Last chance to enter matchplay comp

Local golfers have until noon next Monday to lodge their entry for the popular Yorkshire Matchplay golf competition.

The knockout event, played initially on a local basis, attracts club golfers from across the county and has a regional final this year at Pannal Golf Club, an Open Qualifying course near Harrogate. The winners there, in both the Individual and Betterball competitions, will progress to a two-day, 72-hole grand final at The Alwoodley Golf Club in Leeds.

Last year the competition was well supported by golfers in the Halifax - Huddersfield area and once again members from local courses have been quick to sign-up.

Entry has been held at £15 for the singles and £25 per pair for the doubles.

Those interested in entering should visit the main Northern Matchplay Golf Championship website to register & pay online.

Burgin drives in as first lady committee member elected at Dewsbury

Mr Rod Burgin 'Drove into Office' as Captain of Dewsbury District Golf Club on Sunday 27th March. 

Rod has been a member at Dewsbury for over 34 year and has also served on the Club Management Committee. 

He was then partnered by Mr Martin Brocklehurst the Vice Captain, for a challenge match against the Rabbits Captain, Mr Allan Ramsden and his Vice Captain, Mr Sean Ackroyd.

Also at last nights Club Management Committee meeting history was made at The Pinnacle Club when Mrs Marie Franks was welcomed to the meeting by the President, Mr Keith Harrison, as the first lady to do so in the 120 year history of Dewsbury District Golf Club.

Outlane Ladies start with a scorcher

The Outlane Ladies start their season with a 9 hole TAKE YOUR PICK competition and hope that the weather will be as good for the rest of the season as the picture shows.

The morning players are seen on the balcony after their round tucking into their lunch after a glorious opening of their competitions. Although none of the morning players came in the first three it was nevertheless different from their normal start of bad weather.

The morning players must have warmed the course up for the afternoon players as Gill Morris rattled off 19 points to pip Carol Crowther who also had the same score but lost on count back. Third place went to 14 years old Charlotte Hirst who had an impressive 18 points despite not scoring on two holes.

A new season begins!!

On Saturday 26th March, the first mens competition of the 2011 season was held at Bradley Hall Golf Club with an encouraging field of 155 golfers.

Following the past few days of warm sun and light breezes, it was somewhat of a shock to find a fresh easterly wind blowing down the course and temperatures rising to no more than 6 degrees. However, this did not detract from some excellent returns in both divisions.

Playing a Stableford format on the shortened 'yellow' course with the basic standard scratch of 69 no fewer than 23 participants recorded under par returns. 

In Division 1 (0-15), the early target was set by Mike Oldroyd (14) with 42 points annd being closely followed by Phil Gatehouse (12) and Colin Walker (14) both a single shot adrift. These positions held until late in the afternoon when one of the late starters, Graham Brazier (14) returned what proved to be the winning score with his 43 points.

In Division 2 (16-28), the newly elected Rabbits Captain, Howard Brook (19) also accumulated 43 points and in so doing reduced his handicap to 17, putting him 'in jeopardy' of becoming a Tiger during his year of office!

In second place was Rod Swailes (17), who over the past few years has worked abroad for lengthy periods of time and by playing little golf has seen his handicap rise from a respectable 12. Now retired and receiving regular 'coaching' from his playing companions he has now returned to the ranks of the Tigers!

Leading scores

Divison 1:

G.J.Brazier 43 points

M.W.Oldroyd 42

P.Gatehouse 41

C.Walker 41

S.Ross 40

R.Rowbuck 40

D.Stocks 40

B.Lockwood 40

A.M.Appleyard 40

R.Pursell 39

J.Rhodes 39

Division 2:

H.Brooke 43 points

R.Swailes 42

T.Brearley 40

S.Kent 38

S.Hurlin 38

S.Lang 37

C.Dyson 36

I.Roebuck 36

S.Crossley 36

J.M.Callaghan 36

Peter comes out on top in five way tie for March Medal

The March Medal took some sorting out for the Outlane computer when five players tied on 40 points for first prize in the First Division!!

And it was a nett eagle three on the last hole that gave last years captain Peter Lawrence-Brown the win with the other tied players scratching their heads and trying to calculate their own back nine scores with each other.

Peters par, birdie and eagle finish was just enough to claim success from Jim Pryce who couldn't match the eagle with Paul O'Hara also missing out on the last hole and then Neil Morison and Patrick O'Flynn also on 40 points but not having a better back nine.

The 19 points on the front was improved on by the winner and whilst his back nine of 21 points was matched his last hole 4 pointer clinched it for him in the First Division.

There was another back nine to sort out in the Second Division and whilst Gerald Nicholson only had 18 points on the back nine it was good enough to just pip Roger Holroyd who matched the winners 43 points but had an inferior back six which after 25 points out was a turning point for both of them.

The computer was again working overtime to sort out third place with Steve McNair having a better back three with Gordon Drysdale and then Dan Schofield who must have thought their 42 points was enough to win. A hole which you get 5 points on usually boosts your round but it didn't for Eddie Casper but at least he registered a hole in one on the 12th to remember his day and to hide his poor score.

Results

First Division:

Peter Lawrence-Brown = 40 points

Jim Pryce = 40 points

Paul O'Hara = 40 points

Neil Morison = 40 points

Patrick O'Flynn = 40 points

Second Division:

Gerald Nicholson = 43 points

Roger Holroyd = 43 points

Steve McNair = 42 points

Gordon Drysdale = 42 points

Dan Schofield = 42 points

Crow Nest Park Sold

After three years of uncertainty, award winning local Golf Course, Crow Nest Park has been sold to Halifax businessman Mick Stansfield. 

The world rated local 9 hole course, located on the picturesque former estate of renowned 19th Century industrialist St Titus Salt, had been up for sale since 2008, when existing owner Richard Harrison, decided to sell because of health issues. The sale is currently proceeding and completion is anticipated for 1st June.

The Club, which is currently riding the crest of a wave with regards to its current record membership levels and its members, can now look forward with a great deal of optimism, as the incoming owner has given a commitment to pursue the provision of improved facilities at the Hove Edge club.

A new Company has been formed which involves current Club Manager, Les Holmes as Managing Director, which has been set up to provide the Management structure to run the new golfing operation. 

Les commented " After a long period when the business was for sale, it’s now time to look forward. I am really optimistic about the future and feel with the expected support of our 350+ members that we will successfully build on the solid foundations that have been established by the outgoing owners, the Harrison family. As a golf club we are very much open for business and we are, although subject to limitations, still looking to grow our membership."

Whilst the current membership levels are high, the club still has a small number of vacancies at both 5 & 7 day membership levels. The Club was founded in 1995 and has since earned several prestigious accolades in recognition of its unique and valued golfing status, including being selected as "Top Yorkshire Golf Club " in 2007 by the Yorkshire Express publication, a "Top 10 - 9 hole Golf Club in the UK, 2009" by National Club Golfer magazine and best of all "One of the top 9 hole courses in the World 2010" by the Golf World Magazine in March of last year.

Patricks Day at Outlane as Irish eyes are smiling

When snow postponed the December Medal at Outlane Golf Club it was decided to replay it on Saturday March 12th and whilst Irishman Patrick O'Flynn was looking forward to celebrating St.Patricks Day on March 17th it was early celebrations on the golfing scene for him as his 45 points took the honours in the First Division.

The round started very ordinary for him and a 16 point total after 8 holes didn't look anything special but an eagle on the ninth hole started a scoring spree which was maintained to the end and a 25 point back nine gave him the win. John Firth and Paul Phillips had 43 points with the former winning the countback and even fourth placed Stuart Hodgson thought he would have had a chance with 41 points.

The Second Division saw some remarkable scoring with 24 handicapper Paul Kaye winning for the very first time as an individual player (a previous win was with a partner) and he even joked it it was the very first time he had finished with the ball he started with which registered 48 points (25 on the back nine clinched it for him). Robert Armitage and father in law Steve Morgan playing in the same group were second and third with 46 and 45 points respectively and Robert McKinley on 44 points taking fourth place.

December Medal Results

First Division:

Patrick O'Flynn = 45 points

John Firth = 43 points

Paul Phillips = 43 points

Stuart Hodgson = 41 points

Second Division:

Paul Kaye = 48 points

Robert Armitage = 46 points

Steve Morgan = 45 points

Robert McKinley = 44 points

Charity Day at Fixby

The Forgetmenot Trust are organising a Charity Golf Day at Huddersfield Golf Club on 15th April 2011. 

Teams of 4 people (£300 per team) includes a shotgun start, refreshments on arrival and an evening meal on completion of the round.

They are looking to register more teams and get even more local people involved in raising money to build and maintain their Children’s Hospice and also to fund their Hospice at Home service which is already caring for children and their families in their own homes. 

This is an incredibly exciting year as the Forgetmenot Trust help more families and see their hospice come to life. They are hoping to make the Golf Day an annual event and a regular fixture in their events calendar.

For more information www.forgetmenottrust.co.uk/node/624 or contact Gina Fielding at gina.fielding@forgetmenottrust.co.uk

Winning start to the season for Chris

Chris Hanson made a winning start to 2011 with a two-stroke victory in the opening Northern Pro Tour event of the season at Hart Common Golf Club.

Three adrift of the leaders following the first round yesterday Hanson turned on the style today to fire a blistering five-under par 65, easily the low round of the tournament, to secure a two stroke victory.

Reeling off six birdies and an eagle to counter three bogies Hanson broke free of the pack and never let slip his lead having hit the front with a holed bunker shot at the 9th for his eagle which moved him to three under.

The win, in a field of 31 high quality professionals, pocketed the Woodsome Hall player a prize of £1,200.

Full scores.

Hanson three behind the leaders

Chris Hanson (Woodsome Hall) started his 2011 season today at Hart Common near Wigan in a 36 hole event on the Northern Pro Tour.

His first round 69 left him level with Mark Mouland just one behind 3 joint leaders who include Matthew Evans from Rotherham.

Hanson had 2 birdies on the front 9 holes but 2 bogeys on the back 9 and only 1 birdie left him with a 1 under par total. Paul Eales lies joint 10th after a 71.

Meanwhile Adam Durie, also from Woodsome Hall, returned a 78 to be six shots adrift at Alwoodley on Monday 14th March.

This put Adam joint 9th in his first outing of the season in the first event on the calendar 2011 Yorkshire PGA Mizuno Order of Merit calander, a series of events for trainee professionals.

West End Start Times for Alliance

Start times for the next Alliance meeting at West End Golf Club on Thursday 24th March are below.

8.00
D.Stafford 1 M.Murrey 3 West End/Tod
G.Shuttleworth 11 P.Toon 16 Bradley Hall 4

8.10
D.Arber Pro C.Mead West End 3
I.Wood D.Sykes 8 Dewsbury 2

8.20
B.Mann D.Preston West End 4
T.Bower 16 G.Mellor Elland 3

8.30
M.Powell 1 S.Ambler 15 West End 6
C.Hanson Pro J.Baettie 12 Woodsome/BP


8.50
T.Wormold 18 B.Airey 16 Bradley Hall 3
P.Long 13 M.Myer 14 Dewsbury 3

9.00
R.Wimpenny 18 S.Whitham 20 Crosland Heath 3
P.Everitt Pro N.Day 6 Crow Nest Park 2

9.10
A.Davison 7 G.Ward 8 Bradley Park 1
G.Evans Pro Crow Nest Park 1
9.20
B.Martin 15 B.Workman 15 Bradley Park 5
A.Henderson 17 D.Petts 12 Outlane 4

9.30
T.Wild Pro S.Pickup 15 Bradley Pk/Cas
R.T.Owen 13 T.Garrett 1 Crosland Heath 1

9.40
R.Wilson 19 K.Puckering 15 Outlane 7
M.O’Hara 9 M.Riley 8 Bradley Park 2

9.50
J.Ambler Pro A.Walker 3 Longley Park 1
S.Bowstead P.Higginbotham Marsden 4

10.00
T.Mehan 18 M.Wood 17 Outlane 6
M.Skyes 11 D.Mallinson 13 Marsden 1

10.10
S.Robinson R.Hanson 6 Crosland Heath 2
D.Hartley 3 J.Awork 7 Dewsbury 5

10.20
C.Regan 12 J.Regan 20 West End 2
C.Hoyle 12 K.Weatherill 9 Hebden Bridge 1

10.30
A.Crum 2 R.Speight 5 Dewsbury 1
F.Roby D.Rollinson West End 5


10.50
C.Holmes 6 R.Johnson 13 Meltham 1
S.Hughes 8 I.Tootal 19 Todmorden 1

11.00
P.Doolan 14 P.Saxon 6 Marsden 2
B.Askham 13 D.Jackson 14 Crosland Heath 4

11.10
D.Whitwam 5 S.Hellewell Marsden 3
M.Actkinson A.Lister Outlane 3

11.20
P.O’Flynn 13 A.Mellor 14 Outlane 1
N.Paxman T.Baier 12 Meltham 3

11.30
M.Appleyard 6 T.Gerrard 5 Bradley Hall/Hx
N.Hirst 9 D.Knapton 9 Outlane 2

11.40
R.Booth Pro A.Hare 3 Bradley Hall 2
D.Clark 15 R.Beaumont 17 Outlane 8


11.50
S.Newcombe 15 P.Newcombe 14 Elland 1
R.Towler A.Durham Dewsbury 4

12.00
J.Smith 13 A.Mellor 14 Outlane 5
T.Williams 13 D.Wood. Bradley Pk/C H

12.10
R.Badrock 14 F.Leek 18 Castlefields 1
D.Senior 10 D.Pickles 11 Hebden Bridge 2

12.20
P.Davis Pro C.Davis 12 Meltham 2
M.Dempsey 10 P.Newey 15 Ind Huddersfield

12.30
M.Spink 3 J.Sykes 8 Castlefields 2
D.Nicholson 15 B.Littlewood 18 Elland 2

12.40
J.Cain 2 M.Travis 6 Crosland Hearh 5
D.Rishworth Pro T.Coulter West End 7

Longley Alliance Report

Having postponed this meeting from last Tuesday when the greens were frozen, there was some doubt about yesterday's competition due to the mist. The players decided it was not too bad and would soon lift so play got away on time.

Some of the best scores came from the early starters, including the second placed am-am pair, in spite of the mist not lifting until they had finished. Only the last few pairs started with the ability to see the first green from the tee.

The pro-am prize was shared by the home pro John Ambler and Captain Paul Phillips (11) and Alliance President Rob Booth and Steve Hopkinson (7) of Bradley Hall with 37 points. Rob now has a 4 point lead over Gareth Evens in the Pro Order of Merit.

The am-am first prize went to Jake Smith (13) and Andy Mellor (14) of Outlane with 41 points on a back nine count-back from Barry Stacey (11) and Adam Walker (3) of Longley Park. Three pairs were on 40 points and another three on 39. Jake had a net eagle on the 366 yd 11th and Barry had a net eagle on the 378 yd 8th. Other net eagles were scored by Pete Newey on the 7th, S. Whitham on the 14th, P. Henshaw on the 11th and N. Wilson on the 7th.

Longley Park was in very good condition so early in the year with the greens being quite fast, consistent and true. The catering was excellent with food and drink before, during and after the round.

Pro - Am

1 R.Booth Pro S.Hopkinson 7 Bradley Hall 1 37

1 J.Ambler Pro P.Phillips 11 Longley Park 1 37

3 G.Evans Pro M.Campbell 6 Crow Nest Park 1 35

4 J.Pearcey Pro S.Pickup 15 B.P. / Castlefields 34

4 N.P.Hirst Pro S.Green 20 Dewsbury 3 34

Am - Am

1 J.Smith 13 A.Mellor 14 Outlane 1 41

2 B.Stacey 11 A.Walker 3 Longley Park 5 41

3 R.Wimpenny 18 S.Whitham 20 Crosland Heath 1 40

3 S.Tann 18 A.Smith 19 Longley Park 6 40

3 M.Dempsey 10 P.Newey 15 Ind Huddersfield 1 40

6 P.Henshaw 14 T.Siddiq 14 Longley Park 4 39

6 G.Shuttleworth 9 P.Toon 16 Bradley Hall 3 39

6 J.Hayes 6 N.Wilson 6 Ind Huddersfiled 2 39

9 P.Kelly 14 R.Johnson 13 Meltham 1 38

9 R.Badrock 14 F.Leek 18 Castlefields 1 38

11 C.Hoyle 12 K.Weatherill 9 Hebden Bridge 1 36

11 M.O'Hara 9 J.Sykes 8 Bradley Park/Cas 36

11 J.Doharty 4 M.Dowrsky 15 Longley Park 3 36

14 A.Harper 19 K.Bruce 19 Marsden 1 35

14 P.O'Flynn 13 G.Boyle 15 Outlane 3 35

16 A.Crum 2 J.Main 14 Dewsbury 1 34

17 D.Knapton 9 G.Nicholson 20 Outlane 2 33

17 A.Davison 7 G.Ward 8 Bradley Park 2 33

19 J.Thompson 20 W.Atken 13 Longley Park 2 32

19 B.Martin 15 B.Workman 15 Bradley Park 3 32

19 T.Williams 13 R.Pearson 15 Bradley Park 1 32

19 D.Hartley 3 R.Speight 5 Dewsbury 2 32

23 C.Regan 12 J.Regan 20 West End 1 30

24 K.Law 20 P.McLoughlin 19 Hebden Bridge 2 27

24 A.Hirst 13 J.Taylor 12 Bradley Hall 4 27

26 D.Clark 15 R.Beaumont 17 Outlane 5 25

The next meeting is on Thursday, 24th March at West End G.C.

The Oldest Swingers in Town!

Jane Nield and Geoff Armitage are still going strong after sharing over 100 years of joint membership at Outlane Golf Club. 

Geoff, Jane & Roland

In 1978 Jane accepted the Lady Captains role at Outlane Golf Club and her opposite for the men Geoff also accepted his role as Captain of the club. 

Jane was a spritely 61-year-old and Geoff another younger spritely 47-year-old. Now, with Jane coming up to 95 years old in May and Geoff reaching 80 years old this next month the club are proud to announce that they are still active members, although Jane doesn't play anymore (she did up to her being 90). But Geoff is still turning out regularly with his brother Roland. 

Jane joined the club in 1960 when the Huddersfield Borough Police Force, of which she was a member, had a block booking so that members of the force could play on their day off. On retirement from the force in 1972 she liked the place and the members so much she joined as an individual and was an active lady member when accepting the Lady Captains role and then later became the Ladies Secretary for a number of years and still is an avid contributor to the Ladies section. 

Geoff joined the club in 1960 and with his brother Roland have a joint total of over 100 years of membership at the club and if you are in their company at any of the club events you can certainly have a night to remember as Roland has been known to perform his own version of certain concert songs. 

Geoff was a low handicap player in his younger days and in 1976 won the Halifax-Huddersfield Union Fourball Competition with Ian Shaw and he was a regular winner of golf events at Outlane but when his eyesight started to deteriorate he became the scratch teams non- playing captain and brought some of the younger players through the ranks to join the scratch team.

In 1988 Geoff became the clubs President for three years and it is an open question as to whether any other golf club can equal this distinction of having serving past captains together sharing over 100 years of membership and brothers Geoff and Roland also sharing over 100 years of golf.

Nigel & David flying local flag

Crow Nest Park duo Nigel Wood & David Wilcock remain the only pair from the Halifax, Huddersfield Union left in the Yorkshire Matchplay Winter Pairs competition.

Following an excellent 2&1 away win at West Bradford in the 3rd round they now find themselves just one more victory away from a place in the finals day at Moortown Golf Club at the end of this month.

To get there though they must play and beat two one-handicappers at Baildon Golf Club. If they do they will play a morning semi-final at the famous Leeds course, venue of the Ryder Cup in 1929, on Sunday 27th March with the possibility of an afternoon final should they triumph before lunch.

Meanwhile entries close at the end of this month for the main summer Yorkshire Matchplay Golf Championship. Played initially on a local basis there is a regional final at Pannal Golf Club with the winners on the day progressing to a two-day, 72 hole 'Northern' grand final at Alwoodley Golf Club. At Alwoodley golfers will be competing for a luxury 5-star holiday to Spain provided by Huddersfield company Golf de la Luz. 

Shepherd leads the way

LEE Shepherd rounded up eight birdies on his way to a six-under-par 66 and victory in the PGA North Region Mansell Finishes Winter Series at Formby.

The assistant professional at John Letters Golf Academy in Leeds rolled in four on the trot from the third hole and added the rest on the inward half, a brace of bogeys early in the round blotting his card.

Cheshire-based Jon Cheetham, a former Leeds Cup and Manchester Open winner, trailed by a shot.

Meanwhile, Haigh Hall teaching professional Craig Corrigan posted 70 to narrow the gap on Order of Merit leader Barry Taylor, who had 71, going into the final fixture at St Annes Old Links on March 28.

DETAILS: 66 Lee Shepherd (John Letters GA); 67 Jon Cheetham (unatt); 69 Jon Kelly (Llandudno), Kieran Gaskell (Penwortham).

Longley Alliance Off

This Tuesday's Alliance at Longley Park Golf Club has had to be postponed for a week due to the condition of the course.  

The event will now take place next Tuesday, 15th March, with start times as published.

64 Nett and 4 Gross Birdies is Medal Winners High Point

When Jarrad Hazelden came off the 18th green he did not know his 42 points had comfortably won the February Medal and he was disappointed that his two three-putts on two holes would cost him the win.

However with him being one of the last three out and the computer showing 40 points leading in the first division his reactions changed from disappointment to elation. 

A brilliant round of 12 gross pars and four gross birdies had got him to 40 points whilst two bogies were the only blots to register only two points in his final total of 42 points. He said, "I was delighted to get a two under gross score but I suppose the four gross birdies made up for the two bogies."

Second place went to David Petts with 40 points and Steve Beebys 39 was matched by Peter Boakes. 15 years old Michael Thomas continued his excellent progress with 38 points which included 2 two's.

The second division winner Robert Whitham produced his best ever round at Outlane since joining 3 years ago and did mention his 2 gross birdies helped his cause in the 41 point total.

Mark Uttley followed with 40 and then Ian Charles (39) with Clive Turner on 38 points which included a 4 hole birdie finish!

February Medal

First Division:

Jarrad Hazelden = 42 points

David Petts = 40 points

Steve Beeby = 39 points

Peter Boakes = 39 points

Michael Thomas = 38 points

Second Division:

Robert Whitham = 41 points

Mark Uttley = 40 points

Ian Charles = 39 points

Clive Turner = 38 points

Alliance Start Times For Longley

Below are the tee-times for next Tuesday's Alliance meeting at Longley Park Golf Club.

8.30 D.Stafford 1 A.Dickinson 15 W.E./Tod
J.Thompson 20 W.Atken 13 Longley Park 2

8.40 G.Evans Pro M.Campbell 6 Crow Nest Park 1
J.Doharty 4 TBA Longley Park 3

8.50 D.Clark 15 R.Beaumont 17 Outlane 5
T.Williams 13 R.Pearson 15 Bradley Park 1

9.00 R.Wimpenny 18 S.Whitham 20 Crosland Heath 1
D.Hartley TBA Dewsbury 2

9.10 A.Davison 7 G.Ward 8 Bradley Park 2
B.Stacey 11 A.Walker 3 Longley Park 5

9.20 S.Green TBA Dewsbury 3
A.Hirst P.Pitchforth 12 Bradley Hall 4


11.20 G.Shuttleworth 9 P.Toon 16 Bradley Hall 3
S.Pickup 15 TBA Castlefields


11.30 C.Holmes 6 R.Johnson 13 Meltham 1
A.Crum 2 J.Main 14 Dewsbury 1

11.40 R.Wilson K.Puckering Outlane 4
C.Hoyle 12 K.Weatherill 9 Hebden Bridge 1

11.50 S.Tann 18 A.Smith 19 Longley Park 6
K.Law 20 B.Coukham 19 Hebden Bridge 2

12.00 R.Badrock 14 F.Leek 18 Castlefields 1
P.O'Flynn 13 G.Boyle Outlane 3

12.10 P.Henshaw 14 T.Siddiq 14 Longley Park 4
R.Joyce Pro J.Sykes 9 Bradley Park/Cas

12.20 R.Booth Pro A.Appleyard 3 Bradley Hall 1
D.Knapton 9 G.Nicholson Outlane 2

12.30 M.Appleyard 6 S.Hopkinson 7 Bradley Hall 2
J.Hayes 6 N.Wilson 6 Ind Huddersfiled 2

12.40 J.Smith 13 A.Meller 14 Outlane 1
A.Harper 19 K.Bruce 19 Marsden 1

12.50 J.Ambler Pro P.Phillips 11 Longley Park 1
M.Dempsey 10 P.Newey 15 Ind Huddersfield 1