Golf Factor 2011 Information Update

Midlands Golf Factor Final

Gay Hill Golf Club in the Midlands hosted the final of the Midlands area Golf Factor competition this weekend (25th July). Competitors and spectators were treated to some fine weather and even better golf played on a compact golf course in great condition.

The tournament produced a very worthy winner in the shape of 10 year old Rhys Hopkins who scored 36 points of a handicap of 24 and displayed enthusiasm, maturity beyond his years and a no nonsense approach to the game which was refreshing to see. Rhys also benefitted from the good advice of his “daddy caddy” on the bag.

Runners up were 16 year old Matthew Hoskin and 13 year old Lewis Bullard. Matthew cut a composed figure throughout the day and was noted for his etiquette and sportsmanship as well as some ice cool play in the hot sun, making great pars at the tricky 17th and 18th holes to score valuable points. Lewis Bullard struck the ball sweetly throughout the day and also displayed some Seve-style recovery play when getting up and down from some heavy rough on the 12th hole.

First group out was Dylan Long, Josh Davenport – a runner up last year and Josh McMahon. All proved themselves to be very accomplished players with Dlyan and Josh Davenport firing 40 points each from single digit handicaps but in the end not been good enough to take a place in the final 3. Josh McMahon, the lowest handicapped player in the event off 5, scored 36 points.

Second group out was Matthew Hoskin, Rhys Hopkins and James Hill – James playing some good golf and in particular on the 7 when hitting a big drive which caught an unfortunate bounce into some trees. However James played a remarkable recovery shot from around 80 yards leaving the ball 2 feet shy of the pin and holing out for birdie.

3rd group out was Lewis Bullard, Patrick Leydon – our youngest finalist in the Midlands and Dario Bharat. Patrick played well throughout the day carding 31 points and is sure to figure prominently in future golf factor finals as he has obvious talent. The same can be said of Dario Bharat who despite lacking the experience of some of his fellow competitors equipped himself very well and will benefit from the experience.

The 3 winners all receive an excellent prize package in including a trip to the open championship, equipment and coaching support courtesy of Direct Golf and John Letters Golf Academies and an invitation to play in the Champion of champions event in Septemeber.

Sun shines on Midlands Golf Factor hopefuls over the weekend!

High temperatures were order of the day on Saturday as youngsters from all over the midlands came to test their golf skills in front of a panel of experts.

The young golfers tested their driving, iron and chipping skills in front of a panel headed by John Letters Academy Head Professional Simon Lucas and fellow academy colleague Gary Broadbent who travelled from nearby Walsall.

PGA Professional Mark James ran the Inaugural Future Stars skills challenge for the novice golfers – some of whom proved to be worthy golf factor contestants! Mark also treated the many watching parents and children to an impromptu bunker skills exhibition in the hot temperatures.

The standard of contestants was high on the day and only the very best progressed through to the boot camp in the afternoon. Lob shots, putting and bunker play were all examined with scoring tests for the contestants.

The final is to be held at Gay Hill Golf Club on the 24th of July with the first tee-time for contestants to be 1pm.

2012 Dates announced soon
Anyone can enter and everyone wins a prize on the day!

Golf Factor Talent Search is a junior golf talent competition with the goal of identifying golf talent in the Midlands to help them become the best they can be in the sport. There is golf support up for grabs for the 3 lucky winners, which includes elite equipment, coaching, and personal development at the highest level.

Golf’s high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, manners and fair play make it stand out from many other sports, and it sets a very good example to young people. Golf is now widely recognised as one of the most popular sports in the country with a reported 4 million golfers taking part in the sport.

Is there a Lee or Annika in Midlands? Golf Factor Talent search intends to find out. John Andrew Class AA PGA Qualified Professional and owner of the John Letters Golf Academy will head this event in conjunction with official partners Direct Golf UK & John Letters Golf.

The competition is FREE to enter and is open to boys and girls aged 8-16 living in Midlands, every player will be assessed by an expert panel of judges including Simon Lucas PGA Professional, Gary Broadbent PGA Professional and Mark James PGA Professional.

Terms & Conditions
The competition is open to junior golfers aged 8 - 16 living in Midlands.
All entries will be kept strictly private and confidential. Experts in their field will make decisions on the competition and DECISIONS MADE WILL BE FINAL and no correspondence will be entered into. John Letters Golf Academy is owned and run by PGA Qualified Professionals which have passed CRB checks and have the necessary qualifications to conduct the competition.