The Guildford Alliance, one of the leading winter Pro-am series in the South East quite rightly has had to finish the season earlier than expected owing to COVID-19 outbreak – instead of the planned 17 venues it ended up only playing 13 of these superb Surrey and Hampshire venues events played between October 2019 and March 2020.
Some truly great golf courses were played in the Guildford area – Hankley Common, Blackmoor, Burhill (Old Course), The Berkshire, Swinley Forest, Liphook (twice), North Hants, Camberley Heath, Woking and West Hill but they were unable to play were The RAC, The Berkshire (second visit) and the championship event at Walton Heath.Also postponned was the planned annual trip to Sandwich playing both Prince’s Golf Club (Himalayas/Shore) and Royal Cinque Ports.
However, as 2021 is the centenary year they have already booked for March 2021 an extended trip to play Prince’s, Royal Cinque Ports as well as Royal St George’s and already have 16 teams signed up to go on the trip.
With the end of season Championship which was to be held over 36 holes at Walton Heath being postponed for the year, the season long Professional Order of Merit was won by Maria Tulley (Studley Wood), Maria being the first Lady Professional to win this prestigious trophy with runner-up James Ablett (Lee-on-the-Solent) and in third place Craig Sutherland (Poult Wood Golf Club). The season long Amateur Order of Merit first introduced in 2017/18 was won by Jason French (Langley Park) with runner up Doug Church (Poult Wood) and in third place Peter Young (Sundridge Park).
The Alliance has continued to grow in numbers and this season over 70 professionals and 150 amateurs (handicap limit 15) have supported The Guildford Alliance. The best attended event being The Berkshire with 41 teams playing.
The Alliance would like to thank the Alliance President Roy Sheehan and especially the Captain for the year David Callaway (Wyke Green Golf Cub) and Vice-Captain Roy Bailey (Liphook) and past Captains John Pettitt (Harleyford Golf Club), David Copsey (DCGS) & Mark Taylor (Bearwood Lakes).
Once again, the Alliance has benefitted enormously from being able to play on such great courses and thanks goes to those clubs for allowing the Guildford Alliance to play.
Golf Escapes have very kindly sponsored some Prizes at the various events and provide discounted Golf Holidays to members and the Alliance is very grateful for their continued support. Alongside the event at The Berkshire – with prizes supplied by Atout France,
The Guildford Alliance organises Golf days between October and April and If you are interested in playing in the Guildford Alliance in the 2020/2021 season please contact David on davidgalliance@hotmail.com or @GFORDALLIANCE or your club professional who will be able to help you.
The 2020/21 season fixtures will be on www.guildfordalliance.co.uk very soon, to which they have added fixtures at Worplesdon Golf Club and Hindhead Golf Club.
Also as 2021 will mark the Centenary of the Guildford Alliance to mark this special occasion they will be holding a Centenary event at Walton Heath Golf Club on 16th October 2021 and if you have played in the Guildford Alliance in the past and wish to come along to mark the Centenary please do not hesitate to contact davidgalliance@hotmail.com