Alan becomes De Vere Club champion
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It wasn’t just Ryder Cup stars and major champions who were competing for coveted silverware at the stunning Slaley Hall resort last week.
De Vere Club champions from its 11 venues around the UK, came together in order to crown the inaugural De Vere Club (handicap) champion.
The eventual winner was Alan Gunnigle from Herons Reach, Blackpool, who scored an impressive 43 stableford points around the Priestman course.
With the win he secured his prize; a spot in the De Vere Club PGA Seniors Championship Pro-Am alongside 1987 Masters and 1989 Open Champion, Sandy Lyle.
Having won the respective qualifier at their De Vere Club venue, eleven qualifiers descended on Slaley Hall to compete in the Final.
After posting 39 points to win his qualifier at Herons Reach, Gunnigle fired an impressive 43 points to top the Final leaderboard. He finished just ahead of runner-up Mike Brown from Belton Woods in Lincolnshire and third-placed Peter Harding of host course Slaley Hall.
Said victor Alan: “My heartfelt thanks must go to De Vere for a fantastic two days at Slaley Hall. Shaking hands with Sandy Lyle on the final green following the pro-am was a truly memorable experience, as he was a boyhood hero of mine.
“I’m thoroughly looking forward to defending the trophy next year.”
“Bringing the local De Vere Club champions to compete opposite the De Vere Club Seniors PGA Championship is a great way to interact with our members, and thank them for their continued support,” commented Jamie Carroll, De Vere Club Membership Manager.
“The flexibility of the De Vere Club has been a great success up and down the country amongst all 11 De Vere venues, so it’s fantastic to bring them all together this week for a competitive, yet enjoyable event.”
As well as playing alongside Sandy Lyle, Gunnigle was presented with his trophy by England cricket legend Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, who is also a member of the pioneering golf club.
Flintoff was at Slaley Hall to launch the DVC PGA Seniors alongside Tottenham Manager, Harry Redknapp, who is also a DVC member, and Ryder Cup legends Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam.
