North East Round-up: Travellers invade former Ryder Cup venue
Ganton members have been left unable to complete a round of golf after travellers invaded the course’s 17th hole.
It has been reported that the fairway has been used as a campsite, with quad bikes used on the prestigious greens that have hosted the Ryder Cup, Curtis Cup and Walker Cup.
Children have also been spotted using bunkers as sand pits, and club secretary Richard Penley-Martin said there was “nothing we can do” to make the travellers leave.
He told the Scarborough News: “They can just turn up and camp, that’s the law. It’s just a bit annoying when we have no power to do anything.”
The club’s 17th and 18th holes have been closed since the travellers arrived, in anticipation of a horse fair which takes place in nearby Seamer.
‘We have no power to do anything’
Penley-Martin said travellers had used the course in previous years, but they had always “played ball”.
Despite the club contacting the police and council, the club has had no success in evicting the travellers.
Ganton is considered among the top three courses in Yorkshire and recently unveiled a blue plaque in memory of former professional Harry Vardon.
Jones preparing for ‘once in a lifetime’ final
Metal worker Michael Jones hammered his rivals to reach the Lombard Trophy Final at Gleneagles.
Jones partnered Far Grange professional Darren Leng in the regional qualifier at York’s Fulford.
The duo produced a devastating back nine to record an 11-under par round of 61 and the 30-year-old Jones, from Leven, said: “We were four-under at the turn, then I made a nett eagle at the 11th before Darren chipped in from 50 yards at the 12th to do the same.
“In the space of two holes, we were suddenly eight-under par.”
Jones, who has a four month old daughter, put his game on hold last year to get married and start a family. He added: “This is my first year back playing really, it’s been a busy time and this makes it busier. But it’s a nice distraction to have.
“Playing a final at Gleneagles is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Jones and Leng will now represent Far Grange in the £80,000 final played over the PGA Centenary Course at the Ryder Cup venue between September 1-2.
International entry for County Durham tournament
There will be an international flavour to next month’s North of England Under-14 Championship at South Moor.
The field will include 12-year-old Sing Yin Line, from Dong Guanin in Hong Kong, and 13-year-old Liam van Daventer, from Gauteng in South Aftrica.
The event takes place from August 11-13 and will see England international Barclay Brown, from Hallamshire, attempt to defend the title.
Entries for the under-14 event closes on July 27.
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