Published: Tuesday, 05th October 2010

TGI Golf claimed the inaugural Ashworth Cup after an enthralling battle with fellow buying group Foremost.

Played over The K Club, the 2006 Ryder Cup venue, the contest followed a similar format to the biennial matches between the USA and Europe, with the two groups playing fourballs in the morning with singles matches in the afternoon.

In an extremely close and exciting battle it was TGI Golf who claimed the morning fourballs 5½ - 1½ and despite a resilient fight back from Foremost in the afternoon singles, which they won 5½-6½, it was not enough to stop the TGI team claiming the first Ashworth Cup 10-8.

TGI captain Parnell Reilly was overjoyed with his team’s performance, praising every member of his 12-man team – Chris Gray (Cottingham Golf Club), Gordon Cattrell (Middlesbrough Golf Club), Gordon Stewart (Cawder), Andrew Crerar (Panmure), Stephen Hamill (Lisburn), Raymond Burns (South County), Barrie Stevens (Beau Dessert), Simon Buckley (Ham  Manor), Kenny Hutton (Downfield), Craig Sutherland (Cherry Lodge), Steve Burridge (The Richmond), Peter Hanna (Lurgan).

He said: “It was an absolutely fabulous performance and an outstanding event. To get two of the biggest buying groups in Europe competing against each other over one of the continent’s fines golf courses is a fantastic achievement. The players were superb, every one of them, I just asked them the night before to give me 1% and they all gave 100%. I couldn’t speak highly enough. “The standard of golf was phenomenal. Peter Hanna, one of my wildcard picks was two under par after five holes, but his match Mark Foreman was still all square. In fact Peter needed a birdie on the last to square the match.”

Parnell, has vast experience having been part of the official party for two PGA Cup and two Ryder Cup matches in his capacity as former PGA captain, and he put this to good use guiding his team to victory. He added: “I feel as captain it is my job to work the passion into the team. I attended all four qualifying events, shaking every competitor’s hand on the first tee and then congratulating them on the 18th green. I wanted to whip up team spirit as early as possible, and it started at the qualifiers.”

The event was organised by TaylorMade-adidas and was attended by the man who gave his name to the trophy, John Ashworth, who flew in from the States to present the trophy.

Eddie Reid, TGI Golf Managing Director, said: “A huge amount of thanks has to go to TaylorMade-adidas Golf, Ashworth and Foremost as well as the 24 professionals who took part, because they played the event in the most competitive golfing spirit and reminded us all that the game is bigger than all of us. We may have allegiances to our own groups and there was always a fear that would overtake the essence of this competition, but it didn’t.

“It was an absolute pleasure to be involved in the event, and while we’re delighted to have won it we cannot wait to return next year and play again. The spirit and the quality of golf was fantastic and was a great reminder to all concerned of how lucky we are to be working in the golf industry.

“A special thank you to John Ashworth  too for attending the event and putting his name to the trophy. So often golfing icons turn up to present the trophy and then leave, but John was at the event for the whole two days watching the golf, dining with the players and attending all the functions, he really embraced the ethos of the event and I cannot thank him enough.” Paul Hedges, CEO of Foremost Golf, said: “It was a fantastic success and created a uniquely competitive spirit in which every player revelled. The adrenaline flowed and some fantastic golf was played. While of course disappointed not to win the inaugural event I would like to congratulate the victorious TGI team who played some stunning golf to beat our guys.

“We are looking forward to the rematch and it will be the very first date I enter into my diary for 2011 and one I will make sure I don’t miss. I know that there are 12 Foremost professionals desperate to be included again next time.” Giles Birkhead, TMaG Field Sales Manager, added: “Congratulations to TGI Golf on their success in the inaugural Ashworth Cup. Some great golf was played over the two rounds and while competitive there was great camaraderie between both teams.

“The K Club is a truly magnificent venue and one that’s befitting of the Ashworth brand, to have John Ashworth in attendance was special, we have had tremendous feedback from those who attended and we are looking forward to next year’s event, which now promises to be one of the highlights in the golfing calendar.”

ENDS

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

Media contact

Matthew Millard

Landmark Media

Tel: 01780 752790

Email: matt@landmark-media.com