102 MIDLANDS GOLFER

102

The Midlands Scratch League celebrates 50

Kington husband shares his wife’s hole-in-one limelight

The Masters Junior Golf Series is taking entries for 2025 season

Longcliffe ladies of all ages are stars

Rolls Royce (PTF) GS 2024 season review

HEART OF WALES GOLF BREAKS

Welcoming you back for 2025

3 ROUNDS OF GOLF 2 NIGHTS

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Relaxed, friendly unhurried and challenging golf

If you’re looking for an undiscovered golfing land of true beauty and excellence adjacent to our region this summer, allow us to point your way west and recommend the delightful Heart of Wales. Not only is this a wonderful region of countryside charm to enjoy a golfing break, the Heart of Wales Golf Breaks company make it all very convenient too.

They have a cluster package of four super golf courses and a range of accommodation options designed to offer their visitors a challenging and rewarding golfing experience, and a comfy stay too.

ACCOMMODATION

Heart of Wales Golf Breaks supply options for your play and stay break, from self catering cottages to cosy Inns and superb 4* hotels. All provide comfort and wonderful levels of service.

Full details of all accommodation options are on the Heart of Wales website www.heartofwales golfbreaks.co.uk

Contact Justin 01597828598 or email: sales@heartof walesgolfbreaks.co.uk

“SUPERB RESPONSE TO ANY ENQUIRIES AND OR REQUESTS, COURTEOUSLY AND PROFESSIONALLY DEALT WITH.”

“IT WAS CERTAINLY THE BEST VALUE TOUR WE HAVE EVER HAD. WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO RECOMMEND HEART OF WALES GOLF BREAKS TO ANYONE.”

Kington

Panoramic views of the English and Welsh

Cradoc

Overlooked by the Brecon Beacons, beautiful gently undulating parkland

Builth Wells

A parkland gem with a delightful backdrop, riverside golf on the

Llandrindod Wells

As nature intended, ‘upland links’, exhilarating golf with spectacular views

hills, enjoy the exciting golf on offer.

back nine.

EDITOR

PHIL NICHOLAS

It’s good to be back following our winter break. Although the 24/25 winter hasn’t thankfully even come close to matching this time last year’s horrors as yet, it’s still given us some challenges and golf course closures have been frequent over the period of time we’ve been in hibernation at the magazine.

So it’s come as such an encouraging surprise to report that this issue you’re reading here is

our most successful first issue of the year we’ve ever released since our beginnings in 2012. Repeat business as ever for us has remained strong, yet in this edition and the next one coming in April we have a raft of new clubs supporting us with advertising, or ones coming back to our pages after a while. It’s given us an amazing start to the year and the ripple effect of record sales will filter into all the other issues coming your way in 2025.

We have been visiting a number of indoor centres across the Midlands which are opening up at a rate of knots right now. Very few major towns/cities in the region are now without a multi-simulator indoor golf centre and with the undoubted help of the much-hyped TGL golf league in the USA going on, golfers of all ages are flocking to play indoors.

Our own major indoor golf feature, set to become a regular part of MG was set to begin in this edition but we simply ran out of advertising/ feature space to find room for it. We hope to begin that section in April.

There are a couple of new things inside but we don’t tend to change a lot about Midlands Golfer

because the feedback we receive tends to generally point to the fact that we’ve got it about right as we are.

It’s great to get such support from our readers and we can promise you an exciting year ahead in MG – hoping it’s the same for your golfing too, enjoy the read.

30 YEARS OF COVENTRY GOLF ACHIEVEMENT

HEARSALL GOLF CLUB AND MIKE TARN – THE END OF AN ERA

After more than three decades as Coventry Hearsall’s Professional, Mike Tarn is retiring.

Born in North Shields in 1959, Mike's journey into golf began at the age of 12, he became a member of three Northumberland clubs as a junior, Arcot, Rothbury in Morpeth, and Wallsend Municipal— paying a total annual subscription of just £15. When his handicap dropped to seven, he was told he could no longer participate in club tournaments, as it was expected that he would turn professional.

He took a position as

assistant professional at Arcot Hall. But Mike quickly realized that his opportunities to develop further were limited. When a position for a PGA-registered assistant became available at the Forest of Arden near Meriden, he seized the opportunity and relocated.

Eventually Mike began working with John Reay, a well-established golf professional with successful businesses in Keresley, Coventry. This experience proved invaluable as Mike’s career began to gain momentum.

Becoming fully PGA qualified at the age of 24, Mike spent three years at Forest of Arden, followed by six years working with John Reay at his golf businesses in Keresley, Leicester, and Atherstone Golf Club. He then returned to Forest of Arden as Head Professional for another ten years, before finding a welcoming home at Hearsall Golf Club in Coventry in 1995.

Since then, Mike has coached countless golfers, many of whom went on to represent the county of Warwickshire and even England schoolboys. He is particularly proud of introducing young people to the game through his Sunday lessons. He fondly describes Hearsall as a “very friendly club with lovely members

and a great course,” and he has enjoyed his time there immensely. In retirement, he looks forward to playing more golf, (Hearsall has kindly granted him honorary membership)

and coaching his grandchildren in football.

Mike Tarn’s retirement marks the end of an era for Hearsall Golf Club, but his legacy in the game will continue to inspire generations to come.

THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS FROM OUR LOCAL CLUBS AND GOLFERS

SENIOR FOCUS - ROBIN HOOD GOLF CLUB

The Solihull based club have had a thriving seniors team for many years playing matches against other clubs in the area and enjoying an end of season event each year. Most also play regular golf in our roll-ups which we call fiddles.

We also have an Elderly Gentlemen’s Golf Society (EGGS) who have been in existence for 45 years and who now play handicap qualifying competitions over 14

holes. This has resulted in many of our older members having realistic handicaps by putting in sufficient cards, thus giving our Handicap Committee sufficient information for regular reviews.

The current age range of regular participants is between 67 and 90, going out in all weathers, summer and winter with up to 24 on the start sheet every Friday morning. Their AGM includes a prize giving

ceremony for a range of competitions played over the year.

We have a knockout competition contested by those aged 60 and above with the winner’s trophy dating back to 1935. We hold six Senior Opens each year, one of which has prizes awarded in age divisions and another which is mixed. We have “Hundreds” sections for ladies (established 1998) and gentlemen (established 1980). Qualification is

MIKE’S SUCCESSFUL YEAR OF FUNDRAISING

In December 2023, Druids Heath Golf Club captain Mike Teague chose Samaritans of Walsall & District to be his charity of the year for 2024. As his year came to an end Mike was able to hand over a donation of £15,000 to the branch.

Having launched his fundraising with a nearest the pin completion in December 2023, Mike, ably supported by his wife Marion and Ken Ford, held numerous well supported events including golf tournaments, an Abba night, Peaky Blinders night, and a 60s evening during

2024. As Mike handed over the cheque, he thanked all of the local individuals and businesses who had helped donate raffle prizes and to all the people who had supported his events.

Sharon Dicken, Deputy Director for fundraising said: "All the money raised will go towards Project 55, Walsall Samaritans plan to have a new building, to replace our current 50-year-old portacabin. We want to continue to provide non-judgmental, confidential listening service to people in crisis or distress. The donation will help us towards our £250,000 target.

by age plus years of membership with some members playing in 9-hole competitions before the well attended meals..

We have two mixed competitions played each summer which although open to all ages are often dominated by seniors as was the case this year.

Mixed seniors golf has developed over the last six years beginning with a monthly Stableford competition which regularly attracts 50 or more players aged 55 and above. A trophy is awarded for the leading player aged 70 and above in the mid-

summer event. This year our golf committee have introduced two other events, a mixed knockout competition for those aged 70 & above and a mixed Seniors Club Championship with both gross and net prizes.

Our board recognise the value our senior golfers bring to the club in supporting catering as well as paying subscriptions. Our senior golfers in turn recognise the value they get in terms of exercise, competition and camaraderie.

Thanks to RHGC President John Grant for words and images

NEWS ROUND UP

SANDWELL PARK GC HOST 50TH YEAR CELEBRATION OF THE MIDLAND SCRATCH GOLF LEAGUE

SPGC hosted a commemorative dinner to celebrate the formation of the league by Handsworth GC member, John Shaw who is still the organiser. Sandwell Park were founder members in 1975 and have organised dinners for 25,30 and 40 years of the league.

The most successful team captain over the 50 years of the league is SPGC President, Peter Cole with six Division One titles, including four in succession from 2006 to 2009.

The after-dinner speaker was golfing royalty Peter McEvoy OBE. Peter was the low amateur at TheOpen Championship in 1978 and 1979 and was the first British amateur golfer to make the cut at the US Masters in 1978.  He detailed the ups and downs of an amateur golfer amongst the professionals at these big events.

FACTS AND FIGURES

The Midland Scratch Golf League (MSGL) is a competition played between the top players at golf clubs in the counties of Warwickshire,

Matches are eight a side singles playing off scratch on a home and away basis.

The league initially started with seven clubs (Great Barr, Handsworth, Maxstoke Park, Olton, Robin Hood, Sandwell Park & Sutton Coldfield.) In 2025, 39 clubs will compete in six divisions.

Famous participating players over the years have included Walker Cup Captain, Peter McEvoy of Copt Heath GC, British Amateur champion Mike Reynard of Moseley GC and senior

Over 500 top notch golfers competed in the 2024 season.

Top image – Peter McEvoy presents a unique plaque to John Shaw to commemorate the milestone of 50 years of organising the MSGL.

Below – Peter with SPGC past captains Jon Deakin (L) and Phil Brewerton (R).

COSBY'S FAMOUS FIVE

During a particularly successful 2024, Cosby Golf Club’s players won the Men’s County Fours, Ladies County Fours, Mixed County Fours and the Under 35’s County Fours.

The club’s juniors represented Leicestershire at England Golf’s Junior

Champion Club Finals in August, having won the Junior County League in 2023 to qualify. Congratulations to everyone who represented Cosby in those competitions.

At the start of 2025 five club members hold several offices within county golf, all are pictured here.

IN MEMORY OF: ANDY STOKES PGA

On a cold and foggy morning to sign off for 2024, 48 members from across all sections of LMGC came together in a minutes silence to pay respects to a muchrespected character and great servant to Lea Marston Golf Club, Andy Stokes.

Andy was 55 and fought a long and courageous battle with cancer. His career as teaching pro at the Sutton Coldfield venue lasted near on 30 years until his illness took hold in the autumn of 2024. Marston Lakes member Louis Sands spoke for the club with the following words.

and work ethic with our staff and customers shone through.

“First and foremost Andy was a great friend to all of us and as many others have done, we've had plenty of laughs and drinks with him and there was always a story to tell. Having been with us and Darren Lewis PGA for 28 years, his friendliness

Darren had never seen a work ethic like Andys, he would teach in the morning, play a tournament in the afternoon and straight back on the evening for a few more lessons. He didn't have to, but for fear of letting his customers down, he would always come back, a testament to his great attitude. Even after those lessons, he'd be at that days tournaments presentation, suited and booted and picking up his prizes from yet another win!

On a bad day in the shop Andy would always be the first to cheer up Darren and the lads. A truly top bloke who will be missed by all at Lea Marston dearly.”

• Peggy Remington is County Ladies President

• Rachel East is County Ladies Captain

• John Fairbrother is County Men's Captain

• Cameron Harris is County Junior Captain

• Jez Osborne as Director of Junior Golf (Teams)

The club wishes them all the very best of luck and know they will all be totally committed

to their roles. Quite an achievement for Cosby golfers to hold so many prestigious county positions at the same time and to have won so many county titles in one year.

Worcestershire and Staffordshire.

European Tour player, Tony Allen of Maxstoke Park.

NEWS ROUND UP

EIGHT ON THE TROT FOR THE VALE RESORT

The Vale Resort is thrilled to announce it has been named Wales’ Best Golf Hotel for the eighth consecutive year at the 2024 World Golf Awards. This prestigious accolade was presented during a grand Gala Ceremony held at the Savoy Palace in Madeira, Portugal.

Now in its 11th year, the World Golf Awards honours the very best in golf tourism, recognising The Vale Resort’s sustained excellence and its role as a standout destination for golfers in Wales.

Facing strong competition from renowned Welsh golf venues The Celtic Manor Resort and Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel & Spa, the Vale Resort continues to distinguish itself as a leader in golfing hospitality. Located within 650 acres of picturesque countryside in the Vale of Glamorgan, the resort

delivers a unique blend of luxury and welcoming Welsh charm, making it a firm favourite among golfers, corporate guests and leisure travellers alike.

Stephanie Metson, Marketing Manager, commented:

"We believe golf should be both a challenge and a joy. Our team is dedicated to creating a welcoming, unforgettable experience,

and we’re honoured that our efforts have been recognised once again at the World Golf Awards.

“As the Vale Resort celebrates this exceptional achievement, we remain committed to setting the standard in Welsh golfing excellence and delivering memorable experiences to all who visit.”

POTTERIES GOLF CLUB SEES RECORD INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP

The influx follows large-scale investment at Newcastle-underLyme Golf Club on improvements to the course and new facilities for members. Now approaching full membership, the club has a rolling programme of developments including plans for improved practice facilities.

More than 60 players applied to join shortly after Christmas. “Many are experienced golfers with established handicaps, but we have also had people who are new to the game wanting to join and learn from our team of young professionals,” said Club Manager Richard Beech.

“We have invested close to £500,000 in the last two years on course drainage schemes, new machines

and our fully qualified greenkeeping staff. So even in wet conditions the course is not only open but highly playable.”

Keen golfer Steve Dewey, who is also the club chairman, said that the club’s mix of men, women and younger golfers was as important as ensuring the course was open for play.

“We have thoroughly modernised the club in recent years. We have a very busy and successful ladies’ section, excellent catering services and

PRESTIGIOUS

GOLFING TOURNAMENT RETURNS FOR 44TH EDITION

"A stellar list of previous winners..."

THE PETER MCEVOY TROPHY, one of the most highly regarded junior golf tournaments in the UK, is set to return to Copt Heath Golf Club this spring.

a modern clubhouse. We also communicate regularly with our members so that folk know what is going on and have a say in it.”

He admitted, however, that the sudden increase in members did have a potential downside.

“Our professional staff and volunteers are working flat-out to make sure that enough tee times are available at the times when people want to play. And it looks as if we will have to open a waiting list as we approach peak membership.”

play, with all players competing in the first 36 holes on April 24th. The field will then be cut to the top 40 competitors, who will play the remaining 36 holes on the final day.

Now in its 44th year, the tournament will continue its tradition of challenging girls and boys under the age of 18 to compete at the highest level of junior golf. It is named after Peter McEvoy, one of the most accomplished amateur golfers in British history, whose name has become synonymous with excellence in junior golf.

The event has served as a launchpad for many young golfers who have gone on to achieve success at the professional level, with former victors including Justin Rose, Lee Westwood and Tom McKibbin, who continued into renowned careers in the sport.

The format involves 72 holes of open stroke

Looking ahead to the competition, Ian Davidson, tournament director, revealed:

“Our team at Copt Heath are all looking forward to once again hosting the traditional curtain raiser for the elite junior golfing season.

“I’d like to once again thank our members who undertake all the refereeing, scoring, ball spotting and other tasks involved, as well as our sponsors at Champions UK (plc), whose deep knowledge in golf will help the Peter McEvoy Trophy grow internationally.

Each year it is closely followed by national squad selectors, as it a great chance for the golfers to impress with their early season form. We can’t wait for yet another year of exciting youth golfing action.”

• Great value packages for your day

• Tailor your society day with our packages and extras

• A great test for golfers of all abilities

• Great transport links - making it easy for those travelling further afield

• Complimentary goody bags with a ‘Come Back & Play For £20’, a complimentary voucher to spend in our Pro Shop, tees, pitch mark repairer, and more!

• Our ‘Golfers Favourites’ menu allows you to cater to everyone’s different tastes so you don’t have to all eat the same

• Our Outdoor & Indoor bars are open until late so you can make the best out of your golf day

It’s taken 50 years but at last Gary Decker has had a hole-in-one.

It was Nuneaton Golf Club on January 14th, the 11th hole,160 yards and shot with his seven iron. A slight draw then it checked up and rolled about 8ft into the hole and Gary’s long wait was finally over.

OUR PINBOARD IS NOW ONLINE TOO

Sitting underneath the hole-in-one section on the news tab. More room than ever to tell your wonderful on course stories. We also have a section for holes-in-ones too so if you grab an ace take a pic and let us know www.midlandsgolfer.co.uk/news/pinboard

Oswestry Golf Club are delighted to announce the appointment of James Davies as their new PGA Professional.

James began his PGA training at Oswestry back in 2001 and himself and his family are looking forward to being a part of OGC once again.

As the season progresses, the shop will begin to welcome new stock from leading brands, as well as a simulator

bay for custom fitting.

James goes on to say, “As the season kicks off I will be doing 'Get into Golf' taster sessions on the practice ground. If you want to know more about my plans and how I can help your golf, please come into the shop for a chat.”

Everyone at Oswestry Golf Club would like to wish James the best of luck in his new role.

My son, Matt Denver shot his first hole in one on 23rd December playing with me in a social round. It was at the 117 yd second hole at Wrekin Golf Club. He has only been playing seriously for 18 months so he was very pleased. I've been playing for 40 years and took 20 of them to make my one and only ace!

Thanks to proud Dad Alan Denver for the words and image

Congratulations to the following Midland golfers and organisations, all who have been nominated in the 2025 England Golf awards.

Shirley Golf Club in the Club of the Year category.

The Walmley Foundation CIC are a finalist in the Respect in Golf award category.

Facility of the Year has 3 Hammers (Staffordshire) in the running for an award.

Hannah Crump from Stonebridge GC has a nomination for the Participation and Development Coach of the Year award.

Finally, a Midlands youngster will win the Young Person of the Year award, sponsored by the Golf Foundation. All three nominated are from our region, George Cornall (Kenilworth and The Warwickshire), Megan Grimwood (Kirby Muxloe) and Ruby Fox from Kenwick Park in Lincs.

The awards finals night is on Wednesday April 2nd, and we’ll have a report and a chat with (fingers crossed) the Midlands winners in the next issue.

Image: Leaderboard

Photography

AN ACE PLACE TO BE

Matthew Kite hit a hole in 1 on the 17th at Coventry Hearsall on the 10th October, playing in the senior's monthly competition. It was a white flag behind the bunkers at 149 yards.

It was Matthew’s first ace, he’ been playing regularly for three years and plays off 17.1.

A few drinks were enjoyed in the bar later as he was insured for this most happiest of events.

This is the second issue running featuring Kington GC, our highest club and their hole-in-one stories, they just keep coming up with good ones! On December 14th, Alison Hope (below) aced the

129-yard 12th hole and is watched here picking up

her ball from the hole by her equally excited husband, Adrian. Adrian clearly didn’t want to be left out of the extra festive celebrations, so on New Year’s Day he shot one too, on the 5th hole, 150 yards, (below.)

OTHER HOLES-IN-ONES THIS MONTH

John Bennett Longcliffe 5th 131 yards

Mike Jones Llanymynech 16th 178 yards

Andrew Darling Ingestre Park 13th 163 yards

Mark Foster The Vale 5th 149 yards

Jack Fowler Kettering 4th 144 yards

Garry McGreade Nor wood Park 5th 172 yards

MOVING MIDLANDERS

A new and brief section simply to report on changes in management, professionals and in the greenkeeping industry across the Midlands. We wish the following individuals and companies well in their new careers at fresh clubs/venues.

Danny Bursztyn – New Director of Golf and Head Professional - Horsley Lodge, Derby

Callum Fern (pictured)

– PGA Head Professional –Mapperley GC, Nottingham

Steve Carter – Moving to become Head Professional at Penn GC, Wolverhampton

Jamie Jarvis – Oakmere GC’s (Notts) new GM and Director of Golf

Steve Dunlop – New GM at Wolstanton GC in The Potteries

Ellie Potts – New female golf coach at Skratch Indoor Golf, Birmingham

The Club Company – taking over at The Nottinghamshire G&CC

Bunker Indoor Golf – soon to be opening their second East Mids indoor centre in Nottingham this April

The 2025 Wrekin Golf Club officials at their recent drive-in ceremony at the Shropshire club.

Left to right

Graham Hayward -President 2025 2026 -

Rosemary Stubbs- Ladies Captain 2025

Garry Bailey - Captain 2025 - Jack Dirkin - Junior Captain 2025

ROLLS-ROYCE PTF GOLF SOCIETY 2024 SEASON REVIEW

Following a curtailed start to the season and a win for Paul Gretton at our ‘Winter Warmer’ Memorial Trophy at Morley Hayes, our eagerly awaited first day out of the season saw 38 turn up over Easter at Rufford Park, Notts. The ‘Alvaston Maori’ aka Ian Hickton finished ahead of the pack with a brilliant 37 points to win the Spring Salver.

On a glorious early May day at Trentham Park, Staffs, Paul Gretton continued in decent form, scoring 34 points to win the Presidents Cup. Ian Bell (11pts) and Paul Wigley (8pts) both sadly added their names to the ‘Scroll of Shame’ and ‘12 and under Trophy.’

Dave Hancock continued his ultra consistent form in mid-July and stormed to victory to win the Summer Vase with 35 points at Radcliffe-on-Trent, Notts.

Our Invitational Trophy continues in strength each season with 101 golfers, PTF members and guests lining up at Burton in early June. Thunderstorms scuppered the event, but Burton kindly allowed us to quickly re-schedule for mid-July with 81 playing in the re-run, this time blessed with glorious sunshine. Alex Allingham won the PTF Invitational Trophy with a cracking 36 points, pipping Ricky Burton and Fraser Gibbs on 35.

In August, 28 members went to Llandudno where the lads were blessed with some dry, sunny weather and enjoyed another memorable weekend.

2024 PTF Captain Chris Boffey trousered the overall ‘Weekend Individual’ prize money with a combined

TGI FRIDAY FOR GOLFING – AGAIN

We run a weekly society from Stonebridge GC on Friday afternoonsmost of our lads aren’t members there, but Will and the lads are great with us and always accommodate our group, including weekends and team events where we need them.

Got some away days booked at lots of different local courses including Aston Wood, Maxstoke, Hollywood and Edgbaston, which have been relatively easy to book as either are repeat bookings or new places that we arranged last year. Plus a trip to Gloucester to play Cleeve

total of 96 points from the rounds played at blustery but impressive Prestatyn, the stunning links of North Wales GC and Abergele on the Sunday, when Clive Bell prevented Chris winning all three days.

Our final ‘Order of Merit’ event of the season in September saw 22 lads on our first visit to Leek GC. Chris Boffey once again took the honours with 31 points to lift the Autumn Cup and his second ‘Order of Merit’ event win of 2024.

After a very consistent season Dave Hancock topped the ‘Order of Merit’ with a best four round total of 130 points to win the Aggregate Trophy ahead of Chris Boffey and Craig

Hill and Tewkesbury for one of our major events, and a sexy little trip to Portugal in September which is much anticipated.

We end the season with the Friday Club Tour Championship and 27 holes back at our home of golf, Stonebridge, in October, which will be one of 30+ rounds we'll play again this year!

Bond who finished joint Runner-Up on 127.

The Societies ‘Matchplay knockout’ event started way back in March with 72 members entering and ended in early September with Craig Bond triumphing 1up in a closely fought final at Horsley Lodge vs Brian Edwards to proudly lift the Clive Dawson Trophy.

Among the season winners - The Most Improved Player Trophy was won by Chris Boffey (pictured right)

The Best Newcomer Trophy went to Ricky Burton

I’d like to say a special thank you to all of our 82 x members for your continued support of all the

society events throughout 2024. Our 2025 fixture list sees us playing Atherstone, Lingdale, Burton for the Invitational Trophy, Scraptoft, Bridlington for the weekend away and Sandwell Park to finish.

Thanks as ever to Nathan Richards, PTF organiser for words and images.

The golf is great fun, but the crack is even better!

Thanks to Dan Chilton –Friday Club organiser

Ladbrook Park Golf

DROITWICH GOLF CLUB

Email: manager@charnwoodforestgolfclub.com www.charnwoodforestgolfclub.com Breakback Road, Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire, LE12 8TA

WREKIN GOLF CLUB 2025 Golf Days

NEWCASTLE GOLF CLUB

Newcastle Golf Club, founded in 1908 is one of the finest clubs in North Staffordshire. The excellently conditioned course features mature, tree-lined, undulating fairways and challenging par 3s, making it demanding for both high-handicap and single-figure golfers.

The club’s very own Westlands Restaurant and recently upgraded

A NEW SEASON AWAITS!!

After what has been a seemingly interminable wait from the last match of the 2024 season in October, finally our first match of 2025 will shortly take place in early March.

Despite the many obstacles placed in our way with regards to booking venues and regardless of the extravagant price increases imposed by some golf clubs, and petty changes to booking conditions

from others, I have been able to arrange our usual 12 match itinerary. It is somewhat unfortunate that we will not be visiting clubs that we have enjoyed year in year out but thanks to scouring the pages of Midlands Golfer at courses on offer throughout the magazine I have managed to fill any gaps with courses that welcome societies and offer value for money.

This year we both start and end our season with a visit to Stonebridge Golf Centre nr Meriden, taking advantage of their 27 holes to give a different feel to both visits. In April we make our first visit as a society to Scraptoft GC nr

Leicester. Its always good to find new venues which, am sure you appreciate, after 35 yrs are hard to find but thanks to MG, this one fits the bill.

Visits to Hinckley GC and Stoneleigh Deer Park are both in May and on June 6th we once again hold our Annual Charity Day at Oakridge GC nr Nuneaton. This year our captain has chosen Prostate Cancer UK as his charity as he is currently undergoing chemo for this condition. Last year we raised £1,526 on our day and if any society would like to enter a team or teams

and help us beat that total you would be more than welcome. This is a stableford competition for teams of 3 or 4 players, there are several prize holes and a trophy to be won, with a prize presentation following a meal in the clubhouse. For further details and entry forms please contact David on enquiries@ abbeypanelsgolf.com

Our season continues with visits to Glen Gorse GC, then Beedles Lake in July followed by two venues in August, the first at Lutterworth and then a return after a gap of 21

APGS above are the perfect example of how our exclusive system works successfully to enable themselves, our advertising golf clubs and ourselves to thrive in a three-way arrangement.

For our societies, nothing costs a penny and there are no limits to how many

groups we can have on our books and concierge for.

SIMPLY SIGN UP AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS

• EXTRA VALUE FOR MONEY - Check out the magazine and our society ads inside from the clubs. Note

that we have a hotline to all of the GMs and head pros within. Let us know which one (s) you’re keen on and we can make the call for you, and let’s see if we can work together to get you the very best deal. We can help you book yourselves a

years to Ullesthorpe Court where I am sure we will see many changes since our last visit. Rugby Golf club is our penultimate match before the aforementioned return to Stonebridge closes our season. I am sure as ever that no sooner do our fixtures begin it will seem like no time at all until the season comes to an end and the process starts all over again, lets hope that bookings for all societies are easier next year.

David White – Abbey Panels GS organiser

perfect year of value society days.

• GET YOUR NAME IN LIGHTS - Similar to David above, send us your society profiles, season previews, details of your events, trips, charity days and course reviews throughout the year in

the magazine.

• COMPETE WITH US - Enter our own MG events, the Society Championships, the Matchplay Masters, enjoy the competitions, meet other local groups on the days.

MOSELEY GOLF CLUB

2025 SOCIETY PACKAGES

INCLUDES: TEA/COFFEE BACON ROLL ON ARRIVAL WITH 18 HOLES OF GOLF.

MONDAY - WEDNESDAY £60

FRIDAY - SUNDAY £65

TIER 1 TIER 4 TIER 2TIER 3

INCLUDES: TEA/COFFEE FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST ON ARRIVAL WITH18 HOLES OF GOLF

MONDAY - WEDNESDAY £65

FRIDAY - SUNDAY £10

INCLUDES: TEA/COFFEE BACON ROLL WITH 18 HOLES OF GOLF, SANDWICH & CHIPS

MONDAY - WEDNESDAY £70

FRIDAY - SUNDAY £75

INCLUDES: TEA/COFFEE BACON ROLL ON ARRIVAL WITH 18 HOLES OF GOLF AND A CHOICE FROM THE FOLLOWING:

2 COURSE MEAL • MONDAY-WEDNESDAY £75 • FRIDAY-SUNDAY £80

3 COURSE MEAL • MONDAY-WEDNESDAY £80 • FRIDAY-SUNDAY £85

WINTER WARMER GOLF

18 Holes, Including Tea & Coffee Full English Breakfast Until 31st March

Minimum 8 golfers per booking

18 Holes, Including Tea & Coffee Bacon Bap Until 31st March

Minimum 12 golfers per booking BOOK NOW: directorofgolf@moseleygolfclub.co.uk or call: 0121 444 4957 (opt 1)

THE CHANGING GAME – PART I

Golf Societies – Are We Truly Valued?

There’s no doubting that for many various reasons the game of golf is going through a spell of seismic change right now. It affects us all, from the top tier of golf club officialdom right down to an occasional nomadic golfer.

We’re putting together a series of articles in 2025 which will gather thoughts and opinions from all areas of the golfing industry in the Midlands. We’re beginning here with our golf societies and their situations, their importance to the clubs from their points of view, fee increases, loyalty and what makes them pick and choose the clubs that they’ll visit.

In October last year at South Staffordshire Golf Club we sat members/ captains of our local groups around the table (main picture). Later, we went on to invite

others in our MG society WhatsApp group to add their thoughts as well.

HANDICAPS – To be discussed in more depth in a future article, but here’s a good example of what a society captain thinks of the subject right now since the controversial arrival of WHS.

Nathan, (Rolls Royce PTF): “The whole concept of handicaps and what to do about them is the biggest subject and takes the longest to discuss at our AGM. It’s always controversial and you’re just not ever going to keep everyone happy. Over time we’ve kept the same system because it works, we don’t play slope because it’s too much hassle for me as organiser doing the cards. We play off three-quarter handicaps to bring the scoring down, previously we were getting players scoring in the 40s, then they got knee-capped

and practically had no chance of winning again.”

Paul (Three Tuns GS) “We don’t use WHS handicaps for the same reason, working out every time re slopes etc, so have our own system whereby you get cut if you score above 36 pts, and get 0.1 back for every point below. It’s fairest for everyone and shares the prizes outalthough you still get the moaners!”

COSTING – We all know that costs across the board have risen and that’s a headache for golf clubs, but are golf societies enduring a backlash and how are they responding as a result?

James (Griff) Griffin, (Nice And Slicey Society):

“We’re a Sunday only society, we try to get the cost down to £45 for bacon rolls and 18 but it isn’t always possible and is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve.”

Nathan: From experience and I’m sure everyone will agree, it’s getting harder and harder to get certain clubs to budge even a pound. But we won’t budge ourselves, £65 for 27-holes or we’re £50 for 18. We politely remind them that we’re bringing you 32-36 golfers for a day, in the bar, in the pro shop – then their ears prick up.”

Mark Johnson, (BUNGS) Barton-UnderNeedwood GS (pictured)

while. They then find that societies are not visiting so the price then drops or stays steady until it is more reasonable.

Clubs will find that they cannot keep raising prices without a something changing. The money must come from members, visitors or another financial stream or clubs will fold or standards on the course will drop.”

Paul (Three Tuns GS)

“It is indeed getting more expensive every year.

– “The rise in prices is not unusual though. Over the years we have found that a club may put up prices for a few years and as we always shop around we then reject them for a

We try to keep it below £45, but this is getting increasingly harder. There are a couple of clubs who will do a deal as we have been using them for a number of years. I always

Earl (Junior) Harris – Caribbean Golf Society

Mark Johnson – Barton-UnderNeedwood GS

Chris Bishop –NASS

Nathan Richards –Rolls Royce (PTF) GS

James (Griff) Griffin –NASS

Tony Rogers –Willowbrook GS

find it strange that most clubs are adamant in their pricing structure and are willing to turn down about £1,000 for their club once everyone has had a drink post game. Especially as some clubs are actively looking for new members and offering deals to join.”

LOYALTY – A very strong word, societies are known for wanting to play lots of different venues year on year, but when they find a good one who value their business and want some more of it, they will stick around.

Griff – “Our society started as an annual golf day with just 12 players. Every year it grew, and the society was formed due to it. Now at the golf day, we get 100+ and Gaudet Luce has hosted it for the last three years. Every year we wonder if they’ll chuck on a fiver to the cost, but they don’t, they know it’s a £4.5K day for them with the food, the drinks on top. They see the bar takings at the end of the day.”

cost for them. When he wondered about taking it to neighbouring clubs, “just for a change” in his own words, they were unwilling to get anywhere near what the regular venue was able to provide for them. Therefore Burton hosts again in 2025.

STRETCHING

THE LOYALTY – Are the clubs who get regular bookings from repeat societies shooting themselves in the foot a little?

Earl (Junior) Harris –Caribbean Golf Society: “We had a good example, we took 40 to a club on a Sunday, they were happy to give us any tee times, morning or afternoon. Great course and venue - £54 for 18 holes and a one-course meal. Everyone enjoyed, wanted to go back the year after – the club asked us for £64 instead. We refused, I tried to haggle them down but no dice, so we went somewhere else”.

Nathan made a similar point regarding his own annual golf day for PTF which also attracts over 100. Three years running now at Burton who also retain the

Earl (who is also a golf club captain) continued – “The golf clubs need societies, they need to be turning in £100K + from societies per year. Without that sort

of income, they’re in trouble.”

Tony Rogers –Willowbrook GS

“I’m waiting for the day when I tr y to make a booking and the club asks, have you got any of our club members in your society? Then they turn around and say sorry you won’t get courtesy for them. Never had to pay for a club member before but I’ve got a feeling it’s coming. If it does we’ll walk away.”

David White from Abbey Panels GS (pictured below) added

were no longer welcome on Fridays, our regular day, but we would be welcome Monday to Thursday …. once again I left it.!”

“We understand that costs rise and these need to be funded but these courses will not be getting our custom as, fortunately, we are still able to find courses that appreciate visits from societies and the money they bring in.”

OUR THOUGHTS:

There does appear to be something of a silent battle going on

average sized society, almost always playing at times of the days and week that aren’t usually occupied by the membership, surely there’s not enough reason there to price them out and shut the door on them?

Golf clubs could suffer very severely from a lack of society traffic, on the other hand, societies will always end up finding venues. They may not get number one and number two in their priorities anymore, the wish list might slim down a bit, but they’ll find a welcome

his recent experiences“For the last 27 years our first match of the season has always been at the same course. However, this year things changed, first there was a 20% increase to last year’s golf price, then a further £7 for compulsory coffee and bacon rolls, and there was NO “golf only” option on offer ..what price loyalty?…I left it!”

“Another one of our longstanding venues decided, after they had accepted my booking and taken our deposit, that societies

here between a certain number of clubs (not all) and the societies. Nobody wants to give a lot of ground in the process. Societies should appreciate the undeniable facts of steep rises in energy, minimum wage and equipment and labour costs et al around golf clubs of late. They need to acknowledge that in general, their rates have to go up a bit……. but, having said that, it’s difficult for us to ignore the counter argument.

£1,000 a time for an

somewhere, and given a good time will in all likelihood return next year too. That in turn leads to easy business for the golf clubs.

IN THE NEXT ISSUE

The Changing Game Part II – the changing face of club management in the Midlands, including a chance to reply to what we’ve featured here.

Located

Located

2025 OPEN COMPETITIONS

LADIES

Tuesday, 6th May 2025

£100 per team of 4

OPEN

Sunday, 25th May 2025

£140 per team for 4

SENIORS

£160 per team of 4 incl lunch

LADIES

£75

SENIOR MENS OPEN 4BBB Wednesday, 3rd September 2025

£80 per pair including lunch

VARDON BOWL Saturday, 6th September 2025

£35 each, individual scratch & nett prizes

LADIES WULFRUNA BOWL

Sunday, 14th September 2025

BIRDIES

Here we are fast tracking to the end of winter, the snowdrops are out, spring lambs are ‘springing’ and still we wrap up warm and brace the elements. Many golfers have sought warmth and sunshine in other countries to take some relief from our climate. Spare a thought for golf clubs who were completely flooded due to storm whoever, I lose track of the names.

It’s a crying shame when golf clubs need flood defence barriers to protect their buildings as Phil and I learnt whilst visiting clubs across the Midlands this winter.

Club activity is well on their way with Captain's drive-ins, upcoming subs and members deciding whether they are going to stay at their clubs or move or simply become nomads.

not helping as courses suffer closure due to wet conditions and clubs need to be proactive to focus on retention and recruitment. I am a firm believer that retention is key, yet recruitment is essential to keep membership healthy.

We have seen a surge in activity with indoor

FELICITY JOHNSON –TIME FOR A CAREER CHANGE

I had the pleasure of meeting up with LET player Felicity at Edgbaston GC on the eve of her starting a new career as a referee on the Ladies’ tour.

bring our buddies and have a go at playing Augusta or bringing a hen party over to have some fun.

Ironically, the other spectrum sees senior and Vets players competing at county level and in some Midlands counties we have a Super Vets category for players over the age of 70 playing in their own championship. As Vets captain in 2023, I hosted such an event with ladies who were still extremely competitive and had represented their county for many years. How good is that?

golf becoming very prominent. A lot of new facilities have been launched and again it’s a reflection of meeting golfers’ needs when courses are unplayable. Nice at night time to

Weather conditions are

The MGALS continue to thrive, and our Herefordshire overnighter is taking shape. See our events page for details and how to enter.

As always, happy to hear your news, in your counties and at club level. Take care everyone and have a great season.

Felicity, aged 37, has enjoyed a successful career, playing for 18 years on the LPGA and LET tours, having never lost her playing card and enjoying her four professional wins in that period. Now it’s time for her to ‘hang up her stirrups’ and focus on a new direction. For her new career, she is to become a Tour referee, but the process is far from straightforward. There are three levels of refereeing courses and an exam to sit where 95 questions pertaining to the rules of golf need to be answered in 90 minutes.

speed and direction.”

Felicity recently returned from Morocco where she shadowed the LET referees at their Q school. As the players were playing their practice rounds Felicity assessed the course for potential ground under

Felicity explained, “as a referee, It is not just about the rules, we are required to ensure the running of the tournaments go smoothly, avoiding slow play and that the course is laid out fairly. In particular with reference to pin positions on the green and therefore taking into consideration the wind

repair areas and was asked as a player how she felt the course was playing. During a practice round the referees can offer advice to players in terms of ruling and Felicity soon noticed a player taking an incorrect drop and stopped her before she would be penalized in the main event if the same situation occurred.

I’m sure Felicity will be a huge asset, and we wish her all the best in her new role.

A CELEBRATION OF ALL AGES IN OUR EVEREXPANDING LADIES’ SECTION.

Written by Amanda Morgan, Ladies’ Captain, Longcliffe Golf Club, Leicestershire.

With over 20 new members joining us at Longcliffe our section has had much to celebrate in 2024, and a few highlights are below:

In November we celebrated the 90th birthday of longterm Longcliffe member Anne Kilby. In our monthly stableford competition we played for the 1934 Anne Kilby Salver which will become an annual fixture. Anne joined Longcliffe in 1979 and became lady captain seven years later, when she was the first lady to join the men’s captain in the drive-in, so already a groundbreaker.

If you check out the trophy boards in the clubhouse you will see ‘A Kilby’ on all of the ladies’ boards and several of the mixed ones, including being Ladies’ Club Champion. Anne has been an inspiration to us all and we were very happy to celebrate this special birthday with her. Head Greenkeeper Michael and his staff set up a temporary tee for us to play Hole 1 as 90

yards, and surprised Anne with a personalised flag for her to keep, shown in the photo.

At the other end of the age spectrum we have Gabby Crowfoot….

Having considered this season a writeoff because of GCSE commitments, Gabby has in fact gone from strength to strength. In 2024 Gabby was a semifinalist and Buckingham Trophy winner (for the lowest junior gross) in the Leicestershire and Rutland Ladies County Golf Association

Championships. Then she made her first appearance for the county 1st team at England Golf county week. She is the LRLCGA Girls Gross Champion and the EG Midlands North Region Girls Gross Champion and one of the team gross shield winners.

And finally….

Long term Longcliffe member and former Ladies’ Captain and Club President Suzanne Pretty has just completed her two years as LRLCGA 1st team captain and was instrumental in forming closer ties with the junior girls and bringing them into the county squad.

Suzanne worked hard organising friendly fixtures, range practice evenings and intercounty matches and was rightfully proud of her squad’s achievement of 3rd place at county week. To mark her final year as County Captain, Suzanne hosted 102 ladies at Longcliffe in August for an AmAm and rather special afternoon tea at the halfway house. Congratulations on a great captaincy.

SOCIAL ELLIE IS ON A TWO-CLUB MISSION

Ellie Potts is a teaching professional at Sandwell Park Golf Club in Birmingham, she joined in June 2024. Since then she has been coaching both members and visitors alongside working on social media projects. Ellie is excited for what 2025 is going to bring.

“I’ve already started filling up my diary for the year focussing on expanding my coaching portfolio.”

Coming up for Ellie she will be offering ladies group coaching at Mile End Golf Club in Oswestry during February and March. “I’m excited to be joining forces with Mile End as Oswestry is where I am from, my aim is to reach as many women across the West Midlands as I can, from whatever skill level or background. Everyone deserves a chance to play golf and be taught golf.”

Ellie is also creating summer golf camps for both men and women and this will be based at Sandwell Park. “I love coaching at Sandwell because I have a great relationship with all the members and I find it very easy to coach there because

of the facilities we have, especially short game because it’s my passion.”

Ellie has been working with other coaches and learning off them to improve herself, “I've recently created a website to showcase what I do with results and reviews, people are also able to book in easier which works well both ways.”

Ellie can’t wait for the 2025 season to coach and play; she documents her progress on Instagram @elliepotts_golf. Alongside coaching at Sandwell she is also working to expand the ladies section currently working on a new membership deal with an attractive price. There are a number of membership categories for all, “We have a lot of new faces integrating into the club and playing in competitions, it’s great to see and welcome new people to Sandwell Park.”

ROTHLEY PARK GOLF CLUB LADIES’ PRESENTATION EVENING

in the county with over 100 playing members

As the golf year drew to a close they held their annual AGM and prize presentation evening. The Lady President, Susie Tyler, and 2024 Lady Captain, Jan Dorn, outlined the very successful year. The conversation was then opened up to the floor with some lively discussion about

the ladies section going forward into 2025.

Jan spoke of how proud she was of the great team spirit in the ladies’ section and the efforts that were being made to welcome new members into the club. She also acknowledged the outstanding course conditions through the year, despite the wet weather, and great atmosphere in the clubhouse. As always, there were some stand-out

winners on the night, but it was lovely to see ladies with a wide range of handicaps picking up prizes.

Sally Longden won the Merit Prize for the most improved golfer, Jo Mayfield won the 2024 Ladies Club Championship, having beaten her daughter Vicky in the very exciting final and Maz Sharpe partnered Steve Sansome to win the County Mixed Foursomes Baxter Trophy.

LADIES WHO ACE

“I played with our grandson Harris Chacksfield in the Wellingborough Golf Club Ladies’ Invitation Day on December 27th.

On the fourth hole the ball hit the pin and dropped in the hole, whoopee!! We had a shot, so we scored five points and ended up winning the competition scoring 38 points.

This was our second win in this competition as we won it for the first time in 2019, it was fabulous to get a hole in one in front of our grandson Harris.” Congratulations to Gill Snelson (and Harris)

Welcome seven days a week

For all occasions,

EVENTS

Seven day a week availability all sizes of groups prices from £35pp

The Leicestershire club has one of the largest ladies’ sections

Market Drayton Golf Club, established in 1906, is nestled in the picturesque North Shropshire countryside, offering a truly exceptional golfing experience. Renowned as one of the finest courses in the West Midlands, our 18-hole course is celebrated for its challenging yet rewarding layout, designed to test golfers of all skill levels. The lush fairways and well-maintained greens are surrounded by stunning natural scenery, providing a tranquil and invigorating setting for players. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a newcomer to the sport, Market Drayton Golf Club promises an unforgettable round of golf, complete with the camaraderie and spirit of the game.

A range of memberships are avaiable including Full,Second,Country and a Points-based Lifestyle Golf

Society and Corporate Day Packages are available Mon-Fri. Packages can be tailor made to suit your requirements

www.marketdraytongolfclub.com

secretary@marketdraytongolfclub.co.uk

Member’s Guests and Visitors welcomed 7 days a week

A rugged and lofty location with permanent

quite justify the tag of ‘traditional

and

THE DRIVE FOR SUSTAINABILITY

There are few harder working golf clubs in the region than Leicestershire’s Beedles Lakes when it comes to all-round sustainability. GM Jon Coleman summarised their activities of late and how it all benefits the club and the surrounding local

WATER

- We recently had a free water survey arranged through Severn Trent. All washrooms and water dependent machinery etc were surveyed and checked for flow rates. We are awaiting results and recommendations and if and how we may save water within our clubhouse. The survey was completed by ECOPROD.

- In the process of having a new wash pad and water recycling system fitted adjacent to the green keepers shed. This will enable our machinery to be washed down using the recycled water and ensure any contaminated run-off is kept safe and treated/recycled, averting issues for the contaminant entering the drains or lake. Water savings will also be made due to the treatment tank and its recycling capabilities.

- New irrigation pump, control panel and sprinkler heads for greens and tees –replaced to ensure

water is directed and controlled to ensure only the required amount of water to keeps greens playable is sprayed.

- Some problem areas of irrigation system pipe work re-routed, and more isolation taps fitted at strategic positions. The new taps enable leaks to be pinpointed easier than before and therefore repaired quickly.

LOWERING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

- We’re in the process of having 160 solar panels fitted to the greenkeepers shed roof. We will be generating in the region of 69kw per hour in direct sunlight. We are expecting an investment payback in a couple of years and long-term savings to be huge.

- We currently have 100 solar panels on the roof of the driving range for which we receive an annual FIT payment return of around £12k.

- Earlier this year we had EV charging

We generate a small amount of income currently but expect this to increase as more and more EV’s come into the car market. Hopefully an investment for the future.

- We now have recycling bins for all of our food waste.

COURSE MAINTENANCE AND BIODIVERSITY

- We have had a season without using any herbicide on any part of our course. To help nature we have taken the idea that a few daisies and dandelions are not really causing an issue for golfers or for presentation of the course but will benefit insects and pollinators.

- Increasing areas of the course are now left as rough. This is something we review each year, but we are always trying to mow less areas where possible.

- Creating log piles on course instead of chipping after any tree work. Numerous log piles around the

course now in our wilder/rough areas hopefully creating habitats for nature.

- Looking forward to working with LRWT and discussing other ways we may be able to help in the recovery of nature which includes a water vole survey on the waterways adjacent to our property.

Contact us if your club is running sustainability projects such as Beedles Lake here, and we’ll find you a place in this section.

We’ll also find room for a nature photo gallery as spring/summer approaches. If you are on the course and spot

something special and are quick enough with your phone camera, send it our way. editor@midlandsgolfer. co.uk

points fitted in our car park, available for our customers.

We are pleased to introduce England Golf’s Sustainability Manager, Owen James as a regular contributor to this section.

‘Sustainability in golf is an ever-growing topic. Quite literally, when we talk about tree management and grassland habitat!

My job at England Golf is to package sustainability up in a

way that makes sense to golf clubs; there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sustainable golf. What works for us up at Woodhall Spa won’t work necessarily be the same for a club further south, or east, or west, and that makes things tricky, but exciting.

In 2025, we are prioritising Water, Biodiversity, Energy and Waste, to ensure we are supporting our clubs to future proof themselves against climate and financial issues, whilst also providing vital space for nature and benefitting their community.

With changes coming to waste legislation, its important for clubs to adapt to them, whilst also working towards creating more space

for nature, embracing challenges with water management and brining those energy bills down… all whilst making sure we get more women, juniors and young adults playing golf, to ensure our sustainable-facilities have a sustainable membership!

We are on hand to support clubs throughout the season (and beyond) to work on their own, bespoke, sustainability plans, and have resources and guidance across the whole organisation, so please get in touch with any question, whether it’s a small issue or a 20 year project!

I am excited to be working nationally to position golf as a solutions provider for flooding, taking ‘problem

water’ away from peoples living rooms, and using it to irrigate the golf course for the beauty of the game.

So, whether you’re ten years in, or haven’t even started, lets chat, and ensure we are all on The Sustainability Drive.

Email sustainability@ englandgolf.org for help, guidance, info, or to share your progress, and watch this space for my regular thoughts and insights into the latest challenges, opportunities, and stories that our clubs need to know!’

A YEAR OF GREAT PROGRESS

So much has happened since the birth of the Mulligans golf society in January 2024.

Two charity golf days, raising over £6,500 for transplant-related causes, numerous news articles and interviews, a nomination for an England Golf award (sadly not shortlisted on this occasion) and an expanse from eight to 43 members from all over the UK.

We have our own transplant dedicated website now with the amazing stories of each

of our golfers and the single mission which is to encourage us all to tell our family that we are consenting to allow our organs to save other people’s lives in the unlikely event that we become potential donors. Included will be the emotive stories of individuals who made the decision to donate a loved one’s organs as they too contribute to the golf society.

We also have golfers who bravely donated an organ to save a loved one’s life, e.g., a kidney or part of a liver. Their surgery is equally as tricky as the recipients, and they put their lives at risk simply in the good will of donating part of themselves.

Please remember that despite us all being on the donor register unless we ‘opt out,’ family consent is still needed.

We have two events planned for this year, June 26th at Newcastle under Lyme GC (details at bottom of page) and September 27th (with a Ryder Cup theme) at Wollaton Park GC, Nottingham.

The former also involves a trip the following day to Trentham Gardens in Stoke-on-Trent where the Mulligans will be filmed for a short documentary. This is extremely exciting and could lead to a big publicity awareness campaign, so fingers crossed for this.

The British Transplant Games is held in Oxford this year and brings together adults and children, all who have had transplants to compete in many sports including football, archery, track, racket sports and volleyball. Personally, my sports are golf and squash.

Our dog Bella is the official mascot for the Birmingham transplant football team and proudly wears her coat with the new strip and logo (pictured). Her next trip is to Cardiff where Birmingham take on Wales.

It is great to see so many golfers (transplantees or organ donors) enjoy the game of golf and to share the mutuality and their journeys. The Mulligans are going National now with players from Scotland, Wales and all over England, and will host events all over the UK. All events welcome

golfers to team up with the ambassadors, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you wish to play. We look forward to meeting you at our events this year ahead.

Friday June 26th –Newcastle-Under-Lyme Golf Club

We are raising money for the Liver Unit at the University Hospital of North Midlands

The day consists of bacon rolls and coffee + goody bag on arrival. A shotgun start at 2pm with an AM-AM format, two best scores per fourball to count. Two-course dinner to close, prize presentation, raffle and auction.

The cost is £67.50 pp – enter up to a team of four, less than four no problem, we’ll make you up into a team.

MGALS – IT’S

EVENTS 25 20

HEAVEN IN HEREFORDSHIRE – MAY

Mandy’s MGALS are gathering again for another event for the Midlands’ biggest ladies/mixed golf society. This May, we’ll be in Herefordshire for a 36-hole competition at The Herefordshire GC and Kington GC with an overnight stay in between. Two wonderful courses of completely different nature, both set amidst very contrasting but equally stunning and peaceful countryside surrounds.

EVENT DETAILS

DATES – Thursday May 15th, Friday May 16th, 2025

FORMAT – AM-AM best 2/4 scores to count.

DAY ONE – The Herefordshire GC –Tea/Coffee/ Bacon Rolls on arrival –18 holes – 2 course meal after play

DAY TWO – Kington GC – Tea/ Coffee on arrival – 18 holes –Sandwiches/Fries after play – Prize Presentation

COST – £105 pp, includes golf & food.

Local accommodation we recommend include The Burton Hotel, Kington and the Green Dragon and Castle hotels in Hereford.

Enter up to four players, ladies or mixed golfers – you can enter singularly or as a pair too – we’ll make you up into a fourball team on the day.

Online entry form via the MG website/events or you can email Mandy at ladyeditor@ midlandsgolfer.co.uk with team member names and a contact number.

In September – Mandy would like to take the MGALS for their first seaside experience, playing two coastal courses in North Wales. Details coming soon, for now please let her know via the same email if you’re interested in joining us by the seaside this autumn, more details coming soon.

MIDLANDS GOLFER SOCIETY CHAMPIONSHIP, PART IV – JULY

Our society championships returns to the calendar after a few years away. This competition has seen some good action, great competitiveness and valuable socialising between our local groups since we met up at Forest of Arden for the first one back in 2017. Some of those who were there on a demanding and long 36-hole day then (have forgiven us!) and will compete again this time around.

We’ve not moved it far from FOA for this one, keeping it nice and central in the region to get as many groups over as possible. We’re inviting fourball teams who will represent their active Midlands golf societies to take part.

The date will be Friday July 4th – the venue is Stonebridge Golf Club in Meriden, extremely close links to the M42, junction 6 and the A45 Birmingham/ Coventry link road.

MG MATCHPLAY MASTERS XI –NAILCOTE HALL, SEPTEMBER

We’re not missing out on our longest running and best loved event either in 2025. How could we, the special moments and memories that our Matchplay Masters has produced since 2014 are indelible ones in our history.

Nailcote Hall plays host for the 11th time and this year’s competition will be on Sunday September 13th. A fast-fire fun and competitive day awaits again for keen golfing duos, 16 pairs we need in total – full

ON THE DAY

9.15 meet and greet, Breakfast Rolls, Tea/Coffee

10.30 shotgun start, 18 holes, format TBC

3pm approx – 1 course carvery meal + prizes

Cost - £180 for a team of four

Online entry form via the MG website/events or you can email Phil at editor@ midlandsgolfer.co.uk with team member names and a contact number.

details online soon and inside our April issue too.

Email Phil once again to register your interest or fill in the online form.

ACHIEVEMENTS • TOURS • NEWS

INTRODUCING THE 2025 YOUNG AMBASSADORS!

The England Golf and Golf Foundation Young Ambassador Programme continues for another exciting year; with new faces and new plans aimed at changing perceptions and inspiring young people to take up golf. The group of 21 young people spent their first weekend together at Staverton Park at the beginning of February.

Henry Price, who is in his third and final year on the programme said, “We enjoyed getting to know one another and sharing and planning the amazing things we will be doing this year. We also shared the journeys we have taken to get to this point of our lives. It was a great experience for the new recruits as well as the Young Ambassadors who have been involved for one or two years already. I am really looking forward to

working with them this year to influence change in golf.”

Looking ahead, we have an exciting lineup of events and activities. The Hero’s Handshake award will continue to celebrate young people making a difference in golf, with nominations opening 1st May. We warmly welcome nominations from anyone who would like to nominate a deserving young golfer for the first time. We are also hoping that anyone who had nominated last year would do so again this year for their friends, family or someone else they feel deserves the award.

There are big plans to ramp up our social media presence to showcase our initiatives, share inspiring stories, and keep everyone updated on what’s happening. As we get closer to Easter,

keep an eye out for our special Young Ambassador Egg Hunt - each of us will be hiding an egg filled with goodies at a golf club near us, so stay tuned!

Our socialsInstagram: @ GolfAmbassadors - Twitter/X: @ GolfAmbassadors

A huge welcome to the new recruits for 2025:

Matthew Lister (Fulford GC, Yorkshire)

Scarlett Newing (Canterbury GC, Kent)

Jake Taylor (Mid Herts GC and Stockwood GC, Hertfordshire) Charlotte Denyer (Woburn GC, Buckinghamshire)

Ruby Baxter (Fulford GC, Yorkshire)

Evie Sanderson (Woolley Park GC, Yorkshire) James Lloyd (The Chase GC, Staffordshire) Sienna Elliott (Wells GC and Mendip GC, Somerset)

Article written by Zara Wartnaby and Henry Price

PROGRESS JUNIOR GOLF IS THE HOME OF THE MASTERS SERIES IN 2025

Young golfers in the Midlands are being given a unique opportunity to play in a collection of exciting valuefor-money junior tournaments in 2025 as part of The Masters Series with Progress Junior Golf.

Starting with a nine-hole event at Charnwood Forest GC in Leicestershire on Sunday, March 23rd, The Masters Series features 10 more competitions in the local counties over the rest of the season.

The Championship course at Forest of Arden in Warwickshire, Fulford Heath GC in Worcestershire and Dunstable Downs GC in Bedfordshire are amongst the host venues, with the Grand Final set for Druids Heath GC in Staffordshire on Sunday, October 12th.

At a cost of just £25 for boys and girls to play 18 holes or £15 to play nine holes in all the events, with the exception of Forest of Arden and the Grand Final, all of the tournaments are expected to sell out.

Progress Junior Golf organiser Steve Jackson, who has successfully worked with different counties, clubs and tours to increase junior participation over many years, said: “We have a unique, but very simple philosophy - we put the juniors first.

“To play and travel to golf competitions, can be expensive. But we have some fantastic juniorfriendly clubs in our region so all the Progress Junior Golf events are in the Midlands and the price is always kept to a minimum.”

The emphasis for these nine-hole events is giving young golfers the opportunity to experience a fun introduction to competitive golf, whilst also handing them the chance to gain a handicap.

For more details of how to enter the Progress Junior Golf events, including other club junior Opens and special junior competitions, please visit www. progressjuniorgolf. com.

Whilst The Masters Series is aimed at juniors with handicaps, Progress Junior Golf are also organising several Wonders Series events for inexperienced young golfers, who may have just started playing the game.

THEO RAISES OVER £4K FOR LOCAL CHARITY MG JUNIORS

During his year as Leek Golf Club’s 2024 Junior Captain, Theo Kirtley has raised an incredible £4,005.31 for the Windmills Charity.

Theo put in countless hours organising a raffle for the junior presentation evening, running junior putting challenges, and even spending his weekends cleaning member’s clubs.

Theo is pictured presenting Zara and Leeanne from the charity with the proceeds (Theo even raised an extra £1,000 after the photo was taken!).

Zara from Windmills Charity said “We’re immensely grateful and filled with pride for all that Theo has accomplished, bolstered by the

unwavering support of the golfing community. It was a true honour to meet him, his family, and the esteemed representatives of Leek Golf Club, witnessing firsthand the dedication of a young man eager to make a meaningful impact on his peers.

This generous donation empowers us to extend our reach, continuing to support more children and young individuals across Staffordshire as we usher in a new year. Our service stands apart, often misperceived as a bereavement counselling service. In truth, no two children or young

adults will receive identical support from Windmills, as we deeply empathise with and embrace the unique ways in which anticipated grief unfolds.”

Windmills Charity provide acute bereavement support for children and young people across Staffordshire. Visit www.windmillscharity. org/ to find out more about the fantastic work they do.

UNLEASH YOUR DRIVE –HOW GOLF IS STRENGTHENING CHILDREN’S MENTAL WELLBEING

IN SCHOOLS

The Golf Foundation is thrilled to celebrate the first year’s results of its Unleash Your Drive schools programme that teaches and measures the impact of mental toughness tools on pupils’ resilience, focus, and confidence. Over the past year, more than 1,000 schools have registered to be part of this transformative initiative, with many schools reporting a positive change in overall mental wellbeing of the pupils.

One standout success story from the Golf Foundation’s first year of delivery comes from St James the Great, Thornton Heath, London where the programme has had a profound impact on pupils’ mental toughness and overall wellbeing.

115 pupils from Years 3 and 5 went through the six-week programme in its first iteration at the school, completing a pre- and postquestionnaire to see how they cope with various stressful situations and challenges before and after going through the training. Delivered as part of a series of fun golf games, the mental toughness tools teach the youngsters how best to manage their emotions through

breathing techniques, coping mechanisms and positive self-affirmation.

The pupils at St James the Great showed a 22% average increase in mental toughness tool understanding, and a 10% rise in mental wellbeing across the course. This included a 65% rise in determination, and a 50% rise in emotional control.

“After playing in the golf programme, the children are much kinder to themselves,” explained Michelle Regan, the PSHE Lead at the school, “and they supported each other. Plus we’ve seen an improved ability to be ready to learn – they’re now implementing the tools in daily life. The reward is seeing that the children are happy and healthy, seeing that they’re successful in their learning, and seeing that they’re participating in a new sport.”

SODFATHERS

MIDLANDS GREENKEEPERS AND THEIR VALUABLE WORK

BIGGA CELEBRATES EXCEPTIONAL BTME

The BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) saw turf professionals and some of the most influential figures behind the sport of golf gather at the Harrogate Convention Centre in North Yorkshire.

Held alongside BIGGA’s Continue to Learn education programme, BTME is considered among the most important events in the golf industry due to the development opportunities and access to the latest technology and innovations afforded to golf greenkeepers and club officials.

GK

CHAT

Billy Hayes –Droitwich GC

Billy Hayes is the Course Manager at Droitwich Golf Club in Worcestershire. He took over the running of the course at the beginning of 2023. Around the same time the club invested heavily in new machinery and a brandnew irrigation system too. With member

Across three show days, 4,204 visitors walked through the doors of the convention centre.

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “BTME 2025 has been a resounding success, not only in terms of attendance but also in the invaluable opportunities it has provided for learning, networking and innovation within our industry.”

At BTME, BIGGA also revealed a threepronged strategy that will further advance the ambitions of the association. Informed by the recent membership survey undertaken by

support required for the latter, it’s fair to say that Billy and his team have been under pressure to produce the right sort of results. During our chat in January it soon became obvious that’s a situation Billy tends to revel in.

He began his greenkeeping career as an apprentice at his then local club, Lutterworth in Leics, almost to the day that he left school, and without having much of an idea then on his career path.

“I’m a sporty lad anyway, I didn’t want to work inside, I knew that much. Went to the club had an interview, and got took on a week later as an apprentice. Ended up spending 11 years at Lutterworth, passed my levels two and three and all the qualifications I could possibly do.”

Billy’s early career advancement took

the association, the refocused strategy will ensure BIGGA remains a strong and influential voice, effectively representing its members on an international scale and supporting them in their professional ambitions.

Jim Croxton added: “We had an absolutely fantastic response to our membership survey at the back end of 2024. Thank you so much to all the members and non-members who responded, the results of the survey are helping us refine our strategy.”

him to his first Head GK job at Ansty GC in Warwicks. After successfully restoring the fortunes of that club he stayed in the county later with a spell at Welcombe GC in Stratford before then being enticed by Leicester City FC, their state-of-the-art training ground at Park Hill and the very exclusive ninehole course within that needed not just looking after but constructing in the first place.

Billy became Golf Course Manager there and what a privilege it was. “My biggest achievement to date, I can always say that I built Leicester City’s golf course, I did it up to the standard they asked for, money wasn’t an object – yet unfortunately not many players or staff played it and that affected team morale a bit.”

With a yearning to

The key strategic pillars are:

• Increasing membership numbers as a unified greenkeeping community is better able to positively influence the sport of golf.

• Increasing engagement in BIGGA activity and evolving the membership offering to ensure

all members, at every stage of their career, can get involved, become better educated and progress through their careers.

• Advancing BIGGA’s advocacy efforts to positively influence the governance structure within golf facilities, ensuring greenkeepers are recognised as critical to the success of the sport.

return to busier golf club life, Billy looked around again and attracted the attention of Droitwich GC who were on the look out for a new CM, a forward thinking one.

“I think the main aim from the club that came over at the interview was, we

need change, we’re not where we want to be. That message was loud and clear, and it immediately felt like a real good opportunity for me to put my foot down and do what I wanted to do.”

The club’s investments were already in the

pipeline when Billy took over. They changed to a brand-new fleet of John Deere machinery which has produced evidential results on the course. Then the irrigation, the installation of the brand new £500K Rainbird system was being timed for his arrival, Billy couldn’t wait to get started.

individual sprinklers rather than a block system. It’s incredibly intelligent too, for example if we wanted to spray 5mm on a green and set that up the day before, if say 2mm of rain fell during the night the system would know to only spray 3mm the next morning.”

“My first eight weeks at Droitwich were pretty much office bound, the previous system we had was installed in 1983, so this was like night and day. The new piping now is so much more flexible, stronger and able to hold a lot more pressure and the system now can control all that.

With the Rainbird we can simply run it via our mobiles or tablets, the wiring is now via

That sort of tech has incredible benefits, the management of the water on the course, the soil management, keeping the PHs right, improving the fertiliser programmes, all due to not letting too much water flow through the clay base. The distribution of the water rather than its amount made the readings completely different, straight away leading to better green speeds, improved grass coverage

and trueness of the running of the ball.

“It’s a fantastic thing we’ve had installed, it took eight months in total, but it wasn’t going to be rushed. The thing was it wasn’t my budget to spend, it came from a levy paid by each member, so it was a huge responsibility to take on, we had to get it right.”

Thankfully that’s exactly what happened, and the members soon noticed the benefits during the playing season of 2024. An expert combination of human endeavour and insanely smart technology has made a significant impact on the club’s fortunes and made

THE LAKES BECKONS FOR DUDLEY’S STEWART

The Midlands are losing the services of Dudley GK Stewart Marshall, whose tale we have told in this section before. His progress and results at the club have resulted in a move north for Stewart and his fam-

ily. Our best wishes go with him, he explains it all here….

“As my third year as a GK came to an end at Dudley, an incredible opportunity presented itself to go and move to the Lake District and work at Workington GC. After a painstakingly tough decision I felt it was too good an opportunity to let by for both myself and my family. It will be a shame to

the golf course a must play once again.

“We did have members who left who didn’t believe it was going to work out, but now we’ve got a few of them back plus many from neighbouring clubs who have come over as groups. That’s the best thing for me, I see a pile of new forms on the side in the office when I go in, it’s amazing it really is and a real achievement.”

“My 5-year plan for Droitwich is to be the recognised club in Worcestershire, the go to place!

We have a huge uphill climb to get there. Part of the plan is to produce free draining greens.

leave Dudley GC, a club that gave a middle-aged guy with no experience an incredibly exciting opportunity to go and help make a difference, and one that I'll be eternally grateful of. With a small team of originally three members and in the last six months just the two of us, we have achieved some great results with what has often seemed like an impossible budget to work with. This couldn't have been done on our own and I have to say a massive thanks to a few volunteers from the club who have given us some of their valuable time throughout the weeks. I'd like to take this opportunity to say to anyone out there who fancies a career change of

Along this journey we will have to install new drainage across all greens on the course, we can then continue to input high volumes of sand to minimize clay and thatch in the surfaces. Once we have this in place we will be a club playing on all 18 greens throughout the twelve months. This is how members want to play their golf and enjoy every penny of their membership.”

Droitwich GK team photo - left to rightTrevor Ward, Tommy Hall, Billy Hayes (Course Manager), Mark Thomas, Cameron Green (Deputy Manager), Nathan Slater.

getting into greenkeeping, go and do it. It's the best job in the world and in what seems like no time at all gateways and doors can open and take you to work and live in the most beautiful of places.

Thanks to all of the local GKs in the Midlands who have helped me to learn the trade and flourish –will keep in touch with you all.”

The INDOOR GOLF Revolution CONTINUES….

These days you don’t need to don the warm weather mittens and bobble hats in order to practice and improve during the winter, you can do that to your heart’s content of course, but there’s now an everincreasing amount of more comfortable venues and ways to enjoy winter golf and make a good case to play their parts during the golfing season too.

Partly fuelled by the rapid advance in golfing technology, and of course partly by the desire of golfers to keep playing all year there has been huge growth of indoor golf establishments across the Midlands and further beyond.

The above formed our editorial words re indoor

golf in a feature we ran in the winter of 20222023, it doesn’t need us to tell you that since then, indoor golf has not only continued to thrive but is reaching an entirely new level of popularity in addition. Buoyed further lately by the successful launch and accompanying media hype surrounding Rory and Tiger’s TGL golf league in the states, there are new centres

Around the turn of the year when the frost bites and the days are short the savvy golfers out there are still faithfully following their practice routines and concentrating on their off-season game improvements.

popping up all over the country, and there are now very few Midlands major towns or cities without one.

Now, golfers are never too far away from an indoor studio, packed with the latest simulator technology that can offer unlimited practice facilities, lessons, club fitting or a fun game with friends, no matter what the weather is, or what time of day it is. Some of the ones we’ve visited lately have huge space at their disposal, private rooms away from the main multi-sim area, enough to fit in a full-on society to compete with each other on a giant screen, banterise and have a few beers of course at the same time. There’s always a welcoming bar area inside an indoor golf centre.

each and every part of your game.

Indoor golf venues offer the chance to play some of the best golf courses in the world, at any time, in any weather. The advanced technology on offer these days not only provides that, but in a more serious nature is capable of dissecting

Golf is in the middle of a revolution, and all of this is intended not only to offer us a genuine 12 months of year play and practice, but also a ‘golf for all attitude’, helping a new and younger generation of players to take up the game.

Custom fitted golf clubs are only for pros or low-handicappers, right?

Not at all, and at Golf Spot we’re here to destroy any myths you might have with an exclusive offer.

Tiger Woods has more touch and feel than any golfer in history, within 30 minutes on a driving range he can likely get a sweet feeling tune out of any badly fitted club you care to give him. He works within fine margins of excellence.

The rest of us can’t ever dream of having anything like that ability, but that doesn’t have to matter, not at all.

An expert club fitter’s role is to make the best out of a mid and high handicapper’s game and mitigate the problems and inconsistences within your golf swings.

Our job is to lower your scores, working with the swing that you have and also using the clubs you possess. It doesn’t mean you have to buy a whole new set of clubs.

See how much more your accuracy and distance can improve without having to change your swing.

Don’t take our word for it - come on down to GolfSpot and benefit from a ONE HOUR FREE SESSION

Experience the thrill of playing world-renowned courses with our cutting-edge golf sims. Compete and have fun with your golfing friends, host a work event, take part in our competitions.

with your own clubs inside our dedicated Trackman powered fitting bay with the help of our PGA professionals. Simulator hire from just £6.50 per hour.

TIPS PRO

KEEP THE 'V' SHAPE FOR BETTER PITCHING.

Pic 1 When it comes to hitting any shots, set-up is the key. From my picture example I'm playing a short pitch. I like to make sure I have a 'V' shape at address created by my arms. They are

not stiff, but firm enough to feel that I'm in command and ready to deliver a good impact position. In between my arms I'm using the TRS ball, this piece of training kit allows me to keep the arms and body in sync with each other.

KEEPING WIDTH IN YOUR GOLF SWING

Width in your golf swing offers several key benefits for you as a golfer. The key is to create width without losing your swing connection, focusing on a proper shoulder turn and arm extension while maintaining overall swing control.

If you do this well it will lead to the below outcomes;

POWER GENERATION

Creating a wider arc allows you to generate more power. This is because it will increase your

clubhead speed whilst also providing you with more time and space to build momentum in your downswing therefore creating the proper leverage required to hit your ball greater distances.

IMPROVED CONSISTENCY

A wider swing arc will also help you with your ball contact and ball flight consistency. This is because you will be able to reduce any unnecessary wrist and hand adjustments throughout your swing especially through your impact zone, helping you to control your swing path and club face.

It will help you gain certain technique advantages such as better shoulder rotation, more controlled club movement and enhanced ability to explode through impact, increasing shot distances by creating more energy transfer in your swing movement.

2 As I hit through the impact area you can see how I retain my arm shape. This ensures I will have managed to get the club right down to the bottom of my swing arc.

There is no pulling in of the arms as I rotate into a balanced finish. Even from a short shot I allow rotation/pivot onto my right toe,

For me I feel like I move arms and body together very much in all one movement. This ensures consistency of strike and control of distance.

Andrew Coleman – PGA Professional, Collingtree Park, Northampton

Pic

Pic 3.

TIPS PRO SECURING A BETTER BACKSWING

We do not have eyes in the back of our heads, so how do we check we are making a correct backswing? Well it's simple to, if you follow these easy steps

Pic 1

Firstly stand to the ball so you are comfortable, from this position place an upright object beside the right side of your body. From here make a takeaway position without hitting the object.

Pic 2

Once you are in this lovely takeaway position, turn to the top of your backswing, by moving

your thumbs up & turning your shoulders together.

Pic 3

Doing this completes your backswing, and this will help you to begin the downswing in the correct position. It will also improve your transfer of backswing to downswing with your weight moving correctly.

What not to do - Pics 4 & 5

This takeaway is too flat, and this causes many problems in the swing. This shown is starting the swing way too much on the inside, and it would hit the vertical

object outside your body. Pic 5’s takeaway position is outside the line, this will not hit the vertical object but will lack power because you are swinging the club with your hands and not your body,

Pro tip- don't hit the object thumbs up and make sure you turn to complete the backswing.

Steve Hughes –PGA Professional, Druids Heath GC –Staffs

BUSTING 3 OF GOLF BIGGEST MYTHS

1. KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN

An all-time classic that has ruined many golfers. Watching the ball is important, but forcing yourself to keep your head down can actually hurt your game. Restricting natural head and body movement can cause tension, affect weight transfer, lead to poor contact, and result in loss of distance and direction issues.

2. KEEP YOUR LEAD ARM STRAIGHT

Another common misconception. While some great players have a noticeably straight lead arm, most top golfers have a degree of flex throughout the swing. Trying

to keep it completely straight can cause elbow pain, reduce speed, and lead to heel strikes— sometimes even the dreaded “S-word”

3. HIT DOWN ON THE BALL

To strike irons well, ground contact should occur after the ball—further ahead for higher-speed players and closer for slower-speed

players. However, when golfers focus too much on “hitting down,” they often get too steep, affecting swing direction and strike quality, which ultimately impacts both distance and accuracy.

Rob Bluck – Head PGA Professional, 3 Hammers Golf Academy, Wolverhampton

FIVE COMPELLING REASONS TO ADVERTISE YOUR COMPANY

1/ DISTRIBUTED BI-MONTHLY

To over 300 local golfing outlets – 10,000 copies/ 25,000 + readership per edition/10,000+ social media following/online digital support.

2/ VFM

Our prices remain as competitive as ever– Single issue coverage from £275, and multi edition coverage to see you appear in every magazine this year, from just £950. All rates are inclusive of VAT and in-house design. For that we have Chris our extremely talented artwork director at your disposal who has been with us since day one.

Get in touch to receive a digital copy of our media pack.

3/ EDITORIAL SUPPORT

Got a story to tell about your club this year? Maybe a special anniversary year/ major changes are occurring/a big new appointment/fresh junior

or ladies academy news. All Midlands clubs can have some space on our news pages for free, but our supportive advertisers get treated to a little bit extra on top of that, in the magazine and online too.

4/ SOCIETY CONCIERGE SERVICE

The secret to our longevity as much as anything are the relationships we’ve built over the years with well over 100 local golf societies. Our society concierge service makes them a part of MG and we link them directly with our advertising clubs during the society booking season. It pretty much guarantees instant returns on investment for our advertisers and a nice little discount from the average website rate for our societies too.

More the merrier – It’s FREE for new societies to join up –the form is online at https:// midlandsgolfer.co.uk/newsociety-concierge-service/

5/ THE FRINGE BENEFITS

With our close ties to Mandy’s MGALS ladies/mixed society and The Mulligans GS, another Mandy creation for golfers like herself who are organ transplant recipients or organ donors + our own MG events, we need venues for golf days and events. We’re booking them up all the way now until the autumn of 2026 with our major advertising clubs. Book a package with us to get the opportunity of hosting one of our events for 100+ golfers and all of the fringe benefits they will surely bring.

We’re heading for a big year – if you want to try us out maybe for the first time, or returning to us after a while away,

join our regular advertisers already involved.

ONLINE SUPPORT and coverage guaranteed too at https://midlandsgolfer.co.uk

KEEN TO HEAR FROM YOU AS ALWAYS –for advertising queries or details of our news coverage and how we can get you involved, contact Phil at editor@ midlandsgolfer.co.uk or call him on 07883 188081.

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