A MercedesTrophy triumph for the South West

The champion of the 2016 MercedesTrophy Tournament is soon to be crowned and a local entree is in with a fighting chance. Somerset based James Macey has successfully gained a place at the 2016 tournament's MercedesTrophy World Finals taking place this October, 12 months after his success at the National Final. He is one of only three National Finalists travelling to Stuttgart to represent the UK in the concluding round of the prestigious tournament, which is now celebrating its 28^th year in operation. A considerable achievement, James will compete alongside the best players from over 30 nations for the chance to lift the ultimate prize – The Nations Cup.

The tee off.

His tournament began in April last year at Oake Manor Golf Club’s qualifying event. This was one of three qualifying days organised by our Taunton dealership, the others taking place at Windwhistle and Enmore golf clubs over the same period. James entered the competition with a handicap of 5 and so competed in our lowest handicap group - amongst others with an active competition handicap between 0 - 10. In order to qualify through each stage of the competition, he had to achieve the lowest score of all those competing within his handicap category. A feat he has now achieved in all 5 of the qualifying rounds.

"The MercedesTrophy competition has been an amazing experience. It has allowed me to play golf on courses under tournament conditions that I would otherwise not have had the opportunity to do. Away from the golf, the hospitality laid on by Mercedes has been overwhelmingly generous."

The best in the South West.

Out of the 1,400+ South West golfers that entered the tournament in 2016, James was one of three that made it through to the National Final Qualifiers. Here, market area winners from Mercedes-Benz groups across the country joined them. Firstly for an 18 hole competition at St George's Hill Golf Club, followed later in the year by a 36 hole test at St Andrews. James was the only player from our region to be successful in progressing through both these stages and securing his place at the World Final.

On the world stage.

In just a few months time James will fly to Stuttgart, the home of Mercedes-Benz, for his chance at bringing the trophy home to the UK. He and his fellow competitors will experience the very best of Mercedes-Benz hospitality during their five night stay. The Final itself will consist of three final rounds of golf followed by a spectacular prize-giving ceremony.

"Representing the UK in the World Final will be great fun and is something I am looking forward to immensely. I'm not sure there will be quite the same pressure as perhaps Lewis Hamilton feels representing the UK. But for me it is a one-off experience and one that I will savour."

Mercedes-Benz South West are extremely proud that a member of our retail network has achieved such success in the tournament. James, we wish you the very best of luck!

More on MercedesTrophy:

See the story of this year's MercedesTrophy Club Qualifiers. Visit the official website.

If you would like to register your interest for our 2018 competition, please contact us at [email protected]