Northern Golfer magazine #61 - February/March 2018

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FEB/MAR 2018

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CHRIS AND KERI ON THEIR MAIDEN TOUR VICTORY

PAISLEY REIGNS DOWN IN AFRICA PLUS

BURROW CARRIES LI TO VICTORY REVIEWED

NEWCASTLE UNITED GC WIN FOURBALLS AT CATTERICK, CENTURION PARK AND HARTLEPOOL

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EDITOR Paul Robertson editor@northerngolfer.co.uk EDITORIAL Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk EVENTS Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk ADVERTISING MANAGER Doug Brolls 07721 031 482 doug@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson & Nicky Rogerson info@kgphotography.co.uk

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EDITOR’S NOTE AND CONTENTS It really couldn’t have happened to a nicer bloke.

Chris Paisley’s win in South Africa and his scintillating early season form is down to hard work, determination and belief, all packaged with genuine humility.

Anyone who regularly reads his column in Northern Golfer has had a proper insight into his form and thoughts over the past year thanks to his refreshingly honest assessment of life as a European Tour player.

So it is with great pride that we feature Chris on this edition’s front cover - made all the more remarkable by the fact this time last year we were celebrating victory in the same tournament by fellow North East golfer Graeme Storm.

The part Keri Paisley played in her husband’s success should not be overlooked, so she takes over Chris’s regular column this month to give her reaction to caddying him to victory.

Caddies rarely get the credit they deserve so it was equally satisfying to see Northumberland Golf Club’s Michael Burrow enjoy the winning feeling caddying for China’s Li Haotong in his European Tour victory at the Dubai Desert Classic.

Such tales of great wins will hopefully inspire future generations to leave their electronic games at home and take up the game we all love.

Unfortunately there has not been much chance for that to happen this winter - at least outdoors - as the coldest spell for some time has left fairways covered in snow, greens frozen and courses waterlogged.

It is more important than ever to support our clubs through the pro shop and food offerings - whether that be your home course or another in the region - until the weather improves and there are plenty of offers within this magazine to tempt you to do so.

Having said that, at least the nights are starting to get lighter and hopefully we have seen the worst of what Mother Nature has to throw at the green staff as they gear up for another season.

As a final thought, wouldn’t it be great if one of the region’s professionals followed in the footsteps of Danny Willett and became Masters champion?

Good luck to them all and see you next month.

04-08 TEEING OFF

Maw off to a flyer, county honour for Storm, and Beamish record breakers

10-22 TEEING OFF

Search for talent, Wilson aims high, Ferrie sails south, and Burrow bags a big win

28 PRO-FILE

Matfen Hall’s JJ Vallely

29 TOUR LIFE

Keri Paisley on caddying for her champion hubby

31 DEAN BAILEY

Plea for a friendly welcome 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

Paul Robertson, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

34 MATCHPLAY PAIRS Entries are now open

FRONT COVER

Chris Paisley reflects on his remarkable start to the season, including victory in South Africa Pages 24-26

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32 NEWCASTLE UNITED GOLF CLUB

37 FOUR PAGES OF THE LATEST GEAR

42 TIPS

Keeping it low in the wind

44 COMPETITIONS

Stay and play at The Cairndale Hotel, plus fourballs at Catterick, Centurion Park and Hartlepool to be won

46 BUNKER

Round up of tales from our readers

NORTHERN GOLFER 03

TEEINGOFF

Looking to the future

Rory McIlroy and Graeme Storm Graeme Storm’s continued commitment to junior golf in the North East will take another step forward this year.

The European Tour winner will host two junior events this season - both in May. The new event, The Mini Storm Trophy for seven to 10-year-olds, will be held at Wynyard and will complement The Graeme Storm Junior Open, which will take place at Hartlepool on Monday May 7.

The categories for the GSJO are: 11-14 Boys, 11-14 Girls, 1518 Boys, 15-18 Girls. This year’s competition also gives players a chance to qualify for the Telegraph Vitality Junior Golf Championship at Quinta do Lago.

Wynyard will host The Mini Storm Trophy, a nine-hole strokeplay event with prizes for both boys and girls, on May 19.

There will also be a chance for youngsters to try Tri Golf if they come along and don’t play in the tournament.

All the details for both competitions and the entry forms can be found in the Junior Golf section at graemestorm.co.uk.

On display Moortown’s Ryder Commemoration Cup is to go on show at the British Golf Museum in St Andrews.

The solid silver trophy was given as a thank you to the Moortown lady members by Sam Ryder himself for their help in hosting the first ever Ryder Cup on British soil in 1929.

04 NORTHERN GOLFER

Sara Storm receives her husband Graeme’s Durham County VP award from John Kirk

Honour for Storm T

he Durham County Golf Union broke new ground by naming European Tour winner Graeme Storm as an honorary vice-president at its annual meeting.

The honour is a first for Durham, and it’s believed to be the first time a tour professional has been so honoured anywhere in England.

Durham decided to ask Storm to become one of their group of vice-presidents in recognition of his achievements in golf - both as an amateur player with Hartlepool and Durham County and as a pro in a

career which, so far, has seen him win the French Open and last year’s BMW South African Open in a playoff with Rory McIlroy.

The former Walker Cup player and 1999 British Amateur champion has always remained true to his Hartlepool and Durham County roots. He has been a staunch supporter of the amateur scene in the North East, particularly at junior level with his own Graeme Storm Junior Open and links with both Dyke House and Thorp Academy where he coaches and mentors young golfers.

The honour was conferred on

Storm at the Durham County AGM at Ramside Hall and his wife Sara was there to receive his official badge and tie from county president John Kirk, as Storm was unable to be there because of his involvement in the Dubai Desert Classic. On the honour, he said: “It’s a great privilege and honour and I look forward to working the Durham County Union again in the future.”

At the AGM, John Kirk was elected for a second year as president, Trevor Bowman (Ramside) was elected to the executive and John Sanderson (Beamish Park) was re-elected.

Here’s to you Mr Robinson Top Yorkshire coach Steve Robinson has been recognised with a major award at England Golf’s coaching conference.

Sandburn Hall-based Robinson, who led the England women’s team to back-to-back European championship wins, was named

Coach of the Year for 2017 - the second year in a row he’s been awarded the honour.

Robinson has also been nominated for the High Performance Coach of the Year award at the forthcoming 2017 UK Coaching Awards.

Steve Robinson

TEEINGOFF

Maw off to a flyer

Goswick on the list

J

ames Maw snatched victory in the Penina Classic in Portugal to get his 2018 season off to a flying start.

The Darlington-based pro, who is attached to Rockliffe Hall, produced a birdie-eagle finish to edge out David Dixon - who had posted a 10 underpar 63 to lead on 11 under-par.

Maw, 27, set the pace with a first round 68, but Dixon stormed round the Penina Championship course on day two to take the lead.

Jamie Abbott just failed to equal Dixon’s total, despite also finishing birdie-eagle, and it was left to Maw with a red-hot putter to catch Dixon.

Coming to the final two holes, Maw was one shot behind but with two par fives to play anything could

James Maw with his winner’s cheque happen. It did when Maw birdied the 17th to draw level and followed that with an impressive eagle three at the last to shoot a round of 65 and pocket the €2,000 top prize.

It’s just the sort of start Maw was looking for. He’s a serial winner on the various feeder tours and has made his mark on PGA EuroPro Tour with a handful of top 10 finishes plus a

win in 2016 at the Cobra Puma Golf Championship, but he’ll be looking to make a bigger impact at the next level up.

Last year, he played in four European Challenge Tour events and returned a fourth-place finish in the Bridgestone Challenge. His main goal is to earn himself a full playing category on the European Tour.

Goswick Golf Club has been shortlisted in the England Golf Awards for 2018.

Goswick, which staged the English Senior Men’s County Finals last year, has been shortlisted in the Championship Venue of the Year category.

The winner will be announced at the awards dinner at the Royal Lancaster London.

Yorkshire clubs Garforh and Leeds Golf Centre have also been nominated in the Club of the Year category, while Garforth is also nominated in the Most Welcoming Golf Club category.

NORTHERN GOLFER 05

TEEINGOFF

The price of success

What is the price of success?

For the Northumberland Union of Golf Clubs, victory in the Northern Counties Championship and sending its team to the three-day England County Finals Tournament at Trevose cost around £12,000 - far more than England Golf’s £3,000 contribution.

At the recent AGM, county president Danny Finlay (pictured) said: “We’ve made representations to England Golf suggesting they might want to look again at that figure. The last thing you’d want is smaller counties wondering if it’s worthwhile winning the event.”

Wrigley’s playoff heartache

A

lex Wrigley came close to defending his MercedesBenz International ProAm title at Al Ain Golf Club in the UAE. The PGA Cup international from Hartlepool lost to Chris Gane at the first hole of a sudden death playoff.

Silvermere’s Gane began the day one shot behind overnight leader Wrigley but was able to card a round of 67 to tie for first place on 11 under-par.

Wrigley closed with a round of 68 and it looked as if he might have a chance of keeping his title when Gane bogeyed the 17th. Gane stayed calm to finish tied and then came out on top with a birdie at the first extra hole after Wrigley had to settle for par.

Wrigley - who shot rounds of 67, 66, 68 and 68 - has now been runnerup three times in the event as well as winning last year.

South Moor’s Mark Ridley clinched a fourth place finish with rounds of 69, 66, 72 and 71.

Alex Wrigley

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

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TEEINGOFF Longhirst Hall Golf Club

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Tour’s return

T

he HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour will return to the region twice in 2018 following another successful year in the North East and Yorkshire.

The tour will return to Northumberland and Longhirst Hall Golf Club on July 4-6 before heading to Yorkshire and Moor Allerton Golf Club the following week (July 11-13).

The first stage of Qualifying School for 2018 takes place at six venues, including Moor Allerton, on March 28-29 with Final Qualifying School at Frilford Heat April 4-6.

Daniel Godding, chief executive of the HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour, said: “I am delighted with the schedule we have built for the 2018

season. We are welcomed back to some superb venues which have previously hosted in addition to some fantastic new courses.

“Last year was again a superb year for some EuroPro alumni on the Challenge and European Tours.

With the pool of talent currently developing on our tour combined with the quality of courses set for 2018, the upcoming season will test the best young golfers in Europe and develop them into future stars.”

The 2018 season begins on May 16 at Oxfordshire’s Frilford Heath Golf Club as some of the sport’s brightest stars compete for more than £1.2m across the season, in addition to the five Challenge Tour spots up for grabs for the 2019 season.

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Fulford honour Fulford will host the inaugural British Girls Under 16 Open Amateur Championship on April 27-29.

The new event is part of the R&A’s drive to boost the girls game and is designed to provide a clear pathway through to the elite amateur level for leading young players.

Ninety young golfers from countries around the world will tee it up in the 54-hole strokeplay championship in the spring.

The Yorkshire course enjoys a prestigious reputation as a championship venue having staged European Tour events and the first

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Women’s British Open - when Newcastle’s Jenny Lee Smith won the championship in 1976.

The course has also hosted several top amateur events including the European Ladies Team Championship in 2013.

Fulford will stage the tournament for the next three years and online entries for the inaugural event open this month (February) and can be submitted via www.randa.org/championships

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Tel: 01207 270941 Email: secretary@hobsongolfclub.co.uk Website: www.thehobsongolfclub.co.uk @hobsongolfrange Like us on Facebook NORTHERN GOLFER 07

TEEINGOFF Moor Allerton Golf Club is now home to two distinctive stone features dedicated to the voice of golf, Peter Alliss. The new features are situated on both sides of The Alliss Bridge, on the first hole, which is named in honour of the former Ryder Cup player and long-time BBC commentator. Alliss served as club professional for three years in the early 1970s.

Serial champions

W

e asked the question - could anyone better Annette Walton’s superb achievement of winning the Consett ladies club championship for the 14th time - nine of them consecutively?

The answer is yes. There was a big response with several nominations male and female - for serial winners at county and club level, including Whitburn’s Geoff Wilkinson’s 19 club championship.

The record which tops them all, so far, is Beamish Park duo Di Spence and Bob Hindhaugh - who have clocked up no fewer than 53 club championship wins between them over the years. Di has won the title an amazing 37 times between 1965 and 2009, 18 of them consecutively from 1973 to 1990.

Now president of Beamish, Di won her first club championship in the year she was also captain, 1965.

She played for Durham County for

Di Spence and Bob Hindhaugh 16 years between 1968 and 1990 and then captained Durham County Ladies in 1991 and 1992.

She continued her winning ways at veteran’s level, winning the county title four times in 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2001, and has played for the Northern Counties Veterans in the Jamboree against Scotland, the Midlands and the South.

She was also capped for England in the European Seniors Championship in 2000 in Oslo - a truly remarkable record for someone

who was Durham County’s first female scratch handicap golfer.

Bob’s 16 club championships in 18 years between 1959 and 1976 is also a very fine record and he also won the South Moor club crown twice - in 1977 and 1980. He was an England Youth International and was capped more than 50 times for Durham County, won the County Matchplay title twice as well as being runner-up twice in the County Championship.

He has also won the county mixed foursomes with Mary Waugh and Di.

Bedlingtonshire Golf Club ‘Enjoy our Golfing experience’

MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE ALL FOR LESS THAN £600 VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.BEDLINGTONGOLFCLUB.COM FOR VISITOR & OPEN BOOKINGS

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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.

PHASE II OF OUR MAJOR COURSE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IS NOW COMPLETE - THIS PROVIDED TWENTY ONE NEW FEATURES OVER THREE HOLES OPENS 2018

SENIORS – Wednesday 18th April MIXED – Saturday 5th May MENS AMATEUR – 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

TEEINGOFF

All change for North

Junior golf in Northumberland is getting a big shake up for the 2018 season having come under the county banner.

The Northumberland Junior Golf Association, which had managed junior golf on the union’s behalf, has been absorbed to better align it with the county system.

Graham Forrest, incoming chairman of the Northumberland Union of Golf Clubs junior committee, is heading a new line-up with Andrew Minnikin overseeing teams and coaching.

The county website, www.nugc. org, is now the hub for men’s and junior golf.

Race is on

T

he Durham County Golf Union Juniors section has paid tribute to Mizuno Golf UK and Rockliffe Hall for making its mini tour a success for the seventh year in a row.

Jordan Pout, the Mizuno Race 2 Rockliffe initiative manager for the Durham County Golf Union Juniors, said: “We really appreciate Mizuno Golf UK’s support on a continuous basis and also Rockliffe Hall for their support as host venue. The event has been a great success year after year and the Durham County Golf Union Juniors look to make this year an even greater success than before with the new changes and technology we are able to use throughout the season.”

The Mizuno Race2Rockliffe is an order of merit series which aims to get junior golfers from across County Durham with a CONGU handicap playing competitively, and to gain points through playing at different courses between April and August.

They go on and qualify for a place at

2017 Race2Rockliffe winner Duran Gun the grand final held at Rockliffe Hall.

Free registration is now open on the Durham County Golf Union website.

Meanwhile, the Durham County Golf Development Group is hosting

a Junior Conference at George Washington Golf Club on February 27, 6-9pm. The event is open to representatives from Durham clubs and is supported by England Golf and The Golf Foundation.

BRANCEPETH CASTLE GOLF CLUB MONDAY 26TH MARCH MENS TEAM OF 4 - £40 PER TEAM ALL CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP UP TO AGE 18 LESS THAN £20 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 10 NORTHERN GOLFER

TEEINGOFF

Searching for future stars

R

amside Hall Hotel and Golf Club is searching for the next generation of golfing talent in the North East.

Ramside is offering four scholarships to junior golfers aged 10-16, including a years’ free membership and use of its two championship courses, golf academy practice facilities plus tuition with attached PGA professional Kevin Jackson.

Helen Roseberry, director of golf at Ramside, said: “The Michael Adamson Junior Golf Scholarship is now recruiting and Ramside is keen to hear from junior golfers who might be dreaming of becoming the next Graeme Storm, Jodi Ewart Shadoff or Chris Paisley.”

The scholarships are offered annually and are named in honour of Ramside’s late company chairman Michael Adamson MBE. There is no handicap limit and golfers of all abilities are encouraged to apply.

“You don’t have to be the

2017 scholars Emily Baxter, Tilly Barton, Adam Charlton and Lewis Reay finished article to apply for this golf scholarship. Most of all we’re looking for young people with potential who genuinely love being out on the golf course,” added Helen.

The scholarship scheme was established in 2015 and several recipients have gone on to new heights, including Kitana Hollins – who is attending Murray State

College in Oklahoma, Duran Gun – winner of the Mizuno Race to Rockliffe in 2017, and Adam Charlton –who is in England Golf ’s North Region development squad for 2018.

Assessment days take place on February 12 and February 19. To register email helen.roseberry@ ramsidehallhotel.co.uk and krjgolfcoaching@gmail.com

Club golfers across the country will have the opportunity to tee it up at Carnoustie shortly before the world’s greatest golfers compete in The 147th Open in July.

A group of 42 men and women will compete in pairs in the second staging of The R&A’s 9 Hole Championship Final after securing their places through qualifying events at their own clubs during the season.

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Senior Open - Wednesday 18th April 2018 4BBB Stableford ALL NEW FOR 2018 Junior Open Monday 28th May 2018 Stableford 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 11

TEEINGOFF

Durham County Golf Union “Serving the clubs, golfers and talent of Durham County”

Andrew Wilson

Championships and Individual Competitions 2018 DATE

18-20 May 02 June 09 June 09 June 09 June 14-21 July 18-19 July 18 August 25 August

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Strokeplay Championship 3rd Division Competition Boys Championship Boys U16 Championship Boys U14 Championship Matchplay Championship Seniors Championship 2nd Division Championship 4th Division Competition

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DCGU Championships and Competitions are open to members of affiliated Durham clubs subject to any age or handicap requirements.

For full rules and entry conditions for all DCGU events go to www.durhamcountygolfunion.co.uk where online entries are accepted, and a form can be downloaded for postal entries.

Any queries can be made to the County Secretary on secretary@durhamcountygolfunion.co.uk or 0191 374 0788

Wilson targets pro switch

D

arlington’s Andrew Wilson is targeting a possible switch to the pro ranks by the end of 2018.

Wilson, 23, is currently in South Africa as part of a two-man England team with Staffordshire’s Jack Gaunt on a our-tournament tour.

The pair tee off at the South African Strokeplay Championship at Pecanwood before heading for Glendower, where Graeme Storm and Chris Paisley have claimed European Tour titles in the last 12 months, looking to make it a North East hat-trick with the African Amateur, before finishing with the Cape Province Open at Kingswood and the Salam SA Amateur in Durban.

“I’m really looking forward to going to Glendower,” said Wilson.

“I spoke to Stormy, asked for advice and he said to practice a lot on my short game and to hit it straight.

He said you can’t miss fairways and to keep it on the short grass.

He also reckoned it flies further around there.”

Having graduated with a masters in finance from Northumbria University last summer, Wilson has been concentrating on his golf.

“I think it had a bearing on the way I ended last year,” said Wilson, who won the Lee Westwood Trophy and finished runner-up at the North of England Amateur.

“I had no pressure of essays and exams on me, no pressure on my back and I seemed to play better after that. I am looking forward to my first year in full-time golf since I started when I was about 12.

“From September 2016 to September 2017 I was dropped from the England squad while I was at university.

“I wasn’t having a great year, but started seeing Graham Walker the England coach - that was the catalyst.

“I want to win a big event before I turn pro. I know I am capable, I just need to focus on doing it. I will probably turn pro in September, go to European Tour Qualifying School and go from there.”

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TEEINGOFF

Andy’s climbing the ranks

A

ndy Scrimshaw took another step towards his ambition of playing on the European Tour when he secured a full card for this year’s Alps Golf Tour.

The 25-year-old Close Housebased pro finished tied 19th in the final qualifying school at La Cala in Spain and can now start planning his season on the Alps Tour, which takes in a total of nine countries, and is regarded as a stepping stone towards the Challenge Tour.

Scrimshaw has played in some Alps events, but said: “Securing a full card allows me to plan everything well ahead. This will be help me know when I have time off or when to work with my coach.

“My long term goal is going on to the Challenge Tour and then the European Tour. It’s an achievable goal.”

Scrimshaw is aiming for a top five finish on the Alps Tour and has

been hitting the gym and working with his coach Andy Paisley over the winter months.

He sees the progress of Chris, Andy’s younger brother, as inspiration as he is following a similar path to the current European Tour star.

“I know Chris as a friend and I play golf with him when he is home.

It’s great to talk to him about golf as he has been through it all.”

Scrimshaw represented Northumberland at full and junior level as well as England Schoolboys before going on to complete his PGA Foundation degree in 2014.

The former Faldo Junior Series finalist also won the Northumberland and Durham Under 21 Championship while an amateur based at Prudhoe Golf Club.

He posted three steady rounds of 72, 71 and 73 at La Cala to secure his 2018 card.

Andy Scrimshaw

Knaresborough Golf Club’s Yorkshire PGA Pro Am on May 10 will bring together professionals from across the county to support Gary Day. Day, who was general manager at Cookridge Hall, suffered a lifechanging stroke in 2016.

For more information email Knaresboroughproshop@hotmail. co.uk

GEORGE WASHINGTON GOLF CLUB

40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 2018

FANTASTIC MEMBERSHIP DEALS FOR 2018 (Payment in Full or use our NO FEE Direct Debit facility) For all Great 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.

NORTHERN GOLFER 13

SHOP SALE DAY – Saturday 3rd March 2018 – 10am-6pm

MASSIVE STOCK CLEARANCE EVENT Upto 70% off all Clothing from Galvin Green, J Lindeberg, Dunhill Links, G Fore and Adidas

Wynyard Golf Club

An exceptional golf experience

SUMMER GOLF PACKAGES Society Package - £49 per head, Includes Coffee & Bacon Rolls on arrival, 18 Holes of Golf Followed by a 1 Course Meal. (Minimum of 12 golfers required).

Wynyard 4 Ball - £180 per 4 ball, Includes Coffee & Bacon Rolls on arrival followed by 18 Holes of Golf.

Wynyard 2 Ball - £99 per 2 ball, Includes Coffee & Bacon Rolls on arrival followed by 18 Holes of Golf.

Available from 1st May – 31st October on The Championship Wellington Course.

Contact Golf Bookings on 01740 644399 ext. 22 or email proshop@wynyardgolfclub.co.uk to reserve your tee time

www.wynyardgolfclub.co.uk

TEEINGOFF

Burrow bags big win

Nicola takes charge at Matfen

N

orthumberland Golf Club’s Michael Burrow enjoyed the winning feeling caddying for China’s Li Haotong in his European Tour victory at the Dubai Desert Classic.

Haotong, just 22, shot a closing round of three under-par to see off playing partner Rory McIlroy and lift the trophy, alongside Michael.

His four-round total of 23 under-par winning the title in the pair’s third event together.

Michael said: “To get my first win out on tour on Haotong’s bag was an incredible feeling. We played alongside Rory for two days and it was an amazing experience to lead and ultimately win. It’s amazing to look back on - it had felt like a normal day at the office once we got underway.”

A caddy for the last five years, Michael got his break with Frenchman Michael Lorenzo-Vera in Qualifying School having started

Li Haotong and Michael Burrow out caddying in the European Senior Tour events at Slaley Hall and for Garrick Porteous when he played in The Masters as British Amateur champion. Following two years on the Challenge and European tours, he worked with a number of players before teaming up with Haotong in 2017.

“We teamed up in Hong Kong last year for a one week gig and on

the Sunday morning he asked me to work with him full time this year, which I was over the moon with.

“Working with Haotong is a huge opportunity and I’m looking forward to what’s next.”

The pair are set to head to this year’s World Golf Championship events and all four majors following Haotong’s third place finish in the Open Championship in 2017.

Matfen Hall has appointed Nicola Hawes as its new golf manager following the departure of Peter Smith – who has joined Tyneside Golf Club.

Nicola has been a member of the Matfen Hall team for 17 years, firstly in front of house roles before joining the golf team in 2003. A keen sportswoman, Nicola plays off a handicap of eight and has captained the Northumberland Ladies Cricket team since 2010 and Stocksfield Ladies first team since 2003.

Flamborough Head G.C.

THE REGION’S MOST UNIQUE CLIFF TOP LINKS COURSE WITH FANTASTIC SEA VIEWS Flamborough Head Golf Club is an 18 hole cliff top Links Course, with absolutely stunning views of the cliffs around Flamborough headland and the magnificent & panoramic views of the North Sea. We have the two famous lighthouses, the oldest of which is known as ‘The Old Beacon’ this structure was built circa 1674 and is the only known example of its kind in England ‘The Old Beacon’ adorns the 5th Tee. The Club has a bungalow by the 1st Tee which sleeps 4 people to ‘stay & play’ and at £49 pp per night plus unlimited golf and Full English Breakfast in the Clubhouse is great value.

Full and Country Membership is available.

Come along and enjoy the experience, green fees are only £15 per round weekdays & £20 on Weekends. Ride on Buggies are available to hire. Call Geoff on 01262 850333 or email on enquiries@flamboroughheadgolfclub.co.uk to book an experience you will not forget.

LIGHTHOUSE ROAD, FLAMBOROUGH YO15 1AR NORTHERN GOLFER 15

2018 FULL MEMBERSHIP 15 MONTHS (1ST MAR 2018 31ST MAY 2019) £600.00

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3 OR MORE JOINING (10% DISCOUNT) £540.00 EACH BOTH DEALS ARE FOR FIRST YEAR MEMBERS ONLY (PAYMENT BY INSTALMENTS AVAILABLE) GREEN FEES UNTIL THE END OF MARCH 18 - FROM £10.00 CALL NOW 0191 2869998 EXT. 2

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2017

125 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

NEWCASTLE UNITED GOLF CLUB

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

Book online via our web si

te www.boldo ngolfclub.c o.uk

Spring Texas Scramble on 24th March any combination of players £40 per team And a Midweek Seniors on the 25th April £20 per pair

Society Booking - Weekdays from 10am and Weekends from 11.30 (subject to availability) – From £23 Membership Offer Pay £75 until 31st March and receive a £75 voucher off your 2018/19 subs Contact details Steve Watkin on

T: 0191 5365360 E: info@boldongolfclub.co.uk Boldon Golf Club, Dipe Lane, Boldon NE36 0PQ 16 NORTHERN GOLFER

TEEINGOFF

GEORGE WASHINGTON GOLF CLUB

40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 2018 DRIVING RANGE Kevin Harmison (© Leaderboard photography)

Kev reaches the top 10

K

evin Harmison has shot up into the top 10 of the world’s disabled golfer rankings.

The Ashington 52-year-old started 2017 in 45th place in the world rankings before climbing to 27th. A second place finish in the Portugal Masters has since rocketed him up to ninth position.

“It’s going to be difficult playing against the Australians, South

Africans and Americans but to be the number one is my goal,” said Kevin, who lost the lower part of his right leg in an industrial accident.

“Moving into the top 10 is a massive achievement and it helps going into the European Singles championships and the World Championships.”

He was up against a quality field in the Portugal Masters and finished four shots behind the winner.

Four-in-a-row

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 Professional, 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

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laley Hall has been voted best golf hotel/resort in the North of England for an unprecedented fourth successive year in the Today’s Golfer Travel Awards.

The Northumberland venue managed by Redefine|BDL Hotels - topped the readers poll in the

national magazine.

Slaley Hall general manager Andrew Fox said: “What an achievement this is - four consecutive years! Any award is pleasing, but when it is voted for by golfers - the people who come day in, day out - then it becomes extra special.”

Rabbits on hold

T

he Finals Day for this year’s North East Rabbits Golf Association Rabbits and Inter leagues has been rearranged for March 31, 2018 at Ramside Hall following their postponement last season.

The events bring together

qualifying teams from the area divisions in the Rabbits (handicaps 16-28) and Inter (handicaps 8-15) season-long leagues as well as the leading points scorers from each club to compete for the titles.

For more information go to nerga.herokuapp.com

GUEST GREENFEES, BUGGY HIRE RANGE BALLS, FOOD & DRINK AT PARKLANDS & THE BORDER MINSTREL, MINI GOLF FOR YOUR GUESTS & SHOP PURCHASES*

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

Parklands Golf Club, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HP NORTHERN GOLFER 17

TEEINGOFF PGA North has launched a trailblazing venture to promote a golf union embracing the whole region, which is the biggest in the country outside Scotland. The Players’ Series will tee off next month with a dozen fixtures spread across the North East and North West, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire and North Wales.

Voluntary service

D

urham County Golf Union is looking for volunteers to support its working across the county.

Around 150,000 people give up their time to support the game across the country – and that includes Durham, but the Durham union needs more help to support its work.

The Union has just one employed member of staff and already has a great team of volunteers, helping organise county championships, deliver coaching programmes, carry out course ratings and much more.

Over the last few years the union has taken some big strides forward, introducing online championship entries and adopting the USGA course rating system, and now it needs to recruit some more volunteers.

Jonathan Ward, the Durham County secretary, said: “Volunteering

with Durham County Golf Union is an enjoyable way of giving something back to the game and there is a role to suit anyone who wishes to get involved… no matter how much time they have to give.”

There is a variety of opportunities, such as marketing and promotion, and the chance to be trained in areas including course rating, handicapping and refereeing.

Ken Joel, Durham Boys’ coaching chairman, said: “Volunteering

has been a great way of using my knowledge of golf to give something back to the game that I have enjoyed for many years. To witness young talent develop into elite players who have gone on to represent England is very rewarding.”

To find out more or to register your interest in volunteering at Durham CGU visit durhamgolfunion.co.uk/ volunteering or if you are interested in volunteering in other areas go to englandgolf.org/volunteers

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 18 NORTHERN GOLFER

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Ken Ferrie, Andrew Mair and Mark James

Ferrie sails into South Moor

T

hree-time European Tour winner Ken Ferrie has joined Ryder Cup legend Mark James and golf course architect Andrew Mair at Golf Course Design & Management, and is lending an expert eye to the firm’s latest project at South Moor Golf Club.

James and Mair have collaborated on more than 100 projects around the world, including the construction of Matfen Hall and Burgham Park in Northumberland and courses in Europe, Brazil, Africa and China, and Ferrie is looking to use his wealth of experience as a tour player as well as his passion for course design.

“It’s something I’ve always read books on and been interested in,” says Ferrie following his first course walk at South Moor – which was designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie in the 1920s.

“When you play, you see things which you’d like to change as a player and that’s what I’d like to add to what Mark and Andrew have done

with a lot of success over the years.

It’s great to be involved and get to really think about all things I’ve had in the back of my mind for years.”

On the planned work at South Moor, Mair adds: “Our aim at South Moor is to reintroduce many of the Mackenzie features which have been reduced over the years or are no longer in play.

“The key elements are there, but there is scope to reintroduce some more gorse and heather, and to redevelop some of the key bunkers and position those for the modern game. Tree management will also play a big part in our plan for the future of the golf course.”

James said: “It’s been really interesting to get Ken’s take on things and to see how similar our take on many things are.

“There are obviously some really good holes out there. Some others need a tweak here and there, with shaping, bunkering and some planting to improve them visually but the bones of what is here is very good.”

MAGDALENE FIELDS GOLF CLUB Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1NE

NEW MEMBER SPECIAL OFFER

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

One of Co. Durham’s finest courses, a true test of golf designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie of Augusta fame

Flexible membership offers for all categories including unlimited 7 day golf only £500 p/a on four year deal Visiting parties welcome, society packages with catering from only £18 pp 2018 open dates at golf empire and www.southmoorgc.co.uk

To join now or to find out more call South Moor Golf Club Secretary 01207 232848 or Pro Shop 01207 283525

CATTERICK GOLF CLUB Leyburn Road, Catterick Garrison, DL9 3QE

NEW FOR GENTLEMEN GOLFERS IN 2018

Two Veterans (Yes Veterans) and Seniors Opens at Catterick Golf Club 4 BBB Stableford in Two Divisions with separate prizes Wednesday 30 May and Wednesday 19 September 2018 £20 per pair – Yellow Tees - Handicap maximum at 90% of 28 Division One – Veterans - Aged 70 and over (Annotate the Entry form with ages and a V) for this Division Division Two – The young bucks - Aged 55 to 69 Nearest the Pin and a Two ball available on the day Plenty of Caddie Cars - but book early Tee Off Times - 08.30 - 14.30 Entry Forms on Golf Empire and Cheques payable to H Dennison, Catterick Golf Club, Leyburn Road Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, DL9 3QE 01748 832245 Telephone 01748 833268 Email: secretary@catterickgolfclub.co.uk Visit our website www.catterickgolfclub.co.uk

NORTHERN GOLFER 19

TEEINGOFF

Horton remembered

Roger and in

N

Roger Mitchell Roger Mitchell turned back the clock and took up a late invitation to play in a Texas Scramble event at his home club Keighley.

The former Yorkshire captain went on to score a hole-in-one at the eighth, 55 years after he had scored the first ace there in an illustrious career in which he played 169 times for the county.

Now 73, Mitchell answered an SOS call to make up a threeball alongside Jackie Starkie and Janet Vorster.

It turned out Mitchell’s holein-one was the highlight of a winning gross 66, nett 60.4.

orthern golf fans will be saddened by the death of former PGA captain and Ryder Cup player Tommy Horton at the age of 76.

PGA captain in 1978, he played in the Ryder Cup on two occasions, won four European Tour events and finished in the top 10 three times.

His best year came in 1976 when he was fifth on the order of merit.

He was a frequent visitor to the North East and a winner here more than once.

In 1969 he won the Tyneside Festival of Golf tournament at The Northumberland Golf Club.

He lost to South African John Fourie in a playoff for the Callers of Newcastle Tournament at Whitley Bay in 1977 - he and John Butler went out at the first extra hole leaving Fourie to defeat Angel Gallardo at the second playoff hole.

He was back nearly 20 years later to win the 1996 Northern Electric Seniors Tournament at Slaley Hall.

Tommy Horton His record on the Senior Tour was impressive. The Tour was founded shortly after Tommy reached the qualifying age of 50 in 1991 and he was a dominant figure in its early days.

He headed the money list in five seasons – 1993, 96, 97, 98 and 99 – and led the Tour’s career prizewinning chart until 2007 when he

was overtaken by Carl Mason.

Having begun his career as a professional at Ham Manor Golf Club, Sussex in 1959 he moved to Royal Jersey Golf Club as head PGA professional in 1974, retiring in 1999.

He maintained his association with the club and it was there he was taken ill on December 7 before passing away later that evening.

FOX & HOUNDS 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 4 Handpulls - 3 Regular & 1 Guest Ale on rotation Sunday Lunch - 12 til sold out Monthly Themed Dining Evenings FOX & HOUNDS WYLAM - Main Road, Wylam NE41 8DL. Tel: 01661 599172

20 NORTHERN GOLFER

HARTLEPOOL GOLF CLUB

OPENS Seniors Open Thursday 19th April 2018 4BBB Stableford £25 per pair Hartlepool Open Saturday 5th May 2018 4BBB Stableford £25 per pair John Proud Gents Pairs Open Saturday 4th August 2018 4BBB Stableford £25 per pair John Proud Mixed Pairs Open Sunday 5th August 2018 4BBB Stableford £20 per pair Seniors Open Thursday 13th September 2018 4BBB Stableford £25 per pair Entry forms available at www.hartlepoolgolfclub.co.uk or www.golfempire.co.uk Alternatively in writing to Graham Laidlaw Club Manager Hartlepool G.C. Ladies Open 28th May 2018 Team of 3 - All entries to Brittany Hill c/o Hartlepool G.C. Charity Open 11th October 2018 Greensome’s - All entries to Brenda Corney c/o Hartlepool G.C.

Monday, May 7th 2018 at Hartlepool Golf Club

Closing date for entries is April 22nd 2018 For all information and an entry form please visit graemestorm.co.uk

£10 ENTRY FEE to be donated to the Finlay Cooper Fund

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

TEEINGOFF

Hague goes close

Girls Golf Rocks

Y

orkshireman David Hague lit up the last round of the prestigious Avondale Amateur in Australia with a blistering finish which netted him the runners-up spot.

England international Hague posted a closing 67 with five birdies on his back nine, including one on the last where his approach finished 2ft from the hole. It gave him a five under-par total for the tournament, shot him up the leaderboard and made him clubhouse leader.

His title hopes were eventually dashed by Australia’s Blake Windred, who got up and down for par from a bunker on the 18th to win by a shot.

Hague, from Malton and Norton in Yorkshire, is on a tour of Australia with three fellow members of the England Squad - Matthew Jordan (Royal Liverpool), Gian-Marco Petrozzi (Trentham) and Jake Burnage (Saunton).

Hague, 21, has been in fine form

Girls Golf Rocks, the programme of free taster sessions and group coaching courses, has announced the clubs in our region which will be involved in the programme.

In Co Durham - South Moor, Durham City, Seaton Carew and Eaglescliffe will be hosting sessions while in Northumberland - Alnmouth, Arcot Hall, Bedlington, Close House, Hexham and Ponteland will be taking part.

In Cumbria - Barrow, Kendal, Seascale and Silloth will be hosting the events.

Keep up to date at www. facebook.com/GirlsGolfRocks

David Hague (© Leaderboard Photography) throughout the tour, reaching the quarter finals of the Australian Amateur - where he was beaten only by the eventual champion.

Last year he won the North of England Amateur and the Lagonda Trophy, and represented England in the Home Internationals.

Meanwhile England, with Yorkshire’s Bailey Gill and Nick Poppleton in the side, bounced back from disappointment to beat Finland 6.5-2.5 and secure the bronze medal position at the first Costa Ballena Octagonal Match in Spain.

WEST LINTON GOLF CLUB SOCIETY/ GROUP GOLF NOW JUST

COUNTRY MEMBERSHIP

£215

PER ANNUM

£20.00 PER ROUND EVERY MONDA Y & THURSDAY

Contact the office to take up this very special offer on 01968 660970 or email secretarywlgc@btinternet.com

Medwyn Road, West Linton EH46 7HN www.wlgc.co.uk 22 NORTHERN GOLFER

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RIPON CITY GOLF CLUB Perfect venue for visiting parties and societies Beautiful parkland course • Superb greens Spectacular views Gary Wolstenhome

Lifetime achievement award for Wolstenholme

C

arus Green Golf Club resident and European Senior Tour winner Gary Wolstenholme MBE has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to golf.

The 57-year-old, who had a distinguished amateur career before joining the European Senior Tour, accepted the accolade in front of a 450-strong crowd at the 2017

Leicester Mercury Sports Awards.

He said: “I can’t believe I have been gifted this accolade. It is an amazing thing to have and a wonderful acknowledgement of what I have been able to achieve, particularly with my connections to Leicestershire and my father; it is very special. I now want to give something back to the sport that has been so good to me, possibly through coaching.”

POPULAR PACKAGES CATHEDRAL • 18 HOLE DAYS FROM £39 HORNBLOWER • 27 HOLE DAYS FROM £49 Days can be tailored to your requirements FREE GOLF VOUCHERS AS PRIZES FOR ALL VISITING GROUPS

Junior date for Longhirst

L

onghirst Hall Golf Club will host the North East qualifying round of the Junior European Open on Sunday October 21.

The event, first staged in 1993, is one of the toughest tests in junior golf in Europe with the Champions Week Finals in Andalucia, Spain staged over five rounds on two of the top courses in Europe.

Entries for the individual strokeplay event, open to boys and

girls and played off scratch, are open now.

All golf clubs are invited to nominate up to six juniors (boys and/or girls) to go forward into the Regional Finals, while entries are also open to individual players.

The qualifiers (the top two boys and one girl) from all Regional Finals will head to the Champions Week Finals in Spain in November.

For more information go to www. golforganiser.com/tournaments

SPRING OPENS 23 APR - MENS AM AM 17 MAY - SENIORS 4BBB 18 MAY - LADIES SCRAMBLE 19 MAY - MENS 4BBB 20 MAY - MIXED AM AM

£60 per team £30 per pair £40 per team £30 per pair £50 per team

ONLINE BOOKING NOW AVAILABLE FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT US: T

01765 603640

admin@riponcitygolfclub.com www.riponcitygolfclub.com E

Ripon City Golf Club, Palace Road, Ripon HG4 3HH NORTHERN GOLFER 23

CHRISPAISLEY

Local hero

Chris Paisley reflects on becoming a European Tour winner and sets his sights on the next step on the ladder.

Dean Bailey caught up with him

A

t the close of 2017, Chris Paisley was in need of a new outlook.

Now at the end of January, it’s in need of another update.

The first four weeks of 2018 have been the best of Paisley’s career as a professional. His first win on the European Tour – at the BMW South African Open with wife Keri on the bag – was followed by a tied-fifth place finish at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, a fifth place finish at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and a tied-27th finish in the Maybank Championship.

His statistics are equally impressive. A combined 66 under-par for four events, Paisley has risen to 82nd in the Official World Golf Rankings and sits fifth in the Race to Dubai when we meet near his family home in the North East, a world away from Africa, the Middle East and Malaysia on a snowy February morning.

“It’s still surreal, even four weeks later,” says Chris having watched the highlights of his win for the first time earlier that morning.

“Everything about the win in South Africa was perfect. I played pretty flawless golf against one of the best players in the world. I stuck to my gameplan of being aggressive off the tee and conservative into most of the greens, and got the job done. It felt quite easy while I was in it all, which sounds so odd looking back at it now.

“The first time it started to sink in was on Thursday morning in Abu Dhabi. I got quite emotional reading all the messages from people.

A lot of the guys came over on the range and said

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

how impressed they were with my final round, which is a great feeling. To hear that from guys like Henrik Stenson, Rory, Justin Rose and Ernie Els was incredible.”

Chris, who followed in the footsteps of Hartlepool’s Graeme Storm - winner of the South African Open in 2017, was without his long-time caddy Sean Russell in South Africa - his wife Keri picking up the bag for the week and becoming a star in her own right.

“It was an interesting week without Sean but we worked really well together.

“I had to work out the numbers myself and it made being decisive that little bit easier. Keri did a great job all week - though we’re both happy to have Sean back on the bag now,” adds Chris as Keri nods in agreement after an exhausting week.

The win kicked off 2018 in grand style following a disappointing 2017, which saw Chris maintain his European Tour card through the Access List despite finishing outside the top 110 players in the Race to Dubai.

That experience in 2017, another season where Chris admits he spent too long looking over his shoulder rather than looking forward, set Chris on the road to winning his first European tour title.

“It started while we were waiting for the flight away from the last event of the year,” says Chris.

“Without realising it consciously, I had become happy with keeping my card and being a bit of a journeyman. Generally, I’d start the year slowly, step it up in the middle, then fade away at the end.

“We talked about it a lot this winter, about

CHRISPAISLEY

CHRISPAISLEY

pushing on and stepping up. We set some high goals for the year – to get into the world’s top 100, get into the majors, win a tournament and get into the top 60 in the Race to Dubai.

“Having those specific goals really improved my focus over the winter. I’ve always been one to work hard and put the hours in but I had started to go through the motions a little bit. For the first time in a while, I felt driven and had so much more clarity to what I was doing.

“There were a lot of contributing factors.

The forward mindset change was first then it was about bringing more pressure into my practice, which helped me feel sharp as soon as I turned up in South Africa. I also made some big swing improvements with Nico [Andrew Nicholson] over the winter to simplify things and strengthen my impact position. The last piece was combining 12 new clubs and a new ball from Callaway with a change in my setup to get four wedges in the bag to focus my mind on sharpening my short game back up to where it should be - as a big strongpoint in my game.”

That approach benefitted Chris throughout January - his scoring average, driving accuracy, driving distance and greens in regulation stats all up on his averages from his previous four years on tour – and ensured he kept performing in the following weeks.

“In the past I’ve been one of those players who can play poorly after a good finish – I worked hard on not letting that happen this time and it paid off.

“I was clear I didn’t want the win in South Africa to be a freak result which defined my career. I see it as a step along the way to a great career.

“In Abu Dhabi and Dubai I wasn’t quite as sharp as I was in South Africa but Sean was fantastic and my game was still in excellent shape. By the time we got to the weekend in Malaysia I was exhausted and made two silly double bogeys on Saturday, which was disappointing. Without a doubt, that four weeks was the greatest run in my career so far.”

Moving up the ladder really begins with Chris’ next European Tour start, the WGC Mexico Championship in March.

“Who knows where things are going? You see it every year, the likes of Tyrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood in the last few years, stepping up the ladder quickly having got that first win. I need to keep doing what I’m doing, stay focussed and not settle, and maybe it’s my turn to do all that. A good result in Mexico will give me a big world ranking boost, then maybe I get into the WGC Matchplay, do well there and I might get into The Masters… All these tournaments are on my radar now and those steps up the ladder feel a lot closer than they ever have done.

“It feels very achievable now. It feels so much better to see the carrot rather than the stick.”

26 NORTHERN GOLFER

Chris and Keri in South Africa

Admitting that he is often the last to believe in himself, Chris is now ready to take on the best players in the world week-in week-out, and he’s setting his sights on the biggest prizes.

“I suppose it’s my personality; I’m quite shy and have almost been apologetic about

being successful in the past. It’s time to push on and show the world what I can do – even something like getting into the Ryder Cup team feels achievable right now.

“Having got a taste of winning, I want to do it again. There’s no more looking over my shoulder.”

GET ON THE TEE WITH LEE Now is the perfect time to become a member of Close House, venue for the hugely successful British Masters 2017 and the North-East’s only Top 100 UK & Ireland golf club.

Join before 1 May 2018 and you will get free entry into an exclusive golf day hosted by Lee Westwood.* The event, which will take place on Tuesday May 8, 2018, includes a clinic in the morning, 18 holes on the Colt course, followed by a dinner hosted by Lee with a Q&A. • No joining fee applicable • Pro rata rates until 30 September 2018 • Memberships available from £60 per month • Meet and greet with Lee Westwood and signed photograph Contact craig.wright@closehouse.co.uk for further details * There will be a draw prior to the event to play with Lee Westwood.

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PROFILE

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

PRO -FILE

JJ VALLELY AGE: 40 TURNED PRO: 2000 HOME CLUB: MATFEN HALL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Multiple pro am wins, two seasons on the EuroPro Tour WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO? “It’s been a busy winter, particularly on the England and Northumberland squad coaching side. I look after the North Region U16 girls’ squad and the Futures squad for developing players, and we’ve spent a lot of time together in the last few months improving technically, mentally and physically to hit the ground running in April. I’ve also been out to the US with Jim Hardy and Chris O’Connell - two mentors of mine. We spent a week working on Jim and Chris’ Plane Truth philosophy, learning from other pros and getting to spend some time with Matt Kuchar, which was incredible. I’ve got a lot of notes and videos to work through still. I’ve also got my players fine tuning things over the winter, from elite players through to club golfers, so it’s as busy as ever!”

Visiting Party packages from £30 per person FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS: EMAIL:

TEL: 01434 603072 (opt 1) manager@hexhamgolf.co.uk | www.hexhamgolf.co.uk

Hosts to the Northern Counties Seniors Championship 2016 Spital Park, Hexham, Northumberland. NE46 3RZ 28 NORTHERN GOLFER

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE GAME? “My parents weren’t golfers but we visited my uncle on Jersey when I was nine, he was a big golfer and took me for a lesson with the local pro. I came home and joined Heworth Golf Club, about 50 yards from our house, and never looked back. By the time I was 12 I was pretty good, I won the club championship at 16 and played to a decent standard. I was always fascinated by technique and was reading loads of golf books as a teenager so I was destined to go into coaching pretty early on.”

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? “Coaching mainly. I’ve got a great setup at Matfen with a really diverse mix of players - from England internationals like Caitlin Whitehead through to the club’s junior academy - which has had a lot of success over the years and has some really good players in. I want to play more this season. I hit a lot of balls but I want to enter some pro events. I’ve missed playing the last few years.”

TOURLIFE

Keri Paisley

Play Golf at Stocksfield

Great Membership & Visitor Offers Stocksfield offers a scenic and challenging golf course with a friendly clubhouse, excellent catering and a fantastic decking area overlooking the course.

TOUR LIFE

SHARING THE SPOTLIGHT The walk Chris and I shared up the 18th fairway in South Africa is one I will never forget. After Chris hit his second shot onto the green and we knew it was inevitable he was going to win, Branden Grace stopped us and said, “You two walk ahead and enjoy this moment.” In a very classy way, he stepped to the left of the fairway and allowed us to go ahead. I can remember starting that walk, unsure if I had the energy to do it, but Chris put his arm around me and said, “we’re going do this one together” and that’s when the tears came.

In golf, and probably anything that’s worth working hard for in life, people often see the great times and quickly forget the amount of work it took to get to that moment. I’m not sure I can think of any golfer who hasn’t gone through ups and downs in his or her career. We’ve certainly had our share - from spending months apart at a time while I was pursuing my career and Chris was pursuing his dream, to the low points when Chris would stand on the tee and could not see how he could keep the ball on the planet let alone make a cut, from having a sponsor drop you, to people believing Chris was too small to compete on tour. Chris chose to use those setbacks as motivation to keep working harder.

And in those times, much like the walk up the 18th fairway, we would put our arms around each other and we would continue to climb the hill that is professional golf.

You could not see it on TV, but we both had tears in our eyes. While I was thinking about the setbacks Chris had overcome, he was focusing on all the amazing support we have had. We honestly felt everyone cheering us on, and the messages of support and congratulations have meant so much to us. We are both humbled and extremely grateful.

We may have conquered the 18th fairway at Glendower Country Club, but we both know there are more fairways to climb. And much like we have done in the past, we are going to put our arms around each other and make the journey together.

To everyone who reads Chris’s column every month, thank you for going on this journey with us.

FULL MEMBERSHIP From only £450* to 31st March 2019 (Full fee members also qualify for reduced Green Fees at ELEVEN other courses including FREE golf at Tynemouth and Seahouses.)

INTRODUCTORY MEMBERSHIP 3 months £99 VISITORS & SOCIETIES From only £10pp 2018 OPENS Available to book online via our website Looking to start the game?

Ask about our Get Into Golf Courses – only £25 *Offer open to new FULL members only

For full details on the above call 01661 843041 ext 1 You can also book online via our website

Stocksfield Golf Club New Ridley Road, NE43 7RE • www.stocksfieldgolfclub.co.uk Telephone 01661 843041 (Option1) or email info@stocksfieldgolfclub.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 29

DEANBAILEY

Dean Bailey

How welcoming is your club?

The region is renowned for its warm welcome but tell that to some clubs where guests can be seen as a nuisance rather than paying customers

A

s a general rule, when I sit down to write this column I take time to study both sides of the argument. I see the advantages of amateurs hitting the ball further as much as I wish to see the distance the pros hit the ball reduced. I can see the many merits in Ready Golf while at the same time understanding that golf for most is to be enjoyed rather than being a race.

However, this month I cannot understand the opposite side of my argument. This month I am arguing, pleading even, with the small-minded, self-centred, small proportion of golfers who elect to spread ill-will, contempt and misery through the golf clubs and clubhouses they spend time in.

Actions including complaining openly about a nonmember popping in for a drink or a meal, complaining about the number of visitors on the course on a Tuesday afternoon in February when there are just three members on it while a group of guests are enjoying a drink, and obnoxiously complaining about the near-100 Sunday lunch diners slowing down service at the bar are all examples of what I have seen in clubs recently.

I was appalled to hear the story of two non-golfing friends who had visited a golf club on a weekday afternoon between Christmas and New Year with their two-year-old son for lunch. The stares from the group of three members (the only others in the clubhouse during their whole visit), those members moving to the opposite side of the clubhouse, the rudeness of the bar staff

while serving their food, and them feeling “unwanted” and “incredibly unwelcome” irritated me as a golfer. For those who have little interaction with a community as broad and diverse as we who play golf, and to experience such an appalling treatment was infuriating.

My friends do not visit golf clubs often; they will now never set foot in one again.

I must temper that account by saying that this isolated incident, and those I have witnessed recently are a tiny proportion of what I have experienced in our region’s clubs.

Many of the golf clubs I choose to visit in the North East are not filled with those fitting the character of those above.

Most are great places, embracing their local communities, welcoming custom from those who pop in for lunch or hire the facilities and these clubs - and all golf club members who go out of their way to offer a warm welcome - should be thanked for doing so.

Those clubs, and those positive experiences, do golf ’s image and the potential for growing the number of golfers in the future a great deal of good.

To those who do not, I beg them to change. It would be a shame to see old, highly respected golf clubs fail to exist as the old guard make those who will fill the ranks of membership in future years and those who will keep external revenue streams flowing disappear. We all like spending time at our golf clubs; we should welcome the chance to share it.

NORTHERN GOLFER 31

COURSEREVIEW

United steeped in history With 125 years and counting under its belt, Newcastle United Golf Club has a fascinating story on the borders of the city, and a golf course to match its great history as Dean Bailey discovers

G

olfing history around Newcastle is long and storied and few clubs can track their history as far back, or as well, as Newcastle United Golf Club - nor can they claim to be closer to the heart of the city.

Now on Nuns Moor to the north west of the city, the club’s origins date back to 1891 and to a course laid out on the Town Moor by Tom Morris Snr. In October 1891, the City of Newcastle Golf Club was formed and the course created. By June 4, 1892 Newcastle United Workmen’s Golf Club was established and shared the course with the City.

In 1898, a faction of around 130 members split from the club to form The Northumberland Golf Club at High Gosforth Park. Nine years later, a second group moved to the City of Newcastle Golf Club to Three Mile Bridge, where it remains today.

By 1973, with the construction of the central motorway, Newcastle United’s time on the Town 32 NORTHERN GOLFER

Moor was up and a new course, measuring 6,600 yards with a par of 72 on Nuns Moor was constructed - where the club stands today.

The first sets the tone for your round - a 408-yard par four open to the wind which can sweep across the moor so it requires a solid tee shot to find the dip in the fairway and leave an approach to a small green protected by two front bunkers.

Though slightly shorter, the second is far tougher - generally playing into the wind and uphill.

Avoid the bunker to the left of the fairway at 200 yards and you should have a good approach to a generous, pear-shaped green with no bunkers.

The 347-yard par four third can yield birdies should you find the dog-leg left fairway and play your short approach into the right portion of the green. Unlike its predecessors, the 154-yard par three fourth is well guarded by bunkers. Club selection is key with the green measuring almost

40 yards from front-left to back-right. Another short par four follows, as does a birdie chance should you find the correct portion of an undulating green guarded by steep mounds at the rear. Meanwhile the par five sixth is aptly named Hookers Horror with out of bounds left. At 546 yards, length and accuracy are required here to avoid five fairway bunkers and two greenside bunkers en-route to the small green.

The 159-yard par three seventh shouldn’t cause too many problems - though beware two bunkers set short of the slightly elevated green.

Around the turn you’ll find three of the longest holes on the course and will need three good tee shots. The 436-yard eighth is the toughest - avoid the two fairways bunkers at this uphill par four and you may still need a wood to reach the two-tiered green which features a bunker to the right. Two par fives follow – played into and with the prevailing

COURSEREVIEW

FACT FILE CONTACT Newcastle United Golf Club 60 Ponteland Road, Cowgate Newcastle, NE5 3JN Tel 0191 286 9998 info@newcastleunitedgolfclub.co.uk www.newcastleunitedgolfclub.co.uk

wind. Out of bounds waits to the right of the ninth, while a drive to the right side at the 10th should leave a much shorter approach.

The respite of the short par four 11th is welcome - though be wary of the often uneven lies in this fairway, and its two fairway bunkers.

Watch a county event here and you may well see some take on the green at the sharp dog-leg left 12th... don’t. Play to the widest part of the fairway with a long iron to leave a short downhill approach to an hour-glass shaped green pinched in the middle by two bunkers and sloping from back to front.

The final par five, measuring just 497 yards and yielding many birdie chances - should you avoid the cavernous greenside bunker to the right of the green, follows before back-to-back par threes.

The 14th got our pick for signature hole (see fact file) while the 15th, at just 136 yards, can offer a birdie chance should you avoid its two bunkers and the mounding around the green.

Heading for home, the par four 16th and 17th holes each measure a shade under 400 yards.

The 16th is one of the toughest driving holes on the course with the fairway pinched by rough at around 250 yards from the tee. At the semiblind 17th, the fairway is more generous though the green is better protected with two bunkers and a large hollow just short of the green.

The strong par four 18th, at 417 yards, is a tough finish. Out of bounds hugs the left side of the fairway and a long approach must be threaded between three greenside bunkers to find a narrow putting surface.

GREEN FEES £10 per person (to March 31, 2018) £17 per person (to Oct 31, 2018) Buggy and trolley hire available Society and group packages available, contact the golf shop for details

Despite its long history and well-respected golf course, Newcastle United Golf Club doesn’t stand still for long. The course has been added to and improved in a number of areas in the last five years - with more mature trees, wider fairways and quick but true greens.

After a disappointing 2017, in which the club suffered a water system failure combined with the driest March and April in recent years, work has been carried out on the greens in the last few months to ensure they maintain their excellent condition.

TOTAL DISTANCE White tees – 6,638 yards Yellow tees – 6,422 yards Red tees – 5,867 yards FEATURES Large clubhouse with a choice of hot and cold food Putting green Chipping green Practice ground Golf shop Snooker table CADDY’S TIP During the summer months the greens can be exceptionally quick and difficult to read, beware anything which can run away downhill - it has a tendency to do so!

SIGNATURE HOLE A picturesque par three on the boundary of the course, it can be tough to reach the elevated green at the 189-yard 14th particularly into the wind. Be wary of the water hazard and bunker at the front left corner - both are in play when the wind blows. Par is a good score.

OUR VERDICT The combination of a fascinating history and an interesting, often challenging golf course makes this a must-visit.

NORTHERN GOLFER 33

MATCHPLAYPAIRS2018 MATCH PLAY PAIRS APPLICATION FORM For your chance to win a top prize in amateur golf, simply fill in this application form and send it to: Dean Bailey, Northern Golfer, Offstone Publishing, Unit One, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL

Los Naranjos

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: MONDAY APRIL 23, 2018

LEAD PLAYER PLAYER NAME

HANDICAP GOLF CLUB

ADDRESS

Close House, this year’s finals venue

POSTCODE TEL (DAY)

TEL (EVE)

EMAIL

PARTNER

HANDICAP

PLAYER NAME

GOLF CLUB

T

he annual Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs tournament is back for 2018 and entries are

ADDRESS POSTCODE TEL (DAY)

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PAYMENT:

ENTRY FEE

I have enclosed a cheque made payable to Offstone Publishing for £30  Or I authorise Offstone Publishing to debit my Mastercard/Visa/Maestro/Delta card by £30 only

£30



Card Number Issue No:

Valid from:

(Maestro only)

Time to enter Match Play Pairs

Exp date:

now open.

Played throughout the season at venues across the North East and Yorkshire, Match Play Pairs offers the chance to compete against teams from across our region and win a place in the NE/NW PGA Overseas Pro Am – to be played in February 2019.

Entries are now open, via post using the coupon in the magazine or online at www.northerngolfer.co.uk/ match-play-pairs/enter-2018. Entries close Monday April 23, 2018.

This year’s winning pair will team up with one of the North East’s best professionals in February 2019, as

well as adding their names to the Matchplay Pairs trophy.

Played throughout the season, teams are drawn against one another in the knockout format, played with 90% handicap allowance, with the final four teams making it to Close House for the semi-finals on Sunday October 7. The final will be played over the Colt Course at Close House, official venue of the 2017 British Masters, on Sunday October 14 with the winning pair heading off to Spain courtesy of GolfingHolidays.org.

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

Read the full rules for the event online at www.northerngolfer.co.uk/ match-play-rules

CSC: (3 digits on the back of your card)

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Please fill in the name and address the card is registered to: Title

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34 NORTHERN GOLFER

2017 champions Matt Sibley and Dave Wainman

Northern Golfer 276H x 198W_Layout 1 08/02/2018 11:18 Page 1

Play & Stay Golf Breaks

From £109pp* Only when you book direct

All hotel 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 £50pp*.

Including 2 rounds each, accommodation and breakfast.

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. Farmhouse offer available Sun – Thurs only.

Golf in Durham From city, countryside to coast, you’re never far from teeing off on a trip to Durham.

Whether you’re looking for a world-class course or a hidden gem, or seek to simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the county’s fairways and enjoy the stunning views, Durham is a must-play destination for any golfer.

County Durham Golf Trail Four renowned courses Four days of golf One memorable trip 1 – 4 July 2018 The inaugural County Durham Golf Trail is a four day tournament open to ladies, gents or mixed pairs and will be played as a stableford, fourball betterball format.

Play four of Durham’s most spectacular courses • South Moor Golf Club, a stunning county championship venue which winds around an enticing heathland layout.

• Beamish Park Golf Club, a beautiful Henry Cotton design that sits peacefully in the Beamish valley.

• Harry Colt’s masterpiece at Brancepeth Castle Golf Club, only a ten minute drive from Durham City.

• The parkland course of Barnard Castle Golf Club, in the picturesque and historic busy market town.

BEAMISH PARK GOLF CLUB

SOUTH MOOR GOLF CLUB

Only £150 per pair, limited to 40 pairs.

BRANCEPETH CASTLE GOLF CLUB

BARNARD CASTLE GOLF CLUB

For more information, or to reserve your place visit cdgt.co.uk Start planning your golf break in Durham at thisisdurham.com/golf or call 03000 26 26 26

GOLFERGEAR

Gearing up It’s been a long winter but the golf season is now on the horizon and there is a lot of new gear this month to get us ready to hit the fairways.

Headline makers include the latest drivers from TaylorMade and Callaway, putters from Scotty Cameron and Evnroll and releases from PING, Mizuno, FootJoy, Titleist – plus we have a review of ProQuip’s stormFORCE px5 waterproofs…

POWER IN YOUR HANDS

Mizuno GT180 woods RRP: £449 (driver) £315 (fairway wood) golf.mizunoeurope.com Mizuno’s latest metal woods, the GT180 drivers and fairway woods, are available now and are designed to partner the low spinning ST180 woods while introducing weight adjustment technology. The GT180 heads feature forged SP700 Ti clubfaces - a precise multithickness face that promotes accelerated ball speeds. The driver also features two, seven gram weights to adjust ball flight while the new adjustable hosel allows for 4˚ of loft adjustment and 3˚ of lie adjustment. The fairway woods feature a sliding 17g weight and the same hosel customisation.

M PEOPLE

TaylorMade M3 and M4 RRP: £479 (M3) £369 (M4) www.taylormadegolf.eu

TaylorMade’s latest drivers were launched with a huge buzz in golfing circles and plenty of feedback from many of the game’s greatest players – including world number one Dustin Johnson and Tiger Woods. The advancements in the latest drivers are headlined by Twist Face Technology, which is designed to counteract the gear effect of hitting from the toe and heel by manipulating the angle of the clubface for off-centre shots. The new range also features fairway woods, hybrids and irons in M3 and M4 variants.

NEXT GENERATION

Scotty Cameron Select putters RRP: £365 www.scottycameron.com The world-leading team at Scotty Cameron has unveiled its next generation line-up of Select putters. The new range introduces four-way sole balancing technology, which promotes faster setup and easier alignment at address. The new line-up includes seven blade and mid-mallet designs.

NORTHERN GOLFER 37

GOLFERGEAR

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

PING G400 Max driver, G700 irons and Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges RRP: £389 (driver) £149 per iron (steel shaft) £130 per wedge (steel shaft) www.ping.com PING has added the G400 Max driver, G700 irons and Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges to its equipment line-up for the start of the season.

The latest G400 driver has an increased clubhead size of 460cc while incorporating the technology from G400 which promotes maximum forgiveness and super-low centre of gravity to create PING’s highest moment of inertia (MOI) driver. The G700 irons are designed to promote length while offering maximum forgiveness thanks to their hollow body design and thin steel face – producing what PING claims is its longest, highest flying iron ever.

R E E T N U VOL IN GOLF

FOR THE DURHAM COUNTY GOLF UNION IF YOU LOVE GOLF AND WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE GAME, NOW’S YOUR CHANCE! From marketing and events, to course rating, championships and more, there’s a role for you!

Register your interest today www.durhamcountygolfunion.co.uk/volunteering

38 NORTHERN GOLFER

GOLFERGEAR

GONE ROGUE

Callaway Rogue driver RRP: £469 (Rogue) uk.callawaygolf.com

Callaway’s latest driver, part of the winning bag used by Chris Paisley in South Africa, is proving popular with the world’s best players. The Rogue driver promotes greater distance and forgiveness than its Great Big Bertha Epic predecessor thanks to enhanced Jailbreak technology - the newly hourglass-shaped titanium bars which keep the crown and sole stiff while allowing the face to flex more to create extra ball speed. The drivers also feature X-Face VFT, which varies the thickness of the face for improved ball speeds on off-centre hits.

LUCKY NUMBER SEVEN Titleist Vokey SM7 wedges RRP: £150 www.titleist.co.uk

With six iterations under his belt, we’re expecting a lot from master clubmaker Bob Vokey and his SM7 line of edges.

The headline improvement is to the progressive centre of gravity, which has been refined to move it into the key impact position - higher in the higher lofts and lower in the lower lofts. The SM7s are available in three finishes (Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel and Jet Black(, six grinds and lofts from 46°-62°.

Society Packages 2018 18 Holes of Golf, Tea/Coffee & Bacon Roll. Mon – Fri £24.00, Sat & Sunday £29.00 18 Holes of Golf, 1 Course Meal. Mon-Fri £27.50, Sat & Sun £32.50 Other Packages available.

We are on summer greens all year round.

2018/2019 Membership From 1/4/2018 – 31/4/2019 Gents & Ladies 7 Day £575 Gents & Ladies 5 Day £425 (mon-fri) • Gents & Ladies Pay and Play 7 Day £225 (and pay £10 per round) Join NOW and get February and March FREE. For more information or to Book, call the office on 01670 787898 (option 1) or e-mail; burghamparkgolfclub@gmail.com www.burghamparkgolfclub.co.uk Burgham Park Golf Club OPENS. Sunday 13th May: Gents Texas Scramble, 3 Man Team £30.00 per team, Includes Complimentary Coffee & Bacon Roll before play.

Tuesday 12th June: Seniors 4BBB Stableford £20.00 per pair (entrants must be 55yrs or over) Sunday 17th June: Gents 4BBB Stableford £20.00 per pair Includes Complimentary Coffee & Bacon Roll before play.

Monday 23rd July: Ladies Texas Scramble, 4 Ladies Team £40.00 per Team.

Sunday 19th August: Mixed Open Greensomes, £20.00 per couple.

Monday 10th September: Ladies Team of Three, £30.00 per Team. Best two scores to count + all scores on par 3’s.

Sunday 30th September: Gents Texas Scramble, 3 Man Team £30.00 per Team, Includes Complimentary Coffee & Bacon Roll before play.

To enter any of these Opens, simply Phone the Office on 01670 787898 (option 1), given details, and card payments over the phone, or send a SAE, with cheque for entrance fee & competitors details and preferred time.

To: Burgham Park Golf Club, Near Felton, Morpeth, Northumberland. NE65 9QP.

BURGHAM, Nr FELTON, NORTHUMBERLAND NE65 8QP E : burghamparkgolfclub@gmail.com W : wwwburghampark.co.uk T : 01670 787898

NORTHERN GOLFER 39

GOLFERGEAR

IN THE BAG

REVI EW

©Chatchai Somwat \ Shutterstock.com

with 2017 Race to Dubai winner and back-toback Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship winner Tommy Fleetwood

WINTER WARMERS

ProQuip stormFORCE PX5 waterproof suit RRP: £329 www.proquipgolf.com

Driver: TaylorMade M3 9.5°

Tommy Fleetwood successfully defended the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in January.

In his fourth European Tour win in Abu Dhabi, Fleetwood posted a 22 under-par total including a six under-par back nine on Sunday.

A Nike staffer until the company stopped producing clubs, Fleetwood still favours Nike fairway woods and irons, though he has added a TaylorMade driver, Titleist golf ball and wedges from Callaway to his bag.

Take a look…

Fairway woods: Nike Vapor Fly 13° & 19°

4 iron: Nike VR Forged

British winters are long, cold and wet…among other things.

With that in mind, the promise of new waterproofs was the only thing which tempted us outside for another six months of winter league golf every Sunday mornings.

There are a lot of options on the market, from £500-plus suits which promise to keep you dry even when you’re in the bath afterwards, down to those shiny waterproofs the guys in the Tuesday morning sweep seem to have had since the 1970s (though we couldn’t buy those anywhere… not that we wanted to).

The perfect combination of quality and price, the latest ProQuip stormFORCE suit got our pick – and it’s proving an excellent choice. Two months into winter golf and the jacket and trousers have stood up to rain, snow, hail and mud without a missed step. Add into the mix a distinctive look (we’re not ones for black on black here at Northern Golfer), a quality soft-touch feel to the ultra-lightweight combo which keeps the noise down, a four-way stretch fabric to keep everything moving properly, and a lifetime waterproof guarantee and we’re going to be teeing it up in all weathers for years to come. Jackets available in black/red, storm grey/ blue or ink/ lime – sizes S-XXXL. Matching trousers available in black or storm grey - sizes S-XXXL (27”-35” leg).

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Irons (5-9): Nike VR Pro

EVN BETTER

Evnroll ER9-10K Extreme putter RRP: £299 www.evnroll.com

Putter: Odyssey #3 White Hot Pro 40 NORTHERN GOLFER

Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy 4 48°, 52°, 56° & 60°

Evnroll has unveiled its latest putter design, ER9-10K Extreme, promising ultra-high moment of inertia (MOI), for extreme stability on those pressure putts. Designed by master putter designer Guerin Rife, the new flatstick is one of five new models for 2018, expanding the Evnroll range to 11 putters for the coming season.

ADVERTORIAL

A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD AT CENTURION PARK

Centurion Park, home to Wallsend Golf Club, has a new Head Greenkeeper taking up the role of managing the course.

John Grey, has the task of maintaining an existing mature parkland facility, whilst introducing some short-term improvements for enhanced course aesthetics, and longer-term projects to improve existing facilities. He comes with a wealth of experience working 36 years in the sports turf sector with over 20 years specifically focused in greenkeeping.

ffer O 0 e ng er 10 balls a R p 0 £4 er 5 5p £2.

Centurion Park is a well laid out course with many holes secluded by tree lined avenues, it offers an affordable, yet challenging test of golf to all abilities, from the category 1 golfer to the novice; all are welcome.

With the planned improvements it really is a golfing experience that all can enjoy.

Centurion Park is offering a wide range of membership, society, student and pay & play offers, Contact the centre on 0191 262 4231 option 2 for further details.

CENTURION PARK MEMBERSHIP OFFERS ON SALE NOW

SOCIETY GOLF PACKAGES FROM £16 PER HEAD GREAT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS* EMAIL JOHN.GREY@CENTURIONPARK.COM

Tel: 0191 262 4231

WWW.CENTURIONPARK.COM Rheydt Avenue, Wallsend, Tyne And Wear, NE28 8SU | Just 4 miles from Newcastle City Centre *Student golf from £10 per round

NORTHERN GOLFER 41

GOLFERTIPS

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

GO LOW

Wind can play havoc with your golf ball and can be incredibly hard to judge accurately, which is why it’s important to be in control of your ball flight – particularly when playing into the prevailing wind.

Keeping the ball low to the ground will minimise the wind’s effect and ensure you stay in control of its destination rather than allowing it to balloon up into the air.

Key points for keeping the ball low in the wind: • Move the ball back in your stance – this will create a more downward strike while reducing the loft on the clubface.

• Keep your weight on your left side a little bit more through your swing – this will help keep your hands slightly further forward at impact, reducing the club’s loft.

42 NORTHERN GOLFER

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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 April 5, 2018.

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

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT CATTERICK GOLF CLUB

WIN A TRIP TO DUMFRIES FOR FOUR PEOPLE INCLUDING ACCOMMODATION, DINNER, BREAKFAST AND GOLF The Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries is again 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 Co-ordinator 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 Lochmaben Golf Club (pictured above). Subject to availability of hotel accommodation and tee times.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Who won the WGC Mexico Championship in 2017?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT HARTLEPOOL GC

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT CENTURION PARK

Situated on the outskirts of Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, the 6,387 yard golf course dates back to 1930 and blends seamlessly into the local countryside to provide beautiful views and a great golfing test.

The Durham and North Yorkshire coast is strewn with golfing gems and Hartlepool is among the best of them. Expect fantastic conditions throughout the year on the Teesside course, which measures 6,298 yards.

Centurion Park, Wallsend is in a prime position just off the Coast Road in Newcastle.

The parkland course is well established and filled with character, and facilities include an excellent bar and driving range.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: In which year did Gary Player win his first Open Championship?

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: How many times has Colin Montgomerie topped the European Tour Order of Merit?

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: In which year did Tiger Woods last win The Masters?

Congratulations to last month’s competition winners: Cairndale Hotel: Chris Mills of Whitley Bay • ProQuip: Catherine McNeill of Billingham Longhirst: George Murray of North Shields 44 NORTHERN GOLFER

WIN YOUR CHANCE TO

TITLEIST 917 FAIRWAY WORTH

£249

LAST MONTHS WINNER MARK TEMPERLEY.

QUESTION : WHICH NORTH EAST TOUR PLAYER WON THE 2018 BMW SOUTH AFRICAN OPEN? A : GRAEME STORM | B : CHRIS PAISLEY | C : TOMMY FLEETWOOD

EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: COMPETITIONS@ORIGINALGREEN.CO.UK COMPETITION CLOSES 28.02.18. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND NOTIFIED BY EMAIL OPT IN CLAUSE AVAILABLE ON ENTRY TO RECEIVE FUTURE PROMOTIONAL EMAILS FROM ORIGINAL GREEN

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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!

Congratulations also go to the team from Darlington Golf Club, winners of the Sivewright League for 2017.

Carus Green Golf Club captain Ian Fairhurst has hit his ambitious target to lose three stone and raised £265 for Muscular Dystrophy in the process.

“I’ve struggled with my weight for a number of years and now with a young granddaughter, I was keen to get myself fit and healthy again. I’ve always been a bit of a yo-yo dieter, but Slimming World seems to have done the trick. I’m not stopping quite yet, as I still have a further two stone to lose, but I’m delighted that I have met my target. It’s been such a tremendous year, not just with the weight-loss, but holding the position of Captain at Carus Green has been very special”.

Donations can still be made on Ian’s Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ian-fairhurst Newbiggin Golf Club has awarded Lifetime Honorary Social Membership to Jackie Charlton OBE. A regular visitor to the club, Charlton is the first person to receive the honour. He is pictured here (centre) alongside Ronnie Taylor, John Freeman, Jack Lothian and Ernie Bell.

Congratulations to Ryan Clark, 16, who became the youngest ever club champion at Akebar Park Golf (formerly Wensleydale Golf Club) and collected his trophy at the club’s annual presentation night.

46 NORTHERN GOLFER

Following our story on the success of Annette Walton winning the Consett Golf Club club championship for the 14th time, Seahouses lady captain Allison Claydon has been in touch to tell us of a better record at her home club.

Anne Locke, formerly Anne Day (pictured) has won the Seahouses club championship a total of 19 times.

Can your club go any higher? See page 8 for another who did.

Email editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

Thank you to Glenn and Jill Mitford, who have contacted us to share their son Toby’s experience of junior golf in Co Durham.

“We got our first experienced of the Durham County Golf Tour in 2017, when Toby was nine. The organisation and professionalism of the event, from the staff to the young players was first class. Toby won the tour at Woodham Golf Club with a gross score of 36 over the nine holes - equalling the par of 36. His handicap of 36 has since been cut down to eight.

Toby is currently a member at Darlington Golf Club and is attending Ross Jackson Golf Academy at Ingleby Barwick.

With all the superb coaching he gets, Toby is hoping to progress and make his game even better. These events, as well as all the others around the North East, should be supported by all young junior golfers in the game, and we are already looking forward to 2018.”

Well done Toby, good luck this season.

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GALVIN GREEN CLEARANCE SALE ALL GORETEX JACKETS, TROUSERS INSULA SWEATERS, SHIRTS EVERYTHING - 40% OFF EG. NASH TROUSERS £89.99 NOW £53.99 ALEX GORE TEX JACKET NOW £149.00!!

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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

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MAX

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Engineered to increase flexing and deliver a powerful sound and feel, the forged T9S+ face produces hotter ball speeds for more distance.

Š PING 2018

G400 G400 MAX

7,474

7,832

6,587

6,000

7,636

7,720

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9,263

10,000 9,902

Both the G400 Max and G400 drivers have combined moment-of-inertia ( MOI ) measurements exceeding 9,200 [G-CM 2 ], elevating forgiveness levels to new heights and resulting in the tightest dispersion in golf.

That means more consistent distance and accuracy, round after round. Visit a PING Fitting Specialist or PING.com today.

Moment-of-inertia (MOI)

MOI to the MAX *

Competitors * MOI comparisons as of January 1, 2018

G400 MAX

G400

A great fit for players looking to add distance through stability and forgiveness.

Streamlined shape increases speed throughout swing.

Also available in G400 LST and G400 SFT.

G400 Max (460cc) compared to G400 (445cc)