Super Salesman Darren Smith Takes Title

Sales director Darren ‘Daz’ Smith has netted top slot in Beverley Golf Club’s 2014 champion of champions tournament sponsored by a local charity.

Darren (49) won the prestigious Order of Merit title at the Westwood club, finally ending the two year domination of town teacher Ian Goldie since the competition was launched in 2012.

The 7-handicapper from St Mary’s Walk snatched victory in the season-long event after a hard fought contest spread across 37 competitions during the summer.

Along with the OoM trophy, he won £100 out of a record-breaking prize fund of £535 shared by a total of 17 players.

Tournament sponsors Stiff Person Syndrome Support Group and Charity confirmed they would back the competition again in 2015. “We raised almost £500 which is hugely important to a small charity like ours,” said Liz Blows, Beverley-based founder and secretary of the charity.

Westwood club manager Richard Reynolds welcomed the news: “The charity is proving a vital sponsor and, given the popularity of the competition, we are delighted the event will be held again next year.”

More than 150 members once again competed for the title, with players’ 10 best scores counting towards their total. ‘Daz’ Smith’s three shot winning margin of 13 under justified his investment in new clubs and long hours of practice.

“I worked really hard this year and I’m absolutely delighted it’s paid off by winning the year’s most important trophy,” said the golfer whose handicap dropped dramatically from 12 in his quest for glory.

“I’m also very grateful to the charity for sponsoring the Order of Merit,” added Darren, who’s been playing for 20 years and been a member of the Westwood club for the past decade.

 

RESULTS

Overall Score/Prize
Darren Smith -13 £100
Andrew Gagg -10 £75
Gareth Richardson -8 £50
Ian Goldie -8 £40
John Blower -6 £30
Age Bandings
45 and Under
Jim Clark -4 £25
Will Hall 9 £20
Paul J Osborne 11 £10
46-60
Andy Wright -3 £25
Trevor Watts 2 £20
Mike Helyard 5 £10
Over 61s
Dave Weatherall 0 £25
Paul Haslam 6 £20
Antony Newton 8 £10
Handicap Groups
11 and Under
Andrew Moss 1 £25
12-15
Steve Gillyon 8 £25
16 and Over
Steve Precious 5 £25