The third playing of The Match brought together top tour players, Yorkshire’s best amateurs, celebrity golfers, and a huge crowd at Ganton Golf Club.
Led by PGA Tour players Dan Brown and John Parry, the 2020protour team also included Dan Bradbury fresh from his win in South Africa on the DP World Tour, Joe Dean, Sam Bairstrow and Simon Dyson as well as 2020protour co-founder Chris Hanson. They were joined by James Edwards, Gary Martin, TV presenter Dan Walker, Geordie Shore cast member turned golf influencer Gaz Beadle, and Will Edson from Beer Fore Bogeys.
A strong Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs men’s team was led off by Lucas Martin and Charlie Daughtrey. They were followed by Max Reynolds, Oliver Caton, Jake Sowden, Tom Osborne, Matt Dolling, Dan Norman, Oli Smith, Lewis Harrison, Lewis Hollingworth, and 2020protour co-founder Adam Walker.
For the first time, this year’s event included three additional matches. Professionals Sophie Walker and Amy Boulden teamed up to take on amateurs Lily Hirst and Amy Staveley; senior professionals Aran Wainwright and Gary Brown took on amateurs Kevin Parkes and Stefan Priest; and Jack Shephard and Barry Wearing took on Tony Lloyd and Oliver Hirst-Greenham in a showcase of disabled golf.
The range and putting green were buzzing with energy early in the day – with John Parry delivering a short-game clinic, Sophie Walker and Amy Boulden sharing their knowledge on the putting green, and Dan Brown sharing his thoughts on joining the PGA Tour as he warmed up on the driving range. There was a chance to see all the players warm up while event partners Fair Way, Clamp Golf and Apeiron Clothing, as well as the DJ on the range, gave the event a golf festival feel before play got underway.
The players and large crowd then took to the golf course – with those watching getting the chance to walk the fairways and see the players tackle one of England’s best golf courses.
“Three years in, it’s great to see so many people coming along to The Match to see some of Yorkshire’s best golfers up close,” said Chris Hanson. “I grew up wanting to play in front of a big crowd and having not done it for a little while now, it was great to have that opportunity again at an amazing venue.
“There was a great vibe throughout the day – from first thing on the range to out on the golf course in the afternoon. The tweak to the format this year was enjoyable and I think it added a lot – from the incredible disabled golfers who joined us for the day to the celebrities and influencers.
“To have the incredible support of Yorkshire’s tour players, who all took time out from the PGA Tour and DP World Tour to support us, was amazing and we can’t thank them enough. Our thanks go to everyone who gave up their time to take part, the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs, and our fantastic hosts, Ganton.
“As someone who is passionate about playing golf and creating opportunities for others to play, I love this event and I hope to see it grow even more in the future.”
For the full scores from this year’s event, click here.
*This story was first published on April 10 and updated on May 5.
