Auld Enemies Cup 2011 – England triumph over Scotland in 3-day “Ryder Cup”
Inaugural International Pan-Disabled Golf,
Slaley Hall, Northumberland, 7-9th October 2011
Auld Enemies 2011 England v Scotland
A closely fought battle on the Priestman course, England persevered to win by one point in this incredibly exciting 3-day “Ryder Cup” style event held at Slaley Hall near Hexham in Northumberland, a stones throw from Hadrian’s Wall.
A special bond was forged between disabled golfers from England and Scotland competing in the “Auld Enemies Cup” at the Inaugural Pan-Disability Golf International England v Scotland, held at Slaley Hall, 7-9th October 2011.
Team England DGS Senior Pro David Llewellyn
Non-Playing Captain for England, Graeme Robertson, 48 from Berkshire, selected his team (along with Vice Captain, Richard Collier, from Northamptonshire) with great insight and knowledge of individual player abilities – selections had been made following qualifier events held around the country, drawn from regular attendees at events organized by The Disabled Golf Society. “I am so proud of the team and to have been chosen as the Non- Playing Captain – competitive sporting individuals came from across the country and united as a team. The Scottish Team drawn from SDGP’s Order of Merit has been established for 7 years, England only started in training this season – but under the watchful eye of Senior Pro, David Llewellyn, our team has such promise to develop yet further”.
Day one was Foursomes with England gaining one clear point over Scotland. Graeme Douglas, Golf Manager from Slaley Hall was truly impressed at the end of the first day – “if they keep playing like this, they can come back again!”.
Day1(group2) - Paul Cunningham(London) & Chris Smith (Gloucs)
Day1(group3) - Darren Grey(Tyne&Wear)
Day1(group3) - Joseph Vanaman (Notts)
Day1(group4) - Brian Neave (Aberdeen), Stan Peat (EGU) & Nicki Jones (Powys, Wales)
Next came Fourballs and the day completed with a draw. So going into the final day one point ahead, Team England had a slight advantage but it was all to play for. Teams played through wind and rain for a true test of endurance. They drew level and then England pulled two points ahead – even with Scotland’s Captain, Jim Gales MBE winning the final game of the Singles, this still left England one clear point ahead and the sweet taste of victory was theirs.
“This Pan-Disability International has showcased the true heart of the sport of disabled golf to the world. Players have different disabilities from – amputees, one arm golfers, sight impaired, learning difficulties and a range of mobility issues such as – MS, Stroke, and Arthritis.
Members have been selected based on the consistency of their performances over the year, but also illustrate what The Disabled Golf Society (DGS) is all about – different abilities, genders, aged from 17 to 70, and great team players” said Graeme.
Stevie Cunningham, Vice Captain of Team Scotland said, “We are already making plans for next year’s event, where we hope to wrestle the Cup back from the English.” As well as spectators drawn from across Northumberland and Tyne & Wear, and one gentleman, Keith Pickering, all the way from East Suffolk, the Northumberland Golf Union’s Referees, Stan Peat and Paul Clarke, officiated.
Team-England
