Hello golfers,
Mr William Harris passed away last week, the funeral arrangements still remain unclear and may not be until after Saturday, 20 August. Bill had been a great friend to me during his time as a member at East Herts Golf Club. He was extremely proud of East Herts and the place was a huge part of his life. I was lucky enough to go away on several Captain's weeks away with Bill, who at the time was in his 80's and he was always the last man standing at the bar. He was always game for a laugh and a straight shooter, he did lots for charity and raised lots of money for the Golf Club during his time running the Pro-Am. The East Herts Pro-Am became the best and highest prize fund in the East Region, the day was famous for the fantastic prizes, goodies, auction and unbelievable atmosphere during the presentations. It was the most fun night of the year at the club for me. Thank you to Bill for everything and I look forward to toasting a large gin and tonic with your friends in honour of you. I'm just hoping you left me these in your will.
Commemoration Jug
Good luck to Ashley this Saturday in the Commemoration Jug at Welwyn Garden City Golf Club. Ashley has had an excellent season so far and we will post his result next week.
PGA article recently released - East Herts - A whole new 'Field' of play…
PGA Professional Daniel Field is hoping the Weston Homes East Herts Fourball Betterball tournament will add a new dimension to the Order of Merit series. Field is the Head Pro at East Herts and has played a major part in revamping the club's two-day tournament for 2016.
This year it will follow a similar format to the popular Dunhill Links Championship, staged annually on the European Tour. So, on Monday, 8 August Tuesday, 9 August there will be 72 teams, comprised of a Professional and an amateur partner, competing in two events running alongside one another. The Professionals will play their own ball in the fourth of five Order of Merit competitions on this year's schedule. Also, they will contest, along with their amateur partner, a better ball tournament.
Field has taken inspiration from not just the Dunhill Links, but also the well-subscribed 'Classic' series that the PGA in England (East) schedules. These two-day team events are annually staged as 'team' events every spring, summer and autumn. Indeed, Field took a party of 14 to the recent Marston's Beer PGA Summer Classic at Royal Cromer and Sheringham. He said: "I could have got 30 people up there. People love it." Field believes the East Herts Fourball Betterball event will offer a similar opportunity for regional Professionals that works on a number of levels. It's a chance for a pro to give back to a great customer, or a networking platform to bring along a good business contact. If nothing else, at £120 for two days on a fine golf course with prizes and meal laid on, it could just be the best value playing lesson that a pro offers to members. He said: "I'm hoping it's going to set a precedent for going forward, how we're going to plan on our Order of Merits next year. Personally, I've invited someone who is a guest of mine for the two days. I'd almost challenge any Pro to do the same - find your best customer and invite them along for the experience of playing with you at a really nice golf course for a really lovely prize fund and table. They can watch you play under tournament conditions. It's a great way of us showing off what we're good at and entertaining as well."
Field also outlined how an element of the amateur's green fee feeds into East Herts, so clubs can benefit from the initiative as well. He summed up: "It's a win-win everywhere."
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