Volkswagen Masters 2007 – Liphook

published 10 May 2007

The Volkswagen Masters 2007 Regional Finals got under way in fine style at Liphook Golf Club in Hampshire. The setting could not have been better to mark the beginning of the series as a variety of handicaps competed for three places in the UK Final.

The strength of this year?s Volkswagen Masters field was highlighted by the appearance and eventual victory of England A Squad member Sam Hutsby (pictured centre).

Group A consisted of players with a handicap of 9.4 or below. As it was a full handicap allowance competition, +3 handicapper Hutsby knew he would have to shoot low in order to be in with a chance. Last year?s Spanish Amateur champion was impressive from the start, birdieing the 1st. He followed this up with four more birdies and looked in control at three under par on the 18th tee. The 18-year-old hit the par 5 in two but then four-putted for a bogey 6. His round of 68 for a nett 71 was good enough for a one-shot victory and a place in the UK Final.

Group B featured players with handicaps between 9.5 and 18.4. It was won by Andrew Newbon (pictured right), who registered a nett 69, the lowest score of the day. Newbon, who is a member at nearby Old Thorns, began the competition well with 39 gross on the front nine. But he too thought he had missed his opportunity on the tricky final hole. ?I felt like I played really well today but struggled on the fast greens. I got nervous on the last hole and took a 7 after being just short of the green in two. I thought I had blown my chance but am delighted to have won,? he said. ?This is a fantastic golf course which was in fantastic condition and I look forward to competing in the final.?

GF: £25-£69

This Hampshire club was designed as a member's course, not as a vast corporate venue, and the result is a pleasantly, peaceful setting that is thoroughly enjoyable. The layout itself kicks off with an uncompromising 202 yard, par 3. Thankfully the difficulty of the challenge relents halfway through the front nine but the heather that lines the fairways is a significant danger that will test your accuracy to the end.

Paul joined Golf Monthly in 2006 in a junior role and has since worked as senior staff writer and now as technical editor. He writes equipment and instruction content and tests the vast majority of golf clubs that are introduced every year.