Westwood joins congratulatory list (From Times Series)

Lee Westwood congratulates Finchley Golf Club

1:00pm Thursday 20th September 2012 in Sport

Lee Westwood is the latest golf star to send a message of congratulations to Finchley Golf Club over the staging of the annual James Braid Trophy.

After winning five Open championships between 1901 and 1910, Braid designed, altered or advised at more than 250 courses in the British Isles.

His first plan for Finchley Golf Club was drawn up in 1928 and a few revisions the following year led to the construction of the 18-hole course the club has today.

Westwood joins Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Gary Player, Peter Alliss, Padraig Harrington and Bernhard Langer in backing the inter-club competition for seniors which began in 2006.

The former world number one said: “This is a unique event and one worthy of such an iconic figure in the history of golf.

“This is an honour for me because many of the game’s greats have sent their congratulations and support in previous years. To have my name added to a list which includes Palmer, Player and Watson is a rewarding and humbling experience.

“James Braid’s legacy lives on not only in this but also in the many fine courses designed. It has been my pleasure to play several of them and they have all stood the test of time.”

Finchley, who have recieved a leter of thanks from Joan Payne, Braid’s great granddaughter, finished second in the competition behind Enfield. Grim’s Dyke were third.

In all, 13 different clubs were represented, incluing Mill Hill and Highgate.

Meanwhile, Finchley retained the North London Foxes League autumn meeting trophy at Essendon Country Club, with Ted Mead, 41 points, and Neil Weisfeld, 40 points, finishing first and second in the individual competition.