Eagle gives Young something to crow about

MARK Young hoisted himself into contention for the Cleveland Srixon Northern Order of Merit title he’s won three times in the last four campaigns after a stunning finish in the Wilmslow Crow.

The plus three ranked Longridge player eagled the final hole to deny Haigh Hall prospect Reece Cranfield on countback.

Young posted a brace of 71s for a two-under-par total but he looked to have blown his chance when he bogeyed the 16th in the second round before rolling in a crucial putt on the last.

Young, who also won the event last year after a course record eight-under-par 64, moved up three notches to fourth in the merit table, 150 points behind his Lancashire team-mate John Carroll, from Huyton & Prescot.

SCORES (Par=72): 142 Mark Young (Longridge) 71 71, Reece Cranfield (Haigh Hall) 69 73; 143 Michael Bedford (Bramall Park) 75 68; 144 Richie Blundell (Hillside) 76 68, Josh Evans (Mere) 73 71; 146 Daniel Creaney (Southport & Ainsdale) 75 71, Richard Pickard (Mere) 69 77; 147 Tom Mortimer (Stockport) 75 72, Fraser Macleod (Hazel Grove) 74 73; 148 Mark Geddes (Prenton) 78 70, Joe Collier (Reddish Vale) 74 74; 149 Craig Lewis (Prenton) 76 73.

STANDINGS: 610pts John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot); 520 Richie Blundell (Hillside); 505 Steve McGlynn (Blackburn); 460 Mark Young (Longridge); 400 Sean Towndrow (Southport & Ainsdale); 370 James Bolton (Formby); 310 Kris Taylor (Formby); 255 Mark Rabone (Southport & Ainsdale); 225 Jack Brooks (Pleasington); 205 Reece Cranfield (Haigh Hall(; 190 Mark Duncalf (Formby); 165 James McCormick (Styal); 160 James Newton (Prestbury), Dan Osbaldeston (Prestbury).

Young Pros Championship

Andrew Cloke (Sherfield Oaks) defeated Rob Gowers (South Winchester) in a sudden death play-off at Test Valley GC on Wednesday to win the Patrons of the Hampshire PGA Young Professionals Championship.

Both carded four-under-par scores for the 36 hole event before Cloke won the Championship at the second hole of a sudden death play-off.

Wellow's David Porter was third on level par (144) with Tom Wade (Portsmouth Golf Centre) and Steve Mitchell (Worldham Park) in joint fourth place (145).

Willey storms to victory in Bristol

Andrew Willey has stormed to victory in the latest event in the PGA EuroPro Tour season.

Willey, who turned 36 on Monday, finished three shots ahead of three golfers at the end of the World Snooker Association Golf Championship at Players Club in Bristol.

He ended on -11 for the tournament after scores of 67 (-3) on Tuesday, 65 (-5) on Wednesday and 67 (-3) on the final day to scoop the £10,000 top prize.

Willey (Notts Golf Club) has had great experience on playing on the EuroPro Tour and finished second in the Order of Merit in 2007 after a campaign that included a victory at the end-of-season Tour Championship event.

He has been playing on the Challenge Tour ever since but returned to EuroPro Tour action this week after struggling in this year’s Challenge Tour, where he has only finished in a money position at one event since April.

James Busby (The Shropshire), Tim Dykes (Penrith) and Jamie Abbott (Fynn Valley, Suffolk) all finished in tied second on eight-under. Busby started the final round in great style with five birdies in the opening six holes to give himself an outside chance of victory, although he could not keep this momentum going.

Abbott, a winner earlier in the season at Wensum Valley, has inched himself closer to next season’s Challenge Tour. He now lies third in the Order of Merit where the top five at the end of the season will advance to the higher level on the Challenge Tour and one step away from playing alongside Europe’s elite on the main tour.

Order of Merit leader Chris Hanson (Woodsome Hall, Huddersfield) continued his fantastic season as he was one of three players in tied fifth. Alex Belt (The De Vere Club), who began the final day at the top of the leaderboard, was also in tied fifth after a round of two-over (72) cost him a chance of victory.

The Tour moves on to Formby Hall in Merseyside next Wednesday with the ninth event of the season.

All the action from the Players Club has been filmed and Matchroom Sport will produce a two-hour highlights programme which will be broadcast on Sky Sports on Wednesday, August 10.

Ladies Open at Aldwark Manor

Entries are now open for the Ladies Pairs Open at Aldwark Manor Golf Club.

The competition will take place on Thursday 13th October and early booking is essential. The format is a 4BBB Stableford with a maximum handicap limit of 36. Entry is just £20 per pair! Download an entry-form

About the course

The beautiful River Ure meanders through Aldwark Manor golf 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!

Belt Moves Up A Notch

Alex Belt will take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the EuroPro Tour World Snooker Association Golf Championship after a superb second round of 64 on Wednesday.

The Englishman from the De Vere Club scored a six under par round today at the Players Club near Bristol. Birdies at the second, fifth, eighth, ninth and 12th, along with bogies at the third and 11th, left him three under for the day going into the closing stretch. Belt then finished in style with birdies at the 15th, 16th and 17th to surge through the field. Having shot 67 in the opening round, he now stands at nine under par.

At last week's ABC Solutions UK Championship, Belt had a two-shot lead going into the last four holes, but then dropped five shots and finished sixth. This time he'll be looking to finish the job and take the £10,000 top prize.

In second place on eight under is Andrew Willey who shot 65 today, followed by Billy Hemstock on seven under. Scotland's Shaun McAllister tied Belt's low round of the day with a 64 and he's on six under.

Overnight leader Duncan Stewart, who won last week's EuroPro Tour event, slumped to a 77 and looks out of the running at one over par.

The final round is on Thursday.

Day two leaderboard

1 Alex Belt (The De Vere Club) -9 (67, 64) 131

2 Andrew Willey (Notts Golf Club) -8 (67, 65) 132

3 Billy Hemstock (Teignmouth) -7 (66, 67) 133

4 Shaun McAllister (Craigielaw) -6 (70, 64) 134

T5 Steve Uzzell (Hornsea Golf Club) -4 (68, 68) 136

T5 Jamie Abbott (Fynn Valley) -4 (65, 71) 136

T5 James Watts (East Herts Golf Club) -4 (68, 68) 136

T5 Tim Dykes (Penrith Golf Club) -4 (68, 68) 136

T5 Chris Hanson (Woodsome Hall Golf Club) -4 (66, 70) 136

Stewart Keeps Hot Streak Going

Last week's EuroPro Tour winner Duncan Stewart was in form again today as he took the lead at the World Snooker Association Golf Championship with a stunning opening round of 64.

The player from Grantown-on-Spey in Scotland won his first EuroPro Tour event last Friday at the ABC Solutions UK Championship in Crewe, and he's now on target for back-to-back victories as he heads the field at six under par at the Players Golf Club near Bristol.

The 27-year-old birdied six of the first seven holes, and despite a bogey at the 11th, he regained that shot at the 12th then parred the last six.

Jamie Abbott from Fynn Valley, who came fifth last week, is in second place this time after a five under par round which featured seven birdies.

Three players are tied on four under: Order of Merit leader Chris Hanson, Billy Hemstock and Robert Hurding.

The second round is on Wednesday with the final round on Thursday, when the winner will bank £10,000.

Day one leaderboard

1 Duncan Stewart (Grantown on Spey) -6 (64)

2 Jamie Abbott (Fynn Valley) -5 (65)

T3 Billy Hemstock (Teignmouth) -4 (66)

T3 Chris Hanson (Woodsome Hall Golf Club) -4 (66)

T3 Robert Hurding (Bush Hill Park Golf Club) -4 (66)

T6 Neil O Briain (www.neilobriaingolf.com) -3 (67)
T6 Andrew Willey (Notts Golf Club) -3 (67)
T6 Alex Belt (The De Vere Club) -3 (67)
T6 Graham Benson (Leighton Buzzard Golf Club) -3 (67)
T6 Martin LeMesurier (South Winchester Golf Club) -3 (67)

Adams shoots the lights out at Basingstoke

South Winchester’s Richard Adams won the Captain’s Charities Pro-Am at Basingstoke Golf Club on Sunday (24/7) with a new course record, an eight-under-par round of 62.

With what was arguably the best round in a Hampshire PGA event this year Adams finished five shots clear of County Cavan’s Bill Noble (67) with Steve Cowle (Steve Cowle Golf) and Ben Cummings (Basingstoke) in joint third place on 68.

Adam’s new course record included seven birdies, an eagle and a solitary bogey at the seventh. His round included a six hole stretch from the eighth that he played in six under par with four birdies and an eagle at the ninth. At one time, seven under after thirteen holes, Adams had visions of a sub 60 score but it was not to be.

Hartley Wintney Assistant Sam Shipman won the Pro-Am with his team of Jason Coleman, Sarah Deacon and Yvonne Cobbold. Their thirteen-under-par score of 127 took victory by a single shot from Hayling’s Mark Treleaven and his Knight family team of Lydia, Paul and Brian Knight (128). Steve Cowle, John Watts, Craig Easton and Darren Murray finished on the same score but lost out on a countback.

A total of 41 teams took part in the Hampshire PGA Order of Merit Tournament, which was organized by Paul Knight and John Hiscock. The Tournament raised funds for Alan Holloway’s nominated Captain’s Charities, which are Help4Heroes and Seeability. Team and prize-winners photographs can be viewed on the Hampshire PGA website.

For more information about Basingstoke Golf Club please visit www.basingstokegolfclub.co.uk

Leading Professional scores:

Richard Adams (South Winchester) 62

Bill Noble (County Cavan) 67

Steve Cowle (Steve Cowle Golf) 68

Ben Cummings (Basingstoke) 68

Jon Barnes (Ampfield) 70

Mark Dowdell (Southwick Park) 70

James Ablett (Lee-on-the-Solent) 70

Jon Le Roux (Oris Medical) 70

Mark Treleaven (Hayling) 70

Leading Pro-Am Team scores:

Sam Shipman (Hartley Wintney), Yvonne Cobbold, Jason Coleman & Sarah Deacon 127

Mark Treleaven, Lydia Knight, Paul Knight & Brian Knight 128

Steve Cowle, John Watts, Craig Easton & Darren Murray 128

Rhys ap Iolo (The Downshire), St. John Cox, Will Lever & Steve Reidlinger 128

David Holman (Dummer), Oscar O’Herlihy, David Newman & James Soulsby 130

Bill Noble, Bill Noble (Snr), Mark Noble & John Laurie 130

Richard Adams, Jean Bacon, Joan Pullen & Lynn Grimshaw 130

Ben Cummings, Mick Cummings, Madge Cummings & Neil Marie 131

Eddy Rawlings (Southwick Park), Alan Holloway, Steve Fallone & Vic Reynolds 131

Local lads come good at Dibden

Ben Johnson (Stoneham) and Mark Dawe (Chilworth), who both live in the Waterside area, shared victory in the New Forest District Council Dibden Golf Centre Pro-Am.

Johnson, who lives in Hythe, and Dawe, who lives in Totton, both shot six-under-par rounds of 64 at the Dibden Golf Centre course. South Winchester’s Richard Adams took third place on 67.

Dawe won the Pro-Am with his team of Grant Pendrigh, Paul Lindsay and Dan Chalk. Their winning score of 125 was two better than Alresford’s Philip Bryden with Ron Liversly, Alan Wilson and Lee Goodall.

39 Teams took part in the Tournament, which was organised by John Slade and Paul Smith on behalf of the New Forest District Council.

Leading Pro-Am Team scores:

Mark Dawe, Grant Pendrigh, Paul Lindsay & Dan Chalk 125

Philip Bryden, Ron Liversly, Alan Wilson & Lee Goodall 127

Ben Johnson, Heath Bland, Matt Le Tissier & Laurie Parsonage 128

Shaun Hall (Botley Park), Dan Green, Alex Marshall & Bill Merrett 128

Andrew Cloke (Sherfield Oaks), Vic Grant, Jason Turner & Paul Terry 129

Nixon homing in on Spirotech Open

EUROPEAN Tour rookie Matthew Nixon gets the chance to showcase his talents on home territory next week when he competes in the Spirotech Open at Marriott Worsley Park.

The 22-year-old from Ashton-under-Lyne earned his card at the first attempt last winter and has since won more than 73,000euros thanks to three top 30 finishes in 16 events.

He will play alongside his former coach and caddie Mark Smith in the first round on Tuesday. The Stamford professional guided Nixon through Tour School last November and worked as his bagman during the winter.

“He was a tremendous help and difficult to replace but I’ve recently appointed a lad from Wentworth and I feel settled with him,” said the 2006 British Boys champion.

“I’m excited about being drawn with Mark even though we’re first out,” added Nixon who’s in a three ball which also includes Whitefield’s Colin Maroney in the 36-hole £10,000 tournament to be concluded by a pro-am.

Nixon, whose stable-mate at Chubby Chandler’s ISM group is newly crowned Open champion Darren Clark, is in a 141-strong field featuring Gary Wolstenholme, another former Great Britain and Ireland international.

The world’s most capped amateur turned professional three years ago at the age of 48 and made an immediate impact after joining the European Senior Tour in 2010, finishing third in the Travis Perkins Senior Masters on his debut before winning the lucrative Casa Serena Open on just his second appearance.

He played in six Walker Cups in his amateur career and is the all-time leading points scorer for Great Britain and Ireland, famously defeating Tiger Woods in 1995.

Wolstenholme, who lives in Heysham and is playing in his first PGA North Region Order of Merit tournament, also won the Amateur Championship in 1991 and 2003.

Heswall-based Chris Sands defends his title and is one of six past winners in the line-up including Morpeth’s David Clark, who prevailed in 2004 at Mottram Hall followed in the next three years by Wychwood Park’s Richard Bean, big-hitting Robert Wragg, from Yorkshire club Hallowes, and David Smith from Swinton Park who won when the event switched to Worsley Park.

Gatley’s Jon Cheetham, triumphed in 2003 the year after inaugural champion, Chester-based Garry Houston went on to claim his Tour card.

Competition with be fierce this time as the race for the Order of Merit crown hots up. Sunshine Tour professional Neil Cheetham, who took that award in 2009, is in contention again following his victory earlier this month in the Phoenix Gas Classic at Wychwood Park.

Expected to be in the thick of the action are young guns Ryan O’Neill, 22, from Penwortham, the reigning De Vere PGA North Region champion, and the player he narrowly defeated at Heron’s Reach - Tom Murray, 21, from Didsbury and son of former Tour winner Andy.

First for Sean in close finish

SEAN Comiskey won his first Cleveland Srixon Northern Order of Merit title by the narrowest of margins in the De Frece Trophy at Blackpool North Shore.

The Gathurst two handicapper birdied the penultimate hole to prevail by a shot from Lancashire player Richie Blundell.

That helped him to three-under-par 68 and atoned for a disappointing finish to his first round when he dropped five strokes on the inward half on his way to a 71.

Blundell, who was defending his title, returned 71 and 69 to lift himself into third place in the Order of Merit, 150 points adrift of his county team-mate John Carroll, from Huyton and Prescot.

Blackburn’s Steve McGlynn, who finished fourth, stayed in second spot, reducing the gap to 105 points.

SCORES (Par=71): 139 Sean Comiskey (Gathurst) 71 68; 140 Richie Blundell (Hillside) 71 69; 141 Gareth Hastie (Dunscar) 69 72; 142 Steve McGlynn (Blackburn) 74 68, Mark Duncalf (Formby) 69 73; 145 Lee Meyers (Fairhaven) 74 71, Jason McGarvey (Whitefield) 73 72; 146 Reece Cranfield (Haigh Hall) 73 73, Anthony Holden (Preston) 71 75; 147 Dean Moseley (Blackpool North Shore) 74 73, David Collis (Blackpool North Shore) 73 74; 148 Alex Croston (Fleetwood) 77 71.

STANDINGS: 610pts John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot); 505 Steve McGlynn (Blackburn); 460 Richie Blundell (Hillside); 400 Sean Towndrow (Southport & Ainsdale); 370 James Bolton (Formby); 310 Kris Taylor (Formby), Mark Young (Longridge); 255 Mark Rabone (Southport & Ainsdale); 225 Jack Brooks (Pleasington); 190 Mark Duncalf (Formby); 165 James McCormick (Styal); 160 James Newton (Prestbury), Dan Osbaldeston (Prestbury).

Sensational 65 Gives Stewart Glory

Scotland's Duncan Stewart compiled a sizzling final round of 65 to win EuroPro Tour golf's ABC Solutions UK Championship by a single shot in Crewe.

"It's definitely the best moment of my pro career so far, and the round today is up there among the best of my life," said 27-year-old Stewart after winning his first EuroPro Tour event. "I didn't play golf at all last year, I'd had enough of it. But I decided to give it a go this year and see what happens.

"I think I can finish in the top five now and get on to the Challenge Tour. Another win would make sure of that."

Starting the day four shots off the lead at two under at Wychwood Park Golf Club, Stewart raced through the field with his seven-under par round. He birdied the first three holes then picked up shots at the 7th, 12th, 15th, 17th and 18th, his solitary bogey coming at the 9th.

Stewart, from Grantown on Spey in the Cairngorms, finished nine under overall for the three rounds having opened with a 69 then scored 73 yesterday. He had to wait anxiously in the clubhouse for others to finish, and for a while it looked as if his total would not be enough, as overnight co-leader Alex Belt got to 11 under with four holes to play.

But Englishman Belt suffered double bogies at the 15th and 17th, plus a bogey at the 16th, to finish tied sixth at six under.

Scotland's Paul Doherty and Englishmen Paul Grannell and Adam Stott could all have matched Stewart by finding a birdie in the closing holes, but none of them could manage it and those three finished in a tie for second at eight under.

"I got off to a great start today, I hit it to a foot on the second and three foot on the third," said Stewart. "After the front nine, I felt that if I could get to eight or nine under I would have a chance.

"When Alex Belt got to -11 I thought it was over, but it rained heavily for the last few groups and that helped me. I was watching from the clubhouse and preparing myself for a play-off. Paul Doherty and Paul Grannell both had putts from around 15 foot on the 18th to tie but luckily for me they both missed.

"I've been playing well this season but it's not really come together until today."

Stewart previously languished in 63rd place on the Order of Merit with just £812, but has boosted his earnings by £10,000 and is now into the top ten. The top five players at the end of the season will advance to the Challenge Tour, one step away from playing alongside the golfing elite on the main European Tour.

Early in the day, Jamie Abbott fired a bogey-free 65 to finish seven under, which was good enough for fifth.

Tied with Belt on six under were Tim Dykes, Zane Scotland and David Griffiths.

The next EuroPro Tour event is the World Snooker Association Championship at the Players Golf Club near Bristol, running from Tuesday to Thursday next week.

Final Leaderboard

1 Duncan Stewart (Grantown on Spey) -9 (69, 73, 65 = 207)

T2 Paul Doherty (Vale Hotel) -8 (74, 67, 67 = 208)

T2 Paul Grannell (Vale Royal Abbey) -8 (68, 72, 68 = 208)

T2 Adam Stott (Reddish Vale) -8 (69, 69, 70 = 208)

5 Jamie Abbott (Fynn Valley) -7 (71, 73, 65 = 209)

T6 Tim Dykes (Penrith Golf Club) -6 (72, 69, 69 = 210)

T6 Zane Scotland (Princes) -6 (72, 69, 69 = 210)

T6 Alex Belt (The De Vere Club) -6 (68, 70, 72 = 210)

T6 David Griffiths (Sea Island) -6 (72, 66, 72 = 210)

T10 Jon White (Saunton Golf Club) -5 (72, 70, 69 = 211)

T10 Adam Runcie (Abergele) -5 (70, 71, 70 = 211)

Tight At The Top In Crewe

Alex Belt

Three players share the lead on six under par going into the final round of the EuroPro Tour's ABC Solutions UK Championship in Crewe.

With 11 players within two shots of the lead, it's going to be an intriguing final round at Wychwood Park Golf Club on Friday as the tour stars battle for vital Order of Merit points.

Alex Belt (pictured) of the De Vere Club registered a solid round of 70, bookmarked by birdies at the 1st and 18th, to add to his opening round of 68.

Joining him at the top of the leaderboard is David Griffiths of Sea Island, who impressed in a round of 66 which featured five birdies plus an eagle at the par-five 12th.

Adam Stott of Reddish Vale scored his second consecutive 69, rolling in four birdies on the back nine.

James Westwood is in fourth place on five under after his 71. Low round of the day went to Ben Jones, who made eight birdies in a 65. That was an improvement of ten shots on his opening round and left him four under for the event and within striking distance.

Overnight leader George Woolgar got to eight under early in the day, but with four bogies and two doubles on his card, he ended with a 77 which left him one under.

Top 11 players after day two:

T1 Alex Belt (The De Vere Club) -6 (68, 70)

T1 David Griffiths (Sea Island) -6 (72, 66)

T1 Adam Stott (Reddish Vale) -6 (69, 69)

4 James Westwood (Eaton Golf Club) -5 (68, 71)

T5 Paul Reed (Bristol & Clifton Golf Club) -4 (69, 71)

T5 Paul Grannell (Vale Royal Abbey) -4 (68, 72)

T5 Shaun McAllister (Craigielaw) -4 (72, 68)

T5 Ben Jones (Betchworth Park Golf Club) -4 (75, 65)
T5 Scott Arnold (NSW Golf Club) -4 (70, 70)
T5 Ian Winstanley (Warrington Golf Club) -4 (70, 70)
T5 Steven Mackie (Dunnikier Park Golf Club) -4 (71, 69)

Photograph by Lawrence Lustig

Four Nations announce title sponsor

The 2011 Four Nations Golf Challenge is to be sponsored by Golf Plus Direct – “Golf Fees Made Easy”.

Golf Plus Direct Limited is a division of Zebra Finance Limited , a leading provider of funding for sports season tickets, with an impressive client list including Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Guinness Premiership Clubs and County Cricket Clubs. Now, through Golf Plus Direct , Zebra will extend such facilities to UK golfers and golf clubs for the funding of annual golf subscriptions.

Concierge Golf Limited, owners and organisers of the Four Nations Golf Challenge , have agreed an initial one year Title Partnership with Golf Plus Direct – “Golf Fees Made Easy”.

Roger Brady, Director of Concierge Golf Limited, said; “We are delighted to have partnered with Golf Plus Direct who will be bringing the same invaluable service to UK golfers and golf clubs that they have provided to the football and other sporting markets for many years. The Four Nations Golf Challenge is proud to be associated with such a prestigious company”

Peter Fletcher , Director of Golf Plus Direct Limited, added; “Although we are well established in other sporting markets, we want to quickly and effectively bring our product and services to the attention of UK amateur golfers and clubs. Partnering with a quality amateur golf event like the Four Nations Golf Challenge provides that vehicle and we look forward to being fully involved in supporting the tournament all the way through to and beyond the televised Grand Final in September”.

The 2011 Grand Final is to be broadcast on Sky Sports and since May, club golfers across the four nations of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales have been battling through regional brackets to earn their chance to represent the Champion Golf Nation of the Year. A Final Qualifying event will take place at Astbury Hall on 5 th September to decide which six pairs will represent each country in the Grand Final from 25th to 28th September.

The 2011 FNGC Grand Final venue is The Oxfordshire, a spectacular rolling layout designed by Rees Jones and owned by the Leaderboard Group which also includes Chart Hills, Dale Hill and Sandford Springs, opened its own state- of-the-art four-star hotel last May and every finalist will stay free of charge throughout the four days of the Grand Final.

Glenbrae, Official Supplier of golf clothing to the FNGC will be providing all Grand Final competitors with their high quality British made Knitwear, along with range of beautiful coordinating polo shirts, with the appropriate FNGC national crest embroidered on the garments.

For full information click onto www.fournationsgolfchallenge.co.uk or call 01276 35505.

Dan’s the man after birdie spree

DAN Osbaldeston claimed his second Cleveland Srixon Northern Order of Merit title with one shot victory in the Caldy Quart.

The 21-year-old plus one player showed the rest of the field a clean pair of heels after a near perfect first round seven-under-par 65.

Osbaldeston, who won the Prestbury Open over his home course last season, strung together six of his eight birdies in seven holes from the fourth and the only blemish on his card was a bogey at the 15th.

He followed up with 72 as the chasing pack narrowed the gap, Prenton’s Mark Geddes closing with a 67 after picking up shots on five of the opening seven holes.

Bromborough’s Marcus Mohr was third, two off the pace after a second round 69.

And fifth placed Steve McGlynn, two-under-par all told, moved into second spot in the Order of Merit, 165 points behind Lancashire Amateur champion John Carroll, from Huyton and Prescot.

SCORES (Par=72): 137 Dan Osbaldeston (Prestbury) 65 72; 138 Mark Geddes (Prenton) 71 67; 139 Marcus Mohr (Bromborough) 70 69; 141 Richie Blundell (Hillside) 70 71; 142 Steve McGlynn (Blackburn) 71 71, Josh Simms (Caldy) 70 72; 144 Scott McRindle (Prenton) 73 71, Mark Gregson (Formby) 69 75; 145 Steve Millward (Caldy) 71 74; 146 Steve Watton (Enville) 75 71, James McCormick (Styal) 73 73, Kyle Evans (Prenton) 72 74.

STANDINGS: 610pts John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot); 445 Steve McGlynn (Blackburn); 400 Sean Towndrow (Southport & Ainsdale); 370 James Bolton (Formby); 310 Kris Taylor (Formby), Mark Young (Longridge); 255 Mark Rabone (Southport & Ainsdale); 225 Jack Brooks (Pleasington); 165 James McCormick (Styal); 160 James Newton (Prestbury), Dan Osbaldeston (Prestbury); 150 Paul Kinnear (Formby), Trevor Foster (Accrington), Mark Ashworth (Clitheroe), Kris Sutcliffe (Crompton & Royton).

Patrons Young Pros Championship - Wednesday 27th July

The 37th Patrons of the Hampshire PGA Young Professionals Championship takes place at Test Valley Golf Club on Wednesday 27th July.

Thirty-six Hampshire PGA Professionals will be competing in the Tournament, which is sponsored by the Patrons of the Hampshire PGA.

Favourites would seem to be Andrew Cloke or David Porter. For defending Champion Cloke this will be his last Young Pros Championship as he is 30 in August.

Others who may contend include Shaun Hall (Botley Park), Martin Adams (Swanmore), Rob Gowers (South Winchester) and Adam Harnett (Worldham Park).

Please visit the Hampshire PGA website if you are interested in becoming a Patron of the Hampshire PGA.

Woolgar In Crewe's Control

George Woolgar fired a flawless round of 66 to take a two shot lead on the first day of the EuroPro Tour's ABC Solutions UK Championship in Crewe on Wednesday.

The Englishman converted birdies at the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 8th, 12th and 13th at Wychwood Park Golf Club and kept bogies off his card in the six-under-par round.

Woolgar currently lies 42nd on the Order of Merit so will hope to climb the list by capitalising on his good start in the remaining rounds on Thursday and Friday.

Five players are in a group at four under: Englishmen James Westwood, Alex Belt, Paul Grannell, Paul Maddy and Trevor Jones.

And there are six more at three under, including Paul Reed, who won the last EuroPro Tour event in Ireland earlier this month. Reed had seven birdies today but also dropped shots on four holes.

Welshman Stuart Runcie (pictured) had five birdies and two bogies in his round of 69.

Golfing Days Overseas Am-Am

The Golfing Days Overseas Am-Am is back by popular demand!

After an extremely successful first event last year they are pleased to announce that they will be heading back to the wonderful Antequera Resort, Spain in November 2011.

The event is a two man team tournament (Betterball Stableford) and will be held at the Antequera Golf Resort, Andalucía.

This 4-star 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 with an indoor pool, spa, steam room and sauna. There are also two restaurants and an excellently stocked bar.

Meanwhile the golf course is beautifully laid out, with over 10 lakes on the course! It measures approximately 6,600 yards and is in beautiful condition all year long.

Itinerary:

Thursday 3rd November 2011

• Morning: Arrive Malaga and transfer to resort
• Afternoon: Practice round at Antequera GC
• Evening: Welcome cocktail party

Friday 4th November 2011

• Daytime: Tournament Round 1 – Antequera GC
• Evening: Free evening or optional event**

Saturday 5th November 2011

• Daytime: Tournament Round 2 – Antequera GC
• Evening: Gala presentation BBQ and prize giving

Sunday 6th November 2011

• Daytime: Depart for the UK

**Optional Event:

Dining out in Antequera at “La Espuela Restaurant” under the bull ring. 40 Euros per person includes 5 dishes and wine. This is an experience not to be missed!

Price:

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

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

*Excludes flights and transfer to the resort

How to book

Places for this fantastic overseas golf competition are accepted on a first-come, first served basis.

If you and your golfing partner would like to join the Golfing Days team and fellow competitors at The Antequera Resort in November simply visit the Golfing Days website where you can register your interest online, call tournament organiser Mark Hatton on 07920 113 463 or email mark@golfingdays.co.uk.

Kris is raining champ

KRIS Sutcliffe homed in on his first Cleveland Srixon Northern Order of Merit title when he captured the Royton Sword.

And the 39-year-old one handicapper had twin brother Lee to thank for keeping his powder dry as driving rain reduced the tournament to one round.

“He offered to caddie for me and I’m glad he did,” he said after firing a two-under-par 68, finishing two ahead of former merit winner Roger Smithies from Manchester Hopwood.

“We used two towels but it was impossible to keep dry and I could sympathise with the players in the Open at Royal St George’s,”

As conditions deteriorated, Sutcliffe stormed ahead of the field by grabbing a hat-trick of birdies from the 15th, which included chipping in from off the green for a two at the 190-yard 16th.

“I knew the second round would be abandoned because of the weather and I expected organisers to call it off before they did. It was a pity because I know how important these events are.

“I’ve not played in many but I’ve always wanted to win this one because I’ve been close a few times,” he said.

“It’s a high standard and I’m planning to enter a few more this season.”

Sutcliffe, who works in the motor trade in Oldham, set a course record 63 at Crompton & Royton in 2004 in a play-off for the club championship he’s won four times.

“I’ve tried to qualify for the Open Championship a few times but never reached the final stage but I intend to try again,” he added.

SCORES (Par=70): 68 Kris Sutcliffe (Crompton & Royton); 72 Roger Smithies (Manchester), Robert Fawcett (Dukinfield); 73 Jack Barnes (Whitefield), Reece Cranfield (Haigh Hall); 74 Chris Rabbich (Gurupa Hills); 75 Ian Meads (Ellesmere), Andy Simpson (Crompton & Royton); 77 James Frizzell (Crompton & Royton), Lee Rowbottom (Werneth); 78 Frazer Sidebottom (Ashton); 79 Jordan Abbott (Crompton & Royton).

STANDINGS: 610pts John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot); 400 Sean Towndrow (Southport & Ainsdale); 395 Steve McGlynn (Blackburn); 370 James Bolton (Formby); 310 Kris Taylor (Formby), Mark Young (Longridge); 300 Richie Blundell (Hillside); 255 Mark Rabone (Southport & Ainsdale); 225 Jack Brooks (Pleasington); 160 James Newton (Prestbury); 150 Paul Kinnear (Formby), James McCormick (Styal), Trevor Foster (Accrington), Mark Ashworth (Clitheroe), Kris Sutcliffe (Crompton & Royton).

Men's Open at Bracken Ghyll

 A new competition will be played at Bracken Ghyll Golf Club located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales near Addingham.

This 4-Ball Betterball Stableford will be held on Saturday 27th August 2011 and is well worth making a visit at just £25 per pair!

It is open to golfers with a maximum handicap of 28 with a 3/4 allowance applied on the day.

Prizes will be awarded to 3rd place plus for nearest-the-pin, straightest  & longest drive. Tee-times are available between 9am and 2pm. Download an entry-form.

The course at Bracken Ghyll is both challenging to the keen golfer and a pleasure to the casual player.

The club prides itself on being one of the friendliest clubs in the country.

Junior Open at Fulwell

We are pleased to inform you about a new tournament at Fulwell Golf Club on Monday 22nd August.

It is a Junior Open with an entry-fee of £18 per person. The Individual Medal competition is open to under 18's with top prizes for 1st & 2nd gross and 1st & 2nd nett.

Handicap limits are 28 (boys) and 36 (girls). A buffet meal is also included in the cost of entry.

Download an entry-form.

About the course

This splendid Middlesex golf course is situated on the border of Hampton and Twickenham, within easy reach of central London, by car or train from Waterloo, and within 10 minutes drive of the London end of the M3 motorway.

Fulwell offers a challenging and rewarding experience.

The championship length parkland course with its tree-lined fairways and well guarded greens provides a test for golfers of all abilities. Fairway watering ensures that you play from lush green fairways all year round.

Ian Wright Golf Classic

Tee off alongside Arsenal legend, Ian Wright, who will joined by fellow footballers and celebrity friends at his first ever charity golf event at Monte Da Quinta Resort, Portugal from September 22 to 25. The Ian Wright Golf Classic will raise funds for national charity, the Willow Foundation.

The Willow Foundation, set up by fellow Arsenal legend Bob Wilson and his wife Megs, provides empowering and memorable special days for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds throughout the UK.

Join the celebrity golf weekend which runs from Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 September and includes three nights' accommodation at the luxury Monte Da Quinta Resort, three rounds of golf, an evening with Ian Wright hosted by Bob Wilson, gala dinner, prize giving and return flights from London Gatwick (packages available without flights and/or accommodation).

Ian Wright chose the Willow Foundation to benefit from his golf classic event for the next three years after he met a young man on a special day organised by the charity. 32-year-old John was nearing the end of his life after a seven year battle with cancer. The Arsenal fan was unable to leave hospital and Ian took the time to visit him, where he saw first hand the positive impact and precious memories a special day can create for people and their families during a tough time.

"After meeting John I wanted to do something to support Willow. The golf weekend promises to be great fun for all who take part - the opportunity to enjoy fantastic golf and stay at the luxurious Monte Da Quinta Resort in the Algarve with great weather and even better company!", says Ian Wright MBE.

Teams of 4 (or 3 plus a celebrity) are priced at £6,300. Individual places also available and packages without flights and/or accommodation. Please get in touch for a revised price on these options.

For more information, individual or alternative package prices, or to book a place contact Louise Smith - email louise.smith@willowfoundation.org.uk or 01707 259777.

To date, Willow has provided more than 7,400 special days for young people living with life-threatening conditions including cancer, motor neurone disease, cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s disease, amongst others.

Special days aim to give seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds a break from the stress and difficult realities of diagnosis and treatment. They offer the chance to spend quality time with loved ones doing something they will all enjoy and creating precious memories.

The Willow Foundation was founded in 1999 by Bob and Megs Wilson as a lasting memorial to their daughter, Anna, who died of cancer aged 31. The charity receives no government or lottery funding and is totally reliant on the generosity of companies, individuals, foundations and trusts to fund its work.

For more information about the Willow Foundation visit www.willowfoundation.org.uk

Ashworth gets off the Mark

MARK Ashworth won his first Cleveland Srixon Northern Order of Merit event of the season thanks to a flawless second round six-under-par 65 in the Antlers Trophy at Pleasington.

The Clitheroe plus one player trailed three shots off the pace after his opening 72 but overtook the field with a haul of six birdies, three on each loop, to prevail by two strokes from Blackburn’s Steve McGlynn.

Ashworth picked up shots at the short 16th and 17th on a day when six players were either level or under par.

McGlynn, winner of the Calvert Trophy at Ashton & Lea last month, moved up to third in the rankings, five points behind Southport and Ainsdale’s Sean Towndrow who is 210 adrift of leader John Carroll, the Lancashire County champion from Huyton & Prescot.

The top nine spots are occupied by Red Rose team-mates.

SCORES (Par=71): 137 Mark Ashworth (Clitheroe) 72 65; 139 Steve McGlynn (Blackburn) 70 69; 141 Mark Duncalf (Formby) 73 68; 143 Mark Young (Longridge) 73 70, Jonathan Hurst (Pleasington) 72 71; 144 Ciaran Doherty (Bury) 75 69, Richie Blundell (Hillside) 74 70; 145 Mark Rabone (S&A) 74 71; 146 Tom Winn (Morecambe) 75 71, Daniel Nutter (Clitheroe) 74 72, Niel Williams (Pleasington) 73 73, Daniel Creaney (S&A) 69 77.

STANDINGS: 610pts John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot); 400 Sean Towndrow (Southport & Ainsdale); 395 Steve McGlynn (Blackburn); 370 James Bolton (Formby); 310 Kris Taylor (Formby), Mark Young (Longridge); 300 Richie Blundell (Hillside); 255 Mark Rabone (Southport & Ainsdale); 225 Jack Brooks (Pleasington); 160 James Newton (Prestbury); 150 Paul Kinnear (Formby), James McCormick (Styal), Trevor Foster (Accrington), Mark Ashworth (Clitheroe).

Reed wins his first EuroPro Tour Event

Paul Reed admitted he was stunned to have won his first ever PGA EuroPro Tour event – only two years after contemplating quitting golf.

Reed (Bristol and Clifton) clinched the Audi Cork Irish Masters at The Fota Island Resort in Cork, Ireland as he finished two shots ahead of South African Darryn Lloyd.

The victory gives Reed the £10,000 top prize, although it was something he could not have forecasted at the start of the week.

“I played a practice round on Monday and sent a text message to my family saying ‘don’t bet on me’ as I didn’t think I hit it long enough for this course,” admitted Reed.

“That might’ve helped as I’ve gone out there with no expectations and thought if I played well then maybe I could get a top 20 place but my short game has just been unbelievable.

“I’ve played tournaments where I’ve hit the ball better but the short game has been the best ever. It just seemed to work all week and I got up and down when I needed to.

“I’ve led a couple of times and totally messed them up but it feels really special to win this one.

“I made an effort to not look at the leaderboard and I just tried to play my normal game. It wasn’t until I was on the 18th when I asked our scorer to radio in and find out where I was and I found out I was ahead.

“When it sinks in I hope this victory will give me a massive boost to my confidence.”

Reed started Friday’s play with a one-shot lead and began his final round brightly with birdies at the second and fourth. A bogey at the fifth followed but he got back on track with birdies at the 13th, 14th and 16th.

Lloyd had already finished on -9 and a bogey at the 17th from Reed made it close but Reed made a birdie at the 18th to end on -11 and win by two shots to justify his decision to continue playing golf.

“I had always wanted to be a golf professional but it was just not going anywhere and I was pretty close to giving up about two years ago,” added Reed. “I had a lot of injuries as well and that has not made it easy.

“I have switched coaches and it’s given me a new lease of life. I always felt I was capable of winning but Simon Hurley has transformed my game and made me more steady.

“I’m not the type of person to feel sorry for myself and I just decided to give it 100 per cent and hopefully this is the start of reaping the rewards. The EuroPro Tour has a really good track record of producing top players.”

Reed moves up to third in the Order of Merit, where the top five players at the end of the season will advance to the Challenge Tour and be one step away from playing alongside the golfing elite on the main European Tour.

An inspiration for all golfers should be the progress of Scott Jamieson, who is currently level with Graeme McDowell and has a share of the lead on the second day of the Scottish Open on the European Tour.

This comes less than two years after Jamieson was winning events on the EuroPro Tour and Reed will hope to follow in Jamieson’s footsteps.

Ireland’s Niall Turner and Scotland’s Shaun McAllister (Craigielaw) both finished tied third on -8 at Fota Island with Kevin Harper (East Devon) in fifth.

The action is being filmed and Matchroom Sport will produce a two-hour highlights package that will be broadcast on Sky Sports on Wednesday, July 20.

For more information about the PGA EuroPro Tour, please visit the official website www.europrotour.com.

Porter passes the Test

David Porter won the Captain’s Charity Pro-Am at Test Valley Golf Club on Wednesday (6/7).

Porter shot a two-under-par round of 70 to win the BE Wiser Insurance sponsored tournament.

Kevin Saunders (Brokenhurst Manor) was the only other pro to break par on a blustery day.

Richard Campbell (West Berks) won the Pro-Am with his team of John Say, Dan Langdale and Ben Cobern.

49 teams took part in the Tournament, the largest on the Hampshire PGA circuit this year. The Tournament was sponsored by BE Wiser Insurance.

Leading Professional scores:

David Porter (Wellow) 70

Kevin Saunders (Brokenhurst Manor) 71

Philip Bryden (Alresford) 72

Shaun Hall (Botley Park) 72

Roger Tuddenham (Hedge End) 72

Leading Pro-Am scores:

Richard Campbell, John Say, Dan Langdale & Ben Cobern 130

David Porter, Vic Grant, Paul Grant & Paul Terry 132

Mark Dowdell (Southwick Park), Darren Bartlett, Peter Elie & Kevin Poulter 133

Rob Gowers (S. Winchester), Matt Dyke, Andy Bori & Mark Bower-Dyke 133

Steve Speller (Camberley Heath), Ian Walton, Frank Neale & Dick Smith 134

Shaun Hall, Alex Marshall, Nigel Hawkins & Aiden Furnell 134

Cheetham holds on for victory

NEIL Cheetham cleaned after an untidy start in the Phoenix Gas Classic at Cheshire resort Wychwood Park.

And the 43-year-old Dore & Totley tournament professional pledged to use his victory as a springboard to success on the South African Sunshine Tour which he will rejoin next month.

“I have some important events coming up and this is certain to lift my confidence,” he said.

His three-shot overnight lead was whittled down to one after a brace of bogeys before he restored the advantage on the home stretch, an eagle at the 12th proving crucial in the final analysis.

After closing with a level par 72 to add to his opening 66 for a six-under total, he said: “I struck the ball better than in the first round but I missed a few early chances then made a couple of mistakes. I realised I could not afford any more and so I upped my game.”

This was his fifth Order of Merit win in the PGA North Region which he supports during the two-month break from playing in South Africa.

“It’s great to meet up with my old pals and I notice that the standard has increased over the last four or five years. You have to be on top form to have any chance of success,” he observed.

The irrepressible Mossock Hall-attached David Shacklady, celebrating his elevation to the PGA Cup team to face the United States in California in September, closed with 69 matched by Andrew Barnett, from North Wales Golf Range, to share second place.

Meanwhile Cheetham, who has a home on the outskirts of Johannesburg he shares with his partner Lucy and seven-month-old son Oliver, has hinted that he wants to return permanently to the UK as a teaching or club pro.

“But that’s a few years down the line because I’m not done yet as a player,” added the man who lost to Masters champion Charl Schwartzel in a play-off for the Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek in 2005.

LEADING SCORES (Par=72): 138 Neil Cheetham (Dore & Totley) 66 72; 141 David Shacklady (Mossock Hal) 72 69, Andrew Barnett (North Wales Golf Range) 72 69; 143 D Smith (Swinton Park) 70 73, Grant Hamerton (Brookdale) 70 73; 144 David Clark (Morpeth) 73 71, Phil Waugh (Close House) 73 71; 145 Barry Taylor (Houghwood) 71 74, Will Barnes (Garstang) 72 75.

Reed turns on the style at Fota Island Resort

Paul Reed produced one of the best rounds of the competition to go into the final day of the Audi Cork Irish Masters with a one-shot lead.

Reed (Bristol and Clifton) went round in 67 (-5) on Thursday at the Fota Island Resort in Cork, Ireland to lead the race to the £10,000 top prize.

His performance included two eagles – at the par-five fourth and also at the par-five 18th – and he is one ahead of Shaun McAllister (Craigielaw, East Lothian) and Daniel Sugrue (Killarney).

McAllister, who has played on the Tour for the last two seasons, will claim his highest ever finish if he can beat the tied 14th he recorded in August 2009 at the Marriott Tudor Park in Kent.

Ireland’s Ruaidhri McGee and England’s Sandeep Grewal produced two of the finest rounds of the day as they both went round in -4 (68) to comfortably make the cut.

McGee (Rosapenna, Donegal) shot 72 on Wednesday but made seven birdies, one bogey and one double bogey, while Grewal (Heswall, Merseyside) included six birdies and two bogeys in his round.

Daniel Wardrop (Didsbury, Manchester) looked to be heading home early after a score of 76 (+4) on Wednesday but he saved himself with a -5 (67) on Thursday.

Jamie Abbott, a winner at event one at Wensum Valley, Norfolk, held a share of the lead at the start of play but a run of four bogeys in six holes looks to have ended his chances of another victory.

This event is the sixth in the EuroPro Tour season and a total of 56 players made the cut, which came at +3, although Order of Merit leader Chris Hanson was not one of them.

Hanson, who has won two of the five events of the season so far including last week at Galgorm Castle, suffered a miserable day as his round of 81 (+9) included double bogeys at the fifth and 16th.

Graeme Clark, second in the money list, will also not be playing on the final day at Fota Island as he could not recover from three bogeys in four holes and missed the cut by two shots.

The action is being filmed and Matchroom Sport will produce a two-hour highlights package that will be broadcast on Sky Sports on Wednesday, July 20.

For more information about the PGA EuroPro Tour, please visit the official website www.europrotour.com.

Wind cheater Cheetham

NEIL Cheetham defied a strong, gusting wind to blow away the rest of a big field in the first round of the Phoenix Gas Classic at Cheshire resort Wychwood Park.

With only a handful of players beating the par of 72, the Dore & Totley tournament professional stormed to a six-under 66 to lead by three Aran Wainwright.

“I just stayed in his slipstream,” said his playing partner from the Mid Yorkshire club who handed in a bogey-free card.

Cheetham erred only once when he failed to get up and down from the back of the 15th green but by then had already racked up an eagle and four of his five birdies.

“My game was solid. I hit a few accurate two irons which was sensible in the wind and putted well,” said the 2009 PGA North Region champion and Order of Merit winner who is on a two month break from playing the South African Sunshine Tour.

“I’m having a great season over there and I regard playing at home as a bit of a holiday but it also keeps my game sharp. I have some big events I need to do well in when I return.”

Cheetham revealed that he will attend the European Tour School at the end of the year in an attempt to regain the card he lost in 2006 when he sustained an injury which kept him sidelined for 18 months.

“It’s taken until now get my game back to the level I need it to be at,” he added.

And eagle at the first got him off to a flying start as he reached the turn in four-under 32, pitching in from form the greenside fringe for a birdie at the 10th.

Fifty players had the cut on 74 or better.

FIRST ROUND LEADERS (Par=72): 66 Neil Cheetham (Dore & Totley); 69 Aran Wainwright (Mid Yorks); 70 David Corsby (Fleetwood), Grant Hamerton (Brookdale), Mark Ramsden (Bondhay), David Smith (Swinton Park); 71 Jason O’Brien (Widnes), Richard Pace (Hornsea), Alan Laing (Mount Murray), Barry Taylor (Houghwood).

Charity Team Open at Gay Hill

We are pleased to inform you about a new event at Gay Hill Golf Club on Friday 29th July.

It is a 4-person team competition (men, ladies or mixed teams) and has an entry-fee of just £80 per team. 

This includes a buffet and after dinner speakers John Welsh & Don McLean.

It is a shotgun start at 2pm and is being held to help support the breast cancer campaign.

Download an entry-form.

About the course

Located south of Birmingham, Gay Hill Golf Club is a beautiful 18 hole parkland course, offering a real test of golf, as well as a test of stamina! Although a relatively short course at 6406 yards, the fairways are tight and the greens are fast – challenging but very enjoyable.

New sponsor triggers close contest

The arrival of a new sponsor seems to have triggered the closest fight for the Hampshire PGA's Order of Merit for many a year.

Lawrence Clarke Limited were unveiled in the Spring as the new Order of Merit sponsor for 2011 and 2012. Now as the season approaches the halfway stage at least twenty Hampshire PGA Pros are still in with a chance of winning the coveted award.

Jon Barnes, the defending OM Champion, currently leads the standings with Roger Tuddenham, Mark Treleaven and Philip Bryden all in close proximity.

1 Jonathan Barnes Ampfield 177.13

2 Roger Tuddenham Hedge End Golf Cent 165.67

3 Mark Treleaven Hayling 162.17

4 Philip Bryden Alresford 159.16

5 Kevin Saunders Brokenhurst Manor 148.87

6 Rob Gowers South Winchester 141.71

7 David Porter Wellow 139.50

8 Ian Roper Corhampton 136.25

9 Gary Stubbington Hockley 128.40

10 Richard Adams South Winchester 115.20

11 Jon Le Roux Oris Medical 100.67

12 Steve Richardson Lee-on-the-Solent 98.33

13 Shaun Hall Botley Park 98.03

14 Martin Adams Swanmore Golf Cent 94.45

15 Ben Johnson Stoneham 85.75

16 James Ablett Lee-on-the-Solent 84.00

17 Andrew Cloke Sherfield Oaks 80.60

18 Chris Hudson Southwood 59.37

19 Scott Shibley Army 53.25

20 Eddy Rawlings Southwick Park 51.53

Skipton Gents Team Open

Skipton Golf Club in Yorkshire have some tee-times available in their Gents Team Stableford scheduled for later this month.

The annual event will be held on Sunday 24th July with times still available between 8.50am & 9.10am and from 1.10pm onwards. Entry is just £52 per team or four!

The format is a Team Stableford with the best two scores to count on each hole, except on the par 5's where everybody must score! Full handicap allowance is applied up to the maximum of 28. Enter now!

Five share lead after Fota Island Thriller

Five players share the lead after a thrilling opening day of the Audi Cork Irish Masters at Fota Island Resort in Cork, Ireland.

The event, the sixth of the 2011 PGA EuroPro Tour season, features the best up-and-coming British and Irish golfers with more than 150 men battling for the £10,000 top prize.

This was the first time the Tour had held an event at Fota Island, a venue that had previously hosted the Irish Open on the main European Tour.

Conditions were very wet at the start of the day and Jamie Abbott was an early clubhouse leader as his flawless round of -4 (68) included birdies at the second, seventh, tenth and 18th.

Abbott (Fynn Valley, Suffolk, pictured) won the opening event of the season at Wensum Valley, Norfolk but failed to make the cut at the other two EuroPro Tour events he has played this year.

However, Abbott was later joined on -4 by England’s Ian Ridgway, South African Darryn Lloyd, Scotsman Shaun McAllister (Craigielaw, East Lothian) and Ireland's Neil O'Briain, who would have had an overnight lead, if he had not double bogeyed the 18th.

Graeme Dunlea (Adare, County Limerick), Paul Maddy (Gog Magog, Cambridgeshire) and Adam Hodkinson are a shot further back on -3 (67). It promises to be a fantastic, hard-fought competition as more than a dozen players are on -2 after rounds of 68.

Chris Hanson (Woodsome Hall) and Graeme Clark (Doncaster) are first and second in the Order of Merit respectively, but both need solid rounds on Thursday if they are to make the cut.

Hanson, who has won two of the five tournaments so far in 2011, described his round as ‘very average’ as he made birdies at the 10th and 17th but a bogey at the 15th and double at the par-four sixth left him on +1 (73).

Graeme Clark is also on the same score, although he made a good start with two birdies in the first four holes of the front nine but bogeys at three of the next four saw him drop down the leaderboard.

Andy Shakespear (Benton Hall, Essex) held a share of the lead with four birdies in the opening five holes but it proved to be much ado about nothing as he made three bogeys in his next six holes.

All of the entrants will play a second round on Thursday and at the end of that the top 50 plus ties will advance to the final round on Friday.

The action is being filmed and Matchroom sport will produce a two-hour highlights package that will be broadcast on Sky Sports on Wednesday, July 20.

For more information about the PGA EuroPro Tour, please visit the official website www.europrotour.com.

TV times

The Forces Children’s Trust pro-am played at Cottingham Parks Golf & Leisure Club on May 13-14 is due to be shown on Sky TV:

July 12th at 8pm Sky sports 3
July 12th at midnight Sky sports 3
July 13th 8am Sky sports 2
July 13th midday Sky sports 1

48 Teams at Test Valley

48 teams will be competing in the Test Valley Golf Club Pro-Am on Wednesday (6th July).

It will be the biggest pro-am of the Hampshire PGA season thus far.

The Tournament is being sponsored by Bewiser Insurance.

Hampshire Matchplay

The Hampshire PGA Matchplay Championship has reached reached the last sixteen stage.

The draw is as follows, with the first named having home advantage.

The semi-finals and final are to be played at Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club on Monday 19th September.

Richard Lewington v Jackson Ainley

James Green v Andrew Cloke

Neil Bratley v Ian Roper

James Pitcher v Kevin Saunders

Jamie Northcote v Doug Wright

David Porter v Ben Stimson

Mike Deeley v Jon Le Roux

Ben Johnson v Chris Hudson

Treleaven prevails despite shaky finish

Hayling’s Mark Treleaven won the Gosport & Stokes Bay GC Pro-Am on Friday despite finishing his round with two bogeys.

With two holes to play Treleaven was six-under-par for his round but bogeys at the 17th and 18th meant that he finished with a round of 67, just one shot ahead of Richard Campbell (West Berks).

Roger Tuddenham won the Pro-Am with Dean Smith, Simon Dewan and Caroline Pinder. Their twenty under par score of 122 was four better than Richard Campbell, John Gunther, Stuart Bearman and Paul Bearman (126).

Other prize-winners included Dan Holloway, Steve Greenaway, Gary Pafett, Len Brownsword & Colin Rix.

The Tournament was organized by Gosport and Stokes Bay Golf Club.

Leading Professional scores:

Mark Treleaven (Hayling) 67

Richard Campbell (West Berks) 68

Gary Stubbington (Hockley) 69

Philip Bryden (Alresford) 70

Richard Adams (South Winchester) 70

Leading Pro-Am Team scores:

Roger Tuddenham (Hedge End), Dean Smith, Simon Dewan & Caroline Pinder 122

Richard Campbell, John Gunther, Stuart Bearman & Paul Bearman 126

Mark Treleaven, Phil Chapman, Graham Urry & Jon Evans 126

Eddy Rawlings (Southwick Park), Phil Mooney, Dean Rushforth & Ben Urry 127

Ben Johnson (Stoneham), Simon Hoyle, Ben McKay & Nick Corner 127

The Greater London Mid Amateur Stroke Play Championship

A new mid-amateur golf tournament has just been announced.

Wyncanton Marketing Services Ltd (Whitstable, Kent. UK) are pleased to announce a new golf championship for Mid Amateur golfers in the UK. The Greater London Mid Amateur Stroke Play Championship will take place at Langley Park Golf Club in Bromley on Thursday 29th September 2011.

The tournament will be held over 36 holes in one day, with the winner being the player who returns the lowest gross score for the 36 holes. Prizes will be given for the first 4 places in the scratch event and the first 3 places in the handicap event and there is an expected prize fund of over £1,000. The event will be open to all male golfers who are in possession of a an active CONGU handicap of 12 or less.

“Following on from the success of our first event, The SE England Mid Amateur Championship we decided to add another event for 2011. The feedback was so positive from the players that it cemented our belief that there is a huge gap in the market for new tournaments aimed at golfers aged over 35 years of age.” said Jason Morris, Golf Director of Wyncanton Marketing Services. “The standard of amateur golf is now such, that unless you hold a handicap of scratch or better you stand little or no chance of entering some of the more prestigious events around the country and players are left in a golfing wilderness.”

Mid Amateur or Mid Age competitions are held at a small number of clubs across the south of England and with the exception of County Unions who hold Mid Age Championships once a year there is little or nothing for players aged over 35 to play in.

“These are exciting time for us and the new web site www.midamgolf.co.uk is attracting visitors from all over the world. We are also currently planning 6 events for next year and are looking at resurrecting some tournaments that have fallen by the wayside including the Welsh Mid Amateur Championship.”

Wyncanton Marketing Services are an event management company who specialise in arranging golf events, corporate golf events and society days.

Grange Park Golf Club Open Competitions

There's still time to secure a place in five open competitions to be played at the excellent Grange Park Golf Club in Lancashire.

The tournaments include their prestigious Northern Order of Merit event, the Grange Park Rose Bowl.

 

To enter the first one you will need to be quick though as their next Senior Pairs Open will be held this Thursday, the 7th July. There are only a few places available in this 4BBB Stableford competition with a cost of just £30 per pair. A handicap of 24 or less is required and you must be aged 55+.

If you cannot make it this week you will be pleased to know that an additional Seniors Open has been scheduled for Thursday 11th August with the same format and cost.

A popular Pairs Open will be played on Sunday 24th July. This 4BBB competition is open to men and ladies in any combination and at just £25 per pair is great value for weekend golf. Maximum handicaps are 24 (men) and 30 (ladies).

An entry-form is now available for the Grange Park Rose Bowl. This is a 36 hole individual strokeplay tournament for category one golfers. It forms part of the Northern Order of Merit and will take place on Sunday 14th August.

Finally, an Adult & Junior Open has been put on for Sunday 4th September. This is a Pairs Betterball Stableford and is open to any combination of adult and junior. Maximum handicaps are 24 (men) and 30 (ladies). The entry-fee is just £15 per pair.

About Grange Park

If you have played Grange Park you will need little or no persuasion regarding the merits of it's championship course.

Grange Park is a traditional parkland course set in the industrial town of St Helens, but you wouldn't know it.

It's 6,420 yards from the medal tees is a true test of golfing skill. The main defence are the greens, which are regularly amongst the best in the county and the views from the highest points are stunning.

The recently refurbished clubhouse is an ideal resting place after your round.

Hip, hip hoorah for Foster

TREVOR Foster rolled back the years to win the Acorn Trophy for the eighth time at his club Accrington. And it was his first 36 hole event since he claimed the title for a fourth successive occasion in 2005.

“I had a hip operation shortly after and I did not start feeling better until this season,” he said. “Maybe I’ve pushed myself a little bit more but I did not have any after affects and it’s given me the incentive to play in the Antlers at Pleasington next week.

“I recently joined the club and won the scratch competition there last week,” he added.

Foster, 51, who devotes much of his time to 19-year-old daughter Nikki, a GB&I and England international, admitted he regretted retiring from playing for Lancashire after 108 appearances in 2003.

“I should have carried on for a bit longer,” he said as he posted scores of 69 and 71, level par all told, to win by two from Wilpshire’s Brett Langstreth.

“I had five birdies in the first round and played better in the next but the putts wouldn’t drop,” said the winner of the Cleveland Srixon Northern Order of Merit in 1989.

Meanwhile, the main contenders in the rankings were missing at Accrington because they were helping Lancashire to a 14.5-3.5 demolition of Cumbria at Royal Lytham & St Annes to stay top of the Northern Counties League.

SCORES (Par=70): 140 Trevor Foster (Accrington) 69 71; 142 Brett Langstreth (Wilpshire) 70 72; 143 Ian Hardman (Accrington) 69 74; 144 Nick Uttley (Nelson) 73 71; 145 Shaun Field (Nelson) 75 70, Louis Laviscount (Wilpshire) 73 72, Daniel Nutter (Clitheroe) 72 73, Michael Hearn (Bolton) 71 74; 147 Tony Harwood (Blackburn) 74 73; 148 Ken Hudson (Hart Common) 70 78; 150 Sam Townend (Wilpshire) 75 75; 151 Charlie Ellis (Nelson) 75 76.

STANDINGS: 610pts John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot); 400 Sean Towndrow (Southport & Ainsdale); 370 James Bolton (Formby); 310 Kris Taylor (Formby); 295 Steve McGlynn (Blackburn); 260 Richie Blundell (Hillside); 250 Mark Young (Longridge); 225 Jack Brooks (Pleasington), Mark Rabone (Southport & Ainsdale); 160 James Newton (Prestbury); 150 Paul Kinnear (Formby), James McCormick (Styal), Trevor Foster (Accringron).