Yorkshire golf: Leeds 8 to 15 League sets sights on another successful season

WIKE RIDGE GC 8 to 15 Tigers' captain Dave Williams has a clear view of what he hopes his team can achieve this season in the Leeds League.
Wike Ridge GC's 8 to 15 Tigers team.Wike Ridge GC's 8 to 15 Tigers team.
Wike Ridge GC's 8 to 15 Tigers team.

And his players are already certain to stand out thanks to backing from Oakwood optician, Simon Falk, who has supplied the team with some smart golfing apparel.

Cookridge Hall GC’s Ian Williamson was the man behind the formation of the Leeds 8 to 15 League, which was designed to provide competitive match play team golf for a handicap category that is not served as well as either the low single-figure band below them or the Rabbits section above them.

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On Wednesday, Wike Ridge get their campaign under way when Williams will team up with Jed Thomas in one of four pairings, the others being Tony Wilson and Sheikh Uzair, Gary Hirst and Neil Glover, and Graham Hinkley and Ashley Elliott, as they travel to play Leeds GC (Cobble Hall).

Heading into its fourth year, the league – run as a fourball betterball match play competition – has two sections of six teams each, with Wike Ridge in Pool B.

"After a long and damaging winter and Spring, it’s a chance to show off our new team kit, kindly sponsored by Simon Falk," said Williams.

"It’s encouraging to have a local business supporting local activities. We hope we can become a successful team.

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"As founder members of the 8-15 North Leeds Invitational League, we have had the pleasure of being part of a friendly but competitive group of clubs that, under the guidance of our past president Ian Williamson, have grown the league from some five or six clubs to the current position of 12 clubs in two leagues, which is a very healthy situation for our new president, Derek Fryer, to inherit.

"We have extended somewhat from a 'North Leeds' location, but all clubs are happy with the situation and the opportunity to enjoy competition on a variety of other courses."

Horsforth GC and Scarthingwell GC shared the title last year, and a combined team from the two clubs went on to win the Grand Yorkshire 8 to 15 Champions final at Lindrick GC.