Thursday 26th August 2010

The final day of the People's Open Golf Tournament 2010 was played on Tuesday 24th August at the Home of Golf, the Old Course at St Andrews.

Our overall winner was Sales Director, Ian Crampton, 38 from Ladbrook Park Golf Club, who emerged victorious to become the People's Open Golf Champion for 2010.

Playing off a handicap of 6.5, Ian scored a total of 33 Stableford points narrowly beating Mark Ferguson, 31 from Brocton Hall GC, and Michael Cotton, 48 from Blackburn GC.

Ian said "It has been an absolutely fabulous two days of golf at St Andrews. The POGT tournament should be played by all amateurs. It is well organised, very affordable and you get the chance to follow in the footsteps of heroes. If I can win it anyone can!! A big thank you to David (Tournament Manager) and his family - I can't wait for next year!!!"

Our Runner Up Mark, Financial Trader and 4 handicapper, scored a total of 32 points and said "Two words... absolutely gutted probably best describe my emotions right now. I missed 5 putts inside 3 feet and the one on 17 was the killer blow as that gave the initiative back to Ian. Fair play to Ian, that shot on 17 was one of the best shots I have seen under pressure, worthy of an "Open" champion! I'll have to try again next year."

2nd Place Runner Up Michael, playing off of a 6 handicap, scored 29 points and said "This is a great competition and played with good spirit, very well organised and a credit to the organisers. Great thanks to my son Jordan who caddied for me. Congratulations to the winner Ian and Runner Up Mark and many thanks to St Andrews for giving POGT the chance to host the event. Once again thanks to POGT and I will be back next year".

The 2010 Final was a great success enjoyed by everyone who took part. We are now pleased to be able to announce the details for next years 2011 POGT Final.

The 2011 Final shall be held at Royal St George's on Tuesday 6th September 2011. 60 players from the regional Qualifying Rounds (20 x 3 balls) will endeavour to become the People's Open Golf Champion for 2011.

The venues and dates for the Qualifying Rounds are currently being finalised and it is hoped to launch the 2011 tournament in October 2010. Please keep checking our website for further details.
Tuesday 15th June 2010
Overcast skies and windy conditions made scoring very difficult on the Lakes Course at De Vere's Belton Woods. The final Qualifying Round of the Ronacrete People's Open Golf Tournament witnessed a keen competition to fill the last remaining places for the 2010 final at St Andrews in august.

Early starters 23 year old golf assistant Craig Brooks (handicap 3 )from the Stockwood Park GC and 60 year old health service official Heeramin Dhanesh (handicap 6) from Bawtry GC were sharing the lead with 31 points until late starter 31 year old financial trader Mark Ferguson (handicap 4) returned his card with 32 stableford points. Mark scored on every hole and finished with a par 5 on the 18th to gain victory by one shot.

Mark said "I qualified for last year's final at Turnberry and having had a disappointing round made it one of my new year's resolutions to make it to this years final especially as it is being held at St Andrews.

"The Old Course and town in general has a special place in my heart as I went to university there and captained the St Andrews University golf club in 2002."

"I organised an inaugural tour to California for the 1st team and 12 of us played the courses of Cypress Point, Riviera, Olympic club, etc."

"In short it would be a dream come true to go back home and win the 3rd People's Open Golf Tournament"

The 9 Qualifying Rounds played throughout the country from Loch Lomond in the North to Southampton in the South were played in a spirit of friendship and might best be summed up by 52 year old qualified golf coach and club maker Bob Hastings (handicap 10) from the Newark GC who was the last of this years qualifiers.

Bob said "POGT is a superb event and gives one the opportunity to meet the variety of golfers that enter and to see the equipment they use. The tournament organisers are very professional and I am sure that this tournament will grow bigger each year."
Wednesday 09th June 2010
Heavy showers and overcast skies made scoring on the majestic Carrick Golf Course at De Vere's Cameron House very difficult. The 7,000 yard course which hosted the 8th Qualifying Round of the Ronacrete People's Open Golf Tournament lived up to its reputation as one of Scotland's top courses.

In spite of the weather the enthusiasm of the player's was excellent and 5 players qualified to play in the final at the home of golf, St Andrews, in August 2010.

Only 1 point separated the joint leaders from the 3 other qualifiers and after a countback the outright winner was 47 year old, 16 handicapper, supermarket employee Stephan Lewis from the Bloxwich Golf Club. Joint leader was university graduate 27 year old Dale Smith from the Routenburn GC, playing off a handicap of 10.

Stephan said "considering the weather the course was in excellent condition and I had a great day. I am thrilled to have reached the final and to play at St Andrews is just fantastic."

Stephan and Dale will be joined in the final by 39 year old mortgage adviser Mark Dingwall from the Burntisland GC with a handicap of 14, 48 year old prison manager Andrew Huggan from the Lenbie GC with a handicap of 12 and 29 year old Mechanical Technician Ross Colsh from the Bearsden GC with a handicap of 6.

All the qualifiers remarked on the great day and complimented the POGT organisers for their excellent arrangements.

The final qualifying round will be held on the 14th June at De Vere's Belton Woods Lakes Course near Grantham Lincolnshire. Don't miss out on your chance to qualify for St Andrews. BOOK NOW!
Thursday 03rd June 2010
The 7th Qualifying Round of the Ronacrete People's Open Golf Tournament was played in summer sunshine at Linden Hall. The excellent Northumberland Macdonald Golf and Hotel complex presented a stern challenge for the amateur golfers who's aim was to qualify for the final at the world famous home of golf, the Old Course at St Andrews.

Top of the leader board was 45 year old resource and planning manager Andrew Johnson from the Ramside Hall GC, playing off of a handicap of 9. On a low scoring day Andrew won by one point from 3 other players. Following a count back 33 year old bank clerk John Sneedon from the Wishaw GC, playing off a handicap of 10, also qualified to join Andrew at St Andrews.

Andrew said "It was a truly memorable day. When I was 10 years old, I wrote to Jimmy Saville at Jim'll Fix It and asked to meet Cliff Richard. Jim made my dream come true and I actually met Sir Cliff, Ronnie Corbett and Jimmy Tarbuck. Winning today is right up there with that memorable event. It has always been my dream to play St Andrews and thanks to POGT my dream has come true. My thanks to the organisers for a wonderful day."

John who will be joining Andrew said. "I was one of the first out and had to watch all the scores coming in. When I learned that I had qualified it crowned a fantastic day. I had great playing partners and thoroughly enjoyed the experience."

There are now only 2 more Qualifying Rounds to be played so BOOK NOW!
Thursday 27th May 2010
The People's Open Golf Tournament, sponsored by Ronacrete, was again in action playing the sixth of its nine Qualifying Rounds on May 26th.

Competition to play in the final at the home of golf, St Andrews Old Course in August, helped produce excellent scores on the challenging Nicklaus Course at De Vere's Carden Park.

On an overcast but mild day top scores of 38 stableford points were recorded by 47 year old engineer Michael Cotton from the Blackburn Golf Club, playing off a handicap of 6, and 18 year old university student Alex Caldicott from the St. Anne's Old Links Course, handicap 4.

Michael who came top of the leader board following a count back said "this was my second year of competing in POGT and my first time at Carden Park, it was a real treat. My playing partners were excellent and my special thanks must be given to Stuart's dad who was caddying and found my ball on two occasions. The POGT organisation was superb and I can't wait to play at St Andrews."

Other qualifiers were 42 year old mortgage broker Neil Calland form the Leigh Golf Club, playing off a handicap of 12, who scored 37 points and 36 year old Brian Baker of Wortley Golf Club, handicap 9, scoring 36 points.

Top football referee Mike Dean just missed out. Scoring 35 points, he was disappointed that he failed to score at the fairly easy 2nd hole.

Tension is mounting as to who will fill the remaining places in this year's competition. There are now only 3 more Qualifying Rounds to be played so BOOK NOW!
Wednesday 12th May 2010
The Ronacrete People's Open Golf Tournament Qualifying Rounds continued at the Macdonald Hotel & Golf course at Botley Park in the South. Overcast skies and cold weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the amateur golfers competing for a place to play the final at the home of golf, St Andrews Old Course, just one month after the worlds greatest golfers have competed in this years Open.

Playing to ¾ of their handicap amateur golfers of all ages competed in a spirit of friendship and respect in the stableford scoring tournament. Defending champion, 2 handicaper Rozalyn Adams, again qualified scoring a superb 37 stableford points.

Rozalyn is a senior lady international who has represented England on numerous occasions playing at home and abroad said "that the People's Open is top of my leaderboard and the one tournament that I dare not miss!"

59 year old semi retired Eric Cross playing off of 9 also qualified from Botley Park.

With only 4 regional rounds left to play competition to qualify for the final is hotting up with tournament organisers reporting that the remaining places are almost full. BOOK NOW!
Tuesday 11th May 2010
The Ronacrete People's Open Golf Tournament Qualifying Rounds continued at the De Vere course at Oulton Hall in the North East. Overcast skies and cold weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the amateur golfers competing for a place to play the final at the home of golf, St Andrews Old Course, just one month after the worlds greatest golfers have competed in this years Open.

Playing to ¾ of their handicap amateur golfers of all ages competed in a spirit of friendship and respect in the stableford scoring tournament. 43 year old Peter Holland, from the Whitely Bay Golf Club, carded a magnificent 38 points.

Peter said "It was just fabulous, the day, the company and the course. I was fortunate to hole out very well with some great putts. POGT is well organised and great value and I would recommend it to all golfers who enjoy a real golfing challenge. I just can't wait to play at St Andrews."

Richard Lamming, aged 47, playing off a handicap of 8 from the Low Laithes Golf Club also qualified from Oulton Hall.

With only 4 regional rounds left to play competition to qualify for the final is hotting up with tournament organisers reporting that the remaining places are almost full. BOOK NOW!
Tuesday 11th May 2010
The Ronacrete People's Open Golf Tournament Qualifying Rounds continued at the De Vere course at Mottram Hall in the North West. Overcast skies and cold weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the amateur golfers competing for a place to play the final at the home of golf, St Andrews Old Course, just one month after the worlds greatest golfers have competed in this years Open.

Playing to ¾ of their handicap amateur golfers of all ages competed in a spirit of friendship and respect in the stableford scoring tournament. 48 year old business training consultant Martyn Worthington, from Ormskirk Golf Club playing off 4, was the winner scoring a splendid 36 points.

Martyn said "the day was a great success, the tournament was really well organised and playing from the white tees with a ¾ of handicap gives the low handicapper a chance. After having a bad accident last year when I broke my hand it was wonderful to be back swinging again and to play in such a challenging tournament with such a nice group of players. Knowing that I have qualified for St Andrews in the same year as the open must be every amateur's dream and I am thrilled that I made it."

Other qualifiers from Motttram Hall were 25 year old Paul Smith from the Mossack Hall Golf Club, playing off a handicap of 9, and retired head teacher Ian Wilson from the Ashton-in-Makerfield Golf Club, with a handicap of 18.

With only 4 regional rounds left to play competition to qualify for the final is hotting up with tournament organisers reporting that the remaining places are almost full. BOOK NOW!
Tuesday 27th April 2010
In perfect spring weather POGT continued its Qualifying Rounds at the Macdonald Hill Valley Golf & Country Club, Whitchurch Shropshire. More amateur golfers took up the challenge to gain the best stableford score's to qualify for the final at the Old Course, St Andrews.

38 year old sales director Ian Crampton, from Ladbrook Park Golf Club playing from a handicap of 8, won the days play scoring a magnificent 37 points.

Ian said "I thoroughly enjoyed the day at the Macdonald Hill Valley course, the sunny weather contributed to the whole experience. I enjoyed both the golf and the company."

"Having played in this event for the past 3 years; I have to say that the organisation behind the scenes is top quality which is why I have been encouraging all of my friends at my home golf club to try the event out."

"Thank you POGT for continuing to offer a fantastic event that every golfer of all abilities should participate in. The fact that I have made it to St Andrews is unbelievable and to play there just a month after the open is a dream come true."

Other qualifiers from the day were 62 year old aircraft fitter Michael Lowe, from the Wrexham Golf Club playing off 8, who scored 35 points and 37 year old finance officer Stuart Heeps, from Gorsty Hill Golf Club who plays off 14, who scored an impressive 34 points.

POGT now moves further North to the De Vere courses of Mottram Hall and Oulton Park which will take place on Monday May 10th. We then move South to Macdonald Botley Park on Tuesday May 11th. Tournament organiser David Dryer says there are still places available at all venues and for a one off registration fee of only £47.50 this is a golfing opportunity not to be missed. BOOK NOW!
Tuesday 20th April 2010
In perfect spring weather POGT started the first of its Qualifying Rounds at the De Vere Wokefield Park - Reading Course when amateur golfers began swinging their way to gain the best stableford score's which would get them to the final at the Old Course, St Andrews.

38 year old health and safety consultant Jake Denny from the Kent & Surrey Golf Club, playing from a handicap of 10, won the days play scoring with a magnificent 39 points .

Jake said "I had a fantastic day, the weather was superb and the golf course in great condition. This was the first time I had played in this competition and I really enjoyed it. I can highly recommend it to all golfers looking for a good competition at great venues that is good fun and fantastic value."

"I must thank my friend Fred Farley who caddied for me and made sure that I kept my game together. I was nervous enough just playing, but when you are on your best score ever it is even worse. I am thrilled that I have qualified to play at the home of golf. It is very exciting!"

Other qualifiers from the day were 27 year old accountant Rob Tedder from Saltford Golf Club, playing off 10, who scored 38 points and Charles Sandison-Woods, a 25 year old university graduate from Mill Hill Golf Club who plays off 7 and scored an impressive 37 points.

POGT will continue to the second of its 9 Qualifying Rounds on the 26th April. There are still places available at all remaining venues so BOOK NOW!
Myself and all the staff at POGT have been thrilled with the comments and praise that we have received from so many players and are delighted that the tournament is proving to be such a success.

This page belongs to you the players who compete in POGT and your comments and suggestions will be shown and printed throughout the year.

Tournament Organiser
Thursday 24th September 2009
The final day of the People's Open Golf Tournament 2009 was played on Wednesday 23rd September at Turnberry and in spite of the almost gale force wind all the finalist expressed their admiration and joy of playing one of the truly great links courses.

England Ladies senior international Rozalyn Adams, 57 from Addington Ladies GC, emerged victorious just beating Stuart Carlisle from Nott's Hollingwell GC and Gary Marshall of the Northop GC.

“That lays down a challenge for the guys next year at St Andrews,” said Adams, a two-handicapper. “It’s a brilliant tournament. Everyone should enter it. It was just wonderful to play at Turnberry.”

In her thank you speech Rozalyn was full of praise for the Tournament organisers and the wonderful condition of the Ailsa Course. She also expressed her delight of having qualified for both the finals at Royal Birkdale in 2008 and Turnberry in 2009, and hoping for a hat trick in 2010 when the final shall be played at the world famous Old Course at St. Andrews.

Appreciation was also shown to Ronacrete, the tournament sponsor for the past two years. Marketing Director Darren Chambers presented Rozalyn with the trophy and expressed on behalf of Ronacrete his delight at being present at Turnberry.

RESULTS POGT 2009: 1 R Adams 33 2 S Carlisle 30 3 G Marshall 30 4 K Morley 28 5 J Keyser 27


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