HISTORY-2009

The 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 Doolans & The Taylors will come back to defend thier titles next year with a free return holiday and represent us as European Champions and compete in the American & Australian Father and Son Golf Championsip. Sky will be showing our event on National Television.

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