West of England Open Competitions

In 2008, Graham Gregg from Burnham and Berrow Golf Club, together with Dennis Longden from the Somerset Golf Union, started the idea of the West of England Seniors Scratch Open competition. This received the support of the committees of both organisations, and the Club agreed that they would be happy to host the tournament whilst the Union would be responsible for the administration and running of the event.

The first competition was won by Doug Arnold from Copthorne Golf Club, and has been played annually ever since. The competition has grown in standing as each year passed, and in 2015 was selected by the Golf Union of Wales as a ranking event for their Seniors Order of Merit. The following year we were approached by the 2010 winner, Roy Smethurst on behalf of England Golf , who wished to add it to their Order of Merit.

In 2018, we are intending to run a West of England Under 18 Amateur Strokeplay, and again the idea came from Burnham & Berrow Golf Club, this time from their Club Captain Peter Amos. After successfully staging the England Golf Under 16 Championship for the McGregor Trophy, the club wished to attract more junior tournaments to their course. The Senior Golfers' Society has also supported the concept, and will be donating the trophy for the overall Champion. Trophies will also awarded to the best individual boy and girl. Somerset Golf Union will be running the competition, continuing the successful co-operation between the Club and the Union.

We are looking forward to welcoming both age groups to Burnham and Berrow to enjoy their fabulous links and sample the warmth of the traditional West Country hospitality in the clubhouse.