23 Sep 2019 at 04:49 | Published by: PatPenguin | Views: 20240 | News search

Michael Smith - Champion  (Photo by BMGA)

Hastings - On the 14th/15th September, a fantastic field of 60, including nineteen International players, took part in the 2019 British Open on the Pirate Course at Hastings Adventure Golf.


British Open 2019 Field

After eight rounds over two absorbing days Michael Smith emerged triumphant with a total of 228 (-60), finishing eight shots ahead of former Champion Eirik Seljelid (Sweden) 236 (-52) who defeated Steve Lovell, third, and Nuno Cunha (Portugal) fourth, in a three way play off. Another former Champion, Karsten Hein (Germany) 239 (-49) rounded off the top five prize winners. In addition, Karsten also equaled the course record of 24 in round 5, a magnificent effort.


British Open Top 5

In addition to finishing in the Runners-Up spot, Eirik Seljelid won the International Champions prize taking home the coveted International Players Champion glass trophy which is his to keep.

Smith had this to say about his win and experience over the weekend, “I’m delighted to have won the 2019 British Open. Although the weather was perfect, it was a real challenge to adapt to new felt and a couple of new obstacles on the course. For that reason, I was incredibly happy with my performance across the weekend and particularly my 3rd and 4th rounds to bounce back from a disappointing 2nd round. For the tournament in general, I thought it was a very high standard of play considering the changes to the course and I felt privileged to compete in a tournament competed in such a friendly and courteous spirit. I pay particular tribute to all the overseas players for travelling so far and making the tournament that much more special with their presence and to all the members of the Executive Committee for their hard work and organisation across the weekend. It was a superbly organised tournament. As always, enormous gratitude is also owed to Hastings Adventure Golf for hosting the tournament and their customary excellent hospitality and generous food discounts.”

There were a variety of prizes available over the course of the weekend and the prize winners were as follows:

- Will Donnelly had the most aces of players outside the cash prize winners with 52 aces across the eight rounds.

- In the Category 3&4 competition there was a Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club clean sweep. Paul Tutt took the Gold medal with a total of 269 (-19), Tim Novis took Silver with a total of 271 (-17), Tiger Pragnell Bronze 275 (-13).


Category 3 & 4 Podium

- In the Category 2 competition, Adrian Amey (Cemgc) took the Gold medal with a total of 253 (-35), Scott Lancley (Thanet Silverbacks) took Silver with a total of 263 (-25), Henri Myers (Midlands) took Bronze on 272 (-16).


Category 2 Podium

- In the International category (for international players finishing outside of the top five cash prizes) USA's Frank Bisesi took the Gold medal on 243 (-45) after a play off with Milan Provaznik (Czech Republic) who took Silver, Daniel Vlcek (Czech Republic) Bronze with a total of 246 (-42).


International Podium

- Michael and Brenda Smith took the inaugural British Open Mixed Pairs title and Gold Medals with a combined total of 511 (-65), Daniel Vlcek and Veronica Reed (Czech Republic) 517 (-59) took Silver with Matej Vlcek and Katerina Reed (Czech Republic) took Bronze on 535 (-41).


Mixed Pairs Winners

- In the British Open Club Champions (UK Clubs), James Rutherford led the CEMGC to victory and the Silver Salver kept ahead of the Midlands Minigolf Club. Team CEMGC consisted of James Rutherford, Adrian Amey, Andy Wilde, Chris Wood, Helen Dodd, Mark Wood, Martin Greenhead, Matt Dodd.


Team Champions

Scott Lancley, BMGA Chairman, had this to say about the tournament, "On behalf of the BMGA members I'd like to thank all the international players that participated. When you have so many of these players the quality of the field is better not just for our category 1 players but good experience for those in Cat 2,3 /4 that have not yet played abroad. Congratulations to Michael Smith and all the other prize winners, and hope to see our new friends next year. Many thanks to Simon and the rest of the staff at Hastings Adventure Golf as they continue to support the BMGA year on year." Thank you to the BMGA for contributing this article and pictures.

Editor's Note: This article was updated from it's original publishing to add quotes from Michael and Scott.

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