UK Golfbreaks Final Awaits RMGC Winners

As a kick off to the competition calendar at the Royal Malta Golf Club, we were able to provide something a little different for the members this year. The Inaugural collaboration between the RMGC, SPORTSvox and Golfbreaks was held on the 4th and 5th of September. The event gave the chance to all members with a handicap to participate in a pairs Stableford competition. The top prize for the winning team was a place at the UK Golfbreaks Final. Giving them a chance to win a trip of a lifetime to the Players Championship.

A Unique Event

This was the first time that a SPORTSvox event has been open to all members of the RMGC. Following successful conversations with Golfbreaks we were able to bring a qualification route to Malta for their ‘Golf Pairs’ 2021 Competition. The qualifying route in the UK is via a pairs Matchplay format. Here in Malta we were able to run the competition over two weekend days as a Stableford tournament. The event was open to the Men’s, Ladies and Junior’s 13+ playing with an adult and we had a fantastic turnout overall.

To Compliment the Top Prize, Golfbreaks also provided amazing trips/ vouchers for the 3rd place team and Runners Up. In addition across the weekend SPORTSvox put up two Nearest the Pin prizes for both Men’s and Ladies to aim for. With 47 teams taking part it was a very successful first edition and hopefully we can expand on the event in 2022.

Waterhouse and Karhu to Represent the RMGC

Getting to the action itself and as promised the event was highly competitive. There were several different leaders across the weekend. It was great to see a mixture of local Malta talent and the Ex pat’s fight it out. At one stage we had four teams all on 44 points, praying for their count back to be good enough to take the title.

‘It is always an honour to represent the Royal Malta Golf Club, but even more so when you are away from Malta itself, especially with Golfbreaks
providing such a fantastic prize‘ – Richard Waterhouse

At that stage it was the pair of Ross Parkhill and John Finnighan who were edging out two other Ex Pat’s Harri Lehtniemi and Anti Kumpulainen. Both pairs unfortunately had to settle for second and third places respectively as team Waterhouse and Karhu stormed through on 45 points slightly later in the day.

There was a slightly unexpected twist when the pair of Pisani and Meli-Crosby came in with 46 points to surpass them all. However, there was a stewards enquiry initiated. It was deemed that the pair had not met the required number of tournaments played to qualify as winners. As per the RMGC rules it was unfortunate for the pair. A great score none the less and I am sure they will be back for more next year.

Woburn Sands Awaits the Winners

So after the sun went down on a great weekend, it was Waterhouse and Karhu who could start planning their trip to the UK. The winning pair will now take on a field from across Europe in the UK Finals Day at Apsley Guise & Woburn Sands GC. This will be held on Friday 22nd of October and Golfbreaks have arranged the flights and accommodation for the team representing the RMGC.

‘The Golfbreaks event in Malta was fantastic and very smoothly organised by RMGC. It’s a joy to go and play in England at a course that I’ve heard to be exceptional.’ – Joonas Karhu

So what is there to play for in the final? Well the pair of Waterhouse and Karhu are now a step closer to an unbelievable trip of a lifetime to the US with Golfbreaks. The Winners of the Final will basically be able to fulfil every golfers dream, the itinerary would look like this –

• Day 1 – Fly out to Jacksonville, Florida
• Day 2 – Round 1 King and Bear Course at the Renaissance
• Day 3 – Round 2 Slammer and Squire Course at the Renaissance
• Day 4 – Exclusive PGA Tour experience at the Players Championship
• Day 5 Travel to Hilton Head
• Day 6 – Round 3 Harbour Town Links
• Day 7 – Round 4 The Ocean Course Kiawah Island
• Day 8 – Fly Home

I think you will agree its a fantastic prize up for grabs. I hope you will join me in wishing both Richard and Joonas the very best of luck in the event. We will keep you posted on their progress.

Many thanks go out to the RMGC for hosting the event and allowing such a unique collaboration to occur. Also our appreciation must go to Golfbreaks for allowing us to run a qualifier from Malta. This secured the winners were part of their main Pairs competition for 2021. I hope this will be the first of many events going forward.

Looking Forward at SPORTSvox

Next event for SPORTSvox will be the Arnold Ash Series – November so don’t forget to register in time. Last but not least our Arnold Ash Series – Xmas Scramble should be one not to be missed this year. You can enter your own team. So have a good think and make sure you join us for the end of year celebrations and prize giving.

Good Luck Richard and Joonas

SPORTSvox Team