Bradford College

Bradford College Open 2008

Now in its 14th consecutive year, ‘Bradford College Open’ is firmly established as one of the key events in the Bradford College sporting calendar.   Each year colleges from across the region come together to compete in the event. 

Event organiser Kevin Woodhead explained: “It’s a fun day out with a competitive edge.  Originally only open to staff from the Construction Department, its since evolved and now colleges from around the region take part.  Every year it gets bigger and bigger, I invite employers, suppliers as well as the other colleges.”

In recent years the golf tournament has been supported by the Healthy College initiative and is backed by Healthy College Manger, Jane Marshall.  Jane attended the event and said:  “The golf tournament is an excellent opportunity to take part in a sociable sport.  It brings colleagues together and promotes sociable, healthy activity!”

The 14th Open Championship held this year at Shipley Golf Club provided a firm but fair test with players revelling in the conditions. Tom Kenny produced an impressive round of golf to scoop first prize. Tom won this year by two points to claim his sixth victory in this annual event! With Kevin Woodhead taking second place and Michael Gration taking third.  Brian Duffy and Ronnie Todd claimed prizes for nearest to the pin on the 11th and 17th holes respectively.  

Kevin Woodhead, Dave Burden, Mick Horsfall and Eric Jacques made up the winning team with 88 Stableford points. Kevin expressed his delight at being part of the winning team.  Kevin said: “We were please to win the event, especially because there have been so many good golfers taking part!” Kevin continued:  “I’d also like to thank the sponsors for providing all the fantastic prizes and my playing partners from today!”

Speaking at the event, Executive Director of Finance, Doug Stott said:  “It’s a fantastic event, which has grown over the years.  There’s good camaraderie… it’s a great opportunity to get to know people better.  You get to talk about lots of different things when you spend four hours in someone’s company!”

Doug continued:  “It’s never easy playing to the gallery. If something goes wrong or you miss a shot you never hear the last of it.” Paying tribute to event organiser Kevin Woodhead, Doug added:  “I think it’s incredibly well organised.  Kevin's had the devils own job at getting deposits out of people… we’re all grateful to Kev for all his hard work!”

When the winner was revealed, Doug Joked:  “I’ve never won anything in any of the cups I’ve competed in.  Clearly I’ve been playing to the wrong handicap, unlike some of the bandits who happen to be wearing sombreros!”

Speaking after the competition had ended, Kevin said: “Its been a really good day, everyones enjoyed themselves.  We’ve all had a good time and it’s a bonus to build good relationships with other colleges in the area.”

 If you would like to take part in next year’s tournament, please contact Kevin Woodhead at: k.woodhead@bradfordcollege.ac.uk.

Take a look at our photo coverage of the ‘Bradford College Open’ 2008