Spalding pair are England Golf champions

The husband-and-wife team from Spalding Golf Club topped an impressive inaugural leaderboard with 48 stableford points – and led a great celebration of the family game.

The competition was open to relatives playing in any combination and appealed to couples, mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, sisters and brothers, who ranged in age from 12 to 75. One father and son live over 100 miles apart and entered for a get-together, while a father and daughter flew the flag for family golf with Union Jack inspired clothing.

This new competition follows the enormous success of the PING Women’s Fourball, which has its 11th Plate and Grand Finals today and tomorrow. Dave Fanning, PING Europe’s Marketing Director, said: “We and England Golf both wanted to put on an event which was inclusive of everyone who plays golf. It’s been a huge success and we have really enjoyed hosting this. Hopefully we can make it bigger and better and continue to grow the game of golf at every level.”

Spencer Gooderson, who plays off six, commented: “Golf is a great family sport. There aren’t many sports where the whole family can play together on level terms.”

The Goodersons entered with Spencer’s parents, Peter and Olive, while their 10-year-old son Louie – who has just got his first 28 handicap – walked round with them.

“We’ve covered the whole spectrum,” laughed Peter. “They won and we came last!”

Julie, who took up golf only two years ago and has a 29 handicap, added: “It’s been fantastic, I’ve loved it – and not just because we won.”

Runners-up were father and son, Paul and Daniel Plant, of Bondhay Golf Club, Yorkshire, who scored 47 points and pipped another father and son on countback, John and Rob King of Eaglescliffe, Durham.