TEAM HOME NATIONS

in slick greens, testing pins and holes like the 10th and 18th that are capable of playing games with the mind as well as the golf swing, and there was no doubt that the winner would be a thoroughly deserving champion.

Iconic holes like the 10th and 18th did, indeed, sort the men from the boys and the women from the girls, with the 10th tee teasingly placed to make many think that it was worth taking on. Of those who did, some found a watery grave; others were rewarded for their bravery.

Rhys Lawrence was crowned the 2016 Titleist Order of Merit Champion, and in his first competitive round with the new Titleist 917 driver, his big hitting also helped him pick up the Longest Drive award. Meanwhile Pat Doran, who claimed the Ladies’ Division 1 title by the narrowest of margins on countback, was no doubt aided by her Nearest the Pin effort. The other divisional prizes went to Gary Wright, Barry Elsby, Barry Wilson, Kathleen King and Liam Duncan, who all walked away with new Titleist stand bags and a dozen Titleist golf balls.

The spoils of overall victory for Rhys Lawrence included a custom-fit set of Titleist irons, an impressive Titleist tour bag, and a dozen Titleist golf balls to help replace any that may have fallen prey to The Brabazon’s famous water hazards along the way.

All the winners – including team victors, England – were presented with their prizes following a splendid threecourse gala dinner, before a luxurious overnight stay at The Belfry. All were also understandably thrilled and proud to have made it through to the Grand Final from a starting cast of over 27,000. If all that has fired your competitive juices, and you’re a member at any of the 1,800+ HowDidiDo clubs, make sure you get your free entry in when details of the 2017 Titleist Order of Merit powered by HowDidiDo and Golf Monthly are announced early in the New Year. Who knows – next year it could be you at the Grand Final. Best eight net scores from ten 1st – England – 696 2nd – Wales – 700 3rd – Scotland – 710 4th – Ireland - 714

divisions, with ten competitors for each country – England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Each team included five men, three ladies and two junior qualifiers. With HowDidiDo automatically collating scores, all the Titleist Order of Merit entrants had...

England took the spoils in the team competition