Northern Golfer magazine #54 - June 2017

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JUNE 2017

54

INSIDE

64 PAGES

OF GOLF FACES, PLACES AND ACES northerngolfer.co.uk

RECORD BREAKERS

ROSIE AND JESS HIT THE HEIGHTS CHAMPIONS

THE WINNERS TAKE IT ALL INSTAGRAM COMP

WIN GOLF WITH BUTTIES & BUGGIES AT SLALEY HALL REVIEWED

HEXHAM AND WHITBY

DAN’S PLAN

BROWN’S FOCUSSED ON TURNING PRO

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EDITOR Paul Robertson editor@northerngolfer.co.uk EDITORIAL Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk MATCHPLAY PAIRS Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk ADVERTISING MANAGERS Doug Brolls 07721 031 482 doug@offstonepublishing.co.uk Graeme Heads 07591 961 888 graeme@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson & Nicky Rogerson info@kgphotography.co.uk

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Published by:

Publishers: Jane Pikett & Gary Ramsay Address: Offstone Publishing Unit 1, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield Northumberland, NE43 7AL Tel: 01661 844 115 E: enquiries@offstonepublishing.co.uk Twitter: @offstonepublish Facebook: /offstonepublishing

EDITOR’S NOTE AND CONTENTS I am sitting writing this note reflecting on another fascinating month of golf where youngsters have come to the fore.

The Northumberland Ladies Championship was contested by last month’s teenage cover star Jessica Baker and 15-year-old Rosie Belsham.

As you will read on page 15, it was Whitley Bay’s Rosie who triumphed to become the youngest-ever winner of the event - a fantastic achievement.

Down the road, another teenager Jessica Hall continues her incredible run of success, picking up her first national title and breaking Dinsdale Spa’s course record.

Meanwhile, a man just out of his teens put a family hoodoo to rest by winning the Durham County Championship - Chris Handy taking a title his father had just missed out on twice in the past.

It isn’t just the young ones who have excelled during the early summer though with City of Newcastle’s Angie Heads taking the Northumberland vets title while Barnard Castle’s Darren Pearce came within touching distance of the title playoff in the PGA Seniors at Foxhills.

It just goes to prove that golf is a sport for all ages and it is wonderful to see so many winners in our area.

We are delighted to announce that Lookers Renault will be partnering the Northern Golfer Champion of Champion events, which take place at Ramside Hall in September. Thank you to everyone at Lookers for the support - you can find out more on pages 4 and 5.

This month we review two courses celebrating 125th anniversaries, Hexham and Whitby, as well as taking a trip from the Tyne to the Tweed with views to behold at some stunning coastal courses.

Fresh from footballing joy at Wembley, South Shields FC chairman Geoff Thompson takes time out to talk to us about his love of golf while the story of Aaron Mansfield (page 49) can’t fail to make you smile.

Plus we have Gear, Tips, the latest from Chris Paisley, and news from clubs across the North East and Yorkshire in a packed edition. Please keep sending us your news and views.

Finally, I did contemplate devoting this column to my fourth hole-inone but didn’t want to bore you with the details - if you are interested you can find out more in From the Bunker.

Until next time - happy golfing.

Paul Robertson, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

©Offstone Publishing 2017. All rights reserved.

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Handy is champ, recordbreakers Rosie and Jess, Seaton salver winners, and Champion of Champions 2017 details

20-28 TEEING OFF

New man at Seahouses, seniors success, Angie on song, charity round up and Leeds Cup winner

29 TOUR LIFE

European Tour player Chris Paisley on the sands of time

30 DEAN BAILEY Part of the club

36 A ROUND WITH

South Shields FC chairman Geoff Thompson

38-43 TYNE TO TWEED The Northumberland coast

47 TALENT SPOTTING

FRONT COVER

North of England Youths

Dan Brown on his hopes of transforming amateur success into life on Tour

49 BIRTHDAY BASH

Pages 32-34

52 GEAR

A dream come true

The latest releases, plus In the Bag with Rory McIlroy

Cover ©Leaderboard Photography When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

04-17 TEEING OFF

18-19 HEXHAM GOLF CLUB

48-49 WHITBY GOLF CLUB

54 MATCHPLAY PAIRS

A closer look at this year’s prize

56 TIPS

Taking control

56 COMPETITIONS

Win a Slaley Hall special plus fourballs at Bellingham GC, Linden Hall and Ryton GC

62 FROM THE BUNKER Some guys have all the luck

NORTHERN GOLFER 03

CHAMPIONOFCHAMPIONS2017

Looking for champions Lookers Renault to partner the Northern Golfer Champion of Champions 2017 at Ramside Hall, while the men’s champion will receive a EuroPro start in the North

L

ookers Renault, part of the national motor retailer, has been announced as the partner of the Northern Golfer Champion of Champions for 2017.

The brand, which has a dealership at Benfield Road, Newcastle, will be supporting the men’s, ladies and junior events, which take place at Ramside Hall in September.

Lookers Renault franchise director Colin Pybus, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Northern Golfer for the 2017 Champion of Champions events at Ramside Hall. The events will bring together some of the best golfers from across the North of England for what is sure to be one of the highlights of the golfing year.

“Lookers has many strong links with golf, including sponsoring the EuroPro Tour’s Lookers Championship at Close House in the last two years, so to be part of another

04 NORTHERN GOLFER

premier event for the region is fantastic.”

Meanwhile, the men’s champion of champion for 2017 will earn a start at a EuroPro Tour event in the North for 2018. The winner will join the best young professionals in the UK & Ireland for a three-round event with the chance to compete on the third-tier tour which offers professionals the chance to earn a place on the following season’s Challenge Tour.

Following the success of the Northern Golfer Junior Champion of Champions events in 2015 and 2016, the event has been expanded for 2017 to reach the best female and male adults from the region.

The three invitational tournaments, which will be open to reigning club champions from across the North East and Yorkshire, take place over the Prince Bishops and Cathedral courses at Ramside Hall in Co Durham.

Helen Roseberry, director of golf at

Ramside Hall’s Cathedral Course

Ramside Hall, said: “We’re excited to host the Northern Golfer Champion of Champions events across our two wonderful courses this September.

“The timing couldn’t be better, coinciding with our 21st birthday celebrations and we can’t wait to welcome the best male, female and junior golfers from our region to Ramside for what are sure to be three memorable tournaments.”

Paul Robertson, editor of Northern Golfer, added: “I would like to thank Colin and Lookers for their support as well as Ramside Hall for hosting the event, and the EuroPro Tour for supporting the men’s event with a fantastic prize.

“The success of the Junior Champion of Champions inspired us to develop the idea to incorporate golfers of

Northern Golfer Junior Champion of Champions 2015 winner James Wilson

CHAMPIONOFCHAMPIONS2017

JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS Saturday September 9 Cathedral Course at Ramside Hall Tee times from 12.30pm followed by dinner and presentation

LADIES CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS Saturday September 9 Prince Bishops Course at Ramside Hall Pastries and tea or coffee on arrival, tee times from noon followed by dinner and presentation

MEN’S CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

Saturday September 16 Cathedral Course at Ramside Hall Bacon rolls and tea or coffee on arrival, tee times from 8am followed by dinner and presentation

Ramside Hall all ages. The return of the men’s event, which has had many notable champions, and the first ladies event will be highlights in a busy year for golf in our region.”

Club champions from Northumberland, Co Durham and Teesside, and selected clubs in the Scottish Borders, Cumbria and

Yorkshire within Northern Golfer’s circulation area, will be invited to the events this summer. Letters will be sent to club secretaries in July with full details of the event and how to register for tee times.

For more information contact Dean Bailey, email dean@offstonepublishing. co.uk, tel 01661 844 115.

Northern Golfer Junior Champion of Champions 2016 winner Briony Bayles

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NORTHERN GOLFER 05

TEEINGOFF

Hague wins Lagonda

Chris is more than Handy

T

David Hague David Hague stormed to victory in the Laganoda Trophy at Gog Magog.

Malton and Norton-based Hague was just one shot short of a championship record as he finished 12 shots clear of the field.

A stunning 62, a Lagonda record, was the main reason for his win after a sluggish start.

“To get my first win in an England event was fantastic as I’ve already had a few top five finishes this year. Shooting underpar in a day is pretty impressive - I’ve kind of broken all my own records as well.”

he Durham County Championship trophy finally resides in the Handy household.

It could have been there 20 years ago with James Handy’s name on it, but this year his 20-year-old son Chris added his name to the list of winners.

James, a former Durham County captain, lost a playoff to Stuart Ord in 1996 at South Moor and a bogey at the last three years later saw him miss out again at Barnard Castle.

Chris ended South Moor’s 43-year wait for a champion when he beat Hartlepool’s Jack Ainscough in a playoff at Wynyard.

He posted a superb six underpar 66 in the final round to tie Ainscough with a championship record 10 under-par before winning the three-hole playoff.

“My dad was there to watch and

Chris Handy he came straight over to congratulate me,” said Chris. “I’d heard all about what happened when he went close a couple of times so I’m really pleased.”

Handy’s opening 74 left him chasing 17-year-old James Wilson from Tyneside - who eventually finished third - and Ainscough, also 17.

Rounds of 70 and 68 put him right back in the mix before a final 66.

“I started with three birdies in a row and made a really great par on the fourth where I was in the trees,” he said. “I hit it on to the second fairway

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and then hit a wedge to 20ft and holed it for a par which kept me going.

“I made birdie again on the next and had a lot of opportunities after that but didn’t hole many. I kept going and did make a few birdies on the back nine.”

In the playoff, Handy birdied the 16th as Ainscough made bogey before the 17th was shared in pars. At the 18th, Handy made a solid par while Ainscough was bunkered twice and made bogey to mean the trophy returned to South Moor.

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Alex Wrigley (second from left) receving his winner’s cheque

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lex Wrigley got off to a fast start in the Nordic League by winning his first event of the season The Bravo Tours Open.

Wrigley, from Hartlepool Golf Club, returned scores of 71, 73 and 69 to lead the field by two shots and take home the winner’s cheque at Enjoy Resorts’ Rømø Golf Links in Denmark.

“It was great to get off to a winning start over in Denmark, in some really tough conditions,” he said.

“The wind was up at 35mph most of the week and I knew years of playing on the North East coast was going to come in handy. The key was staying patient, managing my game and just taking as many chances as I could when they came up.”

The Nordic League offers leading players in the season-long order of merit a place on next season’s Challenge Tour and takes place across Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Wrigley is splitting his time this season between the Nordic League, the EuroPro Tour and the PGA circuit.

“The aim is to make it to the European Tour and securing a top five position on either side of the North Sea this year gets me one step closer. I’ll also be heading to European Tour Qualifying School again so there are good opportunities to make it happen.

“I’m busy until the end of July with both tours before I decide to concentrate on one for the final push. It’s going to be an interesting summer,” added Wrigley.

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on Wednesday Sept 27, with ticket revenue donated to the Foundation.

“I’m immensely proud,” said Wylie, speaking of his charity’s involvement with the British Masters.

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NORTHERN GOLFER 07

TEEINGOFF

Saltburn stalwart’s senior moment

Paul Beneliol A seven-time winner of Saltburn’s club championship has ended a 20-year wait for glory by winning the Senior Salver at Seaton Carew.

Paul Benoliel fended off competition from more than 100 golfers to get his hands on the title.

The four-handicapper, who has had that cut by a shot since his victory, posted a one over-par 72 round to finish two shots ahead of Dennis Wright and Robert McAllister.

Benoliel said: “I was really pleased. To win with a field of 120, with some strong names in there as well, was nice.

“We have all played in the Seaton Salver over the years because there was quite a few names I recognised on the start sheet.

“It’s 20 years since I last won the Saltburn club championship and this is the biggest thing I have won since. It feels good, even if I am getting some stick off the younger lads I normally play with!”

The 58-year-old, a director at an engineering supplies company in Lingdale, had birdies at six, 13 and 16 and added: “The conditions were perfect on the day. There was a slight breeze, but nothing to cause any real problem.

“The greens at Seaton are so true. You have so much confidence in them and that makes a lot of difference when you get up to them. I really enjoyed it.”

Cameron Wallace with Seaton Carew captain Dennis Orley

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Wallace a winner

C

ameron Wallace bounced back from missing the cut in the Brabazon Trophy to clinch victory in the Seaton Salver.

In occasionally tricky conditions with a couple of heavy downpours and strong winds, 17-year-old Wallace, an Academy member at Seaton but currently playing out of Castle Eden, posted rounds of 69 and 67.

His eight under-par total of 136 was four shots clear of City of Newcastle’s Mark Wharton who had two steady rounds of 70 with Dean Wright (Leeds Golf Centre)

in third place with rounds of 74 and 68.

Wallace’s 67 included an eagle three at the sixth and three birdies at the second, 11th and 18th.

Wallace recently made up for his narrow miss in last year’s AoC Sport National Championship with a two-shot win in this year’s tournament at Morley Hayes in Derbyshire with rounds of 71 and 72.

Both he and Hartlepool colleague Jack Ainscough missed the cut in the Brabazon Trophy at Woodhall Spa after coming through Northern qualifying.

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TEEINGOFF

He’s a jolly Goodfellow

Honours shared

P

rofessionals from around the North took home top finishes in pro ams at Close House, The Northumberland Golf Club and Prudhoe Golf Club in May. Mathew Webb (Bedlington) and Craig Goodfellow (Carlisle Golf

Craig Goodfellow It was almost too close to call for Craig Goodfellow in the North West qualifier for the Titleist and FootJoy PGA Professional Championship.

Former champion Goodfellow (Carlisle Golf Centre) ended up in a five-way tie for the lead at Delamere Forest in Cheshire.

Just two shots separated the 15 players who qualified for the £78,000 grand final, which takes place at Luttrellstown Castle near Dublin later this month.

Goodfellow needed a last-gasp eagle at the 18th hole to ensure he avoided a playoff to decide who made the cut.

Craig Goodfellow

Centre) both returned three under-par 66s to share the Close House Pro Am over the Lee Westwood Filly Course.

Barnard Castle’s Darren Pearce, and Northern Golfer columnists and Matfen Hall pro John Harrison shot rounds of 67.

In the WaterAid Pro Am at The Northumberland Golf Club, Richard RobsonCrosby (Ponteland) and Martyn Stubbings (Rockliffe Hall) both compiled superb rounds of five under-par (67) to share the winner’s cheque. Newbiggin’s Colin Ferguson and Goodfellow tied for third place, two shots back on three under-par.

Meanwhile, David Clark (Morpeth) and Michael Pilgrim (Bishop Auckland) shared top spot at Prudhoe Golf Club with rounds of 66 in the Prudhoe GC/Breast Cancer Pro Am.

The season continues this month with events at Ramside Hall, Whickham, Middlesbrough, Billingham and Teesside.

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Jessica Hall

Jessica is a record breaker

T

here’s just no stopping Bishop Auckland’s Jessica Hall.

The England Girls international started the year with a top 20 finish in the Portuguese Ladies Championship and was picked for the England team for the Irish and Scottish Girls Championships.

She birdied the last two holes to clinch third place in Irish Girls and while she was disappointed with her showing in the Scottish Girls and Scottish Ladies, she bounced back with runner-up finishes in the British Colleges Championship at Forest of Arden and the Durham County Ladies Championship.

Jessica then went on a winning run with victories in the Intercollegiate Tour Championship at Moortown, returned a course record to lift the Durham County Appleby Bowl at Dinsdale Spa, and

broke another course record en route to winning the Critchley Salver at Sunningdale. Jessica’s seven-shot win at Moortown was her first national title.

In the Appleby Bowl, a nett trophy, she shot a two under-par 73 gross and won on countback, three better than the previous course record set by Sarah Hirst.

Jessica then entered Sunningdale for experience and won the event with scores of 74 and 69, her second round deciding victory after a tie with Martha Lewis and Rochelle Morris.

She is hoping to carry her form into the North of England Schools Championship at Whickham and several national events.

“If nothing else happens it has been a good year,” she said. “I’m playing lots of national tournaments and hope to achieve some more high finishes, or even win again.”

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TEEINGOFF

North in pole position Pre-season preparation is paying off for Northumberland.

County captain David Gilroy oversaw a comprehensive programme over the winter and spring months including bringing a number juniors into the men’s coaching programme.

Three-time European Tour winner Ken Ferrie also gave up his time to play with the squad, which also used Alnmouth Village as a practice base over the winter.

Northumberland went into the opening match of the season against Lancashire full of confidence. That confidence was not misplaced with an impressive 12½-5½ victory.

Cumbria’s 5–1 win in the foursomes against Durham at Seascale left the visitors with too much to do, Cumbria winning 12-6. Yorkshire were held 3-3 in the foursomes against Cheshire at Ganton but the current champions won 10½-7½.

Ramside’s top scholars

R

amside Golf Club is aiming to produce the North East’s next top golfer after awarding its Michael Adamson Junior Golf Scholarships to four youngsters.

Tilly Barton (Hobson Golf Club), Emily Baxter (Houghton-Le-Spring Golf Club), Adam Charlton (Ramside Golf Club) and Lewis Reay (Ramside Golf Club) will receive one years’ free membership; use of Ramside’s two championship courses, golf academy

and driving range; plus tuition with Ramside’s team of expert coaches.

They were chosen from more than 50 applicants after impressing PGA professional and lead coach Kevin Jackson during a skills test, playing assessment and interview.

Ramside founded its Michael Adamson Junior Golf Scholarship in 2015, in honour of late company chairman Michael Adamson MBE, and is keen to support the development of junior golf in North

Emily Baxter, Tilly Barton, Adam Charlton and Lewis Rea

East England. Helen Roseberry, Ramside director of golf, said: “This scholarship is named in honour of my father Michael, who passionately believed in providing opportunity for deserving people in all areas of Ramside Estates’ business.

“He also loved golf, which is why we want to provide talented young golfers with a springboard to achieve great things in a sport which brings so much pleasure to so many people.”

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Just the Job

Everything is Rosie

Rosie Belsham

R

Karen Jobling Richmond Golf Club’s Karen Jobling has been crowned Yorkshire Veteran Ladies Golf Association champion.

Jobling, an England international, came out on top after three days of competition at Crosland Heath Golf Club, securing the title with an emphatic 7&6 victory over Shipley’s Linda Ireland in the quarter-finals before overcoming top seed Pat Wrightson of Huddersfield Golf Club 3&2 in the semi-finals.

There was no stopping Jobling in the final - beating Abbeydale’s Cathy Riley 6&5.

osie Belsham has become the youngestever winner of the Northumberland County Ladies Championship after beating fellow teenager Jessica Baker at Bamburgh Castle.

Fifteen-year-old Rosie (Whitley Bay) lost on the 20th hole to 14-yearold Jessica (Gosforth Park Ladies) in the Northumberland County Junior Matchplay Championship at City of Newcastle earlier this season, but she had her revenge at Bamburgh with a 6&5 victory.

Both players are on England Golf ’s radar and members of the England Under 16 squad, while Jess won the Midland U16 title this year and Rosie has also won the Northumberland Under-21 Championship.

Both also fancy the prospect of a golfing scholarship in the USA and will be concentrating on getting the right exam grades.

Rosie shot into the limelight last

year when she holed out from 166 yards in the North of England Under 14 Open to scored an albatross at the par five second hole. It was her first albatross and followed her first holein-one during a Saturday morning friendly match at her home club

against her mother Gina.

Rosie was runner-up in the girls section at South Moor and joint second in the Scottish Girls Under 14 Championship last year, and runnerup at City of Newcastle this season with this her first big county win.

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Nikki Dunn (©Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

Almost a Dunn deal

D

insdale Spa’s Nikki Dunn kept her 2016 form going into the new season with a win at the opening WPGA One Day series event at Little Aston.

Dunn won the inaugural WPGA Lombard Trophy in Portugal last year and the final year assistant pro had the winning feeling again at the Birmingham venue when she carded a

three under-par round of 71.

Dunn tied for the lead with Ladies European Tour player and current Welsh National PGA Champion Lydia Hall of Hensol Golf Academy in South Wales.

Darlington-based Dunn would have won the event had she not made a bogey at the par four 18th hole after making five birdies.

The former England amateur was happy with her performance and now plans to re-focus on playing following her PGA exams.

“Before I became a PGA assistant I was playing at international and county level and spent four years in the US in Texas and Florida,” she said.

Dunn and Hall finished one shot ahead of Victoria Mallet (Mytime Active) and Dunn admitted it was satisfying to match Hall.

“Lydia wasn’t in the same group as me but it was good to compete with her at the top of the leaderboard - she’s a tough cookie,” said Dunn.

“I wasn’t expecting that result at all as I haven’t practiced much so far. My last competitive round was in September when we won the Lombard Trophy.”

Stroke of genius

Kieran Waters Kieran Waters lifted the Cumbria Strokeplay trophy following a close battle with favourite Will Bowe at Workington Golf Club.

Waters, who shot rounds of 74, 66, 71 and 69 chased down Bowe in the final round with a dramatic birdie from long range at the 16th before closing out a two under-par final round for an eight under-par total and his second win in the event.

NORTHERN GOLFER 15

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Nick McCarthy

McCarthy looking good

N

ick McCarthy leads the region’s charge on the HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour order of merit after the first three events of the season.

Moortown-based McCarthy sits seventh in the Race To Amendoeira following a third place finish at the season-opening Lookers Championship at Close House, where he finished just two shots behind winner Gavin Moynihan after a close-run final round.

McCarthy then followed up with a second top 10 in the third event of the season, The IFX Championship at Frilford Heath Golf Club in Oxfordshire.

Elsewhere in the region, Daniel Gavins is also inside the top 20 of the order of merit following a tie for 16th place at Close House and a tie for fifth place at Frilford Heath.

Meanwhile, the likes of Nick Marsh (Huddersfield Golf Club), James Maw (Rockliffe Hall) and Alex Wrigley (Hartlepool Golf Club) have all collected early-season payouts.

Gavins (Walton Range/Howley Hall GC) won promotion from the EuroPro Tour to the Challenge Tour in 2013 and finished seventh on the order of merit in 2015.

The Tour’s next stop in the region is at Longhirst Hall Golf Club in Northumberland on July 5-7 for The Dawson & Sanderson Classic.

Showcase Two-time European Tour winner Graeme Storm hopes to work with some of the region’s most promising golfers after the success of two masterclasses.

Storm is a golf consultant at Thorp Academy, Ryton, and Dyke House College, Hartlepool and is keen to help develop some of the game’s future stars.

More than 60 youngsters attended the two events held in association with Thorp Academy at Tyneside Golf Club and Close House.

Storm, who won the South Africa Open in January, is now looking

Graeme Storm at Close House forward to seeing some of them on Thorp’s Elite Performer Programme.

“It would be fantastic if some of those golfers come along to work with me more often at Thorp,” said Storm. “It would be nice to offer them more tuition and to help direct them on the right path to achieve their golfing potential while at school and college.”

For more information email devans@thorpacademy.org

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COURSEREVIEW

Homely Hexham Dean Bailey heads back to an old favourite and remembers why he enjoys heading along the A69 to Hexham Golf Club so much

H

ead west from the Northern Golfer office for about 15 minutes and you’ll find one of the finest English golf clubs, and a course which has changed little in its 125 years but delivers every time you visit.

Hexham Golf Club has stood the test of time, with a course dating back to 1892 which remains a host of county and national events, and is home to some of our region’s best golfers.

It’s no surprise Hexham has produced so many good players, it’s tall trees ensuring youngsters learn to drive the ball straight while tough bunkering and big, undulating greens teach players the power of accuracy and good putting.

Head up the hill from the impressive clubhouse to the first tee and you’re introduced to what Hexham is all about. Tall trees and out of bounds wait left at this 503-yard dogleg left par

18 NORTHERN GOLFER

five played from an elevated tee. A long drive is required to reach the top of the hill and give you sight of the landing area and green. A big green is protected by two bunkers cut below the surface.

A simple par five – if you play it sensibly.

The second and third holes are sterner tests.

The uphill par three second measures 167 yards and plays a club longer than its yardage while the dogleg left third is 406 yards and requires a tactical approach. Play an iron to the fairway, left of two fairway bunkers to leave a long, uphill second shot.

Two bunkers protect the par three fourth and anything short right risks being fed into the larger to the two.

Par fours of around 390 yards-plus are the main defence of the course, there are seven in total, and the first of them comes at the fifth.

Avoid the fairway bunkers left and a good drive

will run down the hill to leave a simple approach to a large, two-tiered green with a bunker in the front right corner.

The sixth has earned its stroke index one billing with a slight dogleg left making the tee shot at this 457-yard par four tough. Two more bunkers protect the front of a large green making a long approach difficult.

Three more par fours finish the front nine.

Avoid out of bounds right at the seventh and you should be left with a mid-iron to a smaller green, while a long drive is required at the 434yard eighth hole to ensure you can find the right portion of a green measuring 42 paces from front to back. The relatively short, 349-yard ninth is a welcome birdie chance should you avoid three bunkers right of the fairway and another some 40 yards short of the right side of the green. An iron to the fairway at this uphill par four is sensible

COURSEREVIEW

FACT FILE and should yield a good birdie chance.

The par three 10th got our pick for signature hole (see fact file).

Heading into the back nine, the tree-lined fairways remain a key feature. The 11th is a short par five of 493 yards and offers a good birdie chance should you put the ball in position and avoid the two fairway bunkers 80 and 40 yards short of the green.

A birdie will come in handy as you reach the 435-yard par four 12, which plays uphill from the tee before turning right and heading downhill to a tiered green with two front bunkers. The short par three 13th follows where the key is carrying the bunker at the front right corner of the green.

The 14th and 15th are fantastic driving holes. At 14, a generous fairway sweeps left before narrowing at around 260 yards while the par five 15th is guarded by out of bounds right and requires a draw around tall trees to find the fairway. The green can be in reach in two, though the second is a much narrower shot to a green above the fairway with a cross bunker 70 yards short.

Heading for home, the 16th is the shortest par three at 120 yards – though two huge bunkers must be avoided at the front and left sides, while the par four 17th requires a long, left to right drive to make reaching the green easier at another 400-yard par four.

The last is a final birdie chance at 345 yards from an elevated tee to a generous fairway. The green is large and a bunker at its front edge is a magnet for any short approaches.

Hexham remains a tough test thanks to its long par fours, though a number of scoring opportunities are open to those with a sharp short game. A test you can’t help coming back for year-on-year.

CONTACT Hexham Golf Club, Spital Park, Hexham NE46 3RZ, tel 01434 603 072 www.hexhamgolf.co.uk GREEN FEES Mon-Fri £30 Sun £40 Juniors £15 Buggy hire £20

The course is steeped in history and was originally laid out by the legendary, six-time Open Champion Harry Vardon – one of just 13 to bear his name. A new practice facility built inside a Victorian walled garden is a modern, and welcome addition.

Widely respected PGA professional Andy Paisley, an England Golf and tour coach – and brother of European Tour player Chris – is based at Hexham and you can see many of his star pupils here when you visit

TOTAL DISTANCE White tees 6,312 Yellow tees 6,017 Red tees 5,799 FEATURES Stunning clubhouse with lounge, bar and dining room Locker rooms and changing facilities Pro shop and PGA tuition Practice ground Short game practice facility Putting green CADDY’S TIP With seven par fours of more than 390 yards, driving accuracy is key to scoring at Hexham and opens up many opportunities. Beware, a wild driver is often severely punished SIGNATURE HOLE The 10th at Hexham is a spectacular par three with views out across the Northumberland countryside. Played over a valley and slightly downhill to a large, round green you must make the carry to the front edge of this 190-yard hole or risk a blind pitch up to the putting surface.

At the green, a tree protects the right side while a bunker will catch anything short and left. A great par three and a fitting signature hole

OUR VERDICT A pilgrimage to Hexham is a must – as often as you can make it. The course never disappoints NORTHERN GOLFER 19

TEEINGOFF

Moving in

Youngsters on course

S Paul Whittaker Paul Whittaker has moved to Tynemouth Golf Club as the club’s manager.

The former Northumberland county development officer for England Golf said: “Tynemouth is a fabulous facility which I am very excited to manage. It has a very proud heritage and a strong, dedicated and active membership. I’m looking forward to increasing membership further and developing new golfers at the club with PGA professional John McKenna.”

underland Golf Centre’s Junior Academy is up and running with youngsters taking part in weekly sessions at the driving range.

Run by assistant professional Steven McDonnell, academy sessions take place every Sunday at 10am-11am and 11am-noon with sessions covering the basics through to playing competitive games.

Sessions are £8 per child.

Steven, who is in his second year of PGA training, said: “We’ve got a great facility at the golf centre and we’re hoping to get as many kids as possible involved in golf.

“I joined the PGA to introduce golf to people and through the academy and the work I’m doing in local schools and with Get into Golf – we’ll hopefully reach a lot of kids and adults who haven’t thought about picking up a golf club before.”

As well as running the junior academy, Steven delivers coaching sessions to local schools and at

Some of the young golfers at Sunderland’s Academy Ravensworth Golf Club. The seventh and eighth schools to take part in the programme begin their sessions this month and Steven is hoping to reach kids in 30 schools in the next five years.

“We have to reach out and engage

This is a very special year for

with young people. If we make the game fun they’ll stick with it and hopefully become good players in the future,” added Steven.

For more information and to sign up for the academy sessions go to www.sunderlandgolfcentre.com

WHITBY GOLF CLUB

and we look forward to celebrating it with you

£12.50 Anniversary Green Fee Quote ‘NG1892’ when booking, tee times subject to availability. The £12.50 rate is valid all day Monday and after 2pm Tuesday–Friday.

T&Cs apply

Green Fee/Meal Package from £25 per person Discounts for groups of 8 or more (8 for 7, 16 for 14 etc)

OPENS 23/6/17 Ladies’ Team Open £40/team of 4 25/8/17 Senior’s Pairs Open £25/pair 2/9/17 Gent’s Team Open £50/team of 4

All visitors receive a Whitby Golf Club memento and copy of commemorative brochure

9/9/17 Mixed Greensome Open £25/pair

Whitby Golf Club, Sandsend Road, Low Straggleton, Whitby YO21 3SR tel: 01947 600660 | email: office@whitbygolfclub.co.uk | www.whitbygolfclub.co.uk

14/10/17 Gent’s Pairs Open £25/pair

20 NORTHERN GOLFER

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Backworth Golf Club 2017 MEMBERSHIP STILL AVAILABLE PRICES ON APPLICATION SUMMER VISITOR FEES 18 HOLES £18 | 9 HOLES £10 Telephone the Manager John Robinson on 0191 2684247 Visitors & Societies Welcome Telephone 0191 2689131 for course availability, information and events Email: backworthminers@gmail.com • www.backworthminers.co.uk/golf The Hall, Backworth, NE27 0AH

NORTHERN

Garry Logan

Logan’s run

G

arry Logan has joined Seahouses Golf Club as the club’s first head PGA professional.

Bringing more than 35 years’ experience to the role, Garry’s career has included success as an amateur and professional.

A winner of multiple professional titles including The Leeds Cup and NE/NW PGA Championship, an England and GB&I international and European Tour player, Garry said: “Coming back to Seahouses as

Garry with the Leeds Cup

the first professional in 103 years is a great feeling.

“I took up the game here with my dad, who designed the second nine holes and was a big part of the club, and it’s exciting to have a blank slate to create what the Seahouses Golf Club professional is.”

Having returned to the North East in April following a spell teaching in Portugal, Garry has established his pro shop at the club and is looking forward to working with the members and local players.

“We’ve got Get into Golf starting in July, a beginners’ membership offer following on from that and some fantastic facilities for teaching including a stunning golf course. I couldn’t have picked a better place to make a return to the North East and I’m looking forward to settling in,” added Garry.

@negolfer

/northerngolferuk

@northerngolferuk

MIDDLESBROUGH GOLF CLUB • BRASS CASTLE LANE Telephone 01642 311766 | www.middlesbroughgolfclub.co.uk

2017 V/P bookings available. Contact Pro for details 2107 OPEN DATES: Ladies Open - 14th July - £70.00 per team | Junior Open - 28th July - £5.00 per person (qualifier for the Junior Masters at Close House- 26th September) Mixed Open - 30th July - £70.00 per team | Mixed Team Open - 1st October - £70.00 per team North of England Youths Championship 7, 8, 9, 10 August - Entry forms on Club Website.

App for that A new app has been launched in Cumbria offering live updates for golfers in the area on everything from county golf and open events to scorecards for each course in the area and handicap information.

The app has been developed in partnership with the county union and

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST NEWS AND VIEWS FROM GOLF IN THE NORTH EAST AND YORKSHIRE AT WWW.NORTHERNGOLFER.CO.UK

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Book your session on 01642 311766 2017 Open competitions - Entry Forms now on Club Website Contact Gordon Cattrell, Club Professional on 01642 311766

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BOOK YOUR 2017 VISIT NOW Follow us on Twitter @MGC1908

NORTHERN GOLFER 21

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Captain’s fantastic

Mark Nicholson Warkworth’s Mark Nicholson won the Northumberland Society of Past Captains’ Spring Meeting at Percy Wood.

Captain of Warkworth in 2009, Mark led the field with a remarkable 40 points in incredibly tough scoring conditions. Blyth’s Ray Watts and Arcot Hall’s Paul Brennan completed the top three with 38 points each. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the society will meet again for the Autumn 4BBB at Ponteland Golf Club on August 24.

Heads and shoulders above the rest

A

ngie Heads lifted the biggest title of her golfing career to-date with victory in the Northumberland Lady Vets County Championship at Whitley Bay

Golf Club.

Angie, who progressed through Monday’s 18-hole qualifying round before four rounds of matchplay in two days, including the final against county captain Elaine Elliott, said: “This is definitely the most prestigious win of my golfing career, I’m ecstatic.

“I played the qualifying round with Elaine and to meet her again in the final, over her home course, was always going to be tough.”

In a close final it took a sudden-death playoff to decide the winner as Angie made a birdie at the first extra hole to lift the trophy.

“It was a tiring week – mentally and physically and having my husband Graeme on the bag was a big help. He was fantastic all week,” added Angie.

With the win, Angie will lead the county team this season with matches against the northern counties taking place in June and July.

“Being involved in the county scene has given my golf a new lease of life in the last couple of seasons. It’s going to be an honour to lead the county team out this summer – and a big challenge.”

Angie Heads

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TEEINGOFF Darren Pearce

Beautiful parkland course • Superb greens Excellent home cooked food Perfect venue for visiting parties and societies Visitors warmly welcomed

FREE GOLF VOUCHERS AS PRIZES FOR ALL VISITING GROUPS Quote “Northern Golfer” when enquiring

T 01765 603640 (EXT 1) E admin@riponcitygolfclub.com W www.riponcitygolfclub.com

Mann power

F

raser Mann lifted his second Silversea Senior PGA Championship in three years as Barnard Castle’s Darren Pearce claimed a top five finish at Foxhills Club and Resort.

The highlight of the senior PGA calendar, Mann (Carnoustie) came through a sudden-death playoff with Paul Streeter (Lincoln Golf Centre) and Roger Tuddenham (The PGA in Hampshire) to reclaim the Bernard Hunt Trophy and take home the £6,000 winner’s cheque.

Pearce pushed the leading three all the way to the finish, closing his third round with a bogey five to post a round of 74 to finish one shot outside of the playoff in a tie for fourth place.

South Moor’s Mark Ridley also made the top 10 with a two over-par total for a tie for eighth

place. Matfen Hall’s John Harrison looked set to blow the field away following an opening round 67. He faltered in the second round with a round of 80 before closing with a 74 to take a tie for 11th place.

Having finished the three-round event at level par (218) the three players returned to the par four 18th on the Bernard Hunt course, where Mann made a birdie from 10ft at the third attempt to lift the trophy.

Fraser Mann

Great day for Toma The Toma Fund’s annual golf day at Gosforth Golf Club raised more than £4,000 with teams from across the region taking part.

The charity, which is dedicated to the memory of Jordan David 24 NORTHERN GOLFER

Thompson and Sophie Ela Atay, supports children, teenagers, young people and their families in the North East and Cumbria who have been affected by a diagnosis of childhood cancer.

HARTLEPOOL GOLF CLUB

OPENS 4 Man Team Texas Scramble 29th June £60 a team 2 from 3 Stableford 27th July £45 a team 2 from 4 Stableford 21st September £60 a team All entry’s/enquiry’s to Graham Laidlaw Manager Hartlepool Golf Club Hart Warren Hartlepool TS24 9QF

SUMMER TWILIGHT GOLF £80 a fourball mid week only after 2.00pm Available throughout June, July & August contact pro shop on 01429 267473 for availability.

ENJOY A DAY AT THE SEASIDE HARTLEPOOL GOLF CLUB, Hart Warren, Hartlepool, TS24 9QF hartlepoolgolf@btconnect.com www.hartlepoolgolfclub.co.uk

CHARITYGOLF

Bedale’s Boost

???

Stewart Winship (left) and Simon Gaskell Bedale Golf Club captains Stewart Winship and Janet Hulse ended their years in office by handing over a cheque for £3,000 to their chosen charity, Cancer Research UK. Fundraising events and contributions from club members throughout the year made up the total. Incoming captain Simon Gaskell, pictured here with Stewart has chosen mental health charity MIND for 2017’s fundraising effort.

Last year’s celebrity line-up

Stars join COCO lineup

S

porting stars and North East celebrities will join teams from around the region for this year’s Steve Cram Celebrity Golf Day at Slaley Hall.

The event takes place on June 22 and celebs already confirmed include football manager Phil Brown, former

2017 BURGHAM PARK OPENS £24.00 per team Bacon Sandwich & Coffee/ Tea included on arrival

GENTS OPEN 4BBB Sunday 9th July £20.00 per pair Bacon Sandwich & Coffee/ Tea included on arrival

SENIORS OPEN 4BBB (55yrs or older) Tuesday 14th September £20.00 per pair Bacon Sandwich & Coffee/ Tea included on arrival

LADIES OPEN 4BBB Monday 24th July £20.00 per pair Bacon Sandwich & Coffee/ Tea included on arrival MIXED OPEN - Greensomes Stableford.

Sunday 20th August £20.00 per pair Bacon Sandwich & Coffee/ Tea included on arrival LADIES OPEN Teams of Three Monday 4th September

GENTS AUTUMN OPEN 4BBB Sunday 24th September £20.00 per pair Bacon Sandwich & Coffee/ Tea included on arrival GENTS AUTUMN TEXAS SCRAMBLE (3man team) Sunday 8th October £30.00 per team Bacon Sandwich & Coffee/ Tea included on arrival

Durham cricketer Phil Mustard, football commentator Guy Mowbray, and athletics legends including Steve Backley and Daley Thompson.

Teams of four cost £500, or £800 for three plus a celebrity, at the popular event which has raised more than £210,000 for the charity.

Society Deals & Membership Offer 18 holes coffee & bacon roll; mon-fri £24.00 sat-sun £29.50 18 holes soup and sandwiches; mon-fri £25.00 sat sun £30.00 18 holes and 1 course meal; mon-fri £27.50 sat-sun £32.50 18 holes and 2 course meal; mon-fri £30.00 sat-sun £35.00 Add a bacon roll and tea/coffee for £4.00, before play.

MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE, FROM 1ST JULY 2017 - 31ST MARCH 2018 Full 7 Day £430.00 5 day Mon-fri £320.00 pay & play 7 day £170 plus £10.00 per round.

How to Enter; • WWW.GOLFEMPIRE.CO.UK • CALL THE OFFICE ON 01670 787898 • POSTAL ENTRIES DIRECT TO THE CLUB Competitors with non competition handicaps are more than welcome to play in our Opens , but will not be able to win a prize.

We want all golfers to enjoy our golf course and clubhouse , the winning of a prize is just a bonus!

Burgham, Nr Felton, Northumberland NE65 8QP Email: burghamparkgolfclub@gmail.com www.burghampark.co.uk 26 NORTHERN GOLFER

COCO is a North East-based charity, which was co-founded by world champion athlete and BBC commentator Steve Cram and former British Army Major Jim Panton in 2000. To find out more about the work of COCO visit www.coco.org.uk

CHARITYGOLF

Sweeping up

D

awson & Sanderson’s charity golf day at Longhirst Hall Golf Club raised more than £7,000 for Daft As A Brush.

With 21 teams taking part, Dawson & Sanderson reached its yearlong target of raising £20,000 for Daft As A Brush well ahead of schedule.

Chris Harrison, managing director of Dawson & Sanderson, said: “We had an amazing day. We’re thrilled that we were able to smash the fundraising target and to know that money will now be used to support Daft As A Brush’s great work transporting cancer patients across the North East.”

North East Air Compressors of Cramlington took home the team prize, while former England cricketer Steve Harmison and European Tour golfer Ken Ferrie, who both took part in the day, presented the prizes.

The winners with Steve Harmison and Ken Ferrie

Dressed to thrill is open to men and women and is raising money for Macmillan Cancer Care.

There is also a new Audi on offer for a hole-in-one courtesy of sponsors Audi Newcastle as well as spot and team prizes. Plus there’s

BRONZE DEAL

SILVER DEAL £20 per head. Bacon/ coffee on arrival. Buggy hire at members rate.

Free 4 ball voucher for over 12 players.

1892

GOLD DEAL £25 per head bacon/coffee on arrival. 18 holes. Buggy hire at members rate.

Soup/sandwiches after game. Free 4 ball voucher for over 12 players.

B

O

D ITE

STLE UN A C LF CLU

G

£15 per head. 18 holes Buggy hire members rate.

Free 4 ball voucher for over 12 players.

entertainment, a barbecue, a charity auction and more planned on the day. Entry fees: £20 per pair for members, £40 per pair for visitors.

For more information and to enter go to www.stocksfieldgolfclub.co.uk

SOCIETY SUPER DEALS SUMMER 2017 NEW

Stocksfield Golf Club is calling all superheroes to take part in its Superhero Charity Open on Saturday June 24.

Costumes are welcome, or you can play as your everyday alias, in the pairs stableford event which

Catterick Golf Club members raised nearly £2,500 for the Friarage Hospital thanks to 2016 captain Brian de la Haye and lady captain Val Pringle’s charity appeal. A cheque for £2,462.53 in aid of the hospital’s MRI Scanner Appeal was handed over, the money being raised by holding fund raising events and the generosity of the members of the club.

2017

PLATINUM DEAL £30 per head. Bacon/coffee on arrival. Buggy hire at members rate. 36 holes soup and sandwiches. Free sleeve of golf balls. Free 4 ball voucher for over 12 players.

125 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

60 Ponteland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 3JW T : 0191 286 9998 Ext 2 | E : liam1892@googlemail.com NORTHERN GOLFER 27

TEEINGOFF

For a one-of-a-kind golf experience during your visit to West Yorkshire, join us at the Hollins Hall Country Club.

Our 18-hole championship golf course provides challenging play and breathtaking scenery.

Residential & Society packages tailored to suit your golf party’s needs.

SOCIETY PACKAGES From £20 per golfer RESIDENTIAL PACKAGES From £89 per golfer For details call 01274534212 Or visit www.marriotgolf.co.uk

Hollins Hall Marriott Hotel & Country Club Hollins Hill, Baildon, Shipley, BD17 7QW www.MarriottHollinsHall.co.uk

Michael Ramsden

Ramsden Leeds the way

M

ichael Ramsden came up on the rails with four birdies in the last eight holes to leapfrog to victory in the Leeds Cup at Cobble Hall.

The 41-year-old Renishaw Park professional attributed part of his success to former winners, fellow Yorkshireman John Wells from Snainton Golf Centre, and Carden Park’s Garry Houston.

“It was a tough day and I had a tough start,” he revealed after posting scores of 67 and 65 for a six under-par total. “Linking up with two great players was a big help and I just pushed through on the back nine. It made up for the disappointment of losing in a playoff in the James Brearley Open in Blackpool last year.

“It’s been my goal in PGA North to

All change at Carus May was an exciting Month for Carus Green Golf Club as Gareth Parry broke the course record and touring professional Jack Senior joined the team.

Parry broke the course record during the Steve Parsons Salver tournament with a six under-par round of 64.

He said: “I got off to a good start and conditions were fine. I managed

28 NORTHERN GOLFER

get a trophy under my belt,” admitted Ramsden as he cradled the iconic Leeds Cup, professional golf ’s oldest trophy dating from 1902.

Ramsden, who by coincidence shares the same name as the sponsors who came on board this year, is a club pro through and through which means his playing schedule is limited.

He counts as his friends Close House’s Lee Westwood, from his home town Worksop, and Mark Foster and considers himself fortunate to know 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett with whom he spent four years when he was a youngster.

“I still keep in touch with Lee. I watched him a lot and I realised I’d never be as good as him so I chose a different path. It turned out to be the right one,” he added.

Gareth Parry six birdies and had an eagle on the 16th - although I played well, I did have some lucky shots!”

Meanwhile, Senior has joined the team as an attached playing professional. The 28-year-old from Heysham has been a professional for more than five years and will be representing the club on tour this season.

CHRISPAISLEY

Chris Paisley

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES LIFELONG FRIENDS Close House offers the perfect pathway into full membership of the club - from your first lesson at the PGA Academy through to the extensive list of members trophy events, the club offers a package to suit all levels of golfers

TOUR LIFE

PGA GOLF TUITION AT THE ACADEMY

GOLF IS LIKE HAVING SAND IN YOUR PALM As I write, I’m heading toward the last leg of a three-week stretch of events. At the first, the Rocco Forte Open in Sicily, I finished 31st - which is always a decent result. Other than a poor first 12 holes in the second round, I played really well.

I had never been to Sicily before and my word, what a place! If you like great wine, seafood, pizza and tranquility, then Sicily is the place for you!

The golf course (Verdura) was gorgeous too. I hope the event stays on the schedule because it is an amazing venue. Weeks like that more than make up for those trips to China!

We then headed back to the UK for the first event of the new Rolex Series at Wentworth. I played poorly and missed the cut by a country mile. I have not played well at Wentworth in the past and it is an event I have always desperately wanted to do well in. Unfortunately, I think my determination to do well had the opposite effect.

I felt more under pressure than usual, not from any external sources, but from myself. My coach Andrew Nicholson once told me a great metaphor for golf. He said it’s like having sand in your palm, the tighter you grip, the more the sand slips through your fingers. That’s what happened at Wentworth. I was so desperate to play well I got in my own way. Another lesson learned!

No matter the result, it was an honour to play the tournament. I think my younger self would be very proud that I am even playing in events like that. The next step is to win one!

The Monday following Wentworth I played in US Open Qualifying at Walton Heath. I shot seven under-par for two rounds and missed out by two shots. My game tee to green was really solid, which felt good after playing poorly at Wentworth.

Unfortunately I didn’t putt particularly well, which you have to do in that type of event.

I’m now in Sweden getting ready for the Nordea Masters in Malmo. The course looks great and my game is in good shape. I just need to make sure to not grip the sand too tight.

ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP Unlimited use of the Yearling Par 3 Course, use of the short game area at the PGA Academy and 10% off onsite purchases

ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP Use of the Lee Westwood Filly Course Monday -Friday and afternoons Saturday and Sunday.

Unlimited use of the Yearling Par 3 Course, use of the short game area at the PGA Academy, member’s rate on Courtyard Suites and 10% off onsite purchases. Close House will maintain your handicap and you will have access to nontrophy events on the Filly Course.

FULL MEMBERSHIP OF THE CLUB Use of all three of the stunning golf courses including the The Lee Westwood Colt Course - official venue for the 2017 British Masters.

Use of the short game area at the PGA Academy, member’s rate on Courtyard Suites and 10% off onsite purchases. The chance to play in the extensive list of members trophy events.

Corporate membership opportunities also available.

For more information on membership contact craig.wright@closehouse.co.uk or tel 01661 85 22 55

WWW.CLOSEHOUSE.COM Golf Academy CLOSE HOUSE NEWCASTLE

NORTHERN GOLFER 29

DEANBAILEY

Dean Bailey

Join the club

G

Golf club membership – is it worth it?

olf club membership, and how it fits into modern golfing habits, remains one of the game’s biggest questions for amateurs. So is it all worth it?

Few clubs have kept their numbers up by simply posting the fee for full membership on the notice board and watching the money flow in come January or April and we, the buyers, have a range of options at almost every club.

Five-day options, flexi-memberships with small additional green fees per round, paying over 12 months, and taster memberships – to name a few – are all out there to ensure you get your golf in. England Golf ’s Membership Questionnaire found that two thirds of clubs now offer a range of memberships beyond the seven and five-day options.

When you’re a serious, or reasonably serious, handicap golfer there are few better ways to spend your golfing pounds are there?

I’ve grown up at my home club, starting off by getting off the school bus outside the gates and playing 36 or 54 holes most days of the summer holidays. As a junior, with so much time to play and practice, membership really is a must. The unlimited access to the putting green and course, and a steady supply of chip butties in the clubhouse was one of the best parts of every summer holiday wasn’t it?

But as you head off to university or start working, around the time your fees start climbing; keeping your membership can be tough. Playing less due to work and family commitments, it’s understandable that the growth in junior participation is not being transferred into members in their 20s and 30s.

In the most recent Membership Questionnaire, England Golf

30 NORTHERN GOLFER

reported that average golf club membership in the last two years has remained roughly the same with clubs having an average of 460 members (466 in 2014).

The report found that this figure has been kept steady due to a 13% increase in members over the age of 65, which means membership between the juniors and vets are falling.

The report also found that clubs which have been able to provide initiatives which fit with the pressure of lifestyles – such as nine-hole golf and faster formats – have enjoyed an increase in younger membership categories.

While many clubs have supported retaining members, more needs to be done by every club. Making membership flexible is the key to retaining players and creating a diverse club where an active membership entices more players of all ages to join.

Having been a member of a club for 10 of the last 11 years, missing a year while at university when I wasn’t playing, I can’t throw enough support behind being part of a club. From playing five in the evening to spending hours on the practice green, to being able to join any group for a roll up on a Friday night, there is simply no better, or more flexible, way to enjoy your golf.

Phasing fee increases is a great initiative to keep players active in membership, while reduced fees for students and ensuring there is the option to pay fees monthly all make golf club membership more manageable for younger players.

For us all, clubs and members, to benefit from junior programmes and initiative like Get into Golf, membership has to be as open as possible. The more flexible golf is, the more people will be able to play the game.

DANBROWN

©Leaderboard Photography

32 NORTHERN GOLFER

DANBROWN

Dan’s grand plan Dan Brown reflects on his amateur career, lays out his plans for this season and looks ahead to turning professional with Dean Bailey

A

long amateur career seems an unpopular concept these days, particularly for those who remain UK-based rather than pursuing a college scholarship in the US. So many players are keen to turn professional and earn a living from the game, they miss out on amateur golf and representing their countries.

For Yorkshireman Dan Brown, the English Amateur champion and England international, a four-year stint of top events in Europe and representing his country wasn’t part of the plan but it has been invaluable.

“I never felt I was good enough to turn pro,” he admits following a sixth place finish in the Brabazon Trophy at Woodhall Spa. “If I’d turned pro two years ago and managed to get a Challenge Tour or European Tour card through Qualifying School, I don’t think I would have been ready to compete. You know when the time is right.

“Technically my game has been there since the start of last season. I’ve been working with Andrew Nicholson for three years now and that work has given me so much confidence.

“In the past I’d go out to try and get into the top 10. Now I know I’m good enough to win and I go out with that mindset every time I tee it up,” adds the

22-year-old from Masham Golf Club.

Brown won the biggest title of his career, the English Amateur at Ganton Golf Club, in 2016 as well as the North of England Open Amateur. He also represented England in the Home Internationals and against Spain. He admits that those wins have been key to continuing his growth in confidence.

“The win at the English Amateur gave me such a big boost. It has been the biggest stepping stone I’ve had as a golfer so far.

“There are so many big names on that trophy and joining those made me realise I’m going in the right direction and I can go out and compete on tour in the future.

“Being part of that exclusive group of players in the England team is fantastic and being recognised as one of the best amateurs in the country is an honour. It’s something I’m sure I’ll look back on for the rest of my life.”

With a packed summer schedule ahead, Brown has already set his target date to turn professional following four seasons as a leading amateur and learning how to manage his game and continue to reach and reset his goals.

Having picked up the game at Bedale with his granddad Thompson Brown and father Michael, and progressed through the club and county

NORTHERN GOLFER 33

DANBROWN

©Leaderboard Photography

ranks - making his county debut at 13, Brown understands that golf is about improving to reach each step on the ladder.

“I’ll be 100% ready to turn pro at the end of this season and plan to turn pro in September ahead of European Tour Qualifying School,” he explains. Brown will head to Q School as a professional, though he already understands how tough securing one of 25 cards in the sixround event can be.

“The first goal is to progress through Q School – that’s the ideal result right now.

“If that doesn’t work out I’ll play the mini tours in Europe over the winter. Getting a European Tour card might not work out for two or three years and I may have to wait.

“The dream is to be out there and I feel like I’m ready. It will be a fresh start for my golf – concentrating on earning money rather than aiming for team sections or ranking points.”

By September, Brown will have spent four seasons seeking team selections and competing as an amateur. A fresh challenge, he says, presents a number of opportunities.

“The courses will be different and the standard will be that next step higher. The amateur scene is as good as it has ever been but there is always a step up in quality every time you move up the ladder. It’s going to be exciting and I’m looking forward to seeing how 34 NORTHERN GOLFER

Dan Brown

things are as a professional.”

In the meantime, Brown recorded his best result of the year so far at the Brabazon following a withdrawal the week before with a foot injury, and is preparing for his last run at events including the British Amateur and European Amateur.

“I had three days away from golf and didn’t play a practice round to protect my foot so went in a bit cold. I was pleased in the end.

“You want to go out and win every tournament but I was happy to put myself in a position to win. Any top 10 finish in a big event like that is never too displeasing.

I’m looking forward to a busy summer, it’s something I have had to get used to over the years. My game is in good shape to go out and win one, if not two or three of the big events this summer.”

As well as individual events, Brown is looking forward to representing England again this season and the possibility of being part of the GB&I Walker Cup team to face the US at the Los Angeles Country Club in September.

“A win now puts anyone in the frame so it’s still all to play for. I didn’t set out to play in the Walker Cup but having played amateur golf for a while now, and been in the squad two years ago, it’s definitely a goal before I

turn pro. I wasn’t ready to justify my place in the squad two years ago and it was all I thought about at each event.

“Now it’s just there at the back of mind, I’m concentrating on the job in hand when I go out.

“I’ve learned that I need to stay in the moment and play my best golf each day and just let things happen rather than concentrating on things that are too far ahead.”

Following a potential Walker Cup berth, and just ahead of European Tour Qualifying School, Brown will turn professional – though he isn’t set goals too far beyond that.

“My realistic goal is to win out on the European Tour. I think everyone dreams about winning majors and playing in the Ryder Cup but my first couple of goals are to win on the Challenge Tour then win out on the European Tour.

“You’ve got to see how professional life pans out, hopefully I’ll get a couple of wins under my belt and reset my goals from there.

You’ll never reach perfection in golf so you have to keep striving to improve.

“Even Tiger Woods has lost more times that he’s won and remembering that and that you can only do what directly ahead of you is going to be the key.”

CHESTER-LE-STREET GOLF CLUB

MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE To enter one of our Opens visit www.clsgolfclub.co.uk/teetimes Check out the latest progress on our course development at

www.clsgolfclub.co.uk/course-development

PRIVATE FUNCTIONS

Book with us for Weddings, Anniversaries, Christenings, Birthdays, Family Celebrations & Social Events

Contact: Secretary 0191 388 3218 or email: clsgcoffice@tiscali.co.uk | PGA Professional 0191 388 2333 Chester le Street Golf Club, Lumley Park, County Durham, DH3 4NS

www.clsgolfclub.co.uk

ROUNDWITH

A ROUND WITH...

Geoff Thompson The entrepreneur and South Shields Football Club chairman shares his favourite golfing moments

I

t’s been a fast start to Geoff Thompson’s chairmanship of South Shields Football Club.

Having purchased the club’s ground at Filtrona Park – renamed Mariners Park - in 2015 to return the team to the town following a two-year stint in Peterlee, Thompson has seen the club win four trophies in 2016-17 - the FA Vase, the Northern League and league cup, and the Durham Challenge Cup. The Mariners also won 32 consecutive games earlier this year - success which seemed impossible just two years ago.

A leading North East entrepreneur, Thompson is founder and non-executive chairman of the UK’s largest business energy consultancy Utilitywise, when he’s not running the football club or overseeing his business you’re likely to find him on the golf course...

1 With a packed schedule how do you fit golf in?

I’ve just moved into the non-executive role at Utilitywise so I’m hoping this season is the start of my golf improving again having struggled to play to 10 in the last few years.

2 How did you get into golf?

I started as a young lad around the age of 13 and my dad used to drop me off at Heworth Golf Club on his way to work in the school holidays. We’d play 54 holes in a day with a couple of breaks for a bowl of chips and a blackcurrant and lemonade.

3 Which is your favourite course in the North East?

There are quite a few. I love links golf so Seaton Carew needs to be on there. I’m also a fan of Brancepeth and my heart will always be at Heworth where I have so many old friends. I’ve also been a member of Close House with my wife Andrea and we love spending time there too so there are a lot of favourites to pick from.

36 NORTHERN GOLFER

SOUTH SHIELDS FOOTBALL CLUB MAY 2015 The Mariners return to South Shields when Thompson purchases Filtrona Park – which is renamed Mariners Park 2015-16 The Mariners win promotion to Northern Football League Division One 2016-17 The club wins the Northern League, its league cup and the Durham Challenge Cup while going on a 32-game winning run ©Peter Talbot

Thompson and captain Leepaul Scroggins MAY 21, 2017 Beat Cleethorpes Town 4-0 at Wembley to win the FA Vase 2017-18 Play in the Northern Premier League Division One North

4 And further afield?

We’re members of The Renaissance Club in North Berwick and love spending time up there; it’s a stunning course. I’ve also been lucky enough to play Augusta National twice.

12 Who is your best golfing mate?

Paul Hailes, an old pal of mine from Heworth, is a terrific golfer and I’ve always enjoyed playing with him over the years. Our matches are normally very competitive.

5 What’s your best ever round?

Sadly there aren’t too many to pick from but I’ll never forget playing at Whitburn and making the turn 3dn before rallying to win the game at the last. That was about 30 years ago and I still remember it!

13 How has playing golf helped your career?

As a young lad growing up in South Shields, golf taught me a lot about discipline and how to conduct myself. There’s a lot you can learn from playing golf as a kid. In business, you can learn about the people you work with by spending four hours with them on the golf course - it showcases every facet of someone’s personality.

6 Which is your favourite golfing memory?

The two rounds I’ve played at Augusta National were incredible experiences, I’m very lucky to have had the chance to play such an iconic course. I must also mention Andrea’s eagle on the King’s Course at Gleneagles!

7 What about embarrassing moments?

Playing a match for The Renaissance against a club from the US, I had a fresh air shot on the third tee trying to chase after two big drives. I’ve also played against Lee Westwood in a charity event wearing Royal & Awesome trousers and it was suggested I could be Laura Davies in a ‘guess the player’ competition on their website.

8 Do you have any superstitions?

No, but I do have a very specific preshot routine which I have to go through on every shot.

9 What are your strengths on the course?

I’m a good long putter, I don’t three putt often.

10 And your weaknesses?

I’m poor at getting the ball up in the air and stopping it with my wedges, which is why I prefer links golf.

11 Which is your favourite club?

I’m very happy with my driver and I like giving it a good lash now and again.

14 Who is your favourite tour player?

It was always Seve back in his day, I loved watching him play golf. Rory is an exceptional player and I like to watch him play.

15 Which event do you enjoy the most?

I’ve always enjoyed the Ryder Cup and there have been so many memorable matches.

I’ll never forget watching the Miracle at Medinah unfold on TV - what an amazing sporting occasion!

16 Who do you admire?

Warren Byrne from the football club scored the Budweiser Dream Goal last year - you need to watch it on YouTube if you haven’t seen it. Winston Churchill has always been an inspiring person for me as well.

17 Which three people would join you in your dream fourball?

I’d have to pick from Seve Ballesteros, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein and my late uncle Bert.

18 If I could offer you more trophies for South Shields FC or a scratch handicap, which would you take?

It would have to be success for the football club and the town. I’ve seen what the last two years have done for the area and to keep that buzz going in years to come would be fantastic.

ROUNDWITH ROUNDWITH

NORTHERN GOLFER 37 NORTHERN GOLFER 37

NORTHUMBERLANDCOAST

From Tyne to Tweed This month we head to the Northumberland coast and find stunning views and excellent golf courses

Bedlingtonshire

Golf Club

‘Enjoy our Golfing experience’ CONTACT: LAYLA LEVY, CLUB SECRETARY TEL: 01670 822457 EMAIL: SECRETARY@BEDLINGTONGOLFCLUB.COM WWW.BEDLINGTONGOLFCLUB.COM ACORN BANK, HARTFORD ROAD, BEDLINGTON, NORTHUMBERLAND, NE22 6AA

38 NORTHERN GOLFER

GOSWICK GOLF CLUB A true championship test, Goswick Golf Club is six miles south of Berwick upon Tweed and occupies a stunning piece of linksland. A regular host of the biggest events in the country, the course measures 6,803 yards from the back tees and will test every aspect of your game – from driving accuracy to bunker play

from the numerous pot bunkers.

Designed by James Braid, the course features many challenging green complexes and a sharp short game and hot putter are required to build a score here.

Goswick Golf Club Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2RW, tel 01289 387 256 www.goswicklinksgc.co.uk

MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE

NO JOINING FEE – NO DEPOSIT – SPREAD THE COST

TWILIGHT GOLF ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS (AFTER 4PM) 2 BALL WITH BUGGY - £45.00 2 BALL - £35.00 / 4 BALL - £60.00 JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER

JUNIOR PROGRAMMES - GET INTO GOLF -

NORTHUMBERLANDCOAST

ALNMOUTH VILLAGE GOLF CLUB ALNMOUTH VILLAGE GOLF CLUB Laid out on rugged coastline within a few feet of the beach, Alnmouth Village Golf Club is England’s oldest nine-hole course and remains one of its best. Opened in 1869 with its designer, 1874 Open champion Mungo Park, as greenkeeper and professional, the opening stretch runs within yards of the North Sea while the view from the seventh tee is one of the best from any golf course in the UK. The course retains much of its layout – and its 19th Century clubhouse - from Park’s day and though it is one of the shortest courses in the North East, imagination and controlling the golf ball into the small, fast running greens with swales and steep dropoffs is198mm key.

And that view from the seventh tee is simply stunning set high above the bay with a view stretching for miles.

Alnmouth Village Golf Club Marine Road, Alnmouth NE66 2RZ, tel 01665 830 370 avgc.azurewebsites.net

Bedlingtonshire’s take on Augusta National’s Amen Corner – complete with towering oak trees, demanding tee shots, card wreckers and stunning views. The stretch begins with a daunting tee shot to a fairway protected by thick rough and trees left. At a little over 400 yards, your second shot will be trickier still with a ditch and three greenside bunkers protecting the green. The par three 14th is one of the best looking short holes in the North East. With a burn running behind the green and two greenside bunkers protecting a

relatively flat green, it may not be the most challenging but can be tough when the wind swirls. The second daunting tee shot in three holes, the 15th may be the toughest drive on what is generally a generous course.

Trees loom left while more await right should you bail out to the wider line. A large green is protected by two deep bunkers to the front and trees at the back.

Bedlingtonshire Golf Club, Acorn Bank, Hartford Road, Bedlington NE22 6AA, tel 01670 822 457 www.bedlingtongolfclub.com

BEDLINGTONSHIRE GOLF CLUB

BEDLINGTONSHIRE GOLF CLUB The sweeping fairways and large undulating greens of the Frank Penninck-designed Bedlingtonshire Golf Club combine to provide a top quality layout and a stern test. At 6,813 yards from the back tees and with a par of 73, the course can be tough from the back tees while often breezy conditions can make this one of the hardest layouts in our region. There are few prettier courses in Northumberland, particularly

136mm

Call 01665 830783 or 01665 720690

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NORTHUMBERLANDCOAST

July 2017 Next month we’ll be visiting clubs in the Scottish Borders; and looking at courses, accomodation and businesses around Middlesbrough Brass Castle as part of our preview for the North of England Youths. To be part of these special features contact:

North of England Youths Scottish Borders Doug Brolls, Graeme Heads E: doug@offstonepublishing.co.uk E: graeme@offstonepublishing.co.uk T: 07721 031 482 T: 07591 961 888

MAGDALENE FIELDS GOLF CLUB Just north of Berwick, the links at Magdalene Fields have been home to golf for more than 100 years.

Founded in 1903, the club is home to the most northerly course in England, just two miles from the Scottish Border.

The initial layout of nine holes was designed by Willie Park Junior, the professional at Musselburgh who was responsible for 170 golf course designs throughout Europe, the US

and Canada. The current layout, opened in 1974, affords stunning coastal views – northwards over Marshall Meadows Bay towards the towering cliffs at Eyemouth or south over the mouth of the River Tweed with Lindisfarne in the distance.

It measures 6,574 yards and is playable year round.

Magdalene Fields Golf Club Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1NE, tel 01289 306 130 www.magdalene-fields.co.uk

MAGDALENE FIELDS GOLF CLUB NEWBIGGIN GOLF CLUB The links and moorland at Newbiggin have stood the test of time and it is still a popular venue for the county’s best events.

Designed by Willie Park Junior, the rolling fairways, sand dunes and North Sea wind make for a difficult test. Big hitting is an advantage here, particularly in the opening NEWBIGGIN GOLF CLUB

Open Qualifying Venue 2018

£150 for a 4-ball in July & August

Phone 01289 387380 to enquire quoting Northern Golfer Goswick GC , Berwick-upon-tweed, Northumberland, TD15 2RW | secretary@goswicklinksgc.co.uk 40 NORTHERN GOLFER

holes, while a sharp short game and putting stroke are key to good scoring. At more than 6,800 yards off the back tees, play the course in the height of summer to see it at its best.

Newbiggin Golf Club Newbiggin-by-the-Sea NE64 6DW, tel 01670 817 344 www.newbiggingolfclub.co.uk

MAGDALENE FIELDS GOLF CLUB Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1NE

GREEN FEE SPECIAL Monday to Friday tee off between 10.30 to 11.30 £5 Per person - maximum of 4 people per booking Valid until 31st October 2017 Excellent Visiting Party Packages For further details telephone the Secretary on 01289 306130 e: secretary.m.f.g.c@hotmail.co.uk www.magdalene-fields.co.uk

SEAHOUSES GOLF CLUB SEAHOUSES GOLF CLUB Home to one of the finest par threes in the UK, if not the world, Seahouses Golf Club has to be on everyone’s must play list. Set on clifftops above the North Sea, the course is a tricky test with a number of demanding tee shots and birdie opportunities on both nines.

Founded in 1913 and extended to an 18-hole layout in 1976, the course regularly features in nationwide listings, while the 15th is recognised internationally as one of the finest par threes. Played over an inlet with the North Sea crashing below, this 124-yard hole can be anything from a wedge to a long iron depending on the wind and has caught out many good players.

Meanwhile, the 10th would make a signature hole on many courses – this 165-yard par three is played over a loch to a green sloping back towards the water.

Seahouses Golf Club Beadnell Road, Seahouses NE68 7XT, tel 01665 720 794 www.seahousesgolf.co.uk

TYNEMOUTH GOLF CLUB A little further inland than some of the courses on our list, Tynemouth Golf Club is a welcome break from windswept linksland with its tree-lined fairways and undulating parkland layout. The fairway bunkers and devilishly difficult greens offer great visuals and a tough test with the putter, while a number of tricky short holes and long par fours will test every aspect of your game. Of these, the 372-yard par four ninth is the most visually inspiring hole on the course. Played over the ravine which runs through the course, the drive requires a carry of at least 170 yards - increasing as you head towards the green. Tall trees guard the right of the fairway should you play away from the ravine, while the green is tricky to read and protected by three bunkers. A fine example of what to expect from this tricky, but fun layout.

Tynemouth Golf Club King Edward Road, North Shields NE30 2ER, tel 0191 257 3381 www.tynemouthgolfclub.com

WARKWORTH Golf Club

 TOM MORRIS SNR DESIGNED LINKS  SKY SPORTS ‘NORTH EAST GEM’  MEMBERSHIP FULL £340  WINTER £125  JUNIOR £10 INC PGA COACHING Warkworth Golf Club, The Links, Morpeth NE65 0SW secretary@warkworthgolfclub.co.uk or ring 01665710707

TYNEMOUTH GOLF CLUB “What an absolute pleasure to play your club” Richard Lotz, Harrogate “I have never seen the course looking this good... Ever!”

Stephen Thomas, Gosforth

2017 MEMBERSHIP STARTS 1.7.17 Full £696 NO JOINING FEE and play Seahouses, Stocksfield and Easingwold for FREE Flexible £225 + £14 per round Intermediate from £248 | Junior from £91

SOCIETIES and VISITORS always welcome TYNEMOUTH GOLF CLUB

Spital Dean North Shields NE30 2LA T:0191 257 3381 secretary@tynemouthgolfclub.com, www.tynemouthgolfclub.com

NORTHERN GOLFER 41

NORTHUMBERLANDCOAST WARKWORTH GOLF CLUB Founded in 1891 and laid out by the legendary Tom Morris Snr, the nine-hole layout at Warkworth is links golf at its best. The current layout features 18 tees – each separate from its counterpart on

the opposite nine making each hole a different challenge. Looking out over the North Sea, the course offers views across to the Carr Rocks and Coquet Island as well as being overlooked by Warkworth Castle. At just under 6,000 yards

from the back tees, the key to scoring at Warkworth is finding the right sections of the large greens and avoiding the penal bunkering.

Plotting your way around may be the best option to leave better angles to attack the flags. You can expect top

WARKWORTH GOLF CLUB

quality greens here, while the course is popular in the winter months thanks to its coastal location.

Warkworth Golf Club The Links, Warkworth, NE65 0SW tel 01665 711 596 www.warkworthgolfclub.co.uk NORTHUMBRIA COAST & COUNTRY COTTAGES With more than 480 holiday cottages in prime golfing locations throughout Northumberland including Alnmouth, Seahouses and Bamburgh, Northumbria Coast & Country Cottages is ideal for those travelling to the region.

With a selection of cottages sleeping between 2-12 people and many close to some of the region’s most spectacular golf courses, they’re the ideal choice for a base for golfing holidays. Established in 1981, Northumbria Coast & Country Cottages is Northumberland’s largest independent holiday letting agency, with sales offices in Alnmouth and Seahouses.

For further information tel 01665 830783 or go to www.northumbria-cottages.co.uk

Alnmouth Village NEWBIGGIN GOLF CLUB

GOLF CLUB

THE OLDEST NINE HOLE LINKS IN ENGLAND

4 BALL FOR ONLY £60 Beautiful nine hole links with stunning coastal views, open all year round.

Buggies also available for only £15

TWILIGHT GOLF

EVERY DAY AFTER 12 NOON

FROM JUST £15pp

JUNIOR COACHING EVERY SATURDAY 3-4pm ONLY £5 NON MEMBERS AND NEW FACES WELCOME For more information, call 01670 817344 ext. 4 E-mail pro@newbiggingolfclub.co.uk Terms and conditions apply

42 NORTHERN GOLFER

MARINE ROAD, ALNMOUTH NE66 2RZ Tel: 01665 830370 | www.alnmouthvillagegolfclub.co.uk

Seahouses Golf Club

FULL MEMBERSHIP

£299 *

SOCIETY 2017 OFFERS

£36 FROM JUST

• JUNE 2017 TO MARCH 2018 *PLUS AFFILIATION FEES

*

• COFFEE/BACON ROLL Telephone • 18 HOLES OF GOLF 01665 MEAL 721332 • 2 COURSE 1 IN 12 FREE Email

*MINIMUM PARTY OF 12 info@gracedarlingholidays.com

www.gracedarlingholidays.com Great offers on twilight golf and 9 hole golf express after 3.30pm

Our golfing breaks have exclusive So why not Professional book a stay in oneGarry of our self-catering situated in Get into Golf available fromdeals Julyfor 1,guests. contact PGA Logan forcottages, more information a stunning part of Northumberland, surrounded by picturesque courses with breathtaking scenery. Call us now to make a reservation or visit us online to book a golfing trip throughout the year.

SEAHOUSES GC Beadnell Road, Seahouses NE68 7XT 01665 720794 | secretary@seahousesgolf.co.uk | www.seahousesgolf.co.uk

Telephone 01665 721332 Email info@gracedarlingholidays.com

www.gracedarlingholidays.com Our golfing breaks have exclusive deals for guests. So why not book a stay in one of our self-catering cottages, situated in a stunning part of Northumberland, surrounded by picturesque courses with breathtaking scenery. Call us now to make a reservation or visit us online to book a golfing trip throughout the year.

PROUD SPONSOR OF SEAHOUSES GOLF CLUB

Telephone

CUMBRIANDELIGHTS

Whitehaven GC

Cumbrian

GOLF SOCIETIES & VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME

1st class Wedding & social function venue and conference facilities.

Also food served all day. Open to non members.

Whitehaven GC, Red Lonning, Whitehaven CA28 8UD Phone: 01946 591144 Email: reception@whitehavengolfclub.com www.whitehavengolfclub.com

SILLOTH ON SOLWAY GOLF CLUB

TR FR E HIOLL E RE EY

wi th th is a dv ert

Delights

T& Ca pp ly

HOST TO THE ENGLISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP 2012 2015 NATIONAL CLUB GOLFER NO 1 COURSE IN GB & IRELAND UNDER £100

OFFICE@SILLOTHGOLFCLUB.CO.UK WWW.SILLOTHGOLFCLUB.CO.UK STATION ROAD, SILLOTH, WIGTON, CUMBRIA, CA7 4BL 016973 31304

A beautiful parkland course in the heart of the Lake District Visitors and Societies welcome all year Saturday 4ball offer only £80!

KESWICK GOLF CLUB

Threlkeld Hall, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4SX

Tel: 017687 79324 www.keswickgolfclub.com

APPLEBY GC

SUMMER SATURDAY OFFER June - August 2017 (8 plyrs and over). Bacon roll & coffee on arrival. 18 Holes of golf plus a 2 course meal. only £35.00 per person Appleby Golf Club, Brackenber Moor, Appleby, Cumbria CA16 6LP Tel: 017683 51432 | enquiries@applebygolfclub.co.uk | www.applebygolfclub.co.uk

Championship golf , stunning scenery and renowned hospitality - where else would a golfer want to play at the height of summer?

SEASCALE GC

Top 100 traditional links course Late Start deals £17.50 (Weekday) £20 (Weekend) Discounts available for larger parties and societies Catering options to suit all requirements

The Banks, Seascale, Cumbria, CA20 1QL t: 019467 28202 e: seascalegolfclub@gmail.com www.seascalegolfclub.co.uk 44 NORTHERN GOLFER

KENDAL GC

The most magnificent and extensive views of any course in England

Visitors and Societies always welcome. www.kendalgolfclub.co.uk t: 01539 733708 e: secretary@kendalgolfclub.co.uk

With spectacular views over both Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland Fells, Ulverston Golf Club is lucky enough to boast one of the most beautiful and stunning courses in Cumbria.

Bardsea, Ulverston LA12 9QJ 01229 582824 enquiries@ulverstongolf.co.uk

KIRKBY LONSDALE GC

STAY & PLAY 3 night B&B with 3 rounds of golf staying in The Orange Tree Hotel in Kirkby

£160pp

Other one /two night deals are also available, ask for details.

Kirkby Lonsdale Golf Club Scaleber Ln, Barbon, Kirkby Lonsdale LA6 2LJ

tel: 015242 76365

CARLISLE GOLF CLUB

PACKAGE DEALS AVAILABLE FOR VISITING PARTIES. PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE OR RING FOR MORE INFORMATION CARLISLE GOLF CLUB CA4 8AG TEL: 01228 513029 E: secretary@carlislegolfclub.org www.carlislegolfclub.org

NORTHERN GOLFER 45

ADVERTORIAL

“Practice and Play”…

Is the order of the day at the brand new Tyneside Golf Centre.

Scheduled to open on Sunday 2nd July, Tyneside Golf Centre will offer golfers a unique opportunity to both hone their skills and play a round of golf all in the one place.

Tyneside Golf Centre has been developed with the help of a £80,000 grant from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund and has been led by Tyneside Golf Club vice-president, Ron Stewart. “I am really excited about the opportunities offered by the new golf centre” says Ron. “Two years ago we had three grass meadow fields on which people could hit a golf ball but it was unstructured and fundamentally unsafe because people could hit balls in any direction. As a facility it was therefore very under-used, but unfortunately we didn’t have the money to do anything with it. In 2015 I was asked to attend a

funding workshop run by Tyne and Wear Sport, where I heard about the Inspired Facilities Fund, set up to use Lottery money in order to improve existing facilities and encourage greater participation in sport.

We put together a bid which was accepted, based upon developing the fields into a short game practice area, together with targets, a chipping green and bunkers.

We also reclaimed a six-acre field which we flattened and seeded and which now provides a 300-metre long area for hitting drivers and long irons from grass. However, the crowning glory was the building of our stunning new six-hole par three course

with high quality greens and holes of up to 154 yards in length which will offer a real challenge to even the best golfers.”

The opportunity to hit a few balls on the short game practice area and long game practice area and then wander over to play the par three course is going to be a real draw to existing golfers and Ron is confident that the golf centre will also attract new players, with the six-hole par three offering a less demanding and more time friendly way of new players being introduced to the game.

In order to showcase the new facilities Tyneside Golf Centre will be holding an

open day on Sunday July 2 when a variety of activities will be available for all the family, young and old, to try, free of charge, on a drop-in basis between 10am and 3pm.

So, whether you are an experienced golfer or simply thinking about trying the game, come along to the open day on Sunday July 2 and find out if Tyneside Golf Centre is the place for you.

Tyneside Golf Centre is situated in Ryton Village, next to Tyneside Golf Club, along Westfield Lane, postcode NE40 3PQ. The open day will be held on Sunday July 2 between 10 am and 3pm. Everyone is welcome.

*For further details please contact The Secretary, Tyneside Golf Club, Westfield Lane, Ryton, NE40 3PQ Email: secretary.tynesidegolfclub@odysseydsi.co.uk Tel: 0191 4132742 (choose option 1)

To celebrate the opening of our new...

Tyneside Golf Centre & Academy

AND

SUR

E

OPEN DAY

R FA

1879

TYNESIDE

GOLF CLUB tynesidegolfclub.co.uk

TYNESIDE GOLF CLUB

with improved practice facilities for beginners and experienced golfers

Sunday 2nd July

• Demos by club professional • Nearest the pin competition • Putting competition • Try out the par 3 pitch and putt course

Various membership offers or pay & play

Come along from 10am until 3pm and see how you can get into golf.

2017 TGC_OPen Day_NG_Half_Land_v2.indd 1 46 NORTHERN GOLFER

Westfield Lane, Ryton, Tyne & Wear, NE40 3QE

0191 413 2742

secretary@tynesidegolfclub.co.uk

02/06/2017 14:45

NORTHOFENGLANDYOUTHS

HURRY, LIMITED TO 1st TEN NEW MEMBERS IN JUNE AGED 30+?

PAYING IN FULL?

FULL MEMBERSHIP ONLY £450!!

JOIN US AND BE INCLUDED IN OUR NEW LOYALTY SCHEME

GREENFEES AFTER 1PM

WEEKDAY - 2 FOR £20 • WEEKEND - 2 FOR £25 FOURBALL – 7 DAYS - £40

SOCIETIES

TEA/COFFEE & BACON ROLL ON ARRIVAL 50 RANGE BALLS • 18 HOLES OF GOLF 1 COURSE MEAL ONLY £22.00pp OTHER PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE

Jonathan Lupton

Home-grown talent

A

string of outstanding golfers have honed their skills over Middlesbrough’s Brass Castle course.

And this year the North of England Youth Open is in association with Northern Golfer.

Walker Cup, Great Britain and Ireland and England players in the shape of Martin Thompson, Michael Skelton and Jonathan Lupton are at the pinnacle of a very impressive honours board.

Thompson won the British Amateur Championship in 1982, European Boys Strokeplay Champion Michael Skelton played in a winning Walker Cup side, while English and Welsh Strokeplay Champion Lupton was on a winning GB&I team, won more than 20 England caps and when he turned pro won the PGA Assistants title twice and was runner-up the only other time he played it.

Lupton remains the only Middlesbrough player to have won their prestigious North of England Youths Open - a victory Brass Castle members celebrated royally in 2000.

“For me, it was a massive win.” said Lupton, now managing director at Close House.

Lupton has also served as a coach for Northumbria University and one of his charges, Andrew Wilson, won the North of England Youths Open title in 2013.

“I came close a few times and it was big victory for me and the club members, who were always aware of the difficulties I faced with England Boys commitments and the clash with the championship which meant I couldn’t play.

“It meant the world to me when I won it. I won the Brabazon and played for England but winning the North of England Youths Open at my home club was really special.

There are some great names on that trophy.

“It was also a great thing to play in front of your own members and I had some good chance to win it again. A lot of the people who did win it seemed to be always staying at my house and we had some great BBQs and parties. It’s a great tournament and I’m proud to have won it.”

It was a fitting victory for Lupton who had served his apprenticeship having first entered the tournament in 1994. *Next month we’ll have a full preview of this year’s tournament

High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HP 0191 236 4480 info@parklandsgolf.co.uk www.parklandsgolf.co.uk

OPENS 2017

Ladies Open – 1st July - £12 per pair Friday Open – 7th July - £8 per person Texas Scramble – 29th July – £40 per team Friday Open – 11th August - £8 per person Team of 4 Open – 19th August - £40 per team Seniors Open – 27th September - £20 per pair

3 MONTH TRIAL MEMBERSHIP

Only £150 (includes 2 half hour coaching sessions)

PRO : 0191 5130837 /SEC : 0191 5811268 EMAIL : SEAHAMGOLFCLUB@BTCONNECT.COM SHREWSBURY STREET, SEAHAM, CO. DURHAM SR7 7RD SEAHAMGOLFCLUB.CO.UK NORTHERN GOLFER 47

ADVERTORIAL

FROM MOUNT OSWALD TO HALL GARTH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB The Hall Garth Hotel, Golf and Country Club has experienced something of a transformation since North of England Estates became its new owner in August 2013. As owners of the Bells Hotel and Forest of Dean Golf Course, in Gloucestershire, they were proud to announce their new local acquisition of the Hall Garth Hotel Golf and Country Club in Darlington.

Having sold Mount Oswald Golf Course in Durham and with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Golfing Sector, Chairman of North of England Estates Ltd, Clive McKeag said,” We were delighted to add Hall Garth to our portfolio” Since adding the Hall Garth four years ago the company has invested significantly in the hotel, including a complete refurbishment by an interior designer, of all areas of the hotel; the Stables Pub has been transformed with

a sports theme showing live sports throughout the year. Oswald’s Restaurant now benefits from the new added Orangery consrtucted last year. The extensive banqueting and wedding suites have also been tastefully updated to enhance guest experience.

Finally, plans were made to totally rejuvenate the golf course, and also upgrade the leisure and beauty facilities.

This easy walking mature parkland course which was constructed in 1992 and is the ideal location to host your golf day is now back to its best and will set a good but firm challenge to any standard of golfer. Landscaped within 70 acres of beautiful countryside, the course underwent major works and re-design in 2016 with the introduction of 6 new tees, new putting green and a driving net installed. Head Green keeper Tom Humphreys said “With its fantastic

showers, all the radiators in bedrooms and public rooms, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, the pub and the leisure club, the hotel is the first in the country to pioneer this energy efficiency. The Hotel laid 17k of pipework under 70 acres of parkland and golf course, making this the largest Ground source Heatpump system in the North East.

fairways and greens, we have made the course exciting and enjoyable for all. We can assure you of a warm welcome and look forward to seeing you at the Hall Garth very soon”.

Also in 2016 the latest groundbreaking venture by the hotel was the introduction of a 440kW Ground Source heat pump system that manage 95% of the yearly onsite heating and hot water demands of the property. Heating baths,

GOLF MEMBERSHIPS Join now and enjoy unlimited golf until 31st March 2018 Adult Unlimited Membership (12 month) £275.00 | Junior Unlimited Membership (Under 18) £50.00 All memberships are unlimited play and are payable annually in advance GREEN FEES: Monday to Friday £12.50. Concession/with member £10 Saturday, Sunday and Bank holidays – £15. Concession/with Member – £12.50 4 Ball Monday to Friday – £40 | 4 Ball Saturday, Sunday and Bank holidays – £50 Club Hire: £5.00 | Trolley Hire: £2.50 | Buggy Hire: £12.50 for members | £20.00 for non-members Winter fees- £10 anytime (29th October 2017 – 2nd April 2018)

Hall Garth Hotel & Country Club, Coatham Mundeville, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 3LU Tel: 01325 379710 Fax: 01325 310083 Email: spa@hallgarthdarlington.co.uk www.hallgarthdarlington.co.uk 48 NORTHERN GOLFER

GOLFERNEWS You can view the video on the Northern Golfer website.

Aaron snaps a selfie with Johnston, Rose, Kaymer and Stenson

Aaron’s major birthday surprise

T

here can’t be many better ways to celebrate your ninth birthday than meeting one of your sporting heroes so imagine what it is like to get up close and personal with four of them.

Durham’s Aaron Mansfield found out just how it felt at the BMW PGA Championship where he met up with Andrew ‘Beef ’ Johnston and a trio of major champions Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson and Martin Kaymer in a real birthday surprise.

Aaron journeyed to Wentworth from the family home in Stanley, Co Durham with his dad Gavin as a birthday treat but he had no idea what was in store as he and his dad waited to be picked up by taxi.

A car driven by Beef pulled up and he shouts: “Alright boys, you looking for a lift?”

The smile on Aaron’s face is as wide as the Tyne as he jumps in.

Beef then hands Aaron a golf cap as a present. They drive on and stop to pick up 2013 US Open winner and Olympic champion Justin Rose.

Aaron’s face is a picture and when Rose says: “Beef, I forgot to mention mate, I told Henrik that I’d pick him up this morning.”

Aaron clearly cannot believe his luck

as he is handed Stenson’s Claret Jug and Rose’s Olympic gold medal to hold with the duo either side of him in the back of the car.

Aaron’s final surprise is Martin Kaymer meeting him as he arrives at Wentworth and taking him to have a putt on the 18th green.

Aaron is heard to say as he and his father walk off the green “That is the best thing that you’ve ever got me.”

Back home in the North East, Aaron’s father Gavin said: “When he said that it just melted my heart.

“Aaron also got to meet Alan Shearer he’s a huge Newcastle United fan - and it just made his birthday complete. He had no idea any of it was going to happen.

“He’s a huge golf fan and plays all the time. We both play at George Washington Golf Club and Aaron has been playing about 20 months and he’s got a handicap of 14.

“He’s left handed and just wants to be a professional golfer. He knows all about the game and the players. We went to the Open at Troon last year and he got to see Henrik winning the Claret Jug and Beef gave him a yardage book and he’s a big fan of Justin and Martin as well.”

Aaron with Beef and dad Gavin

Aaron and Martin Kaymer on the 18th

The Tour came up trumps after Aaron’s father got in touch with them asking if they could do something special for his son’s birthday and Beef said: “I heard about doing it about a week before. I said, ‘yeah, let’s do it. I’m in.’

“It was really good. Watching it back was good. I was driving so I couldn’t really see his face. All I got was the more guys that got in, the quieter he got. When I watched it, and saw his face and his dad, it was wicked. I love doing things like that and making people’s day and giving back.”

Aaron with Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson NORTHERN GOLFER 49

COURSEREVIEW

Wonderful Whitby Dean Bailey heads to the Yorkshire coast to take in the clifftop delights of Whitby Golf Club

T

here’s a lot to be said for a walk on the seaside on a summer’s day - adding in golf and spectacular views only makes it better.

Whitby Golf Club, high on the clifftops on the Yorkshire coast just outside the town, brings together all of these.

A clifftop links, Whitby’s primary defences are its firm, fast greens and the wind blowing off the North Sea. On a calm day this 6,259-yard layout will yield birdies as drives bound down firm fairways, while even a slight breeze can make the course play far tougher than its yardage suggests.

Following an easy start with a 282-yard par four protected by a water hazard 10 yards short of the green and two greenside bunkers, and a short par five of 449 yards back past the clubhouse with out of bounds left, you get within touching distance of the coastline for the first time at the 344-yard par four third.

With a stunning backdrop of towering cliffs 50 NORTHERN GOLFER

in the distance, the fairway here is defended by a cross bunker and a drop down onto the cliff to the right side. A lay up with a long iron will leave a tough wedge shot to a large, firm green.

The fourth is the first hole to run along the clifftop edge and got our pick for signature hole (see fact file).

The tricky, 394-yard par four fifth plays uphill with out of bounds left forcing you to play right for safety. The green here sits on its own hill with a right-hand bunker cut into the bank well below the putting surface and another at the front left of the two-tiered green.

Played over a huge inlet, the tee shot at the 446yard par four sixth is the toughest on the course.

Anything mishit will find the inlet and road below though a generous fairway awaits a good drive. The fairway sweeps right and uphill towards the green with out of bounds creeping closer to the left side as you continue towards the green.

Heading back down the hill parallel with the

sixth, the seventh plays much shorter than its 374 yards with no bunkers guarding a green surrounded by mounding. The eighth returns back up the hill and there are fantastic views of the course from its elevated tee, while the 305-yard downhill ninth may be in reach for some though few will take on a small green protected a fairway bunker with a tall face which blocks sight of the flag from the tee.

Crossing the road, which runs through the middle of the course, the 318-yard par four 10th is a tactical test. Most will play an iron to the widest part of the fairway at this 90-degree dogleg right before pitching over the dip short of the green; though some may take the large, generally flat green with the wind blowing in the right direction.

The first of just three par threes, the 11th measures 159 yards from the back tee and is tricky with two big bunkers short of the green cut below the putting surface before heading to the highest point on the course for the stroke index one 12th.

Measuring 433 yards, the drive here is tough

COURSEREVIEW Whitby Golf Club celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2017 with events planned throughout the summer to mark the occasion including a series of open days. The club is an active part of England Golf’s Get into Golf scheme and a range of sessions for adults and juniors are available with PGA professional Tony Mason

with very deep rough right and left. Only the longest hitters will make it to the top of the hill at around 270 yards and have sight of the green, which sits beyond a steep dip in the fairway with a large bunker cut into the slope at the front right corner. A burn sits at the bottom of the slope around 50 yards short of the green and will gather anything landing short of the green.

Heading back towards the coastline, the 13th is a good birdie chance should you avoid the deep hollow and greenside bunker which will gather anything running down the fairway towards the green. A lay up to around 100 yards is best to a very tricky green complex which falls away right into a hazard and left into the bunker. Heading for home, the 201-yard 14th features a huge, round green with no bunkers while the long 15th and 16th measure 412 and 403 yards respectively and are played left to right and right to left. Both require long, accurate tee shots to make the corners of the doglegs before finding greens which sit above the fairway.

Crossing back over road, the 17th is the toughest of the par threes at 249 yards but all downhill it plays much shorter. Anything short of the green should bounce up to a large, generally flat putting surface with a bunker set just off the front right corner.

Whitby finishes with a great birdie chance at the par five 18th. Playing back over the inlet from the sixth hole, a generous fairway runs downhill to a green set between two front bunkers. Long approaches are tough here though a pitch of 40-50 yards should yield a birdie chance.

FACT FILE CONTACT Whitby Golf Club, Low Straggleton Sandsend Road, Whitby, YO21 3SR tel 01947 600 660 www.whitbygolfclub.co.uk GREEN FEES Mon £12.50 Tues-Fri £30 Weekends and Bank Holidays £33 Twilight £12.50 (see website for details) TOTAL DISTANCE White tees 6,259 yards Yellow tees 6,106 Red tees 5,620 yards FEATURES Clubhouse bar and dining room Locker rooms and changing facilities Pro shop and PGA tuition Practice ground Putting green CADDY’S TIP Keep your ball in play and a hot putter will unlock a good score here SIGNATURE HOLE The fourth at Whitby is a stunning clifftop par four of 347 yards. The tee shot is played over an inlet with the beach and cliffs left, while a large, deep bunker waits in the middle of the landing area. Bunkers at the front right and back left protect a green which slopes back to front

OUR VERDICT A stunning clifftop course with many tactical changes – well worth a trip to the coast NORTHERN GOLFER 51

GOLFERGEAR

Gear update

PERFECT TOUCH PowaKaddy Touch trolley RRP: from £529 www.powakaddy.com Powakaddy has released an upgraded version of its superintelligent Touch design. Featuring new trims on its frame, handle and wheels, the latest generation Touch includes all the features which have won the model excellent reviews including Touch ‘n’ Go technology, which means you only need to rest your hand on the grip and start walking to use the trolley and a USB charging port. Available with 18 or 36-hole lithium batteries.

The season is in full-swing and there is more top equipment to get to grips with this month, including Epic irons from Callaway, hybrids from Cobra, putters from Scotty Cameron, footwear from ECCO and an upgraded Touch trolley from PowaKaddy…

KING OF THE HYBRIDS EPIC EXPANSION Callaway Epic irons RRP: £1,799 (3-PW) www.callawaygolf.com Inspired by the Epic driver, Callaway’s latest irons are promising the same level of improved performance thanks to premium materials and a new face design.

Support beams, as seen in the Epic driver, create an exocage structure for increased forgiveness and maximum ball speed, while the centre of gravity is progressive throughout the set and positioned to ensure the best performance with each club. New hybrids are also available (RRP: £279).

52 NORTHERN GOLFER

Cobra KING Oversized hybrid RRP: £199 www.cobragolf.co.uk Cobra has unveiled a KING Oversized hybrid following the release of the Oversized irons last year. Offering maximum forgiveness, the new hybrid is wider and larger than a standard hybrid with a TeXtreme carbon fibre crown saving 8g compared to steel hybrid crowns – which promotes higher launch and creates the maximum MOI. Available in lofts from 19o-28o.

GOLFERGEAR

IN THE BAG

With four-time major champion and TaylorMade staffer Rory McIlroy

FINAL FOUR

The final four Cameron & Crown putters have been unveiled. The range, which has been optimised for players preferring a 33ins putter length, now includes the Select Newport, Select Mallet 1, Futura 5MB and Futura 6M shapes. Designer Scotty Cameron says: “Cameron & Crown models are purpose-built 33-inch designs, not manipulated 35-inch putters, with properly matched sole and back weights to ensure the swing weight and feel of these putters are consistent with their longer counterparts. We then developed a smaller Matador grip to match that performance and feel. These are crucial details when it comes to making a confident stroke.”

© CDebby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Scotty Cameron Cameron & Crown putters RRP: £335 www.scottycameron.com

Rory McIlroy has signed a longterm deal to play TaylorMade’s clubs and golf ball.

One of the world’s most marketable athletes, McIlroy has played a mixed bag of clubs since Nike left the equipment market and joins the likes of Jason Day and Dustin Johnson in signing on with the manufacturer.

The four-time major champion, 13-time PGA Tour winner and 13-time European Tour winner made the decision following months of testing including being seen with releases from Callaway and Titleist. Here’s what was in his bag for The Players Championship…

2017 TaylorMade M2 9.5°

2017 TaylorMade M2 Tour, 13.5° & 19°

UNCAGED

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TaylorMade P750 Tour Proto Irons (3-4) & P700 ‘Rors Proto’ Irons (5-9) TaylorMade Milled Grind Wedges 48°, 54° & 60°

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NORTHERN GOLFER 53

MATCHPLAYPAIRS

ONYRIA PALMARES BEACH GOLF RESORT

Fun in the sunshine As the 2017 Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs continues across the region, we take a look at the venue and golf courses our winners will visit in November as part of the NE/NW PGA’s Portugal Pro Am

T

he first round of this year’s Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs is in full swing with pairs from across the North East and Yorkshire competing for the trophy and a place in the NE/NW PGA’s Portugal Pro Am this November in The Algarve.

The winning pair will receive flights, accommodation at the fantastic Pestana Dom Joao II hotel and golf at the region’s finest courses as well as entry to the pro am tournament alongside one of our region’s best professionals.

The winners will stay at the four-star Pestana Dom Joao II, which overlooks the beach and is just a 10-minute stroll from the 54 NORTHERN GOLFER

centre of town. The hotel is popular with golfers thanks to its central location and access to the region’s best courses, while the facilities make it the perfect place to relax after a long day on the course.

Recently refurbished, the hotel is home to a range of facilitates including an indoor pool, sauna and gym with each of the modern bedrooms complete with a balcony or terrace.

Just a stone’s throw from the soft sands of the Praia d’Alvor beach, the winners will also have access to three bars including a pool bar and lounge bar as well as a top quality a la carte restaurant.

As part of the pro am, the winners will

arrive on Sunday November 5 ahead of the first tournament day on Monday November 6 at Pestana Vale do Pinta.

The host course of eight consecutive European Seniors Tour Qualifying finals, Vale do Pinta is a fun but challenging layout with some stunning holes and a number of tricky shots.

Designed by American architect Ronald Fream, the rolling Bermuda grass fairways, well-placed bunkers, and Pen Cross Bent grass greens serve as a fitting welcome to the event.

The second round takes place at the Amendoeira Golf Resort’s Oceanico O’Connor Jnr Course on Tuesday November 7. Designed

by Christy O’Connor Jnr, this 6,708-metre layout

MATCHPLAYPAIRS PESTANA DOM JOAO II

THE OCEÂNICO OLD COURSE

PESTANA VALE DO PINTA

PESTANA VALE DO PINTA

PESTANA VALE DO PINTA

PESTANA VALE DO PINTA

ONYRIA PALMARES BEACH GOLF RESORT

MATCH PLAY PAIRS Preliminary Round results THE OCEÂNICO OLD COURSE

is a stern test defined by a number of lakes and water hazards and challenging bunkering.

The mixture of water, bunkering and large, undulating greens will test the best players.

The tournament takes a break on Wednesday and while golf is available we’d recommend checking out the fantastic facilities in the hotel and heading into town for a break from the course.

The third round sees players head to The Oceânico Old Course in Vilamoura on Thursday November 9.

Set in the heart of the Vilamoura resort, this Frank Pennink-designed parkland layout is one of the oldest in the region and renowned around the world.

The course weaves through impressive pinetrees - the course’s principal defence – and over gently undulating fairways. Opened in 1969, the course was renovated and modernised 27 years later, and has kept up with modern golf to remain a great challenge.

The final day takes place over the Onyria

Palmares Beach Golf Resort’s Alvor and Lagos courses with teams battling it out for the title on Friday November 10.

The Alvor loop plays through pine treelined corridors and over rolling hillside before the trees disappear momentarily at the sixth and seventh holes to give a sample of the dunes holes to come before returning to the parkland style.

The Lagos loop begins with the same parkland character, incorporating the site’s two lakes in the short par three third and long par four sixth holes. Holes seven and eight are set over the expansive dunes on the south west portion of the site before the loop concludes by climbing back to the clubhouse amid more parkland.

Away from the golf course, the Portugal Pro Am is renowned for its laid back atmosphere with professionals and amateurs relaxing after long days on the course in fantastic surrounding and shares tales from each day’s play. A worthy prize for our champions.

Match 1 Russell Jacques & Neil Glenndining (Newbiggin) beat Anthony Lawlor & Stuart Vickery (Chester-le-Street) 5&4

Match 2 Kenny Cramman & Paul Murphy (Newbiggin) beat Ted Cromar & Graham Dodds (Morpeth) 1&2

Round 1 Matches to be played by Sunday June 25 For more information and to enter your results contact Dean Bailey, dean@ offstonepublishing.co.uk, tel 01661 844 115

NORTHERN GOLFER 55

GOLFERTIPS

TAKE CONTROL Many golfers struggle to control their impact position – the point at which the clubhead strikes the golf ball. Players with this issue can be categorised into two types: shaft leaners – players who push the grip too far ahead of the clubhead at impact causing an open clubface; and shaft flippers – players who leave the grip behind the clubhead at impact causing a closed clubface.

To improve your impact position, try working with an impact bag (or a holdall stuffed with towels). Take your normal stance and - with your lead arm creating a straight, vertical line with the shaft - push the clubhead into the bag. From here set your body into a good impact position.

Take this thought and position with you to the range and try to consistently return to this position - delivering the clubface square and ensuring the ball starts off straight to the target.

56 NORTHERN GOLFER

John Harrison tel 01661 8 86 400 www.matf enhall.com

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GOLFERCOMPETITIONS

win Northern Golfer competitions are also listed on our website www.northerngolfer.co.uk/ competitions, Alternatively, you can enter via email at competitions@ northerngolfer.co.uk (mark the competition name in the subject field) or post your entry to: Competitions, Northern Golfer, Unit One, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL Please include your contact details and telephone number.

Closing date Thursday July 6, 2017.

Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR WITH BUGGIES, AND BACON SANDWICHES AND TEA/COFFEE WITH SLALEY HALL IN OUR NEW INSTAGRAM COMPETITION This month we’ve teamed up with Slaley Hall to offer Northern Golfer readers the chance to win golf for four people with buggies, and bacon sandwiches and tea/coffee on arrival.

All you need to do is head over to Instagram and post your best golfing snaps with the hashtag #NorthernGolfer - and remember to include @northerngolferuk and @slaleyhallhotel. We will be announcing the winner in next month’s magazine and featuring a selection of our favourite snaps.

.WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT .WIN GOLF FOR FOUR LINDEN HALL AT BELLINGHAM

.WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT RYTON GOLF CLUB

The impressive country house setting of Linden Hall Golf & Country Club is the perfect place for a day, or more, of golf with its championship golf course and award-winning restaurant and accommodation.

The golf course is laid out in mature woodland and stretches to more than 6,800 yards.

In the heart of the Northumberland National Park, Bellingham Golf Club offers some fine views, while the course is a favourite of many of the region’s top players. Between Hadrian’s Wall and the Scottish border, there are spectacular views extending up the Tyne Valley towards the Border Forest Park.

In the heart of the Tyne Valley, Ryton is a superb layout and one the North East’s most picturesque courses. Bordered by the River Tyne and measuring just over 6,000 yards, what it lacks in length it more than makes up for with tight fairways – course management is the key to good scoring here.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Who won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in May 2017?

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: How many Open Championships did Harry Vardon win in his career?

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Who will be defending the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale next month?

Congratulations to last month’s competition winners: Trip to Dumfries: C.A. Rowlingson of Prudhoe • Seascale GC: Paul Parkin of Alston Alnwick Castle GC: Shaun Woodward of Darlington • Burgham Park GC: Michael McCarthy of Bedlington 58 NORTHERN GOLFER

WIN YOUR CHANCE TO

A PAIR OF ECCO COOL GORE-TEX GOLF SHOES WORTH

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

THE WINNER OF THE MAY ISSUE SUN MOUNTAIN GOLF BAG IS GEOFF FAWKES FROM ARCOT HALL GOLF CLUB

QUESTION : WHICH TWO TEAMS COMPETE FOR THE RYDER CUP? A : ASIA & USA | B : EUROPE & USA | C : ASIA & EUROPE EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: COMPETITIONS@ORIGINALGREEN.CO.UK

COMPETITION CLOSES 30.06.17. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND NOTIFIED BY EMAIL OPT IN CLAUSE AVAILABLE ON ENTRY TO RECEIVE FUTURE PROMOTIONAL EMAILS FROM ORIGINAL GREEN

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22/08/2017 SENIOR PAIRS OPEN - £16 PER PAIR 09/09/2017 GENTS TEAM OPEN - £50 PER TEAM 01670 791562 | enquiries@longhirstgolf.co.uk | www.longhirstgolf.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

Rise of the 9-hole game!

Located in the rolling countryside of lower Teesdale in the Durham Dales, just between Barnard Castle and Darlington, sits the beautiful Headlam Hall Golf Club and the adjacent hotel and spa.

As reviewed in last month’s Northern Golfer, while being a nine-hole course, Headlam offers you a fine golfing test.

And with the R&A declaring its support for 9-hole golf as an ideal way to play golf in less time (with the launch of a 9-hole tournament at Royal Troon last year), Headlam Hall provides you, your friends and even family members who are new to golf, a really enjoyable time.

The challenging course is set over rolling pastureland around the Jacobean Hall gardens, and has an abundance of natural features including rig & fur, woodland, streams and ponds, making it a test for the most experienced of golfers.

The course is well located and close to

Darlington, Barnard Castle, Newton Aycliffe and Scotch Corner. It has a wide variety of holes from the daunting 116-yard ‘Pond Hole’ to the long 523-yard ‘Sleeters’ par five.

The full-size greens have been constructed to USGA specification with irrigation and offer some of the best playing surfaces in the region.

Open to non-members, and offering golf packages and special breaks, there is also a 10 bay covered driving range, a practice chipping area and practice putting green. A resident PGA professional, Steven Carpenter,l is available for tuition, and the golf shop stocks a wide range of equipment and accessories and clothing.

As Northern Golfer’s Dean Bailey, says, “the course is a fantastic layout with three very tricky par fours, a sweeping dogleg par five and five brilliant par threes. It’s a fantastic course to sharpen your game”.

Headlam Hall Hotel & Spa, Headlam, near Gainford, Co Durham, DL2 3HA Tel 01325 730 238 / Golf Shop 01325 732 113 Email admin@headlamhall.co.uk • www.headlamhall.co.uk

PAY & PLAY AT H EADLAM

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w w w.headla m h all.co .u k

60 NORTHERN GOLFER

2 nights’ Dinner, B&B 3.5 hours of golf tuition Unlimited use of the course Full use of the Spa facilities From £110 per person per night

Headlam Hall Headlam Near Gainford Teesdale DL2 3HA Tel: 01325 730238 admin@headlamhall.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

BOLDON GOLF CLUB DIPE LANE, EAST BOLDON, TYNE & WEAR, NE36 0PQ | TEL 0191 536 5360 E: INFO@BOLDONGOLFCLUB.CO.UK | WWW.BOLDONGOLFCLUB.CO.UK

Founded in 1912 Boldon Golf Club is a club right at the heart of the community with a family friendly atmosphere. Having recently reached it’s centenary, the traditions of the game are very much respected but a modern friendly approach to contemporary life and the enjoyment of golf is offered.

The course, designed by six-time Open Champion, Harry Vardon, offers panoramic views of the North East coast line and a test to golfers of all abilities. Located on the northern outskirts of Sunderland, situated only one mile from the A19 and less than three miles south of the Tyne Tunnel, Boldon Golf Club is easily accessible from the North East’s motorway network.

Boldon Golf Club has a thriving membership with a range of options to suit a variety of lifestyles; including Twilight (after 2pm), five-day (Mon-Fri) , full membership and newly introduced by the recently appointed club manager Steve Watkin, offshore workers and country membership. Steve has been at Boldon GC since March 2017 following management

changes in his former job with Royal Mail. Steve, who is very much enjoying his new role, says: “this is a fantastic golf club embracing the challenges golf faces to grow the game of golf and encourage more women to play. We have a fantastic golf course, practice facility and clubhouse” Visitors can play this wonderful golf course through the season with very competitive green fees £24 (Mon-Fri) and £27 (Sat-Sun); society packagers starting from £20 and reduced green fees after 3pm.

Then relax in the clubhouse after your game enjoying the friendly welcome from our bar and catering staff. Relive the game you’ve just played with a drink and perhaps sampling our delicious homemade food from our extensive menu (a must try is our fish and chips).

Boldon Golf Club has a function room available for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays with no charge if catering is required.

Visit Boldon Golf Club or join one of our Summer Opens.

TOTAL DISTANCE White tees: 6,414 yards Yellow tees: 6,094 yards Red tees: 5,581 yards

FEATURES A range of flexible membership categories Get Into Golf programme Excellent practice facility Three-bay covered driving range Short game practice area Fully stocked Golfworx pro shop Visitors and societies welcome Mon-Sun Function room

• 17th June - 36 hole Scratch Open £25 • 24th June - Gents Open 4BBB £18 Boldon Golf Club, Dipe Lane, Boldon NE36 0PQ

• 23rd July – Individual stableford (Peter Metcalfe) £12.50 each

0191 5365360 Membership available – We have a category of membership to suit your lifestyle from Country Member, Twilight to 7 day membership Not played Bolden GC recently – Contact Steve Watkin (Club Manager) for details and flexible payment details

NORTHERN GOLFER 61

from the

bunker

Welcome to your reader feedback page. We want to hear your likes, dislikes and funny golfing stories, and if you’d like to make suggestions about Northern Golfer, let us know. We want to hear from you!

Bill Innes

Richard Hannam

Paul Robertson Northern Golfer editor Paul Robertson had to fill the bar for a fourth time after another hole-in-one.

Robertson, a 17-handicapper, aced the 200-yard par three 12th the day after his birthday at his home club Wynyard, following an ace on the 17th last year and previous hole outs at the 17th and

seventh. The 51-year-old, who took up golf 14 years ago, now has the third hole in his sights to complete the Wynyard set.

Needless to say Robbo’s aceless pals were delighted for him and presented him with a bandit hat in the clubhouse the following weekend.

(Thanks for that – Ed)

Two great stories this month of golfers proving age is no barrier to success in our sport.

Bill Innes from Beamish Park Golf Club got his first competition win in the Gents’ May Monthly Medal. Bill, 80, won the competition with a nett score of 66. He plays three times a week and still prefers to carry his bag too.

Meanwhile, Richard Hannam from Prudhoe Golf Club has achieved the rare feat of returning a score lower than his age. Playing at Allendale Golf Club, Richard returned a gross score of 69 for a nett 62 last month.

Congratulations to Bill and Richard. Got a story to share, email editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

Alex Reevley, David McFadden with Norman Golf fourballs for Close House and South Moor were auctioned for £240 and £210 respectively during a charity night organised by St Cuthbert’s High School at Newcastle’s Centre for Life.

The evening raised £8,500 in aid of the school’s former head of PE Ian Beck, who is suffering with Motor Neurone Disease.

Former Newcastle United coach John 62 NORTHERN GOLFER

Carver, an old boy of the school (as are Sting, Declan Donnelly Lawrie McMenemy and Neil Tennant) was interviewed on stage.

Among those joining John in supporting Ian’s night were three former pupils who have all become national newspaper football writers - Shaun Custis (The Sun), Craig Hope (Daily Mail) and Ian Murtagh (Daily Star).

Well done to all concerned.

Norman Whitehead has been in touch with this picture of ‘the three Musketeers’.

All are part of the Past Captains of Captains Society who gathered to mark David’s 15 years as secretary.

Alex (Oakdale), David (Pannal) and Norman (Harrogate) have a combined 28 years service. “We wonder how many past captains in Yorkshire will say ‘God are they still Living?’” quipped Norman after a competition involving 20 past captains, followed by a dinner at Ilkley Golf Club. Good to see you all in rude health.

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