The 2011 Matchplay Championship, the UK’s largest amateur golf event, came to a close after a pulsating Grand Final at the Els Club in Dubai. Andy Billson and Andy Castell from Collingtree Park Golf Club in Northamptonshire claimed the 2011 Men’s Pairs title over Chris Scott-Douglas and Mike Ankers from the West Midlands, despite facing a one-shot deficit entering the final 4 holes of the 54-hole event.
In the Mixed Pairs championship, Paul Fell and Joanne Beddows from Wrexham ran away from the field for a 5-shot victory over Mike Perry and Samantha Hill from Dorset.
With 36 finalists flown to Dubai to compete for the Men’s Pairs and Mixed Pairs titles, the event which cost just £25 to enter has proved increasingly popular amongst the golfing public in the UK and Ireland.
The players enjoyed luxurious accommodation at the Marriott Dubai Harbour Hotel throughout the week, as well as complimentary flights to Dubai and 4 rounds of golf at the world-renowned Els Club. Over 5,000 golfers entered this years’ tournament, with recent figures suggesting that 2011/2012 will be even bigger with even more finalists making the trip.
The golfers have a unique experience, being followed by the Sky Sports cameras and playing golf in conditions that are vastly different to home.
“It’s been a fantastic Matchplay Championship Grand Final. We’ve seen some great golf and experienced superb hospitality, professionalism and courtesy at both the Marriott Dubai Harbour Hotel and The Els Club,” commented John Woosey, Managing Director of The JRW Group. “The tournament has been an overwhelming success and we couldn’t be happier. I know the players have had an unbelievable experience, so a big thanks go out to all the sponsors who without their support none of this would be possible.”
“We’ve been associated with the Matchplay Championship for the past three years, in which time we’ve enjoyed an exceptional relationship with the JRW Group, who have always delivered on their promises,” commented Jeff Strachan, Vice-President Sales and Marketing. “With an array of golf related products, they have outstanding linkage to the UK golf market making them an ideal partner for a global brand such as Marriott.”
The Matchplay Championship first began in 2003 and is organised by The JRW Group, the Manchester-based company that comprises Golf Care, the UK’s #1 specialist golf insurer; GreenFree, the UK’s largest 2-for-1 green fee voucher scheme; The Golfers Club, the UK’s #1 golf membership scheme and Rewards4Golf, the UK’s largest golf loyalty scheme;
Entries for the 2011/2012 event are now open at www.matchplayplaychampionship.co.uk including a new Men’s Singles tournament, which looks set to drive entries to an unprecedented level.