Neil Hole-daway sinks putt

Neil gets that sinking feeling

After 14 years playing a weekly round of golf Neil Holdaway sank the first hole-in-one of his life at Parley Golf Centre.

He launched his Titleist ProV 1 ball with a 52 degree gap wedge on the 110-yard, 17th hole.

It bounced once then rolled into the cup, sparking great rejoicing on the tee.

The hole is on the part of the course that was extended during a £250,000 development of the centre opposite Bournemouth Airport.

Neil, who works at GSF Car Parts in Poole, said: “I had come close to getting a hole-in-one many times, but this was my first.

“I was just having a round with three friends and I hit the ball and the wind held it up a little before it landed on the green and rolled into the hole.

“I jumped up and down and high-fived everyone – I’m surprised the whole of Bournemouth didn’t hear me.

“I came back to the clubhouse and bought everyone a drink.”

Neil, who has a 12 handicap, has been a member of the club for 12 years and plays every Sunday.

Daryl Dampney, manager of the centre, said: “It’s what every golfer dreams of and we’ve had a few in recent years.

“Of course we’re all happy for him – and I enjoyed the spike in bar takings.”

Parley Golf Centre has a number of events this season including its ‘Parley Opens’ on September 19, 20, 21 and 22. There are competitions for ladies, seniors, mixed and men.

And its members have the club championship at the end of July and the entertaining Greenkeepers’ Revenge tournament on August 3.

 

Notes to editors:

Parley Golf Centre in Dorset is set within a beautiful 800 acre farming estate next to the River Stour close to Bournemouth Airport.

It is home to the 17th century Parley Manor and to Parley Equestrian Centre. Wildlife includes roe deer, badgers, foxes and a pair of rare Grey Partridges. And you are likely to see a family of alpacas roaming around too!

Parley Golf Centre opened in 1991 as a six-hole course, but quickly expanded to nine holes and a 27-bay, floodlit driving range was added.

It has been transformed into a centre of excellence and has doubled its footprint.

The nine-hole course has been rebuilt with carefully configured tees allowing for a round of 18 with a total distance of 5,111 yards.

There is a huge short-game practice area, bunker practice facility as well as a state-of-the-art indoor coaching centre.

Also available several ‘academy’ holes from 50 – 100 yards. The café-bar remains a popular venue for golfers and non-golfers alike.

Head greenkeeper Ian Noble is assisted by Mark Gregory and John Morey.

Resident professionals include Chris Brook, Marcus Urbye, Andrew Pakes and Peter Thompson.

 

For more information contact Ed Baker at Deep South Media on 01202 534487 or 07788392965