Golf Monthly's Centenary Society day at Marriott Worsley Park

Golf Monthly's centenary celebrations continued on July 21 at Marriott Worsley Park where 35 readers gathered for the fourth of six qualifying events for the Grand Final at The Forest of Arden in October.

After visits to Hanbury Manor, Hollins Hall and Dalmahoy readers braced themselves for the poor weather that was forecast, but as luck would have it the sun came out to help the good scoring and three players took their place in October's showdown.

Mike Tonge, Dave Simmons and Gordon McCrae were the lucky trio who advance to the Grand Final thanks to their winning scores of 37, 38 and 33, respectively, in each of the handicap category divisions. 

Worsley Park is set in over 200 acres of rolling parkland and was the perfect venue for a good range of handicaps to test themselves on the Championship golf course, formerly of the Duke of Bridgewater's Estate.

Sadly not everyone could make the final but with two more qualifiers taking place at Breadsall Priory and St Pierre after the day at Worsley Park, competition for places was fierce.

Tonge's 37 points in the 0-9 handicap category was enough to see him through despite a poor opening hole and he picked up the Longest Drive prize on 18 for an added bonus.

Meanwhile, Simmons advanced to The Forest of Arden thanks to a haul of 38 points in the 11-14 handicap division, which included an eagle two at the par-4 3rd, rated the hardest hole on the course.

The final place deservedly went to Gordon McCrae who had a hole in one en route to taking the 15+ handicap category with 33 points. 

A big thanks to everyone who took part and made the day so enjoyable. A big thank you also to everyone at Marriott and the greenkeeping staff for having the course in such great shape.

We'll be looking to run similar competitions next year so make sure you keep an eye on the Golf Monthly website and in the magazine for further details. 

Pictures from Marriott Worsley Park:

Golf Monthly Centenary Society pictures gallery