Open Championship 2012 Regional Qualifiers

The Regional Qualifying for the Open Championship 2012 got underway at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa. The Mere Golf Resort and Spa is currently one of the regional venues for the qualifying rounds for the R&A (the Royal & Ancient Club of St Andrew’s) Open Championship.

In 2008 The Mere was chosen as part of this select group of 14 courses in Great Britain and Ireland to host regional qualifying rounds for The Open Championship until 2013.

The Open Championship is one of the world’s great sporting events each year and the revenues help the R&A to invest in the further development of the game, particularly in encouraging junior golf and the promotion and progression of the game in emerging golfing nations, on coaching and on the provision of more public courses and improved practice facilities.

“We are extremely proud to play host to this prestigious event and warmly welcome the 126 national and international golfers to our championship course.  This is an excellent showcase for our newly developed resort and our golf course has never been in better condition,” commented Joe Gates, Golf Operations Manager, The Mere Golf Resort & Spa.

Set in private Cheshire parkland, the course is one of the best prepared and well-conditioned golf courses in the North of England. It was designed in 1935 by the world-famous golfer James Braid, five times winner of the Open Championship. The 18-hole, 6,882 yard, par-71 course is both picturesque and challenging.

It runs alongside The Mere lake with water, ravines and thick vegetation, all designed in to keep the game interesting and players focused. The resort has the UK’s only floating golf ball driving range, for developing the accuracy of short games whilst improving play from the tee.