Published: Friday, 05th November 2010

Irish eyes were smiling at The Colonial Club, Texas, as the pairing of Brendan McGovern and Robert Giles claimed the TGI Golf/Nike Oven 4ball Championship.

The duo from the Emerald Isle saw off their challengers from England and Scotland to win the event, organised by Nike Golf and TGI Golf, Europe’s leading buying group for golf professionals.

McGovern, from Headfort Golf Club, Kells and Giles from Greenore Golf Club, Co Louth, scored 42 to claim the top prize by just a single stabelford point from England’s Bryn Morris (Kibworth) and Mick Taylor (Shirley Park). Scottish pair Stuart Syme (Dumfries and County) and Gary McFarlane (Clober) were in third place with 38 points.

The six players qualified for four-day trip to Texas, USA, by winning one of three national qualifiers held at Walmley Golf Club, England, Newlands Golf Club, Ireland and Glenbervie Golf Club, Scotland.

By winning those qualifiers the three pairs were treated to a luxury trip of a lifetime for the final, played at The Colonial Country Club. As well as playing the final, the golfers were given a tour of The Oven, Nike Golf’s research and development facility in Fort Worth, Texas.

Over the course of the four-days the six TGI Golf members were given an in-depth two-day tour of The Oven, where they were able to test out Nike’s newest equipment and saw how the company manufactures its clubs.

Winner McGovern, said: “Nike looked after us from the moment we landed till the moment we left, we had great accommodation, amazing hospitality and evening entertainment and, of course, the golf course was fantastic.

“The Colonial was a great course and to win there is a great feeling. We had no idea how we were doing, we had an inkling we were doing ok, but as we were the first pairing we didn’t know how the groups behind were getting on.”

McGovern added: “Rob and I played well together, he certainly kept us in it at times on the front nine, and I played well on the back nine so we dovetailed quite well.”

Stuart Syme, who finished third with his Scotland partner Gary McFarlane, was very excited about his trip.

He said: “To play at a PGA Tour venue was a great moment in my career, despite finishing third we really enjoyed the trip. Nike and TGI put on a great event, first class travel all the way and set up a great itinerary, not just the golf, we also saw a basketball game and the two days we spent in The Oven were amazing.

“The guys in the Oven were very knowledgeable and took us through all the R&D work, it really opened your eyes to the depth the companies put into golf club and golf ball design.”

Gregor Munro, TGI Golf Retail Development Manager, said: “The trip was an amazing experience for everyone involved and it was a lot more than just a golf trip. There was a real educational aspect to it too, with the members learning all about the technology and research involved in building equipment, something they can take back and pass on to their customers when talking about their golf equipment.”

David Barton, Nike Golf UK & Ireland Sales Manager, added: “This was the first year that Nike Golf has held this event and we were extremely happy with the participation of TGI Golf members in the qualifying rounds.

“The Oven is a fantastic state of the art facility in Texas that we are extremely proud of at Nike Golf, and the response from the TGI members was incredible. Nike Golf is extremely committed to the green grass professional and it was a pleasure to involve TGI Golf members, connecting them with the brand and demonstrating the substantial investment in R&D and product innovation.

“I would like to thank TGI Golf for the opportunity and look forward to continuing the relationship long into the future.”

ENDS

Picture caption: Brendon McGovern (right) and Robert Giles (left) celebrate winning the TGI Golf/Nike Golf Oven 4Ball Championship at The Colonial, Texas.

Press release issued on behalf of TGI Golf by Landmark Media International Ltd

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Matthew Millard

Landmark Media

Tel: 01780 752790

Email: matt@landmark-media.com

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