North East Golf Network Golf network for North East based Business Owners and Executives.

The October event welcomed the group to Hexham GC, with its undulating (and narrow!!) fairways, but with opportunity to score. In the absence of Order of Merit champion, Andrew Verity, the prizes were up for grabs, and the scoring closely grouped (with one or two exceptions). No doubt about the shot of the day, though, courtesy of the host and organiser, Ian Pilkington. Out of position (as usual) off the 18th tee, his attempt at a Seve recovery ended up with the ball veering wildly off course and hitting the clubhouse under the watchful gaze of the chef for the evening meal!! Out of bounds, and out of contention. The eventual winner was Alistair Smith, who edged out Mark Stancer on countback, scoring 31 points. Tied for third were Gary Finley and Jon Cawthorne, both on 29 points.

The updated table is below, showing the final placings in the season long order of merit.

"Which green did you say to aim for?"

Congratulations to Andrew Verity for retiaing his trophy for another year, and demonstrating the rewards of consistent golf, despite a handicap reduction from 11 to 9 during the course of the season. I look forward to 2012, and all that it will bring.

As we look ahead to the 2012 season, plans include wider marketing of the network and events, potential sponsorship prizes and 7 events at which to indulge in our shared interests – golf and business.

2011 Order of Merit

Event pictures can be seen below and in the Flickr gallery.