The June 23 event not only highlighted the club’s excellence in world-class golf course presentation and event delivery, but also saw two homegrown members qualify for the next stage in their journey toward The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush.
Frilford Heath’s very own PGA Professional, Robert Harrhy (above), led the way with a superb six-under-par 66, clinching victory in the 132-player qualifying event on the club’s renowned Red Course, consistently ranked as one of the UK’s finest heathland golf experiences.
Fellow member, Harry Richardson (pictured below), also produced a composed joint runner-up round of 69 to safely advance to Final Qualifying.
Speaking after his victory, Robert, who has been a member of Frilford Heath since he was 10-years-old and grew up playing golf with European Tour star and friend, Eddie Pepperell, said: “I’ve always taken great pride in representing this club, it has been such an important part of my golfing life, and I’m now just 36 holes away from playing in The Open. It’s awesome and you’ve got to be excited about that.
“I’ve been at this club a long time, and now being a member of staff too, I get to see an event of this stature from both a competitor and behind-the-scenes perspective, and what goes into making it so successful.”
FRILFORD’S NINE
Nine Frilford Heath Golf Club members took part in Open Regional Qualifying. In addition to Robert and Harry, the other men flying the Frilford Heath flag were Alex Stubbs, Luke Perkins, Hamish Hall, Harry Thomas, Olly Huggins, Keiran Mansbridge and Charlie Haynes.
Managing Director of Frilford Heath Golf Club, Russell Stebbings, commented: “It’s been a truly special day for Frilford Heath. To not only host such an important R&A event, but to see two of our members succeed at the highest level is something the whole club can be proud of. We wish Rob and Harry the very best at Final Qualifying.”
Frilford Heath offers members and day visitors privileged access to three tournament quality courses set within 450-acres of naturally beautiful terrain where golf has been played for more than a century. A contemporary club for friends and families, it welcomes groups, events and discerning golf travellers to one of England’s favourite golf destinations.
Final Qualifying will take place on Tuesday, July 1 across four UK venues.
Robert and Harry have both selected Somerset’s Burnham & Berrow Golf Club as their preferred Final Qualifying choice, the very same venue Justin Rose qualified at for last year’s Open at Royal Troon, where he was eventual runner-up.
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