2010 Golfshake Open Review

A wise man once said, "The ardent golfer would play Mount Everest if someone put a flag up there." I'm sure after these 18 holes it must have felt like Everest to some.

It has certainly been a long road to get there. Qualification started three months ago and as they stood on the first tee, they knew all their hard work had paid off.

However, In front of them and the Golfshake Open stood a true golfing challenge.

After almost 300 qualifiers and nine regional events, the 2010 Golfshake Open took place on Saturday 11 September at De Vere Wychwood Park.

The course again played up to it's tough reputation and windy conditions meant the course played it's longest. It is certainly no wonder that the Europro and Q-School have held events there.

The Winner

North West qualifier Alan Gunnigle (6) was crowned the new Golfshake Open winner with 34 points after shooting a fantastic gross 80.

It was some great golf from Gunnigle on the day. After starting with three straight pars his round consisted of nine bogeys and a great birdie at the tough 16th saw him home.

Kevin Thomson (13) was only a point behind in second place. The East Midlands qualifier managed to grab second place by himself from Paul Rix (14) who was third on 32 points.

In the Organisers Cup that ran along side the main competition, it was Darren Millichip (10) who won the trophy with 29 points, four shots ahead of his rivals Phil Eadsforth and Paul Sherwin who both finished with 25 points. Eadsforth claiming second place on a count back.

There were some fantastic prizes on offer thanks to the fabulous support of the sponsors, Srixon, De Vere, Golfbreaks.com and Bunker Mentality.

Gunnigle chose a two night, two round De Vere break at Oulton Hall with a full Nike Custom Fit experience as his first prize. He also got a Srixon package which was a carry bag, towel and cap.

Thomson went for a two night, two round stay at any De Vere venue plus a Srixon Cap and Rix got a Golfbreaks pack which was a £50 voucher, shoe bag and towel.

Conditions certainly played it's part in what was a relatively low scoring day, but those who managed to get round and hole a few putts certainly got rewarded.

Next years event will be another close run contest and could Alan Gunnigle be the first player to retain the Golfshake Open crown? Only time will tell.

Full results available here: /golf/view/5819/scores/

More photos: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/golfshake/GolfshakeOpen201002#