The Gateway to Wales Golf organisation hosted its seventh Autumn Golf Festival in September, with competitions held at Padeswood & Buckley, Mold, and Old Padeswood Golf Clubs.
Despite heavy rain, wind, and even a thunderstorm, 146 golfers from across the UK competed in the prestigious Gateway to Wales Autumn Golf Festival Aggregate 4BBB Championship 2024.
A Growing Tradition
Sponsored by the Beaufort Park Hotel, Mold, the tournament is now a staple for amateur golfers, offering a 4BBB format that attracts players from year to year.
Beaufort Park Hotel’s general manager, Mark Small, commented:
“We are delighted to sponsor this highly successful event, which is a major boost to tourism in the area.”
Joyce Speed, of Old Padeswood Golf Club, speaking on behalf of Gateway to Wales Golf, thanked the green staff and volunteers:
“The weather was very challenging, but it didn’t detract from the enjoyment of our guests across all three courses. The warm welcome from our clubs ensured a fantastic experience for all.”
Winners and Highlights
The coveted three-day aggregate prize of £150 and the title of Gateway to Wales Autumn Golf Festival 4BBB Champions 2024 went to James Cullen and John McHugh of Silverdale Golf Club, Carnforth, with an impressive 123 points. Their individual scores included:
- Padeswood & Buckley: 44 points
- Mold: 41 points
- Old Padeswood: 38 points
The Mixed Aggregate Prize winners were Ian Broadhurst of Beeston Fields, Nottingham and Jo White of Trent Lock Golf & Country Club, Long Eaton, who scored 120 points.
Daily Competition Winners
- Padeswood & Buckley:
- 1st: James Cullen & John McHugh – 44 points
- 2nd: Garry & Sue Shaw (Poulton-Le-Fylde) – 42 points
- 3rd: Keith Harrison & Ian Gent (Wath, Rotherham) – 41 points
- 4th: Chris Brenan & Alan Thompson (Bewdley Pines & Chesterton Valley) – 41 points
- Mold:
- 1st: Cullen & McHugh – 41 points (countback)
- 2nd: Broadhurst & White – 41 points
- 3rd: Joe Ryan & Gerard Preston (Hollywood, Birmingham) – 41 points
- 4th: Garry & Sue Shaw – 40 points
- Old Padeswood:
- 1st: Darren Palmer & Roger Lloyd Usher (Hollywood, Birmingham) – 43 points
- 2nd: Ian King & Graeme Crowther (Oak Royal, Chorley & Silverdale) – 43 points
- 3rd: Michael Dawber & Clive Carrington (Grange Park Artisans, St Helens) – 43 points
- 4th: Steve Horsefall & Kane Cleland (Silverdale) – 43 points
Looking Ahead
The Gateway to Wales Spring Golf Festival has been announced for 2025, with the following dates and venues:
- Saturday, May 24: Hawarden Golf Club
- Sunday, May 25: Northop Golf Club
- Monday, May 26: Holywell Golf Club
For more details, contact mattpritchard@northopgolfclub.co.uk or download an entry form from the participating clubs.
