The BMJ Golf Classic 2008 is underway, with the first regional heat already completed.

The first leg of the tournament took place at John O’Gaunt at Sandy in Bedfordshire on May 20 with 15 teams taking part for a place in the grand final to be played in Le Touquet later this year.

Click here to see photos from the John O’Gaunt heat.

Click here to see photos from the Little Aston heat.

The annual competition, open to heavyside merchants with a handicap of 24 or less, has three regional heats: the Southern qualifier at John O’Gaunt, the Midlands qualifier at Little Aston in Sutton Coldfield and a northern heat at Fulford near York.

The final will be held in Le Touquet at La Mer golf course as part of a three-day trip, September 18-20, including celebrations at the prestigious 5-star Hotel Westminster.

What you said last year...

Click here to see photographs from last year.

“What a trip!! Great people, great hotel and fantastic golf. I thoroughly enjoyed myself on a very well organised trip…and a nice big box to go home with!” Adrian L’Estrange, Preston Paints (Ed: Adrian is referring to the large glass Tiffany & Co bowls given as prizes to members of the winning team)

“From meeting at Bedford to getting back there the whole trip was fantastic. The BMJ team were excellent, the sponsors were first class and the hotel and golf were superb. It was a joy to be part of this trip and I just wish my Golf had been up to an equal standard. I hope to be able to repeat the experience in 2008. Thank you very much indeed.” Andy Barr, Keyline Builders Merchants

“A great trip, fantastic hotel, great golf course and excellent food (I’ve never had a glass of soup before!) The lunch on the coach to France is a great idea, but perhaps you should supply Aspirin for the coach back! Lots of bleary eyes!” Bob Coleman, Buildbase Civils & Lintels

“Excellent event. The hotel and restaurant were very good, the golf was exceptional and merchants and manufacturers had a chance to have fun together as colleagues.” Michael Davison, Keyline Builders Merchants

“A very enjoyable event. Good food, hotel and golf, apart from my first drive! (Ed: Ken’s drive off the first tee was unfortunately the only one not to make it past the ladies’ tee. However he more than made up for it later in the round and finished as part of the third place team). A well deserved pat on the back for the organisers and sponsors for a trip to remember.” Ken Pepperrell, P.A. Seccombe

“I’ve been lucky enough to get through to the finals with BMJ before and, as before, it was extremely well organised by your team. The preliminary course at Little Aston is as fantastic as Le Touquet. I have enjoyed the company very much including meeting friends and colleagues from previous BMJ Golf Classics. I cannot think of anything you can improve on. Thanks you to all the BMJ staff and our sponsors who make this event possible.” Bob Hadland, Travis Perkins

“This was my fourth attempt to reach the final, and I must say, just to be there you feel like a winner. And, for my team to come third was an added bonus. I would like to say a big thank you to all the sponsors for a great few days. I can’t wait for next year’s heats to try and get to the final again.” Phil Kennerson, Travis Perkins

“A fantastic hotel with great company on a truly wonderful golf course. A massive thank you to all at BMJ and the sponsors for providing us with everything we needed. All I need to do now is to qualify for next year’s final.” Dave Viggars, Buildbase

Sponsors of the BMJ golf Classic