Matchplay Championship success for golf's amateurs

The Grand Final of the UK's largest amateur golf tournament proved a great success at Marriott Taba Heights Resort in Egypt last week, especially for Welsh golfing duo Luke Sandford and Adam Niblett who won with 131 points.

Each Grand Finalist won their place on the plane to Egypt by qualifying at one of two regional finals, and this year's event attracted record entries from throughout the UK and

Ireland.

"It's been an incredible experience. The golfing trip of a lifetime," said Niblett. "We have played in the most fabulous golfing destination at Marriott Taba Heights, met some great people and been filmed by Sky Sports throughout."

In the mixed pairs, Surrey couple Hannah Sneath and Jim Giberson took first place with 122 points. Meanwhile, the non-active men's handicap event saw Bristol based duo Nick Curyer and Spencer O'Leary with 114 points overhaul Downpartick golfers Patrick Turtle and Cyril Morris.

"We have seen some fantastic play over the Grand Final in what has been a superb setting and it's just wonderful to see the Matchplay Championship go from strength to strength," said John Woosey, managing director of The Golfers Club which promotes the Matchplay Championship. The Matchplay Championship recently announced that it will be hosting its 2010-11 Grand Final at The Els Club, Dubai, a major coup for the prestigious tournament which was launched in 2003 giving all golfers, whether they are members of a club or not, the chance to win a trip of a lifetime, all for an entry fee of just £20 per person.

Entries are now open for the 2010-11 event which will culminate with the Grand Final in Dubai on May 7-14. Golfers have until June 30 to enter and will then take part in local qualifying rounds before a North and South regional final.

To enter the Matchplay Championship for 2010-11 or to find out more information, log onto matchplaychampionship.co.uk

Where next?

Win: Win golf prizes What's in the issue? Golf Monthly July 2010