The Searles PGA Spring Classic pairs a PGA professional golfer and an amateur in a Four-Ball Better-Ball Stableford tournament. For the past 20 years, the event has been played across 2 days at local golf courses King’s Lynn Golf Club and Hunstanton Golf Club.
Having been postponed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 marked the return of the Searles PGA Spring Classic for a landmark 21st year. Play commenced on Thursday 10th June at King’s Lynn Golf Club with 38 eager pairs participating. On Friday 11th June, the tournament concluded play, for the very first time, at Heacham Manor Golf Club.
"We are delighted that the PGA has run this wonderful golf event for the 21st year and are very proud to put Searles Leisure Group’s name to that as the event sponsor for as many years”, says Paul Searle, Managing Director of Searles Leisure Resort and Heacham Manor. “This is a very special year as it’s the first time Heacham Manor Golf Club has hosted the event and the feedback from the professional and amateurs was very positive. We look forward to hopefully hosting another PGA tournament at some point in the future".
"This event comes at a time which coincided with the recent announcement of Heacham Manor Hotel climbing 14 places in the Golf World Top 100 Golf Resorts in UK and Ireland", continued Paul.
Recently Heacham Manor opened a brand-new facility, The Pavilion, which is home not only to modern golf changing facilities and pro shop but a fully serviced events facility, sports bar, and a stunning 1st-floor terrace bar with views across the course. This served as the perfect venue for the post-tournament awards presentation ceremony.
PGA professional Chris Cutchie of Colchester along with amateur playing partner Phil Clarke grasped the top spot. At times Chris and Phil found 2019 reigning champions professional Luke Goddard of Hendon and teenage amateur Alfie Edgson, hot on their heels, but after a great showing, they found themselves taking second place. Filling out the top four places were professional Stephen Harris of The Shire and amateur Andrew Norton taking third place, and in fourth place professional Andrew Robinson of Felixstowe Ferry with amateur James Ramm.
After securing the coveted win by just a single point Chris Cutchie had the following to say "It’s so important in this format to make sure you both don’t play the same hole badly – and we didn’t have one dropped shot in two rounds. That was the main thing. I left Phil all on his own on the last and he came up trumps – made birdie, nett eagle. Brilliant stuff! It’s great to win and it’s nice to do so with Phil as well. We’ve had a few goes at it and I think we were due, so we’re delighted".
Would you like to sample Heacham Manor's 18-hole course for yourself?
Check out our great selection of Golf Breaks or call our reception team on 01485 536030 for more information.
