Real Open Golf is the brainchild of Christian Thurston, a keen golfer since childhood. Now, at the age of thirty four - and still as enthusiastic as ever - he's followed his dream and set up his own golf business.
The idea for Real Open Golf came to him after a competition at his home club. He'd played a good round and had shot four under his handicap (despite two missed lipped putts), So he was confident of a top three position in the final result.
It wasn't to be ... he was pipped at the post . It was a scenario Christian and other players had experienced many times before.
But then his playing partner happened to mention that his round, complete with several birdies, would stand him in good stead for theElectic.
This proved to be a "eureka" moment.
"Hang on," Christian said to himself. "Why not create a national competition which recognises the good rounds we golfers have throughout the year? A competition open to players of all abilities. And why not give something back to the grass roots of the game itself while we're about it?"
With that, Real Open Golf was born.
"The idea of Real Open Golf fitted everything I wanted to do," says Christian. "It allowed me to work in golf full time, which was my dream. And by donating some of the proceeds to the Junior Golf Foundation, I'm able to encourage young players into the game - perhaps even help them realise their dream too."
So there you go - from disappointment in a club competition to a moment of inspiration!
As with all the best ideas, the concept behind the Real Open Golf tournament is very simple. To participate, you simply have to be a member of a golf club and hold an official handicap. Easier still, there are no qualifying rounds to travel to: you play as you normally would in club competitions.
So who knows? You could find yourself on your way to the Grand Final at the Belfry with the chance of collecting the much-prized Claret Jug Trophy and winning a car or a set ofTaylorMade clubs.
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