Golf ’s oldest professional
trophy now bears the name
of a Bridlington player after
Alex Belt completed his set
of all four North Region PGA
Championship titles.
Alex Belt with the historic Trophy. Photo: Submitted.
Belt, 39, who runs the Links
driving range, topped the
leaderboard in The Leeds Cup after
a play-off.
His rounds of 66 and 65 saw his
name added to the long list of
greats who have lifted the trophy
at the Roundhay club, after seeing
off the challenges of Gavin Hay
(67-64) and Sion Bebb (64-67).
The trio had all shot seven-
under-par totals.
“The Leeds Cup was always the
trophy that I wanted to win as it’s
the oldest trophy in professional
golf,” said Belt.
“The first winner in 1902 was
Harry Vardon, who was famous
for the Vardon Grip, which is used
to this day.
“I’d already won the North Region
PGA Championship, Lancashire
Open and Manchester Open, so
the Leeds Cup was my final trophy
outstanding. I am not sure if
anybody has won all four but the
PGA are looking into that.”
Alex Belt with the historic Trophy. Photo: Submitted.
Belt has been competing in
the Leeds Cup since he turned
professional 20 years ago and
admitted he thought his chances
of winning it had diminished since
his focus switched to running the
Links driving range.
“I’ve not played in every one due
to having years away playing on
other tours and since taking over
the range my playing career has
had to take a back seat to try to
grow the business and get more
people into golf.
“My ability to practice like I
used to is not what it was so to
be able to win this national PGA
event feels extremely satisfying,
particularly to get my name on a
historical trophy.”
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