Race to Alwoodley Gathering Pace

New Yorkshire Matchplay Competition Proving Huge Hit!

With still a month to go before the closing date for the Yorkshire Matchplay Golf Championship Tournament Director, Edward Battye, is already hailing the new event a massive success.

The competition is open to amateur golfers in Yorkshire and allows players to compete in a matchplay format against regional opponents before the winner’s progress to a Grand Final at The Alwoodley Golf Club in Leeds. There is an Individual event and Pairs competition both played on a knockout basis.

2010 is the launch year and the new tournament has been well received by golfers across the county, especially those who do not qualify for the Yorkshire Union of Golf Club’s County Championship – a 36 hole strokeplay competition limited to 165 players with a maximum handicap of six where the top 32 progress to a matchplay stage.

Battye, a two-handicap golfer from Dewsbury District Golf Club, explained, “The comments and feedback since details of the competition were revealed late last year has been amazing. So many people have said that golfers in the county have been crying out for an event like this and are delighted there is now something in place.” He added, “The Yorkshire Union do a fantastic job of promoting the game in the region, especially scratch golf, and I’ve played in their County Championship many times but there has never really been a county-wide event for golfers of all standards... until now!”

Battye (right) concluded, “Golf is such a great game because players of all abilities can compete on a level playing field due to the handicapping system. The appeal of being the best in the county has got a lot of people fired up and it promises to not only be a successful championship but one that is keenly contested.”

One of the reasons for the event being so quick out of the blocks is the effort from golf clubs throughout the region. Praising the clubs Battye said, “Golf Clubs have done a great job in promoting the event to their members, without their help we may well not have had a tournament. I’ve seen several posters up at clubs and they’ve done a brilliant job at informing their members about the event.”

The closing date is the 31st March with the opening round played over 36 holes on a home and away basis. Subsequent matches are contested over 18 holes where a draw will take place for home advantage. The winners of each region; North, East, South & West, will take their place in the climax of the championship at Alwoodley when the semi-final and final will be played on the same day.

More information and entry-forms can be found on the official championship website - www.yorkshirematchplay.com