SINGLE FIGURE GOLFERS TAKE ON THE PROS
New Tour and online community launched for low-handicappers

What would happen if a team of single figure handicap golfers took on a team of seasoned professionals in a Ryder Cup-style head-to-head?

Now we know - thanks to Single Figure Golfer, a brand new online community for low-handicap amateurs which launches a competition 'tour' next March culminating in a high-profile team showdown against the Pros in October 2009.

Any golfer can join the club free of charge by registering on www.singlefiguregolfer.co.uk, but only those with a handicap under 10 have the right to call themselves SFGs and take part in the forthcoming nationwide tour.

SFG was officially launched at Woodhall Spa on October 7-8th 2008, when a specially-selected UK SFG Team captained by Peter McEvoy OBE took on a Pro Challenge Team which included former Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup and Walker Cup stars Paul Way, Steve Richardson, Gordon Brand Jnr and Alison Nicholas.

The wily Pro team handed out a thorough 14½ to 5½ beating, although the experience was welcomed by the amateurs.

Paul Heming, SFG co-founder, said: "The general feeling was that the Pros were a little bit more streetwise, especially around the greens and when deciding when to play higher risk shots.

"I think the SFGs expected this to be a bit like a Pro-Am but having Peter McEvoy's captaincy - and proper team meetings and the benefit of his experience - brought a lot more seriousness to the match.

"Once Peter had worked his magic, the SFGs were very keen to take a pro scalp. But the pros weren't going to let that happen easily and they very quickly developed a great sense of camaraderie and were always going to be very tough to beat.

"It was a heavy defeat, but the amateurs absolutely loved the experience and all went away buzzing."

The SFG Tour is the flagship product of the new SFG community, where players compete in qualifying tournaments to earn their place on the UK SFG team, captained by McEvoy.

Each year the UK SFG team will play against ex Ryder Cup, Walker Cup and Solheim Cup players in a grand finale to the season.

SFG members will also have access to special offers, custom-made clothing and travel breaks.

The SFG Tour will begin in March 2009, with regional tournaments which will produce 10 leading players to represent the UK SFG team against the Pro team.

Having seen his side slip to defeat in the exhibition match, McEvoy is keen for revenge when the 'real thing' starts next year.

He said: "My team of Single Figure Golfers saw exactly what it's like coming up against a side full of hardened international professionals. We lost vital holes at the end but our entire team learned a lot, had a fantastic time and came out of it better golfers than when they entered into it."

Jeremy Robinson (Walker Cup 1987 and European Tour golfer), Captain of the Pro Team, said: "All the old skills and competitive edge came to the fore when the games got close.

"I think a couple of our more 'experienced' players even surprised themselves. Some of the scoring by players like Philip Walton, Steve Richardson and Gordon Brand Jnr would not have been out of place in the Ryder Cup. It was a great match."
Solheim Cup Captain, Alison Nicholas, enjoyed two titanic tussles with Holly Clyburn, the +1 EWGA international, losing her Day One fourballs match 1-up with Gary Wolstenholme, but winning her singles match 2-up.

Said Alison: "It was a great pleasure for me to play with Ryder Cup and Walker Cup players. Our team spirit was just like that in Solheim Cup matches and I had the pleasure of playing Holly Clyburn, a young girl who I hope one day might play against the USA."

Clyburn also starred in the day's biggest win for the SFGs, partnering 8-handicap Liam Hannan (who won his place in the SFG team on eBay) to an 8&7 mauling of Roger Chapman and Paul Way.

For more about SFG, including results and pictures from Woodhall Spa, visit www.singlefiguregolfer.co.uk

Paul Heming, Single Figure Golfer
Tel: +44 (0)7748 965227
E: paul@singlefiguregolfer.co.uk

The SFG Tour which will begin in March 2009 comprising regional tournaments culminating in October 2009. The SFG concept is due for expansion into Europe, South Africa and Australian markets in 2009 with America and India planned in 2010.

For more, please see www.singlefiguregolfer.co.uk