Winter Golf Series 2021 brings outdoor events back to life after long pandemic

 

Moved to April as a result of the January lockdown, Impulse Decisions Winter Golf series 2021 kicked off at Ganton Golf Club near Pickering on 1 April. With 18 holes Ganton’s course is rated in the top 100 courses in the world and has played host to the Walker Cup, 1949 Ryder Cup Matches and features over 100 sandy bunkers, only the lucky will avoid the sand traps of Ganton.

Outdoors, with social distancing possible throughout the event, 80 guests took to the course in the first outdoor sporting activity most people had been involved in for months. Sponsored by American Golf, gift bags included a cap, towel, 3 golf balls, ball marker, pitch fork plus 2 cans of Slingsby Gin per person provided by Spirit of Harrogate. Event partners included Pantera Property, TFG Capital, Northern Energy, Progeny, Slingsby & SliderStock.

Howard Illingworth (Northern Energy)
I don’t think I have ever looked forward to a game so much ever in my life. It is a fantastic course and we have waited a long time for this.

Unlike the two previous sunny days, the weather was more overcast, but after a coffee and bacon roll to start off with, it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. With start times spaced to allow groups to arrive separately and contact free mobile scoring devices issued at registration, provided by GDScore, live golf scoring was available throughout each day.

The format for each event involved Stableford pairs with the best score to count on each hole (85% handicap allowance), Max playing handicap 24, Professionals to play off +2 and Yellow Tees.

Danny Mills (American Golf)
It doesn’t matter how hard you hit it, how far you hit it, you can all play.  The handicap system is fantastic – I can play against a pro or men versus women, it doesn’t make any difference. I think it is about time and we are all delighted to get out, get some fresh air and play a bit of sport.

Stage two of the competition took place two weeks later at Hotchkin Course, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire. Home of England Golf. 18 holes and a challenging Heathland Course. Heather, gorse and 111 bunkers – Hotchkin course is a premier inland course! This time the sun shone although the wind proved a challenge, but a good day had by all.

The series concluded at Alwoodley Golf Course on 7 May, with glorious sunshine, followed by heavy hail showers, yet everyone still thoroughly enjoyed the event. Home to one of the finest and most subtle inland courses in the British Isles, located in a secluded spot, the teams set out to finish the series. The smiles and laughter throughout the day brought the series finally to a close.

Richard Larkin (Progeny)
Very enjoyable – we’ve had all four seasons in one day, but it’s been great. I have really enjoyed it, and it is a beautiful course at Alwoodley.

The overall series went down to the final putt on the 18th Green, with a massive congratulations to The Miller’s who were the overall series champions with a best 2 from 3 scores of -13.

Mark Woolley
It has been absolutely fantastic, Alwoodley is in absolutely amazing condition.  All credit to yourselves for organising the event, it has been very enjoyable.

Impulse Decisions MD James Marsden added ‘It has been a genuine delight hosting this golf series and seeing just how much people have missed outdoor events and sport. We have seen first-hand the pleasure it brought so many, and we can’t wait for our Harrogate Golf Business Day coming up in September.’

For more information and to take part in September, click here!