Mark McQuoid
“As long as I live I will never forget this experience. As a golfer I never imagined that when I entered this tournament it would bring me to another level in handicap golf. Fantastic memories, met great fellow golfers both in the Matchplay rounds and at the finals.
Anybody that does not consider entering this tournament is missing out on the chance of a lifetime.”
Declan Quigley
“The best sporting experience of my life. A competition that any handicap golfer cannot afford to miss. A week that I would dearly love to repeat. I can’t wait for this year’s competition to begin.
I have no doubt that Matchplay will become one of the most sought after competition on the handicap golfers calendar”.
Cyril Morris
“I never thought at my age and my level of golf I would win a prize in golf that will live long in the memory and that I will talk about for many a year to come. Playing in this tournament was the pinnacle of my golf and can only hope that maybe this opportunity will come again. I have no doubt that within the next year or two this event now going to Dubai will be the premier handicap golf competition in Ireland and the United Kingdom”.
“Watching golf on television is one thing being part of the action on the television is something else and the beauty of the event is that no matter your standard of golf everybody has an equal chance of winning that trip of a lifetime”.
Patrick Turtle
“This competition is probably the best kept secret in handicap golf. From the first round of the Matchplay series to the qualifying rounds at Hollins Hall in Bradford to The Marriott Hotels resort in Egypt it was a roller coaster all the way. For excitement and competition Matchplay have got the balance just right and have given the handicap golfer what can be best described as the best memories I have had in golfing terms.
Not just do they provide an exciting competition but also provide worthwhile product that every golfer needs. Check out their website just to see what’s on offer and my advice while you are there don’t forget to enter the competition”
Frank McCarthy - Men’s Pairs - Grand Finalist 2010
We entered not having a clue what it was all about. We thought "pay £20 have a good round of golf and gain some experience of another course!"
Little did we know! As we progressed, each game was a new and exciting adventure and we started to dream of getting to St Pierre. When we finished our round and discovered we could be going to Egypt I was speechless. This just did not happen to me. It was like winning The lottery.
Egypt was a unique experience. From our arrival and the bus trip down to the coast it was awesome! The accommodation was excellent, the resort superb, the Golf course beyond words... Our fellow competitors were such a friendly bunch I felt as if I was in a club
environment. The organisation from yourselves again left us feeling relaxed and welcomed.
I have completed my entry for next year and I shall endeavour to see you in Dubai!
Gordon Livingston - Men's Pairs Winner 2009
"To win is incredible and it’s not really sunk in yet. It's been a fantastic week and winning the competition is the icing on the cake. The course is a difficult test of golf, but one that can be enjoyed by any standard golfer. The hotel is superb and the weather fairly hot – but we knew that was going to be the case here in Egypt.
It has been a great experience and one that we will never forget. We played pretty well throughout the competition and coped well with the tough course set up on the final day…"
Ian Brandon - Men's Pairs Winner 2008/09
"The other players have been tremendous, all so friendly; it's like we've known each other for much longer than the few days we have been together.
We'll certainly be signing up for next year's competition as soon as we get back home and would urge others to do the same. We certainly can't argue with the value for money.
That's certainly the best £20 either of us has ever spent."
Steve Aylott - Mixed Pairs Winner 2009
"We've had a wonderful time and have really enjoyed playing the course.
It’s 7,100 yards long and is challenging for any level of player. This is now becoming one of the most popular competitions around - meeting great people, playing fantastic courses, and ending at one of the best golfing resorts in the world: all for £20…"
Lesley Misfud - Mixed Pairs Winner 2009
"I have made some wonderful friends, some of whom I know I will see again. We have all had fun both on and off the golf course together. They're such a great group of people.
The course is beautiful, like an oasis in the middle of the desert, surrounded by stunning backdrops. And the third hole, across water, is the most difficult par-three I have ever played."
Paul Fell - Mixed Pairs Runner Up 2009
"The hotel, golf, weather and food were all brilliant. We want to go back there as soon as possible. After a couple of days with the Sky Cameras filming us it was a little scary, but after a while, especially after a good shot, we were hoping the cameras were there! Bring on next year.
I know how hard it is to qualify but we know what a great prize we are playing for.
Thanks again."
Michael Brockbank - Mens Winner 2008
"We were delighted to have won the competition, it surprised us how serious everyone took it, we were there to win but thought a few pairs might take the foot of the gas once they made the finals, but that just wasn't the case!
The tournament was extremely well run and James and I loved the whole experience, the Marriott Hotel was fantastic, the golf club and course were great and we met some great people along the way who we will keep in touch with. Fingers crossed for next year"
Gareth Whiles - Mens Finalist 2008
"We have had a fantastic time. The course is in great condition, the resort beautiful and its location spectacular. Everyone who was lucky enough to make the trip out here is a winner.
We are disappointed not to have won, but to be honest just to have made it here is a real achievement, and all for £20. We have had great fun and will definitely be taking part again next year."
Rob Vesty - Regional Final Runner Up 2008
"We have really enjoyed the championship and although we are disappointed to get so close to Grand Final in Egypt, we are proud to have made the regional final."
Wayne Livesey - Regional Final Runner Up 2008
"I have made some wonderful friends, some of whom I know I will see again. We have all had fun both on and off the golf course together. They're such a great group of people.
The course is beautiful, like an oasis in the middle of the desert, surrounded by stunning backdrops. And the third hole, across water, is the most difficult par-three I have ever played."