103
Branston
Llanymynech’s
EDITOR
PHIL NICHOLAS
Welcome to the golf season. Most unusually the lovely weather of late as I type this (April 5th) gave us all an earlier entry into the golf season than we’ve been afforded for many years. Relief for all of us in the golf industry and mostly for our longsuffering greenkeeping teams who were able to complete their winter work programmes and even do a fair chunk of spring course work early for a change.
Our changing game feature on the centre pages reflects the current state of play in the
industry from a Midlands perspective. It’s clear from the contributions we gathered that it’ll take a little more than a generous spring to cure the issues that surround golf’s most important role.
Yet they are an indomitable bunch and rest assured will present our courses in the best possible shape they can ahead of the golfing summer.
We hope you’re ready for a great summer of golf. The competitions come thick and fast now don’t they, whether you’re a
club member, a society guy or a nomadic golfer who enjoys entering a few club opens. Anything you achieve or have a special moment at, please send details our way and we’ll get you in the magazine in the next two, end of June and/or in our society special issue which will come out at the end of August. We have plenty of pages to fill with your achievements.
Talking of which, if anyone in any Midlands golf club can match the longevity of Jean below, being a member at the same club for over
80 years, we’d be very interested in hearing from you.
I’ll personally settle for shooting something of a
score that gets anywhere near Jean’s years at Wrekin! That’ll do me very nicely – thanks for reading.
GOLF ACHIEVER OF THE MONTH
JEAN CELEBRATES 80 YEARS AT WREKIN WITH A WIN
It was right at the end of the Second World War when Jean Barrowclough, aged 11 picked up a few clubs from her father and joined him on the Wrekin Golf Club fairways, becoming the Shropshire club’s first ever junior girl member in 1945. She’s been a member ever since and walks the course with her pals (and defeats them!) for 11 holes every Tuesday at the ripe young age of 91. Not only that, when we spoke to her at the club in April, Jean had just been roped into playing in the club’s 2025 mixed knockout with the captain. With one condition attached, “I’ll need a buggy to play all 18,” she quipped.
Jean has been a member for two-thirds of Wrekin’s 120-year existence. Her grandfather was a founder member so golfing always ran in the family. Ironically, although Jean played and practiced at the club in the early days, she had her lessons
on the Welsh links of Borth GC during family summer holidays.
Those who know the history of the club will recall that the clubhouse used to be situated at the bottom of the hill and the course was a straight up and down challenge. That all changed when the M54 was built in 1975, the course had a re-route and the existing clubhouse was situated further up, where it is today. Jean recalls those early days and the toll the initial climb took on golfers. “Dad and his mates smoked, they all did in those days – but none of them ever lit up until they got to the fifth tee!”
She had a break from regular playing in the late 50s and early 60s when her three children came along but remained as a member. She was soon back golfing and competing too, dropping her handicap to it’s
lowest point at 7 and becoming a regular Shropshire county golf player for many years.
Not a huge achievement according to Jean who modestly added it was needs much as much as anything. “We were very short of players, it’s not a big county, very few clubs in those days. It was only ourselves, Bridgnorth, Shrewsbury and Shifnal we could get players from really.”
Jean is still a busy golfer and is regularly accompanied on the course by her grandsons George & William Barton, both in their twenties and carrying on the family ties. Asked what gives her the motivation to continue playing into her 90s at Wrekin, Jean, now handicap 36, said simply – “my friends, being competitive and still winning!”
On the adjoining table, her friends, on hearing her say that, gave us a collection of knowing nods. Nothing more needed saying, other than…..keep on golfing Jean!
THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS FROM OUR LOCAL CLUBS AND GOLFERS
BRANSTON SKIPPERS GET THE BLOOD RACING
A very unique occasion happened in March as two fellow blood bike groups, Shropshire Staffordshire Cheshire Blood Bikes (SSCBB) and Derbyshire Blood Bikes were given a blood bike each as a result of the efforts of Branston Golf Club Captains Bev and Paul who made the two blood bikes groups their charity last season.
Two fine looking BMWs took pride of place in the sunshine. SSCBB members Lynne, Elaine and Helen joined Derbyshire Blood Bike members Mark and Mike for the festivities. Elaine and Mark have worked
closely with the Captains all year supporting the fundraising activities which included golf gear sales, raffles and a big personal challenge to do a marathon 24mile walk followed by 24 holes of golf. They smashed it!
Bev and Paul chose the two groups as they wanted a charity that served the local community and received no funding from other sources. Lynne Stone, the Vice Chair of SSCBB (and a golfer) said, "the efforts of these two captains has been amazing, they put their hearts and souls in to raising not only funds, but awareness of what
blood bikes do. Well done and thank you to the captains, owners, members and friends of Branston Golf Club.”
There are over 30 blood bike groups in the UK, all of whom are 100% volunteers and they carry urgent medical samples (blood, platelets, donated breast milk, faecal matter transplants and much more). The groups serve their local hospitals - these two groups serve Queens Hospital
MYTIME ACTIVE EMBARKS ON MAJOR IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME FOR MIDLANDS COURSES
Independent charity and social enterprise, Mytime Active, has begun a major improvement programme at its Midlands golf courses following the appointment of golf pro, Gareth Jones, to head up the sites.
Along with a £1 million investment in new machinery, a site-specific
maintenance programme will improve playing surfaces and overall customer experience.
Gareth Jones, Area Manager for Mytime Active, is a PGA professional and PGA manager with more than 25 years’ experience. He says: “Whilst customers see green grass, most of the work to provide a good playing surface happens below the ground. We’ve taken quite invasive action in our spring maintenance, one hole at a time, but this is essential for continuous improvement.
Burton and the Royal Derby Hospital. All this is done on motorcycles and in blood cars. The
“We’ve even analysed the soil’s makeup at each of our locations and invested in site-specific chemicals and fertiliser program to improve the turf health. We are dealing with nature, so you can’t just turn a switch, but over the next six months the results will be significant - in fact, customer feedback has already improved!”
Affordable, accessible, and family-friendly, Boldmere, Cocks Moors Woods, Harborne Church Farm, Hatchford Brook, Lickey Hills and Pype Hayes golf courses bring golf to everyone.
Jones continues: “Whether you’re an entry level golfer or someone in their later
riders are all advanced qualified riders.
years looking for a good value social opportunity, Mytime Active offers the best value membership in the Midlands. If you’re starting out and want a nine-hole course or progressing to an 18hole course but looking for variety, we truly have something for everyone.”
And, by choosing Mytime Active, you’re helping the charity give back to the local community. With no owners or shareholders to pay, all profits are reinvested into the facilities and wellbeing opportunities for the community.
Find your local course at: www.mytimeactive. co.uk/locations
NEWS ROUND UP
WGL CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
The Worcestershire Golf League (WGL) organisers Mark Hawkins and Andy Macdonald are celebrating 30 years of competitive golf in the county by adding a fourth league to the group.
The organisation already comprises of three leagues catering for players across the spectrum of handicaps:
• The Low Handicap league for players up to 9.4 index with three divisions.
• The highly successful Handicap league for teams with a mix of low and higher handicap players with six divisions.
• The 17-24 Handicap league catering for the higher handicapper, with three divisions.
The WGL now includes a Mixed Pairs League, answering the calls from local clubs for one to be established, with its inaugural season this year.
For all leagues, every season is highly competitive, but played
in the true spirit of the game, with teams battling through divisions, quarters and semi-finals to get to the Grand Finals Day, which in 2024 was at Great Barr Golf Club. The finals of all the leagues are played on the same day with matches, presentations and celebration meals all happening throughout the day.
30 years of golf – Established in
1995 the Men's Worcestershire Handicap Golf League is enjoying its 30th year and since the first winner Cleobury Mortimer G.C. held the trophy aloft, the league has grown to include most of the clubs in the county in a six-division contest.
Key Stats: 149 matches across the leagues involving 2880 individual rounds of golf in 2024.
Leading golf/health social enterprise 'Golf in Society" and Beedles Lake Golf Club in East Goscote, Leics are teaming up to run regular weekly golf sessions on Tuesdays from 10am-3pm.
interaction. No previous golf experience is required.
The sessions will cost £55 per golfer including lunch. Carers will receive invaluable regular weekly free respite time.
The sessions are ideal for anyone who has a longer-term health condition such as Parkinson's or Dementia. They provide physical exercise, mental stimulation and social
There will be a FREE Taster session at Beedles Lake GC on Tuesday 13th May starting at 10am. If you would like to come to the session, contact David Thornton from ‘Golf in Society.’ His email is david.golfinsociety@ gmail.com or call 07855 774621. NULGC
HAND OVER £16,300 AFTER YEAR OF FUNDRAISING
The 2024 Captains from Newcastle Golf Club have raised more than £16,313 for Dougie Mac, following a year of fantastic fundraising.
Lady captain, Jo Shufflebotham and gents captain, Pete Salt visited Dougie Mac’s Adult Services to proudly present their cheque to Dougie Mac’s Chief Executive, David Webster and Community Fundraising Team Leader, Rachel Jones.
The money was raised through various events throughout 2024, including a fashion show, quiz night, beauty evening, band night, raffles and golf matches. Jo also completed an epic challenge last summer, when she played 100 holes in one day, nonstop and without using a golf buggy.
Jo and Pete said, “We’ve had a brilliant year fundraising for
Dougie Mac, everyone has been so generous in donating money but also items for hampers and raffles. You only have to mention the words ‘Dougie Mac’ and people hand you money, the hospice really is so well loved locally.
“Unfortunately, a lot of people we spoke to had been helped by Dougie Mac or knew someone that had, and it just goes to show what a fantastic place it is that people want to give back and support a place that helped them so well. Everyone has been so supportive and we’re really grateful to everyone who has contributed to our final fundraising total.”
Jo and Pete decided to combine their fundraising and chose Dougie Mac as their charity of the year after both of their dads received care from the hospice.
NEWS ROUND UP
MIDLANDERS STAR AT EG AWARDS
Shirley Golf Club, 3 Hammers Golf Complex, the Walmley Foundation Community Interest Company, Hannah Crump and Megan Grimwood all emerged from the annual England Golf Awards, held in Manchester on April 2nd with awards to their names.
Shirley Golf Club won the big one, the Club of the Year title, in recognition of its outstanding commitments to inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement.
Shirley Golf Club’s ‘Golf for Disabled Children’ (GFDC) project has provided free coaching to over 100 SEND children from local schools every week for more than 20 years. Funded entirely by member donations and the annual GFDC Golf Day, this initiative has helped introduce countless young people to the game in a supportive, welcoming environment.
The club’s sustainability efforts have also been a standout feature of its success. Following an ecology report, dead trees removed from the course were handcrafted into outdoor seating
and donated to a local forestry school, enabling outdoor learning for children.
The Facility of the Year award went to 3 Hammers Golf Complex in Wolverhampton.
The facility received the award in recognition of its exceptional commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and community engagement.
For 38 years, 3 Hammers has been far more than just a golf facility - it has been a hub for the local community, welcoming people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. With a par3 course, Jurassic Creek adventure golf, Toptracer driving range, Bistro, Learn to Play area, and Golf Academy, it provides a fun, accessible, and welcoming environment for both beginners and seasoned players alike.
The WFCIC Warwickshire-based organisation, housed at Walmley Golf Club received their Respect in Golf award in recognition of their groundbreaking work in creating the UK’s first disability-friendly putting green.
2025 – AT A VERY FAMILY FRIENDLY LUDLOW GC
The newly developed artificial short-game area, designed to be fully accessible for mobility equipment, has helped to transform access to golf for individuals with disabilities.
With traditional wheelchairs or walking aids unable to be used on grass greens without causing significant damage, and with the current equipment designed for disability golf remaining expensive and inaccessible to many, Walmley Golf Club’s disability-friendly green has proved a game-changer for many individuals looking to play golf.
Read about our other winners, Hannah Crump and Megan Grimwood in the ladies and junior sections respectively in this issue.
Images: Leaderboard Photography
This year’s officers for Ludlow Golf Club are a first for the south Shropshire venue and maybe for any golf club anywhere. The Lady Captain, Sally Humphries and the Men’s Captain Kevin Humphries are a further addition to the several recent married couples who have their term in the same year. That’s not wholly unique, however this year Ludlow is also proud to have, for only the second time in its 136-year history, a Lady President, Janet Roberts.
Still not that unusual maybe, however, Janet and Sally are mother and daughter, so therefore Kevin is Janet’s son-inlaw, making the three principal officers of the club all from the same family.
The annual Three Bunkers golf challenge has kicked off its 2025 appeal by focusing on how funds raised will help local beneficiaries. Now in its 5th year and already having raised nearly £50k, the challenge, this year on May 23rd involves 24 golfers playing 27 holes within 10 hours at Morley Hayes, Charnwood Forest & The Nottinghamshire GCs. All money raised goes to local charity Big C Little C which supports cancer
Janet became Lady Captain of Ludlow in 2015 and was again in 2022, and the Senior Lady Captain in 2024.
Sally was therefore born into a golfing family, joining Ludlow in 2009 as a social member, becoming a full member in 2021 where she says, “I absolutely love playing with my fellow lady members and thoroughly enjoy our Tuesday ladies day.”
Kevin grew up in Birmingham and was a member at The Belfry before moving to Wales in 1999 for his job with the NHS. He eventually joined Ludlow in 2009, now describing it as a “great course, great members, and it’s a pleasure to be a part of the club.”
research and children at risk.
This year, a major beneficiary will be the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre (CBTRC) which is based at The University of Nottingham, conducting pioneering, internationally recognised research aimed at improving the lives of young people. For more information contact Bev Cook07871 845911
The proud winning team from Shirley Golf Club
Rob Turner has just finished his stint as the 2024 Club Captain at Bransford Golf Club in Worcestershire. On Tuesday 8th April he shot a hole-in-one on the 5th hole, 165 yards in length.
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
Melton Mowbray GC in Leicestershire celebrate 100 years of existence in 2025, our congratulations and best wishes to them on a special year ahead.
Someone must have told their golfers to make a special effort as, no sooner had their celebrations started, two of
them managed holes-in-ones within 24 hours of each other.
On Friday April 11th, Paul Blount (top left) started the ball rolling with an ace on the 162yard 5th hole.
The day after, Haydn Snow (top right) managed one too, this time on the 166-yard 7th.
Llanymynech Golf Club, home to England’s only dual-nationality golf course held their inaugural Ryder Cup of Nations in late March, splitting up their dual nationality membership into two teams, England
vs Wales. Following a day of closely fought contests the Welsh team (pictured) emerged victorious 3-2 and can claim the bragging rights around the club for the next 12 months until the match is held again in 2026.
“My name is Granthan Speake, and I have just become the Club Captain of Evesham Golf Club. I feel very honoured and proud to have been elected for this position for the next 12 months. I've always been a very keen sportsman from a very early age. Golf was a sport that I took up more seriously once my children were of an age where I could dedicate more time to playing. I have been a member of Evesham Golf Club for 11 years now and certainly look forward to a good few more yet.
I have chosen a charity this year for my captaincy which is close to my wife's heart as she turned to them when she lost her baby well into her pregnancy. They are a
fabulous organisation that help families and parents in the bereavement process. They are called SANDS, and you can read more about what they do at sands.org.uk”
Brian Cartwright achieved his first hole in one on the 138-yard Somers course 4th hole at Stonebridge GC, during a Senior Pairs competition on St Patricks Day. To quote his wife, “what took you so long!”
England Golf Men's Squad member Ben Bolton won his first major men’s event with a two-shot victory in the Berkhamsted Trophy at Berkhamsted Golf Club on Saturday April 5th.
Over the course of the four rounds, Bolton, who plays
his golf at Enville GC in Staffs, shot level-par overall, including -3 in each of his first two rounds, to see off his nearest competitor George Saunders by two shots.
Image: Leaderboard
Photography
OTHER HOLES-IN-ONES THIS
MONTH
Andy Ellis Uttoxeter 6th 151 yards
Ian Beeson Leek 7th 142 yards
Jay Kusha Boldmere 10th 109 yards
John Wright Gaudet Luce 16th 145 yards
Martin Baxindale Gaudet Luce 16th 145 yards
Luke Scoble Scraptoft 6th 138 yards
David Gill Tapton Park 11th 200 yards
Simon Skinner Leamington & County 8th 173 yards
Geoff Roberts Burghill Valley 14th 174 yards
MOVING MIDLANDERS
Luke Ryan The new Club Manager at Coventry Golf Club
Simon Marshall Head Greenkeeper, Calderfields G&CC, Walsall
Spencer Edwards Taking over as the new Head Pro at Hearsall Golf Club
Martin Brutnall, moving across Leics to become the new Head Pro at Kirby Muxloe GC.
Of all of the many April Fools social media posts we noticed from golf clubs our favourite one was this, from the team at Arscott Golf Club in Shropshire. A ball dispensary on every tee? Plenty of golfers we imagine wouldn’t mind if this sort of thing really did happen!
James Mills the new General Manager at Maxstoke Park, Warwickshire.
A captain of a golf club shoots a hole-in-one in a club comp. Very good achievement as all aces are, but not a unique one by far. Going further, a golf club captain shoots a hole-inone on the 18th hole in a club comp? Quite a way to finish a round, but still not headline material.
But how about if he’s holed one on the 18th, which happened to be the very final official shot in his captaincy year? Now we’re talking, and this happened to Tim Clayton, now the ex-gents captain at Leamington & County GC. On March 10th on the 18th, 159
yards he teed up for the final time and finished his year off in the best possible way,
Richard Prophet Dudley Golf Club’s new Head Pro
pictured here. Well done Tim.
2025 OPEN COMPETITIONS
LADIES AM AM
Tuesday, 6th May 2025
£100 per team of 4
OPEN AM AM
Sunday, 25th May 2025
£140 per team for 4
SENIORS OPEN AM AM
Wednesday, 4th June 2025
£160 per team of 4 incl lunch
LADIES 3 BALL OPEN
Tuesday, 8th July 2025
£75 per team of 3
DROITWICH GOLF CLUB
SENIOR MIXED PAIRS
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
Our 2025 society calendar is now completely full, a reflection of the quality of our incredible golf course located in the heart of the Midlands and the unforgettable experience we offer. With demand this high, we’re encouraging societies to secure their 2026/27 dates early to avoid disappointment.
The Herefordshire Golf Club
CLUB OPENS 2025 SEASON
MG SOCIETY CHAMPIONSHIP IV – JULY 4TH – STONEBRIDGE GC
Our Society Championship returns to the calendar after a few years away. This competition has seen some good action, great competitiveness and socialising between our local groups since we met up at Forest of Arden for the first one back in 2016. Some of those who were there then will compete again this time around. It’s more than
just a golf competition –our societies also see it as a useful social hub to meet other local groups, discuss society matters and even arrange Ryder Cup styled meet ups with each other.
This collage photo is from our previous society championship at Gaudet Luce in 2021 and all of the fourball teams representing local groups who competed
with us.
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.
EVENT DETAILS
9.15 – meet and greet, Breakfast Rolls, Tea/ Coffee
10.30 – shotgun start, 18 holes, format AMAM stableford, best two scores per hole.
WINTER LEAGUE TRIUMPH FOR RUSS AT MALKINS BANK
The Potteries International Golf Society
completed their Winter League programme at
the end of March with a new name on the trophy. Playing at Malkins Bank Golf Club on the
Staffordshire border, it was Russ Howard who came out on top after playing in 17 of the 18 games that have been held from November to March. A great performance by Russ, not so much a test of his golfing ability but a test of endurance to venture out in all weathers! In second place came Gareth Pask and in third John Smith. We play a great format using Stableford points in which you only count your best 10 cards throughout the winter with handicaps changing every week depending on your
3pm approx – 1 course carvery meal + prizes
Cost – £180 for a team of four
Enter by emailing Phil editor@midlandsgolfer. co.uk team ready to represent your society on the day. We’ll collect player names and handicaps a little closer to the time.
scores. A great bit of fun to keep members ticking over during the winter months and maintaining a buoyant social atmosphere
by enjoying a pint after the game.
I am not sure whether the guys are just hardy golfers playing in some atrocious weather or just simply daft. The jury is out until the next time. Congratulations to all 14 of our society members who turned out every week at Malkins and to the ground staff at the club for keeping the course open when other clubs in the area remained closed. A great clubhouse and a club making great strides to improve. Good luck to them.
Thanks to Phil Stonier for the words and images
(PIGS)
THE CHANGING GAME – PART 2
Greenkeeping – is the grass getting too green?
Golf’s noblest profession has issues. Golf does in general, we all know that – but it all tends to filter down the industry and land at the feet of our course attendants. Guys and girls who already have to cope with the vagaries of our inconsistent climate and are expected to produce near perfect golf courses, no matter what.
Greenkeepers are a breed apart, no doubt about that and do it for the love of the job as much as anything else. Yet when two of our longest serving Course Managers are poached away by other parts of the industry this spring, we wondered whether this was a sign of the times we’re in? Is the grass is getting ever greener on the other side?
Andrew Laing has been at Gaudet Luce GC in Droitwich since the club opened in 1995, now
it’s time for pastures new. He's heading into regional machinery sales with a brand he’s worked with for many years and will use that experience to help him along the way.
“It’s not really the industry we’re leaving, just a different arm to it. It feels like a natural progression for me, utilising the experience I’ve gained over the years to do something else. I’ve been here for 26 years, 21 of them as Course Manager. It’s a wonderful industry but it can become routine. In my case I became a very young CM at 21, so I feel I’ved got to the point where I think is this what I want to do for the
rest of my career? Up at 4.30 every morning or are there other avenues I can go down? That’s where I’m at really and I didn’t go and look for opportunities, one just came to me via an innocent conversation that turned into a more formal thing. It just kind of evolved really and I couldn’t say no.”
“Financially, Course Managers do ok but for the hours we work if you analyse that into an hourly rate it doesn’t look so pretty. The job is getting harder, staff management isn’t easy, balancing the budget when you’re up against huge rises in machinery
costs and national insurance and minimum wage hikes too is also a big challenge. Then we’ve not mentioned the climate as well, the pressure to keep the course open and playable grows while the weather outside becomes ever more of a lottery.”
Gaudet Luce have a natural replacement ready as most smart clubs do if the Head GK leaves. But lower down the line the industry needs young blood entering greenkeeping to eventually fill the voids, and their prospects are challenging as Andy alluded to.
“There’s supermarket jobs out there where you can stack shelves for minimum wage, doesn’t take much thought or experience, yet that’s the same entry level income as a trainee greenkeeper. In contrast and with early starts in all weathers they are expected to learn a wide range of skills, operate machinery, using chemicals, fertilisers, pesticide applications, irrigation systems, maintenance, the list goes on and on. We expect an awful lot from these young guys entering the industry and that’s what needs to change in my opinion.”
Gary Turner experienced that dilemma, he’s the Head GK at Wrekin GC in Shropshire, 21 years in total at the club ever since his school days.
“I had an apprentice previously; we taught him up then he left to go to schools ground keeping instead. He was a good lad to be fair, but people don’t realise the work involved taking on an apprentice, you have to put a hell of a lot of time and effort into their training. For the first year or so they always have to have someone with them so you’re not really gaining a member of staff until you’ve got them to a certain standard. Then they go and leave, I think he thought he could get up the ladder quicker working away from a golf club. So I’ve not taken on an apprentice this time, I went and hired two older and more life experienced guys instead. So far it’s going ok.
I think it’s harder now for youngsters coming into the industry, the entry level pay isn’t great, and expectations are higher now than they were. You can get your course to a high standard and then next year they expect those standards to rise again. The members pay our wages, so we do understand the demands. But it’s more than having a good team, you’re going to need investment, patience and good fortune with the weather to get it right.”
Hayes
“It’s not nice to see golf courses struggling, to hear of redundancies and clubs closing. The thing about golf clubs is memberships are going higher, so golfers are finding is harder to justify it. As a result course budgets are slashed whilst expectations stay higher, the reality is lower standards. You look at the big courses, the top 100s, they are thriving because they are great venues and people will pay higher prices to play them. But then the lower end courses who have a lot of local members but are too far away from the towns and cities, aren’t getting that extra influx of visitors that the bigger places can always rely on. I do believe it is getting harder but at the same time the industry is getting closer related, I see more and more clubs helping each other out.”
Dale Housden leaves Drayton Park Golf Club in Staffs this month after a successful tenure as their Head GK. After being in greenkeeping all of his career, and just turning 45, he’d reached a crossroads.
" When this new opportunity came up - I could not turn it down. I am going to be UK Technical Sales Manager for Olmix Group, a French based company
who specialise in Algae / Seaweed products. My new role will allow me to visit old and new friends whilst exploring and supporting many venues across sports turf management.
Some may say that the pressure of the greenkeeping industry has risen causing many to leave the industry, However I personally feel the pressure has always been there for Course Managers, yet maybe with social media and far more networking opportunities available nowadays - the exposure of pressures and expectations are greater.
To ensure the longevity of the greenkeeping career, I feel that the industry needs to be more recognised as a profession. The opinion of 'glorified grass cutter' was present when I began greenkeeping 28 years ago and unfortunately is still very much there. If the industry is recognised higher as a profession, then induction salaries can be higher which would appeal to younger people coming into the game from school. In my opinion I see many golf clubs struggle to push course / club costs onto their members in fear of losing them. Course operating costs keep rising and I just don't feel that the cost of golf club memberships has followed suit, which only has a knock-on effect on salaries plus budgets available for materials and resources.
Greenkeeping is a fantastic industry which has led me to where I am today and has taken me to some wonderful places, meeting some amazing lifelong friends along the way. I have been a course manager for 16 years and will surely miss the day to day running of the course and the glorious views. However, I can’t say I will miss the 4.15am alarm clock!"
From the industry - Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO (British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association) added their thoughts.
“The experiences of greenkeepers vary from club to club. Factors such as budgets, resources, management structures, salaries, location and climate all influence whether a greenkeeper chooses to build a long-term career in the industry or explore opportunities elsewhere.
Some of these elements are beyond an individual’s control but others – such as skills development, career progression and professional advocacy –are areas where BIGGA and the wider golf industry can make a meaningful difference.
We are always disappointed to see skilled professionals leave greenkeeping, but we also recognise that the expertise gained in the industry equips them for success in
other fields. The key challenge is ensuring that greenkeeping remains an attractive and viable career choice. That’s why BIGGA has prioritised recruitment and retention through initiatives such as First Green, which introduces young people to the profession. Our ongoing collaboration with golf’s governing bodies seeks to drive best practice and improve working conditions.
By strengthening the talent pipeline and fostering an environment where greenkeepers feel valued and supported, we can counter any concerns of a talent drain and ensure that greenkeeping remains a profession of choice for future generations.”
Billy
is entering his third year as Course Manager at Droitwich Golf Club,
FOR THE GOLF SOCIETIES - BE A PART OF MG’S SOCIETY CONCIERGE SERVICE
Along with our existing local societies such as the pictured ones who already benefit from our support in helping them to discover new venues at highly competitive rates, we have unlimited space for new groups to join in. We invite many more to feel the benefits of this special service.
Our partner golf clubs are ready with MG exclusive deals for your groups to enjoy some great golfing in 2025 and into 2026 too, benefitting from discounted green fee rates and plenty of extras too.
“We’ve handed our full diary to MG to organise for us for our last eight seasons. They always stay on our budget or below and we’ve never had any reason to question the quality of any of the venues they book on our behalf.”
STEVE HARE – Queslett Golf Society, Birmingham
“We contacted MG as soon as the society was formed in late 2021. We have been constantly backed by Phil and the team for anything we require, from supporting our charity days to promoting the society in MG magazine. We always look forward to the annual MG Matchplay @ Nailcote Hall too!”
JAMES GRIFFIN – NASS (Nice and Slicey Society) Worcs
A COMPLETELY FREE SERVICE TO REGISTER YOUR SOCIETY’S INTERESTvisit: www.midlandsgolfer.co.uk/societies and fill in the Society Concierge contact form. We make the enquiries – you make the decisions.
NASS (Nice and Slicey Society) – Worcs
FRIDAY CLUB – Stonebridge GC
STAGS (St Thomas Association) –Erdington
SALOPIAN GS - Shrewsbury
WILLOWBROOK GS - Nottingham
ABBEY PANELS - Coventry
• 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
GOLF
ACHIEVEMENTS • TOURS • NEWS
GRAY’S CAREER IS OFF TO A FLIER
The world of junior golf has a new star, and her name is Gray Lloyd Watkins
At just 8 years old, Gray has etched her name into the history books by winning the prestigious U.S. Kids Golf Marco Simone Invitational in the 8 and under category.
Competing with over 130 talented juniors from 24 nations, Gray’s victory is a testament to her dedication, skill, and unwavering passion for the game.
The tournament, held on the iconic Ryder Cup course at Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome, Italy, was a true test of talent and determination. Over two rounds of nine holes, Gray showcased her exceptional ability
to stay focused under pressure, delivering a performance that left spectators and competitors in awe. Her victory is even more remarkable considering the global calibre of the field, with young golfers from across the world vying for the title.
discipline, and love for the game have clearly paid off, and her success serves as an inspiration to young golfers everywhere.
Gray’s home club is The Herefordshire GC and she’s also part of the Tim Hall School of Golf at Ross-on-Wye Golf Club.
Gray’s journey to this incredible achievement began last year when she qualified for the invitational by winning the South Wales Tour. Her hard work,
KIBWORTH GC JUNIORS GO INTERNATIONAL
. THSG offers a proven pathway to success through their 7-Stage Learning Program. The program provides young players with the tools, coaching, and support they need to reach their full potential.
ROWGC Director of Golf Tim Hall explained further; “We believe that stories like Gray’s are what make golf such a transformative sport. Her triumph is a shining example of what young golfers can achieve when they embrace the sport and commit to their development.”
Kibworth GC in Leicestershire has been buzzing with excitement lately as two junior golfers have achieved remarkable milestones, earning the opportunity to compete on the international stage.
Noah Williams qualified for the Faldo Series which took place in Dubai recently. This accomplishment marks a significant step in his young career. Noah was competing against some of the world’s best under 16’s, unfortunately he didn’t make it to the podium this time despite playing well. The highlight of his trip though, was a personal 20-minute lesson from Nick Faldo himself.
Similarly, Joe Pinnock earned his qualification nationally in the Race to Woodhall Spa
and subsequently reached the Grand Final in Portugal where he finished in 5th place.
What a wonderful achievement and experience for the boys, their journey is a reminder that dreams can be realised through hard work and determination. The club are sure that their peers will be chomping at the bit to reach the same dizzy heights this coming season.
MG JUNIORS
YOUNG AMBASSADORS EASTER EGG HUNT! MEGAN’S LEADERSHIP
As promised in our previous article, we have a national Easter Egg hunt running over the next few weeks!
One of our Young Ambassadors, Matthew Lister (Fulford GC, Yorkshire) explains further:
Myself, and the other England Golf and Golf Foundation Young Ambassadors have been up to a couple of projects recently, with an Easter theme behind them. The first project was to hide Easter Eggs full of goodies at golf venues all over the country, diversifying from golf courses, crazy golf courses, indoor simulators and driving ranges. In the belief that… juniors will find them, become aware of the Young Ambassador programme (if they were not aware already) and how we are trying to make golf more enjoyable and accessible to a younger audience. Also, for whoever finds the Easter Eggs there will be some small golf related prizes waiting at the venue for them to collect and take home. The eggs will be findable right across the Easter bank holiday weekend. Videos on our Instagram page will give you clues
on where to look, so stay tuned.
The second project, which we developed at our latest in person meeting, was to design some new Golfway games, one of which had an Easter theme to it (see photo). This was made up
games and used in schools and at golf clubs around the country! What activities are your club running this Easter for children and young people? We hope our ideas have inspired you to be creative and fun this holiday!
of a large Easter Egg with four different sections, designed to practice distance control and you scored points depending on which section of the target you hit, the further away the target, the more points scored. We also designed some other Golfway games around other holiday times of the year too, and all the Young Ambassadors had some really great and engaging ideas.
Hopefully, these will be turned into real Golfway
Finally, a huge congratulations to Megan Grimwood (Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire), one of our Young Ambassadors who won the England Golf Young Person of the Year Award, Sponsored by the Golf Foundation. A further congratulations to Ruby Fox (Kenwick Park, Lincolnshire), another fantastic member of the group who was runner–up, alongside George Cornall (Kenilworth and The Warwickshire, Warwickshire).
Find us on our socialsInstagram: @ GolfAmbassadors (look out for the East Egg hunt clues here!) Twitter/ X: @ GolfAmbassadors
Article written by Matthew Lister
RECOGNISED AT EG AWARDS
Megan Grimwood was named the winner of England Golf’s Young Person of the Year award at the recent England Golf Awards in Manchester.
The 16-year-old received the award in recognition of her outstanding dedication to making golf more inclusive and inspiring for young players.
As Junior Club Captain at Kirby Muxloe in Leicester, Megan has led by example, sharing her passion for golf with younger players at her club and through her school. Her leadership extends beyond her home club - at the Bring it on Brum event at The Belfry, she led a team of adult volunteers from The R&A to deliver a golf skills festival for children in Birmingham’s Holiday Activity & Food Programme, showcasing her ability to inspire and connect with the next generation of golfers.
Megan has also been a key figure in England Golf’s Young Ambassadors programme, playing an integral role in the Young
Ambassadors’ Board Connectivity Project, which provides a voice for young people in golf. As part of this, she has helped shape dress code recommendations aimed at making the sport more inclusive, receiving positive feedback from England Golf and Golf Foundation board members for her efforts.
Megan has also represented the Young Ambassadors programme at the Youth Sport Trust’s Sport Sector Summit, exchanging ideas with other sports to help drive youth participation, highlighting the impact she’s having on sport beyond golf. She also co-presented the Young Person of the Year award at the Golf Foundation President’s Awards, following a day leading activities in the junior golf zone at the BMW PGA Championship.
Image: Leaderboard Photography
THE DRIVE FOR SUSTAINABILITY
STONEBRIDGE SUSTAINABILITY DRIVE CONTINUES WITH MAJOR TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME.
Stonebridge Golf have been busy over the winter months with their latest sustainability initiative seeing the introduction of some significant planting to their course and grounds on the Packington Estate in Meriden.
They have been working closely with the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WKWT) over the last few months on a major tree planting programme which now
sees in excess of 200 new trees and hawthorn bushes planted in various strategic locations around the parkland course located between Coventry and Solihull.
Having had assistance and advice from the WKWT, this thoughtful tree planting is designed to not only balance and further enhance the course’s already-well established trees on its parkland course on the Estate but also increase
their functionality and sustainability.
Speaking about the tree planting initiative, Kelvin Pugh, General Manager at Stonebridge, said; “We are really pleased to work with the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust to encourage new tree growth. This fits in with our long-term vision for the course and will add to the extensive tree planting we have already undertaken ourselves.”
This latest measure is part of a wide-ranging long term sustainability programme which in the last year has seen the installation of a 40kw solar array, the move away from main water usage on several of the course’s ponds, and all of the course’s 27 holes now enjoying irrigation via sustainable water.
Kelvin added, “We would like to extend our thanks to Helen
MIDLANDS GOLF CLUBS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL WORK
King, River Restoration Catchment Officer at the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Tame Valley Wetlands NIA for guiding and advising us through everything with regards to this planting and our ongoing tree management programme.”
SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS
With England Golf’s Sustainability Manager, Owen James
Hi again, Owen here to discuss the latest in sustainable Midlands golf.
It’d be wrong of me not to use this issue to discuss member expectation, and how it links to a) the challenges we’re facing climate and weather wise, and b) the issues greenstaff face when it comes to harnessing nature for the best, despite what we see on TV. Comparing this
winter to last, you could easily say we’ve got away lightly. It’s been strangely dry and warm over the last 8 months, meaning we haven’t had such issues with flooding as we did over winter 2023. That doesn’t mean we’ve had none at all, but it’s certainly been less widespread this time. However, that’s meant member expectation going into the season is high, with visitor rounds for March, and new
“We look forward to working with them again in the not-too-distant future as we look to continue creating a golf course that provides a getaway from the urban landscape and a welcoming environment for local wildlife to thrive.”
iGolf subscriptions, challenging record numbers.
This leads to my main point. March saw an incredible struggle for grass growth.
We had warmish air temps, but soil temperatures are still low. We also had the driest and sunniest March for over 60 years. These two combined to mean grass growth and subsequent recovery from winter renovations and construction projects has meant some greenkeepers are already struggling to create surfaces which match golfer expectations. This should, of course, ease, as temperatures climb, but (as I type this
on April 7th) we really could do with some rain soon! As we gear up for the Masters (lets go Rory!), it is crucial that golfers recognise that Augusta National isn’t like any other golf club on the planet. Their resource base, both in terms of finances and people power, is huge. The place is pretty much a laboratory, which is played on incredibly rarely throughout the year and the climate of Georgia is very different to ours, meaning grass growth is easier. They also have heaps of cash to throw at the place to ensure it is perfectly manicured. Chances are, your club doesn’t have that, and is controlled by nature, rather than the other way round.
To that end, know that things at your course will get better as the season goes on, but for now, expect a couple of bare patches here and
there, a few disease scars and perhaps a few bobbly putts. Give your greenkeepers the grace they need (and deserve), and also remember, it’s a joy to be out there, and as my favourite sign at my home club (The Manor, Kingstone) says: ‘a bad days golfin’ beats a good day workin’!
It'd be wrong of me to finish without a mention to Shirley Golf Club, who have won Club of the Year at our recent EG Awards! Their commitment to sustainability was mentioned on their award submission, so well done to Aniel and the team for their brilliant work, I look forward to seeing you all
soon!
As always, if you or your club need support from me, email sustainability@ englandgolf.org and we will get back to you.
We have tools, resources and guidance covering most aspects of golf
NATURE WATCH
Sustainability on our golf courses carries the benefits of encouraging more and more nature species around the environment.
Who doesn’t enjoy spotting birds of prey, deer, rodents and water birds etc who let us
golfers share their homes with them? The trick is whether we can get our phone cameras out in time and snap them at their most radiant, they don’t tend to stand on ceremony!
This summer, if you see something on the course, send us your nature in motion and nature in bloom shots, we’ll post the best ones in this section for you – email Phil editor@ midlandsgolfer.co.uk
club maintenance, and we are happy to help however big or small your task is. Have a great season, and I’ll be back next issue with more on how the sustainable golf landscape is changing in 2025!
BIRDIES
It’s always a big time of the year with The Masters and seeing how the great golfers of our time show huge respect for the course. I’ve played there (be it at an indoor golf simulator) and was thoroughly humbled even after the first hole!
I had the pleasure of visiting Shifnal Golf Club in Shropshire to witness the incoming captain’s drive in, more details of this event with a deeply personal connection to myself are overleaf.
Last month Jean-Louis and I plus Bella the dog had the pleasure of delivering magazines to Coventry, Leicestershire and beyond as a 2-day delivery trail staying at Ullesthorpe GC overnight. Some amazing feats and reconstruction, as the last time I went to Lutterworth Golf Club it was in cinders because of a fire, now the new club house and pro shop are amazing and the spirit of its members and staff plus neighbouring clubs who
take my hat off to them and their members.
Congratulations go to all the Midlands-based winners of the 2025 England golf awards, all of whom are well deserved and have been followed with interest by us for many years. Hannah is next door as you can see, we had five winners in total, all detailed inside this issue.
Midlands Golfer magazine enjoys a lot of business from the clubs it supports and with strong links with many golf societies, Phil our editor can manage many of their annual calendars and our advertisers benefit from the society visits.
ENGLAND GOLF AWARD RECOGNITION FOR HANNAH
The Stonebridge GC coach received the Participation and Development Coach of the Year award in recognition of her exceptional commitment to growing the game and inspiring more women to take up golf.
ran to their aid is evident. I enjoyed visiting a lot of community golf clubs too for example, My Time Active, Harborne Church Farm GC and Warley Woods GC in Smethwick. They manage a healthy membership and are sustainable and I really
Another string to the bow of Midlands Golfer magazine, supporting the clubs that support us with direct business from our own society contacts is key to keeping thriving all these years.
Enjoy the golf season to come ladies and keep sending me your news and achievements.
A passionate advocate for inclusivity and community, Hannah has built a thriving network of female golfers at Stonebridge in Warwickshire, helping hundreds of women feel welcome and confident on the course. Through free introductory sessions, group lessons, and fun social events, she has broken down barriers and made golf more approachable, social, and enjoyable for players of all levels.
Hannah’s impact extends far beyond coaching. She has actively connected with local businesses and charities, using golf as a tool to promote community engagement, fundraisers, and networking opportunities. She mentors and supports her players, ensuring each individual feels valued and supported in their golfing journey.
Her work has directly boosted female membership at Stonebridge, encouraging 25 women to take the leap and join the club, many of whom might not have had the confidence to do so otherwise. The sense of community she has fostered is clear for all to see, with players forming new friendships, taking golf trips abroad, and challenging themselves to play with a wider range of golfers.
Hannah’s commitment has also helped drive increased female participation in county tournaments and club events, showing that her influence reaches far beyond Stonebridge, shaping the future of women’s golf across the region.
Hannah summed up her thoughts for us, “I’m so grateful to receive the England Golf Participation and Development award for 2025. It was truly inspiring to be surrounded by so many incredible people making a difference in golf.”
Top Image: Leaderboard Photography
WHLCG LTD REACH OUT TO LADY CLUB MEMBERS CLEAN COUNTY SWEEP FOR LLANYMYNECH GC
It became clear during 2024 that the Worcestershire & Herefordshire County ladies member meetings were increasingly poorly attended and volunteers for committee positions were in short supply. The County Executive Committee agreed something had to be done to reach lady club members and spread the word about the advantages of being involved in County.
Comments were heard such as “I’m not good enough to play in county events”, “County is only for the elite golfers”, “the pearls and dark green jumper brigade.”
Barriers clearly had to be broken down!
It was agreed that executive members needed to go out to clubs to meet lady members rather than expecting the ladies to come to the members meetings.
A pull up poster was created; leaflets printed; logoed pencils purchased, and the committee members wrote to clubs offering a visit.
Several clubs welcomed the offer and committee members set off armed with goodies! Committee members listened to the ladies perceptions of
County and spread the word that County is for lady golfers at all levels, not just the elite.
The County has now purchased modern polo shirts and sweaters which have proved very popular; and has restructured the member’s meetings to include group discussions and encourage feedback from members.
Attendance at meetings has increased with such comments as “I really enjoyed that meeting!”
The Junior County Girls pre-season day was held recently with 30 girls taking part, age range 7 to 17 years old and with varying abilities from hcp 1.5 to beginners with no hcp. 20 lady volunteers stepped forward to help supervise and arrange the many activities throughout the day which was
LADY MEMBERS
Llanymynech Golf
Club’s ladies section has established itself at the forefront of competitive county golf with a clean sweep of county President and Captains over the next two years.
This will be the first time that all Shropshire team Captains and President will be hailing from the same golf club.
amazing. All commented how much they had enjoyed the day and that it was so rewarding.
Members are definitely interested in playing in County events, the first competition of the season in April, the Spring Greensomes, had fantastic entry of 92 ladies. None of these popular events happen without volunteers for committee positions… more are needed, many hands make light work!
Committee members have been invited to visit further clubs in 2025…the word is spreading.
Thanks to Jenny Hartley, Immediate Past County Captain, WHLCG Ltd for words and images
• Margaret Ratcliffe (from Bicton) is Shropshire’s President 2025 –2026
• Viv Davies (from Western Rhyn) will be Shropshire’s First Team Captain 2026 – 2027
• Julia Line (from Oswestry) is
Shropshire’s Second Team Captain 2025 –2026
• Norma Hughes (from Selattyn) will be Shropshire’s Senior Captain 2026 – 2027
• Denni Coleman (from Llanymynech) is Shropshire’s Junior Captain 2025
With such a clean sweep of officers Llanymynech Golf Club ladies are hoping to take the county scene from strength to strength and represent the Club as a flagship for competitive golf. Image L to R: Julia Line, Denni Coleman, Margaret Ratcliffe, Vivienne Davies and Norma Hughes
Norwood Golf (Notts) Captains Jacquie Whur & Steve Buckle raised £29k during their captaincy year in aid of Beaumond House Hospice & Lincs /Notts Air Ambulance with a donation also
to TOFS and Norwood Junior Golf Development.
The club hosted many events over the year including Steve’s coast to coast bike ride covering over 150 miles, and more recently Jacquie’s Arctic trek. She needed a steroid injection and acupuncture to make the hardest 6-day trek with temperatures reaching -26.
Details here of the 2025 Warwickshire Ladies County Golf Association (WLCGA) competitions. Events are open to female golfers who are full members of Warwickshire Affiliated Clubs.
County Championship, Intermediate Championship
Wed 14 May and (18-30) and Silver Medal Sun 18 May
Edgbaston GC (pictured) (including English Women’s Champion Club qualifier)
Senior Championship
Weds 2 July Shirley GC
Midland South Senior Thurs 17 July Shirley GC Championship
Summer Meeting
Thurs 24 July The Welcombe GC
Senior 9-hole 3 Ball Alliance Fri 1 August North Warwickshire GC
Seniors Summer Am Am Mon 15 September Whitefields GC
Joyce Nichol Trophies Mon 22 September Nuneaton GC
To access the entry form and details: Go to www.warwickshiregolf.com.
In the header click on fixtures and then Ladies & Girls fixtures, in upcoming competitions, click on the name of the competition.
RPGC WINTER LEAGUE WINNERS COLLECT THEIR TROPHY
After four months of battling the unforgiving winter weather Andy and Stephanie Turner were delighted to pick up the winners’ trophy for the Mixed Winter League at Rothley Park Golf Club.
The league runs from November to March on a Sunday, with a ‘Greensomes’ format over eight matches. With 25 couples taking part it is fun and sociable but still competitive as everyone wants to lift the trophy.
Over the winter 88 matches were played. “The season finished with a friendly Florida Scramble, and we all hope that our summer golf will be better for braving the elements to play throughout the winter.” said Winter League co-ordinator Karen Osborne. “This winter Andy and Stephanie
Turner won seven and halved one of the eight matches, so were indeed worthy winners. Well done and thank you to all the couples who participated. Stephanie
SHIFNAL SKIPPERS IN BOOST FOR TRANSPLANT CAUSES
It was wonderful to be able to join Lesley Smith and Alan Stanley during the last weekend in March as they took on the 2025 Shifnal Golf Club captaincy and chose as their charity the University Hospital of Birmingham Charity and the Edmonds Transplant Unit to raise money for.
Shifnal Golf club are the first to raise money for a Transplant specific cause, one dear to our hearts at the Mulligans Golf Society.
They were joined by the newly appointed Presidents, Paul Miller and Judy Mills, with
Many Shifnal Players and family members came to enjoy some refreshment before the event, and I felt privileged to be able to represent the Organ Donation Awareness campaign as I spoke of my journey to date and the need for the conversation with family members. We will endeavour to support their functions throughout the year, in particular the Captain’s Charity Day and look forward to March 2026 to learn of their success.
only took up golf quite recently, so it was great to see her do so well. We have one of the largest and liveliest ladies’ sections in the county.”
Junior Captain, Hugo Roberts.
PETER BAKER
READY TO GO AGAIN
A CASE FOR THE DEFENCE
Firstly, a little rewind back to December 2024, when Peter managed to do something he’d never achieved before in his long career, defend a title successfully. At the season ending MCB Tour Championships in Mauritius, a second round 62 was the crucial contributing factor in his triumph in a field full of senior tour legends. It wasn’t quite enough to see him win the Order of Merit title he won in 2023 though, but second place overall behind the super consistent Brazilian Adilson da Silva was a great seasonal title defence and the tournament win was all the more impressive by the fact that he was a little under the weather at the time!
“I’d never defended a title before, so Mauritius was a nice place to do it. I was a little flued up
Howell have turned 50 now or will during 2025, 14 ex-European Tour players in all can join the legends this year. We reckon that fellow Midlander and local tour multiple winner Matt Cort who qualified for the Legends Tour this season at tour school will also feature strongly, Peter agreed with us on that.
and didn’t have huge expectations but looking back maybe that was a good thing. I didn’t put any pressure on myself, and the good golf came along. Overall it was a pleasing season, felt I played just as well as when I won the OOM in 2023, Adilson was just so steady all year and deserved the title without doubt.”
A STRONG START
A new event came along in February as the tour schedule extends further in 2025.
The Staysure Marbella Legends at Aloha Golf Club attracted stars such as Jose-Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie, Peter’s -10 fourth place finish was an encouraging start to a year of growth in not just the tour schedule, but in the quality of his fellow competitors too.
The likes of Stephen Gallacher, Darren Fichardt and David
“It’s such a healthylooking tour these days with all of the new events and these great new players joining us. To see a mixture of well-known names and local guys like Matt getting their opportunities is great, Matt played really well and finished alongside myself in Marbella, fitted in straight away, he’s one to watch this year for sure.”
THE DRIVE IS STILL THERE
Six Legends tour wins in all, plus a first and second place Order of Merit in the last two seasons might make one wonder if that’s enough in itself, but Peter always has the same motivation ahead of every season, and this one is no different.
“The main thing that inspires me is that this won’t last forever!
I’m excited about the chance to play new venues like The Congressional (US PGA Seniors) and in new events we have this year closer to home at Mount Juliet and Brocket Hall. Then there’s the new guys entering that we need to try and stay ahead of. As long as my form stays something like it was in Marbella
Our regular column returns, alongside the South Staffordshire GC head pro and ex Ryder Cup player (1993) and vice-captain (2006) as he competes in another season on the Staysure EU Legends Tour. We spoke to him for this article on March 31st.
and I putt well then I think I’ll do alright again. Motivation is something that comes to me naturally to compete, not sure that’s ever left me.”
The image shows how the 18th looked last autumn. We will run a feature in June with the SSGC greenkeepers with their new look bunkering in full show.
AT THE CLUB
This encouraging spring weather of ours has benefitted the South Staffordshire golf course as much as anybody’s. On and off course work is almost complete and two new attractions to enhance the experience for club members and visitors.
“In the pro shop we’ve now got a new swing and fitting studio ready to open. We can look after everybody’s equipment needs now, lessons, fitting and club repairs too. Our 18th is also having a bunker complex revamp which will make it look even more special than it already is.”
Peter heads soon to Apes Hill GC in Barbados, hoping to defend another title he won in 2024. We’ll catch up with him again in June.
EU Legends pictures: Getty Images
KEEPING YOUR WEIGHT ON THE INSIDE OF YOUR TRAIL FOOT
Lateral movement (sway), poor weight transfer and lack of power are common problems in golf swings.
The reasons for these problems can come from your weight moving onto the outside of your trail foot when making your backswing. From this position it's very difficult to get your
weight back over to your lead foot and create a consistent low point in front of your golf ball.
Making sure your weight stays on the inside of your trail foot in your backswing therefore is crucial for maintaining balance and creating power.
What better way to work on this than a drill Set up to your golf ball as normal with an iron, I'd start with a shorter iron and build up to your longer irons when you've got the hang of it. Place a door wedge or a foot plate under the outside of your trail foot as shown in the picture. At set up you will now feel like your trail knee is kicked in slightly towards your target.
Now as you make your backswing your weight can stay more central as the door wedge/foot plate is preventing you to sway,
meaning your weight transfer will work more efficiently creating you more power and a better low point when striking your golf ball.
HOW TO STOP THE DREADED SLICE
A slice is caused by either an out-in swing path or an open club face, or a combination of both being incorrect. Below I’m going to show you two key swing changes we need to implement to eliminate the slice and
start hitting it straighter!
To implement the drill, you will need an alignment stick or gardening cane. You need to fix it into a range basket at around a 30-degree angle. It then needs to be pointed down
the range, just inside of the ball (see picture 1.)
We then are going to make sure we miss this training aid on the downswing, which will give us an in-out swing path (see picture 2.) Now if the club face is open still, the ball will still slice. This leads us onto the final component. To get the club face in a
more neutral to closed position, we need to make sure we release it correctly through impact. This is (for a right-handed golfer) allowing the right forearm to cross over the left on the follow through. Effectively twisting the toe of the club, in turn closing the club face (see picture 3.)
Finally try hitting some shots without the training
aid. Seeing if you can still recreate the same downswing feeling and a neutral swing path. Also remembering to release the club face on the follow through so we have a squarer club face at impact!
Tom James- PGA Fellow Professional - Leicester Golf Centre
Luke Manwaring PGA –
Teaching Professional, Broadlands Golf Centre, Staffs
MIDLANDS GOLFER
Society Special Edition – September 2025
Midlands Golfer is a predominately society orientated magazine anyway but in Sept/Oct just when our local groups are gathering the information and details they need from the clubs in order to put their diaries together for 2026, we ramp it up even further.
It’s what we do every year as the gallery of front covers shows here.
The pictured locally based golf societies are part of our network – we call it our Society Concierge service. Not only do they avidly flick through every MG issue, but they also get a nudge from us when we discover a fresh society deal from a golf club in their radius that will suit them down to a tee.
As part of the service, they will follow our own recommendations on the best places to enjoy a day out or weekend away next year.
Some of them hand their full yearly diaries to us and we’ll put together a package of dates for them, helping them to find new venues they may have not considered before. Plus also using our relationships with our advertising clubs to get them a ‘better than club website’ deal or a few little extras to make their days even more special.
The golf clubs of the Midlands are getting the message, our closeness to our local societies is an appealing factor in their decisions on how to spend their marketing budgets. We’ve had some amazing backing for this issue and plenty of space is reserved already. So making a decision on this needs to be sooner rather than later.
We’ll distribute it around the region and into the hands of the most influential society organisers in the region from the last week of August onwards.
For details on advertising packages for this issue (and potentially beyond) – an emailed PDF of our current rate card, email: sales@midlandsgolfer.co.uk
NASS (Nice and Slicey Society) – Worcs
STAGS (St Thomas Association) –Erdington
