De Vere Oulton Hall welcomes home Golf's oldest professional trophy

De Vere Oulton Hall was in fine shape despite the adverse weather conditions last week, as eventual winner Steve Parry of North West Academy stormed to a two-stroke victory in the world’s oldest professional trophy. Since its inception in 1902 the Leeds Cup has been a highlight of the PGA calendar, and returned to De Vere Oulton Hall this year after a five year absence. Steve Parry, who is coached by Oulton Hall’s Director of Instruction, posted a remarkable 10-under par total to claim the winner’s cheque for £2,250.

The course proved to be an excellent test of golf for the field, which included ex-Ryder Cup player Gordon J. Brand. Following heavy rainfall earlier in the week, which caused the pro-am to be cancelled on Tuesday, Oulton Hall’s team of green-staff worked exceptionally hard to present the course in pristine condition for the showcase event. The standard of the championship course was further underlined by only 20 of the 132 players breaking par on the opening morning.

Keith Pickard, Director of Golf and Leisure at De Vere Oulton Hall, commented “With so much history surrounding the De Vere Leeds Cup, it’s fantastic to host the event again this year. Having Steve as a winner is great; he’s a real credit to his coach, Mark Pearson, and the fantastic facilities that we have at Oulton Hall. It was unfortunate that the weather was not on our side, but it is testament to Jim Brown, our Course and Estates Manager, and his team that we were able to present the course in such great condition and see some great scoring.”

The victory was Parry’s second of the season and helps to solidify his position at the top of the PGA Northern Order of Merit, 30 points clear of De Vere Leeds Cup runner-up Mark Allen. The win is the second of a sensational season for Parry, and was particularly sweet as it came at the home club of his coach. Following his victory, Parry commented, “To win the Leeds Cup is fantastic; especially at Oulton Hall where my coach, Mark Pearson, is based. I've been working with Mark for most of the season and he has really given me the confidence to go out and try to win every week. The facilities at the Oulton Hall academy are second to none, and the course has been immaculate all week.” Director of Instruction at De Vere Oulton Hall, Mark Pearson, added, “Steve has the game for the European Tour and I expect him to use this season, and the De Vere Leeds Cup victory, as a springboard towards that goal.”

Oulton Hall offers golfers of all standards a testing 27 championship hole complex in stunning picturesque surroundings. Further information about the golf facilities on offer at the resort can be found by logging onto www.devere-hotels.com.