Rochester and Cobham Park Golf Club - Brochure

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club

Official Club Brochure 2012

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Contents Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Playing Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28/35

The Course and its History . . . . . . . . . . . . 6/7

Visitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Signature Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8/11

Golf Societies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Who’s Who at Rochester & Cobham Park . 12/13

Clubhouse and Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

The PGA Professional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Charities Supported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

The Pro Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

New Innovations at Rochester & Cobham Park . 45

Tuition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Social Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46/47

Practice Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

How to Find Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Membership Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . 22/23

Contact Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Forthcoming Competitions . . . . . . . . . . . 25 www.pinnacle.uk.com Tel: 08707 707 765 • Email: info@pinnacle.uk.com. Rochester and Cobham Park Golf Club and Pinnacle wish to thank the advertisers who appear in this publication for their support and wish them every business success. The contents of this brochure are believed to be correct at the time of printing, nevertheless, we cannot endorse and readers should not rely solely upon the accuracy of any statements or claims contained herein without prior consultation with the service provider.

The photographs in this brochure are from Daniel Pullen Photography Tel: +44 (0) 7747 601871 dan@danielpullen.com. No images may be reproduced without express permission from the photographer.

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 03

04 • Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club

Welcome Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club is a private members’ club which allies an interesting history with an outstanding course which was redesigned by renowned golf course architect Donald Steel in 1997.

In 2003 the club hosted the Kent Amateur Championship. From 2004 to 2009 the course joined the select group of 16 clubs which host regional qualifying for The Open Championship.

Its selection for these events further developed its reputation as one of the finest inland courses in the county. Two more premier amateur events are due to come to Rochester & Cobham Park in 2012.

We offer a friendly atmosphere, excellent golfing facilities and a clubhouse designed for a relaxing environment or more formal social occasions. While we are proud to be a club run by the members for our members, we are nevertheless delighted to welcome visitors, either as members’ guests, green fee visitors or with visiting societies.

The course was built to the highest specifications and is extremely well designed in a spacious parkland setting. Most importantly, it is an excellent test of golf which can be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels.

As well as some demanding par threes, there are tough par fours, often influenced by swirling winds, and long challenging par fives. All 18 greens produce a fast pace and offer a wealth of subtle borrows. The rough can be punishing so care should be taken not to stray off line.

Rochester & Cobham Park is a friendly club, blessed with a wonderful course. We look forward to welcoming you.

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 05

The Course and its History Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club was originally known simply as Rochester Golf Club and began life as a nine-hole course at Oakleigh Farm, Higham, around five miles from its current location.

The club was threatened with extinction when the leasehold to its first home was sold in 1919. However, the 8th Earl of Darnley offered a lease of the Deer Park at Cobham Hall for 10 years at an annual rental of £1.

The Earl was a keen sportsman and a cricketer of some distinction. Before gaining his peerage he was known as the Hon. Ivo Bligh and was famous for having captained England to victory in Australia in 1882/83, returning home to Cobham Hall with the famous urn containing the Ashes, one of sport’s most iconic trophies.

Thus, thanks to the Earl, the Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club, as it became known, opened in 1920. The clubhouse, transported from Higham, was separated from the course by the A2.

The separation of the course and clubhouse by the main motor route to Europe was never satisfactory, consequently the club embarked once more on lengthy negotiations resulting in a brand new clubhouse which was sited beyond the current 6th green and opened in 1980.

06 • Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club

In 1992 the Government unveiled the route of the Channel Tunnel rail link and Rochester’s golfers feared for their future once more, as the proposed track ran straight through the clubhouse.

Several more years of negotiations resulted in a major reconstruction of the course and the opening of the present clubhouse in 1997.

One of the benefits of the compulsory purchase of the land was the redesign of the course by Donald Steel.

Steel, the Sunday Telegraph’s first golf correspondent from 1961-90 and a prodigious author, had shown a penchant for course design and Rochester & Cobham knew it was in good hands.

The man who provided the master plan for the modern St Andrews and the only person to have advised all the clubs or courses on which the Open Championship has been played weaved his magic once more.

Three holes on newly-acquired land form the start to a course of par 71 which is 150 yards longer and of much more variety than its predecessor.

One of the differences from the original course which golfers may notice concerns the greens, which have been designed with more undulation than the original putting surfaces. This will challenge the long game as well as the chipping and putting and will require the golfer to exercise more thought in the placement of shots. All 18 greens were built afresh to USGA specifications during the redesign. They are fast and challenging and if you putt well at Rochester & Cobham Park you are truly a master of the flat stick.

The design focused upon limiting earth movement to a minimum in order to produce a layout which blends in with the historic parkland rather than grating with it. This retains the original feel of the golf course which was traditional in style and construction. Indeed, a significant and welcome objective has been the return of the landscape to parkland style.

One of the main attributes of the new course is that there are no weak holes in the layout which means that the overall 18 form a very solid and enjoyable test of golf.

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 07

Signature Holes Hole 3

Hole 1

Hole 4

Hole 1, 425 yards par 4

Hole 3, 495 yards, par 5

Hole 4, 277 yards, par 4

A tough opening hole with a generous landing area for the drive.

The closer the ball can be driven to the right the shorter the approach.

A fair green with a dip short right of the green so taking the right club to reach the green is paramount.

Avoiding the left hand bunkers off the tee affords a second shot where long hitters can reach the green comfortably and the shorter hitters can lay up between the next two sets of fairway bunkers leaving a straightforward shot into the green.

The brave can take on the green going over the left hand trees, though the sensible play is a mid to long iron to the fairway and a pitch to a difficult green. Once on the green a two putt can never be assured .

08 • Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club

Hole 9

Hole 11

Hole 13

Hole 9, 434 yards, par 4

Hole 11, 186 yards, par 3

Hole 13, 400 yards, par 4

A difficult finish to the front nine.

A long drive is required as close to the left-hand side as possible as this will keep the ball away from the bunker. A very narrow entranced to a two-tier green well-protected by bunkers makes this one of the most challenging holes on the course.

A very tough par three with a split-level green being higher on the right side. When the flag is on the lower level the ball will feed in from the right, but the upper level presents flag positions which are very difficult to get close to and hitting the green must be the priority, especially as missing the green to the right leaves a very difficult chip shot .

The 13th hole requires a tough drive through the gap. Any ball short right leaves a blocked out second shot and a bunker waits on the left. A green with some severe borrows awaits the second shot. Bunkers wait for a ball pulled to the left and missing the green right leaves a treacherous chip.

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 09

Signature Holes

(continued)

Hole 15, 400 yards, par 4

Hole 16, 213 yards, par 3

Hole 18, 443 yards, par 4

The blind tee shot needs to be kept up the right-hand side to avoid rolling off the fairway. The handicap golfer should then play an iron over the ridge leaving a pitch from the bottom of the hill to a green lacking in depth. The better player can comfortably hit the green but holding the surface is still difficult.

A pot bunker awaits stray shots.

Bunkers to the right of the green necessitate the tee shot be played left where the ball should come round onto the green. However too far left will leave the ball above the green and a difficult chip will be the result .

A classic finishing hole where once again making par is an excellent score. A long drive is required between trees on both sides of the fairway. The second shot with the ball above your feet to a big green presents a challenge and out of bounds up the right hand side makes this a tough approach.

10 • Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club

Hole 15

Hole 16

Hole 18

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 11

Who’s Who at Rochester & Cobham Park It is sometimes difficult to marry the heritage of a club formed at the end of the 19th century with the desire to be progressive and move with the times, but at Rochester & Cobham Park we strive to get the balance right.

Everyone is given a voice with two club forums a year. Members can then voice their opinions on issues, new ideas and proposed changes to the course directly to the Board. It ensures every single member can have an input.

“Tradition is valued, of course it is,” said Ray Ellis, the current Captain at Rochester & Cobham Park. “But more than that what we are about is a great golfing experience in today’s world.

“Our goal here at the Club is to provide the best experience in member club golf,” says John Aughterlony, the Club Manager who has been in the post for three years.

“The whole essence of the club is quality enjoyment.”

Members appoint a Board of Directors to run the club on their behalf, and this meets regularly, as do Committees which oversee competitions, membership and affairs concerning the day-to-day running of the club such as the bar, catering and clubhouse.

Mrs Jo Beslee, one of the lady members at the club, said: “Belonging to a golf club does give you great friends for life.

Of course, the single thing you have in common is the golf but then you learn about what each other’s interests are and there are so many other things

12 • Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club

you then enjoy. The social side is tremendous and covers all sorts of aspects, whether it’s a classic concert, fish and chips or a dinner party at home.

We’ve got an excellent course, it’s in great condition. Our groundstaff are fantastic and they always do a great job for us.”

Jo is serving the second of her two years as captain of the Kent Ladies team in 2011, a great honour for both her and Rochester & Cobham Park.

She added: “There have been many highlights as captain, but certainly bringing the youngsters along, seeing them improve and then come into our first and second teams is very exciting.

“Working with potential players towards county week in June, which is the highlight of our year, is also very exciting, over and above that, it’s getting to know all the other members of the county.

“With Rochester & Cobham Park being handily placed to get to, from anywhere in Kent, plus the excellent practice facilities and with our pro Warren Wood as county coach means that the ladies’ monthly winter training sessions take place here at our club.”

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 13

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The PGA Professional

The PGA Professional at Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club is Warren Wood.

Warren is a popular and well-known figure among the membership, having been at the club since 1992 when he joined as a junior. He represented the county at every level before turning professional. Warren qualified to play on both the Europro and Challenge Tours winning twice and gaining much experience. He also caddied in the men’s and ladies full European Tours, managing and advising players at the highest level.

Warren has coached the Kent Ladies Elite Squad since 2009.

So what appeals about Rochester & Cobham Park? “We’ve got the best practice facilities and one of the best courses in the county,” he said.

“It’s a friendly membership and a fantastic course. At Rochester & Cobham Park we are always trying to progress. It’s not a club that stands still, we are always looking for improvements.”

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 15

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The Professional Shop The shop stocks a comprehensive range of clothing and equipment from leading manufacturers, at competitive prices, with free advice on sizing and suitability from Warren and his team.

There is a particularly good choice of Callaway, Mizuno and Ping irons, Nike, Oscar Jacobson, Ralph Lauren, Glenmuir and GlenBrae clothing and a huge selection of the most popular golf shoes from Footjoy.

If you are in the market for a new set of clubs, then why not consider custom fitting? This is a painless process where a few practice swings can ascertain the correct loft and lie required for an individual’s clubs, together with the optimum length and flex of shaft.

The measurements are then sent to the manufacturers who then produce a set of clubs whose characteristics perfectly complement the swing of their new owner and result in better ball striking and increased consistency. It continues to be very popular with players at all levels.

The Pro Shop undertakes all repairs and offers an excellent re-gripping service.

For more details telephone the Pro Shop on 01474 823658 or email golfshop@rochesterandcobhamgc.co.uk

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 17

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Tuition Even with a fundamentally-sound swing, the game of golf can be a frustrating pastime which can produce emotions from euphoria to despair within the space of a few shots.

Without those essential building blocks, a consistent and repeating swing can prove elusive and practice merely makes permanent long-established faults.

Structured golf lessons are available in time slots or on the course and prices start at ÂŁ22. Warren caters for all ages and abilities. He also runs group sessions for the Ladies, Juniors and players new to golf.

So if you are serious about learning or improving your golf in a friendly and relaxed environment telephone the Pro Shop on 01474 823658 or email golfshop@rochesterandcobhamgc.co.uk

Every area of the golf game can be covered to ensure an improvement in the player’s performance. Long months spent hitting balls on the driving range is an image of the past, simple technical changes followed by a better practice regime and deeper understanding by the individual are key components to better golf.

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 19

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Practice Facilities

For the keen player looking to improve their game, Rochester & Cobham Park must seem like a golfing paradise, such is the extent of our practice facilities.

Immediately in front of the clubhouse is the practice putting green that is just as good as any of the outstanding surfaces to be found on the course. Right alongside is a chipping area and driving range with bays in the open and two undercover.

At over 300 yards in length, the range should accommodate all but the very biggest hitters, and there are targets marked with various yardages to help work on distance control.

own balls and practice their medium to short irons. Here can be found another chipping green and two practice bunkers.

When venues are chosen for prestigious competitions it is not just the course that needs to be superior, much consideration is also given to whether demanding requirements of professionals or leading amateurs. We score highly on both counts.

On the way into the course there is a practice area of around 150 yards in length to which members bring their

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 21

Membership Opportunities As a member of Rochester and Cobham you not only get to play the course and enter competitions but can take advantage of exceptional practice facilities and join friends and colleagues at social events.

We encourage sponsoring members to introduce new members to ease the integration process. In this way we hope new members will quickly feel at home and enjoy the full range of benefits and privileges that membership brings.

However, the committee is prepared to consider an application for membership providing it is accompanied by a letter of recommendation and, if possible, a handicap certificate from a club where the applicant is currently, or until recently has been a member. Potential members have the opportunity to play 9 holes with a member of the Board. This provides an informal opportunity for applicants to seek further information about all sides of the club and understand

22 • Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club

more about the competitions and events that are available.

We currently have a limited number of vacancies for both full male and full lady memberships and full seven-day subscription rates are paid by those aged 30 and over. Check our website www.rochesterandcobhamgc.co.uk for the up-to-date scale of charges for the current golfing year.

Contents There are intermediate subscriptions for golfers aged 18 to 29 and membership fees to encourage junior golfers.

There is an entrance fee which, if required, can be paid over five years.

Members are able to access their own exclusive part of our website, which carries important details such as competition results, current handicap and any other private information that the club wishes only you, as a member, to see.

Correct golfing attire is required on the course and in the clubhouse. Jeans, collar-less shirts and training shoes are not considered acceptable. In the summer months tailored shorts of respectable length may be worn with full-length stockings with turned down tops, or calf length white sports socks.

Golfers are expected to change after playing into smart casual clothes or a jacket and tie if the occasion requires.

However, if you just want a quick snack or drink we do have a friendly spike bar which is always busy with members chatting, watching TV or even playing cards!

If you are interested in applying and would like an application form, please contact the Office via email: manager@rochesterandcobhamgc.co.uk or telephone 01474 823411.

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 23

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Forthcoming Competitions Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club was proud to be one of the courses chosen to play host to qualifying for the Open Championship from 2004 to 2009.

Courses are chosen to serve as venues for a six-year cycle, after which The Open moves to pastures new to allow as many deserving clubs as possible the chance to welcome such a prestigious event.

Rochester & Cobham Park’s turn may have passed for now, but we very much hope to be chosen again at some time in the future and feel we impressed, because the course has been selected as the venue for two more extremely noteworthy events in 2012. These are an England versus France International and the Southern area qualifying competition for the English Amateur Strokeplay Championship for the Brabazon Trophy.

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 25

Rochester&&C Rochester Golf Golf

centre spread

18th G 18th G

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 00

Cobham Park Cobham Park Club Club

Green Green

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 00

Playing Categories At Rochester and Cobham we have a balanced membership of all ages.

Sections include Men, Ladies, Veterans, Mixed, Social and of course, Juniors.

We have members that joined over fifty years ago but that balances with a third of our membership that have joined in the last five years.

The men have a busy playing section, with some 150 turning out on average for the monthly medals.

Casual and sociable golf is just as important, with roll-ups of swindles taking place during the week and on weekends. Generally, names are drawn which helps new members meet other players at the club.

Men

For those who like their golf competitive, Rochester & Cobham Park is able to offer a host of events, against fellow members in club competitions and against other neighbouring clubs across Kent.

The club championship takes place on one Sunday in late July or early August over 36 holes. There are 12 monthly medal and stableford competitions for both midweek and weekend players. In a d d i t i o n t h e r e a r e 13 o t h e r c l u b competitions and five knockout competitions.

The club is a member of the Association of South Eastern Golf Clubs, a group of 16 clubs in the northern part of Kent, the other members being, Chislehurst, Eltham Warren, Langley Park, Royal Blackheath, Sidcup, Sundridge Park, West Kent, Knole Park, Wildernesse, Dartford, Shooters Hill, Mid Kent, Cherry Lodge, Wrotham Heath and Lamberhurst.

28 • Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club

Members of this association play each other in several knockout events throughout the year, the most prestigious of which is the Perman Shield for scratch golfers. The trophy was presented by Mr G E Perman for “golf and good fellowship” and dates back to 1925. In true Ryder Cup-style, the Perman Shield match consists of four foursome matches and eight singles played during a single day, foursomes in the morning, singles in the afternoon. It is pleasing to note that Rochester and Cobham have won the shield on several occasions.

Over the years, the Association has introduced a number of handicap competitions, widening the appeal and enabling golfers of all standards to become involved. There are now five competitions where participation is restricted to players with a CONGU handicap not lower than a preset limit.

These individual matches are actually played off scratch, with no concession to an individual’s handicap. The format of these knockout competitions is eight singles matches with the club scoring the most points progressing to the next round. The final is held at a neutral venue.

The specific competitions, with handicap limits, are as follows:

Sundridge Park Trophy (handicaps 6 and over) Wilding Cole Trophy (handicaps 9 and over)

To ensure club members can experience other courses we also play ten friendly matches against other Kent Clubs.

West Kent Cup (handicaps 12 and over) Royal Blackheath Trophy (handicaps 15 and over) Gray Trophy (handicaps 19 and over)

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 29

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Playing Categories Rochester & Cobham Park has a friendly Ladies Section with members of all ages from Juniors right the way through to the competitive entrants for the Grannies Cup. Handicaps range from 36 down to a very impressive scratch and for those considering taking up the game there are beginners’ classes every Thursday at 9.30am.

We have a small but enthusiastic Business Ladies Section who play every weekend and have reserve tee times on Saturday and Sunday mornings even if there are men’s competitions taking place.

Competitively, the ladies are very well served and playing in many team events.

This enables the chance to meet other people socially, play at other clubs across the county and afford the opportunity to test one’s golfing mettle.

Ladies

One of the most prestigious events is the Bradley Cook Cup, a five-a-side scratch team knock-out tournament played home and away up to the final, with first-round losers being automatically entered into a plate competition.

The Pearson Trophy pits ladies from 48 clubs with of handicaps 13-32 against each other in seven singles matches. There are 12 groups of four that play each other home and away from November to March, with the winner of the group progressing to the knockout stages. A finals day sees the Kent champion crowned and they go on to play their peers from Hertfordshire, Middlesex and Surrey to decide the overall champion.

For the top-level golfers the Holland Trophy is a Knock-Out Foursomes tournament for those with a handicap up to 14, while the Tappin Trophy is a knockout event for teams of three with one player

from each of the following handicap bands: (13-20) (21-29) and (30-36).

The Ladies enter the hugely-popular national team event called the Mail on Sunday Classic and also play in a Summer Scratch League.

The older ladies (68 and over) contest the Coombe Cup, a Knock-Out Foursomes tournament off handicap.

Club competitions between lady members at Rochester & Cobham Park are numerous. There are 12 weekday and 12 weekend EWGA medals each year, a monthly stableford and numerous other golfing challenges featuring different formats.

Some of the most coveted silverware on offer are the trophies for the Spring and Autumn meetings, the Lady President’s Salver and the Maclean and Henderson Cup, a competition played over 36 holes on one day.

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 31

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Playing Categories -

Veterans - Mixed

Veterans Our seniors are a thriving part of the club and while the emphasis is on enjoyment, they remain as competitive as ever.

The Veterans compete in Group 4 of the Society of Kent Golf Veterans inter-club competition, playing league matches against other clubs. Six pairs contest each fourball better-ball fixture, with the ultimate group winners progressing on to a final against the winners of the other groups.

Mixed The Vets run their own programme of qualifying and fun competitions throughout the year. They also play friendly fixtures with many clubs throughout Kent.

The Mixed Section run a competition on most Bank Holidays together with a very popular series of afternoon competitions in the summer, which regularly attract 60 – 70 players who enjoy a relaxing 9 holes of golf and the evening meal which follows.

Rochester & Cobham Park members also play against other clubs in mixed and friendly competitions throughout the summer.

Super Senior Matches featuring five pairs from each club were introduced for the first time in 2010 for veterans over 70 with a maximum handicap of 24. This is a competitive yet very social event with a light lunch or tea served depending on the tee-off times.

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 33

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HSG264 Compliant Asbestos Management Surveys Asbestos Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys Asbestos Sampling and Analysis by UKAS Accredited Lab Asbestos Management Plans Asbestos Removal Asbestos Consultancy

Small Garden- The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2011, awarded a Silver- Gilt Medal.

Curved brick path and planting.

Suburban garden construction, Surrey.

Pleached trees to screen swimming pool area. Country garden construction,Surrey.

Stone and oak pergola. Suburban garden construction, Surrey.

www.findwillow.co.uk Walnut Hill Nurseries Walnut Hill Road Gravesend Kent DA13 9HL

Tel: 01474 708106 / 704859 Email: office@findwillow.co.uk info@dma-environmental.co.uk www.dma-environmental.co.uk Tel David Moore on Mob: 07787 194 329 T Off: 01474 870892

Playing Categories At this club junior members enjoy learning to play golf in a safe and encouraging environment. We have a Management Team for juniors who oversee this section.

Juniors

Golf is one activity which requires all those playing the game to understand the importance of the following basic values; integrity, honesty, discipline, courtesy and sportsmanship. There is no place in golf for displays of anger and petulance as they are discourteous to your playing partner or partners. The Club and the team responsible for managing the Junior Section accept the social responsibility they have to encourage and assist the young members of the Club to translate these values to their everyday lives.

Once you reach an acceptable standard you can enter Club competitions, where you can pit your skills against those of other members. In time and as you progress you can represent the Club in matches against other clubs and also enter open competitions at other clubs.

The Junior Organiser, Clive Puddy explains that “we have a thriving section of boys and girls who enjoy the junior coaching, roll-ups, club competitions and matches. We also hold a Junior Open competition each year”. The section has assisted many of our young golfers who now play to a single figure handicap or better. This includes our current Professional Warren, Jerry Lawrence who plays for Ladies Kent first team and Matt Haines who played in the Walker Cup team in 2009 and has now turned professional and is playing the European Tour.

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 35

I.T. SUPPORT FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS !

We cover all aspect’s of IT repair, with over 22 years of experience in the domestic and commercial IT industry, we can assist you with any problems.

You can drop off and collect your equipment outside office hours, subject to appointment. All work includes a performance cleanup of your PC Laptop for free ! Competitive hourly rates, fixed cost for some repairs.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Having problems with your home computer ?

Internet slow and disconnecting ?

PC Laptop not starting?

Remote helpdesk support Server installation and migration Small Business Server Certified Office relocation Support contracts System monitoring Email setup and configuration Backup and disaster recovery

01634 313754

• • • • • • • • • •

www.theITConsultants.net facebook.com/TheITConsultants

New Roofs Roof Repairs Flat Roofing Specialists Asphalt Roofs Felt Roofs High Performance Roof Sheeting Slating,Tiling Decra Anti Vandal Roof Tiles Glass Fibre Roofing Lead Roofing/Lead Flashings

• • • • • •

Free Surveys & Estimates 30 Years Experience Highly Qualified Staff All Work Guaranteed Honest & Reliable Service Public Liability Insurance

Call Tony Hastings on 07540613276 Telephone: (01689) 600364 Fax: (01689) 600943 enquiries@laroofing.co.uk

Visitors Rochester & Cobham Park is very much a club run on behalf of its members, but the club does welcome green fee players on weekdays only (excluding Bank Holidays).

An historic venue, challenging course and some of the toughest greens in the South East of England await.

Visitors should contact the Professional’s Shop in advance on 01474 823658 to ascertain the availability of the course and book a reserved tee time.

Visitors should note that the club has a soft spike only rule for course play. The Professional’s Shop can replace metal spikes with soft spikes for individuals on the day. For further facilities which include the hire of wide-wheeled trolleys and golf buggies, please contact the Professional’s Shop. Visitors will be required to present a current handicap certificate on payment of the green fee and are expected to observe normal standards of golfing etiquette when on the course.

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 37

J K Curtains & Blinds The Complete Made To Measure Service

90 Parrock Road Echo Square, Gravesend Kent DA12 1QF 01474 567491 bridegr.james@btconnect.com 146 High Street Bromley BR1 1EZ 020 8290 0210 bromley@brideandgroomltd.co.uk

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One of the largest selection of Men’s Formal wear in and around Kent Discounts on group bookings Discount when bride purchases her gown from us New modern slim fit suits for 2011 Wool and silk suit available for the more selective gentleman Bespoke making of cravats and hankies for exact match to Bridesmaids In house alteration service for the perfect fit suit Special rates for extended periods of hire Exceptional customer service with highly experienced staff.

We are a Rochester based Company working throughout the Home Counties and South East England and we provide the complete made to measure service for curtains and blinds and various other soft furnishings.

As well as looking after our own customers needs, we have also been working closely with one of the uk’s leading retailers over the past 5 years.

We pride ourselves on good quality at great value, giving honest advice through firsthand experience, ensuring you get the most suitable solutions for your individual needs Why not find out more about us, and get in touch to discuss the bespoke service we can offer you.

enquires@jkcurtainsandblinds.co.uk

07950 633697

Golf Societies Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club is pleased to be able to accept bookings from golf societies.

We are an increasingly popular destination with groups who are eager to test themselves on a course whose reputation for excellence has become more widely recognised in recent years.

All members playing in a society should be competent golfers with club/society handicaps. Handicap Certificates may be required to be produced. With advance notice, group replacements of spikes for society members can be arranged.

For booking details, or to arrange a society event or to learn how we can tailor your society day to suit your requirements, please contact the Club Manager on: 01474 823411 or email: manager@rochesterandcobhamgc.co.uk

The club offers a number of attractive packages to suit all societies and groups can choose to play 18, 27 or 36 holes.

Refreshment options are numerous to suit any budget or time constraint and range from just a coffee on arrival and a snack lunch to a full English breakfast on arrival and a three-course lunch or dinner to follow the round.

The minimum number of players for a society is 16 but this can be altered by special arrangement with the Club Manager.

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 39

SWR Tiling & Stonemasonry

Go Driver Training provide expert, friendly tuition at unbeatable rates starting from £16.00p/h.

IntensIve Courses Go intensive makes learning cheaper and faster

We specialise in residential and commercial tiling.

Ranging from: • ceramic • marble • granite • terracotta • mosaic Professional tiling and stonemasonry services are provided throughout the North Kent area and beyond. I also undertake stone masonry projects particularly restoration.

• 1 to 8 week courses to suit all • Theory training included • Call for our special offers

early DrIve Get a head start and learn early!

Youngsters between 10 and 16 can learn the basics of car control in the safe, private grounds of Buckmore Park.

NVQ 3 Qualified in Tiling and Stonemasonry.

0800 511 8780 www.golearners.co.uk

Telephone: 01474 355529 Mobile: 07867 857005 Email: threecs@tiscali.co.uk

Clubhouse and Restaurant Rochester & Cobham Park has a fine, modern clubhouse in which to enjoy a refreshing drink or tasty meal after your round of golf. We have a halfway house serving hot drinks and food on the course.

The locker rooms can be found on the ground floor, while upstairs are two well-appointed bar areas to allow members and visitors the chance to unwind: the lounge bar, which is the more formal of the two and the spike bar, where members and guests are permitted to wear their golfing shoes.

Both bars have Sky TV and free Wi-Fi although you may prefer to pick a comfortable spot near the window instead and enjoy the wonderful views out over the course towards Cobham Hall in the distance.

Opening hours of the restaurant are generally from 10am to 6pm, with bar service available throughout the day and in the evening. The menu is varied and appetising and ranges from a light sandwich or tasty snack right through to a sit-down meal. Food is often consumed in the bar, but our spacious dining area is also most agreeable and this is where we host our social functions. We can open up the lounge bar and dining area into one to create more space for larger events.

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 41

Sterling Financial Associates

Pick A Posy Whatever the occasion Pick A Posy florist in Strood are here to help.

Friendly, impartial advice for all your financial planning needs ...

Sterling Financial Associates are a friendly family run business based in Gillingham, Kent.

Established for over 10 years, we have earned our reputation as a company to rely on for independent, impartial advice for both personal and business customers.

119a Watling Street, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 2YX

You can order flowers online from this website or call us if you would prefer to discuss your requirements with one of our florists. Established for over 30 years we can help you with all your floral requirements.

01634 716154 2A Stanhope Road, Strood, Kent, ME2 3EJ info@pickaposyflorist.co.uk

Telephone / Fax 01634 308000 / 08715 941 567 E-Mail info@sterling-finance.co.uk Sterling Financial Associates is an appointed representative of Sesame Ltd., which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Partners: C.J. Norris & W. Edwards

Charities Supported Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club is in a position where it endeavours to put something back into the community each year by raising money for our chosen charity.

EllenorLions, who provide hospice care for adults, children and young people living in Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley and surrounding villages, was selected as the club’s charity for 2011.

EllenorLions provide care across a variety of settings including sites in Northfleet and Dartford, via a hospital support team based in Darent Valley Hospital and in patients’ own homes or in nursing/care homes.

For more details visit: www.ellenorlions.org

The club’s chosen charity for 2012 is the Kent Air Ambulance, which has saved many lives by providing a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) and air ambulance service for the benefit of the community.

Responding swiftly to 999 calls, the air ambulance service can deliver its highly skilled team of doctors, paramedics and nurses to the scene of an accident or medical emergency in South East England within minutes.

Flying fast, direct and unhindered at over 150mph the Kent Air Ambulance service can reach any part of Kent within 15 minutes flying time and can transport patients to the nearest major hospital or specialist unit in a fraction of the time taken by land ambulance.

For more details visit: www.kentairambulance.co.uk

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 43

V I TA L I T Y

BRITISH WH EEL OF YOGA

TEACHER

YOGA CLASSES YOGA THERAPY REFLEXOLOGY AROMATHERAPY BWY TEACH IDEAS.indd 1

SugarPink Cakes is a professional, cake company based in Chatham, Kent.

25/9/08 12:19:30

Yoga as a discipline can be approached on many different levels. Some people use it purely as a means of stretching and relaxing while others find that through Yoga they rediscover the body and explore its significance.

Yoga therapy is the adaptation of yoga for people with health problems, tailoring yoga to their individual needs, taking into account their health problems, constitution and circumstances.

On offer are delectable cakes available in different flavours and colours to suit your requirements. Not just for special occassions like Birthdays, Christenings, Weddings, showers etc. There are celebration Cakes for all reasons and also no reason at all.

Bridget Reader 3 RidLEY ROAd, ROCHESTER, KEnT ME1 1UL T 01634 843663 M 07962 077597 bRidGET @ViTALiTY THERAPiES.COM www.ViTALiTY THERAPiES.COM

Info@sugarpinkcakes.co.uk 07931 144652 facebook.com/sugarpink.cakes www.sugarpinkcakes.co.uk.

New Innovations at Rochester & Cobham Park Rich in tradition Rochester & Cobham Park may be, but that has not prevented the club from embracing new technology and all the inherent benefits they can bring to the game of golf and to our members.

The installation of a new integrated network has resulted in a more effective electronic communication system across the office, pro shop and playing sections.

For the members, the benefits will be numerous, with the most popular to be the use of a software package called How Did I Do? Members will be able to reserve tee times and book their place in upcoming competitions without having to pick up the telephone.

Members are notified of their results automatically and electronically.

As we head towards a cashless society, Rochester & Cobham Park doess its part with the use of the club membership card in the clubhouse, pro shop and for competition entry fees.

You can follow us or check out the latest club news at twitter.com/ RandCPGC, or take a look at the twitter feed on the front page of our website, www.rochesterandcobhamgc.co.uk

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 45

46 • Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club

Social Activities There is a very strong camaraderie among the membership at Rochester & Cobham Park and this extends far beyond the normal friendly banter on the course. The club organises a host of social activities which are embraced by a membership who like each other’s company and know how to enjoy themselves.

The year’s Captain is charged with the responsibility of deciding the social activities and the programme is both stimulating and varied, being designed to appeal to as many people as possible.

If more traditional occasions are to your liking, rest assured we have fun celebrating Christmas, New Year and St George’s Day, to name but three.

The club looks to put on one function most months of the year and as well as the traditional favourites such as race nights, quiz nights and a 60’s night, there are some that might surprise, but will certainly not disappoint. Among the offerings on the 2011 calendar were a Captain’s theatre trip to take in a top show in London and a summer party in Cobham Park complete with bar marquee on the driving range.

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 47

D

UGDALE SOLICITORS

Here are just some of the services we can provide: • • • • • • •

Plastering Rendering Pebbledashing Screeding Drylining Coving Skimming over artex etc

Dugdale Solicitors is a solicitors practice in Medway, Kent which has been set up by Matthew Dugdale who can help with a wide range of legal problems, whether it’s affecting you or your business

Please get in touch with us for more details.

07737 186475 01634 304980

Dugdale Solicitors advises clients on: • Employment (Employers and Employees)

jcplastering@live.co.uk www.jc-plastering.co.uk

• Litigation (Businesses and Individuals)

• Landlord & Tenant (Commercial and Residential)

• Business and Commercial law.

Tel: 01634 580606 Fax: 01634 789535

How to Find Us

The Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club is situated just off the A2 in Kent.

For satellite navigation purposes, our postcode is ME2 3UL. From Dover/Rochester (follow the red line) Follow the A2/M2, turn off at the signs to Cobham and Shorne. You will then come to a roundabout, take the first exit and follow sign to Shorne. This will take you back over the A2. Once over the bridge take the 2nd turning on the right. You will now be driving parallel with the A2 back in the direction you have already come. Take the 1st turning left and this will take you back over the A2. You will then pass under the railway line. Keep following the road and you will eventually reach the car park.

From the North (follow the green line then red) Once on the M25 turn off at junction 2 on to the A2 towards Dover. Turn off at signs for Cobham and Shorne and then turn right at the tee junction towards Shorne and then virtually immediately turn right again. You will now be driving parallel with the A2. Take the 1st turning left and this will take you over the A2. You will then pass under the railway line. Keep following the road and you will eventually reach the car park.

From London (follow the green line then red) Follow signs for A2 Dover turn off at signs for Cobham and Shorne. Turn right at the tee junction towards Shorne and virtually immediately turn right again. You will now be driving parallel with the A2. Take the 1st turning left and this will take you over the A2. You will then pass under the railway line. Keep following the road and you will eventually reach the car park.

There are signs to the club but they are easily missed. Some say Cobham Golf Course and others say just Golf Course.

Public transport The nearest railway stations are Meopham, Strood, Rochester and Ebbsfleet International.

Contact for further information South Eastern line (www.southeasternrailway.co.uk) or Ebbsfleet International (www.ebbsfleetinternational.com)

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 49

Contact Us We look forward to welcoming you to Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club. If you have any questions or would like further information then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club Park Pale by Rochester Kent ME2 3UL

Fax: 01474 824446

Telephone:

Website: www.rochesterandcobhamgc.co.uk

Club Manager: 01474 823411 Professional: 01474 823658 Course Information Line: 01474 824928

50 • Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club

E-mail: manager@rochesterandcobhamgc.co.uk

Twitter: twitter.com/RandCPGC

Ltd

Paul Goddard first started his plumbing business in 1986 after having completed a full plumbing & heating apprenticeship and was personally awarded the highest award of a “silver medal” for achieving outstanding results throughout the 4 year apprenticeship.

Over the last 25 years Paul has carefully chosen and employed, trained plumbers & heating engineers to the same highest standards Paul himself always strives for in business.

Paul has remained very “hands on” in the business spending much time helping customers with plumbing & heating technical & design requirements as well as keeping in constant close contact with all staff.

This has paid huge dividends with many customers and staff still working with Paul for over 20 years, Paul is always the first to say that any business is only as good as the tradesmen it employs.

Services offered:

Customers

• • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Plumbing Heating Gas installations Bathrooms Booster systems Cast iron rainwater goods

Many private customers Royal Households Schools Offices Factories Hospitals Carehomes

“Quality delivered on time and to agreed budget” Call

01634 245761

Email

sales@paulgoddardplumbingandheating.co.uk Website

www.paulgoddardplumbingandheating.co.uk

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club Park Pale by Rochester, Kent, ME2 3UL Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club • 00