Top 20 qualify for FORE Tour Masters  

The top 20 competitors in the FORE Tour Order of Merit after the last event of the 2007 season at Bearwood Lakes will qualify to play in the FORE Tour Masters in November. The venue is still to be announced.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Desert Springs. I found the course very interesting and it grew on me as we played each round. I will be trying my best to qualify again this year." 1h'cap David Baker, Cheshire

IT'S CANE AGAIN IN 2006

Congratulations to 2 handicap jocular Allan Cane from Worthing in Sussex for successfully defending his 2005 title and once again winning the FORE Tour Order of Merit. Allan embodies the spirit of the FORE Tour, being passionate about playing quality courses, enjoying the competitive edge whilst equally enjoying the friendliness and social side of the Tour. He's also quick to pay up on the few occasions he loses!  He amassed a total of 199 merit points, only one short of the possible maximum of 200 and one more than he achieved when he won in 2005. He's been a model of consistency throughout the season scoring an average of 32 stableford points over 20 rounds with the highlights being 40 points on the world renowned Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, rated the best inland course in England, and 34 points over the testing East Course at Saunton in blustery conditions.

Runner up in 2006 was another former Order of Merit champion, 4 handicap Philip Dobson from Wychwood Park Golf Club in Cheshire, finishing the season on 195 merit points. Philip's game tends to favour links golf with a low penetrating flight off the tee which just goes on for ever. He had a tremendous few days when we visited Southport in April, with 36 points at Formby, 38 at Southport & Ainsdale and the highlight being 42 points and a one over par (playing off 7 at the time) 73 around at Royal Birkdale. Philip is a stalwart of the FORE Tour and his garage leaves many pro shops wanting!

In third place was new boy to the FORE Tour 7 handicap Ian Cook from Hessle GC in Hull. Big hitting Ian created an instant impact with two wins in his first three events. His debut came in April on a wet and windy Marquess Course at Woburn and 37 points was enough to win. Ian's second win came at The Belfry on The PGA National Course with 38 stableford points and he was unlucky not get his hat trick with 40 points at Berkhamsted in September where he was just pipped on the back nine by Mick Furr. The Indiana Course at Desert Springs will prove an interesting test for Ian where accuracy and short game gain a premium over length.

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