The Belfry 3 Days

Battling the Elements: Three Memorable Days at The Belfry

Few venues in British golf can match the prestige and history of The Belfry. Situated in the heart of Warwickshire, The Belfry has become synonymous with championship golf and unforgettable Ryder Cup moments. Originally developed in the 1970s by renowned course designer Dave Thomas, the resort boasts three outstanding courses: The Brabazon, The PGA National, and The Derby. The Brabazon is the jewel in the crown, having hosted the Ryder Cup on four occasions and challenging golfers with its iconic risk-and-reward holes. The PGA National provides a stern test of championship golf, while The Derby offers a more forgiving yet thoroughly enjoyable layout. Together, they create one of the UK's premier golfing destinations.

This year's three-day golf event at The Belfry will long be remembered for more than just the quality of the golf. Players faced relentless wind, heavy showers, and ever-changing conditions that tested every aspect of their game. From battling crosswinds on exposed fairways to negotiating rain-soaked greens, competitors showed remarkable resilience and determination throughout the event.

Despite the weather's best efforts, spirits remained high. The camaraderie among players, the friendly competition, and the shared experience of taking on three fantastic courses in challenging conditions made for an unforgettable trip. Every round produced its own stories, from superb shot-making to dramatic leaderboard changes, ensuring the event remained competitive right until the final putt.

Round 1 – The PGA National

The opening round immediately set the tone as players tackled the demanding PGA National course in wet and windy conditions.

WHS Leaderboard

1st – Phil Rank & Tim Sims
2nd – Mark Anderson & Tim Kirby
3rd – Gordon Brophy & Fergus Anderson
4th – Robert Walker & Oliver Price

Gross Leaderboard

1st – James Hughes & Josh Harris
2nd – Dee Pyatt & Steven Pyatt

Special Prize Winners

• Men's Longest Drive: Jack Craven
• Ladies Longest Drive: Debbie Brackstone
• Nearest the Pin (3rd): Craig Armstrong
• Nearest the Pin (8th): Mark Necker
• Nearest the Pin (11th): William Oates
• Nearest the Pin (15th): Tony Barton
• Best Dressed: Tim Sims

4 Hole Competition

1st Ian Fairweather & Mike Baines
2nd Craig Butterfield & Wayne Carter

Additional Winners

• Golfshake Winner: Paul Griffiths

2's Pot Winners

• Haydon Morrison
• David Hackett
• Neil Munslow
• Mark Necker
• Craig Armstrong

The weather remained challenging, but competitors found scoring opportunities around The Derby's enjoyable layout.

WHS Leaderboard

1st – George Tizirai-Chapwanya & Farai Mugwagwa
2nd – Andy Wallis & Matt Burdett
3rd – Harry Chiles & David Chiles
4th – Ian Fairweather & Mike Baines

Gross Leaderboard

1st – James Hughes & Josh Harris
2nd – Jonathan White & Richard White

Special Prize Winners

• Men's Longest Drive: Scott Priestley
• Ladies Longest Drive: Eli Farrington
• Nearest the Pin (3rd): Gordon Brophy
• Nearest the Pin (7th): Andy Wallis
• Nearest the Pin (11th): Harry Chiles
• Nearest the Pin (16th): Dee Pyatt
• Best Dressed: Phil Rank

4 Hole Competition

1st Joseph Bartleton & Luke Bawn
2nd Andy Matthews & Anthony Diamond

2's Pot Winners

• Shaine Quinlan
• Gordon Brophy
• Andy Wallis
• James Hughes
• Luis Haddow
• Matt King
• Simon Williams
• Michael Duffy
• John Moore
• Ian Graves

The final day saw competitors take on the legendary Brabazon Course. With strong winds still blowing and the pressure mounting, players produced some outstanding golf to close out the event.

WHS Leaderboard

1st – James Hughes & Josh Harris
2nd – Josh Gray & Shaine Quinlan
3rd – Dee Pyatt & Steven Pyatt
4th – Nick Buley & Kevin Scaife

Gross Leaderboard

1st – Kynan Stubbs & Toby Swinney
2nd – Craig Butterfield & Wayne Carter

Special Prize Winners

• Men's Longest Drive: Toby Swinney
• Ladies Longest Drive: Julie Beaven
• Nearest the Pin (7th): James Dawson
• Nearest the Pin (12th): Carwyn Rees
• Nearest the Pin (14th): Danny Jewsbury

4 Hole Competition

James Hughes & Josh Harris (Tied 1st)
Jack Walsgrove & Alan Walsgrove (Tied 1st)

2's Pot Winners

• Matt King (x2)
• Ricky Wilson
• Josh Harris
• Ian Taylor
• Wayne Carter
• Paul Smith
• Craig Butterfield

After three days of battling the elements, consistency proved crucial, and the overall standings showcased some exceptional performances.

Overall WHS Leaderboard

1st – James Hughes & Josh Harris
2nd – Phil Rank & Tim Sims
3rd – Josh Gray & Shaine Quinlan
4th – Jonathan White & Richard White
5th – Steve King & Matt King
6th – George Tizirai-Chapwanya & Farai Mugwagwa

Overall Gross Leaderboard

1st – Dee Pyatt & Steven Pyatt
2nd – Kynan Stubbs & Toby Swinney

Final Thoughts

The weather was undoubtedly the story of the week. Strong winds swept across the fairways, rain tested players' resolve, and every round became a battle not only against the course but against the elements themselves. Yet it was these conditions that made the event so memorable. Great golf was played, friendships were strengthened, and competitors embraced every challenge The Belfry could throw at them.

From the demanding PGA National, through the enjoyable Derby Course, and finishing on the iconic Brabazon, players experienced everything that makes The Belfry one of the finest golf resorts in the world. The quality of play throughout the field was exceptional, with numerous standout performances, impressive gross scores, and some remarkable individual prize-winning moments.

Congratulations to all winners and participants for making the event another outstanding success. 

Leaderboard can be found here.