Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship

The Par 3 discipline came about to help with training and coaching, the sport is merely scaled down, helping to focus on basic core principles such as technique and tactics. Playing a Par 3 course helps to hone and develop skills that will stand any golfer in good stead in the full form of the game, and in particular works on their short game.

The British Par 3 Championship is much like the Masters Par 3 in regards to the relaxed yet competitive atmosphere. However, it holds a very special place in the history of British golf and was played long before it became tradition in the Masters.

The British Par 3 Championship had its origins in the old Short Course Professional Championship which was played at the Palace Hotel, Torquay from 1933 to 1973.

The inaugural event was graced by a number of the game's greats, with old Open Champions such as Alex Herd, Harry Vardon, JH Taylor and Bernard Hunt all coming out of retirement to join in the fun. Later, Peter Allis' father Percy was a regular, as well as Sir Henry Cotton.

Sid Mouland, who won at Torquay in the 1960s, was the inspiration behind the tournament's resurgence. Mouland the professional attached to Nailcote Hall before his son Mark inherited his position, was forever regaling Rick Cressman, the owner of Nailcote Hall, with tales of the old Championship at the Palace Hotel. Cressman's ears pricked up at what he was hearing and when, in 1996, Sid thought that Nailcote Hall was in good enough shape to take over the championship, the rest, as they say, is history...

For further information about the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship 2012, call Champions (UK) Plc on 08453 313031 or email bp3@championsukplc.com. Alternatively, follow the link below to contact us online.

Tony Jacklin CBE was the most successful golfer of his generation and Great Britain's first golfing superstar. He is set to host the 2012 Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship and, as we join together for what should be one of the golfing events of the year, we salute a man who ensured that he left a legacy for the golfing stars of today...

Jacklin became a hero in the 1960's and 70's for European golf when he secured two major titles - The US Open and The Open Championship but it is his overall contribution to European Golf in a period of American dominance that enlightened all in the golfing world.

2010 saw the European golfing contingent dominate the headlines with Graeme McDowell reigning victorious at the US Open, Martin Kaymer securing the US PGA title and The European Team sensationally reclaiming the prestigious Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor. None of this would have seemed possible forty years ago and it is Jacklin's contribution to golf, shepherding young Ryder Cup hopefuls in the 1980's, including the likes of Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, and Bernhard Langer that paved the way for the current generation of European Tour stars. Tony Jacklin was, an remains, the pioneer for European Golf that we are so lucky to experience in 2012.

For further information about the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship 2012, call Champions (UK) Plc on 08453 31303 or email bp3@championsukplc.com. Alternatively, follow the link below to contact us online.

The highly anticipated Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship 2012 will be held at the luxurious Nailcote Hall, Warwickshire, which boasts the prestigious 9 hole, Par 3 Championship golf course. The Cromwell course offers a golfing challenge to test the skills of players of all ages and ability.

Nailcote Hall is a 17th century country house set in 15 acres of parkland, ideally located just 10 minutes drive from Birmingham International Airport, the NEC, and at the heart of the Midlands' motorway network.

Combining 17th century traditions with modern luxury, all of the bedrooms are furnished to a consistently high standard and reflect the elegance and aspects of the hotel. Many bedrooms have attractive views of the gardens and the delightful mature trees on the estate.

Nailcote Hall offers traditional style food at the award winning Oak Room Restaurant or a Mediterranean atmosphere in Rick's Bar which has a regular programme of live entertainment. This, combined with 40 delightful bedrooms, full conference facilities, a superb leisure complex, tennis courts and the championship golf course makes Nailcote Hall a 'venue for all seasons.'

Chosen by the AA as one of Great Britain and Ireland's most romantic hotels.

The Early Days 1933-73
The British Professional Short Course Championship has been steeped in the history of the game since it was first hosted at Torquay's Palace Hotel in 1933. The inaugural championship was graced by some of the all time great players, including many past Open Champions, Alex Herd, Alf Padgham, Ted Ray, JH Taylor and Harry Vardon.

Peter Alliss' father, Percy played in the event, as did Henry Cotton in later years and many other Ryder Cup players including Abe Mitchell, the personal tutor of Samuel Ryder, who is figured on top of the Ryder Cup Trophy.

The Modern Era from 1998
It is fitting that a past Ryder Cup star Peter Baker should be the first winner in the new era. For those who delight in the finesse and art of shot making in golf, rather than the power driving of the modern age, the British Professional Short Course Championship is a welcome challenge of golfing skill.

1999
In 1999 the championship was honoured by 1951 Open Champion Max Faulkner and twice Ryder Cup captain Bernard Hunt. A thrilling competition was ultimately won by European Tour star Carl Mason thanks in no small measure to a stunning course record of a 6 under par 21 in the third round.

2000
The 2000 event produced the first play-off when Jeremy Robinson, from the European Tour, defeated Brian Rimmer on the first extra hole after they had tied with a score of 4 under par.

2001
2001 was a very special year celebrating the late Max Faulkner's 50th anniversary of winning the Open Championship and the Championship lived up to the special occasion in every way. Ultimately the title went to Midlands' star Robert Rock who won with a 4 under par score of 104, but only after a really exciting three man play off.

2006
The 2006 Championship celebrated the 60th Anniversary in professional golf of two times Ryder Cup captain Bernard Hunt and the competition that followed was special indeed. With the strongest field ever, including 18 European Tour professionals such as Jarrod Moseley from Australia and Steve Scahill from New Zealand, the competition was fierce. After 36 holes rising European Tour Stars Tom Whitehouse and Shaun Webster tied at 7 under par and after a birdie 2 on the 7th hole Shaun Webster was crowned Champion.

2007
The 2007 event broke new boundaries in terms of being the most high profile tournament to date. Television and media exposure reached new heights including coverage on Sky Sports and there was the highest turn-out in relation to spectator numbers, celebrity numbers and participation by European Tour professionals. However, it was down to Steve Cowle to take the coveted title of 2007 Numark British Par 3 Champion finishing 6 under par, 4 shots ahead of second placed Sam Walker. In doing so he became the first non-European Tour professional to win the title. Steve wasn't finished there though, he also won the Pro-Am team competition with his partner and former England Rugby Union International Tim Stimpson.

2008
The 75th Anniversay of the Numark British Par 3 Championship was celebrated in style at Nailcote Hall from the 4th-7th August. With Tony Jacklin CBE hosting and playing in all 4 days, the stars certainly came out in record numbers to join in the fun of the historic golf tournament. 2008 reached new heights in terms of exposure, and was headlined on the popular Setanta Golf channel. The hotly contested Pro-Am competition was won by European Tour legend Mark Mouland, with fellow European Tour professional, Lee Slettery picking up 2nd place.