Carman Ties Course Record Before Belt Goes Lower

ALEX Belt refused to buckle under the heat as he blitzed the course record with a sizzling seven-under-par 61 in the Werneth centenary pro-am.

The reigning PGA North Region champion from Bridlington Links conjured up eight birdies after the old mark of 63 had been equalled twice earlier in the day.

Warrington-born Paul Carman, a long-time professional at Huddersfield, was first to post the score followed by former European Tour player Neil Cheetham who is attached to Sheffield club Dore & Totley.

Belt, winner of the Ryder Cup Wales 2010 Welsh Open Young Professional title in April, was among 19 out of the 39-strong field to beat par.

And sharing fourth place on 64 with Lee Park’s Chris Crowder was ex-Tour player turned tournament official Neal Briggs who represents Styal.

Mather is the Man at Bradley Hall

The annual Scratch Cup and Single Figure Golfer competition was played on Sunday at a very sunny and warm Bradley Hall. The 36 hole competition is only open to golfers with a maximum handicap of nine and players compete along side each other for the two prestigious titles.

In the Scratch Cup, the early pace setter was unsurprisingly, Andy Whitworth whose gross score of four under par 66 was three strokes less than the one under par scores of Chris Mather and Carl Gillespie and five better than Martin Cockcroft and Steve Sandie.

However during the second round Andy had a touch of the 'shanks' which accounted for his return of 78 and left the door open for his challengers. Ian Hallett followed his opening round of 76 with a lowest gross for the afternoon of 68 to finish in fourth place but could not match the consistency of Chris Mather whose 72 gave him a winning total of 141, just edging out Carl Gillespie with his 142 and Martin Cockcroft's 143.

In the 'Single Figure' section, two nett scores of 64 by Mather and Gillespie in the opening 18 holes put them in prime position but they were closely followed by four under scores from Steve Sandie, Mike Appleyard, Dan Dennett and Peter Skelton.

In the afternoon play the two of the leading scores of nett 66 were returned by the oldest and youngest in the field, namely David Stocks (9 hcp) and 15-year-old Josh Bailes (9 hcp), however, first round scores meant that it was only 'damage limitation' as far as the competition was concerned as Ian Hallett with a nett 63 finished in third place with a 134 total being beaten only by Chris Mather with a 131 and Carl Gillespie with 132, the title being taken by the latter as Chris had taken the 'Scratch Cup'.

The encouraging form of the younger members in the club, notably Chris Mather, Junior Captain Andy Hare who finished in fourth place with his 135 total, and Josh Bailes, is due in no small part to the work being put in by the junior organiser and Europro Tour member, Robert Booth, who is spending countless hours coaching and developing the skills of not only these established golfers but those new to the game.

Union Let Lead Slip Again

The Halifax, Huddersfield and District Union of Golf Clubs senior team surrendered a 9-3 lunchtime lead for the second match running when they were in action against Harrogate on Sunday.

The venue, Harrogate Golf Club, is a par 69, parkland layout with positioning the ball well off the tee key to playing the course successfully due to several tight, tree-lined fairways.

The foursomes started in misty conditions and heavy dew lay on the ground, however with most of the Halifax, Huddersfield pairings following their team manager’s instructions of a mid-iron off the first tee, followed by a wedge to the green the team started competently.

All in all the morning foursomes turned out very well for the local team; wins for Andy Shaw & Iain Powell 3&2, Graham McLean & Jim Fairhurst 1 hole, Sam Bridges & Frank Greaves 3&1 and Ben Crowther & Jamie Bower 1 hole - where Bower holed a great winning birdie putt on the 18th green.

There was also a halved match from Chris Ingham & David Stafford which left the union team leading comfortably at lunch.

By the start of the singles matches the dew had burnt off, the sun was shining and the temperature was climbing, this must have inspired the under strength Harrogate team, who were missing five regular players, because their whole team came out fighting in the afternoon and after seven holes they had completely turned the match around in the home sides favour. Indeed, the top seven matches all went Harrogate’s way, turning a 9-3 deficit into a winning position of 17-9!

Three further singles losses at the tail end, eventually confirmed Harrogate’s amazing turn around to win by 24-12. There was a consolation win for Ingham and a halved match by Brad Tupman, which provided the Halifax, Huddersfield team with their only points of the afternoon.

Team manager Mear said, "What seemed a winning position, slipped away very quickly, with our team giving away too many holes early on in the round and in a lot of cases this meant that our players had too big of a mountain to climb. They had to risk shots to try and get back into the game and as I told them at the outset this was a thinking man’s golf course with positioning of the golf ball paramount to playing the golf they are capable of."

Scorecard, league table and order of merit.

Sparkling Spencer Wins Hamer Rosebowl

The John Hamer Rosebowl, a gents strokeplay competition, was played on Saturday when a field of 160 golfers took part at Bradley Hall Golf Club.

Conditions could not have been better, with warm temperatures, and light winds and a course in pristine order. This was reflected in the competition standard scratch being reduced to 69 due to the 30 sub par scores.

Gary Parker (12 hcp), teeing off at 8am, set a challenging score of 64 nett which was equalled by Robert Morgan who held a handicap of 23 but had to compete off the competition limit of 18!

A further shot back were junior, Tom Smith, Simon Dean and Union player Martin Cockcroft who recorded the lowest gross score of 68.

All these scores however could not beat one of the later starters, Richard Spencer, who continued his excellent run of form with the winning score of 63 nett and in the process further reduced his handicap to 11.9 after starting the season at 15.

Leading scores:
R.M.Spencer 77 - 14 = 63
G.Parker 76 - 12 = 64
R.W.Morgan 82 - 18 = 64
T.A.Smith 79 - 14 = 65
S.Dean 82 - 17 = 65
M.Cockcroft 68 - 3 = 65
S.Ferris 84 - 18 = 66
C.Gillespie 72 - 6 = 66
B.Bain 75 - 9 = 66
D.Wadcock 81 - 15 = 66
D.Cameron 72 - 6 = 66

Crow Nest Park Gets Rave Reviews from the Pro's

Crow Nest Park Golf Club hosted the second annual Avanti Golf Pro-Am yesterday. The event is a fully sanctioned Pro-Am event within the Yorkshire PGA`s calender.

Last year the event was well attended but this year it was fully booked and now according to Jimmy Pape of the Yorkshire PGA sits as their best event of the year.

The event in conjunction with the PGA is organised by and is the brainchild of local businessman and Crow Nest member Steve Yendley. His company Avanti Golf supplies state of the art golf club cleaning machinery to the industry and is based locally in Brighouse.

Golf professionals from around the West Yorkshire region descended upon the Hove Edge club in their bid to win the substantial prize money on offer. In addition local amateur golfers formed teams which included a professional for the 4-man team competition.

The day dawned with hazy sunshine but was calm and humid. The golfers, professionals and amateurs alike, revelled in the ideal scoring conditions. The professional competition was won by Lee Shepherd (Willow Valley) who shot a score of 67. He won the £700 first prize on a countback from local Europro Tour player and rising star, Chris Hanson, who plays out of Crosland Heath.

It was testament to the competition and the excellent organisation of the previous event that it managed to attract such a quality field.

In his acceptance speech runner-up Hanson said that in his opinion, "Crow Nest Park Golf Club is the best 9-hole golf course in England". That accolade from such an increasingly prominent golfer, reinforces the growing status of this beautiful parkland course, which was recently voted as one of the UK`s top ten 9-hole courses by the Today's Golfer magazine.

The team event was hard fought and the current Club Captain's team proved too strong for the rest of the field of 20 teams. With a score of 19 under par they won by two shots. The winning team consisted of Martin Broadbent (Captain CNPGC), Tom Broadbent, Martin Henry and Professional Mike Ingham (Cleckheaton) - main picture above.

The following teams won the remaining prizes:
2nd Place: D.May, D Lax, B Adamson, M Marsh (Pro) = 17 under par
3rd Place: S.Smith, L Holmes, J Graham, T Denby (Pro) = 16 under par
4th Place: K Carr, J Fitzpatrick, S McDermott, L Shepherd (Pro) = 14 under par
5th Place: D Lambert, M Ozanne, R Langley-Webb, A Wainwright (Pro) = 11 under par

During the prize presentation the course and its greens-staff (pictured right), headed by Head Greenkeeper and Course Manager Rob Gee, received great praise for the appearance of the course and for the high quality of its greens.

The highest praise came from well known local professional Mike Ingham who has played in the Open Championship in the past. He praised the course and said, "the greens today were the best I have ever played on, outside of the Open Championship." Rare praise indeed from someone with his vast experience and knowledge of the game.

Greenkeeper Mark Widdop, celebrated a hole-in-one on the 5th hole with the obligatory bottle of whiskey which many of the competitors enjoyed after their round.

The evening was rounded off with entertainment and a 'spicy' buffet. Many golfers and their partners stayed on after the presentation and enjoyed the unique clubhouse atmosphere that makes this venue so special.

Locals Out at Pannal

Both Jamie Bower and Ben Johnson suffered first round defeats in the Yorkshire Amateur Championship at Pannal on Thursday.

Bower (Meltham) and Johnson (Huddersfield) were the only two players to make the top 32 during the 36-hole strokeplay qualifier and therefore progressed to the matchplay stage.

Bower lost to Yorkshire Boys stablemate, Gareth Johnson representing Howley Hall, by a margin of 4&2 whilst Johnson went down 4&3 to James Maw from Hallowes.

Moortown's Nigel Sweet, who was last years beaten finalist, and former winner, Dave Appleyard from South Leeds, contest the 36-hole final today (Saturday).

Lawrence Batley Update

Results of re-arranged matches played in the Lawrence Batley Seniors League are shown below.

Section A:
Silkstone 8, Ryburn 0

Section B:
West Bradford 5, Huddersfield 3
Queensbury 8, Hanging Heaton 0

Section D:
Branshaw 8, Elland 0
Todmorden 0, Woodsome Hall 8

The latest league tables can be seen here.

Bower & Johnson Flying the Flag

Meltham Youngster Jamie Bower and Fixby's Ben Johnson are the only two representatives from the Halifax, Huddersfield Union to progress to the matchplay stage of the Yorkshire Amateur Championship.

Bower (pictured) produced a splendid second round performance of 71 at Pannal Golf Club to make the grade in 22nd position whilst Johnson also posted an excellent second round score to take his place in 30th spot with a 72.

Bower and Johnson had both fired opening rounds of 76 and looked like missing out on making it to the elimination rounds

With the top 32 going forwards to the knockout rounds Bower now faces an encounter with Howley Hall's Gareth Johnson, the joint overnight leader. Bower, who posted the lowest gross score in the Meltham Trophy at the weekend, will be familiar with his opponent as they have both represented Yorkshire Boys this season. The pair play in the final match teeing off at 10.30am with the winner facing either J. Moss from Kirkbymoorside or Hallamshire's M. Fitzpatrick.

Fixby's Johnson faces tough opposition in the way of James Maw. The Hallowes golfer has been tipped as one of the favourites for the title and after rounds of 70 and 71 to finish third it is clear to see why. They tee off at 10.06am with Harrogate's Steve Whitwham, a former winner of the Pannal Rose Bowl, or Dave Appleyard (South Leeds) waiting for the victor.

It looked as though Woodsome Hall's Chris Dyson would repeat his success from last year, when he was the only local player to qualify, after an opening 71 but a second round of 78 ended his hopes. Andrew Shaw, formerly of Bradley Hall but now a member at Huddersfield, posted the same 149 total following rounds of 73 and 76 whilst Tom Goodair also ended on the same mark with a 72 followed by a 77.

Fulford's Jamie Miller was the leading player with rounds of 68 and 67 finishing four strokes clear of Andrew Jones from Moortown. Meanwhile defending champion, Richard Law, bowed out following rounds of 72 and 81.

Full Scores and Matchplay Draw.

Milnes Wins for Second Week in a Row

Chris Dawson won for the second week running when he landed the Hanging Heaton Junior President's Prize, presented by Michael Parkin, on Sunday 21st June.

Winner: Chris Dawson 64
2nd: Josh Milnes 66
3rd: Tom Goodair 67 (on countback)
4th: Joe Button 67

9-hole comp :
Winner: Sam Wilcock 39 (on countback)
2nd: Dan Hey 39

Turnberry Dream Over

Local golfers dreams of playing in the The Open Championship at Turnberry were dashed today when regional qualifying turned sour for a number of the areas finest.

With only the top dozen or so players qualifying at each of the 16 venues across the UK it is always a big ask to progress to the final qualifying stages. Darren Rands from Willow Valley was one of the closest to making it but his 73 at Alwoodley fell two short of the mark for guaranteed qualification and just a shot shy of making the reserve list.

Chris Hanson (Crosland Heath) fired a 75 at the same venue whilst Queensbury's Gareth Murray hit the same score.

Davies Shows Class to Win Meltham Trophy

Home member, Simon Davies, posted the low round of the day to win the Meltham Trophy on Saturday.

Davies, a six-handicapper, is son of the Thick Hollins club head professional - Paul - and produced a round that his father would have been proud of in tricky conditions.

At the halfway stage it was anybody's guess as to who would win the trophy. Two players led with rounds of 68 but with another couple of 69's and a glut of rounds in the low 70's it looked all set for a close finish.

However, in the end the winning margin was five strokes thanks to a magnifcent round of 67 in the afternoon by Davies.

Jamie Bower produced the best 36-hole gross score with a 148 total (76 & 72) a stroke ahead of former Meltham player, Toby Garrett, now representing Crosland Heath.

Full Results (Nett Scores):
S. Davies 6 hcp, 71, 67 = 138
L Edmonds 5 hcp, 73, 70 = 143
M Garrett 4 hcp, 74, 70 = 144
J Bower 2 hcp, 74, 70 = 144
M.A. Johnstone 10 hcp, 68, 76 = 144
A.M. Hirst 11 hcp, 69, 76 = 145
N. Leader 5 hcp, 71, 74 = 145
T Hellawell 16 hcp, 69, 76 = 145
T. Garret (CH) 2 hcp, 73, 72 = 145
B. Crowther (D) 2 hcp, 74, 73 = 147
C. Mear 3 hcp, 71, 76 = 147
D. Hansom 5 hcp, 72, 75 = 147
R. Hunt 2 hcp, 73, 74 = 147
K. Wadsworth 12 hcp, 68, 80 = 148
T. Birkhead 5 hcp, 73, 75 = 148
A. Sheard 1 hcp, 72, 77 = 149
P Bramall 12 hcp, 72, 77 = 149
D. Jackson (H) 6 hcp, 77, 73 = 150
J Morrelli 10 hcp, 75, 75 = 150
M. Latham 10 hcp, 73, 77 = 150
A. Broadhead 9 hcp, 72, 79 = 151
G. Mclean 1 hcp, 72, 79 = 151
P Gallagher 6 hcp, 78, 73 = 151
P.H.F. Wharton 13 hcp, 79, 72 = 151
D. Noble 12 hcp, 78, 74 = 152
P. Rostron 5 hcp, 79, 73 = 152
R. Byrne 11 hcp, 77, 75 = 152
S Hazelden 6 hcp, 74, 78 = 152
A.J. Steel 9 hcp, 77, 76 = 153
B.J. Ellis 7 hcp, 79, 74 = 153
I. Saxton 7 hcp, 77, 76 = 153
J. Crosland 11 hcp, 76, 77 = 153
P. Helard (W) 9 hcp, 74, 79 = 153
B Barret 10 hcp, 76, 78 = 154
D. Buckley 8 hcp, 70, 84 = 154
E. Battye (D) 1 hcp, 73, 81 = 154
J Moore 3 hcp, 78, 76 = 154
L. Pilkington (CH) 6 hcp, 81, 73 = 154
M. Baker 18 hcp, 70, 84 = 154
N. Jackson 14 hcp, 73, 81 = 154
P. Ellis 9 hcp, 78, 76 = 154
R. Load 7 hcp, 77, 77 = 154
R.D. Johnson 14 hcp, 76, 78 = 154
S. M. Bower 4 hcp, 77, 77 = 154
B. Firth (WH) 8 hcp, 77, 78 = 155
C Breslin 5 hcp, 79, 76 = 155
D.G. Campbell 7 hcp, 79, 76 = 155
J Hemmings 13 hcp, 75, 80 = 155
C. Whiteley 5 hcp, 79, 77 = 156
J Lawson 15 hcp, 84, 72 = 156
M. Lawrie (CH) 5 hcp, 81, 75 = 156
M.S. Styring 16 hcp, 78, 78 = 156
P. Kelly 16 hcp, 81, 75 = 156
R Shaw (SF) 9 hcp, 80, 76 = 156
S. Whiteley 11 hcp, 80, 76 = 156
J. Caine (D) 4 hcp, 76, 81 = 157
M.A. Carr 6 hcp, 77, 80 = 157
S A Thornton 13 hcp, 72, 85 = 157
S. Irvine 6 hcp, 77, 80 = 157
J.N. Higgs 9 hcp, 78, 80 = 158
R. Busby 9 hcp, 81, 77 = 158
P. Branston 13 hcp, 82, 77 = 159
A.J. Westacott 14 hcp, 77, 83 = 160
M.J. Butterworth 13 hcp, 85, 75 = 160
R.J. Clark 18 hcp, 81, 79 = 160
B. Ellis 12 hcp, 80, 81 = 161
D Law 8 hcp, 81, 80 = 161
M. Guymer 8 hcp, 78, 83 = 161
D. Mallinson (M) 13 hcp, 70, 92 = 162
D. Oldham 12 hcp, 79, 83 = 162
J. Baxter (CH) 15 hcp, 75, 87 = 162
A. Mills 11 hcp, 78, 85 = 163
S Blogg 5 hcp, 78, 85 = 163
A Brown (CH) 7 hcp, 85, 79 = 164
D. Jackson (CH) 14 hcp, 82, 82 = 164
F. Parker 14 hcp, 79, 85 = 164
J. Wozniak 12 hcp, 87, 77 = 164
D Thorpe 12 hcp, 79, 86 = 165
P. Farnsworth 12 hcp, 84, 81 = 165
N Paxman 8 hcp, 84, 82 = 166
A. Baier 12 hcp, 80, 87 = 167
D.R. Heap 16 hcp, 86, 82 = 168
N. Birks 18 hcp, 78, 90 = 168
M. Wood 8 hcp, 85, 85 = 170
H Haworth 16 hcp, 83, 89 = 172
S Shaw (LP) 15 hcp, 95, 85 = 180
A. Crum (D) 2 hcp, NR, NR = NR
C. McHugh 7 hcp, 73, NR = NR
E. R. Whiteley 9 hcp, 72, NR = NR
G Heap 14 hcp, 80, NR = NR
J C Holmes 6 hcp, 80, NR = NR
J. Styring (W) 7 hcp, NR, 81 = NR
N Charlesworth 9 hcp, 78, NR = NR
P. Hessleden (O) 12 hcp, 77, NR = NR
P.E. Walker 13 hcp, NR, NR = NR
R J Hadfield 9 hcp, NR, NR = NR

Crow Nest Rabbits Results

A very successful Rabbits Open was held at Crow Nest Park Golf Club on Sunday 21st June.

The event was played under a sunny sky with home member Paul Mason and his guest, Tony Youngs from Northcliffe, taking the first prize with 42 points.

The Queensbury pair of John Taylor and Bill Johnson were the best visitors, winning on a countback with 38 points.

Results:
1st: Paul Mason (Crow Nest Park GC) & Tony Youngs (Northcliffe) = 42 pts.
2nd: Bob Jackson (Crow Nest Park GC) & Peter Jackson (Whitewood GC) = 41 pts.
3rd: Nigel Wood (Crow Nest Park GC) & Tam Stewart (South Bradford GC) = 39 pts.

Best Visitors: John Taylor (Queensbury GC) & Bill Johnson (Queensbury GC) = 38pts.

Longest Drive: Jake Smith (Outlane GC)
Nearest the Pin: Phil Turner (Marsden GC)

Woodsome Back in the Race

Woodsome Hall Seniors hauled themselves back into the race for the Lawrence Batley Seniors League title when they produced a spirited performance to beat Branshaw.

Branshaw had led section D and were unbeaten this season until they travelled to the Fenay Bridge side last week where they suffered a 7-1 reversal to the defending champions. The victory moved Woodsome Hall into third place, just two points behind Bransahw, and four behind new leaders Halifax.

Ogden moved to the top of the division with a 7-1 win over Elland but have played a game more than their nearest rivals.

Meanwhile Marsden continued their march to the title in Section A with a 6-2 against Oldham and are now a massive 14 points clear.

In Section B Bradley Hall moved into first place with an 8-0 demolition of West Bradford whilst Huddersfield kept the pressure on with a similar whitewash against Hanging Heaton.

Section C is the closest of all the divisions with Low Laithes just ahead of Blackley with both Crosland Heath and Dewsbury leading the chasing pack.

See the up-to-date league tables.

Latest Results:

Section A :
Calverley 2 West End 6
Marsden 6 Oldham 2
Hebden Bridge 6 Wortley 2
West End 5 Hebden Bridge 3

Section B:
Bradley Hall 8 West Bradford 0
Huddersfield 8 Hanging Heaton 0
Outlane 4 Lightcliffe 4
Werneth 4 Queensbury 4

Section C:
Crosland Heath 8 Bradford Moor 0
Dewsbury 8 Crow Nest Park 0
South Leeds 6 Blackley 2
Crosland Heath 4 South Bradford 4
Crow Nest Park 5 Crosland Heath 3

Low Laithes 4 Dewsbury 4

Section D:
Bradley Park 8 Todmorden 0
Halifax 7 Elland 1
Woodsome Hall 7 Branshaw 1

Colcombe Leads Longley to Scratch Victory

Longley Park won Division Two of the HHDUGC Scratch Team Championship at their home course on Sunday.

Matthew Colcombe posted the lowest score of the day to lead the Aspley club to promotion to the first division which takes place at Meltham Golf Club next month. Lightcliffe finished second just three strokes behind whilst Todmorden took third spot and Queensbury fourth place to also gain promotion.

Leading Scores:

1. Longley Park 292:
Matthew Colcombe 71
Ian Senior 73
Charles Ryan-Hicks 73
John Doherty 75

2. Lightcliffe 295:
Robert Charnock 72
James Parkinson 73
Tom Williams 75
Frazer Scolefield 75

3. Todmorden 308:
Dave Stafford 73
Colin Fowler 76
Michael Murray 76
David Arrowsmith 83

4. Queensbury 311:

Sam Town 75
Andy Speak 75
Ross Heslop 79
Gareth Jones 82

Keeping it in the Family

Outlane Lady Captain, Cherril Smallburn, teamed up with her son Robert to win The Cresta Trophy at Outlane Golf Club yesterday.

Robert, a member at Bradley Hall Golf Club, and his mother scored 42 points in the betterball mixed open to win by two points from another home member, Anne Hesselden, and her partner, Richard Turner from West End.

Their tally was helped with a '2 for 1 score' on the fifth hole that Madam Captain made to clinch four points towards their total.

Second placed Turner also scored a four pointer on the stroke one hole when he holed his chip shot from off the green!

The all-Outlane pairing of Sandra and Stuart Eastwood took third place with 38 points.

Leading Scores:
1st: Cherril Smallburn (Outlane) / Robert Smallburn (Bradley Hall ) = 42 points
2nd: Anne Hesselden (Outlane ) / Richard Turner (West End ) = 40 points
3rd: Sandra Eastwood (Outlane) / Stuart Eastwood (Outlane ) = 38 points


Meanwhile Andy Wilford won the June Medal the day before with an excellent 67 gross.

Division 1:
Andy Wilford = 64 nett
Chris Twigg = 65 nett
David Knapton = 65 nett

Division 2:
Paul Anderson = 65 nett
Shaukat Dar = 65 nett
Steve McNair = 67 nett

The Widdops Make it a Day to Remember

Helen Pearson, Lady Captain of Crow Nest Park Golf Club, held her Captain's Day on Saturday. Despite the favourable weather forecast the sky remained dull and overcast for much of the day, however, this didn`t dampen the spirits of the Crow Nest faithful who turned out in numbers to support this popular Captain.

The men's competition was held in the morning and took the format of a 4-man team stableford event. The winning team had a score of 92 points and consisted of David Griffiths, Chris Mowl, Richard 'Baz' Crossley and Phil Widdop.

The Ladies 'Major' competition was held in the afternoon and was won by Mrs Mandy Widdop, who helped complete the family double on the day. Runner-up was Janet Longbottom and in third place was Sue Berry. Both Phil and Mandy are pictured above flanking Pearson.

The prizes were presented in front of a well attended gathering during the evening and followed a humourous address by Mrs Pearson. The members were entertained by singer Paul Akister.

Leeming Continues Good Form

Having recently recorded his first score below the course par of 70, Richard Leeming continued his run of form in the Jubilee Trophy, a greensome competition, along with his playing partner, David Ward.

Starting first at 7am, they returned a nett score of 62.6 over the Bradley Hall course which proved to be unbeatable. Several other pairings reached the 18th green believing they were in with a chance of the title but were soon to be dismayed upon entering the clubhouse.

A total of 150 golfers took part in the competition.

Leading scores:
1. D.Ward & R.Leeming 62.6
2. P.Wilkes & D.Wadcock 64.2
3. J.Beattie & P.Toon 64.8
4. C.Gaukroger & M.Worsick 65.2
5. P.Olson & G.Layfield 65.2
6. D.Pryor & A.Doyle 65.6
7. D.Senior & J.Gledhill 66.2
8. J.Bailes & T.Smith 66.4
9. M.Cobb & B.Worsman 66.6
10 A.Arthur & M.Moss 66.6

Dawson Puts on Great Captain's Prize Performance

David Blackburn hosted the Junior Club Captain's Prize at Hanging Heaton Golf Club last Sunday.

The winner with a fantastic score of 57 was Chris Dawson. The 24-handicapper strolled to victory with the 12-under par round.

In second place was Joe Button (20 hcp) who scored a five-under round of 64 whilst third spot went to Liam Shepherd (10 hcp) with a 65.

All the juniors at the club would like to thank Mr Captain for the day.

Many Happy Returns for Annette

Annette Bird made a happy return to an Outlane course where she learnt her golf - 21 years ago!

Bird brought two of her colleagues from Elland and one from South Bradford to help clinch a back-nine win in the Open Am-Am tournament at the Slack Lane course. It was a fine achievement considering they played the last four holes in terrible conditions of driving rain. They edged out a team consisting of two home members, a Crosland Heath member and a player from Meltham to claim victory via the card playoff.

The third placed team could have done with Wendy Stotts hole-in-one from last Thursday, which would have tied them for first place too, but as it was they finished two strokes adrift.

1st: A.Bird-Elland, J.Garside-Elland, K.Ford-Elland, D.Neathby-South Bradford = 130 nett.

2nd: C.Casper-Outlane, A.Robinson-Crosland Heath, J.Birks-Meltham, S.Hutton-Outlane = 130 nett.

3rd: W.Stott-Outlane, C.Crowther-Outlane, C.Harrison-Hebden Bridge, D.Greenwood-Hebden Bridge = 132 nett.

Crowther Crowned Champ

Ben Crowther fired back-to-back rounds of 73 to win The Whitley Cup at Dewsbury District Golf Club on Saturday.

Union team regular Crowther cruised to a three stroke victory with room to spare in the annual 36-hole strokeplay scratch championship. Adam Crum, assistant professional at the club, also carded an opening 73 but his 76 in the afternoon was only good enough to take second place.

Meanwhile D Smethurst (13 hcp) captured The Claret Jug, a handicap competition run in conjunction, with nett scores of 67 and 66.

Top Ten for Hanson

Daniel Brooks claimed his maiden EuroPro Tour victory yesterday at Bovey Castle where Chris Hanson produced another sound performance for a top ten finish at the Devon course.

Brooks cruised to a two stroke victory in the Sureshot GPS International Open at Bovey Castle to claim his first win on the PGA EuroPro Tour.

The 22 year-old held a four shot lead overnight at ten under par and remained ten under through 15 holes, before consecutive bogies at 16 and 17 meant he finished on eight under (202) for the tournament. None of the chasing pack were able to put him under any real pressure on the final day, with Nicky Harris (Whitefield GC) sneaking second spot by one stroke at six under (204).

For Hanson the tied eighth finish moves him to eleventh in the order of merit table.

FINAL RESULTS:
1 Daniel Brooks 63, 67, 72 -8 202 £10,000
2 Nicky Harris 67, 68, 69 -6 204 £5,000
=3 Llewellyn Matthews 65, 74, 66 -5 205 £2,100
=3 Jamie Elson 66, 69, 70 -5 205 £2,100
=5 Paul Dwyer 69, 69, 68 -4 206 £1,200
=5 Neil Walker 68, 68, 70 -4 206 £1,200
=5 Matthew Evans 69, 65, 72 -4 206 £1,200
=8 Graeme Clark 69, 72, 66 -3 207 £825
=8 Martin Sell 68, 71, 68 -3 207 £825
=8 Chris Hanson 68, 71, 68 -3 207 £825
=8 Steve Surry 67, 69, 71 -3 207 £825

Willow Valley to Host Celebrity Golf Day

Willow Valley Golf Club will host The Holiday Inn (Brighouse) Celebrity Golf Day on Wednesday 15th July.

The action packed day will include celebrity guests including Leeds United football legend, Norman Hunter, and Huddersfield Giants rugby players.

More details and how to enter can be found at www.wvgc.co.uk/PDFs/HolidayInn.pdf

Wallace: Yorkshire Seniors Champion

Bob Wallace produced a vintage performance to land the prestigious Yorkshire Seniors Amateur Championship at Harrogate Golf Club yesterday.

The Crosland Heath stalwart fired a one-over par round of 70 to fend off strong challenges from a number of players including Fixby's John Oxley and defending champion Mike Kelly from Ganton - a multiple time winner of the event.

Oxley, second last year at Hull, again finished as outright runner-up resulting in a splendid one-two finish for the Huddersfield area.

Wallace has performed well in the past at this tournament most notably firing rounds of 67 and 73 back in 2006 to finish second behind Kelly, who carded a 75 this year.

Following heavy rain on Monday, when play had to be suspended late in the afternoon, the first round was cancelled and the event was reduced to 18 holes.

We hope to bring you a more detailed report shortly.

Full Scores

Locals go for Yorkshire Amateur Glory

One of the major highlights on the county calendar takes place next week when Pannal Golf Club stage The Yorkshire Amateur Championship. The Harrogate club host the five day event which starts with two qualifying strokeplay rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday.

There are 14 golfers from the Halifax, Huddersfield and District Union who will be aiming to finish amongst the leading 32 players and progress to the matchplay stage commencing on Thursday morning. The elimination rounds continue throughout Thursday and Friday with the 36-hole final played on Saturday.

Dewsbury District's Edward Battye is the first local player to tee-off at 8.30am on Tuesday whilst Chris Dyson (Woodsome Hall - pictured), the only golfer from the area to make the knockout rounds last year, goes an hour later in a group that includes reigning Yorkshire Order of Merit Champion, Steve Brennan.

Union player, David Stafford from Todmorden, has a 10.40am tee-time whilst Dan Overend, representing Woodsome Hall, starts at 1pm followed by a glut of players also occupying an afternoon time on the first day; Jamie Bower (Meltham - 1.20pm), Matthew Colcombe (Longley Park - 1.30pm), Adam Cryer (Hebden Bridge - 2pm), Edward Brown (Huddersfield - 2.10pm), Tom Goodair (Woodsome Hall - 2.20pm), Ben Johnson (Huddersfield - 2.20pm), T Robertshaw (Huddersfield - 2.30pm) and Jonny Heyes (Huddersfield - 3.10pm).

Meanwhile Woodsome Hall's Tom Jenkinson and Fixby man Andrew Shaw play in the penultimate group and face a late finish going off at 4.20pm.

Defending champion - Richard Law from Low Laithes - begins the defence of the title, that he captured with some magnificent golf last year, at 9am in a group that includes Peter Fenton, the former Brabazon Trophy winner who used to play out of Huddersfield Golf Club. Fenton has regained his amateur status following a stint as a professional and is currently a member at Cleckheaton Golf Club having represented Bradford Union already this season in the Yorkshire IDU League.

Barron to the Rescue as She Aces the Sixth

A Lady Member at Dewsbury District Golf Club recently holed-in-one whilst playing in the Ladies Invitation Day.

In very warm conditions Mrs Barbara Barron scored her ace at the 138 yard 6th hole on Tuesday, 2nd June. Barron used her rescue club to record her second hole-in-one at that par three, the other occurring two years ago. She was highly delighted especially as she and her partner, Suzanne Horner from Wakefield Golf Club, finished third in the competition.

The main prize was won by Cynthia English (DDGC) and June Sowden (Huddersfield GC) with Anne Wilkinson (DDGC) and Susan Golembiewski (Hanging Heaton GC) second.

Fixby Men Shine But Can't Force Victory

The Halifax, Huddersfield & District Union of Golf Clubs senior team were left to rue a missed opportunity at Fixby yesterday in their latest Yorkshire IDU League game against a plucky East Riding side. What looked like an unassailable lead at one point turned sour as the day progressed and the Union's elite had to settle for a frustrating 18-18 draw.

With five home club members in the 12-man side Team Captain, Chris Mear, had predicted before the contest that these players would hold the key to success over a side that got off to flyer in their opening game against Teesside at Scarborough South Cliff the previous month. That prediction rang true with 12 of the 18 points coming from Fixby men - almost enough to edge his side over the winning line.

Leading 9-3 after the foursomes, thanks to wins by Richard Broadley & Andy Shaw, Danny Stocchero & Brad Tupman, Sam Bridges & Frank Greaves and Ben Crowther & David Stafford as well as a halved match for Graham McLean & Chris Ingham, all looked rosy in the home camp at lunch. And when Broadley and Shaw (both pictured) notched wins, in the opening two singles matches, only a further six points were required for a first victory of the season.

Two more Fixby members, Stocchero and Tupman, added four of those points to the tally following their middle order victories and with Hebden Bridge's Powell adding another point - in game number four - it simply seemed a matter of time before the East Riding's resistance would crumble. But the East Coast side's never say die attitude gave them wins in the remaining seven ties and the most unlikely of draws.

See the latest Yorkshire Inter-District-Union League Table.

See the full scoresheet.

Hanson a 20/1 Shot for Bovey Castle Victory

Anybody interested in making a real killing this week could well be advised to lump on to local professional, Chris Hanson, when he tees it up at Bovey Castle in the latest EuroPro Tour event.

Amazingly Hanson is only fourth favourite (at a huge 20-1) with SkyBet to land the Sureshot GPS International Open in Devon. That is despite being in great form this season, putting himself in a excellent position to win two out of two events already this year. He also has a fantastic track record at Bovey Castle with a victory to his name in 2006.

Hanson will be eager to attack the course this week, after surrendering a final round lead for the second time at Prince’s last week, and has good memories of the South Coast venue.

“We have come to the fourth event of the season and we have a cracking line-up assembled,” said Sky Bet’s John Rhodes. “Steve Surry comes in off a fine performance on the Challenge Tour and heads the market for Bovey at 12/1, followed by Prince’s winner Scott Jamieson at 16/1 and runner-up Elliot Saltman (Aegon) at 18s.

"Chris will be looking to break his final round hoodoo when he tees up in Devon this week. The Yorkshireman has lead both his EuroPro Tour starts this year with one round to go and failed to win – and amazingly in three starts at Bovey Castle he has been the leader going into the final round, winning once back in 2006. He must surely win sometime as he is playing great stuff at the minute – he’s a 20/1 shot.”

The Sureshot GPS International Open begins on Tuesday morning and you can follow the action by visiting www.europrotour.com or better still why not place a bet here.

Mansell Drives To Dewsbury Pro-Am Victory

Dewsbury District Golf Club hosted their annual Pro–Am competition on Wednesday 10th June. This was the 29th year of the competition, the longest running Pro-Am event on the Yorkshire Professional Golfers Association's calendar.

A total of 41 teams, each with a Y.P.G.A professional, competed for prizes for the first seven places whilst the Pro’s also played individually for a purse of £3,500.

The morning players got the best of the weather but it was still overcast and the blustery wind made it even more difficult. As the day progressed some heavy showers made the par of 71 an even tougher test. The course was presented in excellent condition, many complimenting the true and fast greens, and everyone enjoyed good old Yorkshire hospitality as well as good food in the bar and clubhouse afterwards. There was also the presentation to prize winners followed by impersonator and comedian, Steve Tandy, who helped finish the day in a humorous and enjoyable manner.

The Professionals prize was won by ex EuroPro Tour Player, Dave Mansell, from Wakefield Golf Club with a 5-under total of 66. His card included seven birdies and two bogeys.

PROFESSIONALS LEADING SCORES – PAR = 71
DAVID MANSELL - Wakefield GC = 66, -5
DAVID ASTIN - Hebden Bridge = 68, -3
NEIL CHEETHAM - Euro Pro Tour = 69, -2
LAURIE TURNER - Scalm Park = 69
ARRON WAINWRIGHT- Mid Yorks = 70, -1
ANDREW ROSSINGTON P Cowan DR = 70
ADRIAN AMBLER – Walton DR = 70
SCOTT BARBER – Waterton Park = 71, Par
MARCUS MAITHE – Selby = 72, +1
CRAIG FRICKER – Styrup Hall = 72
ALEX BELT – Bridlington = 72
DAVID PADGETT – Pannal = 72
PETER ROBINSON - Skipton = 72
DANNY WALSH – Garforth DR = 72
MATTHEW MARSH – Hallowes = 72
JOHN EYRE – Woodsome Hall = 73, +2
JOHN OATES –Hallowes = 73
ROBERT WRAGG – South Grove Golf = 73
NIGEL HIRST – Dewsbury District GC = 74, +3
STEVE CARTER – Euro Pro Tour = 74

The leading amateur team finished on 17-under par and consisted of home members; Gary Dunkley (7 hcp), Peter Crowther (9 hcp), Andy Consterdine (6 hcp) plus the Pro, Lee Shepherd, from Willow Valley, who were first out at 8.40am.

TEAM RESULT:
1st: INSITU CLEANING CO LTD - Gary Dunkley, Peter Crowther, Andy Consterdine & Pro Lee Shepherd of Willow Valley GC.

2nd: M.G. INDUSTRIES - Ian Lawson, Chris Dyson, Rob Andrew & Pro Adrian Newboult of Temple Newsam GC.

3rd: DDGC MEDAL WINNERS – M Hepworth, P Rufus, C Brown & Pro Darren Rands of Willow Valley GC.

4th: BRADFORD LASER CUTTING- S Haigh, M Carrol, A Smallpage & Pro Andy Rishworth of Howley Hall GC.

5th: ROBERT PILKINGTON CONSTRUCTION – R Plikington, R Crowther, S Wooller
& Pro Neil Cheetham representing the EuroPro Tour.

6th: DDGC MEDAL R/U – G Prentice, D Barwick, R Woodside & Pro David Mansell of Wakefield GC.

7th: MING COTTAGE - M Ng, G Mitchell, W Barron & Pro Gary Watkinson of Howley Hall

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Best 3 gross scores on the 16th was won by MORTGAGE TRADING Co - T Crossley, R Daibell, D Parish. SPONSORED BY GARY DUNKLEY.

Best 3 nett scores on 3rd was won by DAW GREEN - P Jackson, T Hampson, Mr Captain.
SPONSORED BY PRO SHOP CUSTOMISATION CENTRE.

Straightest Drive on 2nd - Terry Walker SPONSORED BY PRO SHOP FREE TRIAL BEFORE YOU BUY.

Nearest the Pin on 18th - Shane Wooler. SPONSORED BY GORDON PETRIE.

President Turner Turns up the Heat!

Crow Nest Park Golf Club held its annual Presidents Day on Saturday with John Turner being the host official. The day opened with some cloud cover but as the day progressed the weather got better and better. With the course being in its best ever condition golfers revelled in the balmy conditions and the scores were of a very high standard.

The Ladies had held their Presidents Day competition the week before and the winner on a countback, with a super 37 stableford points, was Margaret Mitchell (left). The trophy was presented to the winner at the evening presentation, and Margaret who`s husband had passed away earlier in the season received a resounding and tremendously emotional ovation.

The junior title was won by 13-year-old, Scott Henry, who gave a very polished speech in front of over 100 members. No mean feat for someone of his age.

The final presentation of the evening was to the overall men's winner who was Jim Lough who is one of the Club Professional`s assistants. Jim (pictured below with Turner) won the competition with a very creditable net 65. He played in the first group of the day and obviously benefited from the cooler conditions of the morning. In second place was Danny Lax, last years Junior Captain, who beat Kevin Carr on a countback with a net 66.

President Turner presented the prizes and amused the members with a selection of humorous stories. The evening celebrations went on into the early hours as many members stayed on after the presentation to be entertained by a local singing duo and disco. Everyone enjoyed a first class day.

Full Results:
Ladies:
Nearest-the-pin = Jean Smith
Straightest drive = Pam Hollingworth
3rd Place = Barbara Horrocks 35 pts
Runner up = Mandy Widdop 37 pts
Winner = Margaret Mitchell 37pts

Juniors:
Nearest-the-pin = Jacob Campbell
Longest Drive = John Dunn
Winner 28 handicap + = Joe Owen 52 pts
3rd place = Bradley Seymour 36pts
Runner Up = Ben Adamson 38pts
Winner = Scott Henry 41 pts

Mens:
Nearest-the-pin = Mick Ashton
Longest Drive = Paul Rooks
Best Gross = Chris Mowl 68
3rd Place = Kevin Carr Net 66
Runner up = Danny Lax Net 66
Winner = Jim Lough Net 65

Marsden Cruising in the Seniors

Results of matches in the Lawrence Batley Seniors League, played on 12th June, are shown below.

Marsden put daylight between themselves and the chasing pack in Section A with a convincing 8-0 victory over Hebden Bridge and already look set to capture the division at the halfway stage.

In Section B Lightcliffe and Bradley Hall are in a commanding position although Lightcliffe went down 6-2 at Fixby last week and the Huddersfield side have a game in hand which should they win 8-0 will move them to just a point behind the nine-hole club.

Section C is a much closer affair with Low Laithes and Blackley sitting pretty at the top but Bradford Moor, Dewsbury and Crosland Heath all have games in hand and will expect to close the gap.

Woodsome Hall suffered a set-back in their bid to claim another successive Lawrence Batley title. They went down at Elland in Section D and will now hope that leaders Branshaw falter over the coming weeks.

See the latest League Tables.

Section A:
Marsden 8 Hebden Bridge 0
Ryburn 7 Oldham 1
West End 4 Silkstone 4
Wortley 2 Calverley 6

Section B:
Huddersfield 6 Lightcliffe 2
Outlane 4 Queensbury 4
West Bradford 7 Werneth 1

Section C:
South Bradford 6 South Leeds 2

Section D:
Bradley Park 2 Branshaw 6
Elland 6 Woodsome Hall 2
Meltham 4 Halifax 4
Todmorden 7 Saddleworth 1
Elland 5 Todmorden 3 (5th June)

Peter Beats Martin to Lilley Cup on Countback

Following a blank Saturday the previous week, when the scheduled competition had to be postponed due to heavy rain flooding several greens, it was a pleasure for the Bradley Hall members to once again be playing under a clear blue sky with just a mild breeze.

Due to 'Open' events at neighbours Halifax and West End, the 'Lilley Cup' was competed by a reduced field of only 143 competitors but the stableford format produced a host of good scores with 17 players beating par.

The ultimate winner was 16 handicapper, Peter Broadley, who beat Martin Forster after a back nine count-back, both having scored 41 points.

In third place with one point less was a new member, Simon Rome (6 hcp) who was competing in his first major competition, having only become a member at the beginning of the month. No doubt he will soon be challenging for a place in the Scratch Team.

Other noteable scores came again from Richard Spencer and Junior Captain Andy Hare both scoring 39 points along with Paul Stott.

There is no doubt that losing three members of the Scratch Team to neighbours Huddersfield at the beginning of the season was a blow to the Club but there is now a 'buzz' around the place and several players desperately trying to take their places which can only be good for the future.

Leading Scores:
P.Broadley (16) 41 (Count Back)
M.Forster (15) 41
S.Rome (6) 40
R.M.Spencer (14) 39
P.Stott (12) 39
A.Hare (5) 39

Quick Update

Regular readers of the Huddersfield Golf Blog will have noticed a few changes to the layout over the last few days.

Some new features will be added over the coming weeks but fingers-crossed everything that is currently live on the blog is all working correctly. If you do find any errors or broken links etc... it would be really helpful if you could either make a comment on this post or drop an email to info@huddersfieldgolf.co.uk

Below is a quick update about some of the features already added which will hopefully improve your viewing experience.

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Clicking and signing-up via the 'Email Subscription' link - located near the top right of the page - will deliver new blog posts directly to your inbox. Don't miss a thing and be the first to find out about new stories and results!

RSS Feed:
For those who use a news reader or rss feed will find this very useful. - just click on the link and select your preferred reader. For those who don't yet have one then Google provide one which is very easy to set up.

Bookmark:
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Twitter & Facebook:
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Search:
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Latest Comments:
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Tags:
Each posts now displays a 'tag' or sometimes known as a 'label'. Click on one of these to see all related posts.

Website:
For those who also use the main Huddersfield Golf website (http://www.huddersfieldgolf.co.uk/) you will see that this has also had a bit of a face-lift. Look out for a number of new features to be included on here this summer too.

Hanson Sixth at Prince's

Scott Jamieson yesterday birdied the second play-off hole at Prince’s Golf Club to win the PartyPoker.com European Championship on the PGA EuroPro Tour.

The Scotsman battled fellow countryman and overnight leader Elliot Saltman (Aegon) twice down the 18th after Saltman bogeyed the last hole to drop to nine under. Both players parred the hole first time around, but Jamieson knocked his approach to within six feet the second time and knocked in his putt for a birdie and the £10,000 first prize.

Jamieson was seven under par overnight, two shots behind Saltman and co-leader Chris Hanson, but he immediately put pressure on with three birdies on the front nine to move to ten under.

The Heath's Hanson suffered another final round disappointment to finish in a five-way tie for sixth. Hanson – who let slip a final day lead at Collingtree Park – was unable to make any headway, remaining level through to the 13th before dropping shots there and on his final two holes to finish on six under.

The PGA EuroPro Tour moves to Devon next week where the fourth event will take place at Bovey Castle from Tuesday 16 June.

FINAL RESULTS:
=1 Scott Jamieson -9 - 67, 70, 70 = 207, £10,000.00 (won on second play-off hole)
=1 Elliot Saltman -9 - 66, 69, 72 = 207, £5,000.00
=3 Roy Mugglestone -8 - 70, 70, 68 = 208, £2,100.00
=3 Ian Keenan -8 - 68, 69, 71 = 208, £2,100.00
5 Ross Whitelock -7 - 69, 67, 73 = 209, £1,400.00
=6 Kevin Harper -6 - 70, 69, 71 = 210, £950.00
=6 Duncan Stewart -6 - 72, 65, 73 = 210, £950.00
=6 Phil Worthington -6 - 68, 69, 73 = 210, £950.00
=6 James Busby -6 - 67, 70, 73 = 210, £950.00
=6 Chris Hanson -6 - 67, 68, 75 = 210, £950.00
11 Daniel Brooks -5 - 69, 68, 74 = 211, £750.00

Hanson Shares Lead at Prince’s

Chris Hanson and Elliot Saltman go into the final round of the PartyPoker.com European Championship at Prince’s Golf Club in Kent tied for the lead on nine under par.

Saltman was the overnight leader at six under and kicked his round off on the back nine with two birdies in the opening three holes. A double bogey at the par-four 13th checked his progress, but he picked up three further birdies in his round to card a three under round of 69 to take his score to 135 for the opening two rounds.

Hanson, from Crosland Heath, joins Saltman out in front after starting one shot behind the Scotsman in second spot, thanks to two birdie-bursts on both nines. The 23 year-old began with a double bogey on the first but birdied the second before a cluster of four birdies from the sixth hole saw him go out at three under par. A trio of birdies from the 14th further improved his round although the man who let slip a five shot advantage on the final day of the opening event at Collingtree Park will be a touch frustrated with a bogey at the last denying him sole possession of the lead.

Ross Whitelock stands alone in third place going into the final round after an impressive back nine charge. The 28 year-old – three under after his first round – went out in level par but blitzed down the home stretch with three birdies and an eagle for a 67.

The high quality scoring from the opening two rounds at the Sandwich course saw the cut set at one under – Ben Kerr (Saffron Walden) will be the first player out at 8am on Friday, with Saltman and Hanson teeing off at 12.03pm. To follow the final round click on the Score Updates link at www.europrotour.com

Eagle Eyed Hanson in the Mix

Scotsman, Elliot Saltman, picked up three birdies in his last four holes to lead the PartyPoker.com European Championship at Prince’s Golf Club in Kent at six under.

However, Crosland Heath's Chris Hanson, who was the front-runner in the opening event at Collingtree Park, again finds himself in the mix thanks to a birdie on his final hole. Hanson carded an impressive five-under par round of 67, which included two eagle three's, and sits just one shot off the pace going into today's second round.

Meanwhile Saltman began his round with four birdies in his first five holes to go out at four under par. He was five under after 12 but double bogeyed 14 to drop to three under. That blip didn’t throw him though and he composed himself to finish birdie-birdie-par-birdie and claim the lead by one stroke after a fine round of 66.

Home Advantage For Union

An almost unchanged side will take on East Riding Union at Huddersfield Golf Club on Sunday in the latest Yorkshire IDU League contest.

Non-playing Captain, Chris Mear, makes just one change from the team that was on duty against Leeds Union keeping faith with the side that at one point threatened an upset at Wetherby.

Todmorden's David Stafford (pictured), who earlier this season landed the J.W. Peet Trophy for the best amateur gross score in the Page Trophy, steps in for the unavailable Steve Martin from West End.

The full team is; Richard Broadley, Andy Shaw, Jim Fairhurst, Brad Tupman, Danny Stocchero (All Huddersfield), Sam Bridges, Chris Ingham, Frank Greaves (All Halifax West End) Graham McLean (Meltham), David Stafford (Todmorden), Iain Powell (Hebden Bridge) and Ben Crowther (Dewsbury District).

Mear is looking forward to the challenge telling the Huddersfield Blog, "I played at Fixby last night in the scratch foursomes and the course is in wonderful condition. East Riding got off to a great start with a win against Teesside but I am hoping that home advantage will play a large part in the result with five home players being involved."

Meltham Land Junior Crown

Meltham Golf Club, captained by Jamie Bower, landed the HHDUGC Junior Team Championship over their home course on Sunday.

The winning team is pictured above along with the President of the Halifax, Huddersfield and District Union, Mr Philip Walton. From left; Walton. Luke Edmonds, Bower, James Fish and Alistair Broadhead. The team are now eligible to play in the County qualifying competition for the EGU Junior Champion Club Tournament.

Bradley Park collected the best nett team prize winning the D. A.Gordon Trophy. Ben Kaye, Adam Richardson, Lee Pickup and Alex Malins formed the successful quartet.

Bower posted the best individual gross score whilst Corey Avison from Marsden had the lowest nett score.

LB Seniors Latest Results

Results of matches played on 5th June 2009 in the Lawrence Batley Seniors League are shown below. Due to site maintenance the league tables will be updated later this week.

Section A:
Marsden 8 Calverley 0
Silkstone 6 Hebden Bridge 2
West End 8 Oldham 0

Section B:
Bradley Hall 5 Outlane 3
Hanging Heaton 6 Werneth 2
Lightcliffe 7 West Bradford 1

Section C:
Blackley 6 Dewsbury 2
Bradford Moor 6 South Bradford 2
Crow Nest Park 5 South Leeds 3
Low Laithes 6 Crosland Heath 2

Section D:
Bradley Park 3 Halifax 5
Branshaw 4 Saddleworth 4
Meltham 6 Woodsome Hall 2

Good Evans for Simpson & Sheldon

Crow Nest Park Golf Club held its second Men's Major Competition of the year, The Evans Bowl, on a wonderfully sunny day Saturday just gone.

The competition was a Greensome pairs event played over 18 holes and the winners were Andy Sheldon and Dave Simpson with a score of 64.4 nett. For both of the golfers it was their first Major win and this success now qualifies them both for a lifetime exemption to play in the Champion of Champions event held each year under the title of the Crow Nest Masters.

The runners-up with a net score of 65.4 were Steve Yendley and John Haverstock whilst in third place on 67 were Mark Campbell and Mick Ashton.

A presentation of the trophy, made by Club Captain Martin Broadbent, was held on the West Terrace where over 80 members and friends gathered. The winners, with Sheldon on the left, are pictured above.

Davies is Midsummer Champ

Football referee, Peter Davies, just managed to outscore ex-cricketer, Ron Hardy, to win the Mid-Summer Championship final at Outlane on Sunday. His second round of 68, playing in the final pairing on the course, was good enough to take the honours during an exciting finish.

The format of the competition is that the top 30 players in the first round go out in reverse order for the second round and the lowest aggregate nett score over two rounds wins the trophy.

Midsummer Championship Final - Sunday May 31st:
Peter Davies = 133 (65 nett & 68 nett)
Ron Hardy = 134 (68 nett & 66 nett)
Bryn Jenkinson = 136 (66 nett & 70 nett)
Paul Phillips = 137 (68 nett & 69 nett)

Meanwhile former Captain and police dog handler, Mark Walker, captured the Bank Holiday Medal first division prize with an impressive 42 points from Bryn 'second again' Jenkinson on a better back nine whilst Graham Mason won his first competition with 44 points in the second division.

Bank Holiday Medal- Monday May 25th:
First Division:
Mark Walker = 42 points
Bryn Jenkinson = 42 points
Paul Savage = 40 points

Second Division:
Graham Mason = 44 points
Paul Donlan = 42 points
Graham Howe = 42 points

The club is hoping for a fine day on Sunday June 7th when the Annual Shotgun Texas Scramble will be followed by the official Opening Ceremony of the clubs balcony at 2.00pm. This date co-incides with notice of the forming of the golf club 103 years ago.

Calvert Impresses at Collingtree

Tom Calvert of Huddersfield New College golf academy finished in the top 10 (8th) of the Intercollegiate Order of Merit final which was held at Collingtree Park on May 12th.

Tom qualified for this event by finishing 4th in the Northern section of the tour. This consisted of five events and was based on gross scores. Finishing in the top ten at Collingtree was a major achievement for Tom as many of the golfers in the competition were scratch or better.

Calvert posted rounds of 79 in the morning and 72 in the afternoon (71 was the best score by anyone all day). These were good scores in the conditions as it was very windy and the greens were hard. The course was set up similar to the Europro event held the week before at the same venue and the difficult nature of the course was illustrated by the fact that only one of the professionals playing finished under par.

Sam Bridges also qualified for the event but suffering from an injury finishing in 25th place.

This is the second year of the golf academy at the college and it provides an opportunity for talented golfers to receive specialist coaching and good quality competition as well as academic qualifications. There are still some places available for the next academic year and anyone who is interested should contact Jeff Pawson at the college via email: J.Pawson@huddnewcoll.ac.uk