Major Boost For Sponsored Golf Tournament

Beverley Golf Club’s premier tournament just got bigger and better following a major revision and boost to the prize fund.

The hunt for the Glorious Westwood’s champion golfer was re-launched this week in a renewed sponsorship tie up with local charity Stiff Person Syndrome Support Group.

After a successful debut of the Order of Merit in 2012, the club and the charity announced a massive expansion in a bid to extend the appeal of the tournament.

Core changes include a new scoring system, entry for women players, an increase in the prize pot to £530 and more than twice as many qualifying competitions during the summer season-long event.

Club captain Paul Atkinson enthused: “Helping people is always a good feeling. Organising a major golf competition that also helps a local charity is, to me, a great privilege for our golf club.”

The club, Yorkshire’s oldest, which celebrates its 125th anniversary next year, has extended the OoM qualifying series to 38 events, 20 more than the inaugural year. It launches next month (April 3) and runs until the final event, the Tom Mitchell Quaich on October 12, including mid-week and weekend medal and stableford competitions.

The OoM is open to all senior members including, for the first time, women.

For its launch in 2012, a tour professional system of scoring was used similar to the FedEx Cup in the USA and the Race to Dubai in Europe. This year, a simpler format is being used based on individual event scores, with each player’s 10 best results counting towards the 14 prizes on offer.

Club manager and professional Alex Ashby explained: “Despite a hugely successful launch in 2012, we’ve listened to what members had to say and introduced a number of fundamental changes to make this year’s event an absolute must for every adult golfer. Not only will the competition be open for the first time to both men and women, but it will also be extended to include mid-week events to make the OoM more accessible than ever before to everyone.”

One major change to ensure as many members as possible can aspire to the winners’ rostrum is the introduction of a handicap-based system of playing categories to even the odds. Last year, nine of the 14 prizes were awarded through three equally-divided age groups. This year, the three divisions will be created according to the handicaps of the players taking part.

As each event unfolds, players can move divisions – up or down – depending on their performance. This will have the effect of greater fairness for everyone taking part. Members who play well over a number of events could find themselves in a different division, potentially off-setting their chances if the competition is tougher in another division. Equally, dropping a division could suddenly improve their chances of success.

The final major change is a further increase in the prize fund provided by the sponsors, the Beverley-based charity Stiff Person Syndrome Support Group, founded by former nurse Liz Blows, of Normandy Avenue.

Although the prize fund has gone up, the entry donation has not: a minimum of £5 to cover all 38 events. As last year, though, the club hopes members will contribute significantly more, not just because it represents such good value for the biggest competition of the year, but also because it supports a worthwhile local cause whose continuing support of the OoM depends significantly on the generosity of members.

Mr Atkinson said: “We want members to get involved and give themselves chance to be the Beverley OoM champion and at the same provide much-needed funds for a brilliant local charity.²

Alex Ashby added: “Every time a member plays in any one of the club or pro’s competitions, they pay at least £3. As the OoM spans 38 events during the season, for £5 they are getting a fantastic deal. That’s why we’d all like to see all members contribute as much as possible over and above the minimum entrance fee because they know it makes sense.”

Mrs Blows said: “I know times are hard for everyone, but this is a big deal for my small charity. If we can raise a few pounds, that’s great, but the main thing is to raise awareness of this little-known condition, and sponsoring the OoM helps do just that, not just among members of the club but also through the press and publicity the competition generates.

Last year, the OoM led to extensive coverage online and in print, in specialist publications and the general media – and that’s absolutely essential to the charity. With the kindness and consideration of members of Beverley Golf Club, long may this continue so we can carry on sponsoring this great new tournament.”

Defending champion and Beverley resident Ian Goldie (handicap 5) is eager for the fray. He said: “I was extremely proud to have won the inaugural competition and I’m determined to give it my best shot again this year, even though the format has changed so extensively. At the end of the day, it’s a fantastic competition for the club and the charity. I hope even more members than last year will take up the challenge and give me a good run for my money!”

The entry form for the tournament will be available in the professional’s shop from Saturday March 16th.

For full details of the 2013 OoM rules and regulations, go to the club’s website: http://www.beverleygolfclub.co.uk/bergc/

Order of Merit Prize Fund
1st place and OoM trophy winner: £125
2nd place: £75
3rd place: £60
4th place: £50
5th place: £40
Prizes for each of the three handicap-based divisions (nine prizes in total):
1st: £30
2nd: £20
3rd: £10