NDGL 2006 Players' Championship - 8 October
I issued the press release which follows this entry but I must make special mention of the Prudhoe team. Originally, this tournament was due to be staged at Tyneside on 24 September but had to be re-arranged due to the course being flooded.

Our original team was James, Shaun and Neil - our three highest points scorers during the League season. Neil and Shaun, on 20 and 19 points respectively, automatically qualified for the singles section of the Championships whilst James was the wildcard pick to make up the 3 man squad for the team event.

However, the new date meant that James (holiday) and Shaun (injured) were unavailable and were replaced by Kevin and Danny. This made sure we had a full team out but now only Neil could compete in the individual Championship.

All three did a tremendous job and, although we did not win any of the trophies, I'm sure they are fairly pleased with their scores. I know that I'm proud of their professional commitment on the day and certainly in stark contrast to Tim Bull from Northumberland who walked off the course after playing just one hole! I know and like Tim but he has let his Club down as well as himself.

Our scores and positions amongst the 16 teams and 48 competitors were as follows:
Kevin Robson - 70 - 5th
Neil Graham - 73 - 16th
Danny Shevill - 73 - 16th
Team Score - 216 - 5th

Congratulations to Newcastle United who won the Team Championship with a one under par aggregate of 209 helped immensely by Simon Lee whose 67 also won the individual title. Gosforth and Morpeth were second on 213 and Tyneside fourth on 214. The net trophy was won by Prudhoe defector, Michael Kennedy, who shot a gross 69 net 66 to win by two from former net winner, Ian Glendinning from Tynemouth.

Thanks guys, you did a great job as have all the squad this year and I really feel you deserved some silverware, and we have been close at County and League level, but it was not to be.

Here's the press release I issued on behalf of the League.

News Release
For Immediate Release
PRUDHOE GOLF CLUB
The Home of Champions Date: 8 October 2006



Newcastle & District Golf League - 2006 Players' Championship

The Players' Championship has been played for since 2000 and was devised by the League Chairman at that time, Richard Hannam, a current member of the League Executive and Captain at Prudhoe.

This is how it works. At the end of the League season, the two highest points earners in each of the 16 League teams qualify to play in the individual Championship. Each club then picks a third member of the League team to complete the squad for the Teams Championship.

The venue each year is an honour offered to the Club that won the League the previous year. So, this year, the host Club was Tyneside and, in 2007 it will be Morpeth.

The various winners were as follows:
Players' Champion (Gross) - Simon Lee (Newcastle United) who shot a fine 67
Runner up was Seaton Wakenshaw (Gosforth) with a 68
Players' Champion (Net) - Michael Kennedy (Tyneside) who shot 69-3 = 66
Runner up was Ian Glendinning (Tynemouth) with 72-4 = 68
Team Champions (Gross) - Newcastle United with a team score of 209, one under par. The individual scores were; Simon Lee (67) Ross Crowe (69) and Warren Young (73).
Runners up were Gosforth and Morpeth who both scored 213.

"This event gives at least 48 League players, plus officials, the opportunity to get together in a competitive environment after the League season has finished and before the Annual Dinner in November," said Richard Hannam.

"It also helps to ensure that a significant proportion of the League players have something else to fight for right up to the last match of the season. Apart from the top two players from each Club qualifying for the Championship, the League also awards a trophy to the top player in each Club rather than just the League."

- ends -
For further information please contact:
Richard Hannam, 2006 Captain
Tel: 01661 835 588 Mob: 07976 823564 Email: rjh47@tiscali.co.uk

Notes to editors:
Prudhoe Golf Club, the Home of Champions, was established in 1930 and has developed a national reputation for the quality of its course, clubhouse, friendly welcome and its County and National Champions. When Neville Dunn won the British Boys Championship in 1951 he set a pattern followed by Janet Soulsby (British Champion, Curtis Cup and LPGA player), David Curry (Amateur Champion, Walker Cup and European Tour player) and Shaun Philipson (England player and British Mid-Amateur Champion). David's son James is following the tradition and, along with many other players, has contributed to over 100 League, County and National titles. Prudhoe will host the 2007 Northumberland County Championship week and the 2008 Seniors County Championship.