Golf: More matches move

May 4 2009 by Peter Barrow, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A MOVE to make theHalifax, Huddersfield Union Scratch League more competitive and benefit the Union team, will see more league matches involving more players next year.

It stems from an idea by Garry Blakely, a past Union secretary from Woodsome Hall, and was explained to club representatives by leagues organiser Paul Hardcastle (Castlefields) at a meeting of clubs convened by the Union executive to outline scratch league changes and also the recent approval of girls being allowed to take part in junior league matches.

Mr. Hardcastle stated that this year’s scratch league will again operate with five divisions and with the published fixtures this year then in 2010 operate with four divisions.

The top three divisions will consist of six teams with five teams making up the fourth division.

Additionally, in divisions one and two only, teams will consist of five players rather than four.

The final aspect of this revised league is that two teams will be promoted and two relegated each season.

“In essence, the aim is to play more competitive scratch golf within the Union so as to help strengthen the Union team,” Mr Hardcastle said.

While girls being members of club junior league teams has been given the green light, support for the move may not be as strong as some hoped.