Stoke Park duo stake Gloria claim

A 20-year friendship and a few words of on-course wisdom were the keys to success as Boyd Smith and Michael Jacobs claimed victory in the latest qualifier of the Gloria Hotels & Resorts UK Pairs' Golf Championship 2016.
The 38-year-old duo from Burnham Beeches, who have been friends since school days, shot a brilliant 10-under-par nett 61 at Stoke Park Country Club Spa & Hotel to claim their place in September's Grand Final at their home club.
The competition is held in association with Elegant Golf Resorts – specialists in luxury golf holidays – and Monarch. It boasts a top prize of an all-inclusive stay including flights at the lavish Mediterranean five-star resort.
And Smith and Jacobs will surely be among the favourites to win the stunning prize of a luxury golf holiday at the five-star Gloria Hotels & Resorts in Belek on the Turkish Riviera with their local knowledge and more shrewd course management.
Three-handicapper Smith revealed a few snippets of advice towards his 15-handicap partner had paid dividends.
Smith, a builder who played off a handicap of plus-one in his youth, said: "We know each other so well, we don't apologise to each other for any bad shots.
"He (Jacobs) played well but you've got to keep him under wraps a bit. He keeps wanting to go for stuff which his ability won't allow him to do. He has got to be reminded of that sometimes. So I was playing and being his caddy at the same time!"
Jacobs, the owner of an IT business, had no problems accepting his partner's advice.
He said: "He's a very good golfer. He shot two-under gross himself and he coached me along nicely. You've got to listen to these better players haven't you?
"He just made sure I did the business when I needed to do it. I played well on the day but we dovetailed really well as a pair. We will give it a good go in the final."
Graham and Sam Rixon took the runners-spot (nett 63), while Anthony and Matthew Hunt were third (nett 65).
The competition now moves on to Helensburgh (July 9) with subsequent qualifiers at Cranleigh Golf & Country Club, The Carrick at Cameron House, The Mere Golf Resort & Spa and Mottram Hall.
Latest
-
News
‘My best is ahead of me’ – Justin Rose motivated by winning majors, not rankings
The Englishman endured a first winless season since 2009 in 2020 and starts this week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic ranked 38th in the world.
-
News
Justin Rose concerned about his chances of defending his Olympic title
Rose won gold in Rio in 2016 but the former world number one is currently outside the qualifying places.
-
News
Rory McIlroy on latest near-miss in Abu Dhabi: ‘I don’t feel like I played great’
McIlroy avoids mentioning final-round blues but admits he needs to get more consistent.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton eyes Ryder Cup spot after winning Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Hatton carded a closing 66 to finish 18 under par.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as Rory McIlroy misses out
Australia’s Jason Scrivener recorded an eagle and five birdies in a back nine of 29 to claim second place.
-
News
Rory McIlroy leads the way in Abu Dhabi as he eyes overdue victory
McIlroy will have to keep his Ryder Cup team-mates at bay if he is to claim the trophy.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.