Bradford College

Bradford College Open ‘09

‘Bradford College Open’ is firmly established as one of the key events in the Bradford College sporting calendar and is now in its 15th consecutive year.   Each year colleges from across the region, come together to compete in the memorable 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 with colleges from around the region taking 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.  Commenting on the event, Jane 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 15h Open Championship held this year at Northcliffe Golf Club provided a firm but fair test with players revelling in the conditions. Dave Burden produced an impressive round of golf to scoop first prize, claiming his first victory in this annual event! James Grogan scooped second place and Michael Gration took third. Dave Burden also claimed the prize for nearest to the pin on the 18th hole.

When asked how Dave felt to have won the Bradford College Open ‘09, he replied:  “I was a bit surprised, but made up – it was brilliant! We had a great time and other players had some good scores, I just happened to get the best score in the end.”  Dave continued:  “I think it’s the first year for a person who is not from a Construction background to have won the event, so I’m quite pleased about that.”   Dave is the Student Tracking Unit Team Leader for Bradford College.  Dave added: “I was happy about the final shot on the 18th, which was nearly a hole in one!”

Kevin Woodhead, Dave Grogan, James Grogan and Kristian Knowd made up the winning team with 93 Stableford points. Expressing his delight at being part of the successful group, 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!”  Prizes included: a DVD player, golf bag and College shield, polo shirt, golfing umbrella, golf balls and Pringle sweaters.

This year a separate prize was added for players of 18 handicap and above. Dave Burden also scooped the award for this category.  In a kind gesture, Dave decided to offer the prize of a DVD player back to other players. It was decided that it should go as a special prize to Mark Watts.  Dave explained: “I thought it only fair as I’d already won the individual prize of golf bag and College shield, so I was happy Mark got it in the end.” 

Paying tribute to event organiser Kevin Woodhead, Dave Burden added:  “I’d like to personally thank Kevin for organising this event and all the effort he’s put in to it.  It’s been a great day!”

Speaking after the competition had ended, Kevin concluded: “Its been a really good day, everyone’s enjoyed themselves.  We’ve all had a great 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 or Dave Burden at: d.burden@bradfordcollege.ac.uk