Golf: Turnill turns attention to a Stateside season

The Chichester-born player studied golf at college in the UK before receiving a golf scholarship to attend the prestigious Darton College in the US.

Following his success at Darton College, Turnill turned professional and became a member of established European golf tours in 2008.

This sponsorship campaign will fund him to play in a number of mini-tour golf events across the US including the NGA tour and eGolf tour with the goal of qualifying for the Web.com tour at the season-ending qualifying school.

However, his ultimate goal from the campaign is to prepare himself to compete on the US PGA tour.

Some of Turnill’s notable achievements include two professional wins, England under-18 and under-21 international honours.

Turnill, who is based at Golf At Goodwood, said: “This could be my breakthrough year and it would be exciting to compete, knowing I have the support of the local community behind me. I would of course be very appreciative if anyone decides to contribute.”

Corporate sponsorship packages begin at £500 and there are also investment options available.

Please visit www.indiegogo.com/projects/professional-golfer-route-to-the-pga-tour to read Turnill’s story and contribute to his campaign, which will close on February 13.

For more information you can email [email protected]

BOGNOR

Bognor GC held their annual meeting, which was attended by more than 120 people. President Chris Martin called on the captains of the seniors, ladies and juniors to present their yearly reports.

Outgoing club captain Ron Stevens gave his report and welcomed 2015 captain Simon Watts and wished him well for the forthcoming year.

There was a special mention to retiring committee members, John Meek, Norman Lee and Gary Steventon, while a welcome was given to new committee members Martin Seagrove and Cameron Lang.

Thanks was also given to the house committee and bar and kitchen staff who have had a successful year. All captains spoke of comments they have received all year on the magnificent state of the course.

Watts told of his plans for the year ahead, one of which is looking at the long-term direction of the club. He said he hoped all members would enjoy their golf and the social events. He introduced Steve Reddick as his vice-captain for 2015.

President Martin said he had completed his three years as president and had thoroughly enjoyed it. He now hands over to Peter Mitchell, who has been a member for more than 50 years.

The following morning, after a hearty English breakfast, nearly 100 members watched Simon Watts’ drive-in to confirm his as captain.

The scene was a palm beach, with a brightly-painted shed and numerous beach-related artefacts, all accompanied with beach music, to recognise Simon’s love of his Bognor beach hut.

He arrived at the first tee on the back of a trailer suitably dressed in a 1930s swimming costume, with a seagull on his sunhat as he sat on a deckchair. He always has a wonderful smile on his face and was supported by all committee members dressed in Mr Smiley T-shirts.

His first attempt at a drive down the fairway was with a plastic beach-type driver and a beach ball. Unfortunately the club was for a right-handed player and Simon plays left-handed. Suffice to say it went a magnificent five yards – but he then creamed his official drive right down the middle of the first.

He sent it a magnificent 191 yards, leaving many satisfied winners on the distance tote.

Junior members had placed markers down the first fairway to guess the length of drive and one lucky junior received a fiver from the captain for returning his ball.

All Bognor members are looking forward to a fantastic year of golf and wish Simon and his team a very successful year.

COWDRAY PARK

Cowdray Park’s monthly club medal for January was won by Chris Hutchings with a stunning nett score of 64, earning himself a two-shot handicap reduction and proving the benefit of his recent lessons with club pro Tim Allen.

One shot behind on nett 65, also earning a two-shot handicap reduction, was Chris Robertson.

Results: Div 1 (10 and below): Scott Dormer 68; Matt Harrison 69; Chris Cummins on countback from Mark Upton, Dan Moon, Dave Lucking, Martin West, all on 70; Div 2 (11-15): Dave Hayward 67; Tony Petras 68; Colin West 69; Richard Smith 70 cb from Adam Exall and Mick Colban. Div 3 (16 and above): Chris Hutchings 64; Chris Robertson 65; Lee Pay 68; Tim Crow 70 cb from Andrew Pay; Denis Stillwell 71.

Cowdray ladies played a hidden partners competition on a wet and cold day. Only a few brave ladies managed to complete the course.

Results: 1 Gaynor Dudman and Ann Tyrrell 61pts; 2 Marilyn Davis and Chris Commerville 52; 3 Jane Holden and Sandra Barber 49.

A gloomy weather forecast proved accurate, with heavy rain causing the cancellation of Cowdray Park seniors’ January Stableford, the first under the watch of new captain Sam Howes.

But the seniors have arranged their winter knockout singles and doubles during brief fine interludes, with the result that most of the matches are up to date.

Results: R2 Sandell Trophy (singles knockout): David Manning bt John Stone; Mike Hughes bt Brian Carpenter; John Newman bt Wally Mitchell; Peter Burton bt John Blockey; Ian Heustice bt David Laver; Roger Poat bt Phil Harrison; David Tilley w/o v Gordon Kendall; Jan de Vries bt Peter Hewson; Philip Singer bt Derek Smith; Des White bt David Evans; Rob Doney bt Peter Hampell; John Durrell bt Colin Tebbutt; Maurice Watts bt John Kitchener. R2 Barham Salver (foursomes knockout): Mick Folkes & John Sanderson bt Barry Overington & Frank Cheevers; Peter Burton & Bernie May bt Wally Mitchell & David Laver; Peter Hallt & Terry Jasper bt Nick Austin & Dave Darby; Phil Harrison & Ken Marjoram bt David Heard & David Manning; Roger Poat & Brian Carpenter bt John Blockey & John Newman; Rob Doney & John Durrell bt Alistair Proctor & Mike King; Terry Adsett & John Kitchener bt Graham Thompson & Jan de Vries. R3: Peter Hallt & Terry Jasper bt Peter Burton & Bernie May.