Northern Golfer magazine #60 - December 2017

FREE

AT GOLF CLUBS IN THE NORTH EAST AND YORKSHIRE - ISSUE

NORTHERN

60

DEC 2017-JAN 2018

northerngolfer.co.uk

WIN: DINNER, BED, BREAKFAST AND GOLF FOR FOUR IN DUMFRIES WHAT A YEAR

HIGHLIGHTS OF A GREAT SEASON REVIEWED

RAMSIDE’S CATHEDRAL COURSE

HAPPY CHAP

ADAM CHAPMAN ON HIS EUROPRO WIN

GEAR: COBRA KING F8 RANGE

WIN WINTER GEAR FROM PROQUIP PLUS A FOURBALL AT LONGHIRST HALL

TIM JENKINS GOLF STORES Castle Eden Golf Club: 01429 836689 Cleveland Golf Club: 01642 498772

PHONE US:

VISIT US:

MEGA

FF FF FFS O O O ES 50% BAGS 40%F IRON O 60% H LF S TS O OLF O UP T

SALE GRIPMORE 2 WERE £79.99 NOW TWO YEAR WATERPROOF GUARANTEE

GO

ADIPURE FLEX WERE £79.99 NOW

SE

£44.99 50% OFF

50% OFF

EMERGE NOW £44.99

£103.99 25% OFF

EMPOWER NOW £69

EMBODY NOW £55

LADY ADIDAS

LIMITED EDITION PRO SL WERE £129.99 NOW

£59.99 SAVE £20

INGS V A S SIVE IVERS, S A M N DR AND O S WAY IDS R I A F R HYB

LADY FOOTJOY

LUNNAR COMMAND 2 WERE £99.99 NOW

FOOT JOY AWD XL WERE £79.99 NOW

£59.99

O UP T

G

£74.99 25% OFF

WATERPROOF LEATHER BLACK/WHITE

O UP T

BLOM HYBRID 2 WERE £149.99 NOW

£59.99

www.timjenkinsgolf.co.uk

ADISTAR LITE WERE £79.99 NOW

20% OFF

ADIPOWER BOOST WERE £99.00 NOW

£34.99

£49.99

£150 MINIMUM ALLOWANCE FOR YOUR OLD IRONS AGAINST SELECTED SETS CALL FOR A VALUATION, SETS MUST BE A RECOGNISED BRAND, MIN 7 MATCHED IRONS, IN A RESALEABLE CONDITION PING G400 IRONS 4-PW USUALLY £749

MIZUNO HOT METAL IRONS 4-PW OUR PRICE

CALLAWAY XR16 OVERSIZE 5-SW USUALLY £549

VOKEY SM6 WEDGE

WITH PART EXCHANGE YOU PAY

WITH PART EXCHANGE YOU PAY

WITH PART EXCHANGE YOU PAY

EACH OR TWO FOR

£669

£649

£519

£449

£399

SPECIAL CLEARANCE PRICE

£69.99

£119.99 (AVAILABLE STOCK ONLY)

£249

CLEARANCE SETS MIZUNO JPX (EZ) IRONS 5-SW WERE £559

SRIXON Z STAR FORGED IRONS 4-PW WERE £599

£299

SAVE £300

£299

TAYLOR MADE M1 IRONS 4-PW RRP £899 SAVE £260

£449

SAVE £450

COBRA F6 TECH FLOW 4-PW RRP £499

£299

SAVE £200

LADY YONEX XPG 5-SW RRP £849

LADY YONEX REINE 5-SW RRP £499

£299

SAVE £200

£399

SAVE £450

DISCOUNT DRIVERS CALLAWAY CALLAWAY XR16 DRIVER WERE £249

£179

TAYLOR MADE M2 STD OR D- TYPE WERE £329

£279

YONEX Z-FORCE RRP £179

£99

COBRA F7 PLUS RRP £299

£199

LADY YONEX REINE DRIVER RRP £159

£199

MIZUNO JPX 900 DRIVER RRP £349

£249

NEW CUSTOM FITTING STUDIO NOW OPEN @ CLEVELAND GOLF CLUB 6 GOLF PROFESSIONALS OFFER FREE CUSTOM FITTING - USING FLIGHTSCOPE TECHNOLOGY. GUARANTEED LOWEST UK PRICES - ALL LEADING BRANDS AVAILABLE. AUTHORISED FITTING CENTRE FOR CALLAWAY, PING, MIZUNO, SRIXON, YONEX, TITLEIST AND TAYLOR MADE. PXG FITTING DAY ON APRIL 5 2018 PLEASE BOOK YOUR FITTING ON 01642 498772

golfer NOR T H E R N

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 EVENTS Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk ADVERTISING MANAGER Doug Brolls 07721 031 482 doug@offstonepublishing.co.uk Laura Charlton 01661 844 115 laura@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson & Nicky Rogerson info@kgphotography.co.uk

ADVERTISING

01661 844 115 Follow us @negolfer

Like us /northerngolferuk Follow us @northerngolferuk

Published by:

EDITOR’S NOTE AND CONTENTS Just exactly where does time go when you are enjoying yourself?

We are already in the festive period and going into 2018 after what has been an excellent golfing season.

For us at Northern Golfer one of the undoubted highlights was the incredible story of top guy and great ambassador for North East golf, Graeme Storm, going from the depths of despair having lost his card only to find he hadn’t and then go on to win the South African Open.

He relives that moment, and the rest of what turned out to be a very satisfying 2017, on page 8. If Storm’s deserved and welcome resurgence was the individual story of the year, the biggest tale for our region was the British Masters at Close House.

The fact people are still talking about having some of the world’s greatest players walking the fairways in the North East in front of passionate crowds which generated such a superb atmosphere is testament to the event’s success.

This being the final magazine of 2017 (and the first of 2018) we also take a look at other notable moments of last season as well as forward to next, with the region’s amateurs and professionals set to fly the flag all over the world.

Closer to home, it is important to say thank you to all those who make our golf clubs tick, from the pros to the catering staff, through to the greenkeepers, members and visitors.

With the snow and ice playing havoc in recent days we need to be patient but also support our clubs to keep the tills ticking over.

To that end, we include a feature in this month’s issue giving you ideas of where to stay and play - something to plan with your friends over a coffee, beer or meal in your local clubhouse.

We also revisit Ramside’s Cathedral Course to see how it is maturing and we weren’t disappointed, while Dean Bailey is sure to wind some of you up with his column on slow play following his rant about bandits (surely not me off 15 ) last month.

Enjoy the magazine. A Merry Christmas and happy prosperous New Year to all our readers and advertisers. See you in February.

It won’t be long before it’s here!

04-08 TEEING OFF

China in their hands, Portuguese Masters and Storm’s resurgence

10-15 TEEING OFF

News of club developments and near misses from across the region

17-19 SEASON REVIEW We look back at 2017’s highlights

20 PRO-FILE

Close House’s Tom Cockill

21 TOUR LIFE

Views of Pro Chris Paisley 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

23 DEAN BAILEY

Paul Robertson, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

Berating slow players

FRONT COVER

Adam Chapman reflects on his first year on the EuroPro Tour and his maiden win Pages 24-26

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it ©Offstone Publishing 2017/18. All rights reserved.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press.

Offstone Publishing cannot accept responsibility for errors of inaccuracies in such information. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Offstone Publishing a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine. All material is sent at your own risk and although every care is taken, neither Offstone Publishing nor it’s employees, agents or subcontractors shall be held liable resulting for loss or damage. Offstone Publishing endeavors to respect the intellectual property of owners of copyrighted material reproduced herein. If you identify yourself as the copyright holder of material we have wrongly attributed, please contact the office. Offstone Publishing do not guarantee the insertion of any particular advertisement on a specified date or at all.

34 ROUND WITH

29-32 STAY & PLAY IN 2018

36 RAMSIDE’S CATHEDRAL COURSE

British Masters starter Alan Graham

38 GEAR

Three pages of the latest fashions and equipment

42 TIPS

Advice for the New Year

46 BUNKER

Readers tell of their golfing adventures and victories NORTHERN GOLFER 03

TEEINGOFF

Thomson joins tour

Jonathan Thomson Jonathan Thomson will be playing on the 2018 European Tour after a nerve-wracking finish at Qualifying School in Spain.

The 21-year-old Yorkshire golfer birdied the final two holes at Lumine in Tarragona for a final round of 69 to tie for 18th place as the top 25 plus ties claimed their cards on the tour for 2018.

While there was joy for Rotherham’s Thomson, whose nickname is Jigger, there was despair for Howley Hall’s Marcus Armitage, who was looking to regain his playing card after finishing 152nd with winnings of €168,137 in his first season on the European Tour.

“It’s not really hit home yet,” said Thomson after he ended up in his father Nigel’s arms on the final green. “It’s so emotional, it’s been such a long journey for us to get to this point and it’s hard to let it all sink in.”

Thomson went through chemotherapy treatment to combat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia as child. “My dad’s been here with me through it all.

It’s been some tough times, but here we are and it’s great. We had a hug and a tear on 18 and I’m looking forward to getting a beer now.”

While Thomson was celebrating joining Graeme Storm and Chris Paisley as members for 2018, Armitage, Harrogate’s John Parry, York’s Simon Dyson, Barnard Castle’s Rob Dinwiddie, Masham’s Dan Brown, Sheffield’s Joe Dean and Northumberland’s Garrick Porteous all missed out on playing rights for 2018.

04 NORTHERN GOLFER

Mathew Webb

Webb’s Eastern promise

M

athew Webb is feeling confident having spent a second year travelling as a tour professional – securing a top 25 finish on the China Tour’s order of merit.

Webb, a prolific winner at home in the UK in recent years, spent a large portion of his year in China playing 14 events and winning nearly £26,000 as he finished 23rd in the season-long order of merit.

“The overall experience has been good. I’ve got to grips with the tour lifestyle and really enjoyed the mix of travelling and playing,” said Mat. “The golf side has been good; the courses are usually great layouts and the season is really varied. The

highlight was my fourth place in the Yulongwan Yunnan Open and I had a strong end to the season with a tie for 14th in the KG S&H CITY Asian Golf Championship.”

The year has also brought a lot of new experiences. “The biggest problem is the language barrier even simple things are extremely difficult at times,” added Bedlingtonbased Mat. “There’s a lot to learn on the golf course as well. I’ve made a lot of cuts but have had some very average finishes, which was disappointing.”

Webb will be heading back out to China in 2018 having learned a great deal in his first full season in Asia.

“I’ve found my first year in a totally different climate very tiring,

particularly trying to finish the season with good results with 11 events in 12 weeks.

“I need to improve my fitness while I’m back at home and try to maintain my good golf for longer.

I’ll also be trying to plan my schedule so I don’t have more than four tournament weeks in a row – though that may be tough to do with two tours in China next year with 26-28 events.

“The plan for 2018 is to win an event out in China and finish top 10 on the order of merit while playing as many of the Asia Tour and Challenge Tour co-sanctioned events as possible. If I can build on what I’ve learned this year I think it’ll be a really good year.”

Coles is charity champion After recovering from cancer Beamish Park Golf Club professional Chris Cole, along with volunteers and those who take part in the annual golf day at Beamish, has raised more than £52,600 for the Charlie Bear charity – including £9,500 this year.

Every penny raised is spent locally at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital. The 2018 Charlie Bear Charity Golf Day will take place at Beamish Park Golf Club on Thursday July 5, 2018. For more information contact Chris, tel 0191 370 1382.

Chris Cole presenting this year’s cheque to the Charlie Bear charity

TEEINGOFF

China in his hands

Senior skipper

t’s been a good year for Teesside’s Callum Tarren.

The Rockliffe Hall-based professional has been plying his trade with marked success in China, including a string of top 10 finishes and a maiden tour victory in the Jiangsu Open on his way to a third place finish in the China Tour Order of Merit with £88,360 in winnings.

It would have been the icing on the cake had he topped the order of merit and clinched a card for the European Tour, but third place is no mean feat.

Tarren took the bold move to head for the Far East to try to develop his career last season. “It’s tough being away for long stints at a time. China is a very different place to what we are used to. The golf courses are usually pretty good. Food can be difficult at times but you just have to adapt and get on with it all.

“I’m absolutely delighted with how things have gone. After having a strong 2016 out in China I was hungrier and wanted more success.”

Keith McAllister has been appointed Durham County Golf Union seniors captain.

The experienced South Shields golfer was appointed at the recent Durham County Vets annual meeting, which also voted unanimously to change its name to the Durham County Golf Union Seniors as part of a move which will associate them more closely with the County Union. The change will mean more support for the county seniors team with team kit and expenses.

I

That success came at the beginning of November when he won the Jiangsu Open. The win followed a third place finish at the Pure Pu’Er Tea Classic and second place finishes in the Shenzhou Peninsula Classic and the PGA Tour China Clearwater Bay Hong Kong.

“Over the last two seasons I’ve been knocking on the door for a win and it finally came at the Jiangsu Open which I was delighted with.”

A tied fourth place finish in the final China Tour event of the year saw Tarren clinch third place in the order of merit, but there was no resting on his laurels after a late call up to the co-sanctioned Asia & European Tour Joburg Open at Randpark in South Africa where he finished just outside the second round cut following rounds of 70 and 71 for a two underpar total before a planned return home for the Christmas break.

Callum Tarren after victory in the Jiangsu Open

Keith McAllister

MIDDLESBROUGH GOLF CLUB • BRASS CASTLE LANE Telephone 01642 311766 /311515 | www.middlesbroughgolfclub.co.uk

2018 OPEN DATES:

Gents 4BBB Stableford - Sunday 27th May | Seniors 4BBB Stableford - Wednesday 4th July Ladies Team Open - Friday 13th July | Junior Open - Friday 27th July Mixed 4BBB Stableford - Sunday 29th July | Gents 4BBB Stableford - Sunday 30th September

Entry forms available on website

WINTER 4 BALL DEAL - £100 INC BACON ROLL & COFFEE BOOK YOUR 2018 SOCIETY VISIT NOW (CALL PRO SHOP ON 01642 311766) NORTHERN GOLFER 05

TEEINGOFF

Wilson and Hall miss out

This year’s finalists Tyneside’s James Wilson and Bishop Auckland’s Jessica Hall represented the North East in the Telegraph Vitality Junior Championships at Quinta Do Lago – though both finished well off the pace set by Girls champion Annabell Fuller and Boys champion Max Hopkins.

The event brings together an elite field of juniors from around the UK and has been won by Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick in its 30-year history.

06 NORTHERN GOLFER

Gun proves a hotshot in Race2Rockliffe

D

uran Gun overcame more than 100 players from across Durham to win the 2018 Mizuno Race2Rockliffe order of merit title.

The George Washington Golf Club junior won the gross title following a playoff with Beamish Park Golf Club’s Tom Skelton at Rockliffe Hall.

In the nett event, Emily Baxter from Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club was crowned champion and won a custom-fit driver from event sponsors Mizuno. In the gross event, Tom and Duran finished tied over 15 holes in a weather-shortened final and returned to Rockliffe to decide the overall winner – Duran shooting a round of 82 to win by three shots.

This year’s Race2Rockliffe attracted more than 100 golfers, who have played more than 600 rounds of golf between them in the quest to qualify for the final. In the nett category, South Moor’s Cameron Gilray finished second as Wearside’s William Walter Girdwood finished third.

The R2R order of merit aims to

Duran Gun with George Crawford encourage more junior golfers to support the junior opens and Durham County Junior Golf Society events.

Mizuno Race 2 Rockliffe initiative manager Jordan Pout said: “2017 was a great success with more than 100 juniors from across Co Durham competing in the order of merit. 2018 will see the return of the Mizuno Race2Rockliffe, again sponsored by Mizuno Golf UK. The Durham County Junior Golf Society is very thankful for

Mizuno’s continued commitment to supporting junior golf in Durham.”

The event is open to junior members of an affiliated club in Co Durham with a CONGU handicap (max 28 boys and 36 girls). Selected junior opens and DCJGS events during the season count as qualifiers towards the order of merit, from which the top 10 players from each category (gross, boys nett and girls nett) are invited to the final at Rockliffe Hall.

TEEINGOFF

Portuguese masters

N

orthern Golfer’s Match Play Pairs champions Matt Sibley and David Wainman joined some of the region’s best professionals for the North East and North West PGA’s annual Portugal Pro Am following their victory in this year’s event.

Teaming up with Middlesbrough Golf Cub-based professional Andrew Richardson, the Northern Golfer team trailed the overall winners led by Rockliffe Hall pro Jon Stacey, but that didn’t dampen the experience for the Eaglescliffe pair.

“First of all thanks to Northern Golfer for organising a great competition which enabled us to win the prize,” said Matt on his return. “We cannot speak highly enough of the trip. We had a fantastic time, the golf courses were brilliant and the organisation and the event itself were top-class.

“I must say a special thank you to our pro Andrew, who did such a good job of looking after us.”

David added: “We will be entering Match Play Pairs again in 2018 and will be going on the holiday again - even if we don’t win - it was that good!”

In the four-day pro am played over the Pinta, O’Connor, Old Course and Palmares courses on The Algarve, Brampton Golf Club’s Philip Waugh won the professional’s title with a score of 157 points, including a two under-par final round at Palmares.

Sharpley’s Simon Robinson took second place with 156 points as Hexham’s Andy Paisley was third with 152 points.

In the team event, Jon Stacey’s team of Neil Riddell, Richard Roper and Tanny Sinfield finished with a score of 357 points to beat Andrew Scrimshaw’s team of Neil Raine, Keith Tate, Paul Trelease by six points.

The prize for winning Northern Golfer’s Match Play Pairs was provided

by Kevin Batty at Golfing Holidays.

Details of next year’s competition will be published in the next edition of Northern Golfer.

Brampton hits mark

The Brampton team receives the GolfMark award

The Northern Golfer team - Warren Butterworth, David Wainman, Andrew Richardson and Matt Sibley

The Rockliffe Hall team - Neil Riddell, Richard Roper, Tanny Sinfield and Jon Stacey

Brampton Golf Club in Cumbria, with its James Braid-designed course established in 1909, has been awarded GolfMark by England Golf.

Peter Mossop, who led the club’s push to GolfMark, said: “Brampton is a great club, it’s very friendly, welcoming and forward-thinking. This award helps us to spread that message and tell people that children are safe and secure here, and that we understand about beginner golfers. To be one of only three clubs in Cumbria with this award is a great achievement.”

GEORGE WASHINGTON GOLF CLUB

40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 2018 DRIVING RANGE Keep your Golf red hot this winter - Visit our State of the Art Driving Range at GWGC Experience our : • 16 HEATED Floodlit Bays • 6 Power Tees • Indoor HEATED teaching Bay with our PGA Proffesional , Ryan Ingram , providing 1 to 1, group and academy coaching and FREE Custom Fitting service using Flightscope. visit his website www.RLIGolf.co.uk for more details and services.

• Relax with a Coffee in our heated Cafe area • Range Open 9am till 9pm every day • Discounted Loyalty Cards and Range tickets available in the Golf Shop 9am till 6pm or use cash at the Range (accepts £2, £1 , 50p coins) For more details contact the Golf Shop on 0191 417 8346 or e-mail gsd@georgewashington.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 07

TEEINGOFF

Thorp’s top scholars meet Storm

Graeme Storm, Andrew Griffiths, Lewis Hamilton, Alan Taylor and Tim Cockill Graeme Storm was on hand to offer tips to Thorp Academy’s golf scholars at Close House as he grows his mentoring programme with elite youngsters.

The Ryton secondary school is sending its promising players across the River Tyne to Close House to develop their game and Storm will be working with them following the success of his partnership with Dyke House Sports and Technology College in Hartlepool.

Golf scholars Andrew Griffiths, Alan Taylor and Lewis Hamilton have all been provided with new Avec Sport clothing after being selected to form part of Thorp’s Elite Performer Programme.

They will work with golf consultant Storm and Close House-based PGA professional Tim Cockill.

“I love working with the children, sometimes it can be difficult because you want more from them, but I aim to do the best I can to help them improve,” said Storm.

“I have always seen myself as being involved in the game outside my own career. Kids golf has become a passion of mine, setting up the Graeme Storm Junior Open shows that and I have enjoyed working with Dyke House for the last few years too.”

Thorp’s golfers will also work at nearby Tyneside Golf Club. Scholarships are available at Thorp across a range of sports and for further information contact devans@thorpacademy.org 08 NORTHERN GOLFER

Graeme Storm competing in the British Masters

Storm’s resurgence

T

welve months ago, Graeme Storm’s career as a European Tour player wasn’t certain. A year later, following his best year as a pro since 2007, things couldn’t be more different.

“Looking back now, it’s been an amazing year,” says Storm having returned home to enjoy Christmas with his family ahead of 2018.

“I didn’t see it coming, particularly winning the tournament in South Africa, as well as having so many top 10s. You never know what is going to happen as a tour player. My focus when I was in contention this year was higher than it has been for a long time and psychologically I was in a much better place thanks to getting that second chance. I played with a lot more freedom having got a big kick up the backside.”

Storm’s win in South Africa in the first event of 2017, beating Rory McIlroy is a sudden-death playoff, elevated him from one of his lowest points into one of his greatest moments. Just 84 days after he had finished 111th on the Race to Dubai (before being pushed into the final full card spot thanks to Patrick Reed not fulfilling his membership obligations), Storm was a European Tour winner again – 10 years after

his last win in the French Open.

As well as his win at the BMW South African Open, Storm recorded top 10 finishes in the BMW PGA Championship (T6), Portugal Masters (T3), British Masters (T4) and Nedbank Golf Challenge (T10).

“The results have all come from consistency over the four days rather than great days here and there.

Competing on a regular basis and seeing my name on the leaderboard week-in week-out has given me so much confidence.

“Winning in South Africa was obviously the highlight, probably one of the biggest moments of my career.

Winning the French Open in 2007 was huge but to win after everything that had gone on the year before and how long it’s taken to win again it stands out that little bit more.

“When I look over the full year, competing under such a big spotlight at Close House is also right up there. There’s a little bit of disappointment that I didn’t finish higher up there but to play in front of a home crowd was incredible.”

With a new outlook on his prospects for a much longer career as a European Tour player, Storm is far more relaxed and raring to get going – though he admits some things are still a little far from his

grasp just now. “I’m in a much better place as I look to start out this season, with my game and mentally.

I feel like a totally different player - filled with confidence that I can compete and win. I had massive doubts that I could do that again, 10 years without a win is a long time and the doubts had built up as to whether it was coming to an end.

“I don’t set goals and targets now. I did that in 2016 and it nearly finished me off. I now take each week as it comes and enjoy being a European Tour player. It’s worked out really well so I’ll be sticking with it. Saying that, some things do make you think a little bit. I was asked by the European Tour to be measured up for the Ryder Cup outfits having made the final event of the season.

In 2015 I got to the Race to Dubai, went to the fitting and it was the biggest curse of my career.

“I’ve probably got quite a few Ryder Cup points but they’ve got no chance of getting me to do that again. I’ve spoken to Thomas Bjorn and told him I won’t be going. If I do get in, he can have my measurements straight away.”

Storm will begin his European Tour season in January with defence of his title in South Arica, January 11-14.

LEE FINDLEY P.G.A. GOLF PROFESSIONAL 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

CLUB FITTING SERVICE, WHILE YOU WAIT RE/GRIPPING PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE CHESTER-LE STREET GOLF CLUB T: 0191 3882333 E: leesproshop@hotmail.com

GOLF PRIDE TOUR WRAP G2 RRP £8.99 MY PRICE

GOLF PRIDE CP2 WRAP RRP £14.99 MY PRICE

THE GRIP KIT

£5.95

£7.95

£8.95

GOLF PRIDE MCC 4 ALIGN RRP £14.99 MY PRICE

GOLF PRIDE MULTICOMPOUND RRP £15.99 MY PRICE

SKY CADDIE SW2 WATCH

£9.95

£8.95

£139.00

TOM TOM GOLFER SE WATCH

TWO DOZEN PROV 1/PROV 1X BALLS

£139.00

£69.99

FULL SETS OF TITLEIST DEMO IRONS TO TRY!

ONLY £19.95 FOR A FULL SET OF IRONS REGRIPS WINTER SALE STARTING BOXING DAY!!

UP TO 50% OFF

CENTURION

TEEINGOFF

PARK

MEMBERSHIP OFFERS

FULL 7 DAY £535.00, OVER 65 ( 5 DAY) £425.00

GOLF SOCIETIES

2018 BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN

2018 OPENS SUPPORT OUR SOLDIERS OPEN NORTH TYNESIDE OPEN CALL FOR FURTHER DETAILS

0191 262 4231 OPTION 2

WWW.CENTURIONPARK.COM Just 4 miles from Newcastle City Centre 10 NORTHERN GOLFER

Moor Allerton Golf Club

Back to school

T

he HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour has confirmed the venues for its 2018 Qualifying School, with entries set to open on January 8.

First Stage qualifying will take place between March 28-29 across six courses in the UK with the final stage the following week at its usual host venue, Frilford Heath Golf Club in Oxfordshire.

Mannings Heath Golf Club & Wine Estate, The Players Club, Caversham Heath Golf Club, Formby Hall Golf Club, and Haggs Castle Golf Club all return having staged Qualifying School tournaments in 2017, with Moor Allerton Golf Club completing the six-course line up.

First Stage Qualifying takes place over 36 holes with golfers opting to play at one of the six courses. Golfers who are successful and make the cut at First Stage Qualifying will advance to play at Frilford Heath between April 4-6, where one round will be played on each the Red and Blue courses before the top 80 and ties from the 240-man field play a final round on the Blue Course.

Qualifying School is open to all professional golfers as well as amateurs with an official handicap of two or less.

Dan Godding, CEO of HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour, said: “ The PGA EuroPro Tour offers an exciting opportunity for golfers on Europe’s leading developmental tour, one which gives direct access to the Challenge Tour through the final order of merit.”

Qualifying School 2018 First Stage March 28-29 Mannings Heath Golf Club & Wine Estate, Sussex The Players Club, Bristol Caversham Heath Golf Club, Reading Formby Hall Golf Club, Liverpool Haggs Castle Golf Club, Glasgow Moor Allerton Golf Club, Leeds Official practice at all six venues will take place on March 27 Final Stage Wednesday, April 4 – Friday, April 6 Frilford Heath Golf Club, Oxfordshire (Red and Blue Courses) Practice to take place on Monday April 2 and Tuesday April 3

Richmond’s top 10 Richmond pair Bradley Rowntree and Steve Willis finished ninth in the final of the SkyCaddie PGA ProCaptain Challenge in Morocco.

Club professional Rowntree and captain Willis won the Regional Qualifier for the North of England at Rudding Park in August, needing countback to win despite a score of

Steve Willis and Bradley Rowntree 47 points. The victory sealed a spot in the grand final in Morocco with the pair going head-to-head with nine other finalist pairings to have won through from regional qualifiers.

TEEINGOFF

Bay go close

W

hitley Bay Golf Club’s junior team promised to go one better when they missed out on the Home Nations Final last year - and they did.

The North East club qualified for the England Final of the Home Nations Inter-Club Junior Team Championship for their second successive year and went up against Chelmsford, Royal Norwich, Bramshaw, Thirsk and Northallerton and Ealing at Clitheroe.

Last year, Whitley missed out on being one the top two teams to go through to the Home Nations Final, but not this time and they will be off to the Morgado Golf course in Portugal in March after finishing a close second to Hampshire club Bradshaw. The tail end of storm Brian brought high winds and

Whitley Bay’s junior team heavy rain to the course overnight on Saturday and into Sunday morning leading to a delay and the competition was reduced to a nine hole format to enable the final to be decided on the day.

Bramshaw emerged winners after a card playoff and there was only 2.5 shots covering the top five teams, but it was Whitley who were runners-up and they go forward to the final in Portugal with Bramshaw where they will compete against

teams from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Tournament director Marcus Chisholm, who is chairman of the Northumbria Golf League, congratulated all the players on enduring very difficult conditions.

The Whitley Bay team of Rosie Belsham, Brandon Jones, Charlotte Pickering, James Burston, Alex Jay and Jack Iredale are pictured above receiving their prizes from Clitheroe captain Peter Hargreaves.

Leeds Golf Centre has launched a bid to become a multimillion-pound complex. Subject to approval, the new facilities at Wike Ridge would include lodges, a spa and an expansion of the driving range. The £9m scheme is being discussed with Leeds City Council.

NORTHERN GOLFER 11

Opens for 2018 Senior Open 15th February 2018 4BBB Stableford £20 per couple Senior Open 19th April 2018 4BBB Stableford £25.00 per couple Hartlepool Open 5th May 2018 4BBB Stableford £25.00 per couple John Proud Open 4th August 2018 4BBB Stableford £25.00 per couple John Proud Mixed Open 5th August 2018 4BBB Stableford £20.00 per couple Senior Open 13th September 2018 4BBB Stableford £25.00 per couple To enter any of the opens please download entry form from www.hartlepoolgolfclub.com or www.golfempire.co.uk

WINTER GOLF SPECIALS

Available from 8th Jan till 23rd March MONDAY TO FRIDAY MUST BE PREBOOKED MINIMUM 4 PLAYERS

HARTLEPOOL GOLF CLUB, Hart Warren, Hartlepool, TS24 9QF hartlepoolgolf@btconnect.com www.hartlepoolgolfclub.co.uk 01429 267473

BRANCEPETH CASTLE GOLF CLUB MENS OPENS 2018 Spring Team of 4 Stableford – Mon 26th March - £40 per team Team of 4 Stableford – Mon 7th May & Sat 22nd Sept - £68 per team 4BBB Stableford – Sun 27th May, Sat 7th July & Sat 11th August - £34 per pair Seniors 4BBB Stableford – Thurs 17th May & Thurs 9th August - £30 per pair Junior Open (Race 2 Rockliffe qualifier) Thursday 31st May - £5.00 entry Junior Membership up to age 18 less than £20 per annum

Wishing everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from BCGC thank you for your support during the year Telephone - 0191 3780075 Option 2 or email enquiries@brancepeth-castle-golf.co.uk Competition & Golf bookings available online at www.brancepeth-castle-golf.co.uk THE CLUBHOUSE, BRANCEPETH, DH7 8EA 12 NORTHERN GOLFER

TEEINGOFF

GET 3 MONTHS FREE WITH OUR JANUARY 2018 TO MARCH 2019 MEMBERSHIPS

£575 F U L L M E M B E R S H I P S O N LY

All categories apply. Monthly payment options are available.

Middlesbrough MP Simon Clarke cuts the ribbon to officially open Middlesbrough’s driving range flanked by Bryan Sloper (left) and Hebron Oxley

Top Brass

GIFT VOUCHERS

M

iddlesbrough South MP Simon Clarke tried his hand at hitting a few shots when he officially opened Middlesbrough Golf Club’s new driving range and academy.

Supported by Sport England with a £65,000 grant from its lotteryfunded Inspired Facilities Scheme as well as money from the club’s funds, the new six-bay range was built by local company Protective Systems Limited.

Clarke praised the club’s initiative and hard work in putting together the bid before cutting the ribbon to open the range and then trying a few shots.

The covered range has five practice bays and a state-of-the-art coaching bay equipped with the latest technology and coaching aids - much to the delight of club professional Gordon Cattrell.

LESSON VOUCHERS

DRIVING RANGE VOUCHERS

MEMBERSHIP VOUCHERS

FOURBALL VOUCHERS

All available to purchase from our golf shop

Middlesbrough pro Gordon Cattrell in the driving range

Telephone: 0191 236 4480 info@parklandsgolf.co.uk www.parklandsgolf.co.uk

“It’s superb,” he said. “It provides members with an all-weather practice facility and offers schools, colleges, disabled people and seniors groups an opportunity to get into golf through lessons and coaching.”

Club chairman Bryan Sloper said there has already been “an enthusiastic welcome from member and visiting groups.”

Groups interested in lessons and coaching should contact Cattrell, tel 01642 311 766 or email gcattrell@tgigolf.com or contact Karen Smith, the club’s office manager, tel 01642 311 515.

Parklands Golf Club, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HP

On course Members of Catterick Golf Club headed north to Trump Turnberry for the National Golf Challenge Competition and returned with a number of prizes.

The event supports the On Course Golf Foundation charity, which supports the recovery of injured and sick service personnel and veterans through nationwide golf events as well as their employment in the golf industry.

The Catterick men’s team finished in fourth place as the ladies team finished third. Injured ex-serviceman

MAKE THE GOLFER IN YOUR LIFE VERY HAPPY THIS CHRISTMAS WITH ONE OF OUR MANY VOUCHERS TO CHOOSE FROM:

FOX & HOUNDS Nigel & Patsy would like to wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

l-r: Val Hay, Ram Malla, Val Carveth, Gareth Harris, Steve May, Vicky Iveson, Frank Iveson, Sandra Jones, Meenjang Gurung and Margaret Suffell Tony Boyd, a member of Catterick, was also invited to the event. Tony lost a leg following an accident while in service and now plays golf off 18. Tony and Val Hay were also individual prize winners at the event.

4 Handpulls - 3 Regular & 1 Guest Ale on rotation Sunday Lunch - 12 til sold out Monthly Themed Dining Evenings Call in before or after your round of Golf for a home cooked meal (Advanced bookings required) Local Golf Courses include Tyneside, Ryton and Prudhoe

FOX & HOUNDS WYLAM - Main Road, Wylam NE41 8DL. Tel: 01661 599172 NORTHERN GOLFER 13

TEEINGOFF

Portugal bound Wearside duo Craig Mathieson and Gary Hope are off to Portugal in January to compete at Vale do Lobo.

The pair won the Titleist Footjoy Matchplay Pairs Durham and Northumberland Championship to qualify for the Northern Final at Sandmoor, where they finished third with 42 points to get through to Vale Do Lobo.

They will be joined by Malton & Norton’s Richard Hudson and Paul Deverell, who won at Sandmoor with 45 points as Runcorn’s Carl Smith and Tipu Salahuddin finished runners-up with 43 points.

Rockcliffe’s Tony Sinfield and Richard Roper, and Newbiggin’s Neil Glendenning and Russell Jacques just missed out finishing fifth and sixth respectively.

Wear delighted

S

underland legend Gary Bennett and Howard Walton teamed up to officially open Wearside’s new academy course as part of the club’s 125th birthday celebrations.

The £85,000 project was made possible by a £70,000 Sport England grant with the club funding the rest from their own resources.

The nine-hole par three course was unveiled as part of a launch of the club’s academy with Gary and club captain Howard among the first to tee off. They were joined by other officials and captains John Chaytor,

l-r: Ray Tatters, Howard Walton (club captain), Harvey Craig (honorary captain), and Gary Bennett Linda Lowes, William Girdwood and Harvey Craig as well as juniors Elliott Moon and Millie Hixon. The par three course has been set up to offer older and younger members a place to play

Members and guests in front to the Wearside clubhouse to make the 125th anniversary celebrations

and practice, as well as encourage people to give the sport a try.

The course’s completion was also made possible thanks to the support of Sunderland City Council - which backed the grant application. Club chairman Jim Dutton said: “We are finding it popular with a lot of older members, some in their 80s, who can’t manage a game on the full course.”

There is also a replica of St Andrews’ Himalaya putting green and a driving range which members of the public are also welcome to try.

Castle Eden Golf Club 18 Hole picturesque parkland course MEMBERSHIPS All categories available - Flexible payment options

JUNIORS UNDER THE AGE OF ELEVEN GO FREE AT CEGC (Free for a relation of a full seven-day member) Contact the club secretary for details.

SOCIETIES Golf Packages from £20 per person for further details on the above telephone the Secretary on 01429 836510 or email secretary@castleedengolfclub.co.uk VISITORS Winter 4 Ball only £80 (until 31st March) Summer 4 Ball £100 To book or for further details telephone the Pro Shop on 01429 836689

Castle Eden Golf Club, Castle Eden, TS27 4SS www.castleedengolfclub.co.uk 14 NORTHERN GOLFER

TEEINGOFF

Miracle workers

R

amside Estates Ltd has invested £200,000 in a new excavator and “miracle concrete” to renovate 40 bunkers on its Prince Bishops Course.

The Jonathan Gaunt-designed championship course has more than 80 bunkers and the restoration work will focus on upgrading 40 of them by installing new technologies to improve drainage and protect against the effects of flooding and adverse weather.

Roger Shaw, courses manager at Ramside Estates Ltd, said: “After 20 years of play, the drainage systems in the Prince Bishops’ bunkers have begun to struggle and need renovating. This is going to be the biggest bunker renovation project I’ve undertaken in over 30 years of greenkeeping and promises to deliver exceptional improvements in the way our bunkers play and handle wet weather.”

Ramside is also investing in Capillary Concrete, a Swedish

Roger Shaw

product which allows moisture to drain through it, to upgrade drainage and prevent wash-outs in bad weather.

The bunker renovations are the latest phase in a multi-million pound programme of investment that has seen Ramside build a second 18-hole championship course, an all-weather synthetic short game practice facility, a second practice putting green and a new storage shelter for 36 ClubCar golf buggies.

Helen Roseberry, director of golf at Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Cub, said: “Today’s golf market is increasingly competitive and golf course owners have to look at ways to improve their facilities, and deliver an outstanding experience for members and visitors.

“It was clear to us that the bunkers on the Prince Bishops Course needed new technology to withstand the weather and match the quality course conditions golfers enjoy when they tee up at Ramside.”

Read our review of Ramside’s Cathedral Course on page 36

Junior drive

Oulton’s boys team with the Ken Romaine Salver Oulton Hall has made competitive golf more accessible for the younger generation with the addition of junior tees.

The nine-hole, par 36 course has been added to the existing 18 hole Calverley course and new FUEL (Future Elite) junior tees have been included to create a fun-length layout to help younger golfers get out on the course.

The scheme is already paying off as Sam McIntyre won the overeight category of the American Golf Junior Championships Ping Star of the Future while the boys’ team won the Ken Romaine Salver this season.

WINTER DEAL CHRISTMAS

ROUND GIVE AWAY

Buy 8 x 2 ball* vouchers for only £100! Limited offer *Play Monday-Friday only

WINTER OPENS

Monday 18th December 2017 Monday 29th January 2018 Monday 26th February 2018 - Texas Scramble - Visitors £15 per pair/ Members £8 per pair Please call us on 0191 4133253 to book your tee time.

Cheques made payable to Ryton Golf Club or pay by card over the phone

Address Ryton Golf Club Clara Vale, Ryton, Tyne & Wear, NE40 3TD

Contact Email: secretary@rytongolfclub.co.uk Phone: 0191 4133253 Website: www.rytongolfclub.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/RytonGolfClub NORTHERN GOLFER 15

CHESTER-LE-STREET GOLF CLUB

MEMBERSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE Pro rata memberships available to the end of the year.

Join a club which is investing in its course.

WORK IS WELL ADVANCED ON MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THREE MORE HOLES OPENS 2018

SENIORS – Wednesday 18th April MIXED – Sunday 5th May MENS AMATUER – Saturday 26th May LADIES – Wednesday 30th May SENIORS – Monday 11th June SENIORS – Tuesday 31st July 4 PLAYER TEAM CHALLENGE – 18th August LADIES AM-AM – Wednesday 22nd August 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

YEARREVIEW Sergio Garcia

Graeme Storm

Jess Baker

Another year over

While 2017 may have been a year to forget on many fronts, the region’s golfers have provided plenty of highlights. Here’s our pick of the year’s best stories…

JANUARY-FEBRUARY Graeme Storm produced one of the golfing stories of the year within its first couple of weeks.

Having lost his card (temporarily thanks to Patrick Reed) 84 days earlier, Storm overcame Rory McIlroy in a sudden-death playoff to win the BMW South African Open and went on to produce his best season in 10 years. Elsewhere, Alex Wrigley won in the UAE and the golfing world paid tribute to John Jacobs.

MARCH The first winners of the season were crowned - Sergio Garcia lifted his maiden major title at The Masters and Ramside Hall’s John Potts and Graeme Robson lifted the 2016 Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs title following a winter delay.

MAY

Meanwhile, Burgham Park reopened with Kevin Gow at the helm and the North East paid tribute to Northumberland golf legend David Beardall.

APRIL The list of winners grew quickly in April as the first events of the British season took place. Jess Baker starred on our cover following her win in the Midland under 16 Girls Championship, Gavin Moynihan shot a final round of 68 to win the seasonopening Lookers Championship at Close House on the EuroPro Tour, Briony Bayles lifted the Durham County Ladies Championship and Adam Chapman picked up the first win of his professional career on the 1836 Tour.

Callum Tarren starred on April’s cover

With the season in full swing we kept the local, national and international success coming as Chris Handy won the Durham County Championship and Alex Wrigley won in Denmark as Jessica Hall won three titles within a fortnight across the North of England. There were also wins for Cameron Wallace in the Seaton Slaver, Rosie Belsham became the youngest ever winner of the Northumberland County Ladies Championship, Angie Heads won the Northumberland Ladies Vets County title, and young Aaron Mansfield became a international star after stars of the European Tour helped him celebrate his birthday at Wentworth.

NORTHERN GOLFER 17

YEARREVIEW

Nick Marsh Rosie Belsham

JUNE Girl power was in full force in June as Rosie Belsham made our cover following her recordbreaking win and Jessica Hall smashed more records en-route to her second North of England Schools Championship. In the professional ranks Rob Dinwiddie and Nick McCarthy won the right to fly the flag for our region at the Open Championship, Nick Marsh won the EuroPro Tour’s Dawson & Sanderson Classic at Longhirst, David Clark won the NE/NW PGA Championship and Simon Robinson won the Northumberland & Durham Open. Elsewhere, Andrew Minnikin won the Northumberland Strokeplay Championship, Rhys Thompson won three titles in 15 days, James Wilson won the Durham County Boys Championship and Mark Booth won the Leeds Senior Masters.

JULY Garrick Porteous confirmed his status as one of region’s best young professionals by winning his first European Challenge Tour title at the Prague Golf Challenge as Alex Stevenson jumped into the national spotlight with her win at the Scottish Girls Under 16 Championship.

Closer to home Ian McEntee won the Durham County Matchplay 18 NORTHERN GOLFER

Alex Fitzpatrick – who beat brother Matt’s record for winning the men’s and boys’ Yorkshire county titles.

SEPTEMBER

Alex Stevenson Championship, Phil Ridden captured his first Northumberland County Championship title and top coach JJ Vallely shared his coaching secrets in our cover feature. And there was the small matter of Sergio Garcia joining the line-up for the British Masters.

AUGUST The final countdown to the British Masters began and Northumberland shocked the northern golfing landscape by winning the Men’s County Qualifying Championship (Big Six). Arron Edwards-Hill travelled north to win the North of England Open Amateur Youth Golf Championship at Middlesbrough Golf Club, which was supported by Northern Golfer for the first time in 2017. There were also wins for Andrew Wilson in the Lee Westwood trophy, David Clark and Martin Jobling in the Golfbreaks.com PGA Fourball Championship, Whitby Golf Club in English Club Team Championship for a second year in a row and

The biggest moment in nearly two decades of North East golf took place at Close House as Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia and some of golf ’s biggest names arrived for the British Masters. Paul Dunne produced one of the season’s best Sunday finishes to leapfrog the field and claim the title as Graeme Storm flew the flag for the North East and finished in a tie for fourth. There was also the small matter of the Northern Golfer Champion of Champions events in partnership with Lookers Renault at Ramside Hall – won by Tynemouth couple Stew Fell and Rebecca Ferguson alongside junior champion Joseph Robson from Hexham.

Lee Westwood

YEARREVIEW

The biggest moment in nearly two decades of North East golf took place at Close House in September Those somewhat overshadowed City of Newcastle’s win the English Champion Club Championship as Andrew Minnikin was back in the winner’s circle in the Northern Amateur Masters, father and son John and Rob King won the PING Family Fourball Betterball title, Alex Belt won on the EuroPro Tour, and David Clark topped the NE/NW PGA Order of Merit.

OCTOBER-DECEMBER Eaglescliffe duo Matt Sibley and Dave Wainman capped a great year for the event by winning the Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs title. In the final few events of the season, David Hague won the North of England Open Championship and City of Newcastle narrowly missed out on the European Club title.

Matt Sibley and David Wainman Stew Fell and Rebecca Ferguson

BEAMISH PARK

A PARKLAND CLASSIC

Winter Special Green Fee Offer from 16th October through to 31st March 2018 The cost is £15 including a bowl of our Chef’s legendary homemade soup.

Special Buggy offer of £10 if conditions permit usage.

Function Room

Free use of our panoramic 120 max person Function Room for your Special Celebration.

We can provide a range of services to help make your day a memorable occasion. Please enquire for details.

Full Catering Facilities

Our Chef is renowned for his quality and delicious food menu, including a choice of Gluten Free meals.

Tailored menus to suit all occasions.

Membership Offers

We offer a range of Ladies and Gents Membership Options from £200 and Juniors from £49 a year For further information please Contact: The Secretary’s Office 0191 3701382 Beamish Park Golf Club, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 ORH

www.beamishgolf.co.uk

@beamish park_gc

Beamish Golf Club

NORTHERN GOLFER 19

PROFILE

Merry Christmas Winter Warmer Monday-Friday Full English Breakfast & A Round Of Golf £15.95 Quote *English* when you book See our facebook page for our Christmas Party Nights!

PRO -FILE

TIM COCKILL AGE: 32 TURNED PRO: 2007 HOME CLUB: CLOSE HOUSE

burnhill way, newton aycliffe, co.durham, dl5 4pn pro shop: 01325 319977 bar & restaurant: 01325 318454 www.woodhamgolfandcountryclub.co.uk golf@woodhamgolfandleisure.co.uk

OPENS 2018

Seniors Open – 16th May - £20 per pair Pairs Open - 26th May – £20 per pair Ladies Open – 7th July - £12 per pair Pairs Open – 21st July - £20 per pair Texas Scramble – 4th August – £40 per team Team of 4 Open – 18th August - £40 per team Seniors Open – 26th September - £20 per pair Pairs Open – 7th October £20 per pair

VISITING PARTIES WELCOME

Booking are now being taken for 2018 Packages tailored to suit your needs

MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE FOR 2018 See our website for details

FOR MORE INFORMATION RING 0191 5811268 FOR MEMBERSHIP / 0191 5130837 FOR VISITING PARTIES OR EMAIL SEAHAMGOLFCLUB@BTCONNECT.COM SHREWSBURY STREET, SEAHAM, CO. DURHAM SR7 7RD SEAHAMGOLFCLUB.CO.UK

20 NORTHERN GOLFER

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS “Coming to Close House to focus on my teaching was a big change having been at Slaley Hall and Rockliffe Hall - and definitely a career highlight. The British Masters at Close House this season was also a huge one; being part of that was incredible.”

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO THIS SEASON? “I’ve spent a lot of my time teaching again this year, it’s the core of my career and what I love to do. I say every year that I’m going to play more and compete locally but with such a busy schedule I’ve put that off again.

“I work with a wide range of players from initiatives like Get into Golf, the junior sessions at the PGA Academy and working with the Royal Horse Artillery through to more elite stuff with members and working with the Northumberland County Golf Partnership and Thorp Academy’s golf scholarship programme.

“Being on the range for the British Masters was an amazing experience. It gave me a big push to play more seeing the guys at the top of the game and it was really interesting to see the players working with some of the best coaches in the world at the same time.”

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE GAME? “Growing up in York, my dad played at York Golf Club and I used to go down and hit balls with him and my grandparents. I came up to Northumbria University to study sports management as part of a golf scholarship and I’ve been working in golf in the North East ever since.”

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? “More development as a coach - including some more studying this winter. I’m looking forward to seeing the players I work with develop and win more events. And after all that I need to play some more golf - this is going to be the year I do it!”

TOURLIFE

MAGDALENE FIELDS GOLF CLUB Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1NE

NEW MEMBER SPECIAL OFFER

Chris Paisley

JOIN NOW UNTIL 31st MARCH 2019 Adult £300 Seniors £280 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

Backworth Golf Club

TOUR LIFE MERRY CHRISTMAS!

So this is my final column of the year and I’ve just finished my final event of 2017. I’ve played in Hong Kong and Australia the past two weeks, which were the first two events of the 2018 season. I had an encouraging start in Hong Kong, finishing 23rd but unfortunately missed the cut in Australia. Funnily enough, I played about the same in both events. I just wasn’t a fan of the course or greens in Australia - neither of which suited my eye. Judging by the amount of Aussie lads doing well that week local knowledge was important!

Last month I talked about tweaking the nature of my practice sessions. I wanted to create and simulate more pressure situations to better prepare myself for tournament golf, rather than focus on getting my game to ‘look’ good. I only had a few weeks of implementing this before Hong Kong but the benefits were clear. I felt much more prepared going into the event. I didn’t feel rusty like I normally do after a break. It was satisfying to see even a small improvement in such a short space of time. My driving over the two tournaments was encouraging too. I am no longer worried about a big miss and it is getting better all the time.

I am also much more organised than this time last year. I already know my schedule, including which events my swing coach Andrew Nicholson and putting coach Andy Paisley are coming to. I also know when I will be seeing my trainer Kenny McKenzie and physiotherapist Karen Young. I know the periods where I can hit the gym and practice hard, and the periods where I need to take it easy. I feel a lot of clarity going into 2018 and I’m excited.

A marathon journey from Brisbane to Orlando awaits. When I get there I get to spend some time with my wife, enjoy a couple of nice bottles of wine, and get to grips with my big green egg barbeque. Chef Paisley will be back with a bang!

Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you all, thank you for the support as always. See you in 2018.

From 1st November Winter green fees 9 or 18 holes £10

MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL OFFER

JOIN NOW UNTIL 1ST JAN 2019

JUST £475

Telephone the Manager John Robinson on 0191 2684247 Visitors welcome on Saturday’s after 11.00am Telephone 0191 2689131 for course availability, information and events Email: backworthminers@gmail.com • www.backworthminers.co.uk/golf The Hall, Backworth, NE27 0AH

WINTER ONLINE SPECIAL GREEN FEES 18 HOLES £15PP NEW MEMBER INTRODUCTORY RATE 2018 FULL £250 • SECOND CLUB £195 COUNTRY ( OVER 25 MILES ) £195 NOTHING MORE TO PAY UNTIL 1.11.18 VISITING PARTIES WELCOME 7 DAYS A WEEK BOOK NOW FOR 2018 DISCOUNT RATES EARLY BIRD SPECIAL OF FREE 4 BALL PRIZE FOR PARTIES OF 12+ BUGGIES & CATERING AVAILABLE

Bellingham Golf Club Boggle Hole Bellingham NE48 2DT admin@bellinghamgolfclub.com

www.bellinghamgolfclub.com VISITORS WELCOME 7 DAYS A WEEK

BOOK NOW ON 01434 220530

NORTHERN GOLFER 21

ROSEBERRY GRANGE COMMUNITY GOLF CLUB

SUPERB

WINTER

OFFER JOIN NOW UNTIL

GREEN FEES

MEMBERSHIP

31ST MAR 2019 ADULT £499 OVER 60 £399 18 YEARS & UNDER £60 INTERMEDIATE (19-29 YEARS) DISCOUNTED RATES Direct Debit Available

ANY LADY GOLFER CAN JOIN FOR £225

WARMER

£10 PER ROUND (INCLUDES HOME-MADE SOUP & BUN)

BOOK YOUR

2018

GOLF SOCIETY

NO W AT 2017 PRICES!!

FOOTGOLF

‘HOST OF THE UK NORTHERN OPEN 2015 & 2016’ 18 HOLES OF FOOTGOLF ON OUR PURPOSE BUILT COURSE. ADULTS £10 PER ROUND UNDER 16’S £7 PER ROUND

WE CATER FOR BIRTHDAY PARTY’S AND CORPORATE EVENTS AND ALL SOCIAL GROUP BOOKINGS.

GRANGE VILLA, CHESTER LE STREET, COUNTY DURHAM DH2 3NF

www.roseberrygrange.com | Telephone: 0191 370 0660

DEANBAILEY

Dean Bailey

On the clock

A

Another four hour-plus round of fourball betterball awaits this weekend, but why must club golf take so long?

s you’ve already guessed, this month’s column is all about slow play and there is a lot to get off my chest.

Before I get into why taking more than four hours to play a round of golf is ridiculous for club golfers, I understand why some rounds do take longer, and that golf should be enjoyed rather than simply being a race.

In certain circumstances slow play is near unavoidable though a few of the steps outlined later would help if you’re not doing them already. First up, playing long courses can take a while – though there is no excuse for playing a tour length venue in a fourball knock with the lads when you can’t reach the fairways – you know who you are. We also all inevitably slow down when playing in the rain (the only unavoidable cause I can think of). I also understand that the final stages of a County Championship may take longer (note this is not the same as a Wednesday afternoon medal – you know who you are).

At the top level of the game, things are changing. The European Tour will again trial a shot clock during this season with players expected to play their shots within 40 seconds.

The players welcome the idea and I hope it does help some of the guys out there get on with it.

As for club golfers, the issue doesn’t seem to be those elaborate, 14-swing, two taps of the belt buckle pre-shot routines or checking the wind direction six times before pulling the trigger (if that is you please stop immediately, I’m sure it won’t affect your rounds of 97 anyway).

This issue instead is one of common sense, or the lack there of. We’ve all heard these a million times before but so many people just don’t get it and have no awareness of

how they can affect the rest of the field queuing up behind them. First up, don’t mark your card on the green – do it on the next tee or even in the next fairway. Second, be aware of what’s going on around you and when it will be your turn to play. Use this to know when to get started checking your yardage, choosing a club and everything else you can do while waiting to play. Leave your bag on the correct side of the green to make a quick exit – especially if you have a trolley.

Others of course are less common sense and are caused by a complete lack of self-awareness. For instance, your conversation on the tee doesn’t need to begin when it’s your turn to play – save it for the walk up the fairway and hit your shot. Instead of holding up play to faff around with your bag, leave it until you make it to the tee or when it’s not your turn.

There are so many things golfers can do which add no time to their own round but when added together can cause misery for the group following them.

You can also add in the adoption of Ready Golf (which most clubs have already asked players to adhere to in competitions outside of matchplay, and all should) to really help speed things up. The biggest change to most club golfers is to play out of turn if safe to do so (e.g. if a long hitter is waiting for the fairway or green to clear, if a playing partner has lost a ball or if the person with the honour is delayed on the way to the tee). The last one, and the one which got me thinking about this column, is by far the most infuriating and the cause of my latest four hour-plus round on a Sunday morning. If playing fourball betterball and you’re partner has a tap-in for a three please pick up the ball you’ve just knifed out of the bunker with your fifth shot – you know who you are!

NORTHERN GOLFER 23

ADAMCHAPMAN

Happy Chap Dean Bailey chats with the EuroPro Tour’s tour champion Adam Chapman, reflects on his first year as a professional and finds out what lies ahead for the region’s newest Challenge Tour player

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

ADAMCHAPMAN

A

dam Chapman is the first to admit his first year as a professional has been a rollercoaster.

An early win on the 1836 Tour was followed by a string of successful cuts on the EuroPro Tour - a steady start to life in the paid ranks.

A dip in form followed however, as did a back injury, and things looked to be heading toward an assured, if unspectacular, opening year as a professional with a top 60 finish in the EuroPro’s Race to Amendoeira.

Jump forward to the Sky Sports Tour Championship at the Oceanico Faldo Course and a year of consolidating his place as a satellite tour player leapt into a stellar year as he lifted the trophy with a three-shot win over Min Kyu Kim - securing a £22,500 cheque and a full card for the 2018 Challenge Tour.

“It’s been an interesting few weeks to say the least. I’m just about caught up with what’s happened now,” says Adam – now a month removed from the Tour Championship.

“Things hadn’t quite clicked this season and although I knew I could win, I wasn’t expecting it going into the week.”

The reaction at home was similarly unexpected, adds Adam. “My dad was out working and he didn’t find out until about an hour afterwards; my mum was nearly in tears when she found out.

“The team at Carus Green, including my sponsor Graham Curtin, were all really proud as well.

Everyone has been over the moon having watched me try so hard to do this from being a kid. Without my parents and the backing of Graham I wouldn’t have got this far.”

Adam led each round of the Tour Championship in Portugal and recorded a hole-in-one on the second day en-route to the trophy. However, the final

round wasn’t without its nervy moments. Having started the final round with a four-shot lead, Adam was in tie for the lead after just five holes. A spell of attacking golf around the turn followed, including birdies at the 11th and 14th to return his three-shot lead and secure the title.

“I knew I was playing well enough having got into that position and I just had to trust myself to come through and get the win.

“I couldn’t believe what happened and it’s taken a while to get my head around it. I’ve had to change all the plans I’d started to put into place for next year,” adds Adam, who changed his putter in the week before the event having struggled on the greens for much of the season.

Those plans, to push up the EuroPro rankings while continuing to work on his game in 2018, have been replaced with travel planning, learning as much as possible from his fellow pros about life on the Challenge Tour and gearing up to launch a bid to maintain his Challenge Tour status.

“The goal for 2018 is similar to the one I had starting out this year, to maintain my card and build up some experience as a tour player. The only difference is I’ll be going all over the world,” he adds.

Having returned home to take in the win with his mum Helen, dad Peter and girlfriend Leonie, Adam returned to Portugal for the end of the season before he plans to unwind over the Christmas period ahead of getting straight back to work in the New Year.

“I’ll not be having too much time off but I’m looking forward to being back home and enjoying time with the family and my girlfriend. I’ve got some work to do in the gym and I want to spend some time with my coach Andrew Pickering at Carus Green ahead of getting started on the Challenge Tour in March.”

The first year for any tour professional is a steep

NORTHERN GOLFER 25

ADAMCHAPMAN

learning curve, though Adam admits his second year may yet prove to be an even steeper curve.

“I learned a lot this year, including that I play a little bit too much. I played 16 EuroPro events this year including three I shouldn’t have played after I injured my back. I played a lot of golf as an amateur too and I’ve now learned that playing week-in week-out isn’t always the best for my game.”

An England international from the age of 17, 22-year-old Adam turned pro at the start of the

“Playing week-in week-out isn’t always best for my game” year following three years as an elite amateur as part of the England system.

“I was a bit undecided about turning pro and didn’t know whether I should spend another year with England. I got mixed feedback from the people I asked but I decided to go for it - I think it’s worked out pretty well so far.

“As a whole my year has been a rollercoaster.

I seem to play my best golf at the end of the year, that’s when my big wins came as an amateur, and as my form builds through the season the results tend to follow.”

26 NORTHERN GOLFER

Adam Chapman celebrating in style

Adam Chapman with the Tour Championship trophy When it comes to experiences, Adam admits he’s learned a lot this season. “The most important thing I learned was to not play too much golf. I played too much as an amateur and fell into that cycle again this year. I need to plan my season out better, get more organised and be aware of how I sync things up to play my best golf.”

With planning a year of travel around the world ahead of him, a pause for reflection reveals just how far Adam has surpassed even his own expectations.

“My target at the start of the year was to make the top 60 on the EuroPro Tour. I was gearing up for another year on the EuroPro. Now I don’t need to…and I can’t wait to get going again.

“The standard will be high and my only plan so far is to go out there and play my best every week. Much like last year, if I can keep my card I’d be happy – anything else is a bit of bonus.”

That bonus proved to be a pretty big one in 2017. Just imagine what 2018 could bring…

NORTHERN

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

/northerngolferuk

@northerngolferuk

george washington h o t e l ,

g o l f

&

s pa

Mercure George Washington Hotel, Golf & Spa Stone Cellar Road | High Usworth | Washington | NE37 1PH 0191 402 9988 | www.georgewashington.co.uk

STAY&PLAY GEORGE WASHINGTON HOTEL, GOLF & SPA

Be our guest With plenty of dark nights to plan next season’s golf, this month we’ve taken a look at some of our favourite stay and play venues for 2018

GEORGE WASHINGTON HOTEL, GOLF & SPA George Washington is everything you want in a golf resort.

Celebrating its 40th year in 2018, the championship course is complemented by a 16-bay driving range with teaching suites. There’s also a five-hole Academy course and the 103-bedroom hotel, which will be expanded next year with the addition of 20 new double rooms with balconies overlooking the 10th tee, offers great stay and play rates and dining throughout the day as well as a recently refurbished gym and spa facilities for those needing to relax after a day on the course.

At the heart of the resort is the

par 73 18-hole layout measuring 6,625 yards from the back tees.

The fairways here are generous, however trees await should you fail to find the short grass. The opening back-to-back par fives offer a great opportunity to get off to a flying start, while George Washington’s version of Amen corner - a stretch of three tricky par fours - will test players of all levels with tough drives leading to tricky undulating greens. Play this stretch in level par and you’re on for a great score.

George Washington Hotel, Golf and Spa, Stone Cellar Road High Usworth, Washington NE37 1PH, tel 0191 417 8346 www.georgewashington.co.uk

NORTHERN GOLFER 29

STAY&PLAY ALNMOUTH GOLF CLUB Overlooking Foxton Bay, an area of natural outstanding beauty on the Northumberland coast, Alnmouth Golf Club has a long and distinguished history and is proud of its heritage as the fourth oldest club in England, established in 1869.

Designed by HS Colt it is regarded as one of the finest golf courses in the North East, renowned for the condition of its greens and overall presentation. Now a Top 100 golf course in the UK, Alnmouth also has first-class practice facilities, a driving range and golf buggies for hire.

Only 40 minutes drive from Newcastle, Alnmouth is easily accessed and visitors are always given a warm Northumbrian welcome. For those staying and playing, the 26-bed Dormy House within the clubhouse is designed to accommodate golfers with twin or single rooms with en-suite facilities while golf breaks can be organised to include a choice of the best courses in Northumberland.

Alnmouth Golf Club, Foxton Hall Alnmouth, Northumberland NE66 3BE, tel 01665 830 231 www.alnmouthgolfclub.com

AULD CROSS KEYS INN

ALNMOUTH GOLF CLUB

30 NORTHERN GOLFER

AULD CROSS KEYS INN The Auld Cross Keys Country Inn, Denholm has been at the heart of life in the town for more than 200 years. A popular choice with golfers visiting the Scottish Borders, the former bakehouse offers 12 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 26 people. Within a short

drive of some of the best courses in the Scottish Borders, including Eyemouth, Torwoodlee, Minto, Jedburgh, Kelso and the Hirsel, the Auld Cross Keys serves as a perfect base for visiting golfers. Auld Cross Keys Inn, Main Street, Denholm Hawick, TD9 8NU, tel 01450 870 305, www.crosskeysdenholm.co.uk

STAY&PLAY CAIRNDALE HOTEL Situated in Dumfries town centre, the Cairndale Hotel is the ideal place for golf breaks around Dumfries & Galloway and down into Cumbria with great connections with local clubs ensuring your trip takes in the best of the region’s courses. Golf Co-ordinator Kevin Potts is available year-round to organise every aspect of golfing breaks, from tee times to your preferred meals and rooms in

the hotel, making a golf trip for four or 40 as easy as possible. All golf breaks with the Cairndale include a full Scottish breakfast, four-course table D’hôtel dinner, free use of the hotel’s leisure facilities and more, and you’ll find offers posted on the website regularly.

Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club English Street, Dumfries DG1 2DF, tel 01387 254 111 www.cairndalehotel.co.uk

ALNMOUTH GOLF CLUB FOXTON HALL

CAIRNDALE HOTEL Situated on the magnificent Northumberland coast only 100 yards from the beach, Alnmouth Golf Club has all the ingredients for a unique golf break in the area. Golf and Hospitality are our speciality.

DORMY HOUSE GOLF BREAKS 2018 English Tourism 3 Star Accommodation - Tripadvisor 2017 Certificate of Excellence • Dinner Bed and Breakfast with 2 Rounds of Golf Breaks available from £90 per person • 2 Night Breaks with 3 Rounds of Golf from a choice of Northumberland Golf Courses from £210 • Coastal Classic Golf Break - Golf at Alnmouth, Goswick Links & Bamburgh Castle with 2 Nights Dinner Bed and Breakfast from £268 Reserve your rooms for 2018 now, let us know when and where you want to play, we do all the booking, you relax and enjoy!

Email: bookings@alnmouthgolfclub.com Call: 01665 830231 Visit: www.alnmouthgolfclub.com Alnmouth Golf Club, Foxton Hall, Alnmouth, Northumberland, NE66 3BE

GOLF ESCAPES For those in search of guaranteed sunshine and golf a little further afield, Golf Escapes offers a wide range of tailored golfing holidays for people of all golfing abilities.

The number of destinations on offer continues to grow and includes the best golfing resorts in Spain, Portugal, Italy and across Europe, some deals closer to home in the UK & Ireland, and long-haul options including South Africa, Mauritius

and Dubai. The Golf Escapes team prides itself on having visited and tried out these resorts and courses to get first-hand experience and inside knowledge - ensuring they provide the best golfing getaways. Golf Escapes sends more than 10,000 golfers away each year to various parts of the world and the team has a reputation for unparalleled service and knowledge, and for creating great value holidays. www.golf-escapes.com

BUENAVISTA GOLF

Golf in the Scottish Borders

Auld Cross Keys Inn Restaurant • Public bar • Lounge • Patio

Traditional Country Inn ideally situated for playing MINTO, HAWICK, THE HIRSEL AND ROXBURGH plus many more.

12 en-suite bedrooms with tv, wi-fi, tea/coffee making facililties, Sky tv. Restaurant and bar serving cask ales

Golf, Play & Stay £85.00pppn (based on two people sharing) or single occupancy £95.00 per night. This will include Bed and Breakfast two course evening meal and a round of golf.

Tel: 01450 870305

bookings@crosskeysdenholm.co.uk | www.crosskeysenholm.co.uk

The Green, Denholm, Scottish Borders, TD9 8NU NORTHERN GOLFER 31

STAY&PLAY RAMSIDE HALL HOTEL & GOLF CLUB

RAMSIDE HALL HOTEL & GOLF CLUB With two of Co Durham’s finest course as well as an awardwinning hotel, state-of-the-art spa, three restaurants and a spacious clubhouse, Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Club is an ideal venue for golfers travelling to the North East or those looking for good golf and world-class facilities close to home.

Its two 18-hole championship courses - The Prince Bishops Course

and Cathedral Course - are fine examples of risk and reward golf, set in the countryside near Durham City. The Cathedral Course, opened in September 2014 as part of a £15m redevelopment at the fourstar resort, measures 7,200 yards from the back tees and is laid out across a sweeping hilltop plateau and a picturesque wooded valley.

Meanwhile, The Prince Bishops

Course is a classic English track with tree-lined fairways and wellprotected greens.

Away from the golf courses, the resort has everything golfers and non-golfers need from the clubhouse and driving range for before and after your round to dining in the Rib Room Steakhouse and Grill, Fusion Asian restaurant, Pemberton’s Carvery and Clubhouse. The resort’s

spa offers full-day experiences as well as one-off treatments and is home to a number of swimming pools and a full fitness suite. The hotel offers 127 rooms – enough to accommodate any travelling golf parties.

Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Club Carville, Co Durham DH1 5TD, tel 0191 386 5282 www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk

THE

CAIRNDALE HOTEL & LEISURE CLUB

ENGLISH STREET, DUMFRIES, SCOTLAND, DG1 2DF

The ideal location for your golfing break with a choice of more than 20 local courses GOLF OFFERS 2018 Weekend in June 2 nights DBB plus 2 rounds of golf, choose from the following courses, Dumfries & Galloway, Lochmaben, Thornhill or Colvend, only £189*.

Midweek in July 1 night DBB plus 1 round of golf at Powfoot Links, only £95*.

Midweek in September 2 nights DBB plus 2 rounds of golf, choose from the following courses, Dumfries & Galloway, Lochmaben, Thornhill or Colvend, only £179*. (*rates per person when sharing in twinned or double bedrooms)

Visit our website www.cairndalehotel.co.uk or contact our Golf Coordinator Kevin Potts on 01387 240286 32 NORTHERN GOLFER

Play & Stay Golf Breaks

From ÂŁ109pp*

From 1st April 2018 only when you book direct

All golf breaks include: Dinner, bed & breakfast Golf on your choice of two courses 10% discount on food & drink in The Clubhouse 1 in 12 play & stay for free

Farmhouse Golf Break 2018

From only ÂŁ50pp. B&B Only.

To book or for further information visit www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk or call us on 0191 386 5282 * All offers are subject to availability. Prices vary based on day of week and high / low seasons.

ROUNDWITH A ROUND WITH...

Alan Graham The British Masters official starter and Close House director tells us about his love of Augusta National, his golfing highlights and mishaps, and what it was like sharing the first tee with the game’s biggest stars

W

hen news of the British Masters coming to Close House was confirmed, Alan Graham had already been working for more than a year behind the scenes as part of the team making sure the venue was ready for Europe’s best players. When the week finally arrived in September, the man who was first on the Close House site alongside owner Graham Wylie in 2004, was front and centre welcoming those players to the first tee. This month we sat down with him to talk about the event and his golfing highlights…

And further afield?

I love having the opportunity to play golf at Kingsbarns, and on the Kings and the Queens at Gleneagles – all three are historic and phenomenal layouts. I’ve also been able to play at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas - an oasis in the middle of the desert which is one of the most impressive golfing landscapes I’ve ever seen.

What was the British Masters like for you?

It was the proudest moment of my career. I had the chance to speak to some of the best golfers in the world – from having breakfast with Sergio Garcia and Danny Willett to talking to Rory McIlroy about how much he loved being in Newcastle. To see Close House on Sky Sports and in the papers was fantastic for us and for the North East of England. To have come from a golf course with an honesty box and sports pitches on its fairways to being on the global golfing map is remarkable.

Which is your favourite golfing memory?

Going to Augusta for the Masters in 2016.

There’s no other course like it in the world and the whole tournament experience is unlike any other.

With a packed schedule how do you fit golf in?

I try and play every Sunday morning and I’m lucky enough to receive invites to play at some of the best courses in the country, which is always a great privilege. I sometimes don’t make full use of them playing off a handicap of 18 but the experiences are incredible.

How did you get into golf?

I joined Prudhoe Golf Club as a boy and played a handful of times without taking it seriously.

I picked the clubs back up in the early 90s playing with Graham and since then I’ve been completely hooked.

Which is your other favourite course in the North East?

Bamburgh is always good fun, Tyneside is a classic Harry Colt design which I’ve always enjoyed playing, and I’m a big fan of the Hunting Course at Slaley Hall.

34 NORTHERN GOLFER

What’s your best ever round?

I’ve had 45 points on the Filly Course at Close House, which was a total fluke and hasn’t been repeated!

What about embarrassing moments?

There’s a couple every week! The one that stands out right now was from the Lookers golf day earlier this year when I was caught on camera thinning my ball into the wall in front of the 18th green. Watching that on the big screen afterwards with 350 people was pretty embarrassing. I’ve also let go of a club on the first tee at St Andrews, though in my defence it was raining very hard.

Do you have any superstitions?

Nothing particularly - though I must have the letter A marked in red on my golf ball. You’ll find them all over the golf course!

What are your strengths on the course?

I’m always competitive. I’d play you for a fiver or a coffee and that keeps me focused on hitting my best shot all the time – though I know I’m going to hit plenty of bad ones along the way.

And your weaknesses?

Everything else. My driving can cost me; I hit a big left-handers slice.

Which is your favourite club?

I trust my putter to save me a few shots.

Who is your best golfing friend?

I love playing with Graham Wylie. We’ve been friends a long time and our golf is very similar which always makes for an interesting round.

Do you play any other sports. Do they help your golf?

I played cricket for Prudhoe and Stocksfield, and I’ve played a lot of football and squash. All three have been terrible for my golf.

Who is your favourite tour player?

Rory McIlroy was great to talk to on the tee so I’ll pick him. As a left-hander I’ll have to add in Phil Mickelson as well – he plays the game with the right spirit.

Which event do you enjoy watching/attending the most?

Apart from the Masters at Augusta and the British Masters at Close House, the BMW Championship at Wentworth is fantastic. It’s a great course which has been improved with the latest changes and when you add in the history of the event and the venue it makes for a great experience.

Which sportsperson do you admire?

I’ve always loved following North East sport, no matter who is playing or what they’re playing. I’ve got a great respect for Doddie Weir and the work he’s done in the North East over the years. I wish him and his family well for the future.

Which three people would join you in your dream fourball?

I’ll have to pick Graham Wylie and we’ll play against Lee Westwood and Alan Shearer - both of whom admire a great deal as great sportsmen in their fields.

If I could offer you a trip to Australia to watch the Ashes or a scratch handicap, which would you take?

I love both sports but I’d have take scratch though I’d happily take a handicap of 14 at the minute.

ROUNDWITH

Alan Graham with British Masters winner Paul Dunne NORTHERN GOLFER 35

COURSEREVIEW

Cathedral a place to worship Dean Bailey returns to Ramside Hall’s Cathedral Course to find out how the region’s newest layout is faring

I

t’s amazing to look back to my first visit to the Cathedral Course at Ramside Hall four years ago – when the greens were marked out with white lines and the fairways were being shaped in topsoil. Jump to 2017 and Jonathan Gaunt’s layout is a grand addition to the resort.

Home to a 127-bedroom hotel, a spa complex, four restaurants and a spacious clubhouse – complete with one of the best locker rooms in the North – Ramside’s two courses, the Cathedral and the traditional English parkland Prince Bishops, proved the perfect venues for 2017’s Northern Golfer Champion of Champions.

The Cathedral Course, named for it’s views down toward Durham and it’s world-famous cathedral, is a combination of a previous tree-lined nine-hole loop to the east of the clubhouse, the high plateau of Hilltop Farm and the valley further east from the clubhouse which is divided by Sherburn Beck.

While we chose to play the course from the back tees, you’ll find a mix of teeing options which make 36 NORTHERN GOLFER

the course a more manageable test for most club golfers - from 6,400 yards right up to 7,200 yards.

Two tree-lined tests open the round. A long drive which avoids the out of bounds right is needed at the 566-yard par five first to leave a shot around the corner of the dog-leg. From here, a mid to short iron approach should find a generous green, though three deep bunkers protect the raised putting surface. Another straight drive at the 385yard par four second should leave a wedge over two small bunkers at the front edge of the green.

Walk through the impressive tunnel into the Hilltop section of the course for your first taste of the panoramic views. The bunker to the left side of the 492-yard par four third is out of reach and you should try and get as close to it as possible to leave a shorter approach over water.

The first of the par threes, the fourth is a monster from the blue tees at 222 yards. Played downhill, the entrance to the green is narrowed by two bunkers. At the 558-yard par five fifth, big

hitting will again be rewarded. Avoid the bunkers right of the fairway and lay up below the green between the fairway bunkers to leave a steep uphill approach. At just 161 yards, the par three sixth is a welcome short hole played downhill. A deep bunker sits on the front right corner while another lurks just beyond it.

The 605-yard par five seventh is one of the trickiest holes on the course and requires accuracy as much as distance. Play to the first plateau of fairway before turning left and playing into the second, which slopes left to right. From here many will still require a long iron or wood to reach the green. A long and very challenging hole, a par five here is very good.

The dog-leg par four eighth and ninth holes, at 443 and 483 yards respectively, both feature intimidating fairway bunkers. At the eighth, a lake protects the front of the green while the ninth features four bunkers on the way to the putting surface. Water comes into play for the tee shot and

COURSEREVIEW

FACT FILE CONTACT Ramside Hall, Carrville, Durham, DH1 1TD tel 0191 386 5282 www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk/golf GREEN FEES From October 2017-March 2018 18 holes (Mon-Thurs) £25 18 holes (Fri-Sun) £30 9 holes (Mon-Thurs) £15 9 holes (Fri-Sun) £20 Membership options, including Academy, Flexi, Premier and Corporate - from £120.

approach at the 454-yard par four 10th while the 11th is the shortest of the par fives at just 477 yards. Avoid the bunkers lining the landing area, and the trees left and long of the green, and you should have a good birdie chance.

Heading into the valley, the downhill par three 12th got our pick for signature hole (see fact file). With trees left and Sherburn Beck right, the drive at the 13th is the toughest on the course. From the fairway, the long approach must find a very narrow green with no bunkers.

Heading back uphill, the semi-blind tee shot at the 305-yard 14th is tighter than you think.

Beware getting too close to the green, which is ringed by tall trees.

Heading out of the valley and into the final stretch, a generous fairway at the 416-yard 15th invites a big drive. Though it sounds like a good birdie chance at just 315 yards, the 16th is tricky. Find the fairway to the right of the lake 210 yards from the tee to leave a short approach over two front bunkers – beware the lake to the right and beyond the green!

A very challenging par four, the 456-yard 17th can be a card wrecker. Two deep bunkers, a water hazard and out of bounds sit to the left side of the first part of the double dog-leg. The best advice to play right of the first bunker to leave a long approach.

The par three 18th is a daunting prospect at 224 yards over water though there is more room between the lake and green than you think and mounding around the green should help feed the ball onto the putting surface.

TOTAL DISTANCE Blue tees 7,176 yards White tees 6,877 yards Yellow tees 6,558 yards Red tees 5,687 yards

With the combination of the modern and challenging 7,176-yard Cathedral Course and the shorter though tactical test of the Prince Bishops, as well as a driving range and an expanded short game area alongside a fantastic clubhouse it’s no wonder Ramside Hall continues to be one of Co Durham’s most popular clubs. Add in a stunning hotel with three restaurants and a state-of-the-art spa and there are few resorts which can compete with Ramside - in the North East or further afield.

FEATURES Spacious clubhouse with food available throughout the day Locker rooms 16-bay driving range Short game practice area and two putting greens Three teaching professionals Fully stocked pro shop Indoor teaching facilities Sky TV Free wi-fi Buggy hire Club and shoe hire CADDY’S TIP Pick the most appropriate tees for your game – the course is laid out to test elite players from the blue tees.

SIGNATURE HOLE Jonathan Gaunt’s homage to the famous 12th (Golden Bell) at Augusta National is played over Sherburn Beck. At 189 yards from the back tees, it plays around a club downhill and must carry at least to the front edge or risk running back down the hill towards the beck. A wide green awaits but beware two bunkers await beyond the back edge.

OUR VERDICT A stunning layout overlooking Durham which has matured very well. This one is sure to test your game to the limit.

NORTHERN GOLFER 37

GOLFERGEAR

Gearing up There’s a lot more new gear to get our teeth into this month as we count down the days to the return of the golf season. This month we have a new range from Cobra and new woods from Mizuno; new clothing from Stuburt and Oscar Jacobson, caps from Puma, putters from Bettinardi and shoes from ECCO – enjoy!

SEE MY VEST

Oscar Jacobson Caleb Vest RRP: £110 www.oscarjacobson.com With 114 years in tailoring and 40-plus years kitting out players on the European Tour, Oscar Jacobson knows a thing or two about looking stylish on the golf course during the winter months. The latest release from the Swedish brand brings together style and performance in the Caleb vest, which features the ZIP-IN system for layering garments and the ever-popular Primaloft padding which works equally well on its own on cooler, dry winter days but also performs under a jacket when the rain comes down.

38 NORTHERN GOLFER

FIVE OF THE BEST

Bettinardi Putters 2018 RRP: from £279 bettinardi.com

If you’re looking for something more exotic in the flat stick department, check out Bettinardi’s five new designs for 2018. The full 2018 range features 12 designs, each handcrafted from a single piece of milled carbon steel using CNC milling technology. The BB Series, Inovai 5.0, Studio Stock and Queen B lines feature industryleading technology to improve roll while each is designed to stand out on the putting green.

GOLFERGEAR

ROYAL FLUSH

Cobra KING F8 range RRP: drivers £329, fairway woods £199, hybrids £169, irons from £649 www.cobragolf.co.uk Cobra has unveiled its latest range - KING F8 – with new drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons available from February 2018. The KING F8 and F8+ drivers are the first to feature a precision milled forged titanium face, which we’re told provides unrivalled precision, weight savings and performance gains while being 3% thinner and 10% lighter. The F8 driver has a larger profile, a carbon-fibre crown and two adjustable weight positions while the F8+ is smaller and does not feature the second draw-biased weight position.

The two new fairway woods include progressive rail heights to improve turf interaction as well as the aerodynamic improvements seen in the new drivers. A larger profile, carbon-fibre crown and back weight all help promote a higher flight.

Two new hybrid designs have also taken on performance enhancements from the drivers while being available in a new, sleeker design with a skinnier hosel and lower centre of gravity to improve launch. The F8 One Length hybrid is built to the same length, lie and swing weight as a seveniron and is available alongside the standard F8 hybrid.

The new F8 irons feature PWRSHELL face technology for improved speed and launch, carbon feel technology which dampens vibrations for better feel, and performance tailored to each iron while also being available in the One Length configuration.

JAPANESE POWER

Mizuno ST180 driver and fairway wood RRP: £399 golf.mizunoeurope.com

Japanese club manufacturer Mizuno has debuted its latest driver and fairway wood designs ahead of their UK arrival in February 2018. The latest incarnations of Mizuno metalwoods promise higher ball speeds and low-spin performance thanks to Wave Sole technology, which moves weight low and towards the face to decrease spin as well as a forged SP700 Ti multithickness face. Available in men’s 9.5˚and 12.5˚ models, plus a ladies’ 12.5˚ model.

ON TREND

Puma P Snapback Cap RRP: £22 www.cobragolf.co.uk/pumagolf For those looking to follow in the footsteps of Rickie Fowler, the new Puma P Snapback Cap is a must. The new cap was debuted by Fowler in the Hero World Challenge and the modern take on the classic snapback features a 3D embroidered P logo and a moisture wicking headband, and is available in a range of colours from February 15, 2018.

NORTHERN GOLFER 39

GOLFERGEAR

IN THE BAG

©Tony Bowler / Shutterstock.com

with 79-time PGA Tour winner and 14-time major champion Tiger Woods

STAY WARM Driver: TaylorMade M2 ’16 9.5°

The most anticipated round of golf every played in December saw the return of the greatest player of the modern era – Tiger Woods.

Teeing it up for the first time in 11 months, Woods joined a select field of the world’s best players for the Hero World Challenge, an event he holds annually at Albany, New Providence, The Bahamas. Woods finished tied ninth on 8-under-par, 10 shots behind winner Rickie Fowler.

Here’s what was in his bag…

Irons: ‘TGR’ prototype irons 5-PW Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS

Stuburt has launched its new line of apparel for autumn/ winter 2017 featuring multiple layers for cold conditions.

Headlined by the Endurance waterproof jackets and trousers, which feature Stuburt’s DRI-back moisture transfer technology and come with a two-year waterproof guarantee, the range introduces new garments for men and women.

The range also includes new fleeces, gilets, sweaters and accessories.

Fairway woods: TaylorMade M2 ’17 13° & 19°

Driving iron: TaylorMade TP UDI

Ball: Bridgestone Tour B XS

Wedges: Nike VR Pro Forged Wedges 56° & 60° 40 NORTHERN GOLFER

Stuburt AW17 apparel RRP: from £16 www.stuburt.com

HYBRID POWER

ECCO Biom Hybrid 3 shoes RRP: from £170 golf.ecco.com ECCO’s latest footwear, available for men and women, features groundbreaking technology in its new TRI-FI-GRIP outsole. The new tech breaks down performance into key areas, or zones – stability, durability and rotational support.

These zones deliver performance in lateral stability, walking comfort and forefront movement respectively. The shoes also come with a three-year GORE-TEX waterproof guarantee and the option for the BOA closure system.

MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE at Tyneside Golf Club

Suitable for those new to golf and the casual, seasoned and competitive player Membership includes: CONGU Handicap, All year Round Competitions, Extensive Practice Facilities, Member/ Reduced Visitor Fee, Discounted Buggy Hire, Swipe Card (10% Discount), Club Functions

Our challenging Colt course boasts well-drained terrain ensuring that you can enjoy playing golf to the full at any time of the year

2018 OPENS MENS ‘Spring’ OPEN 4BBB STABLEFORD WEDNESDAY 7th March 2018 Age 18+ Entry fee: £25 per pair includes coffee & bacon sandwich

SENIORS OPEN 1 4BBB STABLEFORD TUESDAY 12th JUNE 2018 Age 60+ Entry fee: £22 per pair

JUNIOR OPEN MEDAL MONDAY 6th AUGUST 2018 Age under 21 (Girls/Boys) Entry fee: £7.50 per player

MENS OPEN 4BBB STABLEFORD SATURDAY 21st April 2018 Age 18+ Entry fee: £25 per pair

SENIORS OPEN 2 TEAM OF FOUR TUESDAY 17th JULY 2018 Age 55+ Entry fee: £48.00 per team

LADIES OPEN FRIDAY 17th AUGUST 2018 Entry fee: £40 per team of Four (4)

MIXED OPEN 4BBB STABLEFORD SUNDAY 3rd JUNE 2018 Entry fee: £24 per couple

MENS OPEN 4BBB STABLEFORD SUNDAY 5th AUGUST 2018 Age 18+ Entry fee: £25 per pair

SENIORS OPEN 3 4BBB STABLEFORD MONDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER 2018 Age 55+ Entry fee: £22 per pair

Enter here: www.tynesidegolfclub.co.uk / www.golfempire.co.uk Open Competitions (2018) are available to book online

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

0191 413 2742

secretary@tynesidegolfclub.co.uk

GOLFERTIPS

John n Hteal 01r66r1i8s86o400 om tfenhall.c www.ma

NEW YEAR, NEW START Every golf professional will tell you - the worst swing advice you’ll ever hear is from your playing partners.

We’ve all heard them over the years and more often than not they’re far more destructive than the actual fault. All of these ‘tips’ without proper analysis of each individual can cause further problems – for example…

KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN Keeping your head down can lead to poor rotation - take a look at Rory McIlroy’s head position at impact and you’ll see that keeping your head down is not important. The key is maintaining height from your setup position.

KEEP YOUR LEFT ARM STRAIGHT While some of the best and strongest players in the world can maintain this position, for many amateurs thinking about this will increase tension, leading to a lack of rhythm and poor ball striking.

PAUSE AT THE TOP For some players a pause at the top of the swing is essential for their rhythm. However, trying to add this to your swing can cause big issues for your rhythm.

SLOW DOWN A classic and one we hear so often. Slowing down is the last thing 99% of amateur golfers should be thinking about – particularly through impact. Instead the focus should be on finding, and maintaining, your natural rhythm.

42 NORTHERN GOLFER

HIT LONGER, HIT STRAIGHTER Have your clubs correctly fitted

NORTH EAST TROLLEY REPAIR SPECIALIST

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW

r Wintey Trolle In Wheelcsk Sto

FULL REPORT ON: Grips | Shafts | Lofts | Lies

We’re Open 9am - 5.30pm Mon - Sat T: 0191 2702362 E: info@zflgolf.co.uk www.golfgear4less.co.uk Unit 8d, North Tyne Ind. Estate, NE12 9SZ – Opposite ASDA Benton.

Two minutes from A19 Whitley Bay Exit on A191 Old Coast Road

PowerBug, Motocaddy, Powakaddy, Hillbilly & more WE STOCK BATTERIES, CHARGERS AND SPARES

GoKart Lithium Trolley £399 Receive £50 Cash Back & 2 FREE Accessories Worth £45

NORTHERN GOLFER 43

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 February 8, 2018. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

WIN A WINTER WARDROBE FROM PROQUIP Scottish weatherwear brand ProQuip know a thing or two about keeping golfers warm, dry and comfortable in the worst of the weather. ProQuip has supplied 20 Ryder Cup teams with waterproofs since 1983 and is the most played brand in the history of the transatlantic matchplay event.

Northern Golfer and ProQuip have teamed up to give one lucky winner the chance to win a Winter Wardrobe worth £300. The prize includes: TourFlex-Lite Jacket, TourFlex Trousers, Zephyr Wind Shirt, ProQuip Winter accessories pack (water repellent beanie, triple-wadded Mittens and a Waterproof Bucket Hat). For more about ProQuip, visit www.proquipgolf.com For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Who will captain the US Ryder Cup team in 2018?

WIN A TRIP TO DUMFRIES FOR FOUR PEOPLE INCLUDING ACCOMMODATION, DINNER, BREAKFAST AND GOLF The Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries is offering Northern Golfer readers a fantastic prize this month. Located in the centre of town, the award-winning hotel is a fantastic hub for golfers with expert Golf Coordinator Kevin Potts on-hand to arrange visits to the finest courses in Dumfries & Galloway and down into Cumbria. The prize includes a full Scottish breakfast, a four-course Table D’Hote dinner, full use of the leisure facilities, free car parking, free wi-fi, a meet and greet with Golf Co-ordinator Kevin Potts, two bedrooms (twin or doubles for a party of four), and one round of golf at Powfoot Links Golf Course (pictured above). Subject to availability of hotel accommodation and tee times.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: In which year did Colin Montgomerie win the Scottish Amateur Championship?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT LONGHIRST HALL Longhirst Hall, site of two championship golf courses which have hosted the EuroPro Tour, is offering readers the chance to win a fourball and a welcome bacon sandwich and coffee this month.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Who won this year’s EuroPro Tour Race to Amendoeira?

Congratulations to last month’s competition winners: Close House - Gerard Murphy of Consett • Hartlepool - Val Walsh of Harrogate South Moor - Malcolm Black of Gosforth • Burgham Park - David McCain of Gateshead 44 NORTHERN GOLFER

WIN

GALVIN GREEN AVERY JACKET WORTH

YOUR CHANCE TO

£240

LAST MONTHS WINNER - DAVID BLADES FROM ALNMOUTH GOLF CLUB

QUESTION : WHICH PLAYER WON THE 2017 EUROPEAN TOUR RACE TO DUBAI? A : JUSTIN ROSE | B : TOMMY FLEETWOOD | C : CHRIS PAISLEY

EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: COMPETITIONS@ORIGINALGREEN.CO.UK COMPETITION CLOSES 30.12.17. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND NOTIFIED BY EMAIL OPT IN CLAUSE AVAILABLE ON ENTRY TO RECEIVE FUTURE PROMOTIONAL EMAILS FROM ORIGINAL GREEN

WWW.ORIGINALGREEN.CO.UK VISIT US INSTORE AT LONGHIRST HALL GOLF COURSE

BENROSS HTX IRONS

£349 WITH FREE WEDGE

SUN MOUNTAIN H2NO BAGS

From £179

GALVIN GREEN ACHILLES C-KNIT JACKET

Only £349

PROQUIP THERMAPRO GILET

Only £59.99

0% FINANCE AVAILABLE • CALL 01670 790439 FOR MORE INFO • FREE CUSTOM FITTING

10% OFF WHEN YOU SPEND OVER £75 ONLINE. USE DISCOUNT CODE NEGOLFER10 AT CHECKOUT T&C’S APPLY

Longhirst Hall G.C. N O R T H U M B E R L A N D

WINTER SOCIETY DEAL FROM 1ST DECEMBER 2017 – 1ST MARCH 2018

18 HOLES + SOUP AND ROLL FOR £15PP MONDAY – FRIDAY ONLY BASED ON 12 PLAYERS OR MORE

01670 791562 | enquiries@longhirstgolf.co.uk | www.longhirstgolf.co.uk

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!

Following last month’s story of the success of 10-year-old Alfie Baldwin – winner of Wilton Golf Club’s men’s club knockout event along with a host of junior events around Co Durham, his dad Gary sent us this picture from Wilton’s presentation night.

An impressive haul Alfie, we hope your success continues next season.

The success of our region’s champion couples continued this month with news of Ryton Golf Club captains Nigel and Sarah Bendelow.

Nigel and Sarah have won a total of seven trophies this season - Sarah picking up five

Congratulations to Annette Walton, who recently received the Consett Golf Club ladies club championship trophy for the 14th time. Annette’s last nine wins have come 46 NORTHERN GOLFER

to Nigel’s two wins, while Nigel’s men’s team also won promotion into the second division of the North Durham League.

We’re still on the look out for our region’s most successful golfing couples. Email editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

consecutively and we think she has a good claim to being the most prolific female club champion in our region.

Know of a better record?

Longhirst-based Original Green, run by PGA professional Carl Nicholls, continues to provide fantastic competitions for Northern Golfer readers – including this Titleist bag won by Michelle Bosomworth in October’s magazine and collected by her partner Rory Corbett, who is pictured here with Carl.

For this month’s Original Green competition, see page 45

UNBEATABLE PRICES /SALE NOW ON SAVE ££££S/ HURRY WHILE THESE OFFERS LAST MANY GREAT OFFERS ON EX DISPLAY SETS OF WOODS, IRONS & WEDGES

PROVI/PROVIX RRP £51.99 SALE PRICE £36.95 PER DOZEN OR TWO FOR £70.00 MIZUNO MPS/ MPX RRP £49.99 NOW £29.99 PER DOZEN OR TWO FOR £50.00

NEW QUALITY EPIC/ EPIC PRO AUTHORISED CUSTOM FIT EPIC SPECIALIST. ALL DEMONSTRATION IRONS STOCKED & ALL SHAFT OPTIONS AVAILABLE AT NO EXTRA COST! TOP PART EXCHANGES GIVEN, CALL IN TODAY , YOU WON’T BE DISSAPOINTED.

CLEARANCE ON ALL GOLF SHOES FOOTJOY , MIZUNO, STUBURT, SKETCHERS UP TO 50% OFF RRP PRICES START FROM £24.99

2018 NEW MIZUNO AUTUMN WINTER CLOTHING RANGE IN STOCK. DISCOUNTED PRICES ON ALL STOCK

NEW FOOTJOY / STUBURT/ HI TECH WINTER GOLF BOOTS IN STOCK . ALL 2016/2017 RANGE 25% OFF NORMAL PRICE

(2018 MODELS) NEW TITLEIST 718 AP3, 718 AP2, 718 CB FORGED, 718 AP1, 718 T-MB

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR WATERPROOF JACKETS / TROUSERS (30% OFF ALL SELECTED SUITS) WE STOCK, GALVIN GREEN, MIZUNO, TITLEIST, PRO-QUIP, CROSS, SUN ICE, STUBURT, CALLAWAY AND MORE

(NEW CUSTOM FIT CLUBS IN STOCK) (AUTHORISED TITLEIST FITTING CENTER)

CLEARANCE ON WEDGES

TITLEIST VOKEY SM6 WEDGES (ALL LOFTS IN STOCK) RRP £119 SALE NOW £89.99 OR TWO FOR £170.00

QUALITY TITLEIST/ CALLAWAY, LYNX, GOLF BAGS SAVE 30% NOW FROM ONLY £79.99

WILSON DX2 SOFT GOLF BALLS RRP £16.99 SALE PRICE £9.99 PER DOZEN

SELECTED SWEATERS, SHIRTS, TROUSERS, WINDTOPS

UNBEATABLE OFFERS ON MOTOCADDY / POWAKADDY TROLLEYS THIS MONTH, FREE MOTOCADDY GOLF BAG WORTH £99 WITH EVERY LITHIUM TROLLEY PURCHASED

SALE ON MANY CART GOLF BAGS

PRICES FROM

ONLY £54.99

NEW MIZUNO ( NEW IRONS IN STOCK) MP-18 MCC-FLI HI • MP-18 SC MP-18 MCC/ TUNGSTEN/ TITANIUM MP-18 BLADE ALL DEMO MODELS / SHAFT OPTIONS AVAILABLE CALL IN FOR A FREE CUSTOM FIT (AUTHORISED MIZUNO FITTING CENTER)

MENS/ LADIES LAMBWOOL SWEATERS LYLE & SCOTT , PRO QUIP, GLENMUIR, MURRAY GOLF, CALLAWAY,

SAVE UP TO 40% OFF MRRP

NEW FOOTJOY AUTUMN WINTER COLLECTION (ALL ITEMS NOW ON SALE)

FROM ONLY

£29.99

WERE £189

NOW £99 EACH

(WHILE STOCKS LAST) VARIOUS LOFTS

1/2 PRICE

FANTASTIC SAVINGS THIS MONTH ON SWEATERS,SHIRTS, WATERPROOF CLOTHING & WINDPROOF GARMENTS 30- 50 % DISCOUNT ON SELECTED LINES

CLEARANCE ON TITLEIST 816 RESCUE CLUBS

GREAT RANGE OF WATERPROOF SUITS IN STOCK-SAVE £££S FROM ONLY £69.99 PER SUIT WITH WATERPROOF GUARANTEE. WE STOCK PRO QUIP, GALVIN GREEN, STUBURT, CROSS, MIZUNO , FOOTJOY

GALVIN GREEN MAJOR STOCKIST,

NEW ARGON C-KNIT JACKETS, NEW C-KNIT TROUSERS (2017 RANGE) GALVIN GREEN CLOTHING, (SHIRTS, VENT 8 RANGE) GORE WINDSTOPPERS, INSULA

NEW ISLAND GREEN AUTUMN/ WINTER CLOTHING IN STOCKAMAZINGLY LOW PRICES. SPEND £50.00 OR MORE AND RECEIVE A FREE HAT WORTH £14.99

PRICE PROMISE

AS ALWAYS WE GUARANTEE TO BETTER ANY COMPETITORS PART EXCHANGE DEAL ON IRONS/ WOODS SEEN A PRICE OR DEAL, CALL IN AND SPEAK TO US YOU WON’T BE DISSAPOINTED

A BIG THANK YOU

TO ALL OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS THIS YEAR, HAVE A GREAT XMAS & BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW 2018 GOLFING SEASON

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS £5.. £10.. £20.. £25.. £50.. £100

WE PRICE CHECK ALL OUR STOCK ONLINE TO MAKE SURE YOU GET THE LOWEST PRICE ALWAYS (PRICE PROMISE) How to find our superstore

Leave A1 (m) at junction 63 Chester-le-Street and follow B693 to Stanley, turn left onto B6532 (Asda roundabout), follow road to end and turn right, pass Blomfomtein School and follow sign to South Moor Golf Club

Your No 1 Discount Golf Store

Shaun Cowell PGA Golf Professional - Tel: 01207 283 525 South Moor Golf Club Superstore, Craghead, Stanley, DH9 6AG

Open Mon - Sun 9am - 5pm Early opening at weekends All major credit cards accepted

GEORGE WASHINGTON GOLF CLUB

40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 2018 FANTASTIC MEMBERSHIP DEALS WINTER MEMBERSHIP NOW TILL END OF MARCH 2018 includes 3 Free Lessons & £15 Range Balls - ONLY £150 16 MONTH DEAL DECEMBER 2017 - MARCH 2019 includes 4 Free Lessons & £20 Range Balls - ONLY £703 15 MONTH DEAL JANUARY 2018 - MARCH 2019 includes 3 Free Lessons & £15 Range Balls - ONLY £650 THAT’S 3 MONTHS FREE GOLF (Payment in Full or use our NO FEE Direct Debit facility) For these and other Great Flexible Membership packages designed for the 21st century Golfer call: Bill Michie on 0191 417 8346, e-mail: gsd@georgewashington.co.uk for more details Come along and join us at one of the most improved Courses in the County.