Golf Buddies

Flying Blue Golf members share their favourite golf memories with you! Whether it’s the group of golf buddies they play with or how they got their start, read their experiences here

Jon Crickmore and Alan Gunnigle: “Obviously we’re ecstatic”

Playing alongside Rory McIlroy…

Flying Blue Golf Buddy Jon Crickmore, who was the star in our Golf Buddy series earlier this year, has had his moment of glory on the golf course. With his golf partner Alan Gunnigle, Jon played golf with pro golf icon Rory McIlroy, the current world number 3, and: they won!

Jon emailed Flying Blue Golf about his experience, adding proudly: “I scored 35 points and 37 for my partner Alan to qualify and play with Rory McIlroy at the Belfry! What is even better: we won!” Jon and Alan had their great experience at the Brabazon Course, which is the main tournament course (the famous Ryder Cup course) of The Belfry; the famous golf resort near Birmingham, England.

‘King of Skins’ tournament

The team won the inaugural ‘King of Skins’ tournament with the help of Rory McIlroy. Their round at the Belfry saw them overcome testing, windy conditions on the unforgiving Brabazon course to beat their nearest challengers by two Stableford points.

Their team´s Stableford score was enhanced by a contribution from McIlroy, during the three holes they played together. The winner of the US Open 2011 played three holes with each of the finalists.

Alongside McIlroy

Jonathan and Alan both play at the Herons Reach club in Blackpool. Together they take part in amateur golf events all over the UK and Europe. They qualified to play alongside McIlroy by scoring the most net birdies between them during a qualifying round on their home course.

The pair took their place in the final with seven other pairings from Scotland, Ireland, England, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea. After an unforgettable round which included three holes playing alongside McIlroy, the pair couldn’t wait to tell their families and golfing buddies about a day which will live long in the memory of both players.

“Genuinely gifted”

Jonathan, handicap 18, said: “Obviously we’re ecstatic to have won but even without such a bonus, it was just a pleasure to play alongside someone so obviously talented. He is genuinely gifted and a thoroughly nice guy as well. It was an honour to watch him play from so close by and I still can’t really believe it’s happened.”