Grand National Golf Club
Staff Conquer Members in Inaugural Brian Doyle Trophy
Team staff defeated team members last weekend in an epic first staging of the Brian Doyle Trophy.
The Staff, captained by Nick Percy was victorious again the members, captained by Dave Yarwood, 13-11 in a match that went down to final few singles matches.
The match has been created as a Ryder Cup style event over 27 holes. One match of 4BBB, one match of greensomes and a match of singles comprises of the event with 12 players on each team. The first team to reach 12.5 points takes the trophy.
The trophy has been named after Brian Doyle, who is a member of our team at Aintree and much admired by staff and members. Unfortunately, Brain was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last year and has been unable to be in work daily and as a result, it seemed fitting that this trophy could be named after him.
The match itself was very closely fought. The first session of four-balls was shared 3 points each with Jon Bowers and Paul Rowlands (members) the stars of the session with a 4&3 win.
The members had a great middle session taking it 4-2 and extending their lead to 7-5 and needing just 5.5 points from the singles to win the trophy. A special mention in the Greensomes for Kieran Starkey and Harvey Pargetter who won their match 3 & 1 and was a gross level par for the 8 holes they played.
The singles brought out the best of the staff, as they won the first 7 singles matches to take a 12-5 lead. Unbelievably, 3 of those matches all went down the last hole, which showed just how closely fought the match was. The members had a strong showing on the back end of the singles, but ultimately Alex Copeman delivered the biggest win of the day with a 5&4 victory over the inform Dave Simmons to secure the win and ensure the staff are the first names on the trophy.
A special mention to Michael Williamson (member) who was the only player to win all 3 matches on the day.
It was a great event and atmosphere throughout the day. It was also fantastic to see Brian be there on the day and see the first ever trophy presentation and lift of his trophy.
For at least one year, it is the staff who have ultimate bragging rights!!!
The Winning Team
Winning Captain Nick Percy with Brian
Members Captain Dave Yarwood presenting the trophy
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