Yorkshire golf: BIGGA county secretary Rob Gee joins West Bradford GC

He joins the club after 18 years as head greenkeeper with Crow Nest Park GC in Brighouse, and before that at Upton-By-Chester GC in Cheshire, and Faithlegg GC in Ireland.

West Bradford president Judith Bey said: “We are fortunate and very privileged to have secured someone with Rob’s undoubted experience in course management, who brings with him a strong reputation for the quality expected by our members and visitors.

“With our membership increasing, this appointment is key to delivery of our planned investment in the course, part of which will see new machinery arriving at the club in the next month”.

Gee is Yorkshire secretary of the greenkeepers’ association, BIGGA, and is also a qualified coach. An experienced golfer, he plays off six.

He said: “I am looking forward to a new challenge, and to working with the committee and members to restore West Bradford to one of the premier clubs in the district.

“Membership is up, I have new equipment arriving shortly, and with the support of the green keeping team and committee, I am confident that the club is moving in the right direction. My focus will be to improve all playing surfaces, and to ensure we extend the playability of the course for the full 12 months of the year”.

Masham GC’s Neil Garbutt and JB Stead left Barry Morton (Knaresborough GC) and M Taylor (Ilkley GC) disappointed as they took victory in the Harrogate & District alliance at Bedale GC.

Morton and Taylor had led with 42pts with only two groups still on the course, but Garbutt and Stead, who played in the penultimate group, matched their total and won on count back.

Oakdale GC’s Geoff Thompson and Derek Schallamach finished one point back, taking third place from Masham’s Peter Alcock and Tony S Roebuck, also on countback.

Howley Hall GC’s Ladies’ Open Texas Scramble, into its second year, was contested by an impressive field.

Played over 16 holes, the winning team came from Howley Hall and Wath GCs and was made up of host club lady captain Becki O’Grady (five handicap), Alison Mowat (12), Sarah Chapman (seven) and Carol Price (19) with a score of 60.9.

Keighley GC’s Lombard Trophy Qualifier was won by Luke Roberts with an impressive 42pts.

Roberts will partner the club’s professional Andrew Rhodes to represent Keighley in the regional final of the pro-am competition to be played at Fulford GC in June.

Filey GC’s seniors team enjoyed a fine win as they defeated Kirkbymoorside 7.5-0.5, which followed a draw against a strong Brass Castle team.

Ainsley Scott and Dan Barnes cared a gross 74, net 68 to win the Beck Cup Foursomes and will go on to represent Filey in the Daily Mail Foursomes in 2017.

Runners-up with 69.5 were Ian Nichol and Dave Gilbank.

Temple Newsam GC’s captain Dean Hardy has announced his charity for his year is Take Heart, a charity which raises funds for the Yorkshire Heart Centre at Leeds General Infirmary.

Hardy said: “From personal experience I know what a great job they do. So if you would like to donate anything online please do so by going to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TempleNewsamGC.”