It is always keenly fought but this year’s Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs was closer than ever.
Hosted by Middlesbrough Golf Club, which is also the subject of this issue’s course review, Eaglescliffe’s Matt Sibley and Dave Wainman overcame a fast start by opponents Luke Eustace and Mark Kelly of Sleby to lift the trophy in the event’s 15th year.
It was a fitting end to a competition which has attracted golfers from across the North East and Yorkshire – thank you to all who participated and to all the clubs which have supported the tournament.
Matt and Dave will be in Portugal this month and we’ll report on how they do in the next issue – for now congratulations to them both.
Congratulations are also due to Adam Chapman for his maiden victory on the EuroPro Tour, which secured a step up to the Challenge Tour for 2018, and to David Hague for winning the North of England Open Championship.
One of our favourite themes at Northern Golfer is highlighting the success of young players and there is certainly plenty to shout about this month.
On page 8 you can read about two young golfers – Arron Mansfield and Andrew Griffiths – who enjoyed meeting their heroes and being in the spotlight at the incredibly successful British Masters held at Close House in September.
Meanwhile, eight-year-old Tom Hartshorne has kept dad Ally on his toes at Rockliffe Hall, while 10-year-old Alfie Baldwin proved to be too much for the men at Wilton.
This month we also Jonathan Ward in A Round With – a tireless champion for junior golf in Durham.
We also defy anybody to play the ball where it was lying after Ann Green’s drive – check out the picture in From the Bunker on page 46.
Well done to all the winners picking up trophies from club competitions this month and good luck to those taking part in the various winter leagues.
Remember to support your club through the winter months and let us know of any successes we can share with our readers.
