Sunday, 30 August 2009

Lawrence Batley Finals Day Results

The finals of the Lawrence Batley Seniors were played at Dewsbury District Golf Club last week.

In the individual matchplay final John Thomson (Woodsome Hall) beat Richard Loddick (Huddersfield,) by one hole. A closely contested game saw Thomson standing on the 17th tee, 2 up, but Loddick won the 17th to take the match to the last hole.

Both players found the green, at the par three final hole, with their tee shots leaving Loddick (pictured) a tricky down hill putt which just shaved the hole. Thomson left his first putt across the green three feet short meaning he had to hole the next one to prevent the match going up the 19th. He held his nerve to become the first player from Woodsome Hall to win the individual title.

The team final between Lightcliffe and Marsden ended in a comfortable victory for Lightcliffe by six points to two. The first three of the four games were wins for Lightcliffe by margins of 4 and 3, the others being 3 and 2 victories.

The last pair form Marsden made the score more respectable by a resounding 5 and 4 win. This is the first occasion that the team final has been contested by two nine-hole clubs.

Memorial Stableford at Bradley Hall

On Saturday the annual competition in memory of two members, Tom Park and Bill Garnett, who were tragically killed in a road accident was held at an extremely wild and windy Bradley Hall.

The first four holes were played into what the weather forecast described as a 'brisk westerly' but competitors found it to be almost 'gale force' and many reached the 5th tee with barely any points recorded.

During the entire day, only four players recorded scores under par, three being in Division 1 where the early pace setters were Paul Hesselden (11 hcp) and Steve Rathmell (13 hcp) with 38 points but they were finally overtaken by Scratch Team member, Chris Mather (4 hcp) by a single point and therefore claimed the 'Tom Park Trophy'.

In the second division former cricketer, Ian Croft (17 hcp) broke his 'duck' by winning his first competition to take the 'Bill Garnett Trophy' with 37 points and in doing so moved into the 'Tigers' section.

Leading scores:
Div. 1:
C.Mather 39 points
P.R.Hesselden 38
S.Rathmell 38
R.Pilkington 36
C.Doyle 35
P.Spedding 35

Div. 2
I.Croft 37
J.Rhodes 36
A.Beddis 34
R.Roebuck 34

Saturday, 29 August 2009

PGA Cup trio aiming to make a splash in the Lakes

THREE members of the Great Britain and Ireland PGA Cup side to face the United States at Loch Lomond resort Cameron House next month will showcase their talents in the Lakes Classic Pro-am at Windermere this weekend (Sept 5-6).

They are Barry Taylor, an assistant at St Helens club Houghwood and recent winner of the James Brearley Lancashire Open; former European Tour player Andrew Barnett, teaching professional at North Wales Golf Range; and Will Barnes, from Garstang who was PGA Player of the Month for July following his wire-to-wire victory in the Ryder Cup of Wales 2010 Welsh Open victory at Marriott St Pierre.

They head a 43-strong field competing for a £10,000 prize-fund over 36 holes but they player who could upstage them all is Welshman Simon Edwards who won last year at the club he later joined as professional.

But Edwards, also a former PGA Cup player with a string of titles to his name, will face competition from several past winners including Mossock Hall’s David Shacklady and Paul Carman, from Huddersfield, while Silloth’s Jonathan Graham will be hoping to rekindle the form that helped him to The Rock title last year.

Willow Valley Juniors to Feature on Sky Sports

Willow Valley Junior golfers are set to star on Sky Sports next month!

The La Manga trip where they represented England in the Home Nations Junior Championship (see report) is on the 'Sports Nation' programme to be shown on the 7th September at 7pm on the Sky Sports Extra channel.

Friday, 28 August 2009

President Chris Aces It

The President at Dewsbury District Golf Club became the eighth member to achieve a hole-in-one at the club this week!

Chris Hawkshaw, achieved the fifth ace of his career whilst playing in the Wednesday Seniors' Competition. Using a 9-iron at the famous "Tom Morris" par-three he holed out whilst playing with Steve Ward, John Ellam and Ray Jackson.

After striking the shot Jackson said, "It looks like a whisky Chris." On approaching the green Hawkshaw thought it had come up short in the "bomb hole" and took a wedge out of his bag only for Ward to call him across and congratulate him on his ace.

Hawkshaw has been a member at Dewsbury for 37 years and has served as Rabbit's Secretary, House Chairman, Captain as well as his present roles as Trustee and President.

The traditional drinks were provided and enjoyed by those in the clubhouse afterwards.

Fixby Fourth at Hallamshire

The Huddersfield Golf Club Scratch Team did themselves proud by finishing fourth in the Yorkshire Team Championship at Hallamshire Golf Club on Wednesday.

Although they finished 28 strokes adrift of winners, Wike Ridge, it firmly establishes the club as one of the strongest in the county. And had it not been for a relatively disappointing afternoon performance, where the four man team scored six more than their morning round, it could easily have been second or third place for the HHDUGC Scratch League champions.

On a very difficult day for scoring Fixby were third at the halfway stage, just seven behind the Leeds Golf Centre side, but were one of only five teams (out of 18) not to better their first round tally as the weather eased slightly. Seasoned campaigner Charles Webb fired their lowest 36-hole total with rounds of 74 and 77 - only four shots off the best mark of the day set by Andy Lockwood from Hessle whose team finished as runners-up.

Plus handicappers Richard Broadley and Andrew Shaw posted returns of 154 and 155 respectively whilst the late stand-in for Brad Tupman, Aaron Schnacke, fired back-to-back rounds of 83.

Meanwhile West End retained their first division status by just three strokes as they finished in tenth spot. Union regulars Sam Bridges and Frank Greaves both returned admirable totals of 153.

Full Scores.

Tuesday, 25 August 2009

Union Juniors Finish Fourth

The HHDUGC Junior Team finished their 2009 campaign fourth in the Yorkshire IDU Junior League.

The team managed by West End's Frank Greaves signed off with a big 25-11 win against Teesside at Saltburn to secure their place behind champions Bradford, runners-up Sheffield and third-placed Harrogate.

The HHDUGC team won three and lost three of their six games. Apart from the win at Teesside other victories came at home against East Riding and away at Hallamshire where they recorded one of the results of the season by beating 2008 champions Sheffield.

Final League Table

Meanwhile the Junior Order of Merit was won by Crow Nest Park's Ben Adamson with Hebden Bridge's Adam Cryer second.

Teesside Trophy Start Times

The Teesside Trophy that takes place on Sunday has attracted a full field of 64 players with a reserve list having to be created.

Moortown's Nigel Sweet makes the long trip north as he looks to cement his lead at the top of the order of merit before the final showdown at his home course the following month. However Richard Law and Steve Brennan, second and third respectively in the season-long competitions, also play and will be looking to close the gap.

The full start sheet can be seen here.

Jack Sykes Start Times

The HHDUGC Handicap Team Championship for The Jack Sykes Trophy will be played at Halifax Golf Club on Sunday with the starting times listed below.

8.00am: Saddleworth (1) Halifax (1)
8.07am: Saddleworth (2) Halifax (2)
8.15am: Saddleworth (3) Halifax (3)
8.23am: Saddleworth (4) Halifax (4)
8.30am: Meltham (1) Crow Nest Park (1)
8.40am: Meltham (2) Crow Nest Park (2)
8.50am: Meltham (3) Crow Nest Park (3)
9.00am: Meltham (4) Crow Nest Park (4)
9.10am: Halifax Bradley Hall (1) Dewsbury District (1) Elland (1)
9.20am: Halifax Bradley Hall (2) Dewsbury District (2) Elland (2)
9.30am: Halifax Bradley Hall (3) Dewsbury District (3) Elland (3)
9.40am: Halifax Bradley Hall (4) Dewsbury District (4) Elland (4)
9.50am: Castlefields (1) Ryburn (1) Outlane (1)
10.00am: Castlefields (2) Ryburn (2) Outlane (2)
10.10am: Castlefields (3) Ryburn (3) Outlane (3)
10.20am: Castlefields (4) Ryburn (4) Outlane (4)
10.30am: West End (1) Crosland Heath (1) Longley Park (1)
10.40am: West End (2) Crosland Heath (2) Longley Park (2)
10.50am: West End (3) Crosland Heath (3) Longley Park (3)
11.00am: West End (4) Crosland Heath (4) Longley Park (4)
11.10am: Lightcliffe (1) Queensbury (1) Hebden Bridge (1)
11.20am: Lightcliffe (2) Queensbury (2) Hebden Bridge (2)
11.30am: Lightcliffe (3) Queensbury (3) Hebden Bridge (3)
11.40am: Lightcliffe (4) Queensbury (4) Hebden Bridge (4)
11.50am: Hanging Heaton (1) Willow Valley (1) Marsden (1)
12.00am: Hanging Heaton (2) Willow Valley (2) Marsden (2)
12.10pm: Hanging Heaton (3) Willow Valley (3) Marsden (3)
12.20pm: Hanging Heaton (4) Willow Valley (4) Marsden (4)
12.30pm: Woodsome Hall (1) Huddersfield (1) Todmorden (1)
12.40pm: Woodsome Hall (2) Huddersfield (2) Todmorden (2)
12.50pm: Woodsome Hall (3) Huddersfield (3) Todmorden (3)
13.00pm: Woodsome Hall (4) Huddersfield (4) Todmorden (4)

Juniors Go for Yorkshire Glory

Starting Times for the Yorkshire Inter-District Union Junior Team Championship are listed below.

The event takes place at Tankersley Park on Thursday with the HHDUGC represented by strokeplay champion and junior order of merit winner Ben Adamson, Adam Cryer, Royal Birkdale Junior champion Tom Calvert, Nick Marsh, Stephen Pullen and recent Jubilee Trophy winner Tom Goodair (pictured being congratulated by Union President Philip Walton).

08.00 & 13.00:
SHEFFIELD Sam Young Scr Rotherham
YORK Ross Earnshaw 2 Fulford
LEEDS Lewis Cooper Scr Moortown

08.05 13.05:
BRADFORD Chris Howe Scr Hollins Hall
EAST RIDING Jonny Fisher-Ulliott 1 Hornsea
HARROGATE Josh Bassitt 1 Ripon City

08.10 13.10:
H’FAX-H’FIELD Ben Adamson 3 Crow Nest Park
TEESSIDE Robert Brown 1 Saltburn
SHEFFIELD Matt Fitzpatrick 2 Hallamshire

08.15 13.15:
YORK Will Pepper 4 Fulford
LEEDS Kavan Smith 2 Selby
BRADFORD Mathew Atter 2 Bradford

08.20 13.20:
EAST RIDING Paul Lockwood +1 Hessle
HARROGATE Mark Bennison 2 Knaresborough
H’FAX-H’FIELD Adam Cryer 3 Hebden Bridge

08.25 13.25:
TEESSIDE Daniel Waite 3 Saltburn
SHEFFIELD Mikhail Ishaq 1 Bondhay
YORK Will Adamson 4 Fulford

08.30 13.30:
LEEDS Josh McCormick 3 Garforth
BRADFORD Chris Dunn 4 Bradford
EAST RIDING David Woodhead 1 Hessle

08.35 13.35:
HARROGATE Matt Edmiston 2 Oakdale
H’FAX-H’FIELD Tom Calvert 3 Willow Valley
TEESSIDE Josh Fagan 3 Cleveland

08.40 13.40:
SHEFFIELD Dominic Moon 1 Rotherham
YORK Rob Moore 4 Fulford
LEEDS Michael Johnston 4 Scarcroft

08.45 13.45:
BRADFORD Chris Watts 4 Northcliffe
EAST RIDING Matthew Ombler 2 Ganstead Park
HARROGATE Greg Archer 5 Rudding Park

08.50 13.50:
H’FAX-H’FIELD Nick Marsh 3 Lightcliffe
TEESSIDE Jake Maguire 3 Cleveland
SHEFFIELD Daniel Wasteney 1 Bondhay

08.55 13.55:
YORK Craig Smith Scr Pike Hills
LEEDS Jordan Bunt 5 Howley Hall
BRADFORD Dale Brook 3 West Bradford

09.00 14.00:
EAST RIDING Philip Wright 4 Driffield
HARROGATE Jack Walls 5 Oakdale
H’FAX-H’FIELD Stephen Pullen 3 Saddleworth

09.05 14.05:
TEESSIDE Mathew Gornall 4 Middlesborough
SHEFFIELD John McCallister 1 Tankersley Park
YORK Lee Waggott 2 Heworth

09.10 14.10:
LEEDS Joe Bagshaw 3 Wike Ridge
BRADFORD Nigel Colbeck 1 Cleckheaton
EAST RIDING Michael Helyard Scr Hessle

09.15 14.15:
HARROGATE Henry Taylor 5 Bedale
H’FAX-H’FIELD Tom Goodair 2 Woodsome Hall
TEESSIDE Steven Burn 4 Woodham

Monday, 24 August 2009

Broadley Remains On Course for Hat-trick

Richard Broadley remained on course for a hat-trick of Union Matchplay titles as he moved into the quarter-final stage of the HHDUGC event following a couple of victories in the opening rounds at West End Golf Club yesterday.

The Fixby star, winner in 2004, 2007 and 2008, is looking to become only the second player in the 61-year history of the championship to win three in a row. The only other person to achieve that accomplishment is ten time winner Andrew Whitworth from Bradley Hall, who will not be adding to that tally this year after a first round defeat to Longley Park's Matthew Colcombe, who's father Michael captured the title back in 1989.

Broadley made it through the first round after a tight contest against Dewsbury's Adam Smallpage where he eventually won 2&1. His progression through the second round was a little more straight forward where he beat Ogden's Clive Crawshaw 6&4. Crawshaw, who's late father John was champion on a number of occasions in the 1970's, had caused a bit of an upset in the morning beating home member Frank Greaves on the final hole.

Broadley will now face a formidable opponent in the form of Jamie Bower, a Yorkshire Boys player from Meltham who has been in impressive form this year. Bower beat two fellow Meltham members to earn his place in the last eight. Firstly he defeated Tom Birkhead 4&2 before edging out a former finalist in the guise of Graham McLean.

The winner of the Broadley-Bower contest will play either Toby Garrett (Meltham) or David Stafford (Todmorden). Garrett endured a long day at the West End course, first beating Woodsome Hall's Tom Goodair, the recent Jubilee Trophy winner, on the 20th hole and then Hebden Bridge's Iain Powell at the 21st! Stafford was given a walkover against Steven Sweeney in the first round and then beat Adam Cryer (Hebden Bridge) 2&1.

In the top half of the draw leading qualifier and newly crowned PS Cockroft champion, Mark Hepworth, was once again in good form with convincing wins over Huddersfield members Tom Robertshaw and Jared Ellison. The Dewsbury player will now take on another Fixby man, Aaron Schnacke, in the quarters after his demolition of Jim Caine (Dewsbury) 9&8 and then an equally impressive win over last years strokeplay winner Brad Tupman.

The victor of that tie will go on to play either Sam Bridges or Ian Marsland, both West End players. Bridges knocked out 2005 champion Ben Crowther 4&3 before a 2&1 win over another Dewsbury member, Craig Darbyshire. Marsland beat Roger Hunt (Meltham) in his first round match and then defeated Colmcombe 1up in the afternoon.

Broadley will have home advantage in his quest for a treble as the quarter and semi-final games will be played at Huddersfield Golf Club (on the 19th September) with the 36-hole final at Meltham the following Sunday.

Full results & draw.

Sunday, 23 August 2009

Crowther's Run of Form Continues Whilst Whitworth Goes Low

On Saturday the annual Presidents Day was held at Bradley Hall with a field of 176 golfers, including the President, Martin Cobb.

For a change the early starters had to encounter a cold, strong wind blowing down the course and this was reflected in the relatively few low scores and the C.S.S. running at 72. However, this did not deter 71-year-old Bryan Crowther (13), who continued his recent run of form with a commendable nett score of 66 to take the Presidents Salver.

As the day progressed, the winds eased to a very light warm breeze, the scores began to tumble and one of the best scores for many years was returned by Andrew Whitworth. Playing alongside his good friend, Paul Taylor, his gross score of 65 was remarkable in that it contained 13 pars and 5 birdies with not a shot dropped and he was very close to breaking his own course record set several years ago when he was playing significantly more golf than at the present time. Needless to say, the score won the best gross prize of the 'Presidents Putter' and also scooped the best score returned by a director of the club.

The best nett score in Division 1 was won by Clive McFadzean (4) with a nett 66 which comprised 3 over for the front nine and 3 under for the back, to edge him in front of Neil Crowther (7) with the same score.

In Division 2, Jamie Hellawell was again successful in returning a nett 67 with a better back nine than David Hilton (22) resulting in him now being 'elevated' into the 'ranks'

Following the golf, around 70 members and guests of the President enjoyed a dinner and entertainment to round off a very successful day for the Club.

Leading Scores :

Div. 1
A.R.Whitworth 65 - 0 = 65
C.McFadzean 70 - 4 = 66
B.Crowther 73 - 7 = 66
A.Hare 70 - 4 = 66
B.Crowther 79 - 13 = 66
D.Cameron 73 - 6 = 67
I.Hallett 72 - 5 = 67
M.Fisher 76 - 7 = 69
D.Rhodes 81 - 12 = 69
M.Callighan 80 - 11 = 69
S.Sandie 74 - 5 = 69

Div. 2
J.Hellawell 85 - 18 = 67
D.Hilton 89 - 22 = 67
S.Ross 85 - 17 = 68
G.Bedford 87 - 19 = 68
B.Worsman 87 - 16 = 71
A.Dewhirst 87 - 16 = 71

Friday, 21 August 2009

Alliance Dates Announced

After much hard work and organising behind-the-scenes a confirmed fixture list for the first half of the Halifax, Huddersfield & District Golf Alliance 2009/10 season has now been published.

Building on the success of the 2008/9 campaign it all looks set for yet another bumper year with new clubs added to the rota, a National meeting arranged and a Christmas trip planned to a venue outside the region!

Crow Nest Park and Elland Golf Club's will each play venue to an Alliance meeting this term whilst recent returnees to the HHDGA, West End Golf Club, stage an event in October. The Hove Edge club kick things off with a 4BBB on the 3rd September with a meeting at Dewsbury District planned for two weeks later. Outlane and Ogden then play hosts before West End hold their event.

Meltham then stage an event before the Elland fixture and then it is the turn of Hebden Bridge before a trip to South Yorkshire! The full fixtures can be seen here.

A new format, rolled out at Ryburn Golf Club last season, has been introduced for nine-hole clubs where the entry fee is reduced (to £25 per pair) and the dress code is relaxed to smart casual. A light lunch is offered afterwards rather than the usual two course dinner.

Alliance organiser and treasurer James Washington told The Huddersfield Blog, "It is hoped that this format will prove as popular as it was at Ryburn last season."

Washington added, "The entry fees for each competition have risen slightly to cover additional catering costs but the Alliance has also decided to include into the price of the competition, free entry into the ball draw."

The number of fixtures has also notably been increased as per the response from the questionnaires filled out last season and a new Christmas Alliance Trip has also been introduced, this year it will be held at Wortley Golf Club in December and will cost £30.00 including breakfast, golf, dinner and prizes but most importantly coach travel. Washington said, "Numbers will be limited for the coach but additional competitors wishing to make their own way are welcome and they will only pay £25.00."

A mixed team event has been arranged at Outlane Golf Club to try and revive the mixed format within the Alliance, more details about this will follow.

The National Alliance this year is on Monday 12th October at Cotgrave Place Golf Club in Nottinghamshire. The HHDGA has entered two teams, one of which will be sent by the Alliance with last years order of merits top players, both amateur and professional. The second team is open to interested competitors who are advised to inform Washington or Secretary Barry Isles of their interest in competing.

This years President is Mr. Richard Badrock from Castlefields.

A full fixture list can be found here with links to all the entry-forms. Start times, results, reports and all the latest Alliance news will be published on the Huddersfield Golf website, the official site for the HHDGA.

Thursday, 20 August 2009

Tupman Heading for Order of Merit Title

Fixby's Brad Tupman is set to collect his first HHDUGC Order of Merit title when the Union take on Sheffield at Chesterfield on the 6th September.

After collecting maximum points against Teesside at Meltham last week Tupman currently leads the Parnell Reilly's Discount Golf Store sponsored event by six points. And there are only two players who can possibly catch him - Frank Greaves (West End) and Iain Powell (Hebden Bridge). See the latest order of merit table.

Meanwhile the 20-16 team victory lifts the HHDUGC into sixth place in the Yorkshire IDU League.

Tom is Royal Birkdale Junior Champ

Willow Valley member Tom Calvert produced a magnificent finish to win The Royal Birkdale Junior Open with a gross 74 (net 71).

As expected the Championship Course, venue of The Open nine times and most recently in 2008 when Padraig Harrington won his second Claret Jug, was in immaculate condition on a glorious day for golf.
120 junior players from all over the country, with handicaps of 4.9 or less, arrived to try and win the coveted title of Royal Birkdale Junior Open Champion.

After scrambling a par at the tricky first hole Calvert played steady golf to reach the turn in 38, helped by a tap in birdie at the long sixth.

At the start of the back nine there was nothing to indicate the finish that would come over the last four holes as two consecutive bogies on 13 and 14 left him at six over for his round and seemingly out of contention. However, despite a poor tee shot at 15, a chip-in birdie got him back on track which was then followed by a routine par at 16.

Birkdale is renowned for its last two holes and after getting up and down from just short of the 17th for another birdie he then played a driver and majestic 4-iron to three feet at the last and calmly rolled in his putt for eagle to finish with a two over par 74 gross. Calvert had played the last four holes in four-under par!

Calvert led in the clubhouse and then had an anxious wait as half the field had still to come in but despite further scores of 74 they could not beat Tom on a countback after his great finish.

Tom is pictured above with Royal Birkdale’s immediate past captain receiving the trophy, silver medal and voucher for £200.

Tuesday, 18 August 2009

Halifax Juniors Make Final

After a long, hard season the Halifax Junior team have made it through to the final of the HHDUGC Junior League Championship after battling their way through the end of season play-offs.

The Ogden club finished 2nd in Division B - only 1 point behind winners Woodsome Hall - and equal on points with Willow Valley although they had a better margin of wins. The top four clubs from each division progressed to the knock-out stages.


The quarter-finals were played at Lightcliffe which has not been a good scoring ground for Halifax in the past with only one point from the last two matches played there against Lightcliffe.


The team consisting of Jamie Smith (5), Nick Bennett's (11), Adam Curry (16) and the young Liam Dean (18) - who was filling in for the injured Oliver Davidson (9) - took on Longley Park in the last eight contest. The first three lads took early leads over the opening holes whilst back-marker Dean (pictured above) got over early nerves but some great golf from his opponent meant that the youngster was trailing by five through the first seven holes.


First to tie up his match was Curry winning 7&5 and continuing a fine performance this year, only losing one match and scoring a half and eight wins out of 10 matches - quite a performance!Smith then finished his match off on the 17th winning 2&1, followed by Bennett's match on the same hole with the same score of 2&1.


Knowing the team was into the semi-finals the rest of the team got behind Dean to give him a well timed boost. Liam had remarkably turned his match around and was stood on the last tee one-up. The Longley Park Junior was not to be put off though and played some great shots into the 18th to win the hole and take a half from a match.


Halifax knew they were to play the winners of Meltham and local rivals Crow Nest in the semi's. That match was fairly close with the deciding match going to the 18th. Only needing a half the Meltham player matched the shots of Lightcliffe Tankard winner, Ben Adamson, and secured the half that gave a 5-3 win to set up a contest against Halifax Juniors.


The other half of the draw saw Woodsome Hall Juniors take on Huddersfield Juniors with Fixby playing three girls in their team. However, the quality of the Woodsome Juniors came through to show why they finished top of Division B as they won 5-3. The other game was between current Champions Willow Valley Juniors and Crossland Heath Juniors. Willow Valley juniors were not going to surrender their title easily coming away with a 6-2 win to reach the semi's against Woodsome Hall.

Semi-Finals:

Willow Valley set off against Woodsome Hall in the first semi followed by Halifax against Meltham. After nine holes all the matches between Halifax and Meltham were all one up in favour of the Ogden players. Once again the young Liam Dean, after being two down for most of the front nine turned in a solid performance to win four holes on the bounce with some great putting to eventually win 4&3 and give Halifax their first points of the contest.


The ever impressive Jamie Smith sealed another victory on the 16th winning 3&2. After letting slip a three hole lead early on in his round he turned it around on the back nine to cap a fine days work and a great performance of never being down at any point in his two matches.


Nick Bennett's went to the 17th tee two up with two to play giving Halifax the point that sealed their place in the Final. A great half down the 17th capped another fine performance winning 2&1 and then closely followed by Adam Curry with the same result giving Halifax Junior's a great 8-0 win.


The other Semi was a closely fought match with the decider going to the 18th and a win for Willow Valley 5-3 to set up a final date with Halifax on the 19th of September at Huddersfield Golf Club.


Halifax Junior Organiser Darren Davison was full of praise for all his team including the injured Oliver Davidson who followed the lads around all day along with junior helper Steve Smith. Davison said, "All the lads did remarkably well and we are all proud of their efforts especially Liam who has only played one match prior to the semi so was thrown in at the deep end but held his nerve well."

Eight Tie For Leeds Lead

SO many players took route 66 in the Leeds Cup that they caused a logjam.

Five headed that way in the pro-am and an astonishing eight followed them to take pole position in the first round.

It was a situation believed to be unprecedented in the PGA North Region but the Cobble Hall course, where professional golf’s oldest trophy was instigated in 1902, is noted for springing a few surprises.

Last year there was a four-way play-off which stretched to six extra holes - and no-one is betting against that not happening again.

PGA Cup player Will Barnes lived up to his pre-tournament favourite billing with the steadiest round of the day which featured three birdies and 15 pars.

“I had a couple of putts lip out but I was happy with my score because this was my first sight of the course,” said the Lancaster-based teaching pro whose boss at the Garstang academy, Paul Eales, trailed him by two shots.

Lee Rooke, a 30-year-old assistant at Vale of Llangollen, was early clubhouse leader and attributed his success to keeping out of the trees, which flank every fairway, and holing medium length putts.

Half the front-runners were Yorkshire players. Dore & Totley’s Neil Cheetham, taking a break from the South Africa tour, ran up a triple bogey seven at the fourth when his approach shot ran through the green and ended under a tree but he repaired the damage with an eagle and three birdies.

Fraser Kelley, from Malton & Norton, birdied the final hole to join the pack which included Hillsborough’s Mark Allen and Adam Davison, from Waterton Park.

Graeme Lisle kept the North East flag flying, the Carlisle man also picking up a shot at the last but James Salt, from Ashton-under-Lyne, was on course to take the outright lead until he double bogeyed the 16th after racking up five birdies in his first eight holes.

LEADING SCORES: 66 Lee Rooke (Vale of Llangollen), Neil Cheetham (Dore & Totley), Mark Allen (Hillsborough), James Salt (Ashton-under-Lyne), Fraser Kelley (Malton & Norton), Graeme Lisle (Carlisle), Adam Davison (Waterton Park), Will Barnes (Garstang); 67 John Wells (Cherry Burton), Joseph Feather (Leeds Golf Centre), David Astin (Woodsome Hall), David Wilcox (Gathurst), Andrew Barnett (North Wales DR); 68 Gary Brown (Ganton), George Cowan (Westerhope), David Clark (Morpeth), Craig Corrigan (Haigh Hall), Paul Eales (Garstang), John Fisher (Huyton & Prescot), Michael Nesbit (Westerhope), David Shacklady (Mossock Hall), Richard Bean (Aldersley Green), Nick Ludwell (Selby), Laurie Turner (Scalm Park), Greg Hyde (Grange Park Muni). Stephen McNally (De Vere Oulton Hall), Chris Clarke (Waterfront Golf).

First Win of the Season for Union

The Halifax, Huddersfield Union Senior team gained their first win of the season on Sunday at Meltham against a battling Teesside Union by the margin of 20 -16.

With a new look team, including newly crowned PS Cockroft Champion, Mark Hepworth from Dewsbury District, as well as debuts for Tom Goodair (Woodsome Hall) and Andy Wilford (Outlane), the Union team were short of experience but enthusiasm and expectations were very high.

The foursomes started very well and the home side got well up in five of the matches. The only close game was Sam Bridges & Iain Powell who went to the last hole all square. However, a missed green and a failure to get up and down presented Teesside with an opportunity to clinch the match but a three-putt meant that the game was halved.

All the other foursomes matches went in the favour of the Halifax, Huddersfield team with Richard Broadley & Andy Shaw winning 4 & 3, Frank Greaves & Brad Tupman 3 & 2, Mark Birkett & Dave Stafford 4 & 3, Adam Cryer & Tom Goodair 5 & 3 and Mark Hepworth & Andy Wilford 4 & 3 to give Chris Mear's men a big advantage leading 11-1 going into lunch.

The Singles however followed the pattern of all this years results so far losing five of the top six ties and letting the Teesside Union back into the contest. The only win from the top six was Powell who won on the final hole.

Cryer once again got into a position to win, going four holes up after 12, only to lose four of the next five to stand on the last tee all square where a solid 2 putt par ensured a halved match and went some of the way to stop the Halifax, Huddersfield team leaking oil.

Meanwhile Goodair battled in vain losing 2 & 1, which left the Halifax, Huddersfield team needing two and a half points from the remaining four matches. Greaves was two up with two to play but lost the 17th hole to a par 3, however, he held his nerve to win on the last. Tupman stood on the last tee one ahead, which meant at least a half, whilst debutant Wilford was making headway, also dormie two up and a halved hole on the 17th hole gave Halifax, Huddersfield their first win of the season. Tupman closed his match out on the last to leave the final score 20 – 16 in the favour of the HHDUGC.

Manager Mear said, "In the end what should have been an easy win turned into a fight to the death with us just closing the door on the Teesside Union by winning the last three out of four matches... but at last a win under the belt!"

Full Scorecard, latest order of merit and league table to follow.

The Halifax, Huddersfield and District Union of Golf Clubs has unveiled a new clothing sponsor - Golfsafe Insurance. The first outing for the new clothing was against Teesside at Meltham Golf Club. The team are pictured below with Union President, Philip Walton being presented with one of the new shirts by Michael Scott the European Sales Manager of Golfsafe Insurance.


Tony Tames Tough Conditions

Following days of warm, calm weather it was somewhat of a surprise to the 151 competitors to experience strong westerlies and showers for the Remembrance Cup at Bradley Hall Golf Club.

The scoring was reflected with the the C.S.S. increasing to 71. However, leading the field was one of the 'senior' members, Tony Hirst, who claimed his first major victory with a nett 66.

He was closely followed by Steve Barlow with a 67 whilst Junior Captain, Andy Hare, continued his successful season with the best gross of 72 for a nett 68. He finished alongside immediate past Junior Captain, Jonathan Gittins, with the same score.

Close behind was Jonathan's father and playing partner, Nigel, with a nett 70.

Leading scores:
A.Hirst 80 - 14 = 66
S.Barlow 84 - 17 = 67
J.R.Gittins 78 - 10 = 68
A.Hare 72 - 4 = 68 (lowest gross)
A.Dewhirst 86 - 17 = 69
S.Young 81 - 12 = 69
M.Shea 77 - 8 = 69

Saturday, 15 August 2009

Broadley Bounces Back

Richard Broadley bounced straight back from the disappointment of missing out on a first Union strokeplay championship last weekend by capturing The Earl of Dartmouth Trophy for the second time in his career at Woodsome Hall yesterday.

Broadley (pictured above with WHGC Club Captain Graham Cox and tournament organiser Rob Scollick) narrowly missed out on capturing The PS Cockroft Trophy at Dewsbury District on Sunday when he was on the wrong end of a card countback against home player Mark Hepworth. However, the Fixby star left nothing to chance as he fired a blistering five-under par 65 in the morning to set the pace in the Yorkshire Order of Merit event.

Playing in the first group out he blazed seven birdies in his first round as he tamed the Fenay Bridge course presented in excellent condition on a benign day. And when he added a more conventional 71, in more blustery conditions during the afternoon, a two stroke victory awaited him over home member Matthew Broadbent who scored 68 and 70.

2008 Yorkshire Amateur champion, Richard Law from Low Laithes, carded a 69 and 72 for third place out of the 78 competitors. Plus-two handicapper, Craig Cuthbert, posted rounds of 69 and 73 for fourth spot whilst Steve Brennan captured valuable order of merit points by finishing fifth with 73 and 70.

Plus-one man Andy Shaw, a new recruit to Huddersfield from Bradley Hall, took the best afternoon prize with a 71 and home member James Graham, a buyer at local golf retailer Direct Golf UK, won the best 36-hole nett score with a 139 total off his handicap of 4.

Leading Scores:
1st Richard Broadley (+1) Huddersfield Golf Club; 65, 71 = 136
2nd Matthew Broadbent (3) Woodsome Hall GC; 68, 70 = 138
3rd Richard Law (+1) Low Laithes GC; 69, 72 = 141
4th Craig Cuthbert (+2) Prestwich GC; 69, 73 = 142
5th Stephen Brennan (+1) Wheatley GC; 73, 70 = 143

Full Results

Best first round: Christopher Dunn (4) Bradford GC = 69
Best second round: Andy Shaw (+1) Huddersfield Golf Club = 69
Best Nett 36 holes: James Graham (4) Woodsome Hall GC = 139

CSS round one: 70
CSS round two: 71

Lightcliffe & Marsden in Seniors Final

Lightcliffe and Marsden will battle it out for the Lawrence Batley Seniors League title on the 28th August.

Lightcliffe easily progressed with a 7-1 win against South Leeds whilst Marsden knocked out defending champions, Woodsome Hall, but only after the teams had drawn 4-4. Marsden only went through virtue of a greater winning margin in the four matches.

Results:
Lightcliffe 7 South Leeds 1
Marsden 4 Woodsome Hall 4 (Marsden win by virtue of greater winning margins)

Final:
Marsden v Lightcliffe to be played on 28th Aug - venue to be decided.

Thursday, 13 August 2009

Junior Corey leads the way at Marsden

Captain's Week at Marsden started on Thursday night with the Junior event and some splendid golf was played.

Richard Boothroyd proved to be the winner with a fantastic 46 points which saw his handicap plummet by three shots to 16. The runner-up was the Club's Junior Captain, Ethan Shaw, with 38 points whilst third place went to Elliott Wood with 35 points.

Results:
1: Richard Boothroyd = 46 points
2: Ethan Shaw = 38
3: Elliott Wood = 35

Friday night saw the Mixed competition taking place over 15 holes. Again the competitors where blessed with fine weather and after 15 holes the winners emerged as Mr. D. Shufflebotham & Mrs. B.Shufflebotham.

Results:
1: Mr & Mrs D.Shufflebotham = 51.5
2: Mr & Mrs M.Sykes = 53

Saturday held the first round of the Captains Prize and once again the sun was high and the conditions where good. Tough pin placements made scoring difficult with only Nigel Thornton breaking par with a 86-20-66 total. Ethan Shaw, Nigel Brook & Danny Smith all carded level par 68's with a host of chasers on 69 & 70.

Sunday morning saw a couple of the Saturday chasers fall away at the first hurdle with scores of 11 & 9 being registered - again the course played tough with only three people breaking par.

Nigel Thornton carded a fine 70 to go with his first round 66, Junior Captain Ethan Shaw once again shot a 68 with a costly drive on the 12th hole - where he drove over the wall at the back of the green. However it was another junior, 14-year-old Corey Monty Avison, who added a fine 66 to his first round 70 to take home the prize.

Macca wins his first Major

Steve McDermott recorded Crow Nest Park`s lowest net score of the year in a major competition with a net 63, to win his first major title.

The Thompson Shield was donated to the club in 1995 as part of the opening ceremony by the late local MP Sir Donald Thompson.

The competition was played under clear blue skys but following the recent wet weather the rough whilst not deep was lush. This didn`t hinder the elite golfers at Crow Nest as they recordedsome commendable scores.

The days competition was complemented by a members Barbecue and an on course treasure hunt which followed the prize ceremony. Members stayed late into the evening enjoying the balmy conditions.

McDermott is pictured with the Club Captain.

Results
Winner: Steve McDermott, Gross 78, Handicap 15 = Nett 63
Runner Up: Richard Crossley, Gross 75, Handicap 10 = Nett 65
Third: Tom Holmes, Gross 72, Handicap 4 = Nett 68

Best Gross: Ben Adamson = 71

Marsden Make It

Marsden made it to the semi-final of the Lawrence Batley Seniors League without even playing a single shot.

They secured top spot in section A when Oldham defeated Worley 5-3 in a re-arranged fixture. Wortley would have needed an 8-0 victory to take the title.

The semi-final line-up is now confirmed and will take place on the 14th August:
-Marsden v Woodsome Hall at Lightcliffe
-South Leeds v Lightcliffe at Silkstone

Monday, 10 August 2009

Hepworth Lands the Big One

Mark Hepworth became the first player from Dewsbury District Golf Club to land The PS Cockroft Trophy yesterday, the Union's premier strokeplay event.

The three-handicapper carded rounds of 71 and 68 over his home course to tie with defending matchplay champion, Richard Broadley, on a three-under par total of 139. Hepworth, who recently rejoined Dewsbury following a stint at Woodsome Hall, took the title virtue of his superior second round total.

Broadley had led the way and was two clear after his morning round of 68. And the Fixby man looked set to claim his first strokeplay title until he ran up a double-bogey on the par five tenth where he tangled with trees and out-of-bounds down the right-hand side of the hole. He recovered well but Hepworth was not to be denied with his classy round of 68.


Stephen Sweeney recorded solid scores of 71 and 72 to take third place with former champion Andrew Whitworth fourth and Sam Bridges fifth.

Meltham's Roger Hunt took the best morning score with his round of 70 with Tom Goodair (Woodsome Hall) claiming the best afternoon prize with a 71. Goodair also won the Jubilee Trophy for the best gross score by a junior with rounds of 74 and 71. 2008 winner Brad Tupman carded 72 and 74 to finish in ninth place.

Hepworth (pictured above with the trophy and flanked by HHUDGU President Elect Geoff Ralph, sponsor Andrew Jones of Glenbrae and Phil Smith Captain of Dewsbury GC) will head into the matchplay stage of the competition as the number one seed where he will face Fixby's Tom Robertshaw who qualified in the 32nd and final place. The first two rounds take place at West End Golf Club on the 23rd August.

Other notable ties in the next round see Union regulars clash with Tupman taking on Mark Birkett and Bridges facing former winner Ben Crowther. Whitworth will play Matthew Colcombe whilst Broadley is up against Adam Smallpage from Dewsbury as he sets out on his quest for a third successive and fourth in total title. Full Draw.


Results (matchplay seedings in brackets):
1. [ 1] Mark Hepworth 3 hcp, 139; 71 68
2. [ 2] Richard Broadley +1, 139; 68 71
3. [ 3] S Sweeney 5, 143; 71 72
4. [ 4] Andrew R Whitworth 0, 144; 72 72
5. [ 5] Sam Bridges 1, 144; 71 73
6. [ 6] Tom Goodair 2, 145; 74 71
7. [ 7] Adam Walker 4, 145; 71 74
8. [ 8] A Schnacke 2, 146; 73 73
9. [ 9] Brad Tupman 1, 146; 72 74
10. [ 10] Jamie Bower 1, 147; 73 74
11. [ 11] Iain Powell +1, 147; 73 74
12. [ 12] Craig Darbyshire 3, 147; 71 76
13. [ 13] Roger E Hunt 2, 147; 70 77
14. [ 14] Adam Cryer 3, 148; 76 72
15. [ 15] Clive Crawshaw 2, 148; 74 74
16. [###] S Collomosse 4, 148; 74 74
17. [ 16] Ryan Joyce 5, 149; 73 76
18. [ 17] J Ellison 3, 149; 73 76
19. [ 18] Frank Greaves 1, 150; 76 74
20. [ 19] Andy Hare 4, 150; 75 75
21. [ 20] Ian Marsland 3, 150; 74 76
22. [ 21] M Murray 4, 150; 72 78
23. [ 22] Lewis Howell 5, 151; 76 75
24. [ 23] Tom Birkhead 5, 151; 76 75
25. [ 24] Mark Birkett 1, 151; 76 75
26. [ 25] Jim Caine 4, 151; 73 78
27. [ 26] Graham McLean 1, 151; 72 79
28. [ 27] Toby Garrett 2, 152; 79 73
29. [###] Ben Johnson 3, 152; 78 74
30. [ 28] Ben Crowther 2, 152; 78 74
31. [ 29] Matthew Colcombe 2, 152; 77 75
32. [ 30] David Stafford 1, 152; 77 75
33. [ 31] Adam Smallpage 4, 152; 76 76
34. [ 32] Tom Robertshaw 4, 153; 80 73
35. [ 33] T Williams 7, 153; 79 74
36. [ 34] Chris Mear 3, 153; 79 74
37. [ 35] Thomas Calvert 3, 153; 76 77
38. [ 36] Adam Crum 2, 153; 72 81
39. [ 37] Martin Cockroft 3, 154; 82 72
40. [ 38] B Hardcastle 5, 154; 76 78
41. [ 39] Andrew C Shaw 0, 155; 80 75
42. [ 40] Andrew Appleyard 4, 155; 77 78
43. [ 41] John Doherty 5, 155; 77 78
44. [ 42] Nicholas Marsh 3, 155; 77 78
45. [ 43] Jamie Smith 5, 155; 77 78
46. [ 44] Jason Smith 3, 156; 78 78
47. [ 45] Ben Adamson 3, 156; 75 81
48. [ 46] Adam Durie 4, 157; 80 77
49. [ 47] G Prentice 4, 157; 79 78
50. [ 48] L Edmonds 4, 157; 78 79
51. [ 49] James Murch 4, 157; 78 79
52. [ 50] Edward Battye 1, 157; 78 79
53. [ 51] Chris Mather 4, 157; 78 79
54. [###] Chris Rudd 4, 157; 74 83
55. [ 52] Joe Hill 4, 158; 80 78
56. [ 53] Michael Lawrie 6, 158; 78 80
57. [ 54] Steve M Bower 4, 159; 80 79
58. [ 55] D Hartley 2, 159; 78 81
59. [ 56] Nick Wilson 6, 160; 82 78
60. [ 57] Tom Jenkinson 5, 160; 81 79
61. [ 58] L Pilkington 5, 160; 78 82
62. [ 59] Daniel Crisp 4, 161; 75 86
63. [ 60] J D Heyes 6, 162; 83 79
64. [ 61] T Cowie 5, 163; 83 80
65. [ 62] Adam Colcombe 7, 163; 77 86
66. [ 63] J Booth 2, 164; 81 83
67. [ 64] Jack Pearcey 5, 164; 81 83
68. [ 65] M Knowles 7, 165; 86 79
69. [ 66] Steve Sandie 5, 166; 81 85
70. [ 67] T Hodgson 5, 168; 84 84
71. [ 68] Alex Battye 3, 168; 83 85
72. [ 69] Frazer Scholefield 2, 169; 86 83
73. [ 70] S Hughes 9, 170; 90 80
74. [ 71] James Parkinson 8, 172; 86 86
75. [ 72] Michael Riley 7, 174; 84 90
76. [ 73] T Scally 6, 175; 89 86
77. [###] R Field 8, 175; 88 87
78. [ 74] C Elliot 6, N/R; 80 N/R
79. [ 75] I Saxton 8, N/R; 84 N/R
80. [ 76] Dean Alexis 8, N/R; 84 N/R

### = Not available for matchplay.

Earl of Dartmouth Start Times

The Earl of Dartmouth Trophy, a Yorkshire Order of Merit event, takes place on Friday at Woodsome Hall Golf Club.

A number of local golfers will compete in the event with 2006 and 2007 winner, Chris Dyson, leading the field off at 7.51am. Recent winner of the PS Cockroft Trophy (report and scores to be added soon), Mark Hepworth, tee's off at 8.18am.

07.51 & 12.21: Chris Dyson (0) James Hampshire (1) Matthew Broadbent (3)
08.00 & 12.30: Rob Scollick (3) Daniel Stocchero (3) James Murch (4)
08.09 & 12.39: Edward Battye (1) Toby Garrett (2) Ian Lawson (6)
08.18 & 12.48: Mark Hepworth (4) James Graham (4) Nigel Tallett (4)
08.27 & 12.57: Ashley Peacock (5) * Adam Durie (4) Robert Speight (7)
08.36 & 13.06: Gary Prentice (4) David Stafford (1) Frazer Scholefield (2)
08.45 & 13.15: Tom Jenkinson (5) Michael Lawrie (5) * Simon Collomosse (5)
08.54 & 13.24: Rob Andrews (5) Christopher Rudd (4) Adam Crum (2)
09.03 & 13.33: Chris Hughes (+1) * Nathan Rogers (+1) Thomas Goodair (2)
09.12 & 13.42: Darren Calvo (1) Ben Crowther (1) David Robinson (1) *
09.21 & 13.51: Dalton Richardson (0) * Paul Wilkinson (1) Andrew Stringer (2) *
09.30 & 14.00: Ian Ward (4) James Gulliver (4) * Adam Shenton (3) *
09.39 & 14.09: Matthew Duke (4) Paul Birkett (4) * Adam Smallpage (4)
09.48 & 14.18: Iain Powell (+1) Jonathan Lawrence (+1) Andrew Jones (0)
09.57 & 14.27: Peter Morron (5) * David Houlding (4) Kevin Taylor (6)
10.06 & 14.36: Matthew Atter (2) * Martin Bell (4) * William Whiteoak (3) *
10.15 & 14.45: Andrew Lunn (4) * Paul Biggins (4) * Christopher Dunn (4) *
10.24 & 14.54: Stephen Brennan (+1) Ashley Smith (0) Roger Roper (0) *
10.33 & 15.03: Dan Hawksworth (2) * Paul Kelly (3) * Gareth Aspey (4) *
10.42 & 15.12: Chris Howe (1) Dale Kelly (2) * Mikhail Ishaq (1)
10.51 & 15.21: Matthew Gornall (4) * Ross Earnshaw (2) Louis Laviscount (6)
11.00 & 15.30: Jim Batt (3) James Coldwell (2) * Jack Lampkin (2) *
11.09 & 15.39: Russell Chilton (2) Josh Bassitt (1) Mark Bennison (2) *
11.18 & 15.48: Aron Schnacke (2) A Lount (1) Matthew Daley (0)
11.27 & 15.57: Craig Cuthbert (+2) * Justin Sloan (1) * Daniel Taylor (+1)

*Due to an error on some entry forms those players with a * symbol next to their name will receive a £2 voucher to be used at the bar towards the purchase of food or drinks.

Woodsome Remain on Course for Seniors Title

Woodsome Hall remain on course for yet another success in the Lawrence Batley Seniors League.

The Fenay Bridge club confirmed top spot in their division with a comprehensive 8-0 win over Meltham to remain on course to defend a title that they have made their own over recent years. Branshaw, playing away at Saddleworth, were unable to match Woodsome's result and therefore had to settle for runners-up spot in a league they had dominated for most of the season.

Woodsome will now play either Marsden or Wortley in the first semi-final at Lightcliffe Golf Club on Friday 14th August. Marsden are favourites to claim section A unless Wortley can pull off a big win in their final game of the season, a rearranged fixture at Oldham. That scenario is certainly not impossible as the South Yorkshire club have scored some big wins of late in a division that Marsden are trying hard to throw away following a series of reversals after looking like they had virtually sewn up the league weeks ago.

Lightcliffe will face South Leeds in the other semi-final at Silkstone on the same day. Lightcliffe signed off with a good 5-3 win at West Bradford whilst South Leeds powered to victory with a whitewash at home to Crow Nest Park.

See the latest league tables with only a handful of matches remaining.

Latest results:

Section A:
Calverley 6 Marsden 2
Hebden Bridge 7 Silkstone 1
Oldham 5 West End 3
Wortley 8 Ryburn 0
Wortley 8 West End 0

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

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

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

Great Week for Peter

The Outlane Captain, Peter Lawrence Brown, won Mr. Rabbit Captains prize on Saturday with a magnificent 43 points to complete a remarkable week of golf in his year of office.

He had rounded his own weekend off with a hole-in-one on the 14th hole with a 7-wood against a Bradley Hall team in the Captain's match. Unfortunately it is a hole where you can't see the result of your tee shot but at least the members saw the whisky shots on the bar afterwards!

Enter the Rainbow Mixed Open at Todmorden

There are still a few vacancies in the Todmorden Rainbow Mixed Open next month.

The event is a 4BBB to be played on Wednesday September 2nd with entry excellent value at just £15 per couple. The maximum handicap is 24 for men and 36 for ladies.

This tournament will be played on the new Rainbow Course, with all golfers playing the same course from the same tees. The event is open to any combination of pairs - Lady/Man, Man/Man, Lady/Lady.

Contact Pauline Rogers or John Fowler at Todmorden Golf Club for further information or use a print and post entry-form.

The Rainbow Concept is proving extremely popular and the organisers now know that the scoring system seems completely fair. Roger Wornell, the creator of the concept, told the Huddersfield Blog, "The last four Individual Competitions have had the same scoring averages for Ladies and Men, and the last four winners have been Lady, Man, Lady, Man."

Todd Tops Bogey Field

On Saturday the 'Country Members Cup' was played at Bradley Hall with a field of 146 competitors.

The format for the event is a 'bogey' competition where competitors compete against the course on a hole by hole basis.

Winning the event with a score of 'plus 3' was former captain and long serving member, Geoff Todd (8) who had the better back nine than Richard Leeming, Nigel Dare, Neil Crowther, Mike Fisher and Josh Bailes.

A further competitor, Nick Stevens, also had the same score but he was disqualified due to a failure to sign his card however he had the consolation of the fact that his score on the back nine was also inferior to the winner.

Leading scores:
G.Todd (8) +3
R.Leeming (5) +3
N.Dare (13) +3
N.Crowther (7) +3
M.Fisher (8) +3
J.Bailes (9) +3
A.Court (11) +2
J.Whitehead +2
G.Shuttleworth +2

Lawton Carves Out Victory

The Captain's Weekend at Outlane was a huge success over the two days with local joiner John Lawton carving out a 132 nett score to win by four shots from Gary Atkin followed by Peter Hey. Both made their moves on Sunday but were unable to topple Lawton.

The best gross went to Jarrad Hazelden who was in contention for the main prize until his seven early bogeys on Sunday scuppered his chances although five birdies late on helped his cause.

The junior prize went to Mark Saville who had 38 stableford points on Saturday and then a magnificent 41 points on the Sunday which reduced his handicap once again - he has now gone from 28 to 20 in less than a month.

The Saturday Division's One and Two were won on countbacks with Steve Beeby and Paul Anderson getting the verdicts.

Sean Labas found the Sunday conditions to his liking to easily win the first division with David Little denying John Chandler his first ever success in the second division. The junior mini competition was won by Ben Stansfield.

Results:
1. John Lawton = 132 nett
2. Gary Atkin = 136 nett
3. Peter Hey = 137 nett

Best Gross: Jarrad Hazelden = 147
Best Junior: Mark Saville = 79 points
Best Senior: Steve Cooper = 137 nett

Saturday Division 1:
1. Steve Beeby = 65 nett
2. PeterBoakes = 65 nett

Saturday Division 2:
1. Paul Anderson = 67 nett
2. Fred Carter = 67 nett

Sunday Division 1:
1. Sean Labas = 64 nett
2. Calvin Howell = 70 nett

Sunday Division 2:
1. David Little = 67 nett
2. John Chandler = 69 nett

Junior mini competition: Ben Stansfield

Records go yet again for the Junior Open

The record for the number of juniors playing in the Crow Nest Park Golf Club junior Open was smashed yet again this year.

Under the guidance of the Junior Organiser, Mark Campbell, 57 junior golfers from across the Halifax, Huddersfield & District Union of Golf Clubs competed in this increasingly popular event.

The days proceedings were put together by a strong team at the Club which encompassed all sections. A barbecue was provided for competitors and their families which, under the blue skys that helped swell the numbers, went down a real treat.

The Barbecue hosts were Mike Walton, Debbie & Steve Yendley and Mark Campbell himself. The Editor of the Brighouse Echo, Stephen Firth and the Club Captain, Martin Broadbent presented the prize winners with the prizes at a presentation which took place in the clubhouse just after 6.00pm.

Ben Adamson took the best gross prize with a round of 68 whilst Kyle Broadbent (pictured with Firth) scored the best nett round and therefore took home the Brighouse Echo Trophy.

Les Holmes from Crow Nest Park said, "Crow Nest Park Golf Club would like to thank The Brighouse Echo once again for its support year on year for this successful Junior event."

Wednesday, 5 August 2009

How score tracking can improve your game!

Golfers track their scores for various reasons such as wanting to analyse and improve their game, needing an up-to-date handicap certificate, or because their society secretary wants proof that their handicap is accurate!

Whatever the reason for tracking golf scores, it has been proven to benefit your golf game. Simply keeping track of your shots every time you play, keeps you up-to-date with how you are scoring and allows you to pin point areas of your game that are in need of improvement. This is especially helpful if you play in open golf competitions.

Golfscoretracker’s Score Tracking service is designed to help every day golfers seriously improve their game and keep track of their performance. In fact, over the 2008 season golfers who tracked their scores using the Golfscoretracker system saw their handicaps drop by an average of three shots. This enviable improvement in performance can in part be put down to regular use of the Score Tracker, combined of course with some hard graft on the golf course!

However, the real secret to game improvement is in the detail. By recording your on-course stats such as the number of fairways and greens you hit in regulation, your putts per hole, and the number of bunker shots and sand saves you make, it allows you to really identify your strengths and highlight the areas of your game that are in need of improvement.

Once you have added a round plus your on-course stats you can then sit back and view your golf in glorious colour through a multitude of easy to use reports and charts that help you unravel the intricacies of your game and spot exactly where you are dropping those shots. Start with your stats dashboard to get an initial overview and then dive into individual round performances, monthly stats, your season’s progress and your entire playing career! In addition you can compare your rounds to those of your playing partners and take that on-course banter online.

One of Golfscoretracker's regular members recently described the impact of the Score Tracker on his game as, “Awesome… since tracking my advanced stats, my handicap has dropped by 7 shots!” Whilst another said, “It’s so easy to use; I wish I had done this years ago.”

For those of us obsessed with handicap reduction, the Score Tracker allows you to keep an up to the minute record of your handicap, as it automatically recalculates it whenever you add a new round onto the system. All of your old rounds are archived against your profile to enable you to quickly view any round you have played and allow you to chart your improvement over the golfing season as well as compare your game to specific points in the past.

Furthermore, the Score Tracker service provides you with an online handicap certificate and a printable version that you can download and take with you to the course as recognised proof of your handicap.

Join the free Score Tracker Service and see how many shots you can drop off your handicap this season!

Fantasy Golf at Crow Nest

The members at Crow Nest Park are raising money to support a marquee based presentation evening in October and also raising money to support Club Members activities along with local Charity donations.

One member, Phil Widdop, recently raised over £800.00 for the West Yorks Air Ambulance. And last Friday night saw the Club's second Fantasy Golf evening. 32 golfers of varying ability tackled the Golf Course at Hove Edge from a totally new perspective. Sean Higgins designed six new holes. - How many times have you wandered around a golf course, looked through a wooden glade with a golf green sat in the distance and said to your self "now that would make a lovely hole" - well Sean did just that and made his golfing fantasy come true.

The evening was complemented with a Barbecue which was put together by Sean Higgins and Steve Atkinson and rounded off by a raffle and then an impromptu auction as the winners of virtually all the prizes donated the items back to the fund raising team to raise further funds.

The evening raised over £300. The fundraising team are holding a grand auction at the Club house at Crow Nest Park on Friday 28th August and are expecting a really big turnout as last year the event proved to be a great success. The items being auctioned will be on display from 4.00 pm on the day of the auction with the bidding taking place from 7.00pm. Visitors and guest are welcome.

Pictured above are Sean Higgins, on the left, with three of the winning team, Mike Walton, David May & Paul Everitt.

Great Deals at Willow Valley

There are some excellent offers to be had at Willow Valley this weekend.

Golfers can get 50% off when playing the The Willow Valley Course this Sunday (9th August) as the Brighouse club have reduced their green-fee to just £19 after 12.00 noon. That's on the Premier course at Willow Valley. Go to their online booking website www.wvgc.co.uk and enter: WVG08 to take advantage of this offer.

What's more this Saturday (8th August) and Sunday (9th August) they have also reduced their green-fee to only £12 after 2.00pm on the intermediate course 'Pine Valley'. Go to www.wvgc.co.uk and enter: PINE01

Tears of joy as Cryer wins his First Board Comp

Last Saturday saw yet another new winner of a Crow Nest Park Golf Club board competition.

This years Rabbit Vice Captain, John Cryer won with his partner Kathy Hichcock, the Buckwell Trophy, a mixed pairs competition.

The weather was awful, but it didn`t dampen the value of the winners success.
Cryer and Hichcock were comfortable winners with a net score of 66.2.
Nearest rivals Nicky day and Ladies Captain Helen Pearson were 1.8 shots adrift in second place with Andy Tindall & Amanda Mowl 0.6 of a shot further back.

Tuesday, 4 August 2009

Seniors Latest

Results of the latest matches played in the Lawrence Batley Seniors League are shown below.

You can also see the latest league tables. The top team in each division qualifies for the end of season play-off.

Section A
Oldham 2 Calverley 6
West End 8 Marsden 0
Wortley 5 Silkstone 3

Section B
Lightcliffe 7 Bradley Hall 1
Queensbury 8 Hanging Heaton 0
West Bradford 7 Outlane 1
Werneth 4 Huddersfield 4
Lightcliffe 8 Werneth 0

Section C
Crow Nest Park 3 Blackley 5
Low Laithes 7 Bradford Moor 1
South Leeds 6 Dewsbury 2

Section D
Elland 4 Bradley Park 4
Halifax 8 Todmorden 0
Meltham 6 Branshaw 2
Saddleworth 4 Woodsome Hall 4
Todmorden 3 Meltham 5

Monday, 3 August 2009

Great Win For Juniors at Sheffield

The HHDUGC Junior side notched an impressive victory against defending champions Sheffield last week in their latest Yorkshire IDU League match.

Frank Greaves' young side moved fourth in the Yorkshire Inter-Distirtc-Union Junior League following their 19-17 win at Hillsborough Golf Club.

Leading 8-4 at lunch following the foursomes matches the HHDUGC had enough in the tank to claim a thoroughly deserved victory.

Stand-out performances on the day came from Hebden Bridge's Adam Cryer, Meltham's Jamie Bower and Nick Marsh, now representing Lightcliffe Golf Club. All three took maximum points from both their games.

Full scorecard and latest Order of Merit points table.

PS Cockroft Trophy Start Times

Start times for the PS Cockroft Trophy are listed below. The event takes place at Dewsbury District Golf Club on Sunday 9th August.

07:30/12:30 - M Cockroft (BH) A Walker (LP) T Williams (L)
07:38/12:38 - C Crawshaw (Hx) J Doherty (LP) T Hodgson (E)
07:46/12:46 - P Richardson (HB) C Darbyshire (D) J Parkinson (L)
07:54/12:54 - S Sweeney (Hx) A Schnacke (H) A Crum (D)
08:02/13:02 - T Pollard (Ha) J Booth (D) J Pearcey (BP)
08:10/13:10 - J D Heyes (H) G Prentice (D) M Riley (BP)
08:18/13:18 - J Hill (BP) A Smallpage (D) D Overend (WH)
08:26/13:26 - L Howell (WV) R Field (H) M Hepworth (D)
08:34/13:34 - I Marsland (WE) D Hartley (D) M Murray (T)
08:42/13:42 - B Johnson (H) T Garrett (M) D Stafford (T)
08:50/13:50 - R Broadley (H) B Crowther (D) G McLean (M)
08:58/13:58 - R Joyce (H) S Collomosse (D) I Saxton (M)
09:06/14:06 - C Mear (M) M Colcombe (LP) M Birkhett (Hx)
09:14/14:14 - A Shaw (H) S Bridges (WE) E Battye (D)
09:22/14:22 - A Colcombe (LP) L Pilkington (CH) J Smith (Hx)
09:30/14:30 - J Robertshaw (H) J Caine (D) S Sandie (BH)
09:38/14:38 - L Edmonds (M) D Crisp (H) C Mather (BH)
09:46/14:46 - A Appleyard (H) F Scholefield (L) A Hare (BH)
09:54/14:54 - C Elliot (WE) S Bower (M) T Scally (BH)
10:02/15:02 - F Greaves (WE) N Marsh (L) J Ellison(H)
10:10/15:10 - B Hardcastle (WE) S Hughes (T) S Pullen (S)
10:18/15:18 - D Stocchero (H) C Rudd (Ry) J Murch (WH)
10:26/15:26 - A Whitworth (BH) J S Bower (M) A N Wilson (H)
10:34/15:34 - J Smith (D) I Powell (HB) A Durie (WH)
10:42/15:42 - B Tupman (H) A Cryer (HB) R E Hunt (M)
10:50/15:50 - M Knowles (L) T Calvert (WV) C Gillespie (BH)
10:58/15:58 - M Peel (L) T Jenkinson (WH) M Lawrie (CH)

Stafford on Song but Union Lose at York

The Halifax, Huddersfield & District Union of Golf Clubs went down to a 25-11 defeat at a very wet Strensall golf course against York Union yesterday.

Team Manager Chris Mear said, "It was a very disappointing defeat. After the Foursomes it was very much a lost cause, we couldn't keep the ball in play and subsequently gave holes away."

The Meltham member and former President of the HHDUGC added, "In the Singles we again threw away winning positions. Sam Bridges was 1-up on the 16th tee but blazed his tee shot into the trees losing the hole and both players missed the last green but Martin Brown got up and down and Sam didn't."

There were however a few positives to take away from a third reversal of the season. Jamie Bower battled very hard to gain a half with partner Graham McLean in the morning and then again in the afternoon. Leading for most of the match he went two down to a birdie on the 15th but fought back winning 16 & 17 and even had an 8 foot putt to win the last but unluckily could not hole it and had to settle for a tie.

Frank Greaves was also back to his usual self, grinding away for a well deserved win and confidence booster. The same could be said for Dave Stafford (pictured) who probably turned in his best performance for the team winning his match 5 & 4 with a personal score of 1 under par.

Adam Cryer just missed out on his first win for the team, he stood on the 16th tee two up but hit his approach through the back of the green into a water hazard conceding the hole, both players then missed the par three 17th and both failed to get up and down, Cryer's approach to the 18th was a little strong onto the back fringe, a chip and two putts later and he had handed his opponent a half.

Shaw Claims Second Lord Mexborough Cup

The 77th Open Week at Bradley Hall Golf Club was concluded on Saturday with the staging of the men's 36 hole strokeplay competition for the 'Lord Mexborough Cup' and despite horrendous weather forecasts the competition was played to a 36 hole finish.

There was a full field of 92 golfers from all parts of the country, including one from France, and despite the heavy afternoon rain, 85 went on the complete the full 36 holes.

A feature of the event was the prominence of Huddersfield Golf Club members who were previously members of Bradley Hall, namely Andrew Shaw and Richard Broadley who were first on the tee at 7am followed shortly afterwards by James Fairhurst.

Both Andrew (scratch) and Richard (plus 1), completed their first rounds with gross scores of two under par 68, to set a challenging target for the rest of the field. This however was matched by home club members, Dean Alexis (8 hcp), junior team member, Josh Bailes (9 hcp), Martin Cockcroft (3 hcp), Bruce Bain (9 hcp) and Michael Appleyard (5 hcp). However, this was eventually bettered by another home club member and former winner of the event, Scott Peel (8 hcp) with a nett 65 and his playing partner, Chris Rudd (4 hcp) of Ryburn with a nett 67.

Andrew and Richard opened the second round at noon and despite the heavy rain were able to return scores of 69 and 68 respectively, giving Andy a nett score of 137 to Richard's 138 which proved sufficient for Andy to claim the trophy for the second time and to open up the field for other prize winners.

Dean Alexis with his second round score of 71 was the only other golfer to finish under par but left agonisingly 1 shot outside the prizes. Scott Peel with a nett score of 76 finally finished in joint 5th place but had the consolation of picking up the prize for the first round best nett score. The best nett for round two was won by Kevin Fowler of Todmorden who beat his playing partner, Clice McFadzean on a better back 9.

Likewise, Chris Rudd, who finished with a level par 140, was able to claim the prize for the best gross score in round one and James Fairhurst with his gross 69 collected the best gross for the second round.

Finally and in keeping with competitions at Bradley Hall, life member, County Golfer, Centenary Captain (and the list goes on...!!) Andy Whitworth collected not for the first time the prize for the lowest gross score of 142.

The week was concluded with the presentation of prizes by club captain, Nick Wheelwright.

Mexborough Cup leading scores (nett)
A.C.Shaw (Huddersfield) = 137
R.Broadley (Huddersfield = 138
D.R.Alexis (Bradley Hall) = 139
C.Rudd (Ryburn) = 140
S.Sandie (Bradley Hall) = 141
J.Bailes (Bradley Hall) = 141
S.Peel (Bradley Hall) = 141
P.R.Hesselden (Bradley Hall) = 142
A.R.Whitworth (Bradley Hall) = 142
S.Calvert (Howley Hall) = 143
M.Shea (Bradley Hall) = 143
K.Fowler (Todmorden) = 144
D.Ward (Bradley Hall) = 144
M.A.Bird (Bradley Hall) = 144
C.Southern (Bradley Hall) = 144
N.R.Stevens (Bradley Hall) = 144
M.Cockcroft (Bradley Hall) = 144.

NB: The ladies open which was 'washed out' on Thursday, is scheduled to be played on Thursday 21 August and ladies not previously entered and wishing to play, are asked to contact the club for availability of starting times.