Focus on golf in the North

As a company based in West Yorkshire it struck us just how lucky we are as northern golfers when it comes to opportunities for playing competitive golf .

Most member golf clubs in the North of England have their own active competitive calendars; monthly medals, club knockouts, league matches, club championships... the list goes on.

And when it comes to playing competitively away from home there's no shortage on that front either. Below we've pieced together some of the events that we think are worth considering in 2012.

You will need to be quick if you want to get a place in the Golfdelaluz.com Northern Matchplay as entries close at noon on Monday! The premise is simple - win 6 games against local opponents to reach a regional final at Formby, Alwoodley or Silloth - win there and you're jetting off to Spain for a weeks golf. All entrants also receive a £50 golf holiday voucher, thanks to main sponsor Golf de la Luz - find out more about this offer.

The Fixby Challenge is an 18 hole individual strokeplay competition that will take place at Huddersfield Golf Club on Friday 27th July. The player returning the lowest nett score will win a place in the grand final of the afore mentioned Northern Matchplay - apart from a great competition it's a fast track route to Spain! The cost to enter is just £30 per person (includes lunch) and there's currently an offer to book a 4-ball for £100.

There are a number of amateur golf tours that are either based exclusively in the North of England or visit it at some point during the year.

The famous William Hunt Trilby Tour once again heads to the North of England this year for two of it's regional championships. Yorkshire's KP Club and Durham's Rockliffe Hall are the venues that it takes in. Both are sold out but pre qualifiers have been arranged for the chance to win a place in the finals. You may also be interested in other pre-championship qualifiers throughout the rest of the country for the chance to qualify.

The Golf Guide Pairs Tour has a Yorkshire & North-East section and a North-West & Cumbria region. A trip to Spain is up for grabs at each event. The Cleveland Classic is another betterball competition with a trip to Spain for the winners.

The North of England Tour reaches every corner of the region. These are individual competitions which culminate in a grand final in Cyprus.

The Gtour is a nationwide tour, also with a finale in Cyprus, but has very much a northern feel to it with no less than six tournaments that are within easy reach. The Volvo Amateur Tour also pay a visit or two during the season. With very much a North-West theme to it the A-Tour provide a series of well run individual strokeplay competitions during the year with a season-ending tour championship at Hillside Golf Club.

Category one golfers should note that dates are virtually all finalised on the Northern Order of Merit, Yorkshire Order of Merit, North East Masters Series and Cumbria Master Golfer. Meanwhile senior golfers aged 65 or over may be interested in the Vintage Open at Reaseheath Golf Club in Cheshire.

Finally in terms of national events the 4bbb Challenge have a host of qualifiers across the northern counties with the ultimate goal to reach the grand final at Royal Lytham & St. Annes whilst the League to Dubai, Volvo Matchplay and Four Nations Golf Challenge may also appeal to players seeking matchplay golf initially on a local basis.

Ricco takes over as Hampshire PGA Captain

Lee-on-the-Solent's Steve Richardson is the new Captain of the Hampshire PGA. The former Ryder Cup player took over as Captain from Southwick Park's Eddy Rawlings.

Steve plans to play regularly in Hampshire PGA events during the coming season, commencing with the Barton-on-Sea Golf Club Pro-Am on Wednesday 2nd May.

It is the first time that a Ryder Cup player has captained the Hampshire PGA and his presence is certain to be a major boost for the Hampshire PGA.

Richardson drove himself into Office at South Winchester Golf Club, the headquarters of the Hampshire PGA. Richardson's vice-captain is Hayling's Mark Treleaven.

For further information please contact the Hampshire PGA Office (0771-5975258).

Leeds Golf Centre Makes Key Appointments

Leeds Golf Centre has made two key appointments to facilitate its pursuit of becoming one of The North's premier all-round golf venues.

Leigh Tasker, former publisher of PaD Property & Design Magazine, has joined the company as Business Development Manager, while former international athlete, Joanne Walker, has more recently been recruited as Public Relations Assistant.

In just over a year, Parklane Properties has totally transformed Leeds Golf Centre thanks to an unprecedented multi-million pound investment programme. The Leeds-based property developer and hotel operator has upgraded the facility’s golf courses, car park, Pro Shop, changing rooms and shower/WC facilities as well as adding two superb high-tech swing studios and just last month, the brand-new Nineteen Bar & Grill.

With overall responsibility for both communications and revenue growth across the facility’s four core departments (golf courses, Academy, Pro Shop, and Nineteen Bar & Grill), Leigh has already conceived a number of exciting initiatives such as the inaugural Leeds Corporate Golf League and has been highly influential in delivering critical marketing-related projects including a new suite of corporate literature.

Commenting on the impressive redevelopment project, Mr Tasker said: “Over the last twelve months, the principal aim has been to provide Leeds Golf Centre with foundations that will continue to prove strong in the future. The stunning re-modelling of our Wike Ridge championship course is nearing completion, the Pro Shop is thriving and bringing new visitors to the club and our swing studios and market-leading Academy continue to make waves amongst the local golf community. We are all hugely proud and massively excited about making Leeds Golf Centre the number-one location in Yorkshire to learn and play golf.”

Joanne on the other hand is currently completing her Masters of Arts in Public Relations and comes from an elite sporting background. Having represented England at netball, she currently captains Yorkshire Jets, the county's Superleague netball team.

The 22-year-old, who also has a degree in Sport, Leisure and Culture, is aiming to bring fresh ideas regarding how the club is publicised and is confident of helping Leeds Golf Centre pursue exciting new public relations strategies.

Joanne said: “From travelling with netball, I've seen some of the top sports facilities in the country. The overall experience I have of Leeds Golf Centre is right up there with the best so I can’t wait to help the operation realise its potential.”

To obtain information relating to corporate membership or the Leeds Corporate Golf League, contact Leigh Tasker on 07590 950217 or by email leigh@parklaneproperties.com. Alternatively, for general information about the wide variety of membership options, tuition packages and green fee rates, visit www.leedsgolfcentre.com.

Red Rose boys seek home win

LANCASHIRE are aiming to end a five-year drought in the Four Counties Junior Tournament which swings into action on Tuesday.

And home advantage could prove crucial when they face Cheshire, Nottinghamshire and the combined Shropshire & Herefordshire teams at West Lancs.

That was the case when the Red Rose boys claimed the title for the ninth occasion at Fairhaven in 2007 with a strong team which included Tommy Fleetwood and Matthew Nixon who are now plying their trade on the European Tour.

Since then Lancashire have played second fiddle to Cheshire, although they were narrowly beaten by their neighbours at Crewe last year.

Preston’s Sami Procter-Bouzabia, Southport & Ainsdale’s Sean Blinkhorne and host club player and reigning county boys’ champion Louis Tomlinson, retain their places from that side.

The eight-strong squad, from which the team of seven will be selected, hopes to benefit from a training session at the Blundellsands links with county coach Jim Payne.

Cheshire, as expected, have also named a strong line-up which includes England player James Newton.

Meanwhile, Delamere Forest have three players on show – Lewis George and Jordan Jones for their own county and Haydn McCullen who represents Lancashire.

LANCASHIRE: Sami Procter-Bouzabia (Preston), Sean Blinkhorne (S&A), Louis Tomlinson (West Lancs), Joey Lamb (Wilpshire), Ian Stirling (Formby), Haydn McCullen (Delamere Forest), Ben Richards (Pike Fold), James Rooney (West Lancs).

CHESHIRE: James Newton (Prestbury), Daniel Chapman (Sandiway), Joshua Garside (Prestbury), Lewis George (Delamere Forest), Jordan Jones (Delamere Forest), Cameron Massey (Chorlton-cum-Hardy), Matt Taylor (Crewe), Freddie Williams (Prenton).

Ladies Open at Hendon Golf Club

Entries are now being accepted for the Ladies Open at Hendon Golf Club.

Early booking is advised for this team of three Stableford competition on Thursday 21st June where the best two scores count.

The event is open to lady golfers with a handicap of 36 or less.There will be complimentary coffee on arrival and a buffet lunch after golf. Entry is just £90 per team with limited places available.

About Hendon

Hendon Golf Club located just nine miles from the centre of London, offers first class golfing facilities.

The beautiful parkland course provides a challenging test to golfers of all levels, with its tight, tree-lined fairways and small, well-manicured greens.

It is renowned for its small, well guarded greens which are kept in immaculate condition throughout the year.

Faldo Series announces return to Ireland

The Faldo Series Ireland Championship will return to Lough Erne Resort in County Fermanagh on April 17-18, 2012, organisers announced today. Last year’s champion, Gavin Moynihan has recently returned from the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in China, having gone from strength to strength since his victory 12 months ago.

“Winning the Ireland Championship in 2011 was a huge opportunity for me,” said 17-year-old Moynihan from Portrane. “Not only did I get the chance to learn from Sir Nick and Rory McIlroy at the Europe Grand Final but I also won my age-group to qualify for the Asia Grand Final in China. These have been once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”

More than 70 golfers aged 12 to 21 will line up in the fifth Ireland Championship, to be played over two rounds on the Faldo Course at Lough Erne in Northern Ireland.

With the field divided into five age-groups – three for boys and two for girls – the winners of each division will earn themselves a return trip to Lough Erne for the sixteenth Europe Grand Final later this year.

Supported by The R&A, the European Tour and Lough Erne Resort, the 2012 Faldo Series Europe schedule features a record 20 tournaments in 14 countries including six in England plus others in Bahrain, Ireland, Chile, the Czech Republic, Greece, Wales, Austria, Brazil, Germany, The Netherlands, Scotland, Slovakia and Russia.

Established in 1996, 37 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 27 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 golfers participating each year. Past winners include Major Champions McIlroy and Yani Tseng.

To enter the Faldo Series Ireland Championship at Lough Erne Resort on April 17-18 email legolfshop@lougherneresort.com or visit www.lougherneresort.com. Entries close on 6 April so golfers should apply now to avoid disappointment.

For more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com. You can also follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/faldoseries.

Al Bishei of Qatar wins Faldo Series in Middle East

Ali Abdulla Al Bishei celebrated victory in the third Faldo Series Middle East Championship at The Royal Golf Club in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The Qatar national team player led by two shots after an opening round of 71 before firing a 73 on the final day to post a level par score of 144 and see off the multinational field.

Tournament Director Cormac Flannery of the Royal Golf Club was delighted to host the event in Bahrain. “It was a fantastic weekend of golf with great scoring. The Faldo Series is a great opportunity for young golfers around the region to experience competitive play and I wish them all the best at the Grand Final in Ireland and in their budding golf careers.”

The opening tournament of the 2012 Faldo Series Europe season also featured a nine-hole “Faldo Mini Series” event on the club’s par-three course for younger players, part of a drive to help develop grass-roots activity in the Middle East.

Other age-group winners included Jakub Hrinda of Slovakia (Boys’ Under-16), Kuwait’s Julia Alhemoud (Girls’ Under-16) and 2011 Faldo Series Asia finalist Georgia Coughlin of England (Girls’ Under-21). Along with Al Bishei, they become the first players of the season to book their places in the 16th Faldo Series Europe Grand Final, to be hosted by six-time Major Champion Sir Nick Faldo at Lough Erne Resort in Northern Ireland in September.

Supported by The R&A, the European Tour and Lough Erne Resort, the 2012 Faldo Series Europe schedule features a record 20 tournaments in 14 countries including six in England plus others in Bahrain, Ireland, Chile, the Czech Republic, Greece, Wales, Austria, Brazil, Germany, The Netherlands, Scotland, Slovakia and Russia.

Established in 1996, 37 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 27 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 golfers participating each year. Past winners include Major Champions Rory McIlroy and Yani Tseng.

Leading final scores: Boys’ Under-21: 144 – Ali Abdulla Al Bishei (Qatar) 71-73; 150 – Oscar Spolander (Sweden) 73-77; 151 – Donovan Liddicoat (South Africa) 78-73. Boys’ Under-16: 159 – Jakub Hrinda (Slovakia) 81-78; 163 – Kim Jung Bin (South Korea) 83-80; 172 – Khalifa Daij Ahmed (Bahrain) 87-85, Yousef Bahman (Kuwait) 83-89. Girls’ Under-21: 161 – Georgia Coughlin (England) 78-83; 185 – Tabea Lutz (Germany) 95-90. Girls’ Under-16: 156 – Julia Alhemoud (Kuwait) 78-78; 163 – Deanna Ngo (Singapore) 79-84.

For more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com. You can also follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/faldoseries.

Golfdelaluz.com Northern Matchplay

Entries close very shortly for the Golfdelaluz.com Northern Matchplay Golf Championship, a season long matchplay competition that is open to male golfers in Cheshire, Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire, Northumberland and Yorkshire.

Entrants need to win a maximum of just 6 games against local opponents to reach a regional final at Formby, Alwoodley or Silloth on Solway with a grand final at Arcos Gardens in Spain.

The competition is sponsored by Golf de la Luz, your leading golf breaks experts.

Volvo Matchplay

The Volvo Matchplay Championship has established itself as the most popular national matchplay event for club golfers in the UK with thousands of golfers competing in either the singles or the betterball competition each year.

As a Golf Empire subscriber we are delighted to offer you a discount of £10 off the Betterball competition entry fee of £40 and £5 off the Individual competition entry fee of £20. In addition to this discount you will also receive one FREE £10 Onlinegolf voucher and a £50 Your Golf Travel voucher. Find out more.

Seniors Open at Hendon Golf Club

Entries are now being taken for the Seniors Open at Hendon Golf Club.

Early entry is required for this Stableford competition on Wednesday 20th June. The event is open to male golfers aged 55 years and over with a handicap of 28 or less.

Players will be greeted with a bacon roll on arrival and enjoy a 2-course lunch after their round.

Play commences with a shotgun start at 9am with £700 worth of prizes in three age categories; 55-60, 61-69 and 70 plus. There will also be prizes for nearest-the-pin and longest drive

Entry is £35 per person with places expected to fill up quickly.

About Hendon

Hendon Golf Club located just nine miles from the centre of London, offers first class golfing facilities.

The beautiful parkland course provides a challenging test to golfers of all levels, with its tight, tree-lined fairways and small, well-manicured greens.

It is renowned for its small, well guarded greens which are kept in immaculate condition throughout the year.

Rest of Lancs stung by Southport & DGA

SOUTHPORT & District GA had a sting in their tail as they won three off the last four singles to defeat the Rest of Lancs 10-8 at Hesketh.

After sharing the foursomes, SDGA gained only one point from the top four singles, Southport & Ainsdale’s Paul Howard edging to a one hole success over Steven McGlynn, from Blackburn.

Earlier, county champion John Carroll, from Huyton & Prescot, dispatched his Red Rose team-mate, Hillside’s Richie Ritchie Blundell, 4&3 in the top pairing.

But Rest of Lancs, two points ahead at four singles, won only one of the last eight, Tom Stuart prevailing by one hole against his former Chorley clubmate Richard Kilshaw, from Hillside.

Meanwhile, Blundell at least had something to celebrate – he holed in one at the second during the foursomes.

Kingsbarns Golf Links reopens for 2012 season

It is a case of out with the old and in with the new at Kingsbarns Golf Links as it prepares to reopen for the 2012 golfing season on April 1.

Among the innovations being introduced at the East Neuk links, which has been recently ranked the No. 1 Modern Course (built after 1960) in Great Britain and Ireland by the prestigious American magazine GolfWeek, are a new caddie programme, concierge service and clubhouse menu as well as continual improvements to the course itself.

The course is in excellent condition after a mild winter and a five month break. The green keeping team, led by Course Manager Innes Knight, have made improvements to the drainage system and carried out some revetting of bunkers. Several areas of rough which have been particularly penal in the past have been reduced to make it easier to find any wayward shots and give the golfer more options for the next shot. Major change has been carried out at Kingsbarns´ driving range which will newly offer practice off the grass tees enabling the golfers to better prepare for the links experience.

This year Kingsbarns will take its renowned customer service a step further by introducing a “cheerio concierge”. A dedicated member of staff will look after the golfers when they finish their game including taking care of their golf bag and helping them load their belongings onto a car or a coach and inviting them to the clubhouse to enjoy the facilities.

A new caddie programme is being implemented to deliver an even higher standard of service to golfers under the supervision of the new Caddie Master Sean Wiseman. The aim is to make Kingsbarns caddies the envy of world golf by consistently exceeding the expectations of golfing visitors.

The popular Kingsbarns´ clubhouse has been newly decorated inside and out with the main changes taking place in the gent´s locker room and the restaurant area. The fully serviced gent´s locker room will now also be used as a venue for group or corporate events for up to 24 golfers providing a stunning setting with a view of the golf course and the coastline.

Sue Hutchison, the Clubhouse Operations Manager at Kingsbarns, has designed a new menu for the clubhouse combining a range of dishes using the best of local produce and regular favourites such as the renowned Kingsbarns´ chili. The bar menu has also been updated to feature a truly innovative selection of drinks including Scottish gin.

Kingsbarns Chief Executive Alan Hogg said: “Standing still is not an option for us and we have been working hard to make the experience at Kingsbarns even better for our customer this year. Across all the different areas we have introduced new ideas and we have made some improvements out on the course and in the clubhouse. I look forward to getting the season underway and welcoming our guests to the new look Kingsbarns this season.”

The green fee at Kingsbarns for next season is £175 in April and £195 from May until November with a 50% discount for golfers playing a second round within seven days. Resident Scottish golfers who are members of a Scottish Golf Union affiliated golf club are being reminded that they can benefit from a half price green fee rate at Kingsbarns. Links Ticket holders will only be charged £25 for a round at Kingsbarns which represents a discount of £170.

For booking please contact 01334 460861 or visit www.kingsbarns.com

Home Rule at Hayling

Hayling's Club Professional Mark Treleaven teamed up with Paul Wiltshire, his Club Captain, to win the Hampshire Alliance Challenge Bowl round their home course on Tuesday (20/3).

The Hayling duo shot a twelve-under-par score to take victory by a single shot from Gary Stubbington and Danny Francis (both Hockley) with Shaun Hall and Dan Green in third.

Stubbington and Hampshire PGA Captain Steve Richardson (Lee-on-the-Solent) were the best Professionals, both three-under-par for the 28 hole competition. The best amateur pairing were Bernard Brombley (Hockley) and Rob Styles (Hayling).

An excellent entry of 56 competitors enjoyed their day on the magnificent Hayling links, a fitting end to another successful Hampshire Alliance season. It was Brian Young's last event as Alliance Captain, Basingstoke's Club Professional Danny Fisher now takes over the role.

The 2012/2013 Hampshire Alliance season begins at Hockley Golf Club on 17th October.

Wessex Tour gets off to a flyer

After six months in the making, the brainchild of Dave Thomas, The Wessex Amateur Golf Tour got off to a superb start with the inaugural meeting at Salisbury & South Wilts GC on March 20th. 

Despite a slight chill wind, the weather was quite Spring like and the honour of the very first group to tee off fell to Salisbury club Captain, Alistair Ross, long term member, Terry Kendall and to add a bit of youth, Ian Middlebrook from Dorset G & CC.

34 competitors for this very first event, from as far afield as Devon, Kent, Leicester as well as the more local areas set fare to tackle a course in excellent condition for the time of year and which it seemed would be difficult to beat.

However, that didn't faze the eventual winner, Stuart Vallis, a 11 handicapper from Dunwood Manor Golf Club who stormed the back nine in a 2 under par 34 and for a 41 point total, two ahead of Graham Taylor who carded a gross 75 and 39 points with the ever smiling Martin O'Connor-Cooper from Tylney Park just one more behind with 38 points, which did in fact include two blobs.

Buddy Arthur from Sandford Springs managed to win both the longest drive and nearest the pin although the real longest drive was for Carl Luparia who drove all the way from Leicester.

Two ladies played and Jean Dalton just piped Elaine Taylor for the "Cap"

It was an excellent start for this first series of events, the next of which is at the lovely Newbury & Crookham on Friday 27th April.

Final call for Northern golfers

Entries for the 2012 Golfdelaluz.com Northern Matchplay Golf Championship close at noon on Monday 2nd April.

The popular season-long knockout competition is open to male golfers in the North of England with regional finals held at Formby, Alwoodley and Silloth on Solway golf clubs. It all culminates in a grand final for 12 players at the stunning Arcos Gardens Golf Resort near Cadiz, Spain between 14th & 18th October 2012.

There are individual and betterball competitions - players can choose to enter either or both - with the first round in each played over 36 holes on a home & away basis, assuring competitors of at least one round away from their home course.

Entrants need to win a maximum of just six matches against local opponents to reach their 36-hole regional climax where semi-finals and finals take place.

The event is sponsored by Golf de la Luz, the expert golf holiday company for golf breaks to the Costa de la Luz & Seville in Spain and the Lisbon & Algarve regions of Portugal. An added bonus is that all entrants who play in the 2012 competition receive £50 off a golf holiday to Arcos Gardens when taken before 28th February 2013 - based on a minimum group size of two staying for at least three nights.

Alwoodley Golf Club

Tournament organiser, Edward Battye, who set the event up two years ago said, “We’ve had a brilliant response to the 2012 championship. The appeal of possibly making the overseas final has drawn in a lot of new entries whilst several familiar names have once again signed-up.”

He added, “For those new to the competition it provides a great way to play different courses, either free of charge or at members rates, and the carrot is obviously the regional final at a top class venue with the chance to make the grand final in Spain.”

Entry is just £15 for the singles and £25 per pair for the betterball. You can find full details and enter online at www.northernmatchplay.com

Hurry to grab a spot in North-West pairs event

There are still a few places left in two of the upcoming North West & Cumbria Golf Guide Tour events.

Fast approaching are competitions at Wychwood Park on Friday 30th March and Hesketh on Thursday 12th April. There are a small selection of tee times free at Wychwood Park between 9.15 and 10.42 and at Hesketh between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

The entry fee for each tournament is £75 per pair which includes coffee & a bacon sandwich, 18 holes of golf and the chance to win some fantastic prizes, including a 4 day golf trip to Spain for the winning pair.

At Wychwood Park, the tour also have BMW there as their sponsors with prizes at all par 3's for a hole in one, including a BMW car at the 17th.

A full schedule of events on the betterball tour can be found here.

The Scottish Mid-Amateur Stroke Play Championship

Wyncanton Marketing Services Ltd (Whitstable, Kent. UK) are pleased to announce a new golf championship for Mid Amateur golfers in the UK. The Scottish Mid-Amateur Stroke Play Championship will take place at Dundonald Links, Irvine in Ayrshire on Friday 20th April 2012.

The tournament will be held over 36 holes with the winner being the player who returns the lowest gross score for the 36 holes. There will be numerous prizes with an expected prize fund of over £1,250. The event will be open to all male golfers over the age of 35 and who are in possession of an active handicap of 12 or less. Entry into this event will also be on a first come first served basis to allow everyone a chance to enter the event.

“Following on from the success of our first events in 2011, we decided that it was time to resurrect an event in Scotland similar to the Welsh Mid Amateur that we are holding in June 2012. 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.”

“Our events allow players the opportunity of competing against the best Mid-Amateurs in the country whilst having the opportunity of playing for some great prizes. We are expecting entrants from all over the United Kingdom and if successful we will hold the event annually.”

“These are exciting time for us and the new web site www.midamgolf.co.uk is attracting visitors from all over the world. We will be having 6 events in total next year and there will also be an order of merit.”

Anyone who would like to register their interest to play in this event is asked to visit www.midamgolf.co.uk and email their details to the Tournament Secretary.

Birdies galore at Formby

BIRDIES flew in thick and fast in the fifth even in the Mansell Finishes Winter Series at Formby.

Leigh professional Andrew Baguley rolled in seven, one more than joint winner John Barclay, from Myerscough College.

But quite a few bogeys also showed up on their cards as they posted two-under-par scores of 70.

Five players shared second place including Lee Park’s Chris Crowder who displaced Hartford’s Adam Powell, winner of the previous event, at the top of the Order of Merit.

The final fixture is at St Annes Old Links on April 16.

LEADING SCORES (Par 72): 70 John Barclay (Myerscough College), Andrew Baguley (Leigh); 71 John Barnett (North Wales GR), Danny Wardrop (Didsbury), Chris Crowder (Lee Park), Scott Jackson (Disley), Alyn Cousins (Silverdale).

Players Club Mid Amateur Stroke Play Championship

Wyncanton Marketing Services Ltd (Whitstable, Kent. UK) are pleased to announce a new golf championship for Mid Amateur golfers in the UK. The Players Club Mid Amateur Stroke Play Championship will take place at The Players Club in Bristol on Friday 4th May 2012.

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. There is also a prize for the leading player over 50 years of age. The event will be open to all male golfers over the age of 35 and who are in possession of an active CONGU handicap of 12 or less.

“Following on from the success of our first events this year, we decided to add another event for 2012. 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 event at The Players Club will be part of the new Mid Amateur Order of Merit which will run throughout the season with prizes for the leading players and will add an extra incentive for the players to do well in each event.”

“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 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 and potentially the Scottish Mid Amateur.”

Volvo Ocean Race

The Volvo Ocean Race is an exceptional test of sailing prowess and human endeavour which has been built on the spirit of great seafarers - fearless men who sailed the world’s oceans aboard square rigged clipper ships more than a century ago.

Their challenge back then was not a race as such, but recording the fastest time between ports. This meant new levels of pride for themselves and great recognition for their vessel.

The spirit that drove those commercial sailors along the web of trade routes, deep into the bleak latitudes of the Southern Ocean and around the world’s most dangerous capes, emerges today in the form of the Volvo Ocean Race, a contest now seen as the pinnacle of achievement in the sport. 

The re-badged Volvo Ocean Race was run for the first time in 2001-02. Today it is, quite simply, the ‘Everest of Sailing’.

During the nine months of the Volvo Ocean Race, which starts in Alicante, Spain in October 2011 and concludes in Galway, Ireland, during early July 2012, the teams will sail over 39,000 nautical miles of the world’s most treacherous seas via Cape Town, Abu Dhabi, Sanya, Auckland, around Cape Horn to Itajaí, Miami, Lisbon, and Lorient.

Each of the entries has a sailing team of 11 professional crew and the race requires their utmost skills, physical endurance and competitive spirit as they race day and night for more than 20 days at a time on some of the legs. 

They will each take on different jobs onboard the boat and on top of these sailing roles, there will be two sailors that have had medical training, as well as a sailmaker, an engineer and a dedicated media crew member.

Faldo Series & Mission Hills announce new agreement

Mission Hills Golf Club in China will host the annual Faldo Series Asia Grand Final for another four years through until 2016, Sir Nick Faldo and Mission Hills announced today.

“I am excited to bring the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final back to Mission Hills for another four years,” said Faldo. “The support of Mission Hills has been a major factor in the growth of the Faldo Series since we brought the programme to Asia in 2006. It is this level of support from all our partners which allows us to bring opportunity to more than 7,000 young golfers in 27 countries worldwide each year.”

“We’re delighted with this new agreement that will see the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final return to Mission Hills each year through until 2016,” added Tenniel Chu, Vice Chairman of Mission Hills. “This partnership enables Mission Hills together with Sir Nick Faldo to further its commitment to youth golf development in China and throughout Asia.”

The six-time Major Champion made the announcement during the sixth Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills in Shenzhen. The World Amateur Golf Ranking event was the climax of a season that featured 17 tournaments in 13 countries including five in mainland China plus others in The Philippines, Vietnam, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Brunei, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Pakistan, Indonesia and Thailand.

The Faldo Series Asia is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, official golf wear partner UFL and official suppliers TaylorMade and Tricor. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC).

Established in 1996, 37 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 27 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 golfers participating each year. Past winners include current world number ones Rory McIlroy and Yani Tseng.

For more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com. You can also follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/faldoseries.

Leeds Golf Centre to star at Yorkshire Mafia Conference

Leeds Golf Centre will take centre stage at Leeds’ Saviles Hall next week as it demonstrates the superb TruSim indoor golf simulator at the Yorkshire Mafia Conference 2012.

Forming the centrepiece of Leeds Golf Centre’s brand-new travelling roadshow, the impressive indoor golf simulator features the very latest in tuition and gameplay technology. Utilising FlightScope – a specialist radar device that tracks ball spin and velocity – as well as TruSim golf course graphics, the facility permits players to enjoy the thrill of world-famous golf courses in an indoor environment.

Visitors will have the opportunity to compete in a unique ‘nearest-the-pin’ competition, being given just three attempts to record the most accurate shot. The winner will receive a month’s complimentary membership to Leeds Golf Centre in summer; should anyone be lucky enough to record a ‘hole-in-one’, the prize will be upgraded to six months’ free membership.

Leigh Tasker, Business Development Manager at Leeds Golf Centre, commented: “Tenacity, candour and determination are time-honoured Yorkshire traits and The Yorkshire Mafia’s remarkable rise in prominence demonstrates everything you need to know about the regional business community’s belief in them. We are tremendously excited about the conference and look forward very much to showing visitors what Leeds Golf Centre – ‘the home of modern golf’ – has to offer.”

The Yorkshire Mafia Conference 2012 is doubling in size in just its second year, occupying both the Armouries Hall and the neighbouring Saviles Hall at The Royal Armouries on the 21st and 22nd March. Hosting 154 exhibitors and attracting more than 3000 business professionals, the event is set to be the year’s biggest business-to-business event outside of London.

Featuring the best speaker line up seen in Yorkshire for years, the conference features Colin Graves, Founder and Chairman of Costcutter Supermarkets and Chairman at Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Lawrence Tomlinson, Founder of LNT Group and The Lord Kirkham CVO, Founder of DFS as well as social and digital media representatives from LinkedIn, Google and Facebook amongst many other leading figures in business.

News of Leeds Golf Centre’s presence at YMC 2012 follows last week’s launch of a brand-new competitive golf tournament for Leeds’ business community. The inaugural Leeds Corporate Golf League – a unique competition that will see 16 teams competing predominantly from the professional services and property sectors – has been designed by Leeds Golf Centre to offer an affordable alternative to standard corporate golf days. The format is proving popular, with only half the available berths remaining for sale exclusively at YMC 2012.

For further information about events including the Leeds Corporate Golf League or membership at Leeds Golf Centre, please contact Leigh Tasker on 07590 950217 or by email leigh@parklaneproperties.com. Delegates can sign up to next week’s Yorkshire Mafia Conference 2012 by visiting www.theyorkshiremafiaconference.com.

New membership innovations at Prudhoe Golf Club

With waiting lists & joining fees largely a luxury of the past, the 21st century golf club has to be highly innovative in order to protect its membership base & revenues. Those innovations also need to extend to top quality facilities & service, both on & off the course.

Despite its established popularity & reputation as the Home of Champions, Prudhoe golf club has to work just as hard as other clubs to hold its own in a highly competitive marketplace. It already offers one of the most competitively priced & flexible membership packages in the North East. But, for 2012, the club has added a number of new innovations to attract golfers of all ages & abilities.

For those new to golf, or those looking for a new challenge, there’s a three month taster membership available. Costing just £150 for full membership, golfers can join at any time during the year. Then, if they decide to stay on, they just pay for the remaining portion of the year.

Next, and exclusively for new lady members, there is the Play Golf Development Programme which provides a 25% discount on membership fees. From April, a lady will be able to join for only £290 or £210 if she is classified as a veteran. Also included are two free coaching sessions with the professional, John Crawford. To develop the Programme, the club is working closely with England Golf’s Jason Budd.

For over 60 years, the club has gained an enviable reputation for developing young players of the highest quality at League, County, National & Professional level.

Andy Scrimshaw & Dan Shevill have recently joined the pro ranks whilst Tom Rowland is now part of the England squad. But it is important to maintain that momentum.

So, for 16 to 18 year olds joining in April, the first year fee has been reduced from £110 to only £70. And those under 16 will be able to join for even less. Starting in May, the Golf Roots programme will be incorporated into the professional’s Saturday morning junior coaching sessions. And a final submission for Golf Mark accreditation is currently being reviewed.

Meanwhile, working with the Northumberland County Golf Partnership & supported by England Golf, Prudhoe is kick starting a Get Into Golf programme for over 16 year olds. With six free one hour golf lessons on offer, the programme starts in April and runs for 6 weeks.

Finally, the already well-established Tyne Valley Golf Alliance has been extended to include Consett who now join Allendale, Garesfield, Prudhoe, Ryton, Stocksfield & Tynedale. Haltwhistle have also been invited. For full & intermediate members, 10 free rounds of golf are available at the participating clubs worth in the order of £170! In addition, all the Alliance clubs are looking at collaborating on cost efficiencies including items such as printing, utilities, insurance & credit cards.

Club Chairman, John Perry, believes that the outlook is positive & said, “When you combine these new initiatives with what we already provide, I’m sure we offer the best value for money golf available for golfers of any age, gender or ability. Remember, we already have our Pay As You Play option available & there are substantial discounts on fees right up to the age of 30.”

“On the course, there is a packed programme of club & open competitions throughout the year whilst in the clubhouse there is an equally busy programme of entertainment & catering. We continue to invest in our fine course & clubhouse & have recently created an additional par 5 at the 9th measuring some 500 yards & playing uphill into the prevailing wind. Members & guest golfers will use the new hole primarily for social golf.”

“Golf at Prudhoe is arguably the most affordable for any class of golfer & the Tyne Valley Alliance benefits reduce that even further. For non-golfers, social membership costs no more than £12 a year too. Flexible affordable membership, a great course & an excellent clubhouse topped off by our famous warm welcome – what more could any golfer possibly want?”

2012 Opens at Brookdale Golf Club

We're delighted to announce that Brookdale Golf Club have opened entries for their 2012 open golf competitions.

Competitions run throughout the year from April to September with a variety of formats.

The first event is a Gents Team Open on Saturday 21st April and has an entry-fee of just £44 per team, which includes coffee & biscuits on arrival.

The next competitions is the annual Seniors Mixed Pairs Open on Monday 14th May and once again is great value at £16 per couple. Open to golfers aged 50+ this also includes coffee & biscuits on arrival.

Senior golfers can enjoy two pairs events. The first is on Thursday 14th June and costs just £16 per pair whilst the second on Tuesday 14th August has an entry-fee of £22 per pair. Both are 4-Ball Betterball competitions and are expected to fill up quickly.

Lady golfers will also have to be quick off the mark to secure a place in the Ladies Team Open on Monday 13th August - entry is £36 per team of four. For those that miss out a second event will be held on Monday 1st October - £40 per team including afternoon tea & cake.

The Junior Open is another popular event. It takes place on Wednesday 15th August and costs £5 including food.

A Mixed Pairs Open is scheduled for Sunday 19th August. The format is a 4BBB Stableford and has an entry-fee of £22 per couple.

Finally, two Gents Opens will be held towards the end of the year, however, early booking is advised. The first is on Sunday 30th September, and costs £22 per pair, whilst the second, a Turkey Shoot, takes place on Friday 2nd November and has an entry-fee of £16. Both are 4-Ball Betterball competitions.

A list of events with links to the entry-forms can be found below:

21/04/2012: Gents Team Open - £44 per team

14/05/2012: Seniors Mixed Open - £16 per couple

14/06/2012: Senior Pairs Open - £16 per pair

13/08/2012: Ladies Team Open - £36 per team

14/08/2012: Senior Pairs Open - £22 per pair

15/08/2012: Junior Open - £5 per person

19/08/2012: Mixed Pairs Open - £22 per couple

30/09/2012: Gents Pairs Open - £22 per pair

01/10/2012: Ladies Team Open - £40 per team

02/11/2012: Gents Pairs Open - £16 per pair

About Brookdale

Brookdale is one of the most picturesque courses in the north of England, close to Oldham and Manchester and within easy reach of both the M60 and M62 motorway links.

The club lies in fantastic parkland providing the tranquil yet challenging round you've always wanted in the North West.

Taking in some of the best of the Medlock Valley and river, the tight, challenging course gives players one of the most enjoyable 18 holes in the region, famed for not having a road or building in sight from parts of the course. The variety and shapes of the holes provide a great test for all abilities in the greenest of environments.

The River Medlock features on six of the holes as it meanders through the course making it both challenging and interesting. The course can be described as undulating, and the views have to be seen to be believed. The 12th tee gives a spectacular view of virtually all of the course.

Ito of Japan crowned Faldo Series Asia Champion 2012

Masamichi Ito of Japan claimed the third Faldo Series title of his career with victory in the sixth Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills Golf Club in China. The 16-year-old fired a final round 67 on the Faldo Course to win by three, adding to the Asia and Europe titles he won in 2010.

“I am so happy to win again,” said an emotional Ito on receiving his trophy from the six-time Major Champion. “My two Faldo Series wins in 2010 created so much opportunity for me so to win a third time is unbelievable. I am just so happy.”

“Masamichi beat our largest ever field and fully deserves his third Faldo Series title,” commented Faldo. “All the players will benefit from the experience this week. I hope they enjoyed themselves, I certainly did!”

“I am grateful to our partners, including Mission Hills, The R&A, ISPS and UFL,” added the former world number one. “It is this kind of support which allows us to provide opportunity for the finalists this week and to more than 7,000 young golfers annually in 27 countries worldwide.”

Kanagawa-born Ito opened with three birdies and an eagle to stun overnight leader Kohei Kinoshita. He went on to reach ten under par and finish three ahead of his compatriot while 20-year-old Mai Aria ensured a double for Japan by claiming the Faldo Series Asia girls’ title.

Guan Tian Lang from Guangzhou claimed the inaugural Mission Hills Trophy as the highest-placed finisher from mainland China. The 13-year-old will now join Ito and Aria at the Europe Grand Final in Northern Ireland later this year.

Also celebrating victory in their age-group and a place in the 2012 Europe Grand Final at Lough Erne Resort in September were Cahyo Adhitomo from Indonesia (Boys’ Under-21), Singapore’s Joshua Ho (Boys’ Under-18) and Nur Durriyah Damian of Malaysia (Girls’ Under-16).

80 golfers from 17 countries were at Mission Hills in Shenzhen for the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final. The World Amateur Golf Ranking event is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, official golf wear partner UFL and official suppliers TaylorMade, Tricor and TrackMan. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour, the Asia Pacific Golf Federation and the Guangdong Golf Association.

Established in 1996, 37 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 27 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 golfers taking part each year. Past winners include current world number ones Rory McIlroy and Yani Tseng.

Leading final scores: Boys’ Under-21: 209 – Cahyo Adhitomo (INA) 71-71-67; 215 – Gavin Samuels (ENG) 73-73-69; 217 – Mikumu Horikawa (JPN) 74-74-69. Boys’ Under-18: 215 – Joshua Ho (SIN) 71-78-66; 220 – Gavin Moynihan (IRE) 73-72-75; 221 – Wang Wei Lun (TPE) 75-73-73. Boys’ Under-16: 206 – Masamichi Ito (JPN) 68-71-67; 208 – Kohei Kinoshita (JPN) 70-66-72; 209 – Guan Tian Lang (CHN) 71-71-67. Girls’ Under-21: 224 – Mai Arai (JPN) 75-79-70; 231 – Tiffany Chan (HKG) 83-78-70; 235 – Charlotte Thomas (ENG) 85-78-72, Mookharin Ladgratok (THA) 82-78-75. Girls’ Under-16: 225 – Nur Durriyah Damian (MAL) 75-74-76; 226 – Ji Rong (CHN) 80-77-69; 230 – Kitty Tam (HKG) 77-79-74.

For scores and results from the sixth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, visit www.nickfaldo.com. You can also follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/faldoseries.

Kinoshita of Japan fires 66 to lead Faldo Series final

Kohei Kinoshita of Japan will take a three shot lead into the final round of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final. The 17-year-old fired a brilliant 66 on the Faldo Course at Mission Hills Golf Club in China before attending a clinic for competitors with the six-time Major Champion.

Kinoshita produced seven birdies and an eagle in his six-under-par round, which was five shots better than any of his challengers. 2010 winner Masamichi Ito was one of four players to shoot the next best score of 71 and trails his compatriot by three going into the final round.

Guan Tian Lang from China and Indonesia’s Cahyo Adhitomo also carded rounds of 71 to lie in third place on two under par, six shots back from the leader.

13-year-old Guan from Guangzhou also leads the charge for the inaugural Mission Hills Trophy, awarded to the top-finisher from mainland China.

In the girls’ division, Malaysia’s Nur Durriyah Damian, 17, leads by five shots going into the final round after adding a 74 to her first round 75. Mai Arai of Japan and Chinese Taipei’s Cheng Ssu Chia are her nearest challengers.

80 golfers from 17 countries have joined Sir Nick Faldo at Mission Hills in Shenzhen for the sixth Asia Grand Final. The tournament’s largest-ever field is competing over three rounds for the title of Faldo Series Asia Champion, awarded to the player with the lowest gross score, regardless of age or gender.

With competitors aged 13 to 21 divided into five age-categories – three for boys and two for girls – the category winners will each receive a trophy and an exemption into the 16th Europe Grand Final at Lough Erne Resort in Northern Ireland in September 2012. The Mission Hills Trophy winner will also receive an invitation to play in the 2012 Europe Grand Final if he or she is not already exempt.

The leading boy and girl overall at the World Amateur Golf Ranking event will be invited to play in a professional Tour event.

The Faldo Series Asia Grand Final is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, official golf wear partner UFL and official suppliers TaylorMade, Tricor and TrackMan. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour, the Asia Pacific Golf Federation and the Guangdong Golf Association.

Established in 1996, 37 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 27 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 golfers taking part each year. Past winners include current world number ones Rory McIlroy and Yani Tseng.

Leading round two scores: Boys’ Under-21: 142 – Cahyo Adhitomo (INA) 71-71; 146 – Angad Cheema (IND) 75-71, Gavin Samuels (ENG) 73-73. Boys’ Under-18: 145 – Sittipong Wiangchanok (THA) 73-72, Gavin Moynihan (IRE) 73-72; 148 – Wang Wei Lun (TPE) 75-73, Elki Kow (INA) 71-77. Boys’ Under-16: 136 – Kohei Kinoshita (JPN) 70-66; 139 – Masamichi Ito (JPN) 68-71; 142 – Guan Tian Lang (CHN) 71-71. Girls’ Under-21: 154 – Mai Arai (JPN) 75-79; 157 – Aretha Pan (MAL) 75-82, Vanaskrit Sillaparungson (THA) 81-76. Girls’ Under-16: 149 – Nur Durriyah Damian (MAL) 75-74; 154 – Cheng Ssu Chia (TPE) 77-77; 156 – Kitty Tam (HKG) 77-79, Wu Sha (CHN) 82-74.

For tee times, live scores and results during the sixth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, visit www.nickfaldo.com. You can also follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/faldoseries.

2012 Opens at Woolton Golf Club

The five open competitions that will take place at Woolton Golf Club near Liverpool are now available to enter.

We are also delighted to inform Golf Empire subscribers that if they enter the Team Open on Sunday 29th July they can do so at a reduced price until 17th April.

The four-person Stableford event is open to men and ladies in any combination and has an entry-fee of £50 per team, however, players lodging their entry before 17th April they will benefit from a £5 discount per team!

Senior golfers are spoilt for choice with the other events at Woolton. Due to their popularity no less than three team events will be held during the year in May, June & September. Each has an entry-fee of £50 per team and are open to men aged 55+ with a maximum handicap of 24. The format is a team of four with the best two scores to count on each hole.

A Senior Pairs Open will also be held on Friday 27th July. This 4BBB Stableford has an entry-fee of £25 per pair.

About Woolton

Woolton Golf Club is only six miles from Liverpool city centre, a fact that is hard to fathom at times given that, as you plot your way around its eighteen immensely challenging holes, the hustle and bustle of the boisterous city vie de jour couldn't seem more remote.

The only thing that keeps you in touch with reality is the hum of the aircraft that pass overhead as the course is near Liverpool International Airport.

The open events at Woolton are always well supported and early entry is essential.

Join our Fantasy Golf League

Fantasy League Golf 2012 is now live and we've set up our own league especially for Golf Empire visitors.

You can register now for Fantasy League Golf for just £15 and captain a team of 12 real-life golfers through eight months of European and PGA Tour action. Then it's up to them to do the business in over 50 tournaments on both sides of the Atlantic, with £20,000 of prizes including £5,000 in cash and a fantastic holiday for the overall winner!

To enter the Golf Empire 'Friends & Enemies' league you will need our League PIN number which is 29. Sign-up now.

Ito of Japan leads Faldo Series after day one

Masamichi Ito of Japan charged to the top of the leaderboard on day one of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final with an opening four-under-par 68 on the Faldo Course at Mission Hills Golf Club in China.

16-year-old Ito, who in 2010 became the first player to win Faldo Series titles in Asia and Europe, fired seven birdies in his round of 68 and leads by two from compatriot Kohei Kinoshita. Four players lie one shot further back on one under par including local player Guan Tian Lang from Guangzhou in China.

Three players share the lead for the girls’ title on three over par. Nur Durriyah Damian and Aretha Pan, both from Malaysia, and Japan’s Mai Arai carded rounds of 75.

80 golfers from 17 countries have joined Sir Nick Faldo at Mission Hills in Shenzhen for the sixth Asia Grand Final. The tournament’s largest-ever field is competing over three rounds for the title of Faldo Series Asia Champion, awarded to the player with the lowest gross score, regardless of age or gender.

With competitors aged 13 to 21 divided into five age-categories – three for boys and two for girls – the category winners will each receive a trophy and an exemption into the 16th Europe Grand Final at Lough Erne Resort in Northern Ireland in September 2012. The leading boy and girl overall at the World Amateur Golf Ranking event will also be invited to play in a professional Tour event.

The winner of the inaugural Mission Hills Trophy, awarded to the highest-placed golfer from mainland China, will also receive an invitation to play in the 2012 Europe Grand Final if he or she is not already exempt.

The Faldo Series Asia Grand Final is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, official golf wear partner UFL and official suppliers TaylorMade, Tricor and TrackMan. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour, the Asia Pacific Golf Federation and the Guangdong Golf Association.

Established in 1996 by the six-time Major Champion, 37 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 27 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 golfers taking part each year. Past winners include current world number ones Rory McIlroy and Yani Tseng.

Leading round one scores: Boys’ Under-21: 71 – Cahyo Adhitomo (INA); 73 – Gavin Samuels (ENG); 74 – Mikumu Horikawa (JPN). Boys’ Under-18: 71 – Joshua Ho (SIN), Elki Kow (INA); 73 – Sittipong Wiangchanok (THA), Gavin Moynihan (IRE). Boys’ Under-16: 68 – Masamichi Ito (JPN); 70 – Kohei Kinoshita (JPN); 71 – Guan Tian Lang (CHN). Girls’ Under-21: 75 – Aretha Pan (MAL), Mai Arai (JPN); 81 – Wang Chi (TPE), Chen Cui Xia (CHN), Vanaskrit Sillaparungson (THA). Girls’ Under-16: 75 – Nur Durriyah Damian (MAL); 77 – Cheng Ssu Chia (TPE), Kitty Tam (HKG), Yu Okamura (JPN), Wad Phaewchimplee (THA).

For tee times, live scores and results during the sixth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, visit www.nickfaldo.com. You can also follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/faldoseries.

New generation of golf tours and services launch

Ever fancied flying by private jet to play golf at five of Europe’s most scenic golf courses in five days? Or playing some of America’s and the Caribbean’s most exclusive golf courses with your friends? Well now you can thanks to a new bespoke golf tour series offered by Swiss travel specialists Le Bureau.

Specialising in delivering extraordinary money-can’t-buy experiences, Le Bureau offers clients the chance to realise their golf travel ambitions through a range of tours to some of the most desirable destinations on the planet from St Andrews to the Bahamas.

The Geneva-based company has launched its new Le Bureau International Golf Series 2012 which features some of the most exotic, luxurious and downright cool golf experiences known to man. Le Bureau’s distinctive philosophy is to make the impossible reality for its clients and to deliver the highest standards of personal service and luxury to small groups of clients.

Among the programmes in the new series is the “5 Scenics Sea, Lake and Cliff Hangers” tour which takes in five stunning European destinations in five days - Old Head Golf Links in Ireland, Machrihanish Golf Club in Scotland, Bro Hof Slott Golf Club in Sweden, Thracian Cliffs in Bulgaria and Costa Navarino Bay in Greece. With a private jet fully at your disposal the tour will cover an amazing distance of 7500 km.

There is an opportunity to play some of the leading private clubs in America following in the footsteps of some of the game’s most famous players on the Hidden Gems tour heading to Florida and the Bahamas. With rounds at the most exclusive golf clubs as well as at the Albany Course, created by the Tavistock Group, Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, in the Bahamas, this will be a trip to remember.

For those looking for a completely different and exotic golf experience there is the Golf & Explore trip going to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur in India and Abu Dhabi which offers golf on some of the countries´ finest courses and excursions to some of their most famous sights including the Taj Mahal in India and the Ferrari Museum in Abu Dhabi.

Le Bureau makes use of its unrivalled contacts around the world to develop bespoke, luxury tours and can offer clients the chance to tee it up with golf´s legends such as Gary Player or golf stars such as Ian Woosnam, Helen Alfredsson, Laura Davies, and many others of all calibres.

Dominique Rey, Managing Partner of Le Bureau International, said, “We increasingly find that time is the most important commodity for our clients and with that in mind we have set out to establish a series of golf tours which offer them truly unique experiences at some of the most exclusive and sought after destinations in the world. Our philosophy is to give them aspirational experiences which they would not be able to enjoy anywhere else. This is about completely cool vacations flying by charter jet or playing private courses that would normally be unachievable. We have a great deal of experience in the travel business and focus on small groups where we can deliver outstanding service and add value to these tremendously memorable experiences. We want to make sure that these vacations stay with our clients forever.”

The Le Bureau International Golf Series 2012 includes a shorter lower budget tour to Scotland to play hickory golf at the World Hickory Open Championship & More and see the likes of Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Luke Donald and Martin Kaymer compete in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship over the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns. The participants will also get a rare chance to meet Old Tom Morris himself who will be making an appearance in order to deliver a fascinating presentation about the origins of golf just for them.

Le Bureau also offers a week’s coaching with the former Swiss national team coach Graham Kaye in Vilamoura in Portugal and the chance of spending one day with Helen Alfredsson after the Evian Masters in France which she won three times.

For booking information on the Le Bureau International Golf Series including the details of each of the six individual tours please visit www.lebureau.ch.

Faldo welcomes largest grand final field to China

The largest ever field for a Faldo Series Asia Grand Final will compete this week on the Faldo Course at Mission Hills Golf Club in China (March 14-16).

A total of 80 competitors from 17 countries have joined Sir Nick Faldo for the sixth Asia Grand Final in Shenzhen, including past winner Masamichi Ito of Japan. In 2010, 16-year-old Ito became the first golfer to claim Faldo Series titles in Europe and Asia.

15 competitors from mainland China will have one eye on the inaugural Mission Hills Trophy, awarded to the highest-placed Chinese golfer. The winner of this new award will receive an invitation to play in the 2012 Europe Grand Final if he or she is not already exempt.

Natalia Heckova becomes the first Slovakian to play in the Asia Grand Final, a World Amateur Golf Ranking event. The 16-year-old girl is one of five age-group winners from the 2011 Europe Grand Final while another is the reigning Faldo Series Europe Champion, 21-year-old Gavin Samuels of England.

With golfers aged 13 to 21 competing in five age-categories – three for boys and two for girls – the category winners will each receive a trophy and an exemption into the 16th Europe Grand Final at Lough Erne Resort in Northern Ireland in September 2012.

The leading boy and girl overall at Mission Hills will also be invited to play in a professional Tour event while the title of Faldo Series Asia Champion will go to the player with the lowest gross score overall, regardless of age or gender.

The Faldo Series Asia Grand Final is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, official golf wear partner UFL and official suppliers TaylorMade, Tricor and TrackMan. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour, the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC) and the Guangdong Golf Association.

Established in 1996 by the six-time Major Champion, 37 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 27 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 golfers participating each year. Past winners include current world number ones Rory McIlroy and Yani Tseng.

For tee times, live scores and results during the sixth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final on March 14-16, visit www.nickfaldo.com. You can also follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/faldoseries.