NCG meets Brabazon Trophy challengers
National Club Golfer’s James Savage and Karl Hansell joined some of England’s top players in getting a close look at one of the most prestigious trophies in the amateur game.
Notts, better known as Hollinwell, will host the championship in June and NCG challenged club members and England squad members to a round at the venue.
They were joined by former champion Charlie Banks, a member at Hollnwell who won the Brabazon there in 1983. He renewed his acquaintance with the trophy as he remembered a triumph which had left him feeling “quite shaky”.
‘You have to take your punishment and get out straight away’ The course, he said, had changed in the 32 years since his victory and is notably longer. However, the main challenge will be the wispy, unforgiving rough.
The senior international said: “The grass will be waving and it will be about 18-inches deep. You will be able to see the ball and the temptation is to hit something long, and then go all over the place. You have to take your punishment and get out straight away.”
The Brabazon Trophy – officially named the English men’s open amateur stroke play championship – is arguably the top stroke play event in the world for amateur men.
It will attract an international entry and Major champions Sandy Lyle and Charl Schwartzel are among the past winners.
Spectators are welcome, with admission free.
At the preview event, James battle Stockport golfer Sean Towndrow, while Karl was paired with Berkhamsted trophy winner Luke Johnson. In both cases, the journalists were roundly beaten.
Other squad members to take part in the day were Dan Brown, Adam Chapman, Tom Gandy, Nick Marsh and Michael Saunders.
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