England International Ben Taylor and Phil Taylor, his Dad and a professional golfer, were celebrating a sensational victory in the inaugural British Father and Son Golf Championship at Belton Woods.
The duo recorded a superb 81 Stableford points (9 under par) in the 36-hole Betterball scratch event played at the De Vere Belton Woods in Lincolnshire – four clear of their nearest rivals Joe and Rymer Smith with 77 points – with third place finishers Gavin and Carlo Soave a further three shots adrift on 74 and picking up their prize of a GolfBuddy GPS device each on a count-back.
“What a superb feeling,” commented emotional Phil Taylor as he collected the winner’s trophy along with a voucher for complimentary entry into the European Father & Son Golf Championship this October. “As a PGA Professional it is rare to get the opportunity to play in a tournament with my son so this really is special.
“This is a fantastic event as it encourages Fathers and Sons from all walks of life to take part. It doesn’t matter whether you are an amateur or a professional, a scratch golfer or a 20 handicapper, anyone can take part and have fun.”
The Taylors are no strangers to Father and Son Golf limelight having won the European Father and Son title in 2009. Dad Phil is the Head PGA professional at Pachesham Golf Academy in Surrey and 18-year-old Ben is an England Boys International, playing off plus two. Ben is currently competing on the college circuit out in theUSAas part of his degree at the Nova Southeastern University of Florida.
“We had a lot of fun out there!” added Ben. “The course was in excellent condition and the greens were true and fast. I had six birdies yesterday, but Dad came into it when it mattered today and held it together for the team.”
Tournament organiser Toby Marsden gave a special thanks to the De Vere Belton Wood’s head greenkeeper Angus McCloud for presenting the two courses – the Woodside and the Lakes – in superb condition, to the Director of Golf Andrew Cameron and his staff for all their help with organisation and to the many volunteers who had made the event run so smoothly.
“Thanks also go to our sponsors Motocaddy, Golfbuddy and Srixon for their generous prize donations,” added Toby Marsden. “The biggest thanks of all must go to the De Vere Belton Woods for their incredible hospitality these past two days. All our competitors are leaving with a smile on their faces having had a fun few days.”
European Father and Son Golf Championship
The Taylors and Handicap champions, Kane and Jason Jones from Orsett, now go forward to represent Britain in the prestigious European Father and Son Golf Championship at El Rompido Golf Resort, Costa de la Luz, Spain on October 24-29th 2011.
Entry to the European Father and Son Golf Championship costs just €658 for juniors (under 18) and €769 for adults. The price includes five night’s accommodation on a half board basis (dinner, bed and breakfast) at the five-star El Rompido Golf Resort in Cartaya Huelva, Costa de la Luz,Spain; four rounds of golf, tournament entry and prizes. Entrants also benefit from free chauffeured coach transfers to and fromFaroAirport, a welcome drink, banquet gala dinner, live entertainment and excellent prizes.
Golf professionals, club secretaries, head bar stewards and green keepers can enter for the special discounted price of €658, while past competitors of the European Father and Son Golf Championship, current club captains and junior organisers can also enjoy the same discount.
“The idea behind the European Father and Son Golf Championship was to create a fun event that is accessible by all,” explains Marsden. “By opening the entry to professionals and amateurs of all ages Father and Son partnerships from every aspect of golf, from the hard-working green keeper to the avid club player, can take part.”
Entry numbers are restricted so competitors are advised to book their place in the tournament early to avoid disappointment. Contact: 01702 680180 or email: info@fatherandsongolf.co.uk
European Father and Son Golf Championship www.fatherandsongolf.co.uk