Northern Golfer magazine #68 - October 2018

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68

OCTOBER 2018

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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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WELCOME&CONTENTS It is always gratifying to celebrate our champions but this month it is extra special.

While Team Europe was winning the Ryder Cup, Ameican James Glenn provided a small boost for our friends across the Atlantic by winning the Northern Golfer Men’s Champion of Champions title as we went to press - more on that next month.

This issue concentrates on the winners of the Junior and Ladies Champion of Champions - Rosie Belsham and Jess Baker - who capped off a fantastic season with superb performances at Ramside Hall, and you can read all about it on pages 24-26.

Our thanks go to all the clubs and individuals who entered, and in particular to Ramside Hall who presented their Prince Bishops and Cathedral courses magnificently while providing a superb meal, prizes and hospitality across both weekends.

Meanwhile, our popular Matchplay Pairs competition has entered its final stages and again we will be carrying a full report on the event next month.

These events signify the end of what has been a superb season of golf in some of the best conditions we have enjoyed for years - who would have believed that at the start of a year where most fairways were covered in deep snow?

Let’s hope the winter leagues and competitions which are getting underway have less challenging conditions to cope with, and ensure much-needed revenue continues to flow through the tills of all the clubs across the North East and Yorkshire region.

And finally, I am getting a bit emotional as this is my last issue as editor of Northern Golfer. Having been involved since the very start it is a big wrench for me to hand over the reins due to other business commitments but in Dean Bailey they are in safe hands.

I look forward to picking up future issues as a reader to enjoy the tales of success and woe, take advantage of the great offers and I might even be allowed to enter the competitions!

I am extremely proud of what Northern Golfer has become thanks to the talented team at Offstone Publishing. Thank you to everyone for your support and I look forward to seeing the magazine continue to go from strength to strength.

Paul Robertson, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

©Offstone Publishing 2018. All rights reserved.

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

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

Kirkpatrick’s national title, news from the US, Heworth’s record breakers, Harper wins matchplay crown and more

14-19 TEEING OFF

Schools success, Glenn’s order of merit and more

20 TOUR LIFE

Chris Paisley reflects on the Web.com Finals

23 DEAN BAILEY Vive la révolution

28 ROUND WITH

Captain of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews Chris Hilton

FRONT COVER

Jess Baker and Rosie Belsham are our new Champions of Champions!

40 MATCHPLAY PAIRS The final countdown

42 TIPS

Pages 24-26 When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

04-13 TEEING OFF

Step to it with John Harrison

44 COMPETITIONS

31 LATEST GEAR NEWS & REVIEWS

34 COLT COURSE AT CLOSE HOUSE

Win golf for four at Arcot Hall, Linden Hall and Castle Eden Golf Club

46 BUNKER

Golfing tales from our readers NORTHERN GOLFER 03

TEEINGOFF

Masters returns

2017 winner Henry Joynson with Graham Wylie and Lee Westwood The second annual Junior Masters, in partnership with Lookers Motor Group and PING, returns to Close House on October 29.

Following the success of the 2017 tournament, when the event was introduced alongside the British Masters during championship week, Close House will continue to host the event on an annual basis.

Junior golfers from three age categories – U12, U15 and U18 – have competed in a series of seven open competitions with the best nett scores earning a place in the final.

Qualifiers have been held across the north of England at Seahouses, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Worksop, Durham, Carlisle and Bradford.

Tour call

Kevin Harmison Newbiggin’s Kevin Harmison missed out on defending his English Disability Open but rubbed shoulders with some of Europe’s top tour players.

The European Disabled Golf Association and the European Tour Foundation invited six players, including Kevin, to play alongside European Tour stars at the Portuguese Masters as part of a drive to demonstrate that golf is for all.

04 NORTHERN GOLFER

l-r Ella Crang, Alex Stevenson and Cara Weddell

Alex wins Durham junior title

B

eamish Park’s Alex Stevenson shot rounds of 77 and 73 to beat Darlington’s Ella Crang in the Durham County Ladies’ Golf Association Junior County Championship at Durham City.

Alex, who holds a handicap of one, posted a two-round total of 150 as Ella shot rounds of 77 and

78 for a 155 total. Barnard Castle’s Cara Weddell won the prize for the best nett score as she finished third overall.

Alex said: “Winning the junior championship was a great way to end a tough season. I’ve played some good golf this year in spells, defending my club championship title at Beamish Park and

Unsung hero England Golf has presented Durham City Golf Club’s junior liaison officer Graham Donachie (pictured) with a Volunteer Award.

The award recognises Graham’s hard work over the last 12 months in transforming the junior section

of the club, including the launch of a new Junior Academy.

Graham said: “This award is an accolade, not just for myself, but also head professional Tom Cranfield and the team of volunteers who have offered such great support this year.”

representing England Schools for the first time having been trying to make the team for four years.

“I’ve now got the college season to look forward to as captain of Durham Sixth Form Centre before I play in some of the big events next summer and then hopefully head off to Western Kentucky University for a golf scholarship.”

TEEINGOFF

Flying start for Jake

B

lyth Golf Club’s Jake Bullivant hit the ground running in the US with a win in his first event as a college player.

Jake, part of the Rend Lake College golf team, shot rounds of 69 and 68 to lead the field by five shots in the season-opening RLC Fall Preview Invitational at Franklin County Country Club. His team picked up the overall title with an opening round score of 292 before posting a score of 286 in the second round.

Jake said: “To get a win in my first college event is a great feeling.

The tournament was a really good experience and it was really exciting to play for my collage.

“The first round was a bit of grind but I managed to hold together and make a couple birdies coming in to shoot 69. The second round was a lot better, more putts were

Jake Bullivant with his teammates dropping and I was hitting a lot more fairways.

“College in the US is very different from back home but is going really well.

“For my first two years I do general studies and then hopefully I will be able to transfer to a Division 1 university to carry out my masters degree.”

Defending champions City of Newcastle Golf Club had to settle for the runners-up spot as Reading’s Castle Royle came through to win the English Champion Club tournament at Huddersfield Golf Club. Castle Royle won by eight shots from City’s Phil Ridden, Alex Dixon and Zak Laws.

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TEEINGOFF

Hall going well

Jessica Hall Jessica Hall has hit the ground running in the US. The 19-year-old, plus-three handicapper from Bishop Auckland quickly established herself in the Fresno Bulldogs team with a steady performance in the Dick McGuire Invitational in Alberquerque, New Mexico to be the team’s second top scorer.

Before she left for the US, Jess finished fourth in the Astor Trophy at The Berkshire and also qualified for the matchplay stages of the British Women’s Amateur Championship before going on to win the Birkdale Scratch Trophy.

Sandy back on top M orpeth’s Sandy Twynholm produced a superb two underpar round of 70 to win the Newcastle & District Golf League’s Players Championship in tough conditions at City of Newcastle Golf Club.

Northumberland’s most capped player, Sandy led the field at the City as Prudhoe’s Ben Lee finished in second place with a round 73.

In the team event, featuring three players from each of the league’s clubs, City of Newcastle’s Paul Souter, Zak Laws and Alex Dixon led the field with a combined score of 213.

Sandy - a seven-time county strokeplay champion and county champion in 2004 - said: “It’s great to be back at the top of a leaderboard to finish off the season. This year has been pretty mixed and I’ve not had too many

Sandy Twynholm low scores, so I was happy to get it round the City in 70 in really tough conditions. I’ve been playing a little less this year and want to

push on a bit more over the winter, particularly with my son, Cameron, starting to play some really good golf.”

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ENGLAND’S

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NO. 15

TEEINGOFF

Heworth’s record breakers

H

eworth Golf Club’s Zara Naughton and Will Marshall have become the youngest-ever winners of the Durham County Mixed Foursomes Championship.

Zara, 12, and Will, 19, beat Beamish Park’s Gabriel Dickinson and Tom Skeleton 7&6 in the final to capture the title – Will recording the remarkable feat of winning all three of the county’s matchplay events this year following his wins in the Matchplay Championship and in the Durham half of the Inter County Foursomes Championship alongside Aaron Scott at the start of the season.

Will said: “It’s been a really solid year – particularly in foursomes with the two wins alongside Aaron and Zara as well as two wins in my first two county matches.

“In the mixed, Zara played great golf in each of our matches and was the ideal partner. Foursomes can be a really tough game but we

Zara Naughton and Will Marshall gelled well.” Zara, whose success this season included a win at St Andrews in the Wee Wonders Grand Final said: “It was a great experience partnering Will. He’s a

really good player and he’s got loads of experience already, which was useful when we were deciding how to attack the course and what to do around the greens.”

The Northumbria Junior League achieved a remarkable hattrick as Hexham, Matfen Hall and Parklands qualified for the England semifinals of the Junior Team Golf Home Nations Inter- Club Championship.

They will all now play for a place in the finals and the possibility of a trip to Portugal.

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TEEINGOFF

Storey’s unhappy ending

Ami Storey Ami Storey came close to victory in the English Women’s County Champion of Champions tournament.

The six-times Northumberland County Champion from Bedlingtonshire Golf Club produced the best round of the tournament with a 70 in the second round at Frilford Heath en-route to posting a four over-par total of 144. She had to settle for runners-up spot by just one shot as Somerset’s Hannah Woodley posted rounds of 71 and 72.

Nottinghamshire’s Libby Kilbride (Dore and Totley) was third, a further five shots back.

Storey claimed the Northumberland Ladies title for a sixth time by beating defending champion Rosie Belsham in the final at Bedlingtonshire to qualify for the Frilford Heath event.

Ben’s big win

Ben Schmidt Ben Schmidt put the seal on a remarkable season with a threeshot victory in the English Boys County Champion of Champions tournament at Woodhall Spa. The 16-year-old from Rotherham Golf Club played the 36-hole event in four under-par.

Eaglecliffe’s Will Skipp finished in a tie for fifth place.

08 NORTHERN GOLFER

John Kirkpatrick

Teacher’s perfect lesson

D

urham teacher John Kirkpatrick handed out a lesson in how to play in the wind when he won the English Senior Men’s County Champion of Champions tournament at Woodhall Spa. The Ramside Hall member was round in four under-par in his second round of 69, posting a total of 143 to claim the title by five shots at his first attempt.

It was an impressive debut for John, who only recently joined the senior ranks, and adds to a winning career which spans four decades.

He won the Cumbria county championship as an 18 yearold, followed up with the RAF

championship in 1986 and then won the Durham County Championship five years ago before adding the Durham County Seniors Championship this year.

“I missed my son’s engagement party to play so I was under a bit of pressure!” said John.

John opened his challenge with a one over-par 74 on the Hotchkin course and trailed Bedfordshire’s Philip Sutton (Dunstable Downs) by three shots.

In a stiff wind, the pair went out together in the final group in the second round and John caught his rival after three holes, going on to hold a two shot lead by the turn.

He played the front nine in three

under-par and, despite heading into the wind on the way in, he was one under-par on the homeward half.

“I didn’t have a three-putt in 36 holes and the greens were rapid, so I was pleased with that. I also didn’t have a double-bogey,” said John, who plays off a handicap of plus-two.

John teaches PE at the Durham Sixth Form Centre, which boasts a golf academy. “We’ve got some very good young golfers, especially girls. We’ve sent several to US universities in the last couple of years,” he added.

Alan Trimby (Seahouses) finished in a tie for 20th as Garforth’s Andrew King was eighth.

Yorks retain boys crown Yorkshire successfully retained their crown as English Boys’ County Champions with a perfect record of three wins from three matches at Rockliffe Hall.

They took on the challenge of three other regional champions

– Cornwall, Kent, and Lincolnshire – in the round robin event and came through with flying colours beating Kent 6-3 before beating Cornwall 6.5-2.5 then beating Lincolnshire 7-2 in the last day’s title decider.

Back row: Joshua Berry, Charlie Daughtrey, Jack Leversidge, Jack Maxey and Ben Schmidt. Front row: Michael Hay and Callum Macfie (© Leaderboard Photography)

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10 NORTHERN GOLFER

TEEINGOFF

Competitors at this year’s Northern Junior Golf Tour

North take top spot

N

orthumberland won the Northern Junior Golf Tour for a second time in the event’s nine-year history with victory at Carus Green Golf Club in Cumbria.

The competition features a string of qualifying events in Durham, Cumbria and Northumberland before the leading players from each area take part in the Regional Final at the end of season.

This years’ competition saw more than 300 young players aged 6–14 take part in five qualifying events in each county before the Regional Final at Carus Green.

A total of 75 young golfers competed for the Northern Junior Golf Tour cup, which was won by the Northumberland Team for the second time with a total of 842.5 shots. Cumbria finished second with 887 shots and Durham were third with 890 shots.

There was also a series of individual competitions within the final, split between five playing

categories - Advanced Boys, Beginner Boys 11-14 years, Beginner Boys 7-10 years, Advanced Girls and Beginner Girls.

Jason Budd, England Golf regional manager, said: “The Northern Junior Golf Tour is an ideal introduction to competitive golf and we are grateful to Chinny Dipper and Mizuno for their continued support.

“The Tour provides more opportunities for younger players to participate in a fun and competitive environment across the region, opening up a pathway from grass roots to elite level. Competing on different courses against players of a similar ability is a great way for the young players to develop their golfing skills and test themselves against their peers. I would like to thank all the host venues, volunteers and our team of support staff for making the Northern Junior Golf Tour such a success story. We’re looking forward to providing many more opportunities for young people in the years to come.”

CATEGORY WINNERS FROM THE 2018 REGIONAL FINAL AT CARUS GREEN, CUMBRIA

Beginner Boys – 7-10 years old Ben Brown – Durham (Best Nett) Sam Mallinson – Cumbria (R/Up Nett) Tom Robinson – North. (Gross)

Advanced Boys Aiden Blythe - Cumbria (Best Nett) Harry Coward - Cumbria (R/Up Nett) Cameron Hamilton – Durham (Gross)

Advanced Girls Haylie Philips – North. (Best Nett) Ellie Curd – Cumbria (R/Up Nett) Ella Jackson – Durham (Gross)

Beginner Boys – 11-12 years old James Neumann – North. (Best Nett) Jack Belisle – North. (R/Up Nett) James Marshall – North. (Gross)

Beginner Girls Becca Wildey – Cumbria (Best Nett) Chloe Spencer – Cumbria (R/Up Nett) Sophie Murray – Durham (Gross)

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TEEINGOFF

Durham’s northern title

Will Skipp Some of region’s best young golfers competed in The Northern Federation of Golf Societies 49th Annual Championship at Powfoot Golf club in Dumfrieshire, where Durham’s Will Skipp was crowned overall individual champion.

The championship brings together eight-man teams of under 18 boys from Cumbria, Durham, Northumberland and the South of Scotland for a 36hole tournament, which was won by the Durham team with a score of 910 (best six gross scores) followed by Northumberland with 918, South of Scotland on 944 and Cumbria on 968.

Cameron Pipe of Durham won the prize for the best morning score while Max Bromley of Northumberland led in the afternoon round.

Harriet doubles up

Harriet Barker Carus Green Golf Club’s junior captain Harriet Barker has won both the ladies and junior club championship at the Cumbria club this season.

The Ladies tournament saw three-handicapper Harriet, 16, win by 11 shots. She then took the Junior title the following day.

12 NORTHERN GOLFER

James Harper. Inset: Andrew Scrimshaw

James the first J ames Harper has lifted the NE/NW PGA Matchplay Championship trophy – beating Darren Pearce 2up in the final at South Moor.

Wynyard-based James, who has also won the Penrith and Whitley Bay pro ams this season, beat Close House’s Jonathan Lupton in the semi-final en-route to his first win in the annual event.

He said: “It’s a great feeling to win my first major on the NE/NW PGA circuit. This season has been a really solid one with a couple of pro am wins and lots of very good scores; I’m really happy with my year overall.

“The matchplay has been a fantastic event this year, playing so many brilliant players from across the region. To beat the likes of Simon Robinson and Andy Paisley in extra holes then to come out on top against Darren in the final is a great feeling.

“Darren’s golf in the final was superb. I managed to go 4up through four holes but he clawed me back to 1up through 15, while I didn’t drop a shot! I managed to birdie 16 and make a par down the last to complete the win, but I knew any mistakes would be punished the way he was playing.

“I’m looking forward to playing as much as possible in the months ahead and into next season – I’m really enjoying being back playing as much as I can.”

Meanwhile, a busy diary of pro ams has seen a number of our region’s best pros take home winner’s cheques. In the Hartlepool Pro Series event, South Moor’s Mark Ridley strengthened his position at the top of the order of merit with a round of 69 – one shot better than the nine players tied for second place one shot back.

In the MKM Pro Shoot Out at

Rockliffe Hall – which saw the top 16 players progress from an 18-hole strokeplay event into three-hole matchplay shootouts where ties were decided with a 100-yard nearest the pin shootout - Vincent Guest took home the title by beating Mark Ridley in the final by pitching to 4ft in the shootout.

Meanwhile, George Cowan, Craig Goodfellow, Ryan Ingram and Mark Ridley shared the top prize following their rounds of 69 at the Goswick Pro Am. At Brampton, Simon Robinson and Alex Wrigley shared top spot with their rounds of 66 while Mathew Webb won the Middlesbrough Muni Pro Am with a round of 64.

Andrew Scrimshaw returned from a stint on the Alps Tour to win the Bellingham Pro Am with a round of 69 while Northern Golfer tips pro John Harrison won the Crook Pro Am with a round of 67.

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TEEINGOFF Durham will look back on 2018 as a year of close finishes as they finished third in the Northern Counties Golf Union League – behind Lancashire and champions Yorkshire.

Durham lost out to Yorkshire by a single point at Hornsea, losing by the same margin away to Lancashire this season.

American dream

D

urham’s Laura Alexander has landed a dream job in the US and will be taking up the assistant coach position at Thomas University next season after completing her bachelors degree.

Based at Wynyard when home in the UK, Laura will be working alongside coach Rick Pearce while studying her masters.

Laura said: “It’s a dream come true, something that hasn’t settled in yet! When I returned to Georgia this year, coach Pearce asked me to stay on to be the assistant coach and to do my masters as he said I was an asset to the golf programme. I immediately said yes!”

Laura, 22, started her college career at junior college in Oklahoma before moving to Thomas University in Georgia.

A three-handicapper, Laura will be supporting a team which

Rick Pearce and Laura Alexander features her younger sister Zara, who has just started her studies at Thomas.

Laura added: “I’ve enjoyed every minute of my college golf career, travelling to different states, playing top-notch golf courses and

meeting new friends for life.

“I am really looking forward to being a post-graduate assistant coach, I feel I have the right advice to give to the upcoming athletes from my experience over the last five years. I couldn’t be happier.”

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TEEINGOFF

Glenn’s on merit

Gavin holds his nerve

Gavin Nesbit

James Glenn

J

ames Glenn sealed an emphatic victory in the Durham County Order of Merit by capturing two of the final three events of the season.

The Brancepeth and Bishop Auckland player opened up a healthy lead in the order of merit when he retained the Ravensworth Bowl and, while he missed out at Brancepeth in the Leonard Crawley Medal where England cap Andrew Wilson triumphed again, Glenn made sure

of top spot when he won the final event, the Bishop Auckland Bowl, over his home course.

James posted rounds of 70 and 71 to finish three under-par before sealing victory at the first hole of the playoff against Jamie Birkbeck (69-72) with a birdie.

Victories in the Keith Shivers Bowl at Heworth, where he set a new course record of 64, and the Ravensworth Bowl, where he defeated Alnmouth’s Andrew

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Minnikin in a three-hole playoff after both players shot rounds of 68 and 69, put him in the driving seat.

He topped the order of merit with 895 points with Bishop Auckland and Durham teammate Stefan Labuschagne, winner of the North Yorks and South Durham Championship, in second place on 715. Boldon’s Gavin Nesbit was third with 540, South Moor’s Chris Handy fourth on 480 and Heworth’s Will Marshall fifth with 400.

Experienced Boldon golfer Gavin Nesbit held off talented Tyneside teenager James Wilson to win the Durham County Player of the Year title for the second time.

It was a close run thing between the former winners of the Durham County Matchplay Championship, and it needed 39-year-old Nesbit to win both his foursomes and singles matches in the Northern Counties League clash against Cumbria at Hartlepool to edge out 18 year-old James by just 10 points.

Nesbit totalled 1,175 points in the table, which is based on performances in the Northern Counties League, Northern Counties Championship and the two major Durham County championships.

Nesbit tied fourth in the Durham County Championship at Billingham while James was tied ninth. James reached the final of the Durham County Matchplay Championship, losing to Heworth’s Will Marshall while Nesbit lost in the quarter-finals.

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TEEINGOFF

Four caps

First for Shields

A

The South Shields team The team from South Shields Golf Club has become the first to lift the North Durham League Matchplay Knockout Trophy.

Modelled along the same lines as the Mail on Sunday Team competition, the event is a five-man team handicap matchplay competition.

In the final at Hexham Golf Club, Shields claimed a narrow victory over Ramside B, 3-2.

Club captain Ted Austin led his team of Lee Auty, Steve Galloway, Tony Galloway, Steve Binks, Martin McCririck and Nigel King to the trophy.

quartet of young players from the North East made their England debuts after solid performances in the national schools championship.

Joe Robson, Alex Stevenson, Libby Bell and Adam Charlton were all capped as a result of their performances in the North of England Schools and England Schools Championships at The Shire London.

Last year’s Northern Golfer Junior Champion of Champions Joe (Prudhoe Community HS) won both his matches for the England combined team against Wales in a 13-5 win - playing in the top match on both occasions.

He travelled to South Wales straight from the British Boys Championship in Northern

England Schools trio Libby Bell, Adam Charlton and Alex Stevenson Ireland for the match at Llanwern, joining Yorkshire pair Charlotte Heath (Huddersfield Academy) and Evie Cooke (St Aidan’s) in the team.

England then took on Scotland in separate boys and girls matches at Lancaster Golf Club and Adam Charlton (Emmanuel College, Gateshead) won his foursomes and halved his singles match in a close encounter - England winning 10–8.

In the girls match, Alex Stevenson (Durham Sixth Form College) and Libby Bell (Gosforth Academy) were narrowly beaten 2&1. In the six singles, the scores

Joe Robson were tied with one match left and Alex, last year’s Scottish Girls Open winner, delivered the win with a 2&1 victory. *Terms & Conditions Apply

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GEORGE WASHINGTON GOLF CLUB

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20 NORTHERN GOLFER

TOUR LIFE ONE SHOT

One shot. It’s always one shot. After three missed cuts in the Web.com Finals followed by scores of 61, 74, 63, and 69 in the Tour Championship, I missed out on a PGA Tour card by one shot.

I had a 20ft putt on the 72nd hole for birdie, if I holed it, I earned a PGA Tour card, if I missed, Jim Knous did. Fortunately for Jim, I missed.

Those situations always fascinate me. An entire year and future pathway coming down to one putt.

In reality, it was all a result of everything that had come before. The lip out on 17, the 15ft par putt on 11, the birdie on the second hole - they are all equal but all people talk about is the final shot.

In the following hours I felt gutted, as though I had missed the opportunity of a lifetime. I had given everything and come up short of something I have worked towards for countless hours since I was eight years old. My wife Keri told me how proud she was, and I read all the nice texts from friends and family. It was all white noise. I’ve had plenty of moments like this in my career and in the moments after nothing anyone says can help, you just feel numb. It takes a certain amount of time to process the disappointment. You soon snap out of it, put things into perspective and realise that there are bigger issues in life - like hopefully having a healthy baby in about a month!

A day later I felt invigorated. I am excited to play golf again. After months of poor form and missed cuts (most by one shot), I have played some fantastic golf under extreme pressure. On Thursday and Saturday I shot the best score of the day. I hit over 80% of fairways and greens, and at times I felt unbeatable. I came up one shot short of a PGA Tour card but I have found some form and I am no longer dreading playing a golf tournament.

In fact, I cannot wait to fly back to Europe for the Dunhill and the British Masters. As my scores from last week show, you never know what is going to happen in golf, but I feel like I am back on the path to playing great golf again. The goal is to finish the season like I started it.

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NORTHERN GOLFER 21

DEANBAILEY

Dean Bailey

Vive la révolution The way club golf is organised needs a revolution

I

’ve been doing a spot of very quick (not particularly scientific) research this month on the structure of golf clubs – especially how men and women participate in the sport together – and I’m sure you’ll all be surprised to hear the results are that most clubs have oldfashioned ideas and rules going back to when the world was in black and white.

In an age of equality for males and females, including on the golf course, why is it that men and women (generally) are not allowed to compete alongside one another?

Surely the handicap and tee systems make this easier than in just about any other sport, yet many golf clubs seem to be clinging to the idea that men and women should not mix when playing competitively.

The idea that men play on a Saturday and women have a midweek day remains prevalent, but the way people work and organise their lives doesn’t fit into that. People work weekends, kids play sports or go to clubs on weeknights, life gets in the way of golf – so clubs need to be as flexible as possible to get people playing and enjoying the game.

At the one golf club I found which runs singles competitions open to men and women, in same sex groups or mixed, the concept is an important part of membership to many of the

female members. They are able to play when they want to – after work with a colleague or friend, male or female, on a Saturday morning or on a Tuesday afternoon. The competitions share the same names, with a male and female winner, and everyone gets on with it without any fuss.

At its core, club golf is supposed to be enjoyable. If you’re a man who wants to play golf with your wife or a female friend on a Saturday, why should the way things have always been done stand in your way? Why should a woman who works five days a week be told she cannot play competitively on a Saturday when the course has a competition running on it anyway? Or if a man gets out of the office sharp on a Tuesday, why shouldn’t he be able to roll up to the tee, join a two-ball and play a competitive round?

Those who want to play in all-male or all-female groups can of course continue to do so, so surely there is no harm in getting more people out onto the golf course.

Golf’s image among non-golfers is one of rules and traditions which make little sense when you haven’t been part of them. But our game allows players of all abilities, ages and genders to play alongside one another using the handicap system and different sets of tees – let’s start thinking outside of what we know, be a little more flexible and get more people playing more golf in a way that suits them rather than what suits old-fashioned ideas.

NORTHERN GOLFER 23

CHAMPIONS

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

CHAMPIONS

Champions of champions Jess Baker and Rosie Belsham cap their remarkable seasons with success in the Northern Golfer Ladies and Junior Champion of Champions at Ramside Hall, writes Dean Bailey

G

osforth Park Ladies’ Jess Baker and Whitley Bay’s Rosie Belsham capped an incredibly successful year, which has included England caps and success on the national stage, with victory in the Ladies and Junior Champion of Champions events at Ramside Hall.

Jess, 16, made her England debut at Pannal just a few weeks earlier and led an elite field of club champions over the Prince Bishops Course at Ramside Hall with her two under-par round of 72 finishing three shots ahead of Darlington Golf Club’s Ella Crang as Close House’s Claire Brown finished third with a round of 76.

Competing in the Junior Champion of Champions, 16-year-old Rosie saw off boys and girls from across the region to lift the trophy in its fourth year – posting a round of 72 to finish four shots clear of Gosforth Park Ladies’ Libby Bell as Hexham Golf Club’s Robert Henderson finished third and collected the trophy for the best nett score.

“It’s a great feeling to be the Champion of Champions, and a fantastic way to end a really good year,” says Jess.

“I got off to a really fast start at Ramside with a birdie at the second and an eagle at the fifth - from

there I just tried to play sensible and keep my ball out of the water. Playing steady and slowly building my score was definitely the key.”

Rosie got off to a similarly fast start at Ramside, birdieing her first four holes en-route to the title. “I’m really proud to add my name to the Junior Champion of Champions trophy – it’s a big event to finish the year and the field was really strong so it’s a good one to win,” says Rosie.

“My round got off to a fast start like Jess’ with birdies at the first four holes and I felt really confident. I dropped a couple of shots on the back nine but knew I was in a strong position when I finished under-par on such a tough golf course.”

Both Jess and Rosie have recorded a string of top individual performances in some of the country’s biggest events this season. Rosie finished second at the Scottish Girls Open Championship at Montrose before a sixth place finish at the English Girls U16s at Lyme Regis and a second place finish at the North of England U16s at Pannal. Meanwhile, Jess has posted a second place at Lyme Regis along with top-10s at Montrose and Pannal.

Rosie and Jess have also made their England debuts this season – Rosie representing England in The Junior Open and in Norway before teaming

NORTHERN GOLFER 25

CHAMPIONS

up with Jess in her first match at Pannal against Switzerland.

“The highlight of this season was definitely getting my first cap for England,” says Jess. “It was great to play alongside Rosie in an England shirt having come through the Futures Squad and the Regional Squad together.

“In individual events, my season got off to a really good start at the Scottish Open in April before I took a two-month break to concentrate on my GCSEs. I struggled a little bit after that but once I got back into it things went really well and I played some great golf – particularly in the English Girls U16s when I finished second.”

For Rosie, her highlights of the year have come north of the border - representing England for the first time and coming close to lifting the Scottish Girls Open title.

“My highlight was the Junior Open in Scotland,” she says. “It was my first event staying away from home on my own and it was an incredible experience meeting so many people from all over the world.

“It’s been a really busy year but there are loads of highlights. I was really proud to be in the final group at the Scottish Girls Open and to hold the lead before eventually finishing second.”

While Jess credits a move to Andy Paisley along with an improved focus to her practice thanks to the experience of playing in elite events for her step up this season, Rosie says the key this year has been learning how to grind out scores while not having her A game, feeling confident that a single poor shot isn’t going to 26 NORTHERN GOLFER

Jess Baker and Rosie Belsham

lead to her score spiralling out of control.

Having progressed through the ranks together from the age of 12, starting in the regional Futures Squad led by JJ Vallely and Bryan Ross at Matfen Hall, Rosie and Jess teed it up alongside each other in England colours to take on Switzerland at Pannal – where they won their foursomes match before going on to secure both their singles points and win the match.

“I really enjoyed playing alongside Jess,” says Rosie. “Having played for England before, I knew what to expect and felt really relaxed going into the foursomes as we’ve played so much golf together and know each others games so well.”

“I was nervous standing on the first tee but Rosie took the pressure off by hitting the opening tee shot,” adds Jess. “From there I settled into it and it was all pretty chilled.

“The key was just keeping cool. The golf looks after itself, mostly, so it’s all about staying calm, playing my normal game and not getting wrapped up in what’s going on around me.”

The girls will represent England again in Ireland this October before they head to the national training camp at Quinta do Lago, Portugal in February. From there, they’re planning to compete against one another in the country’s biggest events while keeping an eye on their prospects of heading to the US to compete on the college golf circuit.

“Over the winter I’m looking to improve

the core elements of my swing and practising hard,” says Jess. “Next season I’ll be playing in some new events including the top ladies events – possibly some outside of the UK too.

I think I need to do something different and broaden my experiences, while also hopefully playing some more events for England.”

“My big aim next season is to win a national event, while adding some more top10s to my record,” adds Rosie. “From there I’ll see what opportunities come up and hopefully continue representing England.”

Both girls have already begun the process of looking at US colleges with support from their agents – though they agree any decisions are still a long way off.

For now they’ll be competing closer to home – all thanks to the support of their parents and mentors.

“I’m very lucky to have the opportunity to play in everything I do and I couldn’t do it without my parents, who are there very step of the way,” says Jess.

“My parents are always there too, supporting me and ferrying me around to all these events – we couldn’t do it without them,” adds Rosie. “Bryan Ross and JJ Vallely have also been really important to both of us making it so far – the Regional Squad has been such good preparation for going into the national squad and I can’t thank them both enough for everything they’ve taught us.”

Expect to hear a lot more from Rosie and Jess next season, and beyond.

GEORGE WASHINGTON GOLF CLUB

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ROUNDWITH A ROUND WITH...

Chris Hilton

New Captain of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews Chris Hilton shares his favourite memories from the golf course, his passion for the game, and his dream fourball picks

I

t’s been a busy couple of years for the new captain of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews Chris Hilton. A member of the Club since 2000, he chaired the Rules Committee from 2011-2015 and has continued his work alongside the committee ahead of the launch of the new Rules of Golf in January 2019.

A member of The Northumberland, Bamburgh, The Golf House Club at Elie and The New Golf Club St Andrews, the former lawyer has refereed at golf ’s biggest events, including all four majors, and maintains a handicap of eight.

Here’s more…

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

As Chairman of the Rules Committee I played very little golf, and what I did play was often on strange courses with rental clubs. I’ve played regularly since then and I hope to continue playing regularly as Captain.

2 How did you get into golf?

My father was a keen golfer and I had a club in my hands very early. My grandfather and father were members of The Northumberland and I’ve been a member for 50 years.

3 Which is your favourite course in the North East?

It would have to be The Northumberland, the course is simply terrific. Bamburgh is one of the finest places to play golf I’ve ever seen and I recommend everyone experiences it.

4 And further afield?

Apart from St Andrews, it has to be Prestwick.

The course and club are incredible, and it has so many quirky and remarkable golf holes.

Outside of the UK, I’d choose Cypress Point in California for its stunning location.

5 What’s your best ever round?

I shot 74 on The Old Course at St Andrews, a score set before I was Chairman of the Rules Committee and while I was still playing some good golf.

28 NORTHERN GOLFER

6 Which is your favourite golfing memory?

On the course, it would be my hole-in-one on the 14th at The Northumberland last year. It was my first round of golf at the club since my father passed away and I had forgotten putting his pitch mark repairer in my shoe for safe keeping. It was there the whole round and seems to have brought some good luck.

Away from my own golf, I would say my final ruling at The Open, which I gave to Zach Johnson in 2015 while playing the 18th hole in the playoff. The ruling was not exceptional but the surroundings and the occasion were very special.

13 Do you/have you played any other sports. Do they help your golf?

Cricket has helped and hindered my golf - you have to think about hitting shots to mid-on rather than through the covers.

7 What about embarrassing moments?

In 2011 at Royal St George’s, Luke Donald had to identify his ball in the face of a bunker and I gave him an immaculate ruling; the embarrassment came when I later realised I’d given a perfect ruling based on the incoming 2012 edition of the Rules.

15 Which event do you enjoy attending?

The Walker Cup - I love matchplay and there is something very special about amateur golf.

The camaraderie is fantastic, it doesn’t have the jingoistic element of a Ryder Cup and the golf courses the event is played on are wonderful. Those elements combine to make the whole experience very special.

8 Do you have any superstitions?

I don’t have any, which makes travelling and playing a lot easier. I don’t take a practice swing - my father was always very hot on pace of play!

9 What are your strengths on the course?

It used to be my short game, though much of that has been lost due to a lack of practice.

10 And your weaknesses?

5ft putts.

11 Which is your favourite club?

A wedge, though I wish it was my driver.

12 Who is your best golfing friend?

That’s a difficult one as I deliberately look to play with as broad a mix of people as possible. I’ve met some incredibly interesting people from all over the world by doing that, including one of the most memorable rounds of my life alongside Mark McCormack and Sandy Tatum – both of whom were charming.

14 Who is your favourite tour player?

Adam Scott. I walked with him at Royal Lytham & St Annes in the final round when he dropped four shots over the final four holes to finish behind Ernie Els, and he conducted himself superbly. He also has the most beautiful golf swing, which combines to produce a fantastic all-round golfer and person.

16 Who do you admire?

I have to choose two - both of them former secretaries of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. Peter Dawson has been an important figure in my career in golf; he backed the plan to modernise the rules alongside the USGA and offered tremendous support. The other is Sir Michael Bonallack, who has done everything in golf and is a hugely enthusiastic champion of the game.

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

Tom Watson for his exceptional attitude to the game and what it stands for; Annika Sörenstam for her golfing ability and her fantastic work off the golf course; and my wife, Liz. 18 What’s next for you?

Following the captaincy, I’m not sure what my life looks like if I’m honest. I’d like to see golf restored to a game which is accessible to all and I will do my best to be a part of that.

“Bamburgh is one of the finest places to play golf I’ve ever seen and I recommend everyone experiences it“ Chris Hilton

NORTHERN GOLFER 29

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 future.

JUNIOR COACHING SATURDAY MORNINGS FROM 11AM TO 12 NOON AGES 5 TO 18 – ALL WELCOME CALL 01913882333

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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

GOLFERGEAR

Autumn arrivals

IN THE BAG with FedEx Cup champion Justin Rose

©L.E.MORMILE-Shutterstock.com

This month’s gear pages feature plenty of big hitters, from Mizuno’s latest irons to new hardware from Titleist and Callaway. We also feature new apparel from PING, new footwear from ECCO and take a look at what’s in Justin Rose’s bag... enjoy!

Justin Rose showcased his ability to play brilliant golf under tremendous pressure as he birdied the 72nd hole of the PGA Tour’s Tour Championship to finish in a tie for fourth place on six under-par and win the seasonlong FedEx Cup – and the $10m bonus as Tiger Woods secured his 80th PGA Tour win. Having risen to World Number One for the first time in his career in the previous event, there seems no better time to take a look at what’s in Justin’s bag…

HOT STUFF

Mizuno JPX919 irons RRP: JPX919 Tour £135 per iron, JPX919 Forged £135 per iron, JPX919 Hot Metal £120 per iron golf.mizunoeurope.com Mizuno has unveiled the new JPX919 series of irons designed to deliver exceptional performance for all types of golf swing. Each of the three models – Tour, Forged and Hot Metal - is engineered from different base materials to help enhance performance for particular swing types.

The JPX919 Tour promises tour-calibre performance with precision distance control. A compact, streamlined evolution of Mizuno’s JPX900 Tour iron from 2017/18, it is grain flow forged from a single billet of 1025E Pure Select mild carbon steel in Hiroshima Japan to offer a soft, pure Mizuno feel.

The JPX919 Hot Metal is engineered for the perfect blend of ball speed and soft, controllable landing angles. Highstrength Chromoly 4140M is used to create a multi-thickness face that promotes increased ball speeds.

Meanwhile, a new reverse-milled clubface, CNC-milled from the sole up to create a larger area of minimum face thickness, makes the streamlined JPX919 Forged Mizuno’s fastest ever forged iron in terms of measured ball speed. The resulting weight removed from the face also allows a lower, deeper centre of gravity making it easier to flight the long and mid-irons.

Driver: TaylorMade M3 440CC 9˚ 3-wood: TaylorMade M4 15˚ 2-3 irons: TaylorMade P790 4-9 irons: TaylorMade Rose Proto (P730) Wedges: TaylorMade Milled Grind 50˚, 56˚, Hi-Toe 60˚ Putter: TaylorMade TP Red Collection Ardmore 2 Ball: TaylorMade TP5

NORTHERN GOLFER 31

GOLFERGEAR NEW SEASON STYLE

PING AW18 Performance apparel RRP: various ping.com PING has revealed details of its 2018 Autumn/Winter performance apparel range, launching the brand’s most technologically advanced men’s and ladies’ collections to date. The range includes new PrimaLoft garments following the success of last year’s range as well as new technology in men’s and ladies’ mid-layers category to deliver a classic, luxurious knitwear range engineered with the finest Merino wool. Highlights of the range include the men’s Norse PrimaLoft Zoned Jacket – engineered for core warmth and wind protection, ensuring golfers stay warm and comfortable on the course through the changing seasons; and the women’s Oslo PrimaLoft Jacket & Vest II - functional and fashionable garments engineered for uncompromising warmth and playability without bulk.

WINTER COLOURS

ECCO GOLF BIOM Hybrid 3 shoes RRP: ££190 (BOA Closure System £205) golf.ecco.com ECCO GOLF has unveiled several additions to its popular ECCO BIOM Hybrid 3 family of golf shoes with the GORE-TEX waterproof design now available in a range of Autumn/Winter 2018 colour combinations.

Featuring the groundbreaking TRI-FI-GRIP outsole, the shoe is the latest evolution of the brand’s multi-award-winning franchise. TRI-FIGRIP ensures multi-purpose zonal performance through three segments; one for stability, another for durability and a third for rotational support. New for this season, the shoes are available in wild dove (racer yak leather), ombre (antelope yak leather) and camel (antelope yak leather) colourways.

NEED FOR SPEED

Titleist TS2 and TS3 drivers RRP: £499 www.Titleist.co.uk

NEW TACTICS

Callaway Mack Daddy 4 Tactical Wedge RRP: £149 uk.callawaygolf.com Callaway’s latest Mack Daddy wedges raise the bar even higher for the brand’s collaboration with industry legend Roger Cleveland by combining innovative technologies with premium components. Available in lofts of 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58° and 60° - the new wedges have been developed alongside the brand’s tour staff and feature a distinct new military green ‘raw’ PVD finish, black PVD face and black medallions.

The Tactical package includes a limited edition black tour issue shaft and a Lamkin Tactical grip too along with Callaway’s Groove-In-Groove Technology, which combines a unique suite of features to provide more shot-stopping spin.

32 NORTHERN GOLFER

Titleist has launched two Titleist Speed drivers - TS2 and TS3 - to deliver faster ball speeds with higher launch, lower spin and increased MOI for more distance and game-changing forgiveness. Following two years of development focussing on increasing ball speeds for the brand’s tour staff, the TS2 and TS3 drivers feature the thinnest cast titanium crown in the game (20% thinner than Titleist 917 drivers) allowing weight to be shifted lower and deeper as well as a new streamlined shape to reduce drag by up to 20%.

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COURSEPROFILE

The best is Close by Dean Bailey visits the Colt Course at Close House, the North East’s only top 100 golf course

W

hile it may be Northumberland’s newest golf course, the Colt Course at Close House holds a special place in the county’s golf.

The only course in the North East to be listed in the prestigious UK & Ireland Top 100 rankings, last year it hosted the European Tour’s return to the region.

From the moment you turn through the gates and head down to the No.19 clubhouse with the Tyne Valley unfolding in front of you, there is something very special about visiting Close House. Things only get better as you receive fivestar treatment from the golf services team, relax in the clubhouse with food prepared by a head chef with a Michelin-starred background then head to the North East’s only PGA Academy to warm up. All of this comes before you even play.

A daunting test from the back tees, stretched to 6,937 yards for the British Masters, the Scott Macpherson-designed Colt Course – which has been tweaked by attached professional Lee Westwood and golf course and estates manager Brian Clark since officially opening in 2011 – suits 34 NORTHERN GOLFER

us best from the white tees at 6,308 yards.

The par four first measures 375 yards and is a tough opening drive with the fairway sloping left away from a fairway bunker on the right side. Aim at the bunker and let the ball roll to the left side to have a view of the green, cut below the fairway with a front left bunker waiting to catch anything which flirts with the left side of the green.

Though shorter at 355 yards, the uphill second hole is just as tough. Out of bounds lurks left while three fairway bunkers will catch any misjudged tee shots. The green is one of the most undulating on the course.

Often downwind, the 327-yard third is a good birdie chance. Aim left as the fairway slopes down into the valley while a deep bunker some 50 yards from the green must be avoided if you’re going to properly enjoy the stunning views down to the River Tyne from the back of this green.

A tough par three of 199 yards follows before heading uphill again at the par four fifth, which requires accuracy and length to avoid three fairway bunkers flanking the fairway and leave an uphill approach to an amphitheatre-like green.

The downhill 383-yard par four sixth, 466-yard par five seventh and downhill 437-yard par four eighth offer three birdie opportunities. At the sixth a generous fairway leads downhill to a large green - though beware one of the deepest bunkers on the course at the front edge. The par five seventh plays uphill, though a generous fairway should enable you to leave a simple pitch to the green, while the steeply downhill eighth affords fantastic views from the tee and your drive should reach the bottom of the slope to leave a short wedge shot to the green.

The 185-yard ninth is the pick of the par threes.

Played over a lake with a cavernous front bunker, this is a daunting shot should you take it on while those who bail out to the right face a tough uphill pitch from a tight lie.

Making the turn, the uphill par five 10th is 471 yards, though it plays considerably longer. Out of bounds lies close to the left side of the fairway and the best approach is to leave a full shot to the green, which runs steeply back to the fairway.

Accuracy is key at the 373-yard 11th, particularly if you try to hit driver into the narrowest part of the

COURSEPROFILE

FACT FILE CONTACT Close House, Heddon-on-the-Wall Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 0HT tel 01661 85 22 55 closehouse.com

fairway. The semi-blind approach can be tough to get right – particularly when the wind blows at the highest point on the golf course.

The par three 12th measures 184 yards and requires a solid long iron over three bunkers before heading to the signature 13th (see fact file).

The final par three, the 157-yard 14th is the simplest of the short holes and the most picturesque - just watch out for the wind swirling through the trees.

From the simplest par three to the toughest hole on the course at the 353-yard 15th.

Starting behind a lake, the tee shot here is uphill and blind. The best advice is to aim at the tallest trees in the distance with a slight draw to find the left side of the fairway. Avoid the left of the green at all costs - par is always a good score here.

Crossing the road and heading for home, the 16th measures 412 yards and requires another accurate tee shot between tall trees. Those who find the fairway are rewarded with a good angle to the green and can use the slopes left of the putting surface, though avoid the right side as a large bunker protects the length of the green.

The 504-yard par five 17th is a superb example of risk and reward. The second shot must be played around a copse of oak trees, though the slopes at the front of the green will help your ball find the putting surface.

The last is a difficult par four of 363 yards to finish your round. A water hazard runs up the right side while a fairway bunker sits to the left side and will catch any drives played too far away from the hazard. Get as close to the green as you can here – the approach is played over a ha-ha wall with the green just beyond it.

GREEN FEES £150 per round (2019) Full membership £2,100pa, Country membership from £720pa TOTAL DISTANCE Blue tees – 6,937 yards White tees – 6,308 yards Yellow tees – 5,825 yards Red tees – 5,133 yards

The Close House experience goes far beyond just the Colt Course. The Filly Course is set at the foot of the Tyne Valley and is also a superb test, while head chef Craig Harvey has a Michelinstarred background. You’ll find the North East’s only PGA Academy with a floodlit driving range, excellent practice facilities, industry-leading technology and a staff of four PGA professionals here too, plus luxury accommodation in the Courtyard rooms and the Lodge and Pavilion private accommodation.

FEATURES PGA Academy with floodlit driving range, indoor and outdoor putting greens and large practice green Toptracer shot tracking in each driving range bay Stunning No.19 clubhouse with dining, changing rooms and shop Filly Course Yearling par three course Courtyard, Pavilion and Lodge accommodation CADDY’S TIP The fairways here are designed so players hit into specific areas, and accuracy from the tee is essential as it will give better access to the incredibly tough green complexes.

SIGNATURE HOLE The downhill, 423-yard par four 13th is a stunning risk and reward par four.

Multiple tee boxes are used here to bring the green into reach though the risks are high with thick rough bordering a narrow entrance to the left side of the green with five bunkers close by. A safe play to the right side leaves a much tougher approach to an upturned green – a daunting prospect with so much trouble to run off into.

OUR VERDICT A breathtaking landscape with a challenging golf course presented in superb condition what more could you ask for?

NORTHERN GOLFER 35

GOLF AT MACDONALD HOTELS & REPORTS

OPEN EVENTS

WINTER WARMER OFFERS warmer package for Two inclusive of * Winter 18 holes of Championship Golf + Tea, coffee & Bacon rolls for £39 exp 30th April warmer package for Four inclusive of * Winter 18 holes of Championship Golf + Tea, coffee & Bacon rolls for £69 exp 30th April

LINDEN OPENS - ALL INCLUSIVE OF TEA, COFFEE AND BACON ROLLS ON ARRIVAL - ALL EVENTS BRAND SPONSORED 21st October - 4man team - £60 per team 3rd November - 4 man team £60 per team 25th November - Mr Macdonalds Charity Open Day - £70 - 4 man team 22nd December - Pairs Open - £30 pair 19th January - 4 man team - £60 per team 17th February - Individual stableford - £20 pp Linden replaced their irrigation system this year and have invested quite heavily in machinery clearly visible with the course improvement with an investment of £85k

CARDRONA OPEN DATES BUNKER MENTALITY TEAM OPEN Saturday 10.11.2018 Tee times from 8.36am - 11.24 Team of 4 (Best 2 from 4 Stableford) Entry £60 per team Includes Tea/Coffee & Bacon roll on arrival in spikes bar on rolling basis (Breakfast approx timings between 8am and 11.15am in Spikes Bar) TEAM OPEN (SPONSOR TBC) Saturday 22.12.18 Tee times from 9am -11am Team of 4 (Best 2 from 4 Stableford) Entry £60 per team Includes Tea/Coffee & Bacon roll on arrival in spikes bar on rolling basis (Breakfast approx timings between 8.30am and 10.45am in Spikes Bar) TEAM OPEN (SPONSOR TBC) Saturday 19th January 2019 Tee times from 8.44am - 11.24am Team of 4 (Best 2 from 4 Stableford) Entry £60 per team Includes Tea/Coffee & Bacon roll on arrival in spikes bar on rolling basis (Breakfast approx timings between 8am and 11.15am in Spikes Bar)

LINDEN HALL

CARDRONA

TEAM OPEN (SPONSOR TBC) Saturday 16th February 2019 Tee times from 8.36am - 11.24 Team of 4 (Best 2 from 4 Stableford) Entry £60 per team Includes Tea/Coffee & Bacon roll on arrival in spikes bar on rolling basis (F&B Approx timings between 8am and 11.15am in Spikes Bar) TEAM OPEN (SPONSOR TBC) Saturday 23rd March 2019 Tee times from 8.20am - 11.2412.04pm Team of 4 (Best 2 from 4 Stableford) Entry £60 per team Includes Tea/Coffee & Bacon roll on arrival in spikes bar on rolling basis (F&B Approx timings between 7.45am and 12 Noon in Spikes Bar)

TO BOOK: CALL MACDONALD LINDEN HALL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB ON 01670 500011 OR MACDONALD CARDRONA HOTEL, GOLF & SPA ON 01896 833701

WWW.MACDONALDHOTELS.CO.UK/GOLF

STAY&PLAY

Stay and play Planning a trip? Try these…

ALNMOUTH GOLF CLUB Overlooking Foxton Bay, an area of natural outstanding beauty on the Northumberland coast, Alnmouth Golf Club has a long and distinguished history, and is proud of its heritage as the fourth oldest club in England – established in 1869. Designed by HS Colt it is regarded as one of the finest golf courses in the North East, renowned for the condition of its greens and overall presentation. A Top 100 golf course in the UK, Alnmouth also has first-class practice facilities, a driving range and golf buggies for hire. Only 40 minutes drive from Newcastle, Alnmouth is easily accessed and visitors are always given a warm Northumbrian welcome. For those staying and playing, the 26-bed Dormy House within the clubhouse is designed to accommodate golfers with twin or single rooms with ensuite facilities while golf breaks can be organised to include a choice of the best courses in Northumberland. www.alnmouthgolfclub.com

AULD CROSS KEYS INN The Auld Cross Keys Country Inn, Denholm has been at the heart of life in the town for more than 200 years. A popular choice with golfers visiting the Scottish Borders, the former bakehouse offers 12 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 26 people. Within a short drive of some of the best courses in the Scottish Borders, including Eyemouth, Torwoodlee, Minto, Jedburgh, Kelso and the Hirsel, the Auld Cross Keys serves as a perfect base for visiting golfers. www.crosskeysdenholm.co.uk CARDRONA HOTEL GOLF & SPA Macdonald Cardrona Hotel Golf & Spa is just 40 minutes from Edinburgh.

This championship golf course rests in a unique setting among the Borders Hills, skirted by the River Tweed. Designed by former Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas in 2001, the parkland and woodland layout features wide and undulating greens, and is an ideal destination for a golf break complete with first-class service and hospitality before and after your round. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-cardrona-hotel-golf-spa GEORGE WASHINGTON HOTEL, GOLF & SPA George Washington is everything you want in a golf resort. Celebrating its 40th year in 2018, the championship course is complemented by a 16bay driving range with teaching suites. There’s also a five-hole Academy course and the 103-bedroom hotel offers great stay and play rates and dining throughout the day as well as a recently refurbished gym and spa facilities for those needing to relax after a day on the course. At the heart of the resort is the par 73 18-hole layout measuring 6,625 yards from the back tees. The fairways are generous, however trees await should you fail to find the short grass. The opening back-to-back par fives offer a great opportunity to get off to a flying start, while George Washington’s version of Amen corner – a stretch of three tricky par fours – will test players of all levels. www.georgewashington.co.uk

CLOSE HOUSE If you spend a full day on the golf course you need a relaxing stay in luxurious surrounding – and the Courtyard, Pavilion and Lodge accommodation at Close House ticks all the boxes. New for 2018, the Pavilion, next to the Yearling par three course, is a private two-bedroom residence for up to four people with space to relax in the evening sunshine while enjoying the views of the Tyne Valley. Meanwhile, the Lodge sits at the top of the Close House estate and can accommodate up to four guests. The Courtyard suites are just a short walk from No.19 and provide a high standard of accommodation with 16 rooms accommodating up to 34 guests. As well as having access to the courses and facilities at Close House, guests have the beautiful Northumberland countryside on their doorstep while the shopping, sport and nightlife of Newcastle are just minutes away. www.closehouse.com

NORTHERN GOLFER 37

STAY&PLAY RAMSIDE HALL HOTEL & GOLF CLUB With two of Co Durham’s finest golf course as well as an award-winning hotel, state-of-theart spa, three restaurants and a spacious clubhouse, Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Club is an ideal venue for thos looking to stay and play.

Its two 18-hole championship courses – The Prince Bishops Course and Cathedral Course – are fine examples of risk and reward golf set in the countryside near Durham City. The Cathedral Course, opened in September 2014 as part of a £15m redevelopment at the four-star resort, measures 7,200 yards from the back tees and is laid out across a sweeping hilltop plateau and a picturesque wooded valley. Meanwhile, The Prince Bishops Course is a classic English track with tree-lined fairways and well-protected greens.

Away from the golf courses, the resort has everything golfers and non-golfers need from the clubhouse and driving range for before and after your round to dining in the Rib Room Steakhouse and Grill, Fusion Asian restaurant, Pemberton’s Carvery and Clubhouse. The resort’s spa offers full-day experiences as well as one-off treatments and is home to a number of swimming pools and a full fitness suite. The hotel offers 127 rooms – enough to accommodate any travelling golf parties. www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk

LINDEN HALL Golf course architect Jonathan Gaunt must have rubbed his hands with glee at being given the job of designing the golf course at Linden Hall. Combining a mixture of mature woodland, wonderful countryside, established lakes, ponds and streams, Gaunt has delivered a perfect mix of golf holes that are a real treat to play. Opened in the mid-90s, the course is mature with superb putting surfaces. There are four loops of holes, all starting and finishing near the hall making it ideal for those golfers who do not want to play a full 18. At the higher points on the course, players are treated to magnificent views of The Cheviots and the stunning Northumberland countryside while service and accommodation here are first-class. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/ macdonald-linden-hall-golf-country-club

ALNMOUTH GOLF CLUB FOXTON HALL

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

DORMY HOUSE GOLF BREAKS 2019 English Tourism 3 Star Accommodation - Tripadvisor 2018 Certificate of Excellence • Dinner Bed and Breakfast with 2 Rounds of Golf Breaks available from £95 per person • 2 Night Breaks with 3 Rounds of Golf from a choice of Northumberland Golf Courses from £240 • NEW FOR 2019 - Residential Golf Schools – 15th July 2019. Full Golf Swing Analysis, On Course Situational Coaching. PGA Coaches, Dinner Bed & Breakfast plus Lunch 2 Days - £225 per person

Reserve your rooms for 2019 now, let us know when and where you want to play, we do all the booking, you relax and enjoy!

Email: bookings@alnmouthgolfclub.com Call: 01665 830231 Visit: www.alnmouthgolfclub.com Alnmouth Golf Club, Foxton Hall, Alnmouth, Northumberland, NE66 3BE 38 NORTHERN GOLFER

MATCHPLAYPAIRS

Final countdown

Our Matchplay Pairs competition reaches the final stages

T

he season-long Northern Golfer Matchplay Pairs tournament will reach its climax in October with pairs battling it out at Close House to lift the trophy and claim a spot in the annual NE/NW Pro Am in Spain.

Defending champions Matt Sibley and David Wainman have progressed through to the semi-finals and will take on the Tynemouth/Newbiggin pair of James Ogden and Carl Brydon. In the second semi-final, Durham

City’s Gary Atkinson and Stephen Carter will take on Chester-leStreet’s Jason Emmerson and Gary Davies.

The semi-finals will take place on October 7 over the Filly Course at Close House before the winning pairs return on October 14 to contest the final over the Colt Course.

This year’s winners will head to the NE/NW PGA Overseas Pro Am in February 2019 courtesy of GolfingHolidays.org.

We’ll have a full report from the matches in our next edition.

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

Quarter-final results MATCH 57

Matthew Sibley & David Wainman (Eaglecliffe) won 2&1 VS Craig Beadling & Jamie McPhillips (Romanby) MATCH 58

Gary Atkinson & Stephen Carter (Durham City) won 1up VS Anth Mckeown & Alan Slater (Ramside) MATCH 59

Jason Emmerson & Gary Davies (Chester-le-Street) won 2up VS Ryan Mould & Stephen Mould (Crook) MATCH 60

Raymond Glendinning & George Freeman (Hobson) lost 1st extra hole VS James Ogden & Carl Brydon (Tynemouth/ Newbiggin)

Semi-final draw Matches to be played on October 7 MATCH 61

Matthew Sibley & David Wainman (Eaglecliffe) VS James Ogden & Carl Brydon (Tynemouth/ Newbiggin) MATCH 62

Gary Atkinson & Stephen Carter (Durham City) VS Jason Emmerson & Gary Davies (Chester-le-Street)

WINTER MEMBERSHIP FROM NOW UNTIL 31ST MARCH ONLY £100!!!

WINTER OPENS Monday 29th October - 2 Man Texas Scramble - Visitors £15 per pair Monday 26th November - 2 Man Texas Scramble - Visitors £15 per pair Friday 28th December - 2 Man Texas Scramble - Visitors £15 per pair Monday 28th January - 2 Man Texas Scramble - Visitors £15 per pair Monday 25th February - 2 Man Texas Scramble - Visitors £15 per pair

FUNCTION ROOM HIRE BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTIES NOW. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Call us on 01914133253 and ask for Agnes.

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

40 NORTHERN GOLFER

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STEP TO IT Are you out of sequence? Struggling with your tempo, balance or weight shift? If you are, here’s a great drill for you.

Set up to the golf ball with your feet together.

Start your backswing and as the club goes up, take a step away from the target with your back foot. As you reach the top of your backswing, lift your front foot up, then, as you make your transition, stamp your front foot back into position and swing through. This is a great drill to exaggerate your weight shift and sync up the movement of your body and the club - you should feel more connected in no time.

42 NORTHERN GOLFER

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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!

Last month we featured Mark Ridley’s remarkable 59 at the Bamburgh Pro Am and expected the feat to remain one of the best rounds of the year. However, within a matter of days news reached us of Gary Simpson’s record-breaking round at Cockermouth Golf Club.

Playing in the August Stableford Gary posted an 11 underpar 58 featuring two eagles, 10 birdies, three pars and three bogeys.

He said: “I knew I had a chance to break 60 when I holed out for eagle on 16. I birdied 17 then made a 30ft putt on the last, which I was only trying to lag up, to shoot 58.

I couldn’t believe it, I’m very proud to have shot a score that low.”

Unfortunately Gary, who only teed up in the event after a last minute call, was disqualified having practised on the course that afternoon – though that doesn’t take away his remarkable achievement.

Well played Gary!

Our congratulations also go to Ritchie Kendrick, who shared this picture with us following his hole-in-one at the 150-yard eighth hole at Tynedale Golf Club – made with a rescue club into the wind and pouring rain.

Well done Ritchie!

46 NORTHERN GOLFER

The season-long Daily Mail Foursomes reaches its Grand Final this month and Morpeth duo Steve Gordon and Mike Brown will be representing the North East.

The last pair from our region remaining after seven rounds of competition, they’ll be competing as one of the last 16 pairs in the finals at Marriott St Pierre, Chepstow in October.

Good luck!

A second hole-in-one story for this month’s From the Bunker. Houghton le Spring Golf Club lady captain Christine Bell, wrote to tell us: “I have played golf for 20 years and finally, on Saturday September 15, I managed to achieve one of my dreams – my first hole-in-one.

I was lady captain 15 years ago and took on the role once again this year. What a great way to finish off my year as captain! I’m still thrilled and pleased.”

Congratulations Christine.

Dave Richardson has been in touch to share the success of his charity golf day at Cookridge Hall.

The event, now in its third year, raised £10,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust with teams from clubs as far afield as Sheffield and Huddersfield helping to bring the total raised for the charity to £28,000 in just three years.

The winning team on the day was Mary Heslop, Kirsty Brown, Chris Benton and George Pennalls with 95 points.

Well done to all those involved.

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