Golfers Local - March/April 2023

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March/April 2023 (Issue

Rhos on Sea Golf Club

HAPPY HUMPHREYS

THE head professional at Aberdovey Golf Club, Andrew Humphreys, has beaten 219 other club professional shops, to win the prestigious TGI Professional Shop of the Year award, after an incredible couple of years in his post.  It also marks the first time the award has been won by a Welsh club.

The award recognises growth and development within the industry along with manufacturers feedback and reviews within the game.

Having invested heavily in the redevelopment of the shop,including adding a state-of-the-art swing room/fitting

DENBIGH GOLF CLUB

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studio and bringing in some of the leading brands in the world, Andrew is rightly proud of what he and his team have achieved in winning the award.

Andrew, who took over the running of the pro shop in 2020 just before Covid hit the UK, said: “I hope this award helps to continue to showcase the wonderful local area and golf in Mid Wales.  The team have put a lot of work into not only the professional retail outlet we are proud to call home, but also coaching and developing golf in the local area and it is great to see the number of new golfers we have brought to the game

over the past few years.”

He added: “We aren’t stopping here, in fact we have only just begun, I have big plans for the club,the course and the local area and I look forward to welcoming more and more golfers to Aberdovey.”

The pro shop at Aberdovey is open to the public and stocks a wide range of the leading brands in the game, including TaylorMade,Titleist, Ping, FootJoy and many more.Also playing host to a stateof-the-art Trackman fitting studio and a full range of club repair and coaching facilities.

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LEIGH TEAM AIM TO REIGN IN SPAIN

ATEAM of six male members at Leigh Golf Club have emulated the club’s 2022 ladies team by reaching the Spanish Grand Final of the only national golf club team event left running in the UK.

The team will tee it up at Montecastillo, in Jerez, for the Annodata Golf Classic in March along with teams from Hampshire’s Romsey Golf Club, Norfolk’s Kings Lynn Golf Club and Durham’s Consett Golf Club to battle it out for the title of UK Golf Club Champions after beating Whittaker, Mellor & Townscliffe, Hurlston Hall, a second Leigh team and Drax before finally seeing off Birmingham-based Hollywood Golf Club.

The event is promoted as the toughest and most prestigious competition to win in the UK, with almost 1,000 teams and 5,000 players entering the ladies and gents competitions.

BY PAUL CHAPPLE

Last year, the Leigh Ladies team successfully fought their way through the seven rounds of matchplay golf to secure their place in the Grand Final before losing 3-2 in the semi-final to the eventaul winners and now the men’s team, made up of Allan Wain, Peter Bean, Scott White, Dave Barrett, Ian Westwell and team captain John Taylor, have done the same.

John said: “Without doubt this has been one of the best team experiences I’ve ever had. In each match there can only ever be one winner, but every team we have played has competed hard but in a friendly manner. We couldn’t recommend this competition highly enough and everyone at the club is proud that we have been able to provide a team to the final in successive years.”

this month.

HERE is our March/April edition of Golfers Local. We hope you enjoy it. We’ve had great fun bringing you all the latest golfing news from across the region for the last 14 years, as well as providing the perfect platform for our advertisers to get their message across to our local golfing readers. There are lots of fabulous features planned for the year but we would love to include your club’s news too. If you have a story for us, whether deadly serious or hilariously funny, as long as it is legal, decent, honest and interesting, we’ll do our best to use it.

Send it to us at: Golfers Local, Cherry Bank Barn, Dark Lane, Burton, Nr Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0AE. Or e-mail: news@golferslocal.co.uk

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The Leigh team head to Spain

LEA-ANNE SECURES TOUR CARD

THIS year is set to be a hugely exciting year for one of Wales’s best up-and-coming female golfers after securing a place on the Ladies European Tour.

Abergele’s Lea-Anne Bramwell secured a place on the LET by holing a 20 foot putt on the last hole of qualifying in Spain.

Bramwell had come up through the Wales Golf High Performance Programme and represented Wales,building the support networks to prepare her for the leap into the professional ranks.

The 22-year-old is a former Welsh Amateur champion and is looking to build on her time as an amateur to push for the highest level. “I won the Welsh Amateur and no-one can take that away from me, but personally I do not think I had a very good amateur career,” she said.

“I see there are a lot of really, really good amateurs who do not make it as a pro because it is different getting used to tour life, the travelling from country to country.Playing on the LET Access Series last year opened my eyes to everything.

“It was my first year going to QSchool so I had no expectations, which is the best way of approaching it for me.

“I had played on the LET Access Series all year, making every cut and picking up some top 10’s, so I knew I had playing rights there for next year and thought I could carry on developing.

“Learning how to cope with the travel and gain experience on the Access Tour, that was the plan I made along with my coach Paul Williams, who is also Wales Golf national female coach.

“I got through the to the third stage

and was five over for my first round, 139th out of 150 competitors. I was trying to just go out there and have some fun because anything would be a bonus.

“Then I was five under for my second round, and played solidly in my last two rounds. I had some great help from Paul which helped me take it shot by shot.

“There were scoreboards round the green on the last hole, I could see what score I was on and what I needed.

“I had a long,difficult bunker shot and then I had a 20ft,downhill putt with two to three feet of borrow to get my card.

“After that went in, I was practically crying coming off the green, overwhelmed with the whole situation.”

That putt could be life changing for Bramwell with this year set to be the most lucrative in LET history.

Bramwell started her campaign in early February with events in Kenya and Morocco. She missed both cuts but is gaining experience fast and has plenty more opportunities throughout 2023 as she joins fellow North Walians Becky Brewerton, Chloe Williams and Amy Boulden on Europe’s top tier of golf.

FORMER Padeswood & Buckley, Aldersey Green and North West National PGA teaching professional Stuart Hurstfield is celebrating 10 years in his role as head coach at Rolling Hills in Saudi Arabia.

The Wrexham-born 49-year-old started playing at the age of 10 when his dad took him to Padeswood & Buckley to caddy. He progressed quickly and was soon part of the county and North Wales squads. He gained PGA status 25 years ago and has enjoyed teaching the game ever since.

Hurstfield said: “I’ve loved all my roles, but life in Saudi is fabulous.

“I work a split shift that normally involves coaching in the mornings, having the afternoons to myself and back to work in the evening until about 9pm.

“There are 82 different nationalities living within my complex so you meet so many different people.”

Stuart Hurstfield.

Abergele’s Lea-Anne Bramwell is now playing on the LET.

WHEN HARRY MET TOMMY

AN 11-YEAR-OLD golf fan who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when he was just five has met his golfing idol Tommy Fleetwood.

Harry Halpin,who also loves football, met the European Tour and Ryder Cup star at Formby Hall recently.

When the world number 24 heard about the young Manchester City supporter’s condition, he was keen to meet up with him while he was hosting a junior event at his academy.

Harry thought his mum and dad where just taking him to watch the juniors, not knowing Tommy would be there.He was over the moon to meet his golfing hero.

Harry’s medical condition is muscle wasting.He has restricted ability to walk. His medical condition, of which there is no cure, will only get worse. Harry will start to lose upper body movement to his arm functions and breathing will become a major concern.

He currently has the use of a hand pushed wheelchair. He relies heavily on

his parents to push him around, both in their home and outside and to school. Harry would love to have his own independence.

Parents, Rachel and Gareth, along with Harry’s young sister Grace,have for the last five years, relentlessly been fund raising to adapt their home so Harry is independent as possible to manoeuvre around in his hand pushed wheelchair.

They are currently raising funds to purchase a power assisted wheelchair that costs more than £9,000.Plus raising funds to provide ramp access points in the back garden so Harry can be outside in the fresh air, without the need for his parents to push him in his current wheelchair. Their local authority, although they have carried out some adaptations to their home, will only give a small financial help for the ramps to the rear garden but no contribution towards the motorised wheelchair.

Harry is trying to be as independent as possible now he is attending high school. At home he is restricted to rely-

ing on his parents or younger sister to wheel him in and out of the garden.The power assisted wheelchair will make life much easier for Harry and give him some independence, especially when he is manoeuvring himself around the cor-

Dan’s the man

BRAMHALL Golf Club’s Dan Hayes has become the youngest-ever Cheshire Boys captain this year. As Cheshire Boys champion, the 16-year-old plus five handicapper, has already represented England at the Italian U16s Championship and in the County Champion of Champions final at Woodhall Spa, where he finished ninth.

He also won a place in the Justin Rose Daily Telegraph Junior Golf Championships at Quinta do Lago which had an original entry of 17,000 in the qualifying events. As well as being the Cheshire Boys champion, Dan was the first winner of the new Cheshire trophy as Cheshire Boys Golfer of the Year. He said:“I would like to thank all at the golf club, my family, Cheshire County and my coach Richard Green for their great support and encouragement.”

ridors of his high school.

To help Harry and his parents raise the necessary funds to purchase the power assisted wheelchair and ramps, you can donate online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rachel-halpin-1

New Cheshire boys captain Dan Hayes.

Harry Halpin with his golfing hero Tommy Fleetwood at Formby Hall.

Local News

NEW2GOLF TO CAPTAIN IN FIVE YEARS!

JUST five years after taking up the sport through a New2Golf scheme, Susan Wallace is the new lady captain at Vale of Llangollen Golf Club.

She officially took up the role in February following her drive-in, having come through as part of the club’s successful New2Golf scheme run by PGA professional Matt Davies.

The New2Golf scheme at the club has regularly had 10-15 participants over each of the last eight years, many going on to full club membership – with Wallace rising up through the ranks in swift fashion.

Wallace, a physiotherapist and pilates teacher, has a strong sporting background. Her father’s interest and enthusiasm as a golfing latecomer finally rubbed off after her parents moved from Scotland to North Wales.

“I did Matt’s New2Golf scheme as something I thought I might enjoy and a way of finding a better work/life balance after setting up a new business and working all hours, day and night,” said Wallace.

“I did enjoy it,but unfortunately didn’t continue to play due to work commitments. I hadn’t managed to sort out that work/life balance after all.

“The following summer I went on a golfing holiday with my husband and parents with a view that if I enjoyed it enough, I’d join the club on my return and make sure I made the time to play.

“The impact of COVID the following

Howden Insurance and Wales Golf team up

WALES Golf has entered into a three-year sponsorship agreement with Howden Insurance Brokers backing the Wales Golf Club of the Year Award.

That award will be presented at the Wales Golf Awards Lunch to be held at the 2010 Clubhouse, Celtic Manor Resort, on March 24.

year meant I was much quieter at work and by that time I was loving the game and had developed the right mindset to create the time to play.

“With the support of Matt and the ladies section, I had a great year in 2022, dropping my handicap by eight shots and winning a few competitions.

“The most memorable was the ‘mixed’ with my dad and the ‘family and friends’ with my husband,who I’m now trying to encourage to play more. My mum joined and now plays too.”

Although Wallace has moved up the ladder faster than most, she is just part of a successful New2Golf scheme at the club.

“I remember Susan attending every New2Golf session, from the first taster sessions which were free of charge,using the Wales Golf funding to keep the prices down through the year,”explained Vale of Llangollen PGA pro Davies.

“She was one of 20-30 people taking part, it is a good way of integrating with the club and we are starting to see the benefits of New2Golf courses on the club membership.

“There are quite a few who came through New2Golf,have got their handicaps and take part in competitions regularly.”

Growing up in a sporty family in Scotland (her father and brother were both Royal Navy PT Instructors) Wallace had “tried a bit of everything”taking up squash, badminton and skiing.

“I wish I’d taken up golf sooner,” she said. “Dad didn’t start until my late teens/early 20’s and I remember hitting a few balls on the odd occasion on a field at his work and the local driving range, but I moved to London to work as a fitness instructor and golf was never really on my radar.

“I moved to Llangollen with my now husband and the fact that the course is on the doorstep is an added bonus.”

“I accepted a post on the ladies committee quite early on and when the opportunity for captaincy came up I did quite fancy it, but felt it was too soon. I hadn’t been here very long, didn’t have

much experience as a golfer or a member, so didn’t think I was really ready or worthy.

“The encouragement of the previous captain and vice-captain was very important after I explained my reservations to them - and I’m glad I accepted. I’m very honoured to be lady captain and looking forward to the year ahead.

“My main aim is to make it through the year and not let anyone down! On a more serious note,I’m hoping I’ll be able to inspire and encourage more ladies to take up this wonderful, physically and mentally healthy sport, no matter what age or ability.”

HARTFORD WIN SOCIAL MEDIA CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARD

HARTFORD Golf Club have been named Social Media Club of the Year at The Club Awards 2022 black tie gala dinner in Leicester.

The guest presenter for all the awards and compere for the night was BBC Sport presenter John Inverdale.

Shop manager, Paul Cunningham, who has responsibility for the Northwich-based club’s five social media platforms of YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, said: “It was hugely rewarding to receive the award. Social media is a huge part of modern life, we have embraced the chance to find new audiences and attract new players to the game through social media and it’s an invaluable way to communicate with our followers on a daily basis.

“We were up against other golf clubs,sports clubs and also social clubs

BY PAUL CHAPPLE

so there were thousands of clubs competing for the title.”

Hartford has around 12,500 followers on its social media platforms, with a much greater reach which goes as far as their posts being seen in places like USA, South Africa and Australia.

“We have a five second TikTok clip that has more than 2.1 million views!”

Paul, who spends at least two hours per day on the Hartford social media channels,added:“Social media is a fundamental part of our golf club and modern life. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are still growing exponentially and as it has evolved we have embraced the chance to communicate with new players to the game who can learn what we’re all about even before they visit us. It’s our virtual shop win-

dow that is seen by thousands every day.

“I have done a phone interview with Golf.com in America and a live interview on New Zealand Radio's biggest breakfast show as a result of social media posts. We also featured on Sky News in November 2021 after they saw our post about gender neutral tees.”

Hartford have also just received the good news that they have been nominated, from 450 golf clubs, as one of four finalists in the Foremost Golf Elite Marketing Professional of the Year awards for 2022.“Again, this is due to our strong social media presence and the quality of our content,” explained Paul. The winner will be announced later this month.

“Next I would like to explore the world of podcasts,” said Paul.

“Howden is the insurance broker to Wales Golf and has been fantastic to work with over the last few years, we are delighted to be able to take that good relationship forward on a sponsorship basis,” said Hannah McAllister, Wales Golf chief executive.

“Getting the insurance cover right is an important issue for our golf clubs in Wales and Howden is one of the companies that can offer bespoke insurance plans for clubs in the sector.”

Howden’s Mike Farrell, associate director, Sport and Entertainment, added: “We are thrilled to support Wales Golf by sponsoring the Wales Golf Club of the Year Award.

“This allows us the opportunity to invest in a sport we are thoroughly passionate about, in a sector where Howden has been involved for many years. Looking forward, we very much hope to further enhance Howden’s reach in golf to the benefit of all those in the Wales Golf community.

“Howden can assist golf clubs by providing an insurance policy that is tailor-made for their needs. We are already speaking with a number of golf clubs in Wales about their insurance provision and look forward to engaging with many more clubs in the years to come.”

Howden Sport & Entertainment is a dedicated division within Howden Insurance Brokers that specialise in national and international sporting risks. Howden works with 300 National Governing Bodies in the UK in arranging their insurance programme.

Vale of Llangollen Golf Club lady captain Susan Wallace.

Howden’s Mike Farrell with Wales Golf chief executive Hannah McAllister.

Hartford’s Paul Cunningham at the awards evening in Leicester.

TRACKMAN’S A BIG HIT IN ST ASAPH

A ST ASAPH-based golf course and driving range has marked its 35th year anniversary by installing Trackman technology in each of its 21 bays.

The radar-based ball tracking system was put in just before Christmas at North Wales Golf Course and Driving Range and owner, Steve Mueller, is absolutely thrilled with the decision.

“My grandmother, Lilly Gresley Jones, opened what was the first driving range in the area here in 1988. We have always tried to move with the times, but it was a really big decision to install Trackman,” explained Steve, who first became interested in the idea in 2016.

“I was on holiday in Las Vegas and visited a golf facility there.They had just put a chip in the balls that allowed you to track the flight. I was really impressed and everybody there seemed to ab-

BY PAUL CHAPPLE

solutely love it too, so I suppose the seed was planted then.

“There are a few different systems out in the market, but I did some extensive research online and by visiting a few ranges and opted to go with Trackman.

“I was really impressed with the Trackman story.The founder was a golfer who was a radar technician for the Danish military,” explained Steve.

Each bay includes a screen that allows each user to either play golf courses, games or simply enjoy some range practice, whilst tracking each shot.

Steve added: “We have been so much busier now that word is spreading that we have Trackman here.

“People are coming from right across North Wales.

“What is particularly noticeable is the wider spread of the age demographic that are coming here now.There are certainly a lot more children and families, which is great. There are also more serious golfers coming now too.

“People that didn’t use to like practising now come and have all these different options. When we first installed the screens, most players were using the range practice mode, but the playing of the virtual golf courses is starting to take off now, whilst the kids love the games.”

North Wales Golf Course and Driving Range now has Trackman.

As well as installing Trackman, the range has also had a full refurbishment. The range area has been astro-turfed and new bay dividers added. There are even outdoor heaters for the bays.

“The feedback has been fantastic and all positive,” said Steve. “We haven’t had a single negative comment. What has been really satisfying is seeing people that were initially against using the technology to seeing them using it all the time, and really enjoying it.

“It costs just £9.50 to get 100 balls,

which we believe is great value.”

Steve’s not resting on his laurels though. “There are some really exciting plans for further improvements,”he said. “But we have to keep it under wraps for now.”

There has been one negative as a result of having Trackman installed. “We are too busy to have any time to use it ourselves,” said Steve. Visit www.northwalesgolf.co.uk or @northwalesgolf on instagram for more information.

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THE XYZ OF TEAM GOLF

TERIBUS 5

RAMBO V

JONS BOYS THREE

AVENUE ALL STARS

PUTTS 4 DOUGH

HENRYS ARMY

BLISS STIR 1

BOBS YER UNCLE

JUNCTION RAIDERS

AFTER THOUGHT

DRIVES 4 SHOW

MILLI’S MUPPETS 1

OWPOPOLSOP

BARTY 3

“SHEILA’S WHEELS”

WREKIN BLINDERS

THE PEOPLES CLUB S.O.L

BASELINE KINGS

FROSTY GOLFERS

SHORT IN TWO CROSSRUNNER CLARATY

JONS BOYS FOUR

SMUDGERS STARS 2

TEAM BOBBY JONES

TIMPERLEY BIGSHOTS

SMUDGERS STARS

TINKS TEN

SNOWMAN

JIMBO’S ARMY 1

BARTY 1

MARTINO’S SWINGERS (2)

SOUTHPORT OLD LINKS 1

CALM DOON PET 3

ANOTHER BOGEY

COMPY’S POWER FADERS

CLEANMACHINE3

71 BALLS FOR A 2 SHANKMEISTERS

MILLI’S MUPPETS 2

JONS BOYS TWO

CAPTAIN STRIKES BACK

GF 2

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BANGOR BOY

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COMPY’S SAND SAVERS

PATTI’S BOYS

KIT AND KIM

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TEAM HERITAGE

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S.O.L. CENTENARY 2026

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TOMMY’S YOUNG GUNS

RANGERS

SHIFTYS OLD LINKS 3

COMPY’S PAR PATROL

MAGGIE MAY

GF 1

SCRATCHERS 23

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GRAHAM SCHAFER

CLIFF CLINKARD

EDDIE WHITLEY

STEVE POWNELL

JOE FILDES

BILL SMITH

NEIL GLEDHILL

JOHN MYERS

DENIS FOSTER

GED SHEEHY

EDDIE SHIELDS

PAUL GREGORY

NEIL GLEDHILL

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ANDY MILNE

GEORGE THRELFALL

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RUSS WILLIAMS

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STEVE LEDDY

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BERNIE VOLLER

MIKE ROUND

NEIL GLEDHILL

JOHN MYERS

DAVE SMITH

JOHN S ASPERY

IAN CUTHBERTSON

DAVE SMITH

JOHN BELL

W.MANNING

JIM COLLINS

PAUL BARTON

ALAN MARTIN

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TONY SWANN

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IAN COMPTON

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IAN COMPTON

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D.A.HOWARD

ALAN HARTLEY

MIKE HERITAGE

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ROD BOARDMAN

GAVIN OLDFIELD

STEVE LEDDY

LEE OLDFIELD

ALAN KITE

LES EDGE

GRAHAM SCHAFER

IAN COMPTON

EAMONN O’DONNELL

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WHAT CHANCE ?

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SMOOTH SWINGERS 23

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PIN AND IN

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ANOTHER 3 PUTT

“SPARTANS”

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BRITON

GB ALL STARS

BOOMERS

REKIN HAVOC

MEAN MACHINE

MARTINO’S SWINGERS (1)

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FLINT OLD BOYS

MAYBE THIS YEAR

BROTHERS IN ARMS

ED THE RED

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WILKY’S WONDERS

CALM DOON PET 2

SHIFTYS OLD LINKS 1

BILL’S BANDITS

SHAKEY 2

COLLINS CADDIES

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TOE THE LINE

VALLEY SMACKERS

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RYDER CUP HEROES

ATHLETIC

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CALVIN’S EAGLE

FLIGHTS OF FANTASY

NICE “N” EASY

“TWO AMIGOS”

SMUDGERS STARS 1

WHICHIRON

STEADY EDDIE

ANOTHER O O B

DAVY 24

WISHING & HOPING

LILY MAY

COMPY’S BIRDIE TEAM

VALLEY WACKERS

HERITAGE

STUART DAVENPORT

ANDREW HARTLEY

BERNIE VOLLER

KEN GOUGH

ALAN HARTLEY

BARRY WINFIELD

JOHN L.DAVIES

IAN COMPTON

STUART DAVENPORT

JOE FILDES

IAN COMPTON

ROY MARSH

IWAN WILLIAMS

DENIS FOSTER

ALAN KITE

ALAN HARTLEY

W.MANNING

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DAVID HOLLIN

DEREK OLDFIELD

MIKE HOLLINDALE

MICHAEL HUGHES

NEIL GLEDHILL

LEE OLDFIELD

PAUL BARTON

BARRY WINFIELD

DEREK OLDFIELD

GWYNFOR JONES

KEVIN MANNING

JOE FILDES

GWYNFOR JONES

GEOFF OUSEY

WIL G.JONES

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GRAHAM BROADFOOT

GED SHEEHY

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ROBERT WILLIAMS

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BILL MEADOWCROFT

JOHN SHAKESHAFT

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PETE LITTLER

BILL SMITH

MARK SANDERSON

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JOHN L.DAVIES

RUSS WILLIAMS

DAVE SMITH

DEREK OLDFIELD

EDDIE WHITLEY

GWYNFOR JONES

DAVID EVANS

BRIAN MOUNTAIN

RUSS WILLIAMS

IAN COMPTON

ROD BOARDMAN

DOON PET 1 PUTTATHONS (A)

1 - 23

CHIPPERS

DOGSEY’S 10

ILLUMINATI

WELL ROUNDED MOB

PEPPERS ARMY

GF 3

FETTERS ALL STARS

SANDO’S ALBATROSS

THE HORTON HACKERS

TERIBUS 4

LORD BERWYN’S BOYS

SEABED 2

DAVY 22

HARRYS ARMY

CALVIN’S BIRDIE

ROYS HOPING AGAIN

GREG’S 2

JESTERS ARMY 2

PARK GC THREE

SEABED 3

ANOTHER NO RETURN

LINKS GALORE

JAN’S BOYS

MIXED BAG

SANDBURY 2 - 23

BRANDY BOYS

SHAKEY 3

THE FADERS

DAVY 23

GREG’S

TERIBUS 6

JIMBO’S ARMY 3

PARK GC TWO

HIT N HOPE 23

SEABED 1

TIGER HALF BACK

NOBODY’S FOOLS

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TEAR JERKERS

CLEANMACHINE2

CLINKS CHOICE

RAY’S WRECKERS

WE RE UP AND RUNNING

PAT HERITAGE

ALF B

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BILL SMITH

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BRIAN MOUNTAIN

GRAHAM ROUND

EDDIE SHIELDS

DON SUTHERLAND

MARK REDFERN

MARK SANDERSON

TERRY BRENTNALL

BILL SMITH

GRAHAM DAVIES

IAN WHITE

DAVID EVANS

EDDIE SHIELDS

MARK

SO FOLKS, here we go again with another year of our Golfers Local Fantasy Golf League

Each month the best scoring team will earn their manager £50 to spend in their home club’s pro shop At the end of the season the overall winner will receive £300 of credit to spend in their club s pro shop The runner-up will receive £200 of credit and third will get £100

Our February Manager of the Month, and first winner of the season, is serial winner John Myers, from Warrington He wins £50 to spend in his home club s pro shop at Mersey Valley Golf Club

COURSE REFURB AT HARLECH

ONE of Wales’best golf courses is set to be even better this summer following the installation of a state-of-the-art irrigation system throughout the course.

The huge project, which started in March of last year at Royal St David’s Golf Club, involved pipework been laid underground on every hole to allow all key parts of the course,including all tees and greens, to be watered during drier times.

“We are so excited with what the new system will be able to do, in terms of keeping the links in the best possible condition, no matter what the weather,” said club manager Steffan Jones.

He added:“Our members and visitors have been really patient during all the upheaval but now they will be able to enjoy the fruits of all the labour.

“The links manager, Rhys Butler, and his team have done an absolutely wonderful job.”

BY PAUL CHAPPLE

Butler, who plays off plus one, added: “What a superb project it has been. It has run as smooth as silk and the lads have been a delight to work with.

“This is an absolute game-changer for Royal St David’s and the benefits of the irrigation are already clear to see,even at this stage of the year.

“We owe a big thank you to design consultant Adrian Mortram and to Green Irrigation Ltd for all their hard work and expertise.”

The bulk of the irrigation work was completed in October, 2022 and Butler and his team have spent the months since getting the course back to the standard it is renowned for.

“First impressions are so important and golfers that know the course well will immediately see the improvements with the re-turfing work around the

*

HARLECH

North Wales

Established 1894

2023 MEMBERSHIPS

CATEGORY ‘A’

£847.00

CATEGORY ‘B’

£580.00

Every tee and green now has irrigation at Royal St David’s. INSET: The pipework being put in. opening tee’s surrounds. The irrigation will make a huge difference to these areas going forward too,”added Butler.

The course is a wonderful test of golf, with a true links layout and it sits at 45th within the Golf Monthly Top 100 Golf Courses in UK & Ireland and has recently been voted the second-best golf course in Wales.

“The Dormy, where we have five bedrooms to accommodate golfers who are looking to book multiple rounds to play

Royal St David’s Golf Club

*

(full-time resident living at least 1-hour from the club)

MID DISTANCE MEMBERS

£423.00

(full-time resident living at least 2-hours from the club)

DISTANCE MEMBERS (inc. international member)

£308.00

(full-time resident living at least 3.5 hours from the club)

Membership due 1st May, 2023. Category A special offer now on, which is join now and receive 14 months for the price of 12

Royal St David’s or neighbouring golf courses, has recently been refurbished to a very high standard with new ‘ortho’ beds, new flooring throughout and the installation of en-suite bathrooms in every room,” explained former professional Jones, who has moved back to Harlech following a spell abroad.

“It’s a very exciting time to be involved at the club,”added Jones, who only took up his post late last year.

“We’re hoping as many people come

to see the course improvements for themselves either as members or as visitors.”

To mark the completion of all the work, the club has introduced a special 14 months for the price of 12 membership offer for full membership (Category A). It means 14 months of golf on one of the country’s finest courses will cost just £847.

Visit www.royalstdavids.co.uk for further information.

TURKISH DELIGHT FOR PRO-AM PAIR

DAVENPORT Golf Club teaching professional Jamie Howarth, the current Manchester and District Golf Alliance’s Order of Merit champion, enjoyed a great win in the PGA National Pro-Am Championship.

Howarth was partnered by Davenport member Lewie Wilson and they qualified for the finals in Turkey by winning a qualifier at Stockport.

In the Betterball Stableford, played over two days at the Antalya Golf Club’s Sultan course, they posted excellent scores of 44 and 42 points to clinch the title.

Victory in Turkey capped off a successful 2022 season, both on and off the golf course.

“I played DP World Qualifying School and narrowly missed out at stage two and it was just really nice to have a

BY GEOFF GARNETT

crack again after Covid put Q school on hold for a few years.

“I am hoping to get some opportunities to compete in some events on the Challenge Tour as well as the PGA national and regional schedules.

“I’ve also qualified for the PGA Playoffs (where the top three from each PGA Region will compete) at Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus in April where there will be some DP World and Challenge Tour starts up for grabs.

“When not competing, I have been busy coaching clients at The Howarth Golf Trackman studio at Davenport and I owe a big thanks to Davenport head professional Tony Stevens for all his encouragement and support,” explained Howarth.

CHESHIRE UNION OF GOLF CLUBS APPOINT NEW SECRETARY

STEVE Doughty is relishing his new role as the Cheshire Union of Golf Clubs secretary, taking over from Peter Whitehead who has given superb service to Cheshire for the past five years.

Steve said:“I am thrilled to be taking up the role as county secretary and am really looking forward to this exciting opportunity to work for a county, with such a rich golfing history, dating back more than 100 years.

“My aim is to build on the wonderful contribution that Peter has made to Cheshire Golf, by continuing to work with the first class pool of county volunteers and enhancing the experience for all competitors who take part in the numerous championships and events that the county run.

“Hopefully I will get to visit as many of our clubs as I can in the coming months so I can get to know them and offer as much support as I can.

“Another area is to work closely with the Cheshire Ladies Golf Association to build up a good working relationship with them.

“My wife Robyn, children Jennifer and Elliott are hoping to relocate into the Cheshire area, so we hope to meet as many of you as possible.

“I have been involved in the golf industry for nearly 30 years.I caddied on the LET from 1992-95 and then

New GM at Prestbury

PRESTBURY Golf Club have appointed a new general manager,Stuart Finlay.

He has joined the Macclesfieldbased club from Radyr Golf Club, Cardiff and took up his duties on January 1.

Prestbury chair, Mary Staton, said: “We welcome Stuart at a very interesting time with so many changes going on at the club.”

First ace for Tony

HELSBY Golf Club member Tony Fernandez hit his first ever hole-inone in a recent society event at his home club.

He aced on the 152-yard long, sixth hole and was met by a busy clubhouse waiting to celebrate with him afterwards.

BY GEOFF GARNETT

joined the Sky Sports Golf team as golf statistician and worked there from 1995 to 2000.

“My next move was on to the European Tour (now DP World Tour) in 2001 and was there until May, 2017. I worked in the media department as golf statistician and whilst there I became involved with the Rules of Golf and refereeing and qualified to Level 3 standard.

“My other roles then included working for the PGA as a tournament controller for the PGA South Region and then gaining experience in club management as assistant manager at Sunningdale Heath Golf Club in Berkshire.

“My most recent role came as England Golf’s club support officer for Surrey, for which I served for nearly four years.

“I have many golfing highlights, which include caddying for Julie Forbes on the LET when she won the 1994 French Open in a play-off and I was also lucky to caddy on the LPGA Tour as well.

“Whilst working for the Sky Sports Golf team, I worked on and attended multiple US majors,Ryder Cups,Players Championships and WGC events.

“As a result I worked with many of the ex-pros turned commentators including Ken Brown, Howard Clark,

Ewen Murray, Richard Boxall, Ronan Rafferty and many others plus presenters like David Livingstone and Butch Harmon.

“I have been very fortunate to meet many top players including Jack Nicklaus,Tom Watson,Tiger Woods, Nick Price and many others.

“A great highlight was to play Pebble Beach in 2000, the day after the US Open and the same with Pinehurst No 2 in 1999 and Sawgrass a couple of times the day after the Players Championship.

“Whilst at the European Tour I met many pros during my 17 years there and the highlights included working at six Ryder Cups, 17 BMW PGA Championships and The Seniors Open.

“Also on the European Tour, I was given the opportunity of attending the Tournament Administrators Referees School at St Andrews in 2010 and as a result I refereed events on the Challenge and Seniors Tour and the European Tour Qualifying School and I have carried on refereeing for the PGA, England and Surrey Golf Union.

“My lowest handicap was four and I represented Worcestershire Colts and South of England Colleges whilst I was at university and I was a member at Richmond Golf Club for 17 years.

“I am a big fan of Jack Nicklaus,Tom Watson and Gary Player (who I have been lucky enough to meet),Nick Price and Sandy Lyle - who is the best striker

Double delight

PENWORTHAM Golf Club won the Ribble Valley Seniors League for the second year in a row last year and now new captain John Bretherton is hoping to make it a hat-trick in 2023.

They also went one better than 2021 by winning the Red Rose Veterans League in a closely fought contest with Turton, which went down to the very last game.

of a golf ball I have even seen!

“My previous Cheshire connections include my good friend Neal Briggs, a former European Tour player and now Tour referee.

“He was a former colleague of mine on the EuropeanTour and I refereed with him quite a bit and I have also known Andrew Murray,a former EuropeanTour winner and commentator for a long time.”

Jamie Howarth, right, with amateur partner Lewie Wilson and the PGA Trophy.

New Prestbury GM Stuart Finlay.

Tony Fernandez after his Helsby ace.

Penwortham captain Tom Stirrup receiving the league shield from league president Chris Sumner (Preston GC).

CUGC secretary Steve Doughty.

IMMY’S IN THE PINK AS GIRLS CAPTAIN

LYMM Golf Club’s Immy Marsland is the new Cheshire County Ladies Golf Association girls captain for 2023 and is looking to lead from the front.

Immy said: “I became interested in golf after attending an open day at Lymm when I was 10. From that point onwards, I spent a lot of time at the golf club with my little set of clubs and my pink golf balls.

“As I started to hit the ball a little longer and play a lot better, I decided to start playing with the juniors in summer competitions, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Through these competitions, it opened a vast range of opportunities for me, as I played in more open events where I got introduced to the CCLGA.

“I started having coaching sessions and met some of the girls I’m still playing with now. I gained more knowledge and understanding of the game.

“At this stage, I played my first ever Cheshire competition and won the ninehole event, which boosted my confidence. As this training progressed and I

BY GEOFF GARNETT

moved up the levels, my handicap reduced by large amounts in each competition I played in.

“Through this period,I’ve played twice in the England Girls U18’s Open,in various Cheshire competitions such as the Cheshire championships and multiple matches against different counties, including attending the northern county girl’s jamboree twice.

“I am now proudly playing at a handicap of 5.3, which I’m hoping to reduce this season.

“I owe a lot to my golf coach Andrew Murray; he has been such a great teacher and has helped me grow and develop throughout my journey.

“I would also like to thank the Cheshire instructors Mark Pilling and Matt Turnock for their further help with my golf and to my friends and family for their support and my parents for all the effort they have put in to get me to competitions and practice and the love and

support that they have given me both in and out of golf.

“I am extremely thankful and grateful to be offered the role as the CCLGA girls captain for the upcoming season.

“As captain, I hope to encourage our girls to enjoy the game no matter what the outcome of a competition. I also want to bring everyone together as a junior section and to make sure no girl feels left out and we’re together as one team.

“It is also important to me that I inspire the younger generation by encouraging them to be involved in county golf and to continue their journey through Cheshire as it has really benefitted my golf and I have enjoyed my time in the section very much.

“In the long run, I aim to potentially become a coach and mentor for juniors after a career as a paramedic, which I’m currently working for with my A-levels. I am studying health and social care, sociology and drama,which has helped me to get interviews for university and to hopefully get offers.

2023

Opens

at Portal Arderne Golf Club

Gents Senior Pair’s Open (55+)

Tuesday 13th June

4BBB Stableford

£30 per pair

Tea/coffee & bacon bap on arrival

Hcp index max 54 (85% allowance)

Ladies’ Open

Wednesday 28th June

Team of 3 Stableford (2 best scores)

£39 per team of 3

Tea/coffee on arrival & afternoon tea

Hcp index max 54 (85% allowance)

For entry forms and further information on both Opens, email: maura.murphy111@gmail.com

“I can also use golf to potentially receive a scholarship to the universities I’ve applied for,which can give me additional funding towards getting to and from competitions and also provide me with a personal trainer and access to sports facilities to help me keep in good shape for golf and for paramedicine.

“I would also take a route into golf if I find that working in the NHS is too difficult or I’m not enjoying it, or as something I can do and teach when I get time off from shifts.

“Growing up, my golfing idols have always been Paula Creamer and Rory McIlroy.I have always enjoyed watching them play and taken interest to their lives as professionals.

“Specifically when I was younger, I was particularly drawn to Paula Creamer due to her pink golf clubs and accessories, which made me want to be just like her when I played golf.

“Now pink is my lucky colour to wear when I play and I have won many competitions wearing a fully pink outfit.”

Immy Marsland in action at the Cheshire Girls Championships last summer.

Sophie sets new record in Europe

A WIRRAL junior golfer has set a new record in the Junior European Open in its 30th Anniversary Year in Spain.

Sophie Clafton,13,and a member at Wallasey Golf Club, became the youngest-ever winner of the competition in the U18 girls section.

The one-handicapper was presented with her trophy by former winner and supporter of the event Nick Dougherty, now a renowned golf commentator on Sky Sports.

The event was played at the Alcaidesa Resort, Cadiz over their Links and Heathland courses, both par74, and has had players in the event over the years such as Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, Luke Donald, Georgia Hall, Bronte Law as well as Dougherty.

It is widely considered as the toughest test in junior golf across Europe.

There were 45 regional finals in the UK and Europe, including Reddish Vale and Tytherington in Cheshire to decide the final field.

There were 30 U18 girls playing in the final round and it was decided over five rounds with the result determined by the top two scores in the first four rounds added to the fifth round score.

Sophie’s best two rounds were 74 and 79 and a final round of 76 gave her a total of 229 and victory by three shots.

Dougherty said:“It was one of the great experiences of my junior career getting to play at courses like Valderrama was an amazing experience and Sergio played there as well, and made friendships that have lasted me throughout my lifetime and was a big part of my progression as well as through professional golf.”

Another Cheshire girl in the event was Freya Jackson (Lymm). She who finished in 10th place with 249.

TEEN STAR GETS SET FOR NEW SEASON

DELAMERE Forest Golf Club’s young star Immy Williamson has enjoyed a stellar career in golf since she began 10 years ago and after a superb season in 2022 she is now working hard in preparation for 2023.

The 15-year-old has been playing golf since the age of five and has a current handicap of +2.4.

She lives in Chester and is a student at The King’s School.

Her golfing achievements have been at club, county, national and international level and from the age of 11 she has been part of the England Golf Development pathway as a member of the England U18 Regional Squad.

In the past 18 months Immy has been selected to play for the England U16’s on five occasions and was part of the successful Girls and Boys Home internationals squad at Downfield.

In 2017 she was Cheshire U14 champion at the age of 10, Welsh Northern Counties U14 champion, third in the Wee Wonders National Championship at St Andrews and has already represented Cheshire U18’s.

The following year she won the Welsh

BY GEOFF GARNETT

Northern Counties U18 Championship

aged 11.

In 2019 she was then crowned Cheshire U18 county champion, Delamere Forest U18 junior champion and Royal Liverpool Golf Club’s Stanley Wicks junior champion.

In 2020 she retained her Delamere Forest U18 crown and in 2021 was Cheshire U18 junior champion again, Cheshire Ladies Championship runnerup and was selected to play to play for England U16 Girls v Switzerland.

Last year she was Cheshire Ladies Championship runner-up,she played for England U16’s v Spain in Madrid, part of Cheshire Ladies A squad who won the North Regional County match week at Heswall, selected to play for the England Girls U18’s squad at the R&A Home Internationals at Downfield, Scotland, selected to play for England Girls U16’s v Switzerland at Heswall,selected to play for England Girls U16’s v Ireland at Royal Birkdale.

Immy’s ambitions are to continue to work hard at her game and over the re-

maining three years as a junior has ambitions to win a national event and also to continue to represent England at International level.

Ultimately she would like to go to the USA on a golf scholarship and go on to

be a professional on the LPGA Tour. Immy said: “I would like to thank Cheshire Ladies and England Golf for their on-going support and opportunities as well as my family and the golf club.”

CAROLE’S LOOKING FORWARD TO SENIOR CAPTAIN’S ROLE

CAROLE Ryder is looking forward to the 2023 season in her new role as captain of Cheshire Seniors Ladies team.

Carole first started playing golf when she was 30, having been a keen hockey player. “I was a PE teacher and had always played lots of other sports too, tennis being the other main one.

“In 1992 I joined the gym at The Tytherington Club and came across golf by accident. I went to the driving range and I was hooked! I took lessons with the pro there at the time and pretty quickly got my handicap down to single figures.

“I first played for the county team in 2000 and went on to represent the county six times.

“We won the Northern Counties at Wilmslow in 2002 and then went onto the National finals at Hendon.

“Since turning 50 I have played for the Senior county team and have helped them to win the Northern Counties title several times.

“I’ve had a few personal successeswinning the MDLGA Lloyd Jones ScratchTrophy twice and also winning the William Bailey trophy.

“I was a member at Tytherington for 25 years and have very fond memories of my time there.I still have lots of friends there.

“I loved representing Tytherington in all the matches, but in particular the Bell Cup,which we won,and also the Manchester Alliance’s Archie Preston Mixed Foursomes, which we won on two occasions.”

Carole, who joined Prestbury in 2017, added: “As Cheshire senior captain for 2023,I’m looking forward to working on the county board and helping improve the golf experience for all women golfers in Cheshire.

“I will have the great pleasure of assisting the very talented senior team to retain the Richardson Trophy. I will do my very best to help the players win it for a seventh consecutive time.

“Golf is the most amazing sport. I have made life-long friendships and would like to thank all those friends who have been there for me over the past 30 years and I know will support me as senior county captain this year.”

Sophie Clafton is presented with her trophy by Nick Dougherty.

Immy Williamson.

Carole Ryder.

Know your rules with...

PETER TURNER

Our Shropshire-based England Golf referee with his latest rules questions to test your knowledge.The question topics in this issue relate to the more common type of situations where the Rules of Golf have changed following the amendments made with effect from 1st January 2023. Other rules changes have been made as part of that revision, particularly clarifications, but many are those that you will rarely come across. We will cover others in future issues.

QUESTION 1: A player taking part in a strokeplay competition must show their handicap on their scorecard.True or False?

QUESTION 2: On the fifth hole Geoff’s tee shot came to rest underneath a branch of a tree. On his backswing he struck the branch and, as a result, the shaft of his club was accidentally broken. He may replace the broken club with another club. True or False?

QUESTION 3: Jenny’s tee shot went into a red penalty area. In accordance with Rule 17.1d she dropped a ball under penalty of one stroke within two club lengths of where the ball entered the penalty area. The ball came

to rest within the relief area, but while she was choosing which club to play her next stroke with, a gust of wind caused her ball to roll down a slope and back into the penalty area. What is the procedure?

a. As the ball was moved by natural forces she must play the ball as it lies in the penalty area without penalty, or take relief again under Rule 17, incurring a further penalty of one stroke. b. She must replace the ball on its original spot where it came to rest after taking relief the first time, and play from that spot without penalty.

c. She must replace the ball on its original spot where it came to rest after taking relief the first time and play from that spot with a further penalty of one stroke.

Answers below

ALLIANCE SET FOR BUSY SECOND HALF

QUESTION 4: John was three minutes late on the tee for a Stableford competition.What penalty does John incur?

a. Two points are deducted from his final Stableford score for the round.

b. He incurs a two-strokes penalty for the first hole.

c. He is disqualified for being late on the first tee.

QUESTION 5: Janet’s putt in motion on the seventh green hit a beetle on the putting surface and was deflected away from the hole. What is the correct procedure?

a. She must play the ball as it lies.

b. She must replay the stroke.

c. She may either play the ball as it lies or replay the stroke.

5. A - A minor change to Rule 11.1b(2) with regards to a ball played from the putting green, ‘Ball in motion accidentally hits person or outside influence,’ states that an insect is not considered to be an animal, (outside influence). If a ball in motion played from the putting green accidentally hits an Theinsect. ball is not replayed, such as if it was deflected by a dog, and is played where it comes to rest after hitting the insect.

4. B - Until the Rule change on January 1, 2023, if a player was five minutes or less late on the first tee in a Stableford competition, the player was penalised by having two points deducted from their overall total score for the Thatround. has now been changed from January 1 to apply to the player being penalised two strokes for the first hole. As is the case in a medal round.

green, teeing area of the hole being played, or went out of bounds, the ball must be replaced on, and played from its original spot.

Therfore, if a golf ball on a fairway was dropped, placed or replaced under a Rule, and then moved by wind, water, or gravity into a penalty area, bunker, putting

The different areas of the course are: The Teeing Area of the hole being played (that area being a rectangle defined by the starting blocks and two club lengths behind the blocks), Penalty Areas, Bunkers, the Putting Green of the hole being played. All other areas of the course are the General Area, such as fairways, all rough, and teeing grounds on other holes.

3. B - Normally if natural forces cause a ball at rest to move, except when the ball is on the putting green of the hole in play, under Rule 9.3 that ball is played from the spot where it came to rest. However, if a player puts their original ball or another ball into play by dropping, placing or replacing it, and natural forces then cause the ball at rest to move and come to rest in another area of the course, or out of bounds, the ball must be replaced on, and played from, its original spot. This rule change came into place on January 1, 2023.

2. True - With effect from January 1, 2023, if a player damages or breaks a club accidentally during a round, the player may repair or replace the club with another club. If a player breaks or damages their club by abusing it, that club may not be replaced.

1. False - Rule 3.3 has been changed with regard to a player being obliged to show their handicap on the scorecard in strokeplay competitions. With effect from 1st January 2023 the player does not need to show the handicap on the scorecard. It is deemed that their handicap is known to the committee. Nor does the player need to add up the scores, as that will be done automatically by a computer. However, a Local Rule may be put in place that requires a player to put their handicap index, course handicap, playing handicap/strokes allowed on the scorecard. That Local Rule may well be useful when playing in foursomes, fourball, a Society or Roll-Up competition where a computer is not available, and some clubs may adopt that Local Rule.

Have you got a rules query you’d like clarification on? If so, email news@golferslocal.co.uk and Peter will provide an answer for you

THE Manchester and District Golf Alliance is the biggest organisation of its kind in England catering, with a variety of competitions,for more than 110 clubs within a radius of 30 miles of Manchester Town Hall.

The Alliance has done this since being formed 99 years ago and is looking forward to celebrating a spectacular Centenary in 2024.

A big part of their programme is running inter-club matchplay competitions in five categories which are played during the spring and summer months.

The Dunham Forest Trophy for professionals and six top amateurs, the City Glass Trophy,which is a men’s foursomes event. The Archie Preston Trophy is for mixed foursomes. There is also a men’s seniors trophy and the BMW Junior Team Challenge.

The Alliance runs Winter competitions at a variety of clubs, which include Order of Merit competitions for professionals and amateurs, with one half played before the festive season and second half early in the New Year, which

BY GEOFF GARNETT

members from all of the affiliated clubs can enter.

Alliance president Ian Brooks, a member of Bolton Old Links, said: “We are now well into the second half of winter season with record numbers attending the weekly events.”

The second half of the winter season, which began at Hart Common on February 15,concludes with President’s Day at Chorley on April 26.

“We have made the draws for the knockout competition and this is displayed on our website.

“We are already planning for the 2024 Centenary season by booking courses and some special events will be added to our normal programme to mark the special milestone.

“Our thanks go out to all professionals, amateurs and sponsors who support the Alliance every week and here’s hoping for a dry start and finish of our season led by our captain Scott Jackson, the professional at Disley.”

Manchester Alliance president Ian Brooks.

Helen signs in as CCLGA captain

CHESHIRE County Ladies Golf Association’s new captain Helen Heggarty brings a wealth of golfing experience and success into her new role and is looking to continue the county’s playing success in 2023.

Her own playing career saw her win the County Championship four times and she represented the Cheshire team almost 100 times.

Helen was England Girl champion in 1976 and a player for the England Girls and Youths team from 1976-78.

Her academic achievements included a BSc in Sports Science 2:1 with honours from Liverpool John Moores University and a MEd in Leisure from the University of Western Australia,majoring in marketing and industrial relations.

Her wide range of work experience in golf included Responsibility for Marketing for the PGA in 198285.

From 1985 she has run Helen Latham Promotions which specialises in sponsorship and event management with many activities in golf.

These included – player management on men’s and women’s tours where her clients included Laura Davies and Alison Nicholas, The World Cup of Golf – press officer for tournaments in Spain and Australia, Rules of Golf Quiz for the R&Acreation and management for 15 years, SeveTrophy project manager, organising more than 200 golf days for corporate clients and charities all over the UK and the Wirral Classic.

Helen is married to Royal Liverpool head professional John, has a son Tom who plays off +2 and now lives in the USA and a daughter Laura, also a keen golfer who works in London.

Helen said: “I owe thanks to a lot of people who helped and encouraged me as a junior - Carol Comboy who took me under her wing at an early age taking me to the Northern Foursomes (which we won twice), Audrey Briggs, members at my two clubs Caldy and Royal Liverpool, my parents and of course my husband John who has been very patient over the years!

“Cheshire had a great year in 2022 with the team winning the Northern Division and the Seniors team who did the same.

“We will be making every effort to win again in 2023.”

PRESIDENT’S POST FOR PAM

CHORLTON Golf Club’s Pam Draper is looking forward with great anticipation for the next two years in her new role as president of the Cheshire County Ladies Golf Association.

Pam began her life in golf at the Manchester-based club back in 1980 and as well as her success on the course,she has also served on the ladies committee in a variety of capacities such as treasurer, handicap secretary, secretary and county delegate.

Her playing highlights at Chorlton included winning the prestigious Manchester Alliance’s White Cup in 1985 with professional David Screeton and the Chorlton Mixed KO for the Deakin Trophy four times, three with Liam Harrison.

Pam was lady captain in 1996 and club president in 2013.

Pam joined the CCLGA committee in 2001 and was county treasurer from 2002 to 2006 and county captain in their Centenary Year in 2006-7.

She has been the CCLGA web administrator since 2005 and her county highlights include hosting the Centenary Dinner and the junior trip to Son

BY GEOFF GARNETT

Parc in Menorca where a Cheshire Boys and Girls team take on their counterparts from the Balearic Islands in an inaugural annual competition hosted by Bramhall Golf Club’s Hugh Brown.

Pam said: “Is will serve as CCLGA president for two years and I will be looking to promote county golf for all, emphasising health benefits and friendship.

“Cheshire provides competitions for all standards, not just the elite players. Golf is a sport that players of all ability can play together.

“I am looking forward to working alongside county captain Helen Heggarty, seniors captain Carole Ryder and board members.

“I intend to enjoy my term in office and have fun meeting golfers in the county and further afield and try to stop my handicap going up!

“There are too many people to name who I would like to thank for my time in golf, but I must make a special mention to my family for putting up with my obsession.”

CAPTAIN’S ROLE FOR JENNY

SALE Golf Club former lady captain Jenny Page is the captain of the Manchester and District Society of Past Lady Captains for 2023.

“I was lady captain of Davyhulme Park in 2014 and one of the highlights was winning the Balfour and Houldsworth GS Lancashire Cup with my husband Derrick in 2011,” she said.

“I joined Sale in 2016 and enjoyed doing the job as match secretary and playing in the Sale team who won the MDLGA Bell Cup in 2018,” added Jenny, who holed the winning putt, which she says was her best achievement in golf.

“I also won the Business Ladies Trophies in the same year and I was Sale lady captain in 2019 when it was a pleasure to have my dad over from the West Indies as it was not too long since I had lost my mum.”

Sale will host the finals day for the MDSPLC final on August 4 following the qualifying competitions at Blackley on June 19 and Davenport on July 14. Werneth will host a ninehole competition on July 3.

The season finishes with the annual

luncheon at Lancashire Cricket club on October 11.

The MDSPLC was formed in 1959 when two clubs are asked to host the competitions one from the north and one from the south.

The winners from each area go on to play the final at the captains’ club and the runners-up go as well.

Choosing the captain each year alternates north and south - a club is chosen and the captain elect writes to the secretary of the club and asks them to nominate a past captain to be put forward as captain elect.

The inaugural meeting of the society was held at Houldsworth Hall Golf Club in 1959. The subscription was set at three shillings and six.

After only two committee meetings there were 555 members. The first competition was a foursomes at Davyhulme Park in 1960.

The first annual luncheon was held in the Edinburgh Suite at Belle Vue in 1960 when tickets were £1 each.

The first AGM was at Houldsworth Hall in 1961. There are currently 65 clubs in the society with more than 550 members.

2023 SOCIETY PACKAGES (12 OR MORE GOLFERS)

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TEA/COFFEE, BACON ROLL & 18 HOLES

18 HOLES & 1 COURSE MEAL

TEA/COFFEE, BACON ROLL, 18 HOLES & 1 COURSE MEAL

TEA/COFFEE, BACON ROLL, 18 HOLES & 2 COURSE MEAL

TO BOOK CALL 01407 763279

OR EMAIL info@holyheadgolfclub.co.uk

FROM £20 £25 £29 £34 £38

Lon Garreg Fawr Trearddur Bay Anglesey LL65 2YL

info@holyheadgolfclub.co.uk holyheadgolfclub.co.uk 01407 763279

Cheshire County Ladies Golf Association’s new president Pam Draper.

Helen Heggarty.

Club Directory

18-HOLECOURSESLOCATIONMIDWEEK(From)WEEKEND(From)PROTEL.SECTEL.WEBSITE

AbersochGCAbersoch,NorthWales£43(£22winter)£48(£28winter)4+discounts0175871262201758712622www.abersochgolf.co.uk AlderseyGreenGCNrTattenhall,Chester£25 £300182978215701829782157www.alderseygreengolfclub.co.uk AllertonManorGCLiverpool£17(£14senior)£20(£17senior)0151428749001514287490www.allertonmanorgolfclub.com BarlastonGCNrStoke-on-Trent,Staffs£15£27.500178237279501782372795www.barlastongolclub.co.uk BidstonGCJ1ofM53,Wirral£30£400151638341201516383412www.bidstongolf.co.uk BirchwoodGCBirchwood,Warrington£26(£15winter)£31(£20winter)0192582521601925818819www.birchwoodgolfclub.co.uk BullBayGCAmlwch,Anglesey£35(£22winter)£40(£25winter)01407830960 01407830960 www.bullbaygc.co.uk ChesterGC ChesterCityCentre£45(£20winter) £50(£22.50winter)0124467118501244677760www.chestergolfclub.co.uk ChorleyGCHeathCharnock,Chorley£45N/A0125748026301257480263www.chorleygolfclub.co.uk ChorltoncumHardyGCSouthManchester£17.50£22.50(incBankHolidays)0161881991101618815830www.chorltoncumhardygolfclub.co.uk CreweGCHaslington,NrCrewe£35(£25winter)£40(£30winter)0127058503201270584099www.crewegolfclub.co.uk DenbighGCDenbigh£26£320174581415901745816669www.denbighgolfclub.co.uk

DentonGCDenton,Manchester£35(Twilight£25)£40

0161336207001613363218www.dentongolfclub.co.uk DisleyGCHighPeak,CheshireFrom£15From£200166376400101663764001www.disleygolfclub.co.uk HelsbyGCHelsby,Cheshire£25(callforpromorates)£35(callforpromorates)01928722021 01928722021www.helsbygolfclub.org

HenlleParkGCOswestrySeewebsitefordetailsSeewebsitefordetails0169167068001691670680www.henllegolf.co.uk HenllysGCBeaumaris,Anglesey£30£300124881171701248811717www.henllysgolfclub.co.uk HolyheadGCHolyhead,Anglesey£40(Twilight£25)From£45(Twilight£30)0140776327901407763279www.holyheadgolfclub.co.uk LeighGCCulcheth,Warrington£30£350192576201301925762943www.leighgolf.co.uk LlanymynechGCPant,OswestrySY108LB£30(£20winter)£40(£25winter)0169183054201691830542www.llanymynechgolfclub.co.uk MaesduGCLlandudno,Conwy£45(£27Twilight)£65(£27Twilight)0149287519501492876450www.maesdugolfclub.co.uk Mellor&TownscliffeGCStockport£20(£20winter)£40(£30winter)0161427575901614272208www.mellorgolf.co.uk OldPadeswoodGC Padeswood, Nr Mold SeewebsitefordetailsSeewebsitefordetails 01244 54740101244 638688www.oldpadeswoodgolfclub.com OswestryGC2milesSEofOswestryonA5£25(Sun-Fri)£30(Saturdays)0169161053501691610535www.oswestrygolfclub.co.uk PennantParkGCWhitford,Holywell£30 £350174556300001745563000www.pennant-park.co.uk PoultonParkGCWarrington£15£170192582522001925825220www.poultonparkgolfclub.co.uk PrestatynGCPrestatyn,NorthWales£25£400174585432001745854320www.prestatyngolfclub.co.uk PryorsHayesGCOscroft,NrTarvin,Chester£20(before3pm)£24(incBankHolidays)0182974014001829741250www.pryorshayes.co.uk PwllheliGCPwllheli,NorthWales£40 £45 01758701644 01758701644www.clwbgolffpwllheli.com ReddishValeGCStockport£40(£25winter)£45(£32.50winter)0161480382401614802359www.rvgc.co.uk RhosonSeaGCPenrhynBay,Llandudno£25(£20after1pm)£30(£20after1pm)0149254811501492549641www.rhosgolf.co.uk RochdaleGCRochdaleOL115YR£30(callforpromorates)£35(callforpromorates)0170652210401706643818 www.rochdalegolfclub.co.uk RoyalStDavid’sGCHarlechSeewebsitefordetailsSeewebsitefordetails0176678036101766780361www.royalstdavids.co.uk RoyalTownofCaernarfonGCCaernarfon,Gwynedd£42.50Mon-Thur(£25winter)£47.50(winter£35)0128667835901286678359www.caernarfongolfclub.co.uk StDeiniolGCBangor,NorthWales£25(£18winter)£30(£22winter)0124835309801248353098www.bangorgolf.co.uk ValeofLlangollenGCLlangollen,DenbighshireSeewebsitefordetailsSeewebsitefordetails01978860906

01978860906www.vlgc.co.uk VicarsCrossGCChester£30(£20winter) £30(£25winter)0124433517401244335174www.vicarscrossgolf.co.uk WaltonHallGCJ10,M56NrWarrington£14.70£190192526306101925263061www.waltonhallgolfcourse.co.uk WooltonGCSouthLiverpool£40(bookonline)£45(bookonline)0151486129801514862298www.wooltongolfclub.com WrexhamGCWrexham,NorthEastWalesSeewebsitefordetailsSeewebsitefordetails0197835147601978364268www.wrexhamgolfclub.co.uk

BaronHillGCBeaumaris,Anglesey£15(£25for18holes)£15(£25for18holes)0124881023101248810231www.baronhill.co.uk Betws-y-CoedGCBetws-y-Coed,LL240AL£15(£25for18,Twilight£15)£15(£25for18,Twilight£15)

01614372091www.gatleygolfclub.com

0169071055601690710556www.golf-betws-y-coed.co.uk GatleyGCHealdGreen,Cheshire£12.50(£15.50for18holes), Twilight£6(£9for18holes)01614372091

HartfordGCNorthwich

£12.50(£18.50for18holes)£14.50(£21for18holes)0160687116201606871162www.hartfordgolf.co.uk NorthWalesGolf&RangeStAsaph£9(£1418holes)£9(£14for18holes)0174573080501745730805www.northwalesgolf.co.uk PlasseyGCEyton,NrWrexham£11(£1918holes)£13(£21for18holes)0197878002001978780020www.plasseygolfclub.com SandfieldGC&DRBridgeTrafford,Chester£8.50-£9.50(£7.50snr/jnr)£9.50(£7.50jnr)0124430175201244301752 www.sandfieldgolf.co.uk StMelydGCPrestatyn£16(£2418holes)£20(£28for18holes)0174585440501745854405www.stmelydgolf.co.uk WoodsideGCHolmesChapel£13.80(£19.8018holes)£16.50(£22.50for18holes)0773491948501477532388www.woodsidegolf.co.uk

TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR DRIVING SKILLS

James Wilkinson is the head professional at Bidston Golf Club and teaching pro and short game specialist at Moreton Hills Golf Centre. This month, the two-time PGA EuroPro Tour winner gives some tips on hitting more consistent and longer drives.

1 2 3 4

SOLID fundamentals when using driver are paramount to hit consistent and long drives.

Firstly, we need the ball in the correct position in our stance.This should be just inside the left heel.

The feet, hips and shoulders all need to point in the same direction.

The weight distribution should be 60 /40 right side with the left shoulder higher than the right. Having a higher left shoulder (for right handers) will help get the club swinging on the up into impact (PIC 1)

A big turn into the right leg not only loads power for our drives but can help straighten your shot shape, especially if you are a slicer of the ball (PIC 2) IMPORTANT!!!

A common fault i see on a daily basis is players aligning their body before the clubhead.

This will then cause incorrect aiming and force us into compensatory movements that will likely produce curve on the shot.

The golden rule when setting up is always aim the clubhead first at the target,

then the body goes parallel to that.

DON’T HANG BACK!!!

Many players struggle to fully transfer their weight off the back foot (PIC 3) At the end of the swing we should be fully forward onto the left foot with the right foot turned up and in a comfortable balanced finish position (PIC 4)

TIP

Practice holding your balance with your driver until the ball lands. Not only will this help your weight transfer, but it will also help bring synchronization and rhythm to the driver swing.

Email: jameswilkinson@majorgolfdirect.com Mob: 07900 484820

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All your latest golfing news from across the North West, North Midlands & North Wales

DAD’S ARMY CLAIMING REGIONAL RECORD AT WHITEFIELD

THE game of golf has long claimed that their sport adds longevity to players and Whitefield Golf Club offer great evidence to this claim.

Their Dad’s Army now has eight players over 90 years of age who play up to three times a week in social and competitive golf!

The leader of the pack is Irvine Caplan, 91, a Whitefield member for more than 56 years.

Irvine said: “I still try to play two to three times a week and the highlights of my golfing career are numerous beginning in 1971 when I won the Variety Club of Great Britain Pro-Am at Mere.”

The former captain of the North West Golf Club secretaries, president of the Manchester and District Golf captains and captain of the historic Old Manchester Golf Club,added: “Golf has been a major part of my life.The friendships I have made will stay with me forever and the places I have visited, including many golfing holidays with my wife, are memorable as are the venues I have visited with my eldest son.

“The exercise and fresh air is a bonus and I hope will continue and I will always be indebted to my good friend, the late Dr Joe Glass, who introduced me to this great game.”

Joining Irvine in his views on golf and his club are Ike Alterman, aged 94. He was a major winner on many occasions with a best handicap of 10 who has been a member for 50 years.

Ike made lots of new friends and one day 25 years ago on the first tee with his playing partner there were two ladies

BY GEOFF GARNETT

who knew Ike and asked if they could make up a fourball.

Three months later Ike had a successful heart bypass and returned to the club where he met the lady again and they have now been together very happily for 25 years!

Frank Sheldon has played golf since 1948 and when he came to Manchester from Blackpool, he joined Manchester Hopwood where he stayed before joining Whitefield 40 years ago.

Frank set up the successful Whitefield Seniors section which continues to flourish and, having begun playing table tennis at the age of 15, he still plays in the Buy TT League.

Next up is Harry Sherman, 91, who was active at Fives, football and squash until he was 50 before taking up the ‘easy’ game of golf in 1982 and felt confident he could soon master the game only to be established as the ‘Worst Player in the Club’ a few weeks later.

It took 10 years before he achieved playing success in competitions.

His best advice came from a caddy at St Andrews 30 years ago who mimicked his swing and suggested that he slowed it down to a blur!

In at number five is Brian Abrams,92, who has been a member for 70 years and a junior in 1947.

Brian enjoyed tennis but his dad Syd, who was club captain in 1953 and a founder member of the club in 1932,encouraged him to take up a greater interest in golf.

Brian said: “In our games with our friends there are no losers because we are out in the fresh air enjoying ourselves. The exercise of golf is genuinely a healthy occupation and there are few sports that can be continuously played throughout one’s life.”

Sixth on the tee is Alan Barr, also 91, who was a junior in 1948 before rejoining as a member in 1953.

He plays twice a week and practises for an hour or so.

Alan said: “I am still trying to improve by having lessons. I think a lot depends

on your approach to life, you have to remain optimistic,which is well illustrated by one of my fellow nonagenarians who has recently bought himself a new set of clubs!”

Joining them in 2023 are Simon Ledbrooke and Alan Watton.

At Whitefield (from left) are: Harry Sherman, Brian Abram, Ike Alterman, Irvine Caplan, Alan Barr and Frank Sheldon.