2011/12 Matchplay Championship begins as amateur golfers begin their own ‘Race to Dubai’ experience

The Matchplay Championship, one of Europe’s biggest amateur golf tournaments, has been growing in notoriety since the inaugural event in 2003, receiving record entries for 2011/12 which includes a brand new Men’s singles event. The introduction of the Men’s Singles championship will provide the tournament with its largest-ever contingent of Grand Finalists in Dubai next May, as players descend on the world-renowned Els Club, for the Sky Sports televised finale. For an entry fee of just £25 per person, the tournament has become well-known for its professionalism, by providing amateur golfers with their own unique ‘Race to Dubai’ experience. Preliminary rounds will take place until March 2012, culminating in two Regional Finals in April, which will decide the lucky 40 competitors that will be whisked off to the Dubai hosted Grand Final in May.

“We’re delighted with the continued success of the Matchplay Championship and really excited about 2011/12, which will be our biggest year yet,” commented John Woosey, Managing Director, The JRW Group, which organises the Matchplay Championship. “The great work of our sponsors and staff, as well as the impeccable standard of our host venues, makes this event a success by providing our finalists with a truly unforgettable experience not just in Dubai, but also for the regional finalists at prestigious Marriott venues in the UK. The entries for the Men’s Singles event have exceeded our expectations, which will make for a highly-anticipated event building up to the Finals next year.”

The Men’s Singles championship joins the established Men’s Pairs, Mixed Pairs and non-active Men’s Pairs events, as competitors battle it out in the hope of claiming one of the spots in the luxurious Grand Final. Included in the once-in-a-lifetime prize is return flights to Dubai, 7-nights accommodation at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel and 4 rounds of golf at the world-renowned Els Club, as well as the prize-giving Gala Dinner.

“The Matchplay Championship gave us the golfing experience of a lifetime. I don't think we will ever experience the service and hospitality from Marriott and The Els Club, ever again,” commented Chris Scott-Douglas, runner-up Men’s Pairs 2011. “All the other competitors made the week so enjoyable and we have made some great friends that we look forward to seeing again in the future.”

The Matchplay Championship welcomes golfers from all over the UK, with competitors in the 2011/12 Grand Final featuring golfers from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The 2011 Men’s Pairs Champions were Andy Castell and Andy Billson from Collingtree Park in Northampton, Paul Fell and Joanne Beddows from Wrexham won the Mixed Pairs, while Cardiff’s Craig Sullivan and Stuart James were successful in the “non-active” Mixed Pairs event.