British Par 3 Championship
History
The British Professional Short Course Championship has been steeped in the history of the game since it was first hosted at Torquay's Palace Hotel in 1933. The inaugural championship was graced by some of the all time great players, including many past Open Champions, Alex Herd, Alf Padgham, Ted Ray, JH Taylor and Harry Vardon.
Peter Alliss' father, Percy played in the event, as did Henry Cotton in later years and many other Ryder Cup players including Abe Mitchell, the personal tutor of Samuel Ryder, who is figured on top of the Ryder Cup Trophy.
2011
2010
Cornwall based, PGA Professional, Richard O’Hanlon triumphed after drama at the last hole left Nailcote’s European Tour Pro’s Mark Mouland and Andrew Marshall one shot shy of a 3 man play off. With O’Hanlon in the club house at 6 under par, Mouland missed a 6 foot putt for par which would have put him in a play off. And Marshall, who needed a birdie to make a play off watched as his 20 foot putt stopped agonisingly an inch short of the hole. After the dramatic finish, O’Hanlon reflected on how fortunes in golf can change, “Last year after the first day’s play, I was in last place – and here I am now the British Par 3 Champion – It’s amazing!”
2009
The 2009 Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship was the most succesful to date. With Sky Sports on board the competition reached new, unprecedented levels of exposure. 2009 celebrated the 40th anniversary of Tony Jacklin's famous 'The Open' win and was again held at Nailcote Hall from 4th-7th August. After a gruelling couple of days the Pro-Am competition was eventually won by Steve Carter.
2008
The 75th Anniversay of the Numark British Par 3 Championship was celebrated in style at Nailcote Hall from the 4th-7th August. With Tony Jacklin CBE hosting and playing in all 4 days, the stars certainly came out in record numbers to join in the fun of the historic golf tournament. 2008 reached new heights in terms of exposure, and was headlined on the popular Setanta Golf channel. The hotly contested Pro-Am competition was won by European Tour legend Mark Mouland, with fellow European Tour professional, Lee Slettery picking up 2nd place.
2007
The 2007 event broke new boundaries in terms of being the most high profile tournament to date. Television and media exposure reached new heights including coverage on Sky Sports and there was the highest turn-out in relation to spectator numbers, celebrity numbers and participation by European Tour professionals. However, it was down to Steve Cowle to take the coveted title of 2007 Numark British Par 3 Champion finishing 6 under par, 4 shots ahead of second placed Sam Walker. In doing so he became the first non-European Tour professional to win the title. Steve wasn't finished there though, he also won the Pro-Am team competition with his partner and former England Rugby Union International Tim Stimpson.
2006
The 2006 Championship celebrated the 60th Anniversary in professional golf of two times Ryder Cup captain Bernard Hunt and the competition that followed was special indeed. With the strongest field ever, including 18 European Tour professionals such as Jarrod Moseley from Australia and Steve Scahill from New Zealand, the competition was fierce. After 36 holes rising European Tour Stars Tom Whitehouse and Shaun Webster tied at 7 under par and after a birdie 2 on the 7th hole Shaun Webster was crowned Champion.
2001
2001 was a very special year celebrating the late Max Faulkner's 50th anniversary of winning the Open Championship and the Championship lived up to the special occasion in every way.Ultimately the title went to Midlands' star Robert Rock who won with a 4 under par score of 104, but only after a really exciting three man play off.
2000
The 2000 event produced the first play-off when Jeremy Robinson, from the European Tour, defeated Brian Rimmer on the first extra hole after they had tied with a score of 4 under par.
1999
In 1999 the championship was honoured by 1951 Open Champion Max Faulkner and twice Ryder Cup captain Bernard Hunt. A thrilling competition was ultimately won by European Tour star Carl Mason thanks in no small measure to a stunning course record of a 6 under par 21 in the third round.
1998
It is fitting that a past Ryder Cup star Peter Baker should be the first winner in the new era. For those who delight in the finesse and art of shot making in golf, rather than the power driving of the modern age, the British Professional Short Course Championship is a welcome challenge of golfing skill.
