Tournament extended
GOLF
THE demands of modern golf have led to changes in the Duncan Putter competition that is staged annually at Southerndown, writes Tony Poole.
The Duncan Putter signals the start of the Golf Union of Wales (GUW) season, but recently it’s slipped down world rankings.
The decline is down to the number of world ranked players opting to tee it up at Southerndown.
Clashes with other tournaments have also impacted while a 36-hole format over two days (Saturday and Sunday) are other factors in top European amateur players giving it a wide berth.
However, following consultation with the GUW, players and Southerndown director of golf John Peters, it’s been decided as from next year the tournament will be extended to three days.
One round will now be staged on the two opening days (Friday and Saturday) with the final 36 holes played on Sunday.
It would also allow an increase in competitors from the current capacity of 66 players up to 100.
The pace of the tournament would also be less frantic, as in the past there have been problems getting rounds completed in daylight hours.
The GUW have sanctioned the move, and it will be tested for a first time next April.
New dates have been released with the Duncan Putter Dinner being held on April 4; Practice Day (April 5) while 18 holes will be contested on both April 6 and 7.
Players will then tee it up over 36 holes on the final day (Sunday, April 8).
Another area to be addressed is player accommodation in the Bridgend area.
To alleviate the problem, members will be consulted to see if they can lend a helping hand in hospitality.
It’s hoped these moves will get the Duncan Putter back as one of the premier tournaments on the amateur scene.
The final winner under the old format last April was teenager Charlie Strickland of the Ham Manor club in West Sussex
He carded a six-under par total of 274 to win the event by six shots. .