Team Championship Results

Final scores for the HHDUGC Team Championship played on Sunday are listed below.

1. Meltham 606
Graham McLean 144; 70 74
Jamie Bower 150; 77 73
Chris Mear 154; 82 72
Moore Jason 158; 79 79

2. Huddersfield 615
Brad Tupman 145; 75 70
Richard Broadley 149; 76 73
Ben Johnson 160; 84 76
Neil Williams 161; 79 82

3. West End (Halifax) 615
Frank Greaves 147; 75 72
Chris Ingham 152; 79 73
Steve Martin 157; 78 79
Sam Bridges 159; 79 80

4. Woodsome Hall 617
Richard Holt 153; 80 73
Jim Lord 153; 76 77
Chris Dyson 155; 75 80
John Hirst 156; 79 77

5. Longley Park 621
Matthew Colcombe 144; 74 70
Charles Ryan-Hicks 154; 76 78
John Doherty 159; 81 78
Adam Walker 164; 77 87

6. Hebden Bridge 629
Paul Richardson 150; 74 76
Iain Powell 155; 78 77
Adam Cryer 159; 80 79
Jonathan Sutcliffe 165; 85 80

7. Halifax Bradley Hall 631
Andy Whitworth 151; 75 76
Paul Taylor 157; 77 80
Cockroft Martin 159; 78 81
David Whittaker 164; 82 82

8. Dewsbury District 634
Edward Battye 152; 76 76
Craig Darbyshire 158; 77 81
Jim Caine 161; 87 74
Ben Crowther 163; 83 80

9. Crosland Heath 642
Luke Pilkington 150; 77 73
Toby Garrett 158; 77 81
Michael Lawrie 164; 82 82
Andrew Goldstein 170; 82 88

10. Lightcliffe 643
Nick Marsh 154; 81 73
Frazer Scholefield 154; 73 81
Tom Williams 158; 82 76
James Parkinson 177; 90 87

11. Saddleworth 653
Stephen Pullen 155; 81 74
Ben Simpson 161; 83 78
Dave Pullen 165; 82 83
Marcus Wray 172; 87 85
-----------------------------------------
12. Outlane 658
Jarrad Hazelden 159; 80 79
Andy Wilford 159; 75 84
Andy Lister 169; 81 88
Nick Hirst 171; 83 88

13. Hanging Heaton 665
Tom Goodair 153; 77 76
Tom Hill 164; 81 83
Adam Webster 170; 85 85
Pete Forster 178; 91 87

14. Todmorden 665
David Stafford 155; 74 81
David Arrowsmith 158; 78 80
Michael Murray 164; 81 83
Colin Fowler 188; 92 96

15. Queensbury 681
Andy Speak 161; 80 81
Zach Gartland 162; 78 84
Sam Town 176; 87 89
Tim Jackson 182; 88 94

Colcombe gets the Call

Matthew Colcombe has been selected to play for the Halifax, Huddersfield & District Union of Golf Clubs in their encounter against York Union on Sunday at Strensall.

Colcombe has been in fine form of late and claimed the leading individual prize in a recent Union event with rounds of 74 and 70. Team Manager, Chris Mear, commented, "I have selected Mathew on the back of his scores in the Scratch Team Championship last Sunday."

Mear added, "Jim Fairhurst is still out with a shoulder injury, although he is playing golf he says it could go at any time and does not want to play in case his shoulder does go and he lets down the team."

Iain Powell is away on holiday, so the team is:

Andy Shaw, Brad Tupman, Jared Ellison, (Huddersfield)
Sam Bridges, Frank Greaves, (West End)
Graham McLean, Jamie Bower, (Meltham)
Ben Crowther, (Dewsbury District)
Mathew Colcombe, (Longley Park)
Mark Birkett, (Halifax)
Dave Stafford, (Todmorden)
Adam Cryer, (Hebden Bridge)

Keeping it in the Family at Outlane

The annual Graham Cups which is a Greensome competition played at Outlane Golf Club was won by Granville Jenkinson who partnered his grandson Bryn.

The pair returned a 74 gross score and with their handicaps of 16 and 10 (halved in total ) it resulted in a magnificent 61 nett. The second and third partnerships would have won the competition from previous years scores so it was a fine achievement to claim the win.

Graham Cups:
1. Granville Jenkinson / Bryn Jenkinson = 61 nett
2. Nigel Crowther / Andy Lister = 63.5 nett
3. Roger Holroyd / Steve Hodgson = 64 nett


Meanwhile Madam Captain, Cherril Smallburn, picked Mark Walker a past captain to partner her in the Taylor Cups mixed foursomes competition and it was a wise choice as they beat the elements and the rest of the field to register a 63.5 score.

The Competition was in its 100th year and the cups were presented to the club by the Reverend Taylor in 1909 in recognition of he and his wifes' captaincies and so it was appropriate that a captain and past captain won the cups.

Taylor Cups:
1. Madam Captain / Mark Walker = 63.5
2. Sandra Eastwood / Stuart Eastwood = 67 nett
3. Ann Hesselden / Brian Moroney = 67.5 nett
4. Brenda Hazelden / Bob Hazelden = 68 nett

Cowboy Clarke Enjoys Indian Summer

Last Saturday saw a tremendous turn out for popular Club Captain, Martin Broadbent, at Crow Nest Park Golf Club.

133 club members competed in three competitions culminating in the Men's Captains Day Cup, a Club Major.

The day dawned with lovely sunshine, and against all the odds, during a week of inclement & unpredictable weather, the day and evening remained fine and warm. Even though there was a reasonably strong breeze the early scores indicated that there was a score to be had.

The winner came from one of the last groups out. A very popular winner emerged in the form of Ian Clarke, who shot a score of net 66 off a handicap of 17, which won him his first Club Major and also won him entry into both this years Crow Nest Cup and in future the annual Crow Nest Masters Tournament.

Martin Broadbent has been a member of Crow Nest Park from almost day one of the Club's history and rarely has there been an event where the Clubhouse had been as full as it was for his "Wild West" themed presentation. It was the exception during the evening for members NOT to be in costume and the evening disco continued into the early hours. A Bucking Bronco entertained many members during the evening, although it must be said that it was predominantly the younger members who enjoyed this activity!

Results:
Winner: Ian Clarke = Nett 66
Runner Up: Ben adamson = Nett 67
3rd Place: Richard Langley-Webb = Nett 68
Longerst Drive: Rob Gee
Nearest the Pin in 2: Dave Simpson

Ladies Captains Day Comp:
Winner: Ann Ashton = 31 Points

Home Win for Meltham Scratch Team

Meltham Golf Club had to endure a wait of almost 60 years before winning their first Halifax, Huddersfield & District Union of Golf Clubs Scratch Team Championship... but they have now won the prestigious event twice in the past four years.

Yesterday they added to their first ever victory, at Crosland Heath in 2006, with a nine stroke win over Huddersfield around their home course. Tied for the lead with surprise package Longley Park at the halfway stage they powered to victory with a polished display in the afternoon.



Union regular, Graham McLean, led the charge with an impressive performance scoring a 36-hole total of 144 following rounds of 70 and 74. The one-handicapper was unlucky to miss out on the best individual score of the day at a rain-swept course with a three-putt at his final hole on a green that held surface water and had to be 'squidgied' for the final hours play as the rain became more persistent.

McLean was joined by Meltham Scratch Team Captain and HHDUGC Team Manager, Chris Mear, who recovered well from the disappointment of an eight on his final hole in the morning to produce a sterling afternoon round of 72 in the worst of the weather. Rising star and Yorkshire Boys player, Jamie Bower, also produced two solid rounds of golf whilst recording a 77 and 73 with the winning quartet being completed by Jason 'Jasper' Moore whose pair of 79's confirmed the popular victory. The team are pictured above with Union President Philip Walton (left) and event sponsor, John Eyre (right).

The home side were spurred on by a number of members supporting their club out on the course despite the bleak conditions. And the triumph will soften the blow of missing out on promotion back to the top division of the re-jigged HHDUGC league system.

Pre-tournament favourites Fixby, third at Woodsome Hall last year, had to endure second place this time. Current Union Individual Strokeplay Champion, Brad Tupman, battled the elements to record excellent rounds of 75 and 70 and with Matchplay Champion, Richard Broadley, posting scores of 76 and 73 the record winners of the championship looked set for a charge.

However, they were unable to claim their first win since 2000 as rounds of 84 and 76 from Ben Johnson and scores of 79 and 82 by Neil Williams didn't quite prove to be enough. Despite some near misses Huddersfield have only won the title 3 times in the last 21 years following a sequence of 28 wins from the previous 40 meetings - including a run of nine consecutive titles from 1958.

Longley Park were unable to sustain their morning momentum but Matthew Colcombe had the consolation of taking the leading individual prize, on a second round countback, with his rounds of 74 and 70. McLean took the best morning prize with Tupman collecting the low afternoon award - only three players broke par all day.

Speaking at the presentation afterwards Mear admitted that the greens had not been at their usual slick best and that had probably played into the hands of the host team. McLean also commented that after seeing the course in the 'best condition during his membership at the club' only a couple of weeks ago it was disappointing that the recent rain had slowed them down considerably. President Walton, thanked the Captain of Meltham Golf Club for the use of the course and natural inconvenience caused to his members, although he doubted many would have taken to the fairways once they had seen the weather!

CSS was 72 for the first round and 71 for the second round. Full scores to follow.

Tomlinson & Green Secure Buckley Trophy

The Open Week at Halifax Bradley Hall began on Saturday with the staging of the 'Buckley Trophy' a men's better ball competition.

A full field of golfers from various clubs in all parts of England and including one from Spain, competed for the trophy in excellent weather and on a course in excellent condition.

The early pace was set by home club representatives, Andy Whitworth and Paul Taylor alongside Bob Airey and Tony Wormald with their nett scores of 66. However they were soon overtaken by the Seniors Team pairing of John Taylor and Tony Hirst whose nett score of 64 held until the afternoon when David Tomlinson and his partner Bernard Green returned a magnificent nett score of 61 which not surprisingly, proved to be unbeatable.

However, some of the late starters put in a good effort with Ernie Howker and his partner, John Dolan, with a combined age approaching 140 returning the best of the 64's, to finish in second place, just edging out Clive McFadzean and his partner Quentin Campbell, the Spanish representative on a back 9 count back.

Leading scores:
D.Tomlinson & B.Green 61
E.Howker & J.Dolan 64 (back 9)
C.McFadzean & Q.Campbell 64 (back 6)
A.Hirst & J.Taylor 64
R.Galawan & N.Holden 64
I.Croft & A.Doyle 64
B.Fee & A.Bryan 66
M.Appleyard & A.Appleyard 66
M.Murphy & T.Pollard 66
R.Airey & A.Wormald 66
A.Whitworth & P.Taylor 66
C.Gaukroger & R.Denby 66

Seniors League Hotting Up

The Lawrence Batley Seniors League is hotting up as the season draws to a close.

The latest results can be seen below along with the up-to-date league tables.

With the the top team in each division going forwards to the end of season play-offs Marsden look virtually assured of clinching Section A. They lead the table by seven points and have a game in hand on their nearest rivals.

A trio of teams are fighting for first place in Section B with Huddersfield currently in the driving seat but have played a game more than both Bradley Hall and Lightcliffe who are hot on their heels.

Section C also looks set to go to the wire with three teams separated by just one point at the top of the league. Meanwhile defending champions, Woodsome Hall, will need to overturn a two point deficit against leaders Branshaw in Section D if they are to retain their crown.

Section A:
Hebden Bridge 4 West End 4
Ryburn 5 Calverley 3
Ryburn 8 Hebden Bridge 0
Silkstone 5 Marsden 3
Wortley 8 Oldham 0

Section B:
Hanging Heaton 6 Outlane 2
Huddersfield 6 Bradley Hall 2

Section C:
Blackley 6 Low Laithes 2
South Bradford 4 Low Laithes 4

Section D:
Bradley Park 8 Meltham 0
Branshaw 6 Halifax 2
Saddleworth 7 Elland 1
Saddleworth 7 Halifax 1
Woodsome Hall 8 Bradley Park 0
Woodsome Hall 6 Todmorden 2

Dewsbury Ladies Celebrate

The Dewsbury District Ladies Section enjoyed a fine weekend celebrating Madam Lady Captain’s weekend recently at The Pinnacle Club.

Lady Captain, Mrs Joy Wilkinson, decided on a 36 and 18 hole competition over the weekend. The weather was kind and the ladies played some excellent golf culminating in a celebration dinner and prize presentation.

At the presentation dinner an atmosphere of enjoyment and celebration was enjoyed by all present. Thanks were also expressed to all who had taken part over the weekend and congratulations offered to the prize winners.

The winners of the 36 hole competition were:
1st: Anne Wilkinson = 150
2nd: Steff Sykes = 153
3rd: Jennifer Pinder = 154

The 18 hole competition winners were:
1st: Tracey Ward = 72
2nd: Lorraine Eagle = 74
3rd: Susan Hayman = 74

This one’s for my dad, says Manchester Open champ Chris

Chris Hanson strolled to a six shot victory in the Spirotech Manchester Open at Marriott Worsley Park then dedicated it to his 67-year-old dad John who has spent the last nine days in a Huddersfield hospital.

“I’ve won this for him,” he said after his second and final round 64 took him to an impressive 11-under-par total. “He’s been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and recently had a turn for the worse,” he explained. “I saw him before I went out and he told me to enjoy myself no matter how I played. I just hope this will give him a lift.”

Hanson, 23, a graduate of Myerscough College in Preston and attached to Crosland Heath, birdied the final three holes to add to the four he picked up earlier as he left the rest of the field trailing in his wake.

And his performance more than compensated for his last appearance at Worsley two years ago when he missed the cut in a PGA Challenge Tour event.

This was his second win as a professional, having prevailed at Bovey Castle in 2006 on the EuroPro Tour but he fluffed a chance to repeat his success in the opening event of the season when he forfeited a five-shot lead going into the final round at Collingtree Park in Northants.

“I was one ahead on the last hole but finished with a nine after going out of bounds,” he rued. “But I learned from the mistake.”

And there was no danger of that happening on this occasion after a dazzling display of shot making which relegated overnight leader Paul Eales, from Garstang, to a share of second place with Yorkshire duo Laurie Turner, from Scalm Park, and Dore & Totley-attached Neil Cheetham who is taking a break for playing in South Africa.

Hanson, who is getting married at the end of the year, is hoping it will be third time lucky when he attends the European Tour School in the autumn. “I’m still on a learning curve but this victory will give me more experience in my attempt to gain my card,” he said and he attributed his success to Drew Wallace, a sports psychologist at Myerscough, and more recently Manchester mind coach Karl Morris, along with his tutor John Eyre, the pro at Woodsome Hall. “They’ve all helped with my routines,” he added.

LEADING FINAL SCORES: 131 Chris Hanson (Crosland Heath) 67 64; 137 Laurie Turner (Scalm Park) 69 68, Neil Cheetham (Dore & Tortley) 68 69, Paul Eales (Garstang) 66 71; 138 Ian Keenan (Royal Liverpool) 69 69, David Smith (Swinton Park) 68 70; 139 Mark Bradley (Chorley) 72 67, Steve Parry (unatt) 71 68, Paul Grannell (Vale Royal Abbey) 60 69, James Barr (Chilli Dip Academy) 70 69, David Shacklady (Mossock Hall) 68 71, David Clark (Morpeth) 67 72, Adrian Ambler (Walton Golf Centre) 67 72.

Hanson is pictured above receiving the Manchester Open Trophy from Spirotech director Noel Kelly.

Bennison Lands Acorn at Oakdale

17-year-old Mark Bennison (2 hcp), a Knaresborough and Harrogate Union Junior, won a rain affected Oakdale Acorn yesterday.

Late second round starters suffered a 20 minute stoppage in the late afternoon, when a heavy rain shower flooded some of the greens at the Harrogate course.

Adam Shenton (Barnsley) led the first round with a 71 but crashed to an 80 in the final round. Bennison added a 73 to his opening 72 for 145 total to finish one shot ahead of host club member Curtis Wilding. Wilding will rue a missed tap-in at hole 17 which spoilt his playoff chances.

Third was Joe Buckley (Harrogate) on a countback with 147 (76 +7 1) beating last year's runner-up Tom Hesketh (73 + 74) on the last 18. Tom's chances went when he hit his second shot into the beck at the final hole in both rounds for bogey fives.

Fifth on a back six countback was last year's winner, Steve Brennan, also (73+74).

Oakdale Captain Jerry Sedcole is pictured above presenting the Oakdale Acorn trophy to Bennison.

Matthew Takes Crow Nest Title

Last year saw the inaugural Scratch Open at Crow Nest Park Golf Club. This year the event was held last Wednesday and saw the entry double from only 12 last year to 24 this time as the players competed for the Everitt Cup.

Low handicap golfers came from across the Halifax, Huddersfield & District Golf Association area to compete in the event. The course, which has been receiving rave reviews recently, played difficult with a gusting wind proving troublesome to many.

The winning score by Matthew Colcombe, came from a none Crow Nest member, with a fine gross score of 70, which proved that the course didn`t play easy. One of the pre-tournament favourites, Chris Mowl, finished a shot back in second place.

Richard Langley-Webb (pictured) took the best nett score with a 70.

Results:
Winner: Matthew Colcombe = 70
Runner-up: Chris Mowl = 71
3rd Place: Nathan Scott = 74

Best Nett Score: Richard Langley-Webb 70
Longerst Drive: Mark Widdop
Nearest-the-Pin: Raj Panesar

All Rhodes Lead to Victory

Following a day of almost continual rain, which flooded greens and bunkers, and closed the course for the day, it was a shock to members that the scheduled Saturday competition, the 'Worsman Trophy' was able to be played at Bradley Hall Golf Club.

This was due entirely to the efforts of head green-keeper, Alan Court and his staff who were on duty from 5.30am and enabled a prompt start to be made at 7am when only two bunkers were still out of play and a small part of the 9th green was still under 6six inches of water.

Court (10 handicap) was then enable to begin his round at 1030 and his resulting score of 75 was, under the circumstances, remarkable.

The competitors found that there was little run of the ball on the fairways due to the rain but were confused when reaching the greens which were remarkably quick in comparison and resulted in a CSS of 71 with only three members beating the course par of 70.

Most of the leading scores came from the early starters with John Rhodes posting a nett score of 68 which proved to be unbeatable but he was closely followed by Glen Dutton and Seniors Captain, Edward Walker, both returning 69's. Ian Hallett (5 hcp), shot the lowest gross of 75.

Leading scores:-
J.Rhodes 86 - 18 = 68
G.Dutton 84 - 15 = 69
E.Walker 82 - 13 = 69
D.Ellis 79 - 9 = 70
P.Toon 85 - 15 = 70
A.Whitfield 79 - 9 = 70
M.Murphy 82 - 12 = 70
R.Leeming 76 - 6 = 70
I.Hallett 75 - 5 = 70

Outlane Results Update

Tim Brook won the first division in the July Medal at Outlane Golf Club with a 62 nett last Saturday.

Nigel Nuttal pushed him all the way and his gross score was only three off the course record (albeit a different set-up at the moment) but he dropped two shots on the opening two holes which proved decisive.

The second division saw a relative new member getting on the winning trail with Kevin Puckering winning his first competition and also the second and third players making their debut in the prizes.

The top eight gross scores now go through to play a knockout matchplay for the Sudworth Cup.

Division 1:
Tim Brook - 72 - 10 - 62 nett
Nigel Nuttall -68 - 4- 64 nett
Andrew Crossley - 74 - 9- 65 nett

Division 2:
Kevin Puckering - 79- 18- 61 nett
Andrew Prosser - 84 - 22 - 62 nett
David Little - 88 - 25 - 63 nett

Meanwhile in the Ladies Mr. Captains Prize the back nine proved to be what mattered for Gill Morris as there was a tie in the competition between three players who finished on the 66 mark.

With the other two in-form players having to take second and third as their back nine couldn't match hers. Sarah Hilton, who has just joined the club, had earlier won the Hebden Bridge ladies open on Sunday with Selina Gill and Janet Evans won the previous weeks President Prize.

The nearest the pin prize went to Wendy Stott who had earlier holed in one on the fifth hole during the annual Rabbits v Ladies match with a 9-iron

Results:
1. Gill Morris = 66 nett
2. Sarah Hilton = 66 nett
3. Janet Evans = 66 nett

Nearest the pin on 16th - Wendy Stott

Lady Golfers Flock to Crow Nest

Lady golfers travelled from far and wide to play in the latest Ladies Open at Crow Nest Park Golf Club.

The field included golfers from across South and West Yorkshire with the good attendance further confirming the growing reputation within golfing circles of the quality of the Hove Edge located golf course.

The ladies had a good day and got away with the weather although showers throughout threatened. One shower, including thunder and lightening appeared as the final group arrived on the last hole. The weather didn`t dampen the enthusiasm of the ladies with visiting pairs winning the top two prizes.

Results
1st Place: Gwen Davies (Hebden Bridge) & Francis Tighe ( Hebden Bridge) = 45 pts
2nd Place: Julie Marks (Bingley St Ives) & Elaine Tordoff (Northcliffe) = 44 pts
3rd Place: Barbara Nellis (Bradley Hall ) & Ann stafford (CNPGC) = 43 pts
4th Place: Tina Ives (Bradley Hall) & Helen Pearson (CNPGC) = 42 pts

Nearest-the-pin: Helen Pearson (CNPGC)

Rip It: Yorkshire's First Ever Long-drive Competition

It has been discussed umpteen times over a beer in the clubhouse but on Sunday, August 30th we will finally find out which amateur golfer in Yorkshire is the biggest hitter!

Yorkshire Golfer magazine, in conjunction with Direct Golf's Stadium Driving Range in Huddersfield, is hosting the county's first ever long-drive competition – the 'Rip It' challenge.

The event is open to players who reside in Yorkshire and they will be bidding to win prizes worth £1,500.

Organiser and Yorkshire Golfer editor Mark Flanagan (pictured) is looking forward to the competition, which is intended to be lots of fun for those who enter and also for friends and family who come down and watch.

“There are lots of golfers in Yorkshire who may not have a short game to match the professionals but in terms of getting the ball out there can match the top guys for length," he said.

"I once played in a competition where a 14 handicapper hit a 400-yard drive and every club in Yorkshire has these type of players. This competition is for them and it should be pretty spectacular. Plus there will be plenty of space for friends and family to come and watch and we will also have lots of food and drink available.

“Event sponsors Krombacher will be handing out free beer and we will have a barbecue so it will be quite a party atmosphere. I just hope the weather is kind to us.”

The competition will have a morning qualifying session before knock-out finals in the afternoon. Qualifying starts at 9.40am when two lots of entrants will step forward and hit three drives with their longest counting as their qualifying mark. Drives will be measured using state-of-the-art Flightscope technology so the distance will be instantly known.

The leading qualifiers from the main event plus the age-group category qualifiers – Over-40s men, Over-60s men, U-18s boys, ladies and ladies O-50s – will go through to the knockout finals in the afternoon. Players eligible for age-group categories can also qualify for the main draw, they just need to be long enough!

In all the finals the player who hits the longest drive in qualifying will be seeded one and he will play the lowest ranked qualifier in the first round. The second best will meet the second lowest and so on.

In the knockout stages each player will have one ball with the longest drive going through and eventually it will be left with two battling it out for first prize.

Editor Mark has also been practising hard for the event – and with good reason. He will open the competition at 9.30am because he has set an extra challenge for all those who enter. Anyone who beats his longest drive will win some balls. How many they win depends on how many can out-drive the Yorkshire Golfer editor!

Mark explains: “Thanks to our friends at Direct Golf we have a massive pot of balls worth £400 to give away. They will be shared out between all those who out-drive me so if only one person can manage it they will walk away with golf balls worth £400.

“I want to make it clear if I do qualify for the final I will not take up my place. For me it is a bit of fun so hopefully that will just take the pressure when I have a go.”

Mark is hoping a drive above 280 yards will put him near the top. “I have been working hard on getting extra length off the tee and have changed my setup to get an extra 20-30 yards. It seems to be working, but I just hope I can perform on the day.”

Places for the event are limited and it costs £12.95 to enter. You can enter online at www.yorkshire-golfer.co.uk where full details of the 'Rip It' Challenge are available. But if you have any queries ring Yorkshire Golfer editor Mark Flanagan on 01924 666240.

Andrew Fires 7-under Total for Captain's Win

Following the completion of the Captain's Weekend Competitions, held on 27th and 28th June at Dewsbury District Golf Club, the presentation to those successful was held on the evening of Saturday 4th July.

The main Captain's Prize was won by Andrew McMahon (pictured) who, off 8 handicap, shot excellent rounds of 75 on Saturday and 76 on Sunday for a nett 135 total. His tally was good enough to secure him a one shot victory over Jim Ewens.

The best gross score was returned by Edward Battye who shot 69, 74, for a 143 total.

The Captain, Phil Smith, offered congratulations to all prize winners and thanks to everyone who participated in any of the competitions held over his weekend.

In return the Captain was thanked for his hospitality at the half-way house provided by an army of helpers commandeered especially for the occasion and led by his wife Julie.

He was also praised for his generosity with regard to the prize table, pictured below.

Other prize winners included;

Saturday 1st Div: Winner: Richard Little
2nd Div winner: Manhar Myer
3rd Div Winner: Greg O'Neil
4th Div winner: Martin Dyson

Sunday
1st Div Winner: Stuart Atkinson
2nd Div winner: Philip Sykes
3rd Div Winner: Terry Gray
4th Div winner: Simon Shirtliffe

Mid week Members: Robert Haigh
Mixed Greensomes: Jean Harpin and Eric Franks
Ladies Prize: Christine White
Junior Prize: Josh Haley
Vetrans Sataturday: Mick Ellis
Vetrans Sunday: Bob Binns

In line with recent achievements at Dewsbury District G.C, two more hole-in-ones were recorded over the Captains Weekend - both players, Mike Derry and Ian Furness, received a bottle of Whisky and a certificate from the Captain.

Sheffield Slip at Home

Yorkshire Inter-District Union League leaders and defending champions, Sheffield, suffered a shock home defeat at the hands of East Riding Union on Sunday.

The South Yorkshire side lost 14-22 at Doncaster Town Moor but still remain top of the league on points difference. They are now tied with Harrogate who narrowly beat York at Forest Park.

Halifax, Huddersfield drew at Bradley Hall against Bradford whilst Leeds just edged Teesside in the other game at The Wynyard by 19-17.

Latest League Table.

Results 12th July:
York (17) v Harrogate (19) @ Forest Park
H’fax-H’field (18) v Bradford (18) @ Bradley Hall
Teesside (17) v Leeds (19) @ Wynyard
Sheffield (14) v East Riding (22) @ Doncaster Town Mr.

Headingley Juniors are Yorkshire Champions

Headingley Juniors Win the Yorkshire Inter-District Union Junior Team Championship!

Following success in winning the Leeds & District Junior Team Championship earlier this year, Headingley Juniors (pictured below) clinched the Yorkshire IDU title at Forest Park Golf Club this weekend.

With teams from York, East Riding, Halifax & Huddersfield, Bradford, Teesside, Sheffield and Harrogate Unions, all having won their own Union Team Championship, it was a contest between a number of form teams with the best two stableford scores to count.

Meltham Golf Club were representing the HHDUGC and performed admirable. Although they finished fourth they were only one point of the lead. One-handicapper Jamie Bower produced an excellent performance to record 39 points whist Luke Edmonds (5 hcp) matched that total for a team score of 78 points. James Fish (9 hcp) had 27 points but with only two scores required his points did not count for the team.

Headingley Junior Captain, Kieran Dodd, was the lead player for Headingley and had a rather nervous opening few holes but he battled away and scored a creditable 18 points for the front nine. Back-to-back birdies at the short 14th and par four 15th were a real boost and a par on the last meant that he had posted a score of 37 points.

Jim Newton, Leeds & District Junior Organiser, commented, "It was a great start for us but one of the Strensall juniors, representing York Union, had 42 points so the gauntlet was well and truly laid down!"

Sophie Olley was Headingley's second player and some consistent golf resulted in a one under par 19 points for the front nine. Ever dependable, she had a few ups and downs to record 18 points for the back nine, a total of 37 points. Unfortunately for Sophie, her score was adjusted to 36 under CONGU rules, but this did not affect the outcome.

This was because anchor man Fraser Shiels, with two birdies and two bogeys, was level gross for the front nine scoring 24 points! He couldn’t quite keep up this level of consistency but showed true character in scoring 18 points for the back nine, a fantastic 42 points total.

That tied the North Leeds club with York who also had 79 points, therefore, the result was decided on the third player’s score from each team. Sophie’s 36 points beat her York rival by just two points to win the day for Headingley Juniors.

Headingley now represent the Yorkshire Union at the E.G.U. Junior Champion Club Tournament at Burghley Park Golf Club over the weekend of the 8th & 9th August.

Results:
1st: Headingley, (Leeds Union) = 79pts
2nd: York (Strensall), (York Union) = 79pts
3rd: Sickleholme, (Seffield Union) = 78pts
4th: Meltham, (H’fax-H’field Union) = 78pts
5th: Middlesboro Municipal, (Teesside Union) = 72pts
6th: Knaresborough, (Harrogate Union) = 70pts
7th: Driffield, (East Riding Union) = 69pts
8th: Baildon, (Bradford Union) = 60pts

Seniors Latest

Latest results from the Lawrence Batley Seniors League are shown below.

You can also see the up-to-date league tables.

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

Section B:
Bradley Hall 6 Werneth 2
Hanging Heaton 6 West Bradford 2
Outlane 4 Huddersfield 4
Queensbury 5 Lightcliffe 3
Hanging Heaton 6 Lightcliffe 2
Werneth 1 Lightcliffe 7
West Bradford 6 Queensbury 2

Section C:
Crosland Heath 8 Dewsbury 0
Crow Nest Park 3 Low Laithes 5
South Bradford 7 Blackley 1
South Leeds 8 Bradford Moor 0
Crosland Heath 1 Blackley 7
Dewsbury 2 Bradford Moor 6
South Leeds 8 Crosland Heath 0

Section D:
Bradley Park 6 Saddleworth 2
Branshaw 8 Todmorden 0
Halifax 4 Woodsome Hall 4
Meltham 6 Elland 2
Elland 4 Branshaw 4
Woodsome Hall 8 Bradley Park 0

Fisher Hooks Captain's Prize

On Saturday the Club Captain at Bradley Hall Golf Club, Nick Wheelwright, hosted his Captains Day men's strokeplay competition with 194 members participating.

The greens staff were on duty at 5am, preparing the course for the first group who were on the tee at 6.50am, and the last at 4.00pm. The captain was present on the tee throughout creating a relaxed an informal atmosphere and imparting endless witty comments to one and all.

Tradition dictates that the first division is for golfers up to and including 18 handicap and they compete for the 'Captains Cup' That resulted in a group of 162 with the remaining 32 higher handicaps chasing the minor prizes.

The standard was set by first on the tee, Scratch Team members, Andy Whitworth, Paul Taylor and Chris Mather, with Andy reaching the halfway stage at two under gross and Paul 'level gross' there was little to separate the pair to the very end when Paul took the 'gross prize' with his score of 70, two shots better than Andy who was left to regret his out of bounds hook on the 13th hole and his resulting score of 7.

The chase for the major prize of the 'Captains Cup' was also a close run affair with Mike Fisher (8 hcp) with a nett score of 66, beating off the challenge of Phil Wilkinson (10 hcp) and Robert Smallburn (10 hcp) who both posted 67's.

In the second division new member Geoff Wood with a nett 71 took the first prize with George Brown in second place with his 74.

The Mixed competition was won for the second year in succession by John and Jennifer Taylor and in second place Tony and Linda Hirst. Junior Captain, Andy Hare (4 hcp), took the Junior honours.

The very successful day was rounded off by an evening dinner, prize presentation, dancing and entertainment.

Leading Scores
Div. 1 (0-18):
M.J.Fisher 74 - 8 = 66
P.Wilkinson 77 - 10 = 67
R.Smallburn 77 - 10 = 67
A.Doyle 83 - 15 = 68
A.Foster 83 - 15 = 68
S.J.Ross 85 - 17 = 68
P.A.Taylor 70 - 2 = 68
A.P.C.Hare 72 - 4 = 68
B.Hadcroft 85 - 17 = 68
I.Croft 85 - 17 = 68

Division 2 (19-28):
G.Wood 96 - 25 = 71
G.Brown 94 - 20 = 74
G.Bedford 94 - 19 = 75
R.Morgan 94 - 19 = 75
P.Fox 98 - 23 = 75
K.Ogden 95 - 20 = 75
J.Whitehead 96 - 21 = 75

Meltham Juniors Set for Yorkshire IDU Test

The starting times & draw for YIDU Junior Club Championship at Forest Park on Sunday 12th of July is shown below.

Meltham represent the HHDUGC with their three-man team consisting of Jamie Bower, Luke Edmonds and Alistair Broadhead. The Champion Club will represent the Yorkshire Union at the EGU Finals in August at Burgley Park GC.

11.00:
York Jullian Taylor 3 York
East Riding Dan Gray 3 Driffield
H’fax-H’field Jamie Bower 3 Meltham

11.10:
Bradford Callum Franks 10 Baildon
Teesside Andrew Duffy 12 Middlesboro M
Sheffield Ben Gilbert 12 Sickleholme

11.20:
Leeds Kieran Dodd 8 Headingley
Harrogate Mark Bennison 2 Knaresborough
York Thomas Satterthwaite 12 York

11.30:
East Riding Sam Dillon 5 Driffield
H’fax-H’field Luke Edmonds 6 Meltham
Bradford Bradley Hoyle-Green 18 Baildon

11.40:
Teesside Jack Gallagher 10 Middlesboro M
Sheffield Oliver Smith 7 Sickleholme
Leeds Sophie Olley 9 Headingley

11.50:
Harrogate Andrew Bennison 12 Knaresborough
York James Rogers 12 York
East Riding Ryan Gray 12 Driffield

12.00:
H’fax-H’field Alistair Broadhead 10 Meltham
Bradford Jack Tricklebank 24 Baildon
Teesside Ryan Kirby 14 Middlesboro M

12.10:
Sheffield Matthew Tibenham 9 Sickleholme
Leeds Fraser Shiels 11 Headingley
Harrogate Jack Backhouse 18 Knaresborough

Astin Leading Yorkshire PGA

Three players are tied for the lead after the first round of the Yorkshire PGA Championship at Willow Valley Golf Club.

David Astin, representing Woodsome Hall, is joined by Robert Wragg from Hallowes and Selby's Marcus Maith on the one under par mark of 71.

Former winner, Adrian Ambler, is a stroke behind the leading trio with Willow Valley's Lee Shepherd the next best placed local player. Crosland Heath's Chris Hanson fired a 76 to remain in the mix alongside Darren Rands, Alan Cranston and Darren Arber.

Leading Scores:
71: R Wragg (Hallowes)
71: M Maith (Selby)
71: D Astin (Woodsome Hall)
72: A Ambler (Walton GC)

Selected Others:
75: L Shepherd (Willow Valley)
76: D Rands (Willow Valley)
76:C Hanson (Crosland Heath)
76:A Cranston (Willow Valley)
76:D Arber (West End)

It's Mowl and Smith by the Narrowest Margin

Crow Nest Park held its annual 27-hole Golden Jubilee Trophy men's competition on Saturday and despite it being Independence Day the gents joined forces and played in pairs for this major title.

The tournament is played over three loops of nine holes with the format being a better ball, then a greensome and finally a foursomes. The last nine holes really can test the strength of a friendship with alternate shots being played!

The overall winners won by the narrowest of margins, which confirms the importance of ensuring that the handicap allowances are spot on.

The winners Steve Smith and Chris Mowl (pictured) beat perennial runners up Duncan Lambert and Ian Donald by just 0.1 of a shot. Tight indeed!

Results:
Steve Smith & Chris Mowl = 96.2
Duncan Lambert & Ian Donald = 96.3
Richard Langley-Webb & Mike Greenberry = 97.5

Henderson Clear of the Field

Rabbit Captain Alan Henderson won the Outlane Golf Club President's Day with a splendid 61 nett from the second division which also provided the first three places in the competition.

Paul Walker won the first division on a countback with a 65 nett to express his delight to his work boss (he owns EXPRESSIONS - kitchen and bedroom fitters).

The junior prize went to Bryn Jenkinson with 38 points despite not scoring on the 17th which would have got him into single handicap figures and Mark Saville who was playing in his first competition since he got his handicap was highly delighted to take second place with 37 points.

Mr.President also put on a prize for juniors who attend the Saturday morning junior clinics with Cameron West and Joey Blackwell playing in the same three ball battling it out with the former just hanging on to win after collecting 26 points on the first nine holes.

Division 1:
1.Paul Walker 76 - 11 = 65 nett
2. Dale Brook 88 - 25 = 63 nett
3. Terry Gorman 80 - 16 = 64 nett

Division 2:
1. Alan Henderson 80 - 19 = 61 nett
2.Steve Howlett 72 - 7 = 65 nett
3. Andrew Mellor 81 - 15 = 66 nett

Junior Prize
Division 1:
1.Bryn Jenkinson = 38 points
2. Mark Saville = 37 points
3. Stephen Kinder = 36 points

Division 2.
1. Cameron West = 41 points
2. Joey Blackwell = 38 points

Marsden Specials

Marsden Golf Club have some special offers on at the moment.

Their 'Lady Introductory Membership' offer allows new Lady members to join the nine-hole club for an introductory rate of £146.25 for their first twelve months. This equates to just £2.81 a week!

Meanwhile the Senior men's rate of £282.50 is the equivalent of £5.43 per week with no qualifying period.

The Sunday Green Fee specials of £10 continue to prove popular whilst the Four ball deal with a bacon sandwich and a coffee at £50 per group are also still available.

Contact the club for more information on 01484 844253.

Ben Defends Junior Title

Crow Nest Park's Ben Adamson successfully defended the HHDUGC Junior Strokeplay Championship at Outlane Golf Club yesterday.

18-year-old Adamson, who won the title at West End last year, fired a level-par round of 70 at the Slack Lane club to finish in a three-way tie for the lead along with Meltham's Jamie Bower and Adam Cryer from Hebden Bridge. However, the Junior Captain at the Hove Edge club was given the verdict on a card countback and therefore claimed the Lightcliffe Tankard with Cryer taking the runners-up spot.

Adamson, a four handicapper, now heads into the matchplay stage as the number one seed where he will face Marsden's up and coming youngster, Ethan Shaw, who scored a round of 73 to take the final spot. The winner of that tie will face either Nathan Scott (Crow Nest Park) or Reece Wilby (West End) whilst in the bottom half of the draw Cryer plays Ben Simpson (Saddleworth) and Nicholas Marsh (Lightcliffe) will take on John Doherty (Longley Park). Bower is unavailable for the knockout rounds.

Adamson (pictured in action) is not the first player to retain the junior crown. West End's Sam Bridges won the title in both 2006 and 2007 whilst Huddersfield Richard Broadley captured the title in 2003 and also the following year. Since the first event began in 1968 other players to complete the double are Stephen Gee (1993-4), S Copley (1983-4), S Rogers (1977-78) and RE Newsome who produced a trio of wins by taking the honours in 1971, 1972 and again in 1973.

Meanwhile Woodsome Hall's Ryan Blackburn (pictured left) sealed victory in the Lightcliffe Trophy, awarded to the best nett score, with a round of 63 off his handicap of 20. Anthony Greenwood (11 hcp) from Elland finished a stroke behind.





Full Scores (gross):
1. Ben Adamson, 4 hcp, Crow Nest Park = 70
2. Adam Cryer, 3 hcp, Hebden Bridge = 70
3. Jamie S Bower, 1 hcp, Meltham = 70*
4. Nicholas Marsh, 4 hcp, Lightcliffe = 71
5. Nathan Scott, 4 hcp, Crow Nest Park = 72
6. Reece Wilby, 5 hcp, Elland = 72
7. John Doherty, 6 hcp, Longley Park = 72
8. Ben Simpson, 5 hcp, Saddleworth = 72
9. Ethan Shaw, 5 hcp, Marsden = 73
10. Adam Colcombe, 6 hcp, Longley Park = 73
11. Thomas Calvert, 4 hcp, Willow Valley = 73
12. Jamie Smith, 5 hcp, Halifax = 74
13. Tom Williams, 8 hcp, Lightcliffe = 74
14. Anthony Greenwood, 11 hcp, Elland = 75
15. Charles Ryan-Hicks, 5 hcp, Longley Park = 76
16. Joe Hill, 4 hcp, Bradley Park = 76
17. Daniel Moville, 9 hcp, Bradley Park = 76
18. Ryan Joyce, 6 hcp, Huddersfield = 77
19. Lewis Howell, 5 hcp, Willow Valley = 77
20. Bryn Jenkinson, 10 hcp, Outlane = 77
21. N Raynor, 7 hcp, West End (Halifax) = 77
22. Stephen Pullen, 5 hcp, Saddleworth = 78
23. Brad Hardcastle, 7 hcp, West End (Halifax) = 78
24. Lewis Collier, 9 hcp, Crosland Heath = 79
25. George Bamford, 5 hcp, Hebden Bridge = 79
26. Jake Ramsden, 7 hcp, Huddersfield = 80
27. Jamie Heywood, 7 hcp, Saddleworth = 80
28. J Fish, 9 hcp, Meltham = 80
29. Tom Brancker, 10 hcp, Willow Valley = 80
30. Martin Houlton, 15 hcp, Outlane = 81
31. Marcus Peel, 9 hcp, Lightcliffe = 82
32. Joe Senior, 10 hcp, Longley Park = 82
33. Michael Major, 13 hcp, Huddersfield = 82
34. Danny Lyness, 17 hcp, Saddleworth = 82
35. Ryan Jones, 6 hcp, Crow Nest Park = 83
36. Ryan Blackburn, 20 hcp, Woodsome Hall = 83
37. J Campbell, 17 hcp, Crow Nest Park = 84
38. Josh Netherwood, 18 hcp, Woodsome Hall = 85
39. Tim Johnson, 10 hcp, Outlane = 86
40. Alexander Mathias, 6 hcp, Woodsome Hall = 87
41. Ryan Jeffreys, 12 hcp, Hebden Bridge = 87
42. Alister Howarth, 16 hcp, Woodsome Hall = 88
43. Mark Saville, 20 hcp, Outlane = 88
44. Ben Kaye, 19 hcp, Bradley Park = 88
45. Joshua McAspen, 19 hcp, Marsden = 89
46. Adam Richardson, 18 hcp, Bradley Park = 90
47. Chris Mattimoe, 20 hcp, Crosland Heath = 91
48. Michael Lakner, 20 hcp, Saddleworth = 91
49. Alex Malins, 15 hcp, Bradley Park = 91
50. Jack Woodhead, 9 hcp, Crosland Heath = 92
51. Lee Pickup, 18 hcp, Bradley Park = 97
52. Tom Pinder, 20 hcp, Willow Valley = 98
53. Aidan Ozanne, 18 hcp, Crow Nest Park = 99
54. K Broadbent, 20 hcp, Crow Nest Park = 99
55. Ben Phillips, 20 hcp, Bradley Park = 99
56. S Gledhill, 20 hcp, Longley Park = 100
57. L Hobson, 20 hcp, Crow Nest Park = 107
58. Jake Ross, 20 hcp, Bradley Park = 113
59. Michael Thomas, 20 hcp, Outlane = 133
60. Ben Quinn, 20 hcp, Elland = N/R
61. Chris Lawler, 7 hcp, Elland = N/R
62. L Higgins, 20 hcp, Crow Nest Park = N/R
63. J Heap, 10 hcp, Meltham = N/R

* unavailable for matchplay.

Bryan Wins Beck Trophy with a Dazzling 64

On Saturday the mens A.G.Beck Trophy at Bradley Hall Golf Club attracted a field of 168 members for the competition which had to be cancelled the previous month due to the course being waterlogged.

There were no such problems on this day with shorts and short sleeved shirts being the order of the day for the majority.

With the course being at its prime, low scoring was inevitable, but the standard scratch was still not lowered. Leading the field was septuagenarian, Bryan Crowther, who proved that age was not a barrier to good golf in posting a nett score of 64.

He was closely followed by Brian Spencer with a nett 65 and a further shot back was Paul Hesselden now in his second year at the Club after transferring from Outlane, and returning his first sub par round since his move.

Following his recent win in the 'Single Figure Golfer' competition Carl Gillespie returned the lowest gross score of 73 alongside Andy Whitworth.

Leading scores:
B.Crowther 79 - 15 = 64
B.Spencer 80 - 15 = 65
P.Hesselden 78 - 12 = 66
S.Young 81 - 13 = 68
A.Morrison 77 - 9 = 68
A.Whitfield 77 - 9 = 68
C.Gillespie 73 - 5 = 68
P.Birtwell 79 - 11 = 68
J.Beattie 81 - 13 = 68

Wallace at the Double

Bob Wallace made it a fortnight to remember yesterday when he added the HHDUGC Seniors Individual Strokeplay Championship to the Yorkshire Seniors title he landed at Harrogate Golf Club last month.

The Crosland Heath player (pictured with Union President Philip Walton) repeated his gross score of 71 around a tight West End course to win by two strokes from Union Team Manager, Chris Mear (Meltham), with John Oxley, runner-up in the county event at Starbeck, a further shot back. Wallace had previously won the title back in 2003 at Marsden whilst Oxley was victorious in 2006.

There was some consolation for Oxley as he was part of the winning side that captured the Geoff Horrocks-Taylor Trophy. His score of 74 joined that of Graham Smith (75) and Doug Gordon (77) as the Fixby trio romped to an eight stroke victory ahead of Bradley Hall with Lightcliffe taking third.

Remarkably it is the fourth time that Huddersfield have won the team event since it's conception in 2006. The winning side are pictured below with the Union President.

Other nett winners on the day included P Bailey (Todmorden) in the 55-59 years bracket, D Pickles (West End) in the 60-64 age group, M Anderton (Lightcliffe) in the 65-69 whilst the over 70's prize went to Mike Shore from Saddleworth.

Carol Clinches Captain's Prize

Outlane Ladies have had a busy week with Madam Captain's Prize, a competition played over two days (first round Thursday and second round Sunday), and then Mr President's day for the ladies which was played the following Thursday.

The winner of Madam Captain's prize was Carol Crowther with a splendid two round total of 138, with another three players queueing up in second place with 143.

Carols 65 on the first round clinched it because second place Julie Livesey (67) was called into work when the second round started and could not compete.

1st: Carol Crowther = 138 nett
2nd: Diane Procter = 143 nett (best gross score)
3rd: Janet Evans = 143 nett
4th: Wendy Stott = 143 nett

Mr President's day for the ladies saw first out Janet Evans scorching round with 42 stableford points to set the standard, although Irene Battye ran her close with 40 points after a lost ball on the 8th didn't help her score. Carol Crowther carried on her good form to finish third with 39 points.

1st: Janet Evans = 42 points
2nd: Irene Battye = 40 points
3rd: Carol Crowther = 39 points

The above photo shows Mr President, Trevor Pickles and Madam Captain, Cheril Smallburn, presenting Janet Evans and Carol Crowther with their trophies.