Press Releases

2011

Listen to the Champions Radio Interview

Ex Bare Knuckle 'Gypsy Joe' wins biggest Fight of his life to take the European Father and Son title

Gypsy Joe Smith and son Rymer from Wyke Green Golf Club in Middlesex have won the Scratch European Father and Son Golf Championship at El Rompido in Southern Spain.

Playing a scratch stapleford two ball better ball format they shot 37 36 44 for a 54 hole points total of 117 for a 9 - under par total to steel the trophy from the joint final days leaders the defending champions ‘Pickfords’ Luxembourg and the ‘Carpenters’ USA who started the day on 3 - under. The Smiths were coming from two back on 1 under.

The Smiths started with intent to take the trophy with a storming 4 - under par front nine taking them joint leaders. A pivotal moment was on hole 15 where Joe needed to sink a 12ft putt to save par. Never in doubt, Joe punched the air in delight after holing it, knowing full well the significance at such a crucial stage. Now fully pumped son Rymer took control by finishing with an inspired 3 birdie flourish from the 16th. The stage was set on the last hole, with a large crowd around the green young Rymer rolled in a nerveless 12 foot birdie putt, where the crowd were treated to a stunning celebration from dad Joe with an hilarious shadow boxing jig and a ‘high five’ slap with playing partner David Mills which nearly took his arm off. It was clear for all to see exactly how much this meant to the Smiths.

The Smiths had to endure a nervous wait for the Carpenters and Pickfords a group behind. They both had to eagle the last to tie the Smiths. Alas they both failed and the Smiths went down in the history books as the third ever European Father and Son scratch Champions.

Joe is a gypsy who’s granddad introduced him to golf when he was a junior. Being a Gypsy Joe has had to overcome a lot of prejudice within the golfing fraternity. But this has made him all the more determined to make it in the sometimes elitist world of golf. Being a young Gypsy ‘Joe’ took the natural cultural path of brutal bare knuckle boxing, in between his golf playing. But Joe’s real passion was golf, but would have to overcome the odds to make it, coming from such an unorthodox background without the privileges and coaching of most normal young golfers. Self taught Joe developed his own game to a professional status. He has tried for many years to get his playing tour card and realise his dream of becoming a tour pro. Joe has used his own considerable experience to nurture his son Rymer and give him the opportunities and coaching that he himself never got.

Joe summed up his victory at the closing ceremony on the 18th when awarded the trophy by saying this victory was by far the biggest moment in his golfing career. Joe is used to fighting, and has finally won the biggest fight of all by getting the acceptance and respect that he has worked so hard to get. To be crowed European Father and Son champions is the stuff of dreams!

2010

Michael & John Pickford European Father and Son Golf Champions

PGA Father and Son duo from Luxembourg win European Father and Son Golf Ch’p
Sporting fabulous matching trousers Senior PGA Golf Professional John Pickford (51) and his assistant Professional Michael (21) have just become the Father and Son Golf Champions of Europe!

The Championship was held at the excellent El Rompido Golf Resort on the Costa de la Luz, Huelva, Andalucía Spain. Over 180 father and sons came to win, with the strongest field ever seen with over 16 PGA professionals competing, alongside many scratch and plus handicap amateurs. As the reputation of the event grows so does the quality of the field. Teams came from all over the world from the Australian champions, the USA, South Africa, Germany, France, Spain, Poland, Czech Republic, Denmark, Luxembourg, Italy, Finland, Ireland, Monaco, Belgium etc..
The event is a two ball better ball stableford format held over 54 holes. The Pickfords shot (-14 under) scoring 41, 37, 44 for a 121 total to win the event by two shots over their closet rivals the current US Father and Son Champions ‘The Carpenters’ from Maryland USA. The Carpenters however were compensated as they won the Handicap Championship shooting 127pts. Gary Carpenter Jnr (37) now a plus 1 handicap amateur was once a PGA pro who has played on the US PGA Tour. The Pickfords closed the event like true champions by saving their best golf to last by closing with a -8 under final day 44 points. Young Michael pitched from 60 yards to 4 feet for a easy birdie, but did’nt need it for a grand stand finish infront of the crowd as dad John equally knocked in a 5 foot putt for birdie after an impressive chip from under the trees to the side of the green.

John has been director of Golf of Kikuoka Country Club in Luxembourg for over 20 years. Michael past Malaysian Junior Champion, multi lingual speaking French, German, Luxembourgish and English has just completed a PGA course at Marple Golf Club in Stockport, returning home to complete his apprenticeship with his dad in Luxembourg. Michael said “ We were 4 under through nine and I thought we were looking good, until I came down the last and someone said we were only one in front as someone had posted a 10 under score!” “No words to describe it, its great, playing with your dad, its unbelievable.” John said “this is the best event I have ever played in. I have played in the World Cup but this tops it for me, it’s the best” “The crowd around the 18th really made it special” The victory was an emotional one, as Johns Mother walked the course during the whole week after the sudden loss of her husband last May. The win was a real family effort.

The Pickfords have won a free invitation to come back and defend their title for 2011 and also won a holiday invitation to play in the US father and Son Golf Championship next July in South Carolina USA.

Ryder Cup Revenge! US Father and Son Golf Champions conquer Europe!

After the hurt of the Ryder Cup Gary and Gary Jnr Carpenter from Crofton, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, have just put the pride back into American golf hearts by just winning the European Father and Son Golf Championship, topping off an incredible year by becoming the undisputed American and European Father and Son Golf Champions.

In July they teed it up against over 600 other Father and Son teams from all over America to win the US Father and Son Golf Championships at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. As a result they won a free holiday invitation to compete in the European Father and Son Golf Championship at El Rompido in Southern Spain.

This colourful and popular Father and Son Team came with their wife’s on a trip of a lifetime to Spain. Neither of them had ever travelled outside of the States before let alone Spain, making their victory even more remarkable.

After getting themselves into contention after day two in this two ball better ball format, the Carpenters showed why they are Champions of America by shooting an incredible 10- under par better ball on the last day to take the European Title by four strokes from their nearest rivals the Braileys and Perkins. Over 180 finalists competed from all over Europe and indeed the world with the Australian Champions also attending. Teams from Poland, Italy, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Denmark, Finland, US, Australia, Luxembourg to name a few..

Six Handicapper Gary Snr (59) has been a member of his local Crofton Golf Club for over 40 years where he introduced Gary Jnr (35) to the club as a little boy. Gary Jnr plays off a plus one handicap and enjoyed a successful amateur career winning his high school State Maryland Championship. Gary Snr said “we have shot the lowest number we have ever shot as a two man, -10, after the front nine we go three under thru five and im thinking ‘look out’ here we go! Gary Jnr said “Pop’s hit 12 greens and i hit 16, twenty eight times we had birdie putts today” Gary Jnr was -7 gross with his own ball. Gary Snr Said ” The playing is just part of it, with your son, but i am just stunned at the camaraderie, the friendliness and friendship of the people we have met and the way we have been received and treated here in Europe. We can’t wait to come back and defend our title in 2011” Gary Jnr Said “To hear the USA chants coming down 18 was truly an honour, to be Father and Son Champions of the US and Europe is so cool it has not sunk in yet”

The Carpenters have qualified won a free holiday invitation to come back and defend their European title for 2011, in the meantime they can tell America, “We bought the European Cup back”! None other than Arnold Palmer wrote to them to congratulate them on their victory (see letter here )

Carpenters Telephone Interview

Event Summary
This years Father and Son Golf Championship held El Rompido on the Costa de la Luz, Huelva, Andalucía Spain during the 26th – 31st October 2010 concluded yet another excellent and successful event.

The Handicap championship was once again hottley contested. Last years champions The Doolans from Ireland managed to get themselves into the lead after the first two days with a very solid 41 41 points alongside the Rounds from Wolverhampton who both went out the final group on the last day. However they both fell away on the final day where others were surging forward to claim the trophy. The invited US champions Gary Snr & Jnr Carpenter from Maryland USA eventually won the Handicap championship by a decisive 4 clear shots by shooting an eye watering 10 under with their better ball on the last day for a 54 hole total of 127 shooting scores of 41 39 47. The event is a two ball better ball stableford competition with ¾ handicap. 47 points now goes into the event record books as the highest days point total in the history of the event.

The Carpenters nearest challengers were the Brailey and Perkin teams from the UK. They battled between themselves all day, however all in vain because the Carpenters had already posted a winning score. Mark Brailey a three time attendant of the event confessed they wasted few shots out on the course and could have caught the Carpenters, alas it was never to be. Although disappointed both teams both said playing the last hole to the crowds was an experience they will never forget!

At the same time John and Michael Pickford from Luxembourg took the Scratch Championship from the clearest rivals the Carpenters. Although Gary Carpenter Jnr shoot a gross 7 under with his own ball it was not enough to catch these two Golf professionals who carded 41 37 44 points for a 122 total (-14 under) to win by two clear shots. Playing down the last, assistant Professional Michael calmly hit his 100 yard pitch shot right at the flag leaving himself a simple 4 foot birdie putt to take the championship. A delighted Michael expressed this was the best golfing experience of his life. His dad John who has played the World Cup alongside the world’s best, also exclaimed this win was better than any event he has ever played in.

So there concluded the third year of this ever growing event. There was a special feel to the event having the Australian Champions ‘George and Ben Matthieson and the US Champions the Carpenters from Maryland and last but not least our mascot Norman Taylor all contributed to the positive atmosphere. Some say this was the best event so far, but that would be subjective as every championship so far has had a great finish. This was the biggest field ever seen with 180 fathers and sons playing over two courses the North and South. The South is a tighter course with some very precise shots required especially on the back nine. The North is slightly longer and more open and less ‘tricky’. Both courses greens were superb during the event and seemed popular with the field.

The weather during the week was generally good. Staring the week with clear blue skies and warming to a very pleasant 75 degrees up until Wednesday. Thursday was forecast rain which never materialised and turned out to be another pleasant day. Gradually though the weather was turning. Friday morning was over cast but mild, for while it looked like rain but it never came and turned out to be a good days golfing. Saturday was always forecast rain all day. Grey and windy in the morning with spurts of rain. The rain never really gathered momentum and luckily for the most part stayed away. There was a quick flash of rain when Michael Pickford played his approach to the final green, making the waiting crowds run for cover, which was a shame, but within no time the rain passed allowing the event to conclude to a trophy presentation on the 18th green.

This year we saw the start of a new event on the final day, the Norman Taylor Plate, held in honour of the events Mascot the 89 year old ‘Norman Taylor’ from South Africa. The event took place on the North course and was won the American team from Texas Don and Dave Collins on count back from our past champions Martyn and Connor Hamilton on 43 points.

The Charity day in aid of ‘Save the Children’ was won by the fabulous young Jake Benson with a excellent 39 points over the South Course and by JP Heino 38 points on the North Course

The event broke its record and raised over €2,200 for Save the Children which was a great success.
The Putting champion was young Simon Steffenson from Denmark and the chipping contest was won by Polish Boys Champion Adrian Meronk

Winners List
one prize per person policy – ties on count back

CHARITY DAY (Individual)
Winner (North) JP Heino
Winner (South) Jake Benson

Handicap Champions Gary Snr & Jnr Carpenter
2nd Braileys
3rd Perkins
4th Watsons
5th Temperleys

Scratch Champions John & Michael Pickford
2nd Meronk
3rd Kemp
4th Brunyard
5th Smith

Winner Norman Taylor Plate Don and Dave Collins

Second Half of Field
Best Team Thurs Rounds
Best Team Fri Sempers
Best Team Sat Mcnamaras

Longest Drive Thurs R Sillicorn
Longest Drive Thurs M Taylor
Longest Drive Fri J Cooper
Longest Drive Fri M Janssen
Longest Drive Sat R Hunt
Longest Drive Sat I Fern

Nearest Pin Thurs D Doolan
Nearest Pin Thurs M Balie
Nearest Pin Fri N Hieno
Nearest Pin Fri T Fagan
Nearest Pin Sat M Pretty
Nearest Pin Sat B Harding

CHIPPING COMPETION Adrian Meronk

PUTTING COMPETITION Simon Steffenson

Straightest Shot Competition C Soave

Best Halloween Outfit Dave Collins
Best Dressed Team Hoggets

2009

Irish Radio interview with Dermot Doolan winning the Hcp event - click here

The Irish take the European Father and Son Title
Dermot & Lee Doolan from the little village of Clarina in County Limerick Ireland have won the Father and Son Golf Championship of Europe after beating 128 other golfers from throughout Europe to win the prestigous title which was held over the new Greg Norman golf resort Portaventura near Barcelona, Spain.

Dermot 40 an electrical sale rep and his son Lee, 15 playing off 18 & 15 handicap respectively, played courageous golf to snatch the title from the final days leaders, Tony and James Holt from Lancashire, England. The event was was a 54 hole two ball betterball handicap stapleford played over three days. The Doolans shot an incredible 22 under par shooting 42, 44 and 44 points each day for whooping total of 130 points winning the event by 2 strokes over their eventual nearest rivals the ‘Taylors’ from Leatherhead, Surrey and by three over the Holts. Dermot said "were over the moon, on cloud '9' its a great pick up after such a tough year. Lee was really the one who made the difference over the week, he played consistently steady. I played ok on the first day then had my best ever golf on the Friday. The competition seemed to bring out the best in me. Lee on the Friday played the last 4 holes in one under par, i have never seen him play better. We played perfect betterball where whenever i blobbed lee would be there and vice versa." The Doolans went into the final day trailing by one shot, they were paired with the leaders Tony & James Holt in the final group. Tony Holt (50) said "i did'nt sleep very well the night before, i was defiantly feeling very tense. As leaders the spotlight was on us. Getting the first tee with the first tee announcers and SKY cameras it was very nerve racking and we got to the worse possible start starting bogey, par, bogey, bogey" In contrast the Doolans started steady and after 6 holes had gained three shots and took a two shot lead which extended to a five stroke lead through 7 holes after Dermot made an excellent birdie 4 for 4 points. However credit to the Holts they settled down and showed why they were leaders after two days by going on a run of birdies from the tenth, birding 10,11,12 and 13 getting them back to just 2 strokes on the Doolans. Dermot said "This was the pivotal point in the game, we were aware that the Holts were coming back on us. On 14 both Tony and James had hit the ball to 9 and 8 feet respectively with their approaches leaving them good chances for a birdie. Lee had missed the green and i had hit the ball to 25 feet. Lee chipped up to 4 feet and holed for a par for 3 points taking the pressure off me, which i holed my putt for 4 points. Tony and James both missed so we had a two stroke swing and back to a 4 stroke lead. This i think is where we won the tournament. When we got to the 18th tee we knew two points would win it for us. I hit my drive right and blocked myself out and lee was on the fairway. Lee was very nervous. With a crowd watching and the TV cameras filming Lee turned to me and said "dad i am shaking" i told him just get the ball on the green. He hit a perfect wedge to 20feet, the rest they say is history. I cannot seem to remember much as i think i was in the 'zone'. I just loved the whole challenge we seemed to excel in that environment. Lee two putted to win the event by two strokes over Phil and Ben Talyor from Pachesham Golf Centre who won the scratch championship and by three strokes over Tony and James Holt. Some of Lees mates grabbed him and threw him into the lake on the 18th hole. His dad was there to pull him out. They both won s5 Sky Caddies, a free holiday invitation to come back and defend their title and a fantastic invitation to play in the US father and son golf championship in Myrtle Beach Carolina next summer and a years worth of publicity. Dermot summarised the week by saying “What an event. Faultless. Superbly organised, it was great to see all the families come . It was nice to see the kids in the evening making friends. The whole package was brilliant, it was a week i will never forget i am so proud. We are going to have a family party on the 16thand watch the show on SKYsports ”

The Taylors crowed the best scratch Father and Son Golf Champions of Europe

BBC Radio interview with Phil & Ben Taylor about winning the Scratch event - click here

Phil & Ben Taylor from leatherhead in Surrey havejust successfully defended their title and been crowned the best scratch Father and Son golf Champions of Europe held at the new Greg Norman golf resort Portaventura near Barcelona, Spain.
Phil ,50 and his son Ben, 17 played magnificent golf over the three days to post an incredible 20 under par gross in a two ball better ball format, winning the event by a massive 9 strokes over their nearest rivals the ‘Holts’ from Dinckley, Blackburn.
Phil is a PGA Golf professional and runs a very successful driving range business at the Pachesham Park Golf Centre in Leatherhead Surrey and Ben is an amateur golfer who recently has just been selected into the England under 18 national squad. Phil who stopped playing full time golf way back in 1989 to start his golf driving range business now only plays around 20 rounds a year, puts this victory down as one of his finest achievements as a professional golfer, he said “we are chuffed to bugger to win! I am so proud of Ben, he played magnificently, especially on the last day. He shot 7 under 65 gross, closing the back 9 holes with only 30 strokes. I did not play badly but i only came onto the card three times on the last day because Ben was having so many birdies. We played with our nearest rivals the Holts (who were smashing lads) on the Friday and we managed to pip them by one stroke on the last hole. So going into the final day we only had a one stroke advantage. All day i did not want to know any scores, just relying on the fact that if we kept making birdies then we would be hard to beat. Coming down the last hole my hands were shaking and my teeth chattering. I had a 80 yard pitch shot over a lake in front of the SKY Sports cameras with a big crowd watching us and all i wanted to do was get my ball safely on to the green without duffing it into the water, which i managed to do. Ben hit a great approach shot under severe pressure to 15ft under the hole and then holed it for a birdie three. The tournament director Toby Marsden told us we had won and i felt a huge sense of relief and pride in what we had achieved.
On the final day Phil and Ben wore matching logo yellow shirts in dedication to one of Phils brothers who they lost to illness. Since Phil has raised over a hundred thousand pounds in charity in memory to his brother. So it was an emotional day for the Taylors. Ben is currently waiting to hear if he has been successful in gaining a golf scholarship in the US and clearly has a very bright future in golf. They have won a free holiday and invitation to come back and defend their title next year, a free holiday invitation to travel to Australia to compete in the Australian Father and Son Golf Championship in December. Phil summarised the week “This event is going to grow and grow. I have had a great week. There are very few opportunities for me as a professional to play golf with my son in competitive situations. The event is so well run and we cant wait to come back and defend our title.”

Event Summary

This year’s Father and Son Golf Championships held at the Greg Norman Portaventura (near Barcelona, Spain) during the 29th – 31st Oct 2009 has concluded to a fantastic finale. The Irish have taken the title with Dermot & Lee Doolan from County Limerick winning in emphatic style. After scores of 42, 44 and 44 stapleford points they posted an unbeatable 130 points total and incredible 22 under par. The event is a 54 hole two ball betterball stapleford competition with ¾ handicap allowance. The Doolans nearest challengers were the awesome Taylors from Leatherhead Surrey, Phil a PGA professional and owner of Pachesham Golf Centre and his under 18 England International squad player Ben Taylor posted a gross 45 points (9 under) as they had no shots on the final day to post a leading score of 128 points giving the Doolans something to think about, alas it was two shots short shy. However they did not walk away empty handed as they walked away with the Scratch title with a gross two ball better ball total of 20 under par after blitzing the field by 9 strokes from their nearest rival Tony and James Holt from Blackburn. So the Talyors are officially the best scratch Father and Son Champions of Europe. Ben with his own ball posted a gross 30 strokes on the back nine of the last day and magnificent 7 under 65 gross. Clearly a golfer with a bright future and one to watch.
The event was played over two courses the North and South. Both championship quality in their own right. The greens were smooth and true. They rolled at a steady pace over the North but noticeably quicker over the South Course leaving some slippery putts should you finish above the hole. The pins were deliberately put in challenging positions on the final day making for a stern test and deserving champions. Both courses were presented in excellent condition for the event and a tribute to Thomas the head greenkeeper and his staff.
The weather was unusually warm for the whole half term week. From the Monday to the Sunday hardly a breath of wind blew. Mainly clear blue skies and sunny conditions. The temperatures were unseasonably high ranging between 20 to 25c most days. In summary glorious and perfect for golf.
The maximum 128 player field and there non golfing familes came from all corners of Europe. Teams from the Czech Republic, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, France and South Africa. With ages from 11 to the tournament mascot Norman Taylor an incredible 88 years of age! All teams gelled like they have been friends for life. The whole event was played in the spirit it was intended; a fun friendly family event. Old friends congregated and new friends were made.
The official practice day was held in aid of Charity the Diabetes UK Association and in memory of Brett Payne one of our fathers we lost last year. Played as an individual stapleford competition it was won by none other than last years champion Connor Hamilton with a excellent 39 points with George Cardwell and Ben Taylor chasing with superb 38points. At the welcome drink Connor showed exemplary maturity in giving back his €100 winners prize back to Charity which was a marvellous gesture. The day raised over £1000 to the charity.

Day One
The first day of the event got off to a great start with a big group jostling for position with excellent scores over 40 points. Leading the way was the Holts with 43 points followed by a record number of 42 points the Doolans, Taylors, Jensen, Round, Noye and Smiths. Clearly the standard this year was going to be high.
Day Two
Friday we returned to the North course. A longer more demanding course, again the days play was amazingly high. The Doolans and the Holts came strong off the blocks to make claim for the title with two magnificent 44 point totals along with Cavell Noye, Hoggett. The Taylors were stamping their dominance on the Scratch title by paring with the Holts and level necking all the way round until they managed to get a point advantage on the very last hole over their partners giving them a one shot lead going into the final days play.
In the evening a Halloween party was laid on at the New Gold River Hotel at Portaventura where fancy dress and Line Dancing was the order of the day. It was great to see the teenagers come together and make friends and have such a good time. John Mansell definitely won the event for the best line dancer on all fours!
Day Three
The story of day was how both champions excelled under the severest of examinations and came through as undisputed winners. Both the Doolans and the Taylors thrived under the pressure and played their best golf. Doolans posting 44 points and The Taylors posting 45 points. Sadly for the chasing Holts they got off to a poor start and although made a gallant late charge it was too little too late. As for the Noyes they had a poor day by their standards and fell away with their challenge. As did the brave Mansells. The Gearys played consistently well all week and did nothing wrong with their final 43 points but such was the standard it was not enough. A special mention must go the leading best score of the week 46 points on the final day by the McGuigans from Northern Ireland, a magnificent score.
The exhausting day of high drama and tension was completed at the new state of the art conference centre at Portaventura where a superb feast was laid on for the competitors and the prizes awarded to the winners.
Summary
The event will be hard to beat. Amazing weather, amazing golf and amazing people. It was clear the event was a big success and everyone seemed to have a great time. New friendships were formed and we all look forward to meeting again in 2010

2008

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Lambourne Pair too good for the rest PDF

Old Thorns Duo come up short PDF

Round Team chases Duo PDF

Event secures SKY Deal PDF

2008 Photos

Download stream videos of this years event here (coming soon

Well what can I say. What a wonderful week it was. Everything ran like clockwork and we had a ball. Obviously winning was a great bonus but the most enjoyable part of the week was meeting the fathers, sons and their families - especially relaxing at the end of the day.Connor had a fantastic time, staying up a little too late every night, especially on the final night, with all the other young teenagers and is looking forward to meeting them all again next year.As far as I'm concerned it was the most nerve racking time I have ever spent on a golf course. Being in the lead from day 1 was wonderful but very stressful as everyone suddenly wanted to beat us. I was very proud of Connor for keeping cool under pressure, especially the final nine holes of the competition as his father was not quite as relaxed inside.I'd like to than you both for organising such a fantastic and enjoyable event and also for being so friendly to everyone throughout the week. The Sky TV crew were also incredibly friendly even though they increased the stress level in my heart. We're both looking forward to defending the trophy next year and hope to see many of the same faces.

Kind regards

Connor and Martin  Hamilton, UK , winners of the 2008 championship   

If you you are a TV network or Press and are interested in taking free digital edits please contact
Toby Marsden on 01702 680180 or email toby@fatherandsongolf.co.uk