Seniors Open at Canwick Park

Canwick Park Golf Club are now accepting entries for their 2011 Seniors Open.

This Betterball Stableford competition will be played on Monday 4th July and represents fabulous value at just £24 per pair!

The event is open to male golfers aged 55+ with a maximum handicap of 24. Early entries are strongly advised. An entry-form can be found here.

About...

Situated just a pitching wedge outside of the beautiful, historic city of Lincoln, Canwick Park is one of the County's hidden golfing gems.

The Club offers a warm welcome to visiting players at this wonderful parkland course.

Young back in the fray

MARK Young finally got his season under way when he won the Penwortham Rose Bowl.

The Longridge plus three player, who is defending the Cleveland Srixon Northern Order of Merit he has claimed three times in four years, admitted he had been puzzled by a lack of form.

“I can’t put my finger on it,” he said but he dug deep for rounds of 71 and 68, one-over-par all told, for a one shot victory over Chorley’s Nick Jackson.

Young gave a hint that his game was improving the previous day when he won his foursomes and singles to help Lancashire beat Northumberland at Ormskirk to take pole position in the Northern Counties League.

He was the only player to beat par at wet and windy Penwortham, his second round revealing four birdies on the last six holes as move into a share of fifth place in the merit table – 385 points behind county team-mate John Carroll from Huyton & Prescot .

SCORES (Par=69): 139 Mark Young (Longridge) 71 68; 140 Nick Jackson (Chorley) 69 71; 143 Jack Brooks (Pleasington) 71 72; 144 Phil Stanley (Penwortham) 71 73; 145 Tony Harwood (Blackburn) 75 70, Robert Fawcett (Dukinfield) 70 75; 146 Gareth Bradley (Bramhall) 73 73; 146 Ryan Corbett (West Lancs) 73 73; 147 Steve McGlynn (Blackburn) 76 71; 148 Ken Hudson (Hart Common) 77 71, David Ianson (Penwortham) 75 73; 149 James Newton (Prestbury) 76 73.

STANDINGS: 535pts John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot); 310 Kris Taylor (Formby); 225 Jack Brooks (Pleasington); 210 Sean Towndrow (Southport & Ainsdale); 150 Paul Kinnear (Formby), Mark Young (Longridge); 125 Mark Rabone (Southport & Ainsdale), James Bolton (Formby); 120 Paul Howard (Southport & Ainsdale); 115 Richie Blundell (Hillside); 105 Will Shucksmith (Alwoodley), James Bolton (Formby); 100 Jack Sant (Ladbrook Park), Nick Jackson (Chorley).

Jones the boy - again

MIKE Jones kept his cool to retain the Skycaddie PGA North Region Assistants’ Championship at wind-swept Ilkley with a three-under-par 66.

“It was tough in those conditions but I refused to get flustered and made sure my yardages were correct,” said the 27-year-old.

And victory came just at the right time for the Carden Park assistant who has stepped up his playing schedule after qualifying for the Euroro Tour.

“I’m competing at Burhill next week so this result will boost my confidence,” he added. “I need to move up the rankings to get into more events.”

Out in level par, Jones harvested three birdies on the home stretch as he prevailed by two shots from Ashton-on-Mersey’s Rory Walsh who was four-over par after three holes.

DETAILS: 66 - Mike Jones (Carden Park); 68 - Rory Walsh (Ashton-on-Mersey); 69 – Jamie Guy (Caldy), Oliver Cross (Brough), Joe Feather (Leeds Golf Centre).

Seniors Open at Aldwark Manor

Aldwark Manor Golf Club are now accepting entries for their 2011 Seniors Open.

This 4-Ball Betterball Stableford competition will be played on Thursday 30th June and represents fabulous value at just £25 per pair!

The event is open to male golfers aged 50+ with a maximum handicap of 24 (higher handicaps may enter but must play off 24).

A 3/4 handicap allowance will be applied on the day.

About...

The beautiful River Ure meanders through this easy-to-walk course in the breathtaking Vale of York and makes for some interesting shots.

At Aldwark Manor you don't have to hit too far, but you do have to be pretty accurate to get round the 72 par course, and you'll find lots of risky shots along the way to add to the challenge.

Ladies Open at Whitby Golf Club

 We have just listed the Ladies Team Open at Whitby Golf Club on Friday 24th June 2011 and there are already only limited places remaining.

The format is an Am-Am Stableford for female golfers with a handicap of 36 or less.

The cost of entry is great value at just £42 per team of four.

Full details about the event and information on how to secure a place can be found on the entry-form.

About Whitby Golf Club

Whitby Golf Club is situated on the western side of the town on the road to the coastal village of Sandsend and has a commanding position cliffs-edge.

It is the ideal type of holiday course, not too long or difficult for the moderate player provided a reasonable degree of accuracy is achieved.

Some of the hazards are quite unusual. The most striking is the wild cleft in the Cliffs known as 'Upgang Ravine'.

Charity Pairs Open at Sandbach

On Sunday 3rd July a Charity Pairs Open will be taking place at Sandbach Golf Club.

This Betterball Stableford competition is open to men and women golfers (in any combination) and has an entry-fee of just £25 per pair!

Maximum handicap limits are 24 for men and 36 for ladies.

The day is being held to raise money for the 2011-12 Captains Charity, which is The Child & Adolescent Unit 'Back on Track to Health'.

The club are hoping to purchase an electrically operated babies cot at a cost of £3,000, so any support by attendance will be very gratefully received.

About...

Golf in Cheshire is epitomised by Sandbach Golf Club, which was founded in 1895 and is a challenging 9-hole parkland golf course (with 16 tees).

The Club has a real ale bar and first class restaurant facilities.

The course is noted for its natural surroundings including water hazards and the superb tree lined fairways defining each hole.

The course measures 5,605 yards, par 68 for men and 5,016 yards, par 70 for ladies and is a fair and enjoyable test for any level of golfer.

Experienced first class caterers and the club's administration team ensure a warm welcome to Sandbach and that your day is always one to remember.

Parry’s Wentworth battle

STEVE Parry is the proverbial Mr Fixit when it comes to ironing out swing faults. The trouble is he can’t help himself!

“My game has been nothing short of horrendous over the last few months,” admitted the 32-year-old Bolton-born professional.

And in the weeks leading up to his debut in the BMW PGA Championship which starts at Wentworth on Thursday, he has been desperately trying to solve his problems.

And one of them is that he simply can’t practise what he preaches at his busy North West Golf Academy at Westhoughton club Hart Common.

“It’s difficult trying to spot your own mistakes,” he said. “I’ve been consulting my coach Mark Pearson at Oulton Hall and I’m hoping everything will be sorted in time.”

Parry had no such worries last season when he won two of the PGA North Region eight ranking events and was beaten in two play-offs on his way to capturing the Mike Slater Memorial Order of Merit by more than 300 points to earn his place at in the PGA’s flagship tournament.

He started 2010 by clinching the Mansell Finishes Winter Series and stayed on a roll throughout the year, etching his name on the Leeds Cup, playing his cards right to win the Pokerstars Manx Classic and experienced “sudden death” defeats in the Phoenix Gas Classic and James Brearley Lancashire Open.

Centenary Cup at Rochford Hundred

The Centenary Cup will be held at Rochford Hundred Golf Club on Wednesday 8th June.

The 36 Hole Individual Strokeplay competition is open to male golfers who will compete for scratch & handicap prizes.

The tournament has an entry-fee of £50 which includes coffee & bacon rolls on arrival, lunch between rounds and a 3-course dinner afterwards.

The Centenary Cup also features on the national Single Figure Golfer Tour where golfers, with a handicap of less than ten, are competing for the chance to play in a 10-man team captained by Peter McEvoy against former Ryder, Walker and Solheim Cup players at Trevose Golf & Country Club.

The winner of the Centenary Cup receives free entry to the 3-day SFG Q-School in October (worth £199) where the leading eight players will make the SFG team! See below for more details and what you will get if you make the team.

SFG Q-SCHOOL 2011 (worth £199)

Q-School - Sunday 16th to Tuesday 18th October.

The leading 8 players from Q-School make the SFG Final team.

3rd - 12th in 2011 SFG Order of Merit get free entry to Q-School.

Winners of any 'SFG Premium' event will secure a free place at Q-School (ie: The Centenary Cup).

SFG FINAL 2011 Finalists Prize (all members of TEAM SFG)

Wednesday 19th & Thursday 20th October 2011.

2 day event played between Team SFG and the ‘Pro- Challenge Team'.

Day one (19th) - foursomes and fourballs.

Day two (20th) - singles.

Each Team SFG member receives:

Practice round.

Two days competitive golf against the Pro-Challenge Team.

Two nights accommodation and food.

Gala dinner with the Pro Challenge Team.

SFG Team clothing.

Personal Tailored Cap by Newland Tailoring.

Your own personal Caddy and Caddy bib.

Srixon carry bag, glove and balls.

About the course...

Rochford Hundred Golf Club was founded in 1893, but moved to its current site in 1896.

In 1924 James Braid and J.H.Taylor, together with the renowned golf course architect Frederick Hawtree, were invited to redesign the course.

It was remodelled and extended to the 6,221 yards that is played today, and although some adjustments have been made since, the course continues to provide a fair challenge for golfers of all abilities.

Visitors are assured of a warm welcome from staff and members alike.

Guildford GolFest 2011

To celebrate their 125th anniversary six open events will form the week-long Guildford Golf Club GolFest. A variety of competitions offer truly exceptional value for money at this delightful golf course.

The GolFest week begins with two Pairs Opens. The first on Sunday the 24th July with the second held the following day. The Sunday event is a Greensomes Stableford open to men and women in any combination whilst the Monday competition is a 4-Ball Betterball Stableford. Both cost just £40 per pair.

An Individual Stableford will be played on the Tuesday. Open to gentlemen, ladies and juniors the cost of entry is just £20 per person.

Three team competitions conclude the week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The first one is a 4-person Texas Scramble , the second a 3-Ball Bowmaker Stableford and the final tournament is 4-person Team Stableford with the best two scores to count, except on the 18th where everybody must score! Entry-fees for the first two are £20 per person whilst the last one is £30 per person as this includes a 2-course meal after your round.

Tee times are available from 8.30am until 3pm for each competition except the final event which has either a morning or afternoon shotgun start.

Full details and entry-forms for each event can be downloaded below:

24/07/2011 > GolFest Pairs Open - £40 per pair

25/07/2011 > GolFest Pairs Open - £40 per pair

26/07/2011 > GolFest Singles Open - £20 per person

27/07/2011 > GolFest Team Open - £80 per team

28/07/2011 > GolFest Team Open - £60 per team

29/07/2011 > GolFest Team Open - £120 per team

About...

Set on the North Downs at Merrow, Guildford is a par 69 course and 6160 Yards in length of the competition tees with a Standard Scratch Index of 70.

The Club enjoys a wealth of history and tradition, as well as an excellent golf course.

It is situated on typical Surrey downland bordered by attractive woodlands. The rolling slopes provide an excellent example of the open commons on which the majority of inland courses were laid out when golf first became popular in England.

Although not a long course, the prevailing winds across the open downs provide a measure of protection from modern equipment and low scoring is rare.

There are many memorable golf holes to be negotiated that will challenge each player to master a vast array of shots before returning to enjoy the comforts of the Clubhouse.

Seniors Open at Chorlton-cum-Hardy

Chorlton-cum-Hardy Golf Club have now opened entries for their Men's Seniors Open to be held on Thursday 8th September 2011.

This popular Autumn event is a 4BBB Stableford for golfers aged 55+ and has tee times available in the morning and afternoon.

The cost of entry is just £26 per pair with early booking strongly recommended. Download an entry-form.

About...

Chorlton-cum-Hardy Golf Club is a challenging 18-hole parkland course, set in the grounds of historic Barlow Hall.

This splendid course winds its way down narrow fairways and around the banks of the river Mersey. Located in such tranquil surroundings, it is difficult to believe that you are just 4 miles from Manchester city centre and in close proximity to the M60 motorway network.

With four par 3's and two par 5's that stretch the course to just below 6,000 yards, this course is a great test for any golfer.

Carroll at the double

JOHN Carroll was crowned inaugural winner of the Lancashire Links Trophy, awarded for the best aggregate score in the Southport & Ainsdale Bowl and Formby Hare, as he stretched his lead in the Cleveland Srixon Northern Order of Merit to 225 points.

The painter and decorator from Huyton and Prescot prevailed on another wet and windy day at the seaside, compiling rounds of 78 and 73, seven-over-par all told, for a one shot victory at Formby over Jack Sant, who plays at Solihull club Ladbrook Park.

It was former Lancashire champion Carroll’s third triumph after five events in the Order of Merit following his success at the Crosby Challenge Plate at West Lancs and Henriques Trophy last week at Hesketh.

He also tied fourth at Southport and Ainsdale which laid the foundation for his Link Trophy victory, a birdie two on the 16th crucial in the final analysis at Formby.

For the first time, the two fixtures counted for World Amateur Rankings points.

SCORES (Par=72): 151 John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot) 78 73; 152 Jack Sant (Ladbrook Park) 77 75; 155 Will Shucksmith (Alwoodley) 80 75, Kris Taylor (Formby) 80 75; 156 James Bolton (Formby) 80 76, Michael Bedford (Prestbury) 77 79; 157 Richie Blundell (Hillside) 78 79; 158 Daniel Sefton (Lancaster) 83 75; 159 Anthony Stirling (Formby) 84 75, Paul Howard (Southport & Ainsdale) 77 82; 160 Russell Hayhoe (Ponteland) 81 79; 161 Henry Tomlinson (Royal Lytham) 84 77.

STANDINGS: 535pts John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot); 310 Kris Taylor (Formby); 210 Sean Towndrow (Southport & Ainsdale); 150 Jack Brooks (Pleasington), Paul Kinnear (Formby); 125 Mark Rabone (Southport & Ainsdale), James Bolton (Formby); 120 Paul Howard (Southport & Ainsdale); 115 Richie Blundell (Hillside); 105 Will Shucksmith (Alwoodley), James Bolton (Formby); 100 Jack Sant (Ladbrook Park).

Kinnear bowls them over

LANCASHIRE hot-shot Paul Kinnear, who chalked up five victories in his final six events last season, fired a warning shot at his rivals in the Cleveland Srixon Northern Order of Merit when he won the Southport & Ainsdale Bowl by three shots.

The 16-year-old Formby player, winner of the Mere Trophy and Birkdale Silver Goblet in 2010, struggled with the rest of the field in testing conditions in the morning, his opening 76 leaving him two shots adrift of county team-mate pacesetter John Carroll.

Kinnear dropped four strokes on the last three holes but atoned for his lapses with a second round 69 which featured a quartet of birdies and a solitary bogey to post a one-over-par total in the first Northern Order of Merit event to qualify for world amateur rankings.

The host club’s Sean Towndrow, who defends his Lancashire County Championship title at Manchester next month, was second while Huyton & Prescot’s Carroll extended his lead in the merit to 135 points over Formby’s Kris Taylor.

SCORES (Par=72): 145 Paul Kinnear (Formby) 76 69; 148 Sean Towndrow (S&A) 76 72; 150 James Bolton (Formby) 75 75, John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot) 74 76; 151 Mark Duncalf (Formby) 78 73, Michael Hearn (Bolton) 78 73; 152 Russell Hayhoe (Ponteland) 75 77, Will Shucksmith (Alwoodley) 80 72, Ciaran Doherty (Bury) 78 74, Michael Howard (Royal Birkdale) 76 76, Henry Tomlinson (Royal Lytham) 76 76, Michael Bedford (Prestbury) 75 77.

STANDINGS: 385pts John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot); 250 Kris Taylor (Formby); 210 Sean Towndrow (Southport & Ainsdale); 150 Jack Brooks (Pleasington), Paul Kinnear (Formby); 125 Mark Rabone (Southport & Ainsdale); 100 Paul Howard (Southport & Ainsdale); 75 Ritchie Blundell (Hillside), James Bolton (Formby); 65 Mark Duncalf (Formby); 60 Luke Mighall (Prenton).

Cocks Moors Woods Ladies Open

A Ladies Team Open will take place at Cocks Moors Woods Golf Club on Monday 4th July and there are still some times available.

The format is a 3-Ball Alliance and has an entry-fee of £42 per team. The maximum handicap limit is 35 with prizes awarded to 6th place.

Opened in 1926, Cocks Moors Wood is an undulating woodland course that can punish the wayward shot.

 

Finding the fairway is an absolute must as there are many meandering streams around the course.

A modern leisure centre is adjacent to the course offering excellent bar and catering services.

The waiting’s over for Shacklady

PRO-AM king David Shacklady finally won his first PGA North Region Order of Merit tournament after 20 years of trying.

“I know this one only counts for half points but it’s a big relief all the same,” said the Mossock Hall-attached professional following his four shot victory in the Kerr Investments Cumbria Classic.

He matched his opening 66 in at Penrith in the second and final round at Carlisle to post and eight-under par total.

“I scrambled on the first day when there was a howling gale but it eased off overnight and I had six birdies and only had one bogey,” he added.

Shacklady, 44, whose nearest rival was Davenport assistant Graham Cox who returned a 69 and 67, blamed his sluggish start to the season on his golf shoes.

“I bought them in Orlando a few weeks ago because the heels had implants which were supposed to improve the posture. I knew a couple of lads who swore by them but the only swearing I was doing was when I took them off.

“My feet were killing me so I removed the heel cushions for the first time this week and I played much better. I don’t think I’ll be using them again!”

Graeme Lisle made the most of home advantaged by signing off with a 68 which paired with his first round 69 left him a shot behind Cox in third place.

LEADING SCORES: 132 David Shacklady (Mossock Hall) 66 66; 136 Graham Cox (Davenport) 69 67; 137 Graeme Lisle (Carlisle) 69 68; 142 David Brunton (Ringway) 72 70, Laurie Turner (Ghyll Beck) 72 70; 143 Barry Taylor (Houghwood) 74 69; 143 David Smith (Swinton Park) 69 74; 144 David Clark (Morpeth) 72 72.

Shacklady takes it in his stride

DAVID Shacklady, who has won more than 150 assorted titles in 20 years as a professional but never a PGA North Region Order of Merit event, is on course to end that hoodoo after taking a three shot lead in the first round of the 36-hole Kerr Investments Cumbria Classic at Penrith.

And if he succeeds he will attribute it to his golf shoes!

“They came with cushion implants but I’ve not had a decent result since I started wearing them this season,” said the 42-year-old attached to Lancashire club Mossock Hall.

“I didn’t have much success at Cottingham last week so I took them out when I arrived at the Penrith car park and it appears to have done the trick,” he added after his three-under-par 66 compiled in a strong, gusting wind.

It blew away last year’s winner Neil Cheetham, from former Dore & Totley, who had a 74, along with Windermere’s Simon Edwards and Bolton-based Steve Parry, last year’s merit winner, who were two shots further back.

The action moves to Carlisle for the final round with host club professional Graeme Lisle among four players lying in second place.

This is the second of eight fixtures in the Order of Merit which carries half ranking points.

LEADERS: 66 David Shacklady (Mossock Hall); 69 Freddy Valenti (Pryors Hayes), David Smith (Swinton Park), Graham Cox (Davenport), Graeme Lisle (Carlisle).

Men's Open at Thornbury

Thornbury Golf Club are now accepting entries for their Men's Open to be held on Friday 17th June 2011.

It promises to be an excellent day offering great value for money.

The format is an Individual Stableford played off a 7/8 handicap allowance. There are prizes for handicap sections; 1-9, 10-19 and 20-28.

There is an optional entry on the day for 2's, longest drive and nearest-the-pin. Tee times are available between 11am and 3pm.

A one-course buffet is included within the entry-fee of just £18 per person! Download an entry-form.

About Thornbury

Thornbury is the West Country’s best quality pay-and-play facility.

It offers a relaxed environment in which to play golf and is conveniently located close to the M4 and Bristol.

Their first class facilities include an outstanding 18-hole golf course with stunning panoramic views to Wales and the distant Cotswold Hills, plus one of the finest short (Par-3) courses in the UK.

There’s also a covered, floodlit driving range.

Whitby Seniors & Rabbits Opens

We would like to provide details about two excellent competitions taking place at the charming Whitby Golf Club in North Yorkshire next month.

#1 Seniors Open - Friday 3rd June

The 2011 Seniors Open at Whitby Golf Club will take place on Friday 3rd June.

This 4BBB Stableford event is for golfers aged 55+ with maximum handicaps of 24. The entry-fee is just £20 per pair.

Early entry is advised to secure your place in this popular competition.

#2 Rabbits Open - Friday 17th June

The annual Rabbits Open at Whitby in 2011 takes place on Friday 17th June.

The format is a 4BBB Stableford and has a handicap limit of 16 to 28. At just £18 per pair it provides fantastic value.

Places are expected to fill up quickly so don't delay in entering.

About the course...

Whitby Golf Club is situated on the western side of the town on the road to the pretty coastal village of Sandsend and has a commanding position on the edge of the cliffs.

There are wonderful views along the coast, north-westward over the picturesque bay to Kettleness, south-eastward over the harbour with the Abbey Ruins set in relief and inland over the rolling panorama of the North Yorks Moors.

It is the ideal type of holiday course, not too long or difficult for the moderate player provided a reasonable degree of accuracy is achieved.

'Wild hitters' can be severely punished, as some of the hazards are quite unusual. The most striking is the wild cleft in the Cliffs known as 'Upgang Ravine' which has to be driven when playing the 6th and 18th holes.

The degree of driving difficulty on many an occasion is decided by the prevailing wind which may come from either the North Sea or the moors.

Junior Open at Bishop's Stortford

Bishop's Stortford Golf Club are now accepting entries for their 2011 junior open competition.

The event will be played on Monday 22nd August and times are expected to go quickly.

The format is a 36 Hole Individual Medal with maximum handicap limits of 24 (boys) and 28 (girls).

Entry is £22 per person and an entry-form can be found here.

About the course

Bishop's Stortford Golf Club is the finest Members Club in the area, providing a top quality course all year round.

The Club are very proud of their attractive, mildly undulating, parkland course. It's par of 71 provides a challenging test for all levels of golfer.

The course is 100 years old and has a quality that only time and maturity can provide. It is enhanced by a large variety of trees and flowering shrubs and is meticulously maintained.

A warm welcome is always assured at this top class venue.

Walton Hall Golf Club Open Events

Walton Hall Golf Club are now accepting entries for their 2011 open golf competitions.

They are staging three events in early August as part of their Golf Festival. Each one offers excellent value for money and promises to be a great day.

The first tournament, a Senior Pairs Open, takes place on Thursday 4th August. This competition is for golfers aged 55+ and who hold a handicap of 24 or less. The format is a 4BBB Stableford (3/4 handicap) and has an entry-fee of just £28 per pair.

An Am-Am Stableford takes place on the following day. Open to men and ladies in any combination this event costs £100 per team of four and includes a meal. The best two scores count on each hole with a 7/8 handicap allowance applied.

Finally on Sunday 7th August the famous Warrington Championship will be held. This Individual Strokeplay tournament, for men with a maximum handicap of 28, is one of the highlights of the year at Walton Hall and always attracts a strong field. Entry is £20 per person.

Early entries for all three events are highly recomended to secure a tee-time.

Throughout the week there will be various prizes including longest drives, nearest-the-pins, an optional ball sweep and a raffle.

Meanwhile you can also enjoy the top quality catering that will be available either in the café or ordered as bar snacks throughout the day. Orders can be placed in advance if preferred with the caterers via 01925 266775.

About Walton Hall

Walton Hall Golf Club in Warrington is regarded as having one of the finest municipal golf courses in the North West.

Below are some comments received about the course in a recent customer survey:

"Walton Hall has a friendly atmosphere and is in good condition with a lovely layout."

"The course reputation and value for money attracted me to Walton Hall."

"The course is challenging, well maintained and the hire of buggy's in the summer is just what I need."

"A lovely course kept well. Pleasant reception."

"Good layout - Excellent challenge of golf. Fair prices, friendly staff, well maintained."

"It's a challenge."

"A very nice course"

Monmouth Golf Club Opens

Monmouth Golf Club are now accepting entries for their 2011 open golf competitions.

There are 8 events to be played between the 3rd July and 23rd September. Entry-fees range from £7 to £15 per person.

Full details about each tournament can be found here with entry-forms available to fill in and print off. Dates can be seen below:

03/07/2011 > Mixed Team Open - £44 per team

11/08/2011 > Ladies Team Open - £30 per team

21/08/2011 > Mixed Pairs Open - £20 per couple

26/08/2011 > Seniors Individual Open - £12 per person

31/08/2011 > Ladies Open - £7 per person

03/09/2011 > Junior Open - £10 per person

04/09/2011 > Gents Individual Open - £15 per person

23/09/2011 > Seniors Mixed Open - £20 per couple

About Monmouth

Monmouth Golf Club certainly has every justification for its claim to have one of the prettiest golf courses in Wales and is undoubtedly one that is renowned for the warm welcome offered to visitors.

The course stands on high ground above the Town with superb views of the Welsh Hills, Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley. The undulating parkland course, superbly maintained throughout the year, is easily accessible.

The eighth hole, “ Cresta Run” was recently included in “Britain’s 100 most extraordinary golf holes” which also nominated Monmouth as having the best value green fees in the country.

As you leave the clubhouse you become aware of the tranquillity of the verdant surroundings, mature trees, wild flowers and an abundance of wild life - Deer, Pheasant and Rabbit in particular.

Visit the Monmouth Golf Club - you will not be disappointed!

Burnley Golf Club Mixed Open

A Mixed Team Open will take place at Burnley Golf Club on Sunday 29th May (Bank Holiday Weekend) and there are still some times available.

The format is a Team of 4 Stableford and has an entry-fee of £40 per team.

At just £10 per person this offers excellent value for weekend golf.

Carroll’s on song again

JOHN Carroll powered to his second victory in three events to stay in pole position in the Cleveland Srixon Northern Order of Merit.

The former Lancashire County champion from Huyton and Prescot won the Henriques Trophy at Hesketh thanks to a second round and best-of-the-day 70 in wet and windy conditions.

Added to his opening 74, it left him on two-over-par and three shots ahead of Formby’s Kris Taylor, his nearest rival in the merit in which he trails by 75 points.

SCORES (Par=71): 144 John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot) 74 70; 147 Kris Taylor (Formby) 74 73; 151 Ritchie Blundell (Hillside) 74 77; 152 Rickus Nortje (South Africa) 73 79; 154 Christopher Higham (Hesketh) 77 77, Simon Davies (Meltham) 76 78; 155 Sean Towndrow (Southport & Ainsdale) 77 78; 156 Lee Merson (Denton) 79 77, Mark Rabone (Southport & Ainsdale) 79 77, Sam Townend (Wilpshire) 78 78, Alex Pritchard (Wallasey) 77 79, Freddie Williams (Prenton) 76 80.

STANDINGS: 325pts John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot); 250 Kris Taylor (Formby); 150 Jack Brooks (Pleasington); 125 Mark Rabone (Southport & Ainsdale) 110 Sean Towndrow (Southport & Ainsdale); 100 Paul Howard (Southport & Ainsdale); 75 Ritchie Blundell (Hillside); 60 Luke Mighall (Prenton); 50 Oliver Carr (Ulverston), Rikus Nortje (South Africa).

Cheetham aims for repeat performance

NEIL Cheetham, who divides his schedule between playing regional and South African Sunshine Tour events, defends his Kerr Investments Cumbria Classic title this week.

The first round is at Penrith on Wednesday followed by a short trip to Carlisle the following day.

Cheetham, the former Dore & Totley professional who is still attached to the Sheffield club, won with an eight-under-par total last year and by two shots from the ever-consistent Craig Corrigan who coaches at Wigan public course Haigh Hall.

This is the second of eight fixtures in the PGA North Region Order of Merit – won for the second time by Cheetham in 2009 – with half ranking points at stake.

Corrigan is again in the 24-strong field playing in four-man pro-am format alongside Morpeth’s David Clark, winner of the Rocar Moores Fixby Classic last year; former Leeds Cup holder Simon Edwards, from Windermere; and Mossock Hall’s David Shacklady who has more than 200 assorted victories to his name.

Full credit to winner Marsh

MATTHEW Marsh admitted he won’t be going on a spending spree after picking up a career best £4,000 cheque for winning the Renewable Service Group Pro-am at East Yorkshire club Cottingham.

“Most of the money will be used to clear my credit card,” said the teaching professional at Sheffield club Hallowes. But he promised to give himself a “small treat” on his 26th birthday later this month.

“This was my 10th victory since I joined the paid ranks in 2005 but my first in the region so it’s been a long time coming,” he observed.

Marsh, who also competes on the EuroPro Tour, added a 70 to his opening of 67 to finish on seven-under-par and three ahead of Chorley’s Mark Bradley, a former PGA North Region champion.

“It was a bit of an up and down round,” he conceded. “Not many pars but plenty of birdies and bogeys. But this is a tight course with tree-lined fairways so you are punished if you go off line. I stuck to my game plan I used in the qualifier and first round by keeping the ball out of trouble.”

Marsh, whose previous best pay day was £2,200, attributed part of his success to his mind coach Mark Nesti. “He’s really made a difference,” he added as he took pole position in the regional Order of Merit.

Past winner Chris Hanson, from Woodsome Hall, tied third five shots off the pace with Beverley-born John Wells, who plays out of Cherry Burton, and Martyn Hamer, an assistant at Manchester club Ellesmere.

The event was filmed by Green Light TV and will be shown on Sky.

DETAILS: 137 Matthew Marsh (Hallowes) 67 70; 140 Mark Bradley (Chorley) 71 69; 142 Chris Hanson (Woodsome Hall) 73 69, Martyn Hamer (Ellesmere) 70 72, John Wells (Cherry Burton) 69 73; 144 Jon Cheetham (Styal) 71 73, George Cowan (Westerhope) 72 72, Steve Parry (NW Golf School) 73 71; 145 John Cheetham (Marriott Worsley Park) 75 70, Chris Mathews (Mytton Hall) 71 74.

Porter victorious at Burley

David Porter (Wellow) won yesterday’s Pro-Am Tournament at Burley Golf Club with a four-under-par round of 67.

Porter, now only a part-time competitor on the Hampshire PGA circuit, snatched victory by a single shot from Corhampton's Ian Roper (68).

Roper had been the longtime Clubhouse leader until Porter, playing in the very last match, snatched victory from his grasp.

It was Porter’s first outing in a Hampshire PGA Order of Merit Tournament in 2011. Although still a PGA Professional and still flying the Wellow Golf Club flag, Porter now works full time as South-West Sales Engineer for AO Smith Water Heaters, whose business is renewable solar thermal applications.

It was a clean sweep for Porter with victory in the Pro-Am with his team of Andy Wiseman, Steve Wiseman and Paul Embury. Their fourteen-under-par score of 128 was one better than Steve Richardson and his team of Peter Price, Martin Rudderham and Paul Baxter.

Other prize-winners included Steve Forsyth, Will Lander and Peter Bryant. Sponsors included Waverley TBS, JB Fish & Chips, Dawson Engineering, Spencers of Burley, The Genesis Design Studio, Stan Randell & Co. Ltd, Holton Homes and Crest Pumps.

Leading Professional scores:

David Porter (Wellow) 67

Ian Roper (Corhampton) 68

Scott Godfrey (Ferndown) 71

Simon Andrews (Portsmouth G Cent) 71

Martin Adams (Swanmore G Cent) 71

Eddy Rawlings (Southwick Park) 71

Gary Stubbington (Hockley) 71

Leading Pro-Am team scores:

David Porter, Andy Wiseman, Steve Wiseman & Paul Embury 128

Steve Richardson, Peter Price, Martin Rudderham & Paul Baxter 129

Simon Andrews, Martin Vowles, Neil Lonnen & Colin Joy 129

Bridlington Links Opens

Bridlington Links Golf & Leisure Estate are hosting a full schedule of open competitions this year with events running from late-May through until September.

Seniors...

The first tournament is on Monday 23rd May and is a Seniors Team Open (age 50+). At just £48 per team this represents excellent value as coffee & biscuits are included upon your arrival. A Senior Pairs Stableford (£24 per pair) will also be played on the 7th September.

Ladies...

On Thursday 9th June, a Ladies Pairs Open will take place. This is a Betterball Stableford for female golfers holding a handicap of 36 or less. The entry-fee of £24 per pair also includes a 2's sweep. A Ladies Team Open also takes place later in the year on the 4th August.

Mixed...

The Mixed Pairs Open will take place on Friday 15th July next year and is open to couples with maximum handicaps of 24 (men) and 36 (ladies). Meanwhile a Seniors Mixed Team Open is scheduled for Friday 19th August for men and ladies who have attained the age of 50.

Juniors...

The annual Junior Open is down for the 24th August and at only £10 per person always proves to be one of the most well attended throughout Yorkshire. It is open to boys and girls and takes the form of an Individual Medal.

Team...

Finally, a Texas Scramble will be held on Wednesday 6th July. This event is open to men or ladies (no mixed teams) and has an entry-fee of £48 per team, which includes coffee & biscuits on arrival.

Entry-forms for all the above events can be found here.

About Bridlington Links

Bridlington Links Golf & Leisure Estate is a top quality golfing venue, perched on a magical part of England’s heritage coast that still manages to exceed expectations.

It boasts a fine 6,719 yard course with a distinctive “links feel” and breathtaking views of Bridlington Bay and the town. The par 72 layout offers spectacular holes along the cliff tops and Danes Dyke and is a challenge to all levels of golfer.

Matt’s the way to do it

MATTHEW Marsh is hoping to gift himself an early birthday present of a £4,000 winner’s cheque as he takes a two shot lead into the second and final round of the Renewable Service Group Pro-am at East Yorkshire club Cottingham.

The teaching professional at Sheffield club Hallowes, 26 a week on Monday, compiled a five-under-par 67 which featured a run of four successive birdies from the 13th.

He was in the first group to tee off and chasing his tail are four players including former Leeds Cup winner, Beverley-born John Wells who plays out of Cherry Burton, and 25-year-old Morpeth assistant Steve Fawcett who had a brace of eagles.

On the same mark are Brough-based Rob Brundy and Grant Hamerton, an assistant at Manchester club Brookdale.

And host club professional Chris Gray, also a past winner of the Leeds Cup, is only three strokes off the pace after his 71.

In addition to the £4,000 top prize, the winning professional will also gain crucial PGA North Region Order of Merit points in the first of a record nine ranking tournaments this season.

The event is being filmed by Green Light TV and will be shown on Sky.

LEADING SCORES: 67 Matthew Marsh (Hallowes); 69 John Wells (Cherry Burton), Steve Fawcett (Morpeth), Rob Bundy (unatt), Grant Hamerton (Brookdale); 70 Martyn Hamer (Ellesmere), Adrian Ambler (Moor Allerton). Mark Bradley (Chorley), Will Barnes (Garstang), Chris Gray (Cottingham), Chris Mathews (Mytton Hall), Jon Cheetham (Styal).

Cox leads way after shaky start – and finish

GRAHAM Cox led the qualifiers for the Renewable Service Group Pro-am at East Yorkshire club Cottingham despite dropping three shots on the first hole and two on the last.

In between, the assistant professional from Cheshire club Davenport reeled off an eagle two at the par four eighth and six birdies to post a three-under 69 which left him two in front of the chasing pack headed by Moor Allerton’s Adrian Ambler and George Cowan, from North East club Westerhope.

A total of 41 teams, comprising a professional and three amateurs, compete for the £20,000 purse over the next two days.

In addition to the £4,000 top prize, the winning professional will also gain crucial PGA North Region Order of Merit points in the first of a record nine ranking events this season.

Woodsome Hall’s Chris Hanson, the 2009 Spirotech Manchester Open champion and a past winner of the Cottingham event when it was run by the county, was among six players to finish on level.

They also included prolific pro-am winner David Shacklady, attached to Lancashire club Mossock Hall, and 2009 GB&I PGA Cup team member Will Barnes, from Garstang.

The event is being filmed by Green Light TV and will be shown on Sky.

LEADING QUALIFIERS: 69 Graham Cox (Davenport); 71 Adrian Ambler (Moor Allerton), George Cowan (Westerhope) 72 James Cunliffe (Ormskirk), Will Barnes (Garstang), William Hancock (Morecambe), David Smith (Swinton Park), David Shacklady (Mossock Hall).

The Chase Seniors Open

The Seniors Open The Chase Golf Club will take place on Monday 5th September 2011 and tee-times are expected to be snapped up quickly.

The format is a Pairs Betterball Stableford for golfers aged over 55 years. The event has an entry-fee of just £24 per pair and will be played off a 3/4 handicap allowance (max 24).

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

Set deep in the heart of beautiful Staffordshire, The Chase Golf Club is a charming parkland course in a peaceful, easily accessible environment.

The course is a challenging 6,641 yard par 73 and is set up in a way that presents a test for all levels of golfer. Highly skilled greenkeepers make sure the course in presented to the highest possible standards all year round.

The Chase is built on top of a sand and gravel surface offering some of the best drainage around and assuring that the course stays open throughout of the year.

It has a mixture of impressive par 5′s and tricky par 3′s to ensure that accuracy is just as important as length, with well placed hazards and wild rough in place for those wayward shots, overconfidence can find you in real trouble!

You may think it is soon to be all over after finishing the long par 5 17th but you would be mistaken as yet to come is the signature 18th hole! An impressive par 3 measuring 180yds from the back tee demands a carry over water before reaching a green guarded by two deep bunkers and more water hazards. A par on this hole ensures you head to the bar with a smile on your face!

Experience is key at Barton-on-Sea

Richard Adams (South Winchester) and Kevin Saunders (Brokenhurst Manor) were the only two Pros to break par at the Barton-on-Sea GC Pro-Am.

Under clear blue skies Adams and Saunders needed all their experience to combat a fresh easterly wind that made scoring difficult. Shaun Hall (Botley Park) and Matt Robbins (Southampton City) shared third place on level par with Matt Pryke (Barton) and Ben Stimson (Paultons) in joint fifth place.

Adams and Saunders are the early leaders in the chase for the Lawrence Clarke Order of Merit title.

Adams also won the Pro-Am with his South Winchester team of Peter Lelliott, Mike Rescorle and Mick Parton. Darren Newing (Chilworth) took second place with Adam Quick, John Humphries and Mark Bowen.

Other prize-winners included Mark Dibben, Jo Russell and Simon Inns.

Leading Pro-Am Team scores:

Richard Adams, Mike Rescorle, Mick Parton & Peter Lelliott 132

Darren Newing, Adam Quick, John Humphries & Mark Bowen 133

Andrew Cloke (Sherfield Oaks), Jason Turner, Eugene Slevin & Paul Terry 134

Nigel Tokely (Remedy Oak), Charles Collier, Simon Collier & John McCarthy 134

Scott Shibley (Army), Jason Barrett, Andy Hepburn & Simon Inns 135

Red letter day for Kelly

Kelly Travers became the first lady golf Professional to ever win a Hampshire PGA Order of Merit Pro-Am on Friday (6th May) when she shared victory in the Hunter Land Rover Paultons Golf Centre Pro-Am.

Never before in the 61 year-history of the Hampshire PGA had a lady Professional won a tournament.

25-year-old Kelly shared victory with Jon Barnes (Ampfield), Scott Shibley (Army) and Eddy Rawlings (Southwick Park). All four shot two-under-par rounds of 69 at the Paultons Golf Centre.

Lee-on-the-Solent’s Steve Richardson won the Pro-Am with his team of Martin Rudderham, Peter Price and Paul Baxter. They shot an impressive 22-under-par score of 120 to take victory by five shots from Ben Stimson (Paultons), Neil Williamson, Mervyn Allen and David Wellington.

Other prize-winners included Alan Dodge and Phil McBain.

The Tournament was generously sponsored by Hunter Land Rover.

Leading Pro-Am Team scores:

Steve Richardson, Peter Price, Paul Baxter & martin Rudderham 120

Ben Stimson, Neil Williamson, Mervyn Allen & David Wellington 125

Scott Shibley, Jason Hurst, Nick Crocker & Phil McBain 126

Jon Barnes, Darren Bartlett, Pete Elie & James Allwright 126

Claire Duffy, Jenny Robbins, John Smyth & Malcolm Short 127

Roger Tuddenham, Steve Rylance, Alastair McLean & Malcolm Bignell 128

Burnham Beeches Open Events

Some superb open competitions are taking place later this year at Burnham Beeches Golf Club. Below are details about two of them.

Men's Open

The 2011 Men's Open will take place on Friday 24th June.

The Burnham Beeches Trophy is a 36 Hole Individual Strokeplay competition for golfers with a handicap of 7 or less. Entry is good value at £45 per person, as this includes coffee on arrival, lunch and an evening dinner.

The competition also features on the popular Single Figure Golfer Tour.

Mixed Open

The annual Mixed Open takes place on Friday 8th July this year.

The format for this competition is a 36 Hole Greensome Stableford. Coffee on arrival, lunch and dinner are all included. The cost is just £80 per couple with handicap limits of 24 (men) and 30 (ladies).

Places are expected to fill up quickly so don't delay in entering.

 

About Burnham Beeches

Founded in 1891, Burnham Beeches Golf Club provides a challenging golf course in a beautiful setting on the edge of the historic Burnham Beeches.

The club is situated in the Thames Valley in South Buckinghamshire, with the old town of Beaconsfield to the north, Burnham village to the south and Maidenhead to the west.

It is easily accessed from the M40 (10 minutes), the M4 (5 minutes) or the A4. The course measures 6,458 yards, has a Par 70 (SSS 71) and offers a true and challenging test of golf. We know that you will enjoy your visit.

"In this forest of great trees lies Burnham Beeches Golf Club, whose course has a setting of dignity and beauty which could hardly be surpassed."

-TOM SCOTT, veteran golf writer and editor.

Astbury Golf Club Opens

Astbury Golf Club are now accepting entries for their 2011 open golf competitions.

There are 12 events in total, to be played between June and September, with places usually filling up well before the closing dates.

Full details about each tournament can be found here with the option of booking online in some events.

09/06/2011 > Ladies Team Open - £36 per team

16/06/2011 > Gents Pairs Open - £28 per pair

21/06/2011 > Senior Pairs Open - £28 per pair

23/06/2011 > Senior Pairs Open - £28 per pair

29/06/2011 > Ladies Team Open - £36 per team

10/07/2011 > Gents Team Open - £120 per team

23/07/2011 > Family Pairs Open - £26 per pair

02/08/2011 > Junior Open - £8 per person

09/08/2011 > Astbury Jewel - £30 per person

18/08/2011 > Seniors Mixed Pairs Open - £28 per pair

25/08/2011 > Charity Pa irs Open - £30 per pair

08/09/2011 > Mixed Pairs Open - £28 per pair

About Astbury

Astbury is a testing parkland course located on the outskirts of the quiet village of Astbury in the beautiful South Cheshire countryside.

The course comprises tree lined fairways, and unusually, internally, a route of the glorious Macclesfield canal.

The signature hole for the golf course is the 12th which is a strong par 5 requiring a long carry over a ravine from the tee. It is rivalled by the 3rd which is a par 5 in the opposite direction. 

Water comes into play on seven holes and the undulating terrain is a good test for your short game.

Blyth Golf Club Mixed & Gents Opens

Blyth Golf Club is one of the most mature, challenging and interesting courses in Northumberland. We are delighted to rpovide more details about two of their open events during 2011.

Situated on the outskirts of the friendly seaport of Blyth, the 18 hole tree lined parkland course with scenic water features, boasts some of the finest greens in Northumberland. The first six holes are a test for any golfer, then the challenge begins!

Mixed Open - Monday 30th May

The 2011 Mixed Open at Blyth Golf Club will take place on Bank Holiday Monday 30th May.

This Greensomes event is for mixed couples aged 18+ with maximum handicaps of 20 (men) and 30 (ladies). The entry-fee is just £12 per couple which includes a 2's sweep.

Early entry is advised to secure your place in this popular competition. Download an entry-form or contact Mrs Edna Smith for tee-times on 01670 367956.

Gents Open - Saturday 20th August

The annual Gents Pairs Open at Blyth in 2011 takes place on Saturday 20th August.

The format is a 4-Ball Betterball which has a handicap limit of 18 and a minimum age requirement of 18. Entry is excellent value at only £16 per pair which includes a 2's sweep.

Places are expected to fill up quickly so don't delay in entering. Download an entry-form or contact Mr John Hall for tee-times on 01670 540110.

Region breaks new ground

COTTINGHAM will be the first East Yorkshire club to stage a PGA North Region Order of Merit event this week.

And it has attracted a field of 64 professionals which will be whittled down to 40 after a qualifying round on Thursday.

They will then battle for honours over the next two days in a team format comprising three amateurs and one professional.

The line-up included several past winners including Woodsome Hall’s Chris Hanson, the 2009 Spirotech Manchester Open champion, and with a minimum £15,000 prize-fund there’s all to play for.

Expected to be in the thick of the action is Cherry Burton’s John Wells, a former Leeds Cup winner from Beverley, and Bolton-based Steve Parry who is defending the Order of Merit title which earned him a place in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth later this month.

Cottingham has staged the annual charity pro-am since soon after it opened in 1994 and it has grown every year.

“It started as a one round event then developed from there,” said professional Chris Gray, a 48-year-old former Leeds Cup winner.

“This year we’re supporting the Forces Children’s Trust and we have secured sponsorship from the Renewable Service Group.

“We have catered for 52 teams in the past but we’re had to cut the number because we could not accommodate everyone at the gala dinner.”

The event is being filmed by Green Light TV and will be shown on Sky.

Book Denbigh Golf Club Opens Online

Denbigh Golf Club are now accepting entries for their 2011 open golf competitions.

There are 5 events to be played between the 5th and 12th June all offering superb value at just £14 per person!

Full details about each tournament can be found here with the option of booking online available to secure your place.

05/06/2011 > Ladies Pairs Open - £28 per pair

08/06/2011 > Senior Pairs Open - £28 per pair

10/06/2011 > Team Open - £56 per team

11/06/2011 > Gents Pairs Open - £28 per pair

12/06/2011 > Mixed Pairs Open - £28 per couple

About Denbigh

Founded in the early 1900's Denbigh Golf Club provides a fair test of golf. Approximately 6,000 yards in length this mature course places a premium on accuracy.

The course is always in excellent condition and is certainly worth a visit.

Trip to The Open for Lutterworth winner

Golfing Days are pleased to announce that a one off prize will be received by the winner of their next event of this years Amateur Tour.

The prize is two Hospitality tickets for this years Open Championship on Sunday which includes all of the following:

• Bacon Roll on arrival
• Champagne reception before lunch
• Three-Course Lunch with House wines
• Full bar throughout the day
• Afternoon Tea
• Open Championship admission ticket
• Souvenir program and order of play
• Car park pass (1 per 2 guests)
• TV coverage

The event is taking place at Lutterworth Golf Club, Leics on May 27th. The format for the day is bacon rolls on arrival, 18 holes and then a one course informal meal. The cost per person is £55.

It will be a 3/4 handicap individual stableford event. Find out more.

Jack the lad at Hillside

JACK Brooks, fresh from helping Lancashire get off to a flying start to the Northern Counties League campaign with a five point victory over Durham at Brancepeth Castle, won the Pines Trophy at Hillside where he was the only player to finish on level par.

The Pleasington youngster, whose one previous victory in the Cleveland Srixon Northern Order of Merit was at his home club in 2009, was rewarded for his consistency with rounds of 70 and 74, his five birdies negating the same number of bogeys.

He prevailed by two strokes from Southport & Ainsdale’s Paul Howard, who was defending his title and who moved joint second with Brooks in the merit table.

Leading the way after two events is former Lancashire champion John Carroll, from Huyton & Prescot, who was ninth following his triumph in the Crosby Challenge Plate at West Lancs last month.

SCORES (Par = 72): 144 Jack Brooks (Pleasington) 70 74; 146 Paul Howard (Southport & Ainsdale) 74 72; 147 Kris Taylor (Formby) 72 75, Sean Towndrow (Southport & Ainsdale) 72 75; 148 Ryan Gillespie (Hillside) 74 74; 150 Glenn Senior (Lee Park) 78 72, Andrew Molloy (Hillside) 75 75, Stephen McGlynn (Blackburn) 73 77; 151 John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot) 74 77; 152 Ciaran Doherty (Bury) 78 74, Brian Hughes (Hillside) 78 74; 153 Dan Osbaldeston (Prestbury) 79 74.

STANDINGS: 175pts John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot); 150 Kris Taylor (Formby), Jack Brooks (Pleasington); 100 Mark Rabone (Southport & Ainsdale), Paul Howard (Southport & Ainsdale); 70 Sean Towndrow (Southport & Ainsdale); 60 Luke Mighall (Prenton); 50 Oliver Carr (Ulverston), Ryan Gillespie (Hillside); 45 Gareth Hastie (Dunscar), Glenn Senior (Lee Park); 40 Rob Law (Laithes), Andrew Molloy (Hillside); 30 Sean Blinkhorn (Southport & Ainsdale), Stephen McGlynn (Blackburn).

Abbott wins first ever EuroPro Tour event

Jamie Abbott has won his first ever event on the PGA EuroPro Tour after a thrilling final day at Wensum Valley.

Abbott, 23, finished top of the YourGolfTravel.com European Championship in Norfolk and collected the £10,000 top prize.

He ended on 216, even par, after rounds of 74 (+2), 69 (-3) and 73 (+1) to finish three shots ahead of Jason Levermore, James Busby and George Cowan.

“This is by far the biggest achievement of my career and I now have the taste of winning,” said a delighted Abbott, who only turned professional last summer.

“I never finished a tournament off at amateur level and I was always second, third or fourth.

“But winning is a nice feeling and I want to feel it again so hopefully in the next event at Burhill I can win again.

“I feel great and it’s nice to get the season off to a good start.

“I came close to winning at Slaley Hall last year but I finished second as my England colleague James Robinson beat me by one shot.”

Abbott, a member of the Fynn Valley Golf Club, near Ipswich, Suffolk, played in one of the biggest events of last year - the 2010 Open.

This is his first full season on the EuroPro Tour and believes his time playing at the Open has helped his game.

“I used a bit of experience gained in the play-off to qualify for the Open and I fell back on that,” added Abbott.

“I was a bit nervous coming up for the last few holes but I just reminded myself that I’ve done it before and I could do it again.”

In a thrilling final day, the lead changed hands on numerous occasions and at one point only three shots separating the top 14 players.

Levermore (Clacton), Busby (The Shropshire) and Cowan (Westerhope) ended in joint second on three-over for the tournament, one shot ahead of Alex Belt (The De Vere Club), Sam Matton (Bowood Hotel Spa and Golf Resort) and Martin LeMesurier (South Winchester).

Ed Wood (Crow Wood) and Jamie Howarth (De Vere Mottram Hall) started the final day in joint first position on two-under but both fell away on Thursday.

Wood suffered a miserable round as he bogeyed nine of the first 15 holes, while Howarth also struggled with seven bogeys and a double bogey at the second as they finished tied 26th and tied 8th respectively.

Matchroom Sport will now produce a two-hour highlights programme from the event, which will be broadcast on Sky Sports on Wednesday, May 18.

For more information, visit the official website www.europrotour.com