The 22-year-old, who claimed victory at Royal County Down last year, is aiming to become the first player since Sweden’s Louise Stahle to retain the championship, back in 2005.

Having progressed on the cut mark during qualifying, Toy found her form in the matchplay stages to continue her quest for a historic success at the spectacular North-West links.

In the championship’s 117th staging, Toy saw off the challenge of Roehampton’s Isabelle Simpson.

Her one-hole win in the morning, was followed by a comfortable 5&4 triumph over Ireland’s Jessica Ross.

Toy said: “I’m trying not to give up the title. Obviously, making the cut on the mark was a relief and coming through two rounds I’m pleased to be where I am.

“It was a really good match this morning and I was pleased to get the win,” added the Carlyon Bay member.

“This afternoon I played nicely again. I have been struggling a little bit with form coming into this event. So it has been nice to actually see some nice shots.

“At the start of the week, in my eyes, the trophy was out there for anyone to win.

“I’m just coming to an event trying to win like everyone else. If I can keep doing the right things and if that is good enough at the end of the week then great.

It’s my first time here and I’m really enjoying it,” said Toy, who missed out on the chance to play at Augusta in April because of the COVID-19 crisis, which saw the second ever Augusta National Women’s Amateur cancelled along with the Masters.

Is Price right for Emily’s double?

LUDLOW’S in-form Emily Price, who won the English Women’s Amateur Championship earlier this month, maintained her bid for more glory.

She beat Iceland’s Hulda Clara Gestsdottir 2&1 to reach the last-16 where she will face Lithunia’s Gilė Bitė Starkutė.

Denmark’s Amalie Leth-Nissen – who was the leading qualifier on countback – lost out to her older sister, Cecilie, at the final hole in an emotional contest in the opening tie of the day.

It was a notable triumph, given Cecilie is ranked 765th on the World Amateur Golf Ranking compared to Amalie who sits at 47th.

However, Scotland’s Hannah Darling, the Girls’ Under 16 Open Champion in 2018, then ended the hopes of Leth-Nissen in the afternoon with a one-hole victory.

Seventeen-year-old Darling said: “It feels good to reach the last-16. I was just solid out there today.

“In both matches I think I was two-down after three. So I’m just really proud of how I ground it out and stuck in there.

“It’s the type of golf course where anything can happen. I wouldn’t say it is a course you can go low on. You have to grind it out and scramble.

“I heard Cecilie had a close game in the morning with her sister. I’m friends with them both, and it was then nice to have a good match against her too.

“It’s my first time in the Women’s Amateur. But it’s matchplay and I’ve done well in those events in the past. So I just have to keep it going.

“I’m probably younger than most people out there. But as my dad says, age has nothing to do it with it, and it’s about performing,”said the Broomienknowe teenager.

Florida’s Fuller still in as German marches on

ROEHAMPTON’S newly crowned English Strokeplay champion Annabell Fuller is also in the last-16.

The University of Florida ace first beat Royal Cromer’s fellow England international Amelia Williamson 2&1, and St Mellion’s Megan Giles 5&4 in the second round.

Of the other leading qualifiers, Whitley Bay’s Rosie Belsham lost to Annabel Bailey, from Leicestershire’s Kirby Muxloe by one hole.

Bailey was then knocked out by Kent’s Shama Dutrieux at the 23rd hole.

Italian Alessia Nobilio, the World No. 5, quietly went about her work to reach the last 16. Meanwhile two German players – Paula Schulz-Hanssen and Aline Krauter – also progressed.

Schulz-Hanssen, who has already won the Swiss Amateur title this year, was delighted with her progress.

She said: “I’m happy to be in the last-16. I played pretty good today.

“I played 32 holes in the two matches and I had 12 birdies and only four bogeys. It is tough playing 36 holes in the one day.

“I was level par for the strokeplay qualifying, but today was even better,” said last year’s European Young Masters winner.

“The course is so beautiful to play, so amazing. There are so many holes where you can really attack the flag.

“If you hit good shots, you can get good results. It’s my first time playing in the event and I’m playing well,” said Schulz-Hanssen, a member of Europe’s 2019 Solheim Junior Cup team.

Humphreys waiting for putts to drop

ESSEX’S Lily May Humphreys, the highest-ranked English player in the field, now faces Schulz-Hanssen in Friday’s showdown.

The Stoke-by-Nayland player who was runner-up to Price at Woodhall Spa, said: “It feels really good. It’s my best so far in this championship.

“I haven’t done that great in it before. Hopefully I can carry on through tomorrow to the semi-finals,” added Humphreys, who won the Irish and Welsh Strokeplay titles last year.

“I feel like I played solid today, tee-to-green – just didn’t hole a massive amount of putts,” Lily May added.

“It was less breezy out there today. A little drizzle in the afternoon, but the conditions were better.”

Meanwhile Italian Carolina Melgrati also exited at the 19th to Wales’ Ffion Tynan.

Tynan continued her form as she defeated Berkshire’s Irish international Laura Webb, the oldest player in the field at 57, with a 2&1 victory against the East Berkshire veteran.

Webb was named captain of Ireland’s national team for 2020 and won the Irish Seniors championship in 2019.

That win completed the first-ever Irish Ladies slam by winning the Girls, Women’s and Over 50s titles during her career.

West Lancashire’s Hollie left to Muse after defeat

THERE was disappointment however for West Lancashire’s Hollie Muse and Scotland’s Hazel MacGarvie, who were knocked out at the last-64 stage.

The other England players still in the hat are Carus Green’s Caitlin Whithead after her wins over Scot Lorna McClymont, from Milngavie, by 4&3 – and last year’s English Amateur Champion Ellen Hume, from Mill Green, in Hertfordshire, by 4&2.

Fourteen-year-old Chiara Noja, who was born in Germany and raised in the UK, faces another teenager in Nobillo.

The latter is the current Italian and Portuguese Amateur Stokeplay Champion.

Dutrieux, from Wrotham Heath, will play another Italian in the shape of Emilie Paltrinieri, last year’s German Girls Champion, after her win at the fifth extra hole.

The matchplay continues, with the last-16 and quarter-final ties played, ahead of Saturday’s semi-finals and the 18-hole final.

There are significant rewards for the champion with exemptions into the AIG Women’s Open and traditionally, the US Women’s Open, The Evian Championship and Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship.

•Follow live scoring at RandA.org as well as on The R&A’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

The post Toy takes her time in defence of Amateur Championship title at West Lancashire appeared first on Golf North.

With the reopening of Linthwaite House (https://leeucollection.com/UK) in the Lake District on 31^st July, it’s time to treat yourself to a golf staycation in one of England’s most popular summer destinations that promises plenty of space and fresh air in the great outdoors. Part of the Leeu Collection, the stunning hotel has teamed up with the nearby Windermere Golf Club to offer a ‘Golfing in the Lakes’ package that combines a two-night stay at the luxury property with 18 holes of golf for two at one of Cumbria’s most delightful and scenic golf courses, and a three-course set dinner at Michelin-starred Simon Rogan’s newest restaurant Henrock.

The extensive grounds of Linthwaite House

Whilst England’s largest National Park is best known for its spectacular walks around its numerous lakes and up mountains like Scafell Pike, it is also home to almost 40 golf courses making it the ideal destination to combine hiking with a round of golf or two, with both activities giving visitors the opportunity to soak up wonderful views of the surrounding landscape.

Less than a mile from Linthwaite House, the course at Windermere Golf Club offers panoramic views over Lake Windermere and across to the distant fells. Founded back in 1891, the layout was designed by George Lowe who – at the time – was the professional at Royal Lytham & St Annes (which has hosted 11 Open Championships), a course he also created. In true moorland style, each hole at Windermere follows the gently rolling and rugged character of the local terrain to create a layout that is both charming and demanding.

Though relatively short at 5,143 yards, this par 67 course presents golfers with a quite a challenge thanks to an array of blind tee shots, several elevation changes and numerous natural hazards such as rocky outcrops, abundant brackenand copses of trees that run alongside some of the fairways.

The picturesque Windermere Golf Course in The Lakes 

After the rigours of golf,  Linthwaite House provides a tranquil retreat and all the comforts of a five star hotel. The Conservatory, Bar and Terrace are the perfect place for a light meal or early evening drink, while admiring the breath-taking views over Windermere towards Coniston. Breakfast and dinner are served in Henrock which showcases natural, seasonal ingredients in a relaxed and elegant setting.

That hotel stands in 14 acres of landscaped private gardens, which are dotted with arresting sculptures and offer a range of outdoor pursuits such as boating and fishing on the tarn (a small lake), boules, croquet and giant chess. At the end of the day, guests retire to one of the 36 luxurious, individually-designed bedrooms for a great night’s sleep in this peaceful bolthole.

Testifying to the quality of the hotel and its golf offer, Linthwaite House has been nominated in several of this year’s Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers’ Travel Awards including the Best Hotel for Golf category (winners will be announced in the Autumn).

The private lake at Linthwaite House & The Conservatory with views over Windermere

Keen golfers may wish to try several of the other golf courses in the area, such as the Harry Colt parkland course at Ulverston just 15 miles away and the highly-regarded Silloth on Solway golf course, rated by Top 100 Golf Courses as the one number course in Cumbria, that is located on the coast about a 90-minute drive from Linthwaite House.

The ‘Golfing in the Lakes’ package includes two nights’ B&B accommodation, a three-course set meal in Henrock on one night and a round of golf for two at Windermere Golf Club (with scrumptious snacks to keep you going and return transfers to the club from Linthwaite House).  Rates start from £615 for two people sharing a double room; book online at https://leeucollection.com/UK  or email reservations@linthwaitehouse.com or call +44 (0) 15394 88600, quoting “Leeu Golf”.

The post Treat Yourself To A Golf Staycation At Linthwaite House In The Lake District This Summer appeared first on Golf North.

Carlise GC’s Archie Davies picked up Wales Golf’s top playing award for a second year running – having spent seven months at East Tennessee State University in the first season of a four-year golf scholarship – it will now be extended because of the coronavirus pandemic

WELSH Amateur champion Archie Davies has claimed the Wales Golf Amateur of the Year Award for the second-year running.

Davies is currently back in the UK while his American college career is interrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak, working on his game where possible and also carrying on his studies online during lockdown.

Davies was due to collect the award at the Wales Golf Annual Awards Lunch at Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor, but the event had to be postponed because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Archie also won the Wales Golf Boys Order of Merit, as well as a successful start to his US college golf with East Tennessee State University, part of the team which won the Hoakalei CC Collegiate Invitational in Hawaii after a string of second place finishes.

Heading to Tennessee on the back of his Welsh Amateur win in Tenby, which he described as the biggest of his career, Davies was a strong performer for the college team with two individual top 10 finishes before coronavirus brought an early end to the season.

Carlisle-based Davies has a strong Welsh sporting tradition, his great-grandfather played rugby for Wales against New Zealand.

“It is pretty special to get this award,” said Davies. “When I got it the first time, I thought it was pretty cool, but to get it a second time is awesome.

“It shows what hard work can do, coming from where I was to where I am now is pretty pleasing.

“It is a pleasant surprise, there are other players who could have got it, but the Welsh Amateur win helped a lot.

“That was really great because it had been quite a slow season with exams, I felt I wasn’t doing as well as I wanted and so that win was very important for me just before going to the US.”

Davies claimed both the Welsh Amateur title and the Welsh Boys Order of Merit in 2019

Freshman benefits from USA game

WHILE his first year as a freshman has been interrupted for obvious reasons, former Ireland Boys champion Archie Davies feels the move across the Atlantic has provided a big boost to his development.

“I feel I have learned a lot this year in terms of golf, social skills, everything,” said Davies.

“It is a completely different style of golf to what I have been used to in England and Wales and that has been beneficial for me.

“You have to hit the ball further, the greens are slopier and quicker, it has been a good experience for me and hopefully I can move forward.

“East Tennessee have a couple of really good players in the team, top 25 in the nation, so that has helped me too, given me something to work towards.

“We have a new coach this year, Jake Amos, and he has done a great job with the team, spending a bit of time with me because he likes to work with the freshmen.

“They have changed the rules because of coronavirus and so I will count as a freshman again in September, under the national colleges eligibility, because we did not finish our first season – but I will have had some experience which should help.

“I hope to push on again next year. My main goal is to win a tournament and then hopefully more than one.”

With the coronavirus having brought both the US and UK to lockdown, Davies is trying to make the best of the situation.

“I am back home in Carlisle,” he revealed. “The last few tournaments were called off in the US and I had to come home, doing classes online – trying to finish my first-year studies.

“I have got a net at home so I am trying to work on what I can, the same as everyone. It is important to stay positive and do all I can to come out of this a better player.

“Golf is still being played in some areas of the US, but the majority are in the same position.”

Archie Davies won the Welsh Amateur crown at Tenby last summer

Praise from Wales performance director

WALES Golf prformance director Gillian O’Leary congratulated Davies on the award – and becoming the first player to win the Welsh Amateur and Boys Order of Merit in the same season.

She said: “Well done to Archie on this award, winning it two years running is quite an achievement.

“There were many strong performances by Welsh golfers in 2019, but his Welsh Amateur win, and the way he has made a good start in America were the decisive factors.

“This is a difficult time for all our squad players, but we know they are working as hard as is possible on their games and we look forward to seeing them back in action when it is safe to do so.

“We look forward to making the formal presentation of this well-deserved award at an event later in the year.”

•Davies was knocked out in the fourth round of the British Boys at Saunton, in Devon, in August, just days after his Welsh Amateur triumph.

He beat Aberdovey’s Connor Jones 8&7 in the final. In 2018, he won the Irish Boys crown.

The post Archie Davies is crowned Wales Golf Amateur of the Year for second year in a row appeared first on Golf North.

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, England Golf has today announced a number of key decisions relating to all of our championships and wider golfing activities.

• All championship and performance events have been postponed until 7 June.
• With the health and wellbeing of all golfers, staff and volunteers paramount in our thinking, we have issued a comprehensive guidance document to clubs and golfers on how best to proceed in these unprecedented times
• England Golf’s AGM and national participation events scheduled for the spring have been postponed
• New working practices for staff have been adopted to ensure we remain fully operational and available to assist counties, clubs and golfers in the weeks and months ahead

For full details on all these important announcements please click below:

Championships and Performance

Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers

Event Postponements and How to contact England Golf

These remain extremely difficult and unprecedented times for the game of golf as well as the country in general.

England Golf remains committed to helping our golfing community adapt to the necessary changes and for golfers to continue to play the game in a safe environment and according to government and public health guidelines.

The pace of change and the constant updating of government and medical advice means that a continual process of re-assessment of decisions and guidelines must be undertaken.

England Golf will continue to communicate any changes through our website, social platforms and via direct correspondence to our affiliated counties, clubs and golfers.

It is vital that everyone continues to follow best practice when it comes to dealing with the current outbreak of coronavirus.

For expert medical advice please refer to the following websites:

World Health Organisation: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Public Health England: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england

The post England Golf update: COVID-19 appeared first on Golf North.

England Golf Statement Regarding Coronavirus

England Golf  – in light of the developing situation with the COVID-19 outbreak – has today issued the following guidance to all our affiliated golf clubs and golfers.

We fully recognise the need to adhere to the expert advice available and as such we would point all our clubs in the direction of the guidelines set out in detail by Public Health England via their website.

Details on how best to cope with the virus can also be found via the World Health Organisation website which will provide rolling updates and the best ways to mitigate against the spread of the infection.

NHS England also provide updated and expert advice via their website.

All golf clubs should note, act upon and continually monitor the advice and guidance issued by these expert authorities in relation to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

It is important that we all work together, following the advice of qualified professionals, in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

This remains a very fluid situation and England Golf will continue to take their lead from the government and public health authorities when it comes to safeguarding our clubs and members and offering practical and necessary steps to ensure the health and wellbeing of golfers and golf club staff.

England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson said: “The expert practical advice that is available from the health authorities and national government should remain the first point of reference for all our golf clubs and golfers.

“This is clearly a fluid and developing situation and we will continue to monitor events as they progress and pass on the relevant information to our stakeholders.

“By working in alignment with those who are specialists in this field, we will be able to take the necessary precautions and provide the correct measures to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.”

Where do you want to go next?

• Scottish Golf statement
• Wales Golf statement
• Golfing Union of Ireland statement

More information

• NHS website
• Public Health Service

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The post England Golf Statement Regarding Coronavirus appeared first on Golf North.

Clockwise (top left): Lily May Humphreys, from Essex, Cornwall’s Emily Toy, Charlotte Heath, from Yorkshire, and Somerset’s Mimi Rhodes, who make up the England Women’s squad

THE national selectors have named the players who will make up a much smaller England Women’s Squad for 2020, alongside announcing the make-up of the Girls’ group.

Next week, England Women’s overseas squad – comprising of players based abroad and completing studies – will be named.

Whitley Bay’s Rosie Belsham has been picked for the England Girls squad for 2020 alongside Northumbria team-mates Jess Baker and Rachel Gourley. Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

Girls’ squad
Jess Baker (17) – Gosforth Park Ladies GC, Northumberland
Rafiah Banday (16) – Royal Mid Surrey GC, Surrey
Rosie Belsham (18) – Whitley Bay GC, Northumberland
Rachel Gourley (15) – Arcot Hall GC, Northumberland
Ellie Gower (17) –  based in America
Caitlin Whitehead (17) – Carus Green GC, Cumbria
Lottie Woad (16) – Farnham GC, Surrey

Berkhamsted’s Alice Hewson who was crowned European Ladies Amateur Champion in 2019 is now plying her trade as a professional after earning her LET card at Q-School last month. Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPY

The post England Women’s squad is slimmed down to four with overseas players to be added appeared first on Golf North.

Defending Abu Dhabi HSBC champion Shane Lowry would love to represent Ireland at the 2020 Olympics and playi in his first Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

IT’S onwards and upwards for Shane Lowry as he begins his title defence at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship – with one eye on the Olympics and the other on the Ryder Cup.

The Irishman won his first Rolex Series title at Abu Dhabi Golf Club 12 months ago – and carried his form and confidence through to the summer in what became a stellar season after winning the Claret Jug as The Open returned to Northern Ireland for the first time in 68 years.

A memorable maiden Major Championship victory at Royal Portrush also turned the year into his first multiple-winning season.

With a Ryder Cup and the Olympics to come in 2020, there could be more firsts for Lowry.

Lowry said: “It was obviously my best year-to-date. I couldn’t really have envisaged what happened.

“It was really nice to get off to an unbelievable start here, winning one of the biggest events on Tour.

“This course, this tournament, against this field every year is a really, really difficult tournament to win, and it obviously kick-started an unbelievable season.

“I think that can only give you confidence going forward,” added Lowry.

“Like anybody in this game, anybody who plays this game, knows that a lot of it is built on confidence.

“A lot of form is built on confidence, and that’s what I gained from here last year.

“Obviously I have goals in my head. I have it in my head what I want to achieve this year, and the main thing for me is make that Ryder Cup team. I’ve set everything out to do that.

“The Olympics is going to be exciting. I’ve never played, so hopefully I can go there this year.

“We don’t win too many Gold Medals in Ireland, so if you’re able to bring one back, I think that would be very, very special.”

Lowry’s first Rolex Series win in Abu Dhabi

And once again it all begins with the Rolex Series in Abu Dhabi, where Lowry is aiming to emulate Tommy Fleetwood – the last man to win the title in consecutive seasons.

The Lancastrian’s victory in 2017 proved to be the springboard that led to him winning the Race to Dubai later that year – and his 2018 win in Abu Dhabi preceded his momentous Ryder Cup debut at Le Golf National.

Fleetwood said: “As an event, it is pretty much the best way to start the year. I’ve always enjoyed it. It throws you in at the deep end, a really tough test.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have a couple of really good years here, in particular the ones that I did win here, catapulted me on for the rest of the year.

“People like to set goals for the year. Of course, there’s targets to do with results, the obvious ones are to win tournaments or to win Majors – or to compete in Majors – and of course they are there.

“There’s other things I’d like to do. Of course I want to get to the Olympics,” said Fleetwood, who represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Walker Cup in 2009, and played for England in the Home Internationals during his amateur career.

Of course, Hampshire’s Justin Rose claimed Gold at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, when many of the world’s top players elected not to travel to Brazil over fears about the Zika virus.

It marked golfs return to the Olympics for the first time since 1904 and Tiger Woods has expressed winning Gold in golf is very high on his list to go with his aim of winning 19 Majors and breaking Jack Nicklaus’ record.

Fleetwood will settle first for a place in the England team travelling to Tokyo this summer and the chance to take part in the opening ceremony.

“I think that’s on my radar,” said the Southport pro who ended 2019 on a high by winning the Nedbank Golf at Sun City – his first win in nearly two years.

“The Ryder Cup is in September. And then, just clear signs of improvement. There are certain parts of my game that I want to improve.”

Garcia never out of top 20 in Abu Dhabi

FLEETWOOD’S Ryder Cup teammate Sergio Garcia is vying for first wins on both the Rolex Series and in Abu Dhabi, as he returns to this part of the United Arab Emirates for the first time since 2014.

The Spaniard has never finished outside of the top 20 in his six previous appearances at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

And Sergio knows the benefit of early season success in the desert, going on to win the Masters Tournament after his victory in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in 2017.

Garcia, who has ended his two-year association with Callaway this month, said: “I’ve been practising hard and I’m excited for it.

“It’s a very good tournament to start the year with, and a nice run of tournaments the next couple of weeks,” added Sergio, who is expected to play without an equipment deal, at least in the early part of 2020.

“Hopefully we can see some good results on all the hard work we’ve been putting in and have a good year – because it’s a big year and we’re obviously looking forward to it.”

Garcia faces a battle with John Rahm to represent Spain in the Olympics in Japan, at the end of July.

The 40-year-old would need to be in the world’s top 15 by June 22, to guarantee a start alongside Rahm, the world No. 3 and leading Spaniard.

Sergio said: “Winning in January is just positive. Any time you can start the year like that, it’s great.

“It gives you a lot of confidence. It kind of takes a little bit of pressure off knowing that you’ve already got a win.”

Hovland’s ‘easier route’ to represent Norway in Olympics

Hero Challenge winner Viktor Hovland at Yas Marina Circuit in the build up to his debut in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the Falcon Course. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

RISING star Viktor Hovland got his week in the UAE off to a great start with victory in the Hero Challenge, at Yas Marina Circuit on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old PGA Tour player has an easier route to the Olympics – providing he can finish inside the leading 60 men who will qualify.

The former US Amateur Champion is another man who also has the Ryder Cup on his radar, as the Norwegian joins the stellar field in Abu Dhabi playing on a sponsor’s invite.

Hovland, an Oklahoma State University graduate, will be aiming to convert his impressive amateur achievements into his first professional victory in the first Rolex Series event of the 2020 Race to Dubai.

Hovland, who beat Louis Oosthuizen with a bullseye in the Hero Challenge under the lights on Tuesday, said: “Playing in big events excites me… but I just try to do as well as I can.

“Fortunately, those bigger events usually they tighten up the fairways and the rough is a little thicker.

“I just think that suits my game, and that’s probably why I’ve performed a little better at those events.

“Obviously I want to do what I can to make the team for the Ryder Cup.

“That’s not what I’m thinking about every day when I wake up, I’m just trying to get better at golf.

“But I want to be eligible if that opportunity comes,” added Hovland, who was the low amateur at both The Masters and US Open in 2019, beating Jack Nicklaus’ record for the lowest round in the USGA event.

Hovland finished tied 12th at Pebble Beach last summer, having won his US Amateur title at the world-famous Californian course overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

His four-under total of 280 broke the Golden Bear’s record total set in the 1960 US Open, at Cherry Hills, by two shots.

Hovland will play alongside Sweden’s former European No. 1 Robert Karlsson and Adrian Meronk, the first Polish player to earn a European Tour card.

•For full first round tee times click here.

The post Olympics and Ryder Cup are on Shane Lowry’s bucket list for 2020 after first Claret Jug appeared first on Golf North.

‘Iron Golfer’ Luke Willett (right) on the tee at Royal Birkdale with the club’s junior captain Josh Fallows, Golf Foundation development officer Andy Leigh

‘IRON Golfer’ Luke Willett is asking for support to complete The Great British Open Challenge having played 10 Open Championship courses and cycling 500 miles in just over six days.

As Luke holed out on the 18th at Royal Birkdale today (Thursday) he was making steady progress towards playing all 14 Open Championship venues as part of a gruelling 10-day trek, totalling more than 800 miles on two wheels with his golf clubs on his back.

Luke is raising funds for the Golf Foundation – putting his body on the line to support the charity that changes young people’s lives by introducing them to golf.

And he is appealing for the UK’s golf community to help him meet his financial target by sponsoring his efforts this month – from Fife to Sandwich, in Kent, where he will end his latest marathon.

So far Willett, a PGA professional at Hampstead Golf Club, has endured mammoth sections of cycling in sometimes “nightmarish” weather conditions on often dark and unfamiliar roads.

Luke has been soaked to the skin by passing lorries and cars and gone through periods of exhaustion and severe muscular and mental fatigue.

The 35-year-old now needs the financial backing of golf-lovers everywhere who understand the benefits of supporting the next generation of young players and helping national charity the Golf Foundation.

After striking his opening tee shot just after dawn at Carnoustie Golf Links last Friday (October 18), Luke cycled to St Andrews.

And with just four golf clubs – three-wood, six-iron, wedge and putter – Luke shot 73 on the Old Course before cycling 60 miles in torrential rain, flooded roads and heavy traffic to Edinburgh.

Luke said: “Each time a car flew past me it was like having a bathtub of ice cold water thrown over me!”

Arriving at midnight, Luke poured water out of his shoes before getting up again at 5.30am to ride to play Muirfield and Royal Musselburgh on Saturday.

Finally, better weather reached him on Sunday as he played Royal Troon and Prestwick on Scotland’s West Coast, before completing his Scottish odyssey on Monday in sunshine at Trump Turnberry.

After a ferry to Northern Ireland from Stranraer so he could play Royal Portrush, in Northern Ireland, on Tuesday, it was back over the Irish Sea to England on the ferry to play the six English Open venues, starting in the North West at Royal Lytham & St Annes yesterday.

He then made the journey down the Lancashire coast to Royal Birkdale and Royal Liverpool today.

Willett will finish at Royal St George’s on Sunday, after playing Deal’s Royal Cinque Ports, and Prince’s after the long ride to Kent this weekend.

You can support Luke’s incredible marathon by going to Luke’s JustGiving page.

Golf Foundation head of fundraising Vanessa Bell said: “The whole Golf Foundation team has been hugely impressed with Luke’s spirit and energy.

“We hope people are starting to realise just how mentally and physically exhausting the challenge has been.

“We are a charity and hope Luke’s adventure can now inspire golf-lovers up and down the UK to put something back into the game for the next generation.

“We will be hugely grateful for any donations large or small in the days ahead – donating the equivalent of the price of a golf ball would be a brilliant gesture in itself.”

Luke, who hails from Buckinghamshire, said: “I have never experienced anything like the conditions I did on the Fridaynight. It was a bit of a nightmare and certainly a huge mental challenge after two full rounds of golf in the cold and wet.

“The cycling has been very tough but the pleasure of playing these wonderful Open Championship courses has been immense.

“This is the golf of dreams for any player. The reception from the golf clubs, their staff, the golfers and non-golfers, has been really staggering and humbling.

“Golf isn’t all about the number on the scorecard and that’s why I wanted to team up with the Golf Foundation and raise funds for them in this way.”

All funds raised by The Great British Open Challenge will go directly to helping more young people from all backgrounds to Start, Learn and Stay in the sport.

The Hertfordshire-based Golf Foundation reaches 500,000 boys and girls each year, creating a player pathway from school sport to the golf club environment and regular coaching with PGA professionals.

The charity wants to encourage young people to keep playing and keep developing the skills for life that the game teaches them.

•You can support Luke’s incredible marathon by going to Luke’s JustGiving page.

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The young England U16 team that lost by three points to Ireland at Hunstanton. Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

A YOUNG England Under 16 squad earned praise for their gritty play in a narrow defeat to Ireland.

The visitors emerged from two days of tough competition at Norfolk’s Hunstanton Golf Club with a 16½-13½victory.

The win was sweet revenge for Ireland following England’s triumph at Limerick GC a year ago.

But there is much for the England staff and players to build on as they look ahead to the European Team Championships and Home Internationals in 2020 and beyond.

After the first day’s play featuring both foursomes and singles matches, Ireland held a 10½/2-7½ lead.

They were then made to fight all the way with honours even in terms of the 12 singles games on the second day, which produced a 6-6 tie allowing Ireland to claim overall victory.

Ireland’s strength lie particularly in the boys’ section but there was some sparkling golf on show from both countries.

The combined girls’ and boys’ teams had to put up with some treacherous conditions  – especially on Sunday when the wind and rain swept into Norfolk and produced some appalling weather for golf.

Yet the standard of play was of a very high standard.

Josh Berry beat Ireland’s England U16 Strokeplay Champion Josh Hill 6&5 in the Sunday singles. Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

From the boys’ point of view the form of Yorkshire’s Joshua Berry was noteworthy – the 14-year-old managing to claim big singles victories against Joe Byrne and full Irish international Josh Hill – winner of the McGregor Trophy in July – by shooting under-par on both days.

Worcestershire’s Scottish U14 Boys Open Champion Hugh Adams, who was runner-up in the Reid Trophy, in August, also put two points on the board in singles to re-inforce his growing reputation at junior level.

In the girls’ squad, Nelson GC’s Lydia Cryer can also feel justifiably proud of her efforts having won all three games she played.

The Lancashire junior displayed great character to win both her singles matches on the 18th green.

Meanwhile, for the second season in succession Surrey’s Rafiah Banday ended the Irish match unbeaten – winning a foursomes tie and taking one and a half points from the Royal Mid-Surrey teeanger’s two singles games.

Even for those players unable to win full points or simply new to the set-up, there was plenty to admire about the way they coped with exposure to the international scene.

Close House’s Maggie Whitehead’s singles victory over Katie Poots on Sunday will fill the Northumberland-based player with confidence going forward.

Meanwhile, Farnham’s Lottie Woad was three-down with three to play in her singles game against Anna Dawson.

But the reigning Surrey Ladies Amateur Champion – who is just 16 – fought back to earn a half.

Ireland’s Beth Coulter had to come from two-down with two to play to deny Arcot Hall’s Rachel Gourley a point that her overall play perhaps merited.

A birdie on 17 and a fantastic up-and-down on 18 denied glory for Gourley, the second Northumbrian in the England team.

After the conclusion of the autumn round of junior internationals, England’s regional and national squads will meet up for coaching over the winter months at Woodhall Spa, the National Golf Centre, in Lincolnshire.

The juniors will receive one-to-one coaching and advice, which forms part of a personal development plan.

For full results from Hunstanton GC, click here.

England team:–
Hugh Adams (Hagley GC)
Jack Bigham (Harpenden GC)
Josh Berry (Doncaster GC)
Jack Ingham (Eindhovensche GC)
Harley Smith (Rayleigh GC)
George Durkan (Bishop’s Storford GC)
Thomas Hull (Spalding GC)
Rafiah Banday (Royal Mid Surrey GC)
Ameila Wan (Notts Ladies GC)
Maggie Whitehead (Close House GC)
Lydia Cryer (Nelson GC)
Rachel Gourley (Arcot Hall GC)
Lottie Woad (Farnham GC)

The post Ireland U16s gain revenge with win over young England team at Hunstanton GC appeared first on Golf North.

Brampton Golf Course is situated in a beautiful area of North Cumbria and boasts superb views of the Lake District, North Pennines and Southern Scotland.

Originally designed by James Braid, the course is best described as undulating heathland offering a challenge to all standards of golfer in an idyllic setting. Described as “The Jewel of Cumbria”, and visitors have likened it to a “Mini Gleneagles”.

A warm, friendly welcome is given to all visitors, whether on a casual basis or as part of a group or society. Brampton Golf Course is the ideal location to hold golf days.

PACKAGES 2020

Golf Packages are available for groups of 8+ including food in our highly rated Braid Restaurant and Bar.
Society and visiting party booking may be made through our main office. For further information please
contact the office on 0169 77 2255 option 1 or email office@bramptongolfclub.com

Brampton Golf Club
Tarn Road,
Brampton,
Cumbria CA8 1HN

T: 0169 77 2255 (option 1)
E: office@bramptongolfclub.com
www.bramptongolfclub.com
Twitter @Brampton_GC
/BramptonGolfClubCumbria

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