Peter Alliss' father, Percy played in the event, as did Henry Cotton in later years and many other Ryder Cup players including Abe Mitchell, the personal tutor of Samuel Ryder, who is figured on top of the Ryder Cup Trophy.

 

It is fitting that a past Ryder Cup star Peter Baker should be the first winner in the new era. For those who delight in the finesse and art of shot making in golf, rather than the power driving of the modern age, the British Professional Short Course Championship is a welcome challenge of golfing skill.

 

In 1999 the championship was honoured by 1951 Open Champion Max Faulkner and twice Ryder Cup captain Bernard Hunt. A thrilling competition was ultimately won by European Tour star Carl Mason thanks in no small measure to a stunning course record of a 6 under par 21 in the third round.

 

The 2000 event produced the first play-off when Jeremy Robinson, from the European Tour, defeated Brian Rimmer on the first extra hole after they had tied with a score of 4 under par.

 

2001 was a very special year celebrating the late Max Faulkner's 50th anniversary of winning the Open Championship and the Championship lived up to the special occasion in every way.Ultimately the title went to Midlands' star Robert Rock who won with a 4 under par score of 104, but only after a really exciting three man play off.

 

The 2006 Championship celebrated the 60th Anniversary in professional golf of two times Ryder Cup captain Bernard Hunt and the competition that followed was special indeed. With the strongest field ever, including 18 European Tour professionals such as Jarrod Moseley from Australia and Steve Scahill from New Zealand, the competition was fierce. After 36 holes rising European Tour Stars Tom Whitehouse and Shaun Webster tied at 7 under par and after a birdie 2 on the 7th hole Shaun Webster was crowned Champion.

 

The 2007 event broke new boundaries in terms of being the most high profile tournament to date. Television and media exposure reached new heights including coverage on Sky Sports and there was the highest turn-out in rela tion to spectator numbers, celebrity numbers and participation by European Tour professionals. However, it was down to Steve Cowle to take the coveted title of 2007 Numark British Par 3 Champion finishing 6 under par, 4 shots ahead of second placed Sam Walker. In doing so he became the first non-European Tour professional to win the title. Steve wasn't finished there though, he also won the Pro-Am team competition with his partner and former England Rugby Union International Tim Stimpson.

 

 

Watch this space...history will be made from the 4-7th August 2008. Why not be part of it? Click here!