Sergio Garcia salutes a birdie on his way to a five-share of the virtual BMW Indoor Invitational at his favourite Valderrama course. He earned $2,000 for Spain’s Red Cross.

HOME favourites Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrera Bello, finished in a five-way tie for first place when a virtual Valderrama hosted the latest leg of the BMW Indoor Invitational.

Masters winner Garcia and his compatriot and fellow Ryder Cup star Cabrera-Bello played in the interactive feature group.

They both finished on one-under after shooting 70s in their 18 holes.

Spain’s famous Ryder Cup venue proved a tricky test in the fourth of five events in the new series of virtual tournaments, using the latest simulator technology powered by TrackMan.

They were joined at the summit in Andalucia by Scotland’s Connor Syme.

The Dundee pro celebrated a second win in the series of virtual events – following his victory at Royal Portrush two weeks ago.

Royal Liverpool’s Matthew Jordan and Frenchman Damien Perrier also carded 70s to secure a share of the $10,000 first prize.

The money will go to charities chosen by each of the five winners.

Garcia famously triumphed three times in the flesh at the Sotogrande venue in the Andalucía Masters between 2011 and 2018.

The 2017 Masters winner opened his round with a triple bogey before recovering with three birdies in the next four holes.

He donated his share of the prize fund to Spain’s Red Cross.

Garcia recently donated to the Red Cross alongside fellow Spanish sports stars to help in the fight against the coronavirus.

Garcia donates his $2k to Red Cross

A DELIGHTED Garcia said: “I can’t think of a better cause than the Red Cross to donate to – to try to help as many people as possible in these very difficult times.

“It’s great to be a part of this and have the possibility to help people who need it most in uncertain times.

“I’m glad that I was able to play well enough to be part of the donation.

“I can’t wait to see all those people get better and hopefully get back to normal lives as soon as possible.

“We had a good time Rafa and I playing together. Unfortunately I had a terrible start with a triple on the first.

“But I came back nicely and Rafa eagled 17 to get to one-under. It was fun to do it.

“It was different. But it shows you how difficult Valderrama is even on TrackMan with pretty benign conditions, that one-under par was a tie for the lead.”

Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrera-Bello played in the featured group at the BMW Indoor Invitational at a virtual Valderrama. Picture EDAMVALDERRAMA / Instagram

Cabrera-Bello’s rollercoaster round

CABRERO-BELLA had a rollercoaster round that included four birdies and an eagle as well as three bogies and a double.

Rafa said: “It was different of course playing the course on TrackMan, but it did have a lot of similarities – and it did feel pretty real.

“On the green shapes you could see the run-offs and it was playing as real as it could possibly be.

“BMW does a lot of charitable work, not only during these hard times but also every year. They are a very generous company.

“So to be able to participate in this event for charity was really fun. Also to have the opportunity to win alongside friends and share it a little bit was great.”

Syme is celebrating for the second time in three weeks after topping the leaderboard at Royal Portrush.

He said: “It feels great to be a tied winner this week. Guys like Sergio and Rafa were involved. So to compete with them and be tied at the top was cool.

“Valderrama was as tough as it is in real life. On holes like the second – where you try to run it under the tree on the fairway – it is so realistic.

“My wedge game was good and that was the only reason that I managed to get the joint best score.

“It’s great to be a part of it and I can’t thank BMW and TrackMan enough for these opportunities.”

Perrier fizzing with win to follow second

THE 38-player field – which also included former World No. 1 Martin Kaymer and Belgian Ryder Cup star Nicolas Colsaerts – competed virtually from their own homes in the 18-hole strokeplay event.

Damien Perrier finished in second place in week one over the Old Course at St Andrews.

And he went one better this time, birdieing the last two holes to recover from a double-bogey on the 16^th and seal a tie for top spot.

He said: “After my second place at St Andrews, I’m very happy to be tied for the win this week alongside great names such as Sergio Garcia, who we all know loves this course.

“I remember the last time I played at Valderrama I was alongside Martin Kaymer.

“We almost didn’t see each other because I spent my whole round enjoying the shadow of the trees. This week I took my revenge and I’m proud of it!”

Virtual Valderrama proved just as tough as the real thing when 38 European Tour players played the BMW Indoor Invitatational. The $10,000 first prize was split five ways for charity

Links-lover Jordan just as at home at Valderrama

MATTHEW Jordan was participating for the second consecutive week and he leapt up the leaderboard after an 18^th place finish last week at Germany’s Munchen Eichenried.

Jordan recorded his first Euorpean Challenge Tour win last summer and earned his European Tour card by finishing ninth on the Race to Mallorca.

The 24-year-old Hoylake ace, who grew up playing links golf, said: “I’m delighted to get the win at Valderrama – it’s one of my favourite courses.

“It’s a bit tight and narrow so any of my friends watching this will be confused as to how I won.

“I would like to say a massive thank-you to BMW, the European Tour and TrackMan for putting this event on.

“Lockdown has been difficult for most of us, so just to have something to look forward to and compete in, has been great.”

The winning fivesome finished one shot ahead of a group of seven players who shot level-par 71s around the virtual Valderrama.

They included French trio Benjamin Hebert, Raphael Jacquelin and Romain Langasque. Kaymer, Italian Nino Bertasio and Cheshire’s Paul Waring were then a shot further back in a tie for 13^th place.

Fans were able to follow using #BMWTrackManInvitational as footage was shown on the European Tour’s social media channels – and at bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

Footage can also be seen on Twitter: @europeantour; Instagram: @europeantour and the European Tour’s YouTube channel.

COVID-19 EPIDEMIC FORCES POSTPONEMENT OF ANDALUCIA MASTERS

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The Old Course at St Andrews is set to reopen to St Andrews Links Trust yearly ticketholders on Friday, along with the New, Eden and Balgove courses.

THE Old Course at St Andrews – the Home of Golf – is set to reopen on Friday, subject to an 11th hour approval by the Scottish Government on Thursday night.

But visitors will have to wait as tee times are restricted to St Andrews Links Trust’s yearly ticketholders from around the town in Fife – as the Scottish Government’s restricition on journeys remains at five miles.

The oldest golf course in the world will be back in play in time for the weekend, along with the New, Eden and Balgove.

The Strathtyrum, Jubilee and Castle will reopen in stages in the coming days and weeks. The Eden will be split into two loops to encourage people to play nine holes.

St Andrews Links Trust – which operates the seven courses at the Home of Golf – will insist on the following restrictions and guidelines for the coming weeks as players return.

Play will be restricted to Links ticketholders, who will play in a maximum of two-balls – 12 minutes apart. They must have a pre-booked tee time.

The ballot system will remain for the Old Course for Monday to Saturday. There is no play on Sundays.

Once the daily ballot is published, unallocated tee times can be booked by phone on (01334) 466666.

Yearly ticketholders can book a tee time for the other three courses online from 7pm – two days before play – and over the phone from 9am the day before.

Golfers can be from the same household, or two different ones – providing the players have no COVID-19 symptoms, are not in self-isolation or have been out of the country in the previous 14 days.

Social distancing must be observed on arrival at the Old Course and at all times during rounds.

The St Andrews Links Clubhouse will remain closed during the first phase of golf returning to St Andrews Old Course later this week.

Links Trust delighted to reopen Old

THE St Andrews Links Tust said it was “delighted” to share its plans for a phased reopening of the Old Course, known as the “Old Lady.”St

A spokesman said: “The return of golf is hugely important for our community and eagerly anticipated by us all.

“We will continue to monitor and review our policies and practices before we consider re-introducing guests and visitors in the coming weeks.

“We would like to thank everyone for their patience and continued support throughout this unprecedented period.

“Everyone in our community, every individual, every family, every business, every organisation has been impacted by this global pandemic.

“We are committed to ensuring that as we overcome these challenging times, the Links provides a safe and enjoyable environment for us to all come together – and play our part in a sensible and responsible manner.

“In order to move forward, we have had to begin preparing for the new normals – and new responsibilities that we must adhere to – if golf is to play an active role in emerging from this crisis.”

The Trust’s clubhouses, restaurants, the St Andrews Golf Academy and shops also remain closed in line with government guidance.

Players should change in the car park. No toilet facilities will be available in the first phase.

Flagpoles should not be touched – holes have been modified for simple ball retrieval.

All bunker rakes have been removed. Players should smooth sand with their club/feet, and must not pick up other players’ equipment or ball – nor exchange food or drinks.

ST ANDREWS LINKS TROPHY CALLED OFF

The Scottish Government’s decision to scale back some of the lockdown restrictions was announced on Friday.

But it has taken another week for golf to get the green light north of the border. England’s golf courses reopened two weeks ago on May 13.

But Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon refused to be rushed into allowing certain sports – including golf – the chance to resume after more than two months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The St Andrews Trust spokesman added: “We urge everyone to be respectful of our guidelines to ensure that, in time, we can move to a fully phased reintroduction of the game – as we all know and love it.

“The health and wellbeing of colleagues, customers and golfers remains our priority, and we have developed our operations – and phased return – to promote social distancing at all times.”

•For full details on how to book a tee time at St Andrews, and to read the guidelines in full click here.

‘No rush to reschedule existing bookings’

VISITING golfers, who have existing bookings for the Old Course, should contact their authorised provider, to discuss prepaid bookings.

The Trust stressed this week there was no urgency to discuss reschedule times if you booked direct.

The reservations team is dealing with a high volume of queries. Contacting them via email in the first instance would be appreciated, the Links Trust said.

“We will continue to deal with queries throughout the weeks and months ahead. We thank you in advance for your patience. Thank you for your continued support,” said the spokesman.

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Dundee’s Connor Syme claimed victory in the second leg of the BMW Indoor Invitational wiht an eight-under par round of 64 using a TrackMan simulator of Royal Portrush, on Saturday.

CONNOR Syme shot an eight-under par round of 64 to secure a two-shot victory to claim the second of the BMW Indoor Invitational played over simulators featuring Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links.

The Scot finished top of a leaderboard featuring 28 European Tour players in the second of five events in the new series of virtual golf tournaments – powered by TrackMan – using the latest simulator technology.

Following his victory at the Northern Irish venue, which hosted the 148^th Open Championship in 2019, Syme claimed the first prize of €10,000 towards a charity of his choice.

The 24-year-old opted to split the winner’s cheque between two charities – FoodTrain, which supplies meals to the elderly in Dundee,, and Hospice of the Valleys, a charity close to Syme’s heart which provides palliative care.

Syme and the rest of the field – including the winner of last week’s inaugural BMW Indoor Invitational Joost Luiten – competed virtually over the historic links layout from their own homes in the one round, 18-hole strokeplay event.

Flying Scotsman’s fast start

CONNOR SYME got off to a flying start, birdieing the first two holes and picking up two more shots on the sixth and seventh, before his first bogey of the day on the eighth hole.

His round really picked up pace after the turn in an impressive five-hole stretch with an eagle on the 12^th – bookended by two birdies either side.

Despite a second bogey on the 15^th hole, it was enough to secure a two-shot win over Dutchman Will Besseling and Somerset’s Lawrie Canter, following their six-under rounds of 66.

“Seeing the scores from last week I wasn’t really sure how I would fare,” said Syme. “But it was great to get a good score around Royal Portrush.

“I played solid on the front nine and then I just went crazy for a few holes 10 through 14 – that was a cool run to go on.

“It was my first time competing in something like this on TrackMan, so I really had no idea what a good score would be. But I was very happy with the numbers.

“I’ve actually been following a program with Spencer Henderson, the Scotland U18 national coach.

“He’s been keeping us busy on TrackMan, so I probably owe a lot of this win to him. I don’t know how sharp I would have been otherwise.”

Connor Syme read about Stuart Hearn and decided to hand half of his $10,000 prize from the BMW Indoor Invitational to the Food Train charity where the football ref volunteered

Syme moved by Stuart’s story

THE new champion was pleased to be able to make a difference to two causes that are close to him for different reasons.

“Having an opportunity to make a difference with what is going on in the world is great,” said Syme.

“I’m honoured to have won and have the opportunity to hopefully change a few peoples lives.

“Half of my donation will be made to Food Train in memory of Sean Hearn, who I read about this week.

“He was a really valued member of the community in Dundee, a proud charity worker and a community football coach and referee, who gave up his time for others in the town where I live.

“Food Train is the charity he worked with and it distributes food and gives support to elderly people in the city.

“Stories like Sean’s and so many others are reminders of the people who are constantly putting themselves out there, and how many incredible people we have lost during this crisis.

“The remaining $5,000 will go to Hospice of the Valleys. A bit further away from home, but very much close to our hearts.

“My girlfriend’s grandfather unfortunately passed away a couple of days ago after a two-year battle with bowel cancer.

“Hospice of the Valleys have been with him every step of the way and $5,000 would mean a lot to them as it could offer more than a month of service towards someone like my girlfriend’s grandad – an incredible cause.”

Spain’s Adri Arnaus finished in fourth

SPAIN’S Adri Arnaus finished in fourth place at Royal Portrush behind Syme, Besseling and Canter with a four-under par round of 68.

Last week’s winner Luiten – playing in the interactive feature group with Cheshire’s ex-England Amateur Champion Paul Waring – was a shot further back alongside Norwegian Kristoffer Reitan.

Germany’s two-time Major winner Martin Kaymer finished in a tie for 13^th place after an even-par 72.

Fans were able to follow the tournament with footage shown on the European Tour’s social media channels and also streamed on the internet.

Footage can still be seen on Twitter – @europeantour and Instagram – @europeantour was well as on the European Tour’s YouTube channel and at https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

BMW Indoor Invitational venues and dates:
Saturday May 9 – Old Course, St Andrews (Winner, Joost Luiten)
Saturday May 16 – Royal Portrush (Winner, Connor Syme)
Saturday May 23 – Golfclub München Eichenried
Saturday May 30 – Real Club Valderrama
Saturday June 6 – Wentworth Club

Each of the five tournament winners in the BMW Indoor Invitational will receive $10,000 towards a good cause of their choice.

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European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley has written to players warning them the days of rising prize funds will be hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Picture by EUROPEAN TOUR

EUROPEAN Tour stars face playing for smaller prize funds as well as the prospect of playing tournaments without spectators later this summer, according to a memo written by its chief executive Keith Pelley.

The update sent to players, which was leaked to the Daily Telegraph, warns that some of the “perks” of tour life will be reigned in significantly.

The professional game is planning for when the green light to resume will be given – when the worst of the coronavirus pandemic is over – so golf can return to our TV screens at least.

But Pelley has warned everything from the kind of courtesy cars and tournament lounges where players and their families and support teams can relax before and after rounds and practice, could be affected.

Pelley’s email stated: “Our tour has enjoyed a significant period of growth in recent years, in terms of prize funds, playing opportunities, and the overall standard of our events, as well as our broadcast product.

“The impact of coronavirus has stopped this rapid momentum in its tracks, and it will, in fact, require us to reassess many elements.”

While the trappings of tour life are bound to be hit, the Canadian who has revolutionised certain areas of the European Tour brand since taking over from George O’Grady, late in 2014, Pelley was most blunt about the likely affect on players’ earnings.

“Prize funds will also most likely be different,” Pelley added. “The reality is, the pandemic is going to have a profound impact on the Tour financially, as well as many of our partners, both in the sponsorship and broadcast areas.”

His latest update to the Tour’s members also stressed it make take until the autumn before they can resume playing tournaments – even though the USPGA and US Open have been rescheduled for August and September, respectively.

Several tournaments could be played at the same venue to make the hastily rearranged 2020 schedule run as smoothly as possible.

“Let us say we are given the go-ahead by governments and health authorities to resume play in the first week of September,” said Pelley.

Will season shrink into 16 weeks?

“That gives us 16 weeks between then and Christmas to try and play as many tournaments as possible.

“We are looking at options such as a) multiple tournaments in the same location; b) two tournaments in the same week or three in a fortnight; or c) three or four tournaments back-to-back in the UK with a 14-day ‘quarantine’ period ahead of that – to allow players not from the UK to come over and self-isolate in advance, if that health requirement is still in place then.”

Pelley stressed the Rolex Series and tournaments based in the UK are the priority for the Tour and its broadcaster Sky Sports – confirming the Tour will “play behind closed doors if necessary.”

The British Masters at Close House, in the North East – which was originally scheduled for July 30-August 2 – and the BMW PGA Championship, at Wentworth (September 10-13), are two of the UK events on the schedule.

The Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at North Berwick’s Renaissance Club, was due to be held from July 9-12, the week before The Open, at Royal St George’s, which has now been cancelled.

Meanwhile attracting stars from Hollywood to play the annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (October 1-4) may pose more problems in 2020 than normal with celebrities filming and TV schedules – if the pro-am can be held at St Andrews the week after the Ryder Cup.

October’s Italian Open, which is a Rolex Series event, faces many hurdles before it can be played, given how badly Italy has fared from the number of COVID-19 deaths.

The other Rolex events are the Turkish Airlines Open (November 5-8) and the Nedbank Golf Challenge, which will have to be moved now that the Augusta Masters has been provisionally rearranged for November 12-15.

But if the South African event at Sun City’s Gary Player Country Club, has to be moved, that also means the DP World Tour Championship at Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf will also have to be moved to December.

The final Rolex Series event will determine the Race to Dubai winner, which earned the European No. 1 Jon Rahm a £2million bonus, on top of the $3million cheque for the winner that week.

Graeme McDowell was set to host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet in May before the COVID-19 outbreak. Could it still be played in the autumn?

11 events hit by coronavirus so far in 2020

SO far the European Tour has postponed eight tournaments and cancelled completely three more, including June’s inaugural Scandinavian Mixed, hosted by Henrik Stenson and Annika Sorenstam.

At the moment the BMW International at Golfclub München in late June is the first event on the original schedule which has yet to be postponed, followed a week later by the French Open at Paris’ Le Golf National.

Other events in Continental Europe which could still be played are Switzerland’s Omega European Masters (August 27-30),  Germany’s Porsche European Open (September 3-6), Holland’s KLM Open (September 17-20), Spanish Open (October 15-18) and the Portugal Masters (October 22-25).

Among the countries where events were postponed in March and April were Ireland, Kenya, India, Malaysia, China, Morocco, the Czech Republic and Spain.

The European Tour has stressed that it would work to try to rearrange postponed tournaments wherever possible.

But the logistical problems created by the international travel bans alone, make that very difficult – let alone while the current uncertainty about lockdowns in each country continues.

It remains to be seen how many of those can be played in 2020, or if the European Tour will just be content to make sure they can still be played in 2021.

And that will depend on the support of the sponsors, or finding replacements should the economic impact of COVID-19 hit exisiting ones.

Certainly, if spectators can be admitted later in the year, both Sky and the European Tour, would be keen to resurrect the Irish Open.

Graeme McDowell was set to host at Mount Juliet at the end of May, before it was postponed at the end of March.

But the lack of light means it would surely have to be played before the clocks go back in October, without the size of the field having to be heavily restricted.

March’s Hero Indian Open – co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours – was one of the first to be called off as a result of the coronavirus outbreak

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Forfar Golf Club

Like London buses, when you’re waiting for a world first, three will inevitably come along at once. So it is at Forfar Golf Club, where 149 years of golf has secured a trio of little-known firsts that have nonetheless shaped the game around the world.

Recognised as the seventh oldest 18-hole golf course in the world, Forfar Golf Club is already known as a trailblazer. But perhaps less well known is the club’s status as the world’s first purpose-built 18-hole golf course in continuous use and the first 18-hole golf course in Scotland from inception. By default, it is also the earliest 18-hole course designed by the legendary Old Tom Morris.

The club is now actively promoting its historical credentials in an effort to ensure the much-lauded championship course receives the recognition it deserves. To support its endeavours, the club contacted prominent golf historian Neil Laird who believes Forfar represents a watershed moment in golfing history.

“It is the oldest 18-hole course in continuous existence,” explained Neil Laird, who set up the website www.scottishgolfhistory.org which attracts over 1,000 visitors a week, and is a member of the British Golf Collectors Society. “Forfar is the earliest example of Old Tom laying out 18 holes and therefore marks a milestone in golf history.”

He continues: “At Forfar, you have the beginnings of the idea of laying out a course where every hole is different – that is what people try to do now. Forfar is the earliest 18-hole course designed by the master [Old Tom Morris] that looks like a modern course. It goes right back to the very beginnings of 18-hole golf courses – Forfar was at the forefront.”

Although there are older courses that have either been extended or cut to 18 holes, Forfar was the first to be designed by a recognised architect with 18 holes from the outset; a world first also referenced in the book Why are there 18 holes by Peter Lewis. Established in 1871, the course was laid out by Old Tom Morris with 13 of his original greens still in play today.

Forfar is managed by one of Scotland’s most celebrated amateur golfers who recently had the honour of being appointed captain of the Great Britain and Ireland men’s Walker Cup team. Managing secretary Stuart Wilson said the role played by Forfar in the development of golf needs to be recognised.

“The history at Forfar Golf Club can be seen on the walls of the clubhouse and in our trophy cabinet,” he noted. “But perhaps less well known and less obvious is the important and historic role played by the club in creating the first 18-hole golf course by design. Along with St Andrews, Forfar was at the forefront of the development of the game and it laid down a template for future course design.”

Known for its unusual ‘rig-and-furrow’ topography, the Angus course has hosted a number of high-profile tournaments including the Scottish PGA Championship in 1932 and 1966, the Girls’ Home Internationals in 1997, the Scottish Boys in 1976 and 1980 and the Under 16s’ Scottish Boys in 2011. Next year it will again test the best when it welcomes the Scottish girls Under 16s tournament.

Despite its rich history, Wilson believes the club’s pivotal role remains relatively unknown. “We are very proud of the club’s origins and believe the significance of its historic role has been overlooked,” he said. “With our 150th anniversary in 2021 coinciding with the 150th Open in St Andrews, we felt this was a good opportunity to proactively ensure the club is appropriately recognized as providing a key turning point in the development of the game.”

Although the course went on to be re-designed by five-times Open Champion James Braid in 1926, it is Old Tom’s involvement that Laird believes is of greatest significance. “It is an Old Tom course,” he explained. “Although quite a few courses are associated with him, not all were laid out by him. In many cases, his involvement was limited to extending the course. Forfar is the first golf course I have been able to trace where he laid out all 18 holes. That is a milestone in the development of 18-hole golf courses.”

With Forfar due to mark its 150th anniversary in 2021, the club has embarked on a campaign to convey more widely its historical significance. One of the first elements of this strategy was commissioning award-winning golf course photographer Mark Alexander to create a series of images that evocatively capture the layout.

“The course is a fundamental component of the club not only because of its history but also because of the challenge it presents,” explained Wilson. “One of the first steps was to create a gallery of images that adequately captured the unique character of Forfar and Old Tom’s legacy. Mark was the perfect man for the job and he has created some stunning images for our campaign.”

Discussing his recent appointment as captain of the Great Britain and Ireland men’s Walker Cup team, Wilson said: “As much as I enjoyed my time as a player representing GB&I, I am determined to make a valuable contribution to the team as its leader and to help the players both individually and as a group. During my time on The R&A Boys’ Selection Committee, I was able to gain first-hand knowledge of the level of talent that was emerging. It feels like a natural progression to be taking on this role to continue to foster these gifted amateur golfers.”

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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

GOLF UNIONS

Bedfordshire County Golf Union

Berks, Bucks & Oxon Golf

Cambridgeshire Area Golf Union

Cheshire Union of Golf Clubs

Cornwall Golf Union

Cumbria Union of Golf Clubs

Dorset County Golf Union

Durham County Golf Union

Essex Golf Union

Gloucestershire Golf Union

Hampshire Golf

Hertfordshire Golf

Kent Golf Union

Lancashire Union of Golf Clubs

Leicestershire & Rutland Golf Union

Lincolnshire Union of Golf Clubs

Norfolk County Golf Union

Northumberland Union of Golf Clubs

Nottinghamshire Union of Golf Clubs

Shropshire & Herefordshire Union of Golf Clubs

Somerset Golf Union

Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs

Suffolk Golf Union

Surrey Golf

Sussex County Golf Union

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Worcestershire Union of Golf Clubs

Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs

Derbyshire County Golf

Devon Golf

Isle of Man Golf

Middlesex Golf

Northamptonshire Golf

Wiltshire Golf

Bedfordshire Ladies’ County Golf Association

Berkshire County Ladies’ Golf Association

Bucks County Ladies’ Golf Association

Cambs and Hunts Ladies’ County Golf Association

Cheshire County Ladies’ Golf Association

Cornwall Ladies’ County Golf Association

Cumbria Ladies County Golf Association

Dorset Ladies’ County Golf Association

Durham County Ladies’ Golf Association

Essex Ladies’ County Association

Gloucestershire Ladies’ County Golf Association

Hampshire Ladies’ County Golf Association

Kent County Ladies’ Golf Association

Lancashire Ladies’ County Golf Association

Leicestershire and Rutland Ladies’ County Golf Association

Lincolnshire Women’s Golf Association

Norfolk Ladies’ County Golf Association

Northumberland Ladies’ County Association

Nottinghamshire County Ladies’ Golf Association

Oxfordshire Ladies’ County Golf Association

Shropshire Ladies’ County Golf Association

Somerset Ladies’ County Golf Association

Staffordshire Ladies’ County Golf Association

Suffolk Ladies’ County Golf Association

Surrey Ladies’ Golf

Sussex County Ladies’ Golf Association

Warwickshire Ladies County Golf Association

Worcestershire & Herefordshire Ladies’ County Golf Association

Yorkshire Ladies’ County Golf Association

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World’s best hickory players come together to compete in the first Scottish Hickory Tour since 1930

First event played ‘in memory of’ the great James Braid

The world’s best hickory players are coming together next month to compete in the first Scottish Hickory Tour since 1930. In a series of ten tournaments, starting with the James Braid’s 150^th Anniversary Hickory Open, the world’s top 20 professionals and top 40 amateurs will qualify to participate in the Final over Leven’s Links in October.

To celebrate the launch of the tour, the World’s Top Hickory Golfers will congregate on a special day in golfing history, the 6^th February 2020, at Braid Hills Golf Course for the ‘IceBreaker’ James Braid’s 150^th Anniversary Hickory Open event. It is being played on this day in celebration of the 150^th Anniversary of the birth of the famous golfer James Braid, five time Open Champion and Designer of over 400 Golf Courses in Scotland including: Brora, Bruntsfield, Dalmahoy, Gleneagles, Goodwood Downs,  Lundin Links, Boat of Garten, Grantown on Spey, The Glen, Royal Musselburgh, Monktonhall, Walton Heath and many others.

The first match is being played over 9 holes at Braid Hills in memory of James Braid yet despite its name, this course was not designed by James Braid, rather, it is laid out over Braid Hill. The players then move on to the Merchants of Edinburgh Golf Club in the afternoon for another 9 holes. The course was originally designed by Ben Sayers in 1907 and altered by James Braid in 1936. The course is challenging and fun, and will be a good test for players, including past World Hickory Open Winners Fraser Mann (Scotland) and Andrew Marshall (England).

To celebrate the commencement of the Tour, a first edition whisky, limited to 150 numbered bottles are being bottled by Hickory Forever and will be available to buy on February the 6th, 2020. To reserve one of the first 150 bottles, please get in touch via the Hickory Forever website.

Following on from the James Braid 150th Anniversary Hickory Open, next on the Tour calendar will be the Jack’s Open Pro Am played over Musselburgh Golf Club and Royal Musselburgh on the 8^th and 9^th April.

To find out more about where each event will take place click on The Scottish Hickory Tour 2020

6th February 2020 – James Braid 150th Anniversary Hickory Open

8 & 9th April 2020 – Jack’s Open Pro Am

24 & 25 June 2020 – First Icelandic Hickory Open 2020

7 July 2020  – John Still Memorial Trophy

18 & 19 August 2020  – Highland Hickory Open

6 – 8 October 2020 – The Scottish Hickory Final

Instagram: ScottishHickoryTour

The post Hickory Dickory Dock As First Event Played ‘In Memory Of’ The Great James Braid appeared first on Golf North.

Iron Golfer Luke Willett with his wife Sabrina and his three daughters after his marathon ended at Royal St George’s

“IRON Golfer” Luke Willett completed successfully completed his Great British Open Challenge, holing out after playing 252 holes at 14 of the best known courses in UK – and after cycling some 830 miles in just 10 days.

What started as a daydream became a reality after Luke cycled to all 14 historic courses that have ever staged The Open since 1860, carrying his four golf clubs on his back in all weathers.

The physically and mentally exhausting journey – which at times saw him playing 36 holes in a day and cycling 100 miles along busy roads in darkness and light – has raised money for the Golf Foundation.

The charity works to change the lives of young people by introducing them to golf. After finishing The Great British Open Challenge, Luke is asking for all golf-lovers to support his efforts by making a donation by clicking here.

Luke, a PGA professional at London’s Hampstead Golf Club, said the cycling was so tough that his play on some of the world’s most famous courses felt like a rest for his body.

Any course that has staged The Open was on his list and it all started just after dawn at Carnoustie Golf Links in Angus, on October 18, and finished in dramatic style at Royal St George’s in Kent, 10 days later.

After holing the final putt he was greeted by cheers and applause by club members but most touchingly by his wife Sabrina and his three young daughters.

Luke’s father Steve who had accompanied Luke on much of the trip to ensure his safety and keep morale high was also present.

Golf Foundation trustee Nick Bragg and club junior Jack joined Luke for the final round and Nick laid on the Champagne after the 18th.

Luke said: “I have been so, so tired at times, but it does show how much the human body can do.

“This is a dream come true. Playing these wonderful Open courses has been a joy, as has meeting so many fantastic people wherever I’ve travelled.

“I believe your environment is your best teacher. All of The Open venues are incredible courses to learn the game.

“But the great thing is that many local clubs up and down the country offer children a great start in golf.

“I hope reading about this adventure will interest people of all ages while igniting the imaginations of young people with a sense of the possible.

“I’m delighted I am able to raise valuable funds for the Golf Foundation. We all want more young golfers in Britain and all the money I collect will go towards getting them playing the sport.”

On day one of the challenge Carnoustie Golf Links provided Luke with the best possible start by giving him free dinner, bed and breakfast before presenting him with a highly generous cheque for £5,000 for the Foundation,

They also showed Luke their renowned facilities for juniors. Donations have been coming in since then – but there is still time to donate by going to Luke’s JustGiving page.

“All donations are welcome regardless of size,” said a Golf Foundation spokesman.

After shooting a 73 on the Old Course at St Andrews – with just four clubs – on that first afternoon, Luke endured 60 miles of cycling in torrential rain and cold.

He had to negotiate flooded roads and heavy traffic before reaching 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 Musselburgh.

Better weather reached him finally on Sunday as he played Royal Troon and Prestwick before completing his Scottish odyssey on Monday in sunshine at Trump Turnberry.

After a ferry trip from Stranraer to Northern Ireland’s Royal Portrush on the Tuesday. and a 64-mile ride to catch the ferry back to England, Luke reached Royal Lytham & St Annes on Wednesday.

He played the Lancashire links with Golf Foundation ambassador Kerr Drummond, the children’s TV presenter.

Then it all got tougher. Royal Birkdale at dawn on Thursday, cycling to Hoylake with a ferry across the Mersey, a round at Royal Liverpool before a 58-mile ride in the cold and dark to Market Drayton.

Luke then rose at 3am to ride 146 miles to London before another 119 miles the next morning to Kent for the three neighbouring courses, playing Royal Cinque Ports on Saturday, and then the grand finale at Prince’s and neighbouring Royal St George’s at Sandwich, on Sunday.

Golf Foundation head of fundraising Vanessa Bell said: “Our team has been amazed by the passion and courage of Luke and also the warm welcomes he has been receiving in the golf community.

“We hope Luke’s adventure can now inspire golf-lovers up and down the UK to put something back into the game by supporting our charity.

“We do need funds to change the lives of young people through golf. 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.”

The team at golf apparel brand Bunker Mentality provided all the clothing Luke needed for all conditions.

Prince’s Golf Club generously gave Luke and his family a room for the night and dinner at the end of the journey to help him recuperate at their popular lodge overlooking the two courses, and where in 1932 Gene Sarazen introduced the first sand wedge at Sandwich – the only time Prince’s hosted The Open.

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

Find out more about the Golf Foundation’s work at @GolfRootsHQ on Twitter, @TheGolfFoundation on Facebook, golf_foundation_org on Instagram, or www.golf-foundation.org

The post ‘Iron Golfer’ Luke Willett completes his Great British Open Challenge at Sandwich 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.

The post Can you spare price of a golf ball to support Iron Golfer on his GB Open Challenge? appeared first on Golf North.

Luke Willett teeing off his Great British Open Championship Challenge – he was given £5,000 by Carnosutie Golf Links charity.

IRON Golfer Luke Willett got to grips with his latest challenge – to cycle to and play every course on The Open Championship rota, by playing Carnoustie, one of the toughest tests faced by winners of the Claret Jug.

The London-based PGA professional embarked on his unique 10-day golfing challenge at the first of the 14 Open venues by hitting his first shot in Angus, with Carnoustie Golf Links charity donating £5,000 to Luke, who is raising funds for the Golf Foundation.

It was the best possible start to his Great British Open Challenge and the Golf Foundation praised Carnoustie Golf Links for the “wonderful generosity of the Links and its staff.”

From Carnoustie, Luke headed south in the afternoon to play 18 holes on St Andrews’ Old Course – the Home of Golf.

In all weathers, Luke will face exhausting cycle rides on unfamiliar roads in darkness and in light, before playing all 14 iconic golf courses associated with The Open.

The challenge reflects Luke’s desire to encourage more young people to enjoy the thrills and adventure of golf.

Luke plans to play 252 Open Championship holes during an 831-mile bike journey around Britain.

The odyssey started at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland today (October 18) and will end in 10 days’ time at Royal St George’s Golf Club in Kent.

In between he will play three golf courses in Ayrshire, including Prestwick, the first course to stage the Open, as well as crossing over to Northern Ireland, to play Royal Portrush, which hosted the world’s oldest golf championship for the first time since 1951, to worldwide acclaim, in July.

Supported by friends of the Hertfordshire-based Golf Foundation, Luke hopes to play each 18 holes with a mix of junior players, top amateurs, professionals and club members.

Willett, who hails from Buckinghamshire, will be fundraising for the Golf Foundation as the national charity changes the lives of young people by introducing them to golf.

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

The foundation believes it will not only change the lives of thousands of young people, but will keep our game invigorated and successful.

Luke, 34, is a respected PGA coach, who has been based at Hampstead Golf Club, in North London, for the last three years.

He is a strong supporter of young golfers and has carved out a reputation for taking on remarkable ironman-style golfing tests, including once cycling over the Lakeland fells, swimming three miles of Wastwater before playing Windermere GC in a single day.

The Great British Open Challenge is a significantly more difficult proposition.

Luke said he hopes all golf-lovers who have a connection with the wider game, and who understand the need to encourage the next generation of young players, will support him through his JustGiving page.

Luke has prepared well for the challenge and will carry four golf clubs to help with weight issues on the bike.

Golf apparel brand Bunker Mentality is providing clothing to help him cope with a range of weather conditions.

“I am a great believer golf is more than just walking around a course and playing 18 holes,” said Luke at the start of his marathon.

“Adventure is waiting to be added to the whole experience either before, during or afterwards.

“I believe this challenge will help make the sport more appealing to young prospective players and will ignite their imaginations.

“I’m delighted I will be able to raise valuable funds for the Golf Foundation – we all want more young golfers in Britain and all the money I collect will go towards getting them playing the sport.”

Luke’s new challenge takes in three countries and travelling on two ferries across the Irish Sea before finally finishing at Sandwich.

Willett will play Royal Cinque Ports in Deal, which hosted the 1919 Open before making the short journey up the East Kent coast to play Prince’s which staged The Open in 1932.

He will then “pop across the fence,” to play the adjoining Royal St George’s, which hosts the 2020 Open.

The itinery is:–

18 October – Carnoustie Golf Links & St Andrews
19 October – Musselburgh & Muirfield
20 October – Royal Troon & Prestwick
21 October – Turnberry
22 October – Royal Portrush
23 October – Royal Lytham & St Annes
24 October – Royal Birkdale & Royal Liverpool
26 October – Royal Cinque Ports
27 October – Prince’s & Royal St George’s.

You can follow Luke’s progress on Twitter @GolfRootsHQ, @TheGolfFoundation on Facebook, andgolf_foundation_org on Instagram.

•To donate go to Luke’s JustGiving page.

Luke Willett, who will cycle more than 800 miles and play 252 holes over the next 14 days

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