Yorkshire men’s captain David Appleyard sets his targets for 2026
Yorkshire county captain David Appleyard has set his sights on extending the county’s success in the Northern Counties Men’s League and getting back to the England Golf County Finals in 2026.
The team won the league title for the 10th year in a row in 2025, winning all five of their matches – including a final hole victory over Lancashire in the opening match at Hesketh. However, a disappointing Men’s Qualifying Championship (AKA The Big Six) saw them finish third overall – behind winners Lancashire and hosts Durham – and miss out on a place in the national County Finals.
“It was great to continue our success in the league last season and we’re proud of the run we’ve been able to put together,” said David. “Adding to that tally is really important for us as a county and we’ll be working hard to get the results to do that this season.
“The Big Six at Bishop Auckland was disappointing for us. Getting to the national finals is important for Yorkshire and something we want to achieve each season. Missing out in 2025 makes us want it even more this year. We have another trip to the North East for qualifying [at The Northumberland], and we’ll be practising and getting the preparation right so we’re 100% ready for the event.
“We always have two equal priorities – the league and the six-man qualifying – and we’ve got our plans in place for both. It’s then down to the players and we’ll do everything we can to support them.”
In the build-up to the new season, the squad has had a full winter training programme with county coaches Steve Robinson and Gareth Davies.
“We had some great training sessions with our coaches before Christmas,” added David. “Having lost a couple of sessions to the weather, we’re picking those back up throughout March as we gear up for The Match at Ganton and our annual friendly with Lincolnshire at Holme Hall in April.
“The players have looked sharp in each of the sessions. They’re also in good spirits and there is a great team environment whenever they get together.
“Selection will be competitive again this season, and the squad is strong as we look ahead to picking the first 12-man team.
“Squad depth is the key to continued success. As part of that, we’ve added some players to the coaching squad for 2026. We’re always keen to see players push on and move up the amateur golf ladder into the national system. As that happens, there are opportunities for players to come into our side and show us what they can do for Yorkshire.”
The Northern Counties Men’s League season gets underway on May 9 – when Yorkshire travel to Kirkby Lonsdale to face Cumbria. The team then heads to Bromborough to face Cheshire on June 14, before facing Northumberland at Arcot Hall on July 4. Next up is Durham at Crosland Heath on August 16, before the final match of the season against Lancashire at Moortown on September 6. The Northern Counties Men’s Qualifying Championship will take place at The Northumberland on August 5.
