The 2023 Northern Order of Merit is bigger and better than ever before and for the first time a Grand Final has been incorporated into the popular event.
The scratch competition, which is the biggest of its kind in the country, has been expanded and now there are an extra six qualifying events to take the total to 35.
On top of that the leading 30 players in the final standings will qualify for a Grand Final at Hurlston Hall on September 25 where they will also captain a team in an Am/Am.
The full list of 2023 Apeiron Northern Order of Merit events
Hurlston Hall director of golf Mike Timson said: “Hosting the Northern Order of Merit Grand Final at Hurlston Hall means a great deal to the club.
“It is a great honour and privilege to be holding such a prestigious event, welcoming some of the best amateurs in the game, for what we are sure will be a fantastic challenge and a true test of golf.
“This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team of staff and members, for the all-round improvement of the club, to be in a position for Hurlston Hall to host events like this.”
The six new venues are Silloth on Solway (Cumbria), Warrington in Cheshire plus the Lancashire quartet of Ormskirk, Hurlston Hall, Haydock Park and Chorley.
They join the likes of Royal Birkdale, Hillside, Delamere Forest, Southport & Ainsdale, Formby, Prestbury, Pleasington and St Annes Old Links on the roster.
The 36th and final round once again takes place at Bury GC (on September 17th) and then eight days later Hurlston Hall near Ormskirk will host the first Northern Order of Merit Grand Final.
All 30 qualifiers will be battling out for the maximum £700 prize and the Am-Am (three players per team) will be open to all golfers with various equipment prizes on offer for the leading three teams. There are also cash prizes for the top three in the final standings after the 35 events have been completed.
The Northern Order Of Merit – How it works in 2023
Co-organiser Mark Flanagan added: “In terms of strength in depth, the North West of England is match for any other region in the world when it comes to quality of golf courses and you only have to look down the calendar to see why it is so popular.
“Players from all over the country increasingly come to play in the Northern Order of Merit and the new additions, plus the fabulous new Grand Final, mean that is a trend that will only get stronger.”
Players who want to play in the Grand Final must fill out this short form here.
Those wishing to enter a team in the Am/Am can email [email protected] for further details. Cost per team is £175.
What the five other new venues have said…
Silloth on Solway Golf Club (April 29th)
Secretary Alan Oliver: “We are always trying to attract the best players to our 36-hole scratch event at Silloth to showcase our wonderful links golf course.
“We are excited to join the Northern Order of Merit for 2023 and have Silloth added to their already impressive list of events in the region.”
Chorley Golf Club (May 26th)
2022 Captain Nigel Lowe said: “Having tried to get an event on the Northern Order of Merit schedule for some time, we are delighted to have been accepted onto the 2023 schedule with our Tony Jacklin Trophy.
“We look forward to showcasing our challenging and recently lengthened course to the wider golfing community and all entrants will be assured of a warm Chorley welcome.”
Haydock Park Golf Club (September 2nd)
Manager John Jackson said: “We are delighted to be joining the Northern Order of Merit Competition in 2023.
“The Northern Order of Merit Competition has been around for a long time and is highly regarded in the area. We are really looking forward to welcoming some of the region’s best players to Haydock Park Golf Club and showcasing our fantastic course.”
Ormskirk Golf Club (June 11th)
Secretary/manager Mark Rabone said: “Ormskirk Golf Club are delighted to announce that, for the first time in our 124-year history, we will be hosting a 36-hole open scratch amateur event.
“Named after the local mythological ‘Lathom Eagle’, we hope the event will attract the very best amateurs from the region and we are delighted that the event forms part of the 2023 Northern Order of Merit.”
Warrington Golf Club (September 11th)
General manager Max Sullivan said: “We are delighted to be launching our Hill Warren Scratch Trophy next year and its inclusion in the Northern order of Merit.
“The Northern Order of Merit is highly regarded as one of the best low amateur competitions in the country and for us to be able to showcase our course, and have some of the best low amateurs in the North of England competing, will be fantastic for the Club.”