Cornwall
A huge THANKS go to the Stamford members who supported myself and 3 other fellow PGA Professionals Andy Earlam, Kris Andrews and Grant Hamerton in Cornwall for England's biggest Pro Am, “the Cornish festival”. The event held over three testing courses, Newquay, Trevose and St Enedoc, is an event I have had the privilege of competing in for a few years.
Teams were put together as follows;
Mark Smith - Pro, Martin Dwyer, Tony Bowden and Steve Moores (Crompton & Royton
Andy Earlam - Pro, Paul Heap, George Mackey and Iain Starkie
Kris Andrews - Pro (Ashton on Mersey), Ian Grimsditch, Steve Lennon and Richard Margrave
Grant Hamerton - Pro (Pike Fold), Lee Compton, Danny Fox and Mike Hewitt.
The team results can be found here, each team being named by their professional. Thank you once again to those who took part!
Andy goes AP1
Much has happened over the last week although the headlines this week are stolen by our ever so popular Assistant Professional Andy. Currently half way through his 3 year foundation degree in the PGA, Andy is developing his own game and knowledge each day under my guidance. During his 3 year study he is required to submit 4 scores equalling +4 to par or better, under competition conditions in a PGA event.
Until last week Andy had managed to submit 2 qualifying scores to the PGA, although he still had 2 scores to submit until he posted a creditable 72 (+2) at Newquay Golf Club in testing conditions. The very following day was the final day at St Enedoc Golf Club which is one of England’s top 100 golf courses where Andy posted a score of 67 (-2) where NO other Professional on the day from 37 pro’s managed to better him.
In his own words:
“I am learning all the time from constantly studying the science of the Golf Swing via the PGA and Mark’s experience and knowledge. The biggest impact on my game though has been a change of equipment to the Titleist AP1 irons. They’re so easy to hit, it’s like carrying a bag of tennis rackets. That is the only thing I have changed recently!”
The individual pro's competition can be found here
Now he is securely through the practical examination of the PGA, he faces months of studying to meet the required standards of the theory aspects of the qualification. Keep up the Good work Andy, you are a credit to the Profession!
Lombard Tom qualifies again!
The Lombard Trophy Qualifier, recently described as Europe’s biggest Pro Am, is now underway, after Stamford held their qualifying round at the April Monthly Medal on Saturday the 6th. The in-form Dwayne Lloyd was eyeing up the potential prize after working on his game all week. He shot a nett 66 to match last years’ leading qualifier Rick Irving and Chris Houfe who also shot a 66. Dwayne leading on a card play-off from Chris and Rick was partnering myself in the huge event until last man out Mr. Tom Howe posted a nett 65 to take the glory from his grasp.
Tom said:
"I was the leading qualifier 2 years ago so I know exactly what I am in for, I just hope this time around we can reach the finals at Gleneagles in September, as it is just 2 weeks before the Ryder Cup and it will be an honour to play the course."
April Monthly Medal Winners’
Div 1 – Dwayne Lloyd – Nett 66
Div 2 – Tom Howe – Nett 65 (Lombard Trophy Qualifier)
Div 3 – Phil Ramsden – Nett 68
Congrats Tom, Let’s do it!
Easter competition
It is with great delight I can remind you all of the Easter shop competition for 2014, held Friday 18th April - Monday 21st April. This year each day will be held separately with no running competition. We have received feedback and the majority preferred 100% of prize money to go back into each day, rather than a percentage being held back for the overall winner...so we have listened to the members and we're offering exactly that!
Note: Each singles competition will be a qualifying competition to help the five day members keep an active handicap, due to the lack of qualifying competitions through the week.
