, Paul Graham, Steve Walsom & Mario Constantinou 308 points

Daniel Westermark, Frank McCarroll, Tony Miles & Tony Daly 297 points

Kevin Saunders, Martin Baily, Terry Sanders & Phil Thomas 294 points

Mark Smith, David Huxtable, Bob Leatherbarrow & Ken Saint 291 points

History of the Trilby Tour

The Trilby Tour is a multi event amateur golf tournament created by William Hunt in 2007. What makes this Winner Take All competition different from most amateur tours is that it puts the competitors under professional conditions. The tour is also broadcast as part of a summer series on Sky Sports, attracting 1.5 million viewers across the nation.

When the tour started in 2007 it was only a one day event held at Stoke Park. Once word of the event got out, it became very popular and grew into a 6 events in 2009. By 2010, the tour was hosted at 9 courses. This year the number of venues is the same, but the excitement, popularity and anticipation for the event has certainly increased. 

The spectacle of the event and the grand prize attracts talented golfers from all over the UK who are all playing to win. Each round ends with the top 4 players having a 3-hole shootout to decide the overall winner.

That is what makes it so exciting. No matter how well you play the first 18 holes, you never know how it will go in the playoff round.

Past and present competitors in the Trilby Tour include the likes of Steve Cowle, Charlie Lidyard and rising star Tom Reid. The tour has always been known as a place where amateurs come to test themselves under PGA Tour conditions. The prestige of this event most definitely attracts golfers who like to play under those pressures.  Do you think you could be one of them? If you have a current official CONGU handicap then you too could enter and be part of this exciting tournament. 

Entry into the tour normally costs £250 but with that, comes a host of William Hunt Accessories. Including, a William Hunt golf shirt, belt, trousers, boiler suit for your caddie and of course, two trilby hats. You’ll also receive a Trilby Tour Golf bag. All of these items are yours to keep and are worth at retail over £450! 

Unfortunately, most of the Regional Championships are full but there is still another way to enter – sign up for a qualifier event. Donnington Grove, Newbury is hosting Qualifiers on 26th and 28th April where you can compete for one of two reserved spaces in the Berkshire Championship, held on Thursday 12th May 2011. The winners of each qualifier will gain automatic entry into the Berkshire Championship which means you get to join the tour, receive all of the golfing apparel and you don’t even have to pay the £250 entry fee!

Qualifier days will follow the same format as the regional championships (3-ball, 18-hole individual Stableford) and include a breakfast of bacon rolls and coffee and a light lunch. The qualifier days will not only get everyone excited for the regional championship, but will also be brilliant golf days in their own right. For more information about the qualifiers, the Berkshire Championship or The William Hunt Trilby Tour visit http://www.donnington-grove.com/pages/enter-the-trilby-tour.html or email barry.wray@donnington-grove.com

Terry's dream debut

IT was first time lucky for rookie professional Andrew Terry when he shared top prize in the Fairhaven pro-am.

The 26-year-old trainee assistant at Rochdale club Marland had never previously played in a PGA event.

But he cut some of the region's big guns down to size with a five-under-par 69 matched by Lee Park's Chris Crowder.

"I surprised myself," said the former Lancashire County amateur after his six birdie haul. "I singled putted eight greens and a couple of them were from 40 feet."

Terry, who learned the game as a youngster at Hopwood Cottage, picked up his only bogey at the 16th.

And he was delighted finish a shot in front seasoned professionals Andrew Murray and David Shacklady.

"I've always admired them and followed their careers," he added.

DETAILS: 69 Chris Crowder (Lee Park), Andrew Terry (Marland); 70 David Shacklady (Mossock Hall); 72 Simon Edwards (Windermere), Craig Corrigan (Haigh Hall), Andrew Murray (Portal), Anthony Sproston (A&E Golf Academy); 73 Grant Hamerton (Brookdale).

24 Hour Golfathon!

Mark Colley

Dewsbury District Golf Club members Mark Colley and Jason Evans, both six-handicappers, are organising a mammoth 24-hour Golfathon fundraiser on the 15th & 16th of June 2011. 

The golfing extravaganza is all in aid of Cancer Research UK, who are backing the charity event, with the main aim to raise plenty of money for the world's leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research. Make a donation online.

Mark, along with seven other golfers, are planning to play nonstop for 24 hours in two-balls and hope to complete an amazing six rounds, walking somewhere in the region of 40 miles!

Formed in 1891 Dewsbury District Golf Club is built on land known locally as the 'Pinnacle' and will be the host venue for the Golfathon. 

Jason Evans

Originally designed by Old Tom Morris, custodian of the Old course at St Andrews and Open Champion in 1861, 62, 64 & 67. 

It is set on the hillside above Mirfield in West Yorkshire and offers magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The 18 hole course offers a true and fair test of your golfing ability, testing your length, accuracy, touch as well as your stamina over the part parkland and part moorland course. 

It will certainly provide a stern test for 24 hours of non-stop golf!

Fluorescent balls and flag-sticks, provided by Direct Golf UK will be used during hours of darkness. The golf retailer has also pledged £100 with sponsors quick off the mark to get involved. Founded in 1991 Direct Golf UK has enjoyed massive growth in its 20 successful years of trading. Starting with one small shop in Huddersfield it now employs over 190 people and has 17 stores nationwide.

The biggest sponsor so far is IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) with the Chief Executive, Peter Walton, pledging a two-day mini break to the Belfry. He has also offered to supply polo shirts with the names of sponsors printed on the.

Established in 1997, IAGTO's membership comprises 1,569 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, receptive operators, airlines, tourist boards, approved media and business partners in 84 countries including, at its core, 377 specialist golf tour operators in 52 countries. 

It is estimated that IAGTO’s operators control over 80% of golf holiday packages sold worldwide outside of Asia and turnover more than €1 billion per year.

At time of writing there is still opportunity for three more golfers to take part. Those interested should contact Mark by email at sidanymac@googlemail.com

Cancer Research UK have saved millions of lives by discovering new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and those wishing to make a donation to this fantastic event can do so by clicking here.

Elementary from Watson at Oulton

The Gtour continues to be a success as the second event of the season was another sell out after De Vere Oulton Hall played host on Friday 11th March.

The sun shone on what was the first mid-week event ever on Tour which saw a packed field of 56 arrive knowing that a good day will earn them the ever important order of merit points which goes towards the Race to Cyprus.

Steve Watson continued his early season form to claim victory with 36 points.

Watson, who had a top-five finish at De Vere Staverton Park in the first event of the season, birdied the last hole to claim victory at Oulton:

“It was tough out there at times with the wind changing direction, but I was very pleased with the way I scored especially on the front nine.

“I needed that birdie on the last, I missed out on a prize at Staverton on a count back and I was playing with Lee (Parham) who finished second and I knew he was having a good back nine so the birdie won it for me in the end.”

New to the tour this season, Watson has been impressed with what he has seen so far:

“It’s brilliant; I’ve nothing but praise from what I’ve seen so far. I’ve been made to feel very welcome. A friend of mine recommended it to me and I’m glad he did now.”

Lee Parnham finished top of the birdie tier and second overall with 35 points to finish a point behind Watson.

Third place went to Paul Whiting with 34 points followed by last events winner Kevin King who maintained his position at the top of the order of Merit with another good showing.

Players don’t have long to wait before trying to earn more valuable points in their race to Cyprus. Saturday 19th March see’s the Tour head to Cheshire and the Stunning De Vere Wychwood Park. The 7213 yard championship course always brings the best out of the players and to win there is not an easy task.

Results:

1. Steve Watson 36 points, 2. Lee Parnham 35pnts, 3. Paul Whiting 34pnts, 4. Kevin King 32pnts, 5. Ian Halliwell 31pnts, 6. Phil Eadsforth 31pnts, 7. John Kelford 31pnts, 8. Matthew Surgey 31pnts, 9. Chris Nuttall 31pnts, 10. Raymond Share 30pnts.

For more information on the Gtour visit www.gtour.co.uk

Mathews will take captaincy in his stride

JEFF Mathews has never been afraid to roll up his sleeves and get on with the job.

And the Geordie exile, who built his own driving range and a nine-hole par three course on the outskirts of Blackburn, has vowed to tackle his role as PGA North Region captain with the same infectious enthusiasm.

“It’s a great honour,” he said. “One of my duties will be to attend as many events as possible but that won’t be a problem because I’ll be playing in most of them!”

It’s a fitting way for Mathews to mark his 50th birthday in July and he plans to make it a double celebration by earning a place on the European Senior Tour.

“I missed out last autumn but I hope to do better next time. I played on the main circuit for a season in 1982 and again in 1992 so it would be great to meet up with some of my old buddies again.”

The former Wallsend junior and an assistant at the club when he joined the paid ranks in 1979, later moved to the Gosforth Park complex before his appointment as professional at Bedlingtonshire, home of the long defunct Wansbeck Classic.

But in 1989 he left the North East to work at a Blackburn driving range then in 2001 built his own on land he acquired at Samlesbury where an engineering works once stood.

He later discovered that Bluebird, in which Donald Campbell was killed on Coniston trying to beat his world water speed record in 1967, was built there.

“I always intended erecting a plaque to mark the connection and I regret not getting round to it,” said Mathews who sold the business last year.

Today he’s Lancashire PGA secretary and teaches at Blackburn club Mytton Fold and Oak Royal, near Chorley, where his son George is junior captain.

Meanwhile, eldest son Chris divides his time between living in Whitley Bay and working for his dad as an assistant.

Barnsley Golf Club Pairs Opens

Barnsley Golf Club in South Yorkshire are holding three 4-Ball Betterball Stableford competitions during 2011.

Open to men and women these events offer excellent value for money at just £26 per pair!

There is no age restriction either but any junior golfers must partner an adult. Maximum handicap limits are 24 (men) and 32 (ladies).

Prizes will be awarded to at least 6th place in the men's competitions whilst prizes in the ladies section will be determined based upon the number of entries. The are also prizes to be won on EVERY hole plus a longest drive competition (gents & ladies).

Tee times are available from 7am with food available all day. To enter simply download an entry-form below:

15/06/2011 > Pairs Open - £26 per pair

24/07/2011 > Pairs Open - £26 per pair

04/09/2011 > Pairs Open - £26 per pair

Barnsley Golf Club was founded in 1925 and is a challenging 18 hole course measuring 6,048 yards with a par of 69.

The South Yorkshire venue boasts an interesting and challenging course where wayward shots are punished and good ones rewarded.

It has many great holes but it is the collection of par 3's that provide the greatest test, arguably amongst the best in the county.

Golfing Days Overseas Am-Am

Back by popular demand, after an extremely successful first Overseas Am Am in Antequera, Spain, Golfing Days are please to announce they are heading back to this wonderful resort for 2011.

This event is a two man team tournament (betterball stableford) and will be held at the 4 star Antequera Golf Resort, Andalucía. 

This resort nestles in the hills above Malaga and is only 45 minutes from the airport.

Hotel Antequera Golf has been furnished to a high modern standard, it has 180 double or twin rooms, 10 suites, indoor pool, spa, steam room and sauna. There are also two restaurants and excellently stocked bar.

The Golf Course is beautifully laid out, with over 10 lakes on the course. The course measures approximately 6600 yards and is in beautiful condition all year long.

Date – 3rd - 6th November 2011

Price Options :-

Option 1: stayin at The Hotel Antequera Golf - £225 *

Option 2: staying at The Hotel La Magdelana - £280*

The itinerary for the event is:

3rd November:

Arrival Malaga and transfer to resort

Afternoon – Practice Round Antequera Golf Club 

Welcome cocktail party to announce tournament rules and teetimes.

Evening free.

4th November:

Tournament Round 1 - Antequera Golf Club

Free evening, optional event below*.

5th November:

Tournament Round 2 – Antequera Golf Club

Gala presentation BBQ and prize giving.

6th November:

Depart for the UK

*Optional event on night 2: Dining out in Antequera at “La Espuela Restaurant” under the bull ring. 40 Euros pp includes 5 dishes and wine. This is an experience not to be missed.

Golfing Days can arrange golf and hotel for competitors that wish to arrive prior or depart after the Am-Am event, price on application.

Full details.

Hampshire PGA Update

El Paraiso´s Daniel Westermark has a three point lead at the halfway stage of the Hampshire PGA´s 21st Overseas Pro-Am.

Ian Roper (Corhampton) and Kevin Saunders (Brokenhurst Manor) lie in joint second place.

David Wilton´s team lead the Pro-Am.

The third round takes place today (Thursday) at La Canada GC. The Final round is on Friday at San Roque.

21st Hampshire PGA Overseas Pro-Am

David Wilton (Muswell Hill) and Mike Steadman (Swingrite Golf) lead the way after the first round of the 21st Hampshire PGA Overseas Pro-Am on Spain´s Costa del Sol.

Both Pros shot two-over-par rounds on a blustery day at La Canada Golf Club, near San Roque.

Wilton´s team lead the 72 hole pro-am with an impressive 84 points.

The second round takes place on Wednesday at San Roque Golf Club.

The El Higueral Bowmaker Tournament on Sunday was won by Shaun Hall (The County), who shot an amazing seven-under-par 65 at El Higueral GC near Marbella. Dean Jones was the leading amateur.

Simple for Simon

SIMON Edwards tore the Fairhaven course apart with a stunning eight-under-par 65 in a PGA North Region pro-am.

The Windermere professional made his intention clear from the start with an eagle at the third, where he began his round, followed by six birdies.

He finished four shots clear of the field with five players sharing second place.

DETAILS: 65 Simon Edwards (Windermere); 69 Freddy Valenti (Pryors Hayes), Matthew Tottey (North Wales), Lee Harpin (Rhos-on-sea), Stuart Runcie (Abergele), David Brunton (Ringway).

One Golf Card Launched

The founders of SingleFigureGolfer have launched the One Golf Card offering benefits to all club golfers.


The One Golf Card offers members the chance to play in up to 5 orders of merit – men, ladies, seniors, juniors and the existing SingleFigureGolfer categories.

Playing in existing club open competitions, players will earn points in their respective order of merit, with the chance to win holidays, equipment and green fees totalling over £20,000 in value. As well as all of the usual benefits such as discounts across the range of golfing equipment, accessories, travel and experiences, One Golf Card will support the existing county card scheme allowing members access to the largest national discounted green fees scheme. In addition to all of this members receive through our partners Caddysure.

The golfing industry has thrown its support behind this initiative with Srixon, Bushnell, Motocaddy, Glenmuir, GEL and Loudmouth already providing prizes. Chief Executive Paul Heming commented “I’m thrilled at the way clubs, players and sponsors have backed the One Golf Card scheme, I believe there is nothing like this in the marketplace today”


Over 300 clubs are already working with One Golf Card and whether it’s increasing entries to open club competitions or increasing benefits for club golfers, the initiative puts money into the game at grassroots level. This has always been at the core of the business since the start of SFG and has driven this expansion into the remaining areas of golf at club level in this country. After listening and learning from golfers across the country one theme was constant; make the golfing experience convenient and complete regardless of who, where or how good. This new scheme does just that: all of the benefits just one card.

2011 Open Competitions at Huddersfield Golf Club

The start-sheets for open competitions to be played at Huddersfield Golf Club are filling up quickly and we would hate for you to miss out on the opportunity of playing at this fabulous championship course in West Yorkshire.

Huddersfield Golf Club is one of the oldest and finest golf courses in the North of England. It is the home of the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs with a warm welcome and a fair test of golf assured.

A regular venue for County competitions Huddersfield Golf Club has an enviable reputation for the quality of its golf course and its hospitality. It recently acted as a qualifying venue for the prestigious Brabazon Trophy and has hosted several other top amateur and professional championships.

A full schedule of tournaments to be played during 2011 can be found below. Each offers excellent value with entries accepted in strict order of receipt.

01/04/2011 > Winter Series Team Open - £75 per team

08/06/2011 > Gents Team Open - £100 per team

17/06/2011 > Fixby Challenge - £40 per person

22/06/2011 > Gents Pairs Open - £50 per pair

21/07/2011 > Ladies Team Open - £80 per team

24/07/2011 > Mixed Pairs Open - £40 per couple

25/07/2011 > Senior Pairs Open - £50 per pair

25/08/2011 > Senior Pairs Open - £50 per pair

Fixby Seniors Opens

The two Seniors Opens at Huddersfield Golf Club have proved to be so popular that additional tee-times have now been added at the beginning and end of the field.

For those that didn't originally get into these competitions you will find priority entry-forms below.... but don't delay as entry is only £50 per pair!

Event #1: Monday 25th July

Event #2: Thursday 25th August

Gents Pairs Open

One of the highlights of the year at Fixby is the Gents Pairs Open. In 2011 it will take place on Wednesday 22nd June.

You will be greeted with coffee & biscuits on arrival with complimentary range balls available prior to your round. The format is a Betterball Stableford and entry is just £50 per pair.

Mixed Open

The Mixed Pairs Open is always a well attended and enjoyable day of golf for mixed golfing couples.

With entry just £40 per pair this Greensome Stableford will take place on Sunday 24th July with early booking advised.

The Fixby Challenge

The Fixby Challenge is an 18 hole individual medal that will take place on Friday 17th June.

The winners on the day will qualify for the grand final of the Northern Matchplay Golf Championship at Alwoodley Golf Club. Entry is £40 per person or £99 if you enter as a group of three.

More about Fixby

The par 3 11th hole at Fixby

Fixby, as the club is often referred to, is situated within one mile of junction 24 of the M62, equidistant from Leeds and Manchester.

Laid out in two loops of nine holes, both starting within 80 yards of the clubhouse, the course offers a wonderful variety of golf played on springy moorland turf.

The greens, recently upgraded to USGA standards offer the best chance of play throughout the year. There are some wonderful panoramic views and on a clear day it is possible to see more than 40 miles from the marker post on the 18th fairway.

Flamborough Head Rabbits Open

The Rabbits Pairs Open at Flamborough Head Golf Club is always one of the best attended in the county.

Early booking is essential for this popular competition.

It is a 4BBB Stableford, for golfers with a handicap between 16 and 28, and takes place on Friday 19th August with an entrance price of only £25 per pair.

Burnham on Crouch Seniors Open

The Senior Pairs Open to be played at Burnham on Crouch Golf Club, for golfers aged 55+, will take place on Tuesday 21st June 2011 with early booking recommended.

The format is a Pairs Betterball Stableford with an entry-fee of £58 per pair. The handicap limit is 28 with a 3/4 allowance in place on the day.

The entrance fee includes tea or coffee on arrival and a buffet lunch after your round. There are excellent prizes on offer with several spot prizes up for grabs.

Special Hole-in-One Prize

What's more there is a special hole-in-one prize of a brand new car for anybody achieving an ace on the 11th hole! A hole-in-one on any of the other par 3's will see you win a holiday or some golf clubs!

As you may expect places will be snapped up quickly so download an entry-form now.

About the course

Burnham on Crouch is certainly the hidden jewel of Essex golf.

Nestling in the Crouch valley it is a friendly and relaxed Members Club where Visitors are always assured of a warm welcome.

Founded in 1923 the 18 hole, par 70 course is set amidst 120 acres of open countryside with panoramic river views from all parts of the course. Although a parkland course, its proximity to the river gives some holes a "links feel" and offers a challenge to players of all abilities.

Greens are in top condition for most of the year, especially during open events, and the drainage system, installed a few years ago, allows for all year round play.

Enter an open event at Selby Golf Club

Those of you familiar with Selby Golf Club will know what an excellent golf course it is has. Those who have not yet played at this superb venue should add it to their list asap. One of their 10 open events during 2011 would be an ideal time to plan a visit!

Tournaments run from April through to September with all types of competitions available. We've highlighted some of them at the bottom of this article whilst the full schedule can be seen directly below. Click here for entry-forms.

17/04/2011 > Auchterlonie Spoon - £25 per person

29/04/2011 > Pro-Am - £210 per team

12/06/2011 > Rabbits Pairs Open - £26 per pair

24/06/2011 > Seniors Individual Open - £15 per person

16/07/2011 > Gents Individual Open - £17 per person

28/07/2011 > Senior Mixed Pairs Open - £25 per couple

01/08/2011 > Junio r Open - £10 per person

07/08/2011 > Mixed Pairs Open - £25 per couple

02/09/2011 > Charity Team Open - £120 per team

06/09/2011 > Ladies Team Open - £60 per team

Selby is one of Yorkshire's oldest and finest golf clubs. It is a true hidden gem set on raised land among the farmland of North Yorkshire.

The course is an 18 hole par 71 'links-style' built on sandy soil, which gives the benefit of good drainage. The sandy soil means that the course is in good condition during both summer and winter months.

The design of the course is such that the 9th, 14th and 18th greens all bring players back to the club house. Additionally there are two putting greens and a practice range available.

The Club recently celebrated its centenary year having been established in 1907. It has a long tradition of welcoming guests to enjoy the course and other facilities, especially for its open events.

Located close to the village of Brayton to the South West of Selby it is easily accessed from all corners of Yorkshire via the M1 or M62 road networks.

Our recomendations....

Auchterlonie Spoon

Perhaps the flagship event of the season at Selby is the Auchterlonie Spoon. Played on Sunday 17th April it is the season opener and always attracts a strong field.

Played over 36 holes this tournament features on the Yorkshire Order of Merit and costs £25. The maximum handicap to enter is 5 and places are balloted by handicap if over-subscribed.

Those that don't quite make the grade will be pleased to hear that the Selby Amateur Championship, an 18 hole Individual Stableford, will take place on the 16th July and has an upper handicap limit of 15.

Calling all juniors

The Selby Junior Open is a must play event for any golfer under the age of 18. Open to boys and girls this tournament on Monday 1st August provides youngsters the chance to experience Selby for just £10 with a host of prizes up for grabs.

Rabbits open

The Rabbits Pairs Open at Selby is another popular event. Open to golfers with a handicap between 12 and 28 this 4BBB Stableford always fills up quickly at just £26 per pair. In 2011 it will be held on Sunday 12th June.

Pro-am

The annual Selby Pro-Am gives amateur golfers the chance to play with a PGA Professional. Taking place on Friday 29th April this is an action packed day and excellent value at £210 per team.

One for the ladies

Female golfers can take part in the Ladies Am-Am Medal that is scheduled for Tuesday 6th September. Early booking is advised for this event which has an entry-fee of just £60 per team.

Bramshaw Mixed Open

Details about the Mixed Pairs Open to be played at the lovely Bramshaw Golf Club in Lyndhurst have now been released.

This event will take place on Sunday 11th September 2011 but early booking is highly recommended. The format is a Pairs Betterball Stableford with an entry-fee of £65 per couple. Handicap limits are 24 for men and 34 for ladies.

The event will be played over the Manor course with a 3/4 handicap allowance applied. Prizes will be awarded to 6th place with tee-times from 9am until 2pm.

Entry includes complimentary coffee on arrival and a 2-course buffet lunch. As you may expect places will be snapped up quickly so download an entry-form now.

Bramshaw is well worth a visit. It is the oldest club in Hampshire and home to two excellent and contrasting 18-hole courses.

The mature parkland Manor Course plays 6,537 yards (Par 71) and is situated at Brook in the heart of the beautiful New Forest National Park.

Those who have visited the New Forest before will understand and appreciate the sheer pleasure of being among the unique heathland.

The club is ideally located just one minute from the M27, easily reached from London and the Home Counties (via the M3).