FULFORD HEATH MEMBERS BURGE AND BIRCH TRUIMPH

AT THE 18^TH IN DAILY MAIL FOURSOMES

From more than 3,900 entries Fulford Heath members Matthew Burge, age 32, with a handicap of 3 and Craig Birch, age 28, with a handicap of 16, saw off stiff competition during 7 rounds to reach the final of the Daily Mail Foursomes.

Matt’s road to the final at Dalmahoy, Edinburgh on Tuesday 18^th October was strewn with obstacles; in August he was involved in a car accident resulting in whiplash and as his employer was unable to sanction further time off, Matt reluctantly terminated his employment to follow his dream and compete at Dalmahoy.

On Monday 17^th play was suspended due to severe weather, but the Fulford Heath pair qualified on Tuesday morning as the leading two and went on to beat the Wentworth pair, Alan Healy and Alex Paramor in a nail biting finish at the 18^th.

Matt and Craig were two up at the 13^th, back to one after the 14^th, won the 15^th, lost the 16^th and 17^th so the match was all square going up to the last. Craig had a wayward shot off the tee, ended up in a fairway bunker and the pair had to splash out. Craig’s next shot (Titleist APT 3 wood) left them 100yards in. At this point the Wentworth pair were neck and neck. Matt put them on the green (54 degree Titleist Pitching Wedge) only 3.1/2foot from the hole, the opposition missed their putt and Craig heroically knocked the ball in.

Fulford Heath is delighted to be the first Midlands club to win the Daily Mail Foursomes and are extremely proud of Matthew and Craig, the trophy will be prominently displayed in the clubhouse for the next 12 months.