Challenge Trophy

A leading Shropshire golf venue has held the grand final of the Warwickshire PGA Challenge Trophy. Thirty-two players representing eight clubs from throughout Warwickshire reached the final stages of the Winter Pro-Am Series at the Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel, Golf and Spa in Tarporley Road, Whitchurch, Daniel Parsons, Nigel Evans, Ben Challis and Phil Challis from Lea Marston Golf Club in Lea Marston, Warwickshire, were presented with the trophy at a three-course dinner in the Shropshire Suite after finishing with an overall score of 131.

Whitefields Golf Club who were represented by David Mills, Brian Coleman, Kevan Lee and Sam Lau were the runners-up with a total of 133. David Quinn, Mark Ridley, Rich Orman and Andy Walsh from Rugby Golf Club were third with an overall tally of 134.

The winning players were each presented with two-night breaks at a Macdonald Hotel of their choice and the runners-up were presented with one-night breaks. Neil Selwyn-Smith, from Warwickshire PGA, said players had been competing in the Winter Pro-Am Series for about 60 years. “Eight competitions have taken place between October and March and each Warwickshire club has put forward a team for each of the eight meetings,” he said. “There were usually around 20 clubs taking part in each meeting and each winner qualified for the grand final at Hill Valley. “The standard of golf and the courses were excellent and we all had a great day.”

Robert Elliot, Golf Sales Manager of Macdonald Hotels, said: “The Warwickshire PGA was an ideal choice for us as Warwickshire presents such a excellent catchment area for societies, captains away days and golf weekends – after all Hill Valley is only 55 Miles from the centre of Birmingham.

“The players were complimentary about the facilities here particularly the swimming pool in the new leisure club and spa. “We are very keen to sponsor the Series and final again next year because it was a great success.”