South East round-up: European Tour pro calls Tudor Park home
European Tour golfer Matt Ford has been made an honorary member of his hometown club, Tudor Park in Bearsted.
The course is where Ford played his first round of golf at the age of 10, and where he would later work as a PGA professional.
“I have some very good memories from childhood of playing and practising at Tudor Park with my friends – for us young kids it was fantastic. It was great socially and competitive fun,” said Matt, 36. “I can still remember my very first round of golf there – it took me 125 shots to do 18 holes, but very importantly at that age, I beat my best friend by two shots.”
‘It took me 125 shots to do 18 holes, but I beat my best friend’ These days it takes Ford about half that to work his way around the course, on a good day.
This year he qualified for the European Tour, with his best performance in nine starts being a second place finish in the African Open.
“We are delighted to have Matt back here at Tudor Park and bringing his family with him,” said golf director James Ibbetson. “We are sure his presence here will inspire our young golfers and regular members alike.”
Mourners pay respects to tragic golfer Will
An 18-year-old champion golfer who was a student at the Lee Westwood Golf School has been killed in a car crash.
Will Turner, 18, died after the car he was travelling in with friends overturned and landed in a ditch in Assington, Suffolk.
In a statement, Turner’s parents, Martin and Julie, said: “We are struggling to come to terms with what has happened.
“Will’s death has left the most enormous void in all our lives and we miss him every minute of every day.”
Turner played with a handicap of one and had been due to go to Birmingham University for a degree in associated golf management studies.
A spokesperson for the Lee Westwood Golf School, which is based at Stoke-by-Nayland, said Turner was an “outstanding representative” and an “impressive role model for all his peers”.
Morley wins April medal at Woodford
Paul Morley, playing off a handicap of 11, won the April medal at Woodford by a single shot.
Adam Taylor claimed second place after a count-back from Mike Everitt, with both scoring 72 net.
Monty made London Scottish captain
Sir Colin Montgomerie has accepted an offer to become London Scottish captain to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary.
The 2010 Ryder Cup captain will take up the position for 2015/16 after he was voted in at the club’s general meeting.
David Groom, who will be vice-captain for the year, said: “Colin’s a busy man and of course we’re not expecting him to play the full role that a captain normally does, but we’re honoured that he accepted the offer and it’s a great way to celebrate our 150th year.”
Montgomerie will address May’s annual Club Supper via a recorded video and is expected to make a number of appearances at the club throughout the year.
Pin High purchases Surrey Course
Pin High Golf has announced the purchase of Traditions Golf Course in West Byfleet, Surrey.
Originally opened in 1999, Traditions was designed by Peter Alliss and Clibe Clark and was previously operated by Crown Golf.
Managing director Tony Healy said: “I’m absolutely delighted with this acquisition to the group, and this one feels extra special to me as this was the base for one of my first senior roles within American Golf. At that time the course boasted the best greens in Surrey for a public golf course.”
With substantial plans to renovate bunkers, improve course drainage, upgrade machinery and bring in a fleet of buggies, Traditions is set to receive a remarkable transformation.
Former Arsenal and England footballer Ian Wright MBE is a long-time fan of the course and has pledged to return to Traditions for a match against his friend, Healy.
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