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Just Finished: St Anne's Old Links GC (07/10/10) : View event report & photo gallery

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GRANT OFF TO A FLIER AT WEST LANCS, Posted Tuesday 30th March 2010 - 17:48

The new season may have started in British Summer Time but winter was still evident on a bitterly cold and wet day at West Lancs in our season opener.

Defying the conditions Pike Fold's GRANT HAMERTON charged out of the blocks with four straight birdies and despite losing his tee shot at the fifth a second ball birdie and another birdie at the sixth saw him 4 under after six holes. He maintained this position with just one more birdie and only one bogey for a final 4 under return of 68 to secure a two shot win from a big field of over 100 players to secure the £1,500 first place.

In tied second were Jason Dransfield and Chris Clarke on two under 70 closely followed by James Hepworth and Harry Proos also both in the red on one under 71. With a further 4 players on level, seven on plus one and ten on plus two the scoring was excellent on an extremely difficult and trying day.

Among the 72's was PGA Cup legend Paul Wesslingh which secured him the senior section pipping Frank Kiddie and Paul Eales by two shots as they returned two over 74's, Frank only stumbling at the end with a bogey, bogey finish. It was certainly a day for experience as evidenced by the eight 'old boys' in the field who all returned scores of 78 or better.

The amateurs was another close run affair with Fraser McLeod's 76 looking like it might be enough to win until Formby's England international Ian Winstanley came to the 14th. Arriving on the tee at +4 he proceeded to hole out with a three iron for an eagle two on a hole where many cards were wrecked on the day. He then birdied the 15th and 18th to finish at level par 72 for an 'easy' win!

How Scotland's Mark Kerr would have liked that finish. He was 4 under through 13 only to fall foul of he last five as did many on the day finally signing for a two over 74.

At the end of the day it appeared that it was an honourable tie as to the winner betwen the players and the testing course and conditions.

A field of 102 players was undoubtedly a great start to our third, and biggest, season yet. Next up is the fabulous St Annes Old Links for our first two day event of the season next week on Wednesday and Thursday the 7th and 8th of April when thankfully some warmer conditions are forecast.
NEW VENUES FOR 2009, Posted Thursday 25th September 2008 - 13:44

We are delighted to confirm that as part of the 2009 schedule we are currently putting together we have been able to agree 36 hole events at both Conwy(Caernarvonshire) Golf Club, a Final Qualifying venue for the 2006 Open, and Harlech (Royal St David's) Golf Club, former host of the Welsh Senior's Open. These additions along with others we are in discussions with will form part of a significantly bigger schedule with more 36 hole events over a wider region including events in the midlands, wales and both the north west and east of the Country.

We've now added two great venues in Yorkshire, Fulford and Huddersfield(Fixby Hall), along many others to produce a fantastic schedule offering a range of events across the north. See the 2009 schedule link in the navigation panel.
TOUR NEWSLETTERS FOR 2009, Posted Thursday 15th January 2009 - 17:02

New for 2009 are Tour newsletters. These will be sent on a regular basis to all members whose email address is included in our member database.

To ensure that you don't miss out on these essential updates, and reminders in some cases, please ensure your current email is included on your 2009 membership form. Alternatively email richard@theplayerstour.co.uk for your email address to be updated.

Even easier why not join/rejoin online using the link in the navigation panel.

Future newsletter will include, event reminders, results summaries, key date reminders and general news updates and developments.
TAYLOR OFF TO LOCH LOMOND, Posted Tuesday 30th June 2009 - 11:47

BARRY TAYLOR QUALIFIES FOR 2009 PGA CUP TEAM

Houghwood's Barry Taylor, the Tour's 2008 Order of Merit winner, has secured a coveted place in the 2009 PGA Cup team. The biennial event played against the PGA of America's team takes place this Septemebr at the prestigious Loch Lomond course.

Barry earned his place after a fifth place finish in the Club Pro's Grand Final at Dundonald. It will be his debut in the event.

He is joined by fellow Tour member Paul Wesselingh, third at Dundonald, who will be playing in his sixth succesive Cup team.

Dave Smith just missed out after finishing eleventh.
PLAYER ANNOUNCEMENT -IMPORTANT UPDATE, Posted Monday 10th March 2008 - 13:48

In order to facilitate the payment of prize purses which we hope to be able to do as soon as the result is confirmed by way of automatic bank transfer, players are requested to bring their payment details with them to the first event. It is likely that this event will see winnings paid by cheque but thereafter as far as possible winnings will be paid direct. To allow us to make immediate payment possible players must send their entry fee in at the same time as confirming their entry. PLEASE NOTE that there will be a £5 charge levied for payments made on the day. This is to cover admin costs and to protect the purse from the effect of late withdrawals, please read the information section regarding such withdrawals.

Players are also requested to check the tour policy with regard to practise rounds and dress code. In order to protect the Tour's image all players will be expected to comply with these policies.
DANNY'S TURNBERRY BOUND, Posted Wednesday 8th July 2009 - 11:21

Players Tour member and Challenge Tour player Danny Wardrop from Didsbury matched Jamie Howarth's performance of last year as he secured one of the coveted four spots at Western Gailes to qualify for the Open at Turnberry next week.

A poor finish to his first round of 72 had left Danny with it all to do lying 23rd overnight. With a 7.24 tee time for the second round it seemed likely that a low round would be needed to have a chance of qualifying. After slow start saw of four pars Dan's hopes suddenly took a turn for the worse as a plugged lie under the lip on the 5th saw him play backwards resulting in a double bogey 6. At 3 over for the tournament Turnberry seemed a long way away. A settling birdie at the downwind par 5 6th followed by a par at the 7th gave little indication of what was to follow.

Starting off at the par 4 8th Danny reeled off 3,3,3,3,3,2 six consecutive birdies with a magnificent display of controlled tee shots, avoiding the fairway bunkers, followed by precise iron shots and confident putting. Only one, the last, saw Danny needing to hole from more than 10 feet. When a 20 footer disappeared at 13 Danny was 4 under with a real chance of fulfilling his dream as he prepared for the course's demanding finish all into the wind with out of bounds lurking on the right.

Controlling his nerves after a dropped shot on the 14th Danny made it to the 17th at three under only to see his 2 footer for par horseshoe out for a bogey. It seemed it might be a cruel blow especially when his long birdie try on the 18th caught the edge of the hole but agonisingly refused to drop. A 68 however saw him at 2 under and the best of the early starters.

Danny then had to suffer a 6 1/2 hour wait before he knew his spot in the field at the biggest event of them all was confirmed. Even worse was the agony for his dad Mike for whom every minute seemed like an eternity.

They can now look forward to a busy week at Turnberry. Unfortunately none of our other memebrs was able to get through closest perhaps being Craig Corrigan and Chris Geraghty both missing out at Glasgow Gailes but only 2 shots.

Congratulaions and best of luck to Danny for a memorable week.
TRUE TEMPER CONTINUE THEIR SUPPORT OF THE TOUR FOR 2009 and more member benefits, Posted Thursday 15th January 2009 - 14:57

Dave McCarthy of TRUE TEMPER has today confirmed their support of the Tour for 2009. This follows on from their invaluable support in 2008, the Tour's first year, again reiterates True Temper's approach to maintain their backing of the game at the grass roots level.

As part of their commitment True Temper hope to be able to visit some of the events with testing equipment and demo shafts. In addition the website will include for the 2009 season a True Temper news page allowing the company to keep players informed of key developments and information throuighout the season.

Dave was also keen to point out that Players Tour members should contact him to receive preferential rates on equipment.

In an exciting new development we have also secured for Players Tour members special rates with IGNITE SPORTS. Ignite is run by sport performance coach Duncan McCarthy working with athletes who strive to improve their peak performace.

From mind training, fitness, nutrition and overall performance management, Duncan offers a comprehensive package to any athlete wanting succes at any level.

For more information contact Duncan on 07766 771431 or dunc_ignite@yahoo.co.uk.
FORMER EUROPEAN NUMBER ONE TO PLAY THE PLAYERS TOUR, Posted Saturday 17th January 2009 - 21:22

Tour members will be aware that in our first season Andrew Murray and Paul Eales, both former European tour winners, played in several events and hope to be back this season. The Tour has now caught the attention of more former European stars.

1989 European number one and Ryder Cup star Ronan Rafferty has indicated that he hopes to include 7 events in his 2009 schedule as he competitive playing after a long injury induced lay off. A links aficionado Rafferty is keen to enjoy some of the prestige venues featured in the schedule when his other comitments allow.

Southern based Roger Chapman, another former winner on the European Tour and veteran of over 600 Tour starts, has also included our early season on his schedule before his Senior Tour and more local playing commitments kick in.

Both Ronan and Roger have confirmed their entry into the first two events at Prestatyn and West Lancashire.

The confirmation that the Tour is attracting players such as these is a great endorsement of the Tour's appeal and is a great opportunity for up and coming players to play alongside those who have played the game at the highest level.
More support for The Players Tour, Posted Tuesday 26th February 2008 - 16:37

Interest in the Tour continues to grow with both Cleveland Golf and Yes Golf confirming that they will be supporting the region's newest Tour. Meet Cleveland on the range at our first event on 27 March West Lancashire.

Yes will be showing their latest models at the putting green at St Annes Old Links when the Tour is there on 1 May.
How well do you know your game?, Posted Tuesday 22nd January 2008 - 14:14

Many players think they know their own game but do they really? StrokeAverage.com is a comprehensive stats based package which allows you to analyse your game after each and every round. The Players Tour is delighted to confirm that Stoke Average.com, endorsed by both The European Tour and Independent Sports Management, have offered our members discounted rates if they subscribe through our website. Click through from the logo and subscribe using the promotion code PLAYERS.