Duo heading to the Ryder Cup after Golf GameBook glory

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Stephen Woods and Craig Carrington are on the Road to Gleneagles with BMW having seen off ten other pairs at the Belfry Playoff yesterday.

The event – played on the famous Brabazon course – was the culmination of a free-to-enter competition powered by live social scoring platform Golf GameBook. The pair from Milton Keynes scored 42 points to claim tickets to the Ryder Cup and a Titleist club fitting.

‘We played poorly individually but as a pair it just worked,’ said Stephen. ‘On alternate holes we decided to turn up. I was scoring then blobbing all the way round but thankfully Craig filled in the gaps.’

‘I had two double bogeys in the first four holes,’ said Craig. ‘Then I finally got my act together. I think we were waiting for the adrenaline to settle from the first tee where everyone was nervous.’

To be in with a chance contestants simply had to download the free Golf GameBook app on their smartphone and use it as a scorecard on the course. Over an 11-week period between March and June, players scoring more than 30 Stableford points using the app were entered into a draw with one earning a Playoff place for themselves and a friend each week. Stephen revealed how he got lucky at the first attempt.

‘It was the first round I played with the app in April,’ he said. ‘I scored 34 points which gave me a chance. We were happy just to be here and the day’s been absolutely superb from the moment we arrived. It’s been brilliantly organised.’

The duo will take in the opening ceremony on Thursday, stay until the winning putt is sunk on Sunday and witness all the drama that unfolds in between.

‘What more could you want?’ said Craig. ‘Somebody asked me before I came about winning and I said “don’t be ridiculous!” We’re just blown away and can’t wait to get there.’

The stars will be out at Gleneagles next month and there is one man in particular that Stephen can’t wait to catch a glimpse of.

‘Rory,’ he said. The reception he got at Celtic Manor four years ago was off the scale and given the form he’s in, having won the last two majors, the crowd’s reception for him will be immense.’

The winning combination were similarly decisive when asked who they will see lift the famous trophy on September 28.

‘The European team looks incredible and the Americans seem to be struggling,’ said Craig. ‘Europe will win. No question.’

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