Benson claims the Needler Open Championship Trophy with a record 68 at Cottingham Parks
The 2026 ERUGC Open Championship at Cottingham Parks Golf Club proved a stern test for some of the finest golfers in the East Riding.
A blustery wind and a demanding course set-up from the Cottingham Parks greens staff caught many off guard early in round 1, with only 12 players managing par at the 1st. As players put their growing course knowledge to work after lunch, the leaderboard became a spectacle for spectators sheltering in the clubhouse, with scores ebbing and flowing throughout the day.
Scarborough North Cliff’s Tom Benson produced a battling 76 in round 1 before firing an incredible course-record 68 in round 2 to claim the George Ash Salver for Low Amateur and the coveted Needler Open Championship Trophy with a 144 total.
Second place went to Hessle’s Callum Burns (pictured below right with Ian Jeffrey and President Alan Hutchinson in the middle) with a rock-solid 145 (R1 73, R2 72), edging Ganton’s Tom Brown, who finished third on 148 (R1 73, R2 75). Burns also carded the best nett score of the day with an excellent 141.
Round 1 saw Brown of Ganton (pictured below centre) and Burns of Hessle set the pace with matching 73s, while the eventual champion sat 6th after an uncharacteristic 8 at the unforgiving par 5 last. Undeterred, Benson steadied the ship in the afternoon and came home with a wet sail, carding a blistering back nine of 32 featuring five pars and four birdies.
Our thanks go to the Cottingham Parks green staff, management and catering teams for their outstanding efforts in delivering another superb championship. Finally, thank you to all the players who entered and took on the challenge – your support is greatly appreciated.
Ian Jeffrey
Competition Secretary
