Northern Golfer magazine #79 - November 2019

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NOVEMBER 2019

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS The City of Newcastle Golf Club is Europe’s champion club WIN A YEAR OF FREE GOLF WITH BREWIN DOLPHIN

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EDITOR Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk John Harrison Matfen Hall 01661 886 146 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 The national and international spotlight has shone brightly on our region’s golfers in 2019.

A highlight, if not the highlight, of the region’s golfing year was delivered by Phil Ridden, Andrew Minnikin and Alex Dixon at the end of October with their victory in the European Men’s Club Trophy at Golf du Medoc resort near Bordeaux. The City became the third English club to lift the trophy - and the first since 1990 - much to the delight of the team and their supporters all across the region. You can read the story of the team’s victory on pages 24-26.

That victory brought down the curtain on a year of northern golfers stealing headlines. There have been international caps for a number of girls this season - including two more this past month - as well as individual success for the region’s best amateurs throughout 2019. We’ve also had a 150th birthday year for Alnmouth Golf Club to celebrate more on that in the near future.

That last paragraph doesn’t come close to bringing together the success our region’s clubs and golfers have enjoyed in 2019. I’m already looking forward to putting together the year review for our December edition - there’s a lot to get in there!

Back to this edition, and it’s been fantastic to see the good news continuing to come in from players and clubs across the region. While the clocks have changed and winter rules are in force at many of our clubs, it hasn’t put players off in the final few events of the year as you’ll read all the way through this month’s Teeing Off pages.

This month we’ve also got the chance to win your membership for next year with our partners Brewin Dolphin. You’ll find all the details, including how to enter, on page 45.

We also wish a warm welcome back to greenkeeper Simon Olver.

Simon wrote an expert column for Northern Golfer a few years ago and he returns to our pages this month. We’ve also got a Tour Life update from Chris Paisley as he sets his sights on the top 20 of the Race to Dubai.

A trip to the coast is always a welcome treat too, and the recent wet weather made a visit to South Shields Golf Club on a bright, if slightly chilly day for this month’s Course Profile even more welcome.

Until next month, make the most of any good weather and continue supporting our clubs.

04-07 TEEING OFF

Northumberland girls shine, Rabbits success and Ferrie wins at Le Golf National

08-13 TEEING OFF

Storm preparing for tour return, Bedlington plans and a junior master is crowned at Close House

14-17 TEEING OFF

Charity champions, Bishop’s success continues and more

18 THE PRO-FILE

With Ramside’s Phil Redpath

21 TOUR LIFE

The latest from the European Tour with Chris Paisley

23 GREENKEEPER

Dean Bailey, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

Winter’s come early

FRONT COVER

The City of Newcastle Golf Club is Europe’s champion club Pages 24-26

30 A ROUND WITH Cellular Solutions MD Mike Bowers

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it ©Offstone Publishing 2019. All rights reserved.

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38 SOUTH SHIELDS COURSE PROFILE

40 THE LATEST GEAR NEWS

32 SPECIAL FOCUS Planning ahead for 2020

42 TIPS

With John Harrison

44 COMPETITIONS

Win golf for four at Whickham, South Shields and Garesfield

46 FROM THE BUNKER Readers’ tales from around the region

NORTHERN GOLFER 03

TEEINGOFF

Paul Dummett, Ken Ferrie and Jonathan Edwards

Let there be light Practice sessions at Matfen Hall Golf Club can now continue after the sun goes down thanks to the installation of flood lights at the club’s driving range.

Olympic Gold medallist Jonathan Edwards, Newcastle United footballer Paul Dummett and European Tour winner Ken Ferrie joined club members to take the first swings under the new lights.

The improvement, which was made possible after a £5,000 investment, will enable the range to stay open until 8pm during the winter months (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to begin with) for practice and lessons.

Matfen-based professional John Harrison said: “As a teaching professional, it’s great to be able to give my clients the opportunity to continue their lessons throughout the winter and provide a facility for them to practice”.

Ken added: “It’s good to see Matfen adding to their golf offering. With the par three course and longer opening hours on the range, there is no reason not to practice.”

Matfen Hall’s director of golf Lisa Ferrie said the investment and late night opening of the driving range was part of Matfen Hall’s ongoing commitment to give members the best experience possible.

04 NORTHERN GOLFER

Northumberland girls shine in England defeat

N

orthumberlandbased girls Rachel Gourley and Maggie Whitehead gained invaluable international experience as England’s U16s narrowly lost to Ireland at Hunstanton Golf Club.

Maggie, who plays out of Close House and Ramside Hall, represented England for the first time as Rachel (Arcot Hall) returned to the national squad as part of the mixed team of boys and girls for the two-day match.

In Saturday morning’s foursomes, Rachel teamed up with Lottie Woad

to beat Corinna Griffin and Emma Fleming 3&2. In the afternoon singles, Rachel beat Anna Dawson 1up before halving her singles match on Sunday with Beth Coulter to earn 2.5 points from a possible three.

Meanwhile, Maggie, 13, picked up her first international point in her singles match on Sunday, beating Katie Poots 1up as the teams tied Sunday’s session to give Ireland a 16.5-13.5 victory following their victories in both Saturday sessions.

Maggie, a late addition to the squad, said: “It was amazing to get the call and get my first cap.

“I’d set my hopes on getting a call up next season, so to get the experience and be able to play with no time to build up any nerves was a nice way to do it.

“Going in with no expectations really helped me enjoy it. Playing with that freedom definitely helped me win my match.

“Hopefully I can play some more matches next season and build more experience as an England player.”

On the boys’ side, Yorkshire’s Joshua Berry, 14, picked up a pair of singles victories over Joe Byrne and full Irish international Josh Hill.

Andrew Scrimshaw finished his Alps Tour season with a 33rd place finish in the tour’s Grand Final at Terre dei Consoli GC & Golf Nazionale. Andrew, who is attached to Close House, ended the year in 14th place on the Alps Tour order of merit – missing out on a top-five finish and a Challenge Tour card for 2020. His 2019 Alps Tour season included a tie for third place in the Cervino Open and a second place finish at the Katameya Dunes Open.

TEEINGOFF

Rosie Belsham

Top title up for grabs The Malton & Norton inter team

Phil Bladen (right)

Hat-trick for Malton & Norton

M

alton & Norton Golf Club secured a hat-trick of North East Rabbits Golf Association inter league titles with victory on Finals Day at Ramside Hall, while the team from Roseberry Grange Golf Club was crowned rabbits champions.

The Malton & Norton team picked up their third consecutive title in the inter league, for players with handicaps from 8-15, with a seven-player score of 229 points at

Ramside – 10 points clear of South Moor Golf Club in second place.

Roseberry Grange’s inter team finished in third place.

On Rabbits Finals Day, for players with handicaps of 16-28, Roseberry Grange led the way with a sevenplayer team score of 243 points – just two points ahead of Malton & Norton’s rabbits team. Blackwell Grange took third place in the event.

In the individual events, Roseberry Grange’s Phil Bladen was crowned inter champion with a

WINTER GREEN FEES

score of 37 points while Romanby Golf Club’s Greg Lincoln won the rabbits title with a superb 43 points.

The two finals days brought together teams from across the region, each having secured a place by finishing in the top two of their respective zones. This year’s rabbits league was split into four zones with 33 teams taking part, while the inter league brought together 25 clubs in three zones. In the individual events, the leading points scorer from each team competes for the title.

England international trio Rosie Belsham, Charlotte Heath and Brabazon Trophy winner Ben Schmidt head an impressive group competing in the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship final at Quinta do Lago.

Whitley Bay Golf Club’s Rosie, Rotherham’s Schmidt and Huddersfield’s Heath are in a stellar field of 24 finalists – 12 boys and 12 girls – that will compete over 54 holes on the resort’s North Course from November 13-15 for the chance to join an illustrious list of previous winners which includes Tommy Fleetwood and Jodi Ewart Shadoff.

With no winter greens or tees, Rockliffe Hall’s golf course remains in fantastic condition all year round - come rain or shine!

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TEEINGOFF

Sponsor package for Romanby Romanby Golf Club has been given a boost thanks to the continued sponsorship of Simon Bailes Peugeot.

The dealership has sponsored the golf club and its junior teams for the last 17 years. The support has allowed junior golfers to benefit from coaching through the club’s academy, which is run by Mark Pearson and professional Brian Ridley. The club has also been able to upgrade its academy facilities, including adding a new studio.

Ray Clemmit, club captain, said: “Our continued thanks go to Simon. These are exciting times for the juniors as we launch our new academy.

We have a rich tradition of producing great young golfers and the support from Simon means that can continue.”

Final countdown

T

wo pairs remain in the race for the Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs title.

Seventy four teams started out this year’s event and following semi-finals in October, James Guy and James Melville from Crook Golf Club will take on Mark Laverick and Jon Douglas from Stocksfield Golf Club in the final at Wynyard Golf Club in November.

In an all-Crook semi-final, James and James overcame Vaughan Raine and Shaun Elliott with a 2up victory at Brancepeth Castle Golf Club.

Meanwhile, Mark and Jon beat the Consett-based team of Barry Cranston and David Hornsey to secure their place in the final.

This year’s winners will receive a prize worth £600 along with a place in the region’s golfing history books as the 18th winners of the pairs competition.

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

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TEEINGOFF

Ferrie’s tour de force

K

en Ferrie returned to Le Golf National and put together an emphatic 10-shot victory in the Albatross Events Ryder Cup Anniversary Pro Am. Ken, who finished third in the Open de France in 2002 at Le Golf National and competed in several European Tour events at the course, led the field of 32 professionals from across the UK with a three-round score of 10 under-par (118 points).

Ken, who plays out of Matfen Hall, said: “I was really excited to get a chance to go back to my favourite golf course in the world, and a course where I’ve had some success in the past. To play as well as I did over the three days and win the event was really the icing on the cake.

“I’ve got some great memories of Le Golf National going back nearly 20 years and it always feels like a real privilege to play there. To

win there is a big highlight of the season for me. I played some good golf and it felt like rolling back the clock a little bit - being back at that course and playing some really high quality golf.

“It was good fun to watch the French Open a couple of weeks later and see where I’d played shots differently to some of the best players in Europe. I’m playing well at the moment, we’ll see what the next few months hold going forward.”

Ken also won the professionals’ nearest the pin competition as Colin Swanston won the amateur competition. In the team event, Burstwick Country Golf Club’s Matt Daley led the team of Michael Orange, Robert Orange and Ian Watson from Sweets Galore to the title.

For details of the latest Albatross Events tournaments, see @AlbatrossEvents on Facebook

Martyn Jobling, Andrew Scrimshaw and Ken Ferrie

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NORTHERN GOLFER 07

TEEINGOFF

The Yorkshire senior men’s team

King-sized win for Yorkshire Yorkshire’s senior men’s team got their hands on the silverware at the Senior Men’s County Finals, helped by a moment of golfing gold from Andy King.

After three days of top quality play at Effingham Golf Club in Surrey, the outcome of the 2019 event came down to the final two games in a shootout between Yorkshire and Sussex.

Needing a win to top the leaderboard, Andy produced a moment of magic on the 17th hole of his match with Colin Jones.

With Colin 1up, Andy was faced with an 80-yard third shot into the tricky par five.

A brilliant pitch and run found the bottom of the cup for a miracle eagle. He then halved the 18th, the half point in his game good enough to give Yorkshire the title for the second time in three years.

Graeme Storm (©Mitch Gunn-Shutterstock.com)

Storm preparing for tour return

G

Aldwark changes hands

raeme Storm has set his sights on returning to the European Tour in January 2020.

Graeme’s last European Tour event was the Trophee Hassan II in April 2018. Since then he has had two surgeries on his wrist, the second on January 21, 2019.

“The surgeries and rehab has been a long process but we’re now at the stage where we can put a plan in place with the surgeon, my coach and my trainer to get ready to return to playing on the European Tour,” said Graeme. “We need to work out how I can change the movements of my bigger muscles in the swing to ensure I’m more efficient and

Leeds-based investment company Depho Estates has bought York’s four-star Aldwark Manor for an undisclosed sum.

Depho Estates purchased the hotel and course from London company Aprirose and is set to further enhance and upgrade Aldwark Manor’s rooms and facilities.

Sweden’s Olle Widegren has been crowned World Hickory Open champion. Olle posted a three-round total of one under-par to lead an international field over three days in Scotland and claim the title. Played over Kilspindie, Gullane No.2 and Gullane No.3, the 15th World Hickory Open brought together players from 15 countries.

Aldwark Manor

08 NORTHERN GOLFER

I limit the chances of any more wrist injuries.”

On his return, Graeme will have 17 starts on the European Tour through a medical exemption, and he is looking to supplement those with a handful of invites in order to play as full a schedule as possible.

He added: “Once that programme is in place, I’ll be able to build up my training and look at testing things out by imitating my tournament routine of play and practice by the end of November.

“Once we’re at that point, I’ll be able to set a date for my first tournament back. Right now my target is the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on January 16-19.”

During his lay off, Graeme has increased his work with the Durham County system, supporting the coaching of players as well as hosting another successful Graeme Storm Junior Open at Hartlepool and launching the Mini Storm Series earlier this year.

Graeme added: “It’s been great to spend some time with the county players and the coaches during the lay off. There are some very talented players in the county and hopefully we’ll see the benefits of the coaching programme in the next few seasons. We’re also in the process of putting together the plan for our 2020 events, so there’s still plenty going on.”

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TEEINGOFF

How the development could look at Bedlingtonshire

Bedlingtonshire development teed up

P

lans for a £1.62 million redevelopment of facilities at Bedligntonshire Golf Club have been set out.

The club has submitted plans for the construction of a new 24-bay floodlit all weather driving range in woodland to the west of the current site. A new centre of excellence, which will feature a café, function suite and training room along with washrooms and offices, will also be created.

A new community function suite is also planned through the extension of the existing clubhouse.

The scheme will be funded by the

10 NORTHERN GOLFER

redevelopment of the club’s existing outdoor driving range at Acorn Bank, off the Hartford Road, for residential housing, in a move that could create up to 47 new two, three and four bedroom properties.

Kevin Beaney, chairman of Bedlingtonshire Golf Club, said: “This exciting proposal relocates the driving range and will significantly improve the facilities available for members of the club and the wider community. The range will create a state-of-the-art facility and will further develop our thriving junior development programme.”

Planning approval is expected in early 2020.

TEEINGOFF

Shearer bags a pair of pro am wins

A

lan Shearer added a pair of North East/North West PGA team wins to his trophy cabinet as the circuit visited Wynyard, Close House and Trump International Aberdeen to bring the UK-based part of the season to a close.

At the association’s annual autumn pro am at Wynyard Golf Club, David Clark (Morpeth) shot 67 to lead the field as Craig Goodfellow (Carlisle Golf Centre & Driving Range) finished alone in second

Handicap workshops underway

Franco Graziani, Colin Wilson, Andrew Scrimshaw and Alan Shearer place a shot back. Craig Smith (Close House) led Franco Graziani, Alan Shearer and Peter Davidson to the team title.

Meanwhile at the Close House Morpeth Practice Pro Am, Liam O’Neil shot a superb five under-par 65 to beat Andrew Wilson (Rockliffe Hall) by a single shot as Close House’s Ryan Pittiglio finished third.

Andrew Scrimshaw led the team of Colin Wilson, Franco Graziani and Alan Shearer to the team prize.

At the two-day Trump

International Aberdeen Pro Am, Danny Walsh (Garforth Driving Range) led the way with 74 stableford points. Phil Waugh (Brampton), Ken Ferrie (Matfen Hall) and David Clark (Morpeth) shared second place.

Meanwhile, Ken led the team of Kris Wylam, Ronnie Foreman and Karl Farell to the team prize with 174 points.

The final pro am of the NENW PGA season takes place in Portugal in November.

With the countdown well underway to the introduction of the World Handicap System on November 2, 2020, England Golf kicked off a series of nationwide workshops with a visit to Northumberland.

The first WHS session took place at Alnmouth Golf Club on October 9 and drew representation from around 40 local clubs.

In the months ahead, counties and handicap advisors the length and breadth of the country will help England Golf setup similar workshops.

The World Handicap System will unite the six current handicap indexes in operation around the world into one global system.

For more information go to www.englandgolf.org/ handicaps-rules/whs-2020

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TEEINGOFF

Bamburgh renovation set to continue James Dawson

Dad’ll do nicely Oulton Hall greenkeeper James Dawson has enjoyed quite a month. He was runner-up in the prestigious Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award 2019 and he became a father for the first time.

The 30-year-old had to break off from his paternity leave at home in Garforth to participate in the two-day competition, as his wife, Kirsty, had just given birth to their first child, Rory.

He said: “Kirsty’s doing amazingly well with Rory - she chose the name, it wasn’t influenced by a certain Irish golfer!”

Bamburgh Castle Golf Club

B

amburgh Castle Golf Club’s programme of course improvements is continuing.

Club officials have been quick to stress there will not be wholesale changes. The long-term programme of renovation is currently focussed on the bunkering.

However, there has been some work to improve the 10th hole and

improvements to the sixth hole are planned under the auspices of design firm Mackenzie and Ebert, which has carried out work at St Andrews, Royal Troon and Turnberry.

There has been a golf course at Bamburgh for more than 100 years, with a history of gradual change and that’s what the club aims to continue.

The programme, which started four years ago, has so far included rebuilding five bunkers. Meanwhile, on the 10th hole, a hill was taken out to improve the view to the green – a move which has been welcomed by members and visitors alike.

Work is set to continue this winter with renovation of another five bunkers.

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12 NORTHERN GOLFER

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TEEINGOFF

Master of the house

A

aron Mohun of Delamere Forest, Cheshire lifted the Lookers Junior Masters trophy at Close House in the event’s grand final.

Aaron, 12, picked up the overall winner’s trophy along with an invitation to be part of the British Masters Pro Am in July 2020 with a nett score of 68.

The 74 boys and girls from across the north of England competed in six age and gender categories.

Aaron picked up the overall title and the U12 boys prize while Sam MacDonald (Crossland Health) won the U15 boys title with a round of 70 and Matthew Dale ((Middlesbrough Golf Club) won the U18 boys event with a round of 71.

Aaron Mohun In the girls’ categories, Sofia McGhie (Lancaster Golf Club) won the U12 event with a round of 74, Izabella Knowles (Thirsk and Northallerton Golf Club) won the U15 title with a round of 69 and Harriet Barker (Carus Green) won the under 18s title with a score of 72.

This year’s Junior Masters brought

great

together qualifiers from seven events earlier this season. Motor retailer Lookers sponsored the event for a third year alongside PING. As part of the event, Lookers once again supported a programme involving more than 20 local schools, with Close House professionals delivering coaching.

Whitburn Golf Club’s second golf day in aid of South Tyneside-based charity Cancer Connections has raised £4,754. Jim Simpson, Stuart McGibbon and Wilson Emerson put on the event for a second year following the success of the 2018 event, which raised more than £4,000 for the charity, which supports individuals and families.

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NORTHERN GOLFER 13

TEEINGOFF

Bishop’s stellar year continues Alex Boyes and Nicky Lee-Shield

Mizuno backs order of merit Mizuno has signed up to sponsor the Durham Junior Order of Merit in 2020, the 10th year of the series.

Jordan Pout, Durham County Golf Union competitions secretary, said: “We are very pleased to have the continued support of Adrain Longstaff and Mizuno.”

The 2019 order of merit was won by Barnard Castle’s Nicky Lee-Shield following his fiveshot victory in the event’s Grand Final at Wynyard Golf Club. For more information go to www. durhamcountygolfunion.co.uk/ mizuno_dcguj_order_of_merit

Bishop Auckland’s Annodata team and club supporters

B

ishop Auckland Golf Club’s year of success continued in October - and it could get even better still.

On a super Sunday, Jamie Birkbeck won the Teesside Union Matchplay crown, Mike Ritson and Richard Reed won the Teesside Union Matchplay Pairs title, and the club’s Annodata Championship team claimed victory in the tournament’s quarter-finals to book a trip to Spain

for the finals later this month.

The club’s league team has also lifted the Dixon Cup, played for by the five winners of the North East leagues, as well as the Teesside Union League title this season.

Jamie, who won the Teesside Union Mid-Amateur title earlier this year, won his second Teesside Matchplay title at Blackwell Grange Golf Club, beating Eaglescliffe’s Tom Smith in the semi-final 2up before

beating Eaglescliffe’s Ryan Elliott in the final at the 21st hole.

“I reckon I played 39 holes and had 15 birdies and was eight underpar,” said Jamie, 42. “That just shows how well I had to play to win it.”

In the pairs final, Bishop’s Richard Reed and Mick Ritson beat Saltburn’s Tony Halliday and Michael Vickers at the second hole of a sudden death playoff to add another trophy to the club’s haul for 2019.

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TEEINGOFF

Charity champions

H

artlepool Golf Club celebrated a charity fundraising milestone this year, raising £100,000 for Alice House Hospice in 10 years.

To mark the achievement, the club was presented with the Alice Bendle Shield, named after the hospice’s founder, which will be played for annually by members.

The club has a longstanding partnership with the hospice and captain Clive Harbron nominated it as his charity for 2019-20.

Many of Clive’s predecessors have also supported the work of Alice House and pledged their support while members of the club have been involved in various fundraising initiatives in the last 10 years, including the Great North Run. Hospice fundraiser Clive and former club captain Neil Ashby decided to mark the occasion with the shield, which was handed over to

Jasmine Lee receiving the Barlow Bowl

Jasmine’s matchplay crown

Greg Hildreth (right) with Hartlepool captain Clive Harbron the club in October by the hospice’s corporate fundraiser Greg Hildreth.

Greg said: “This is an incredible amount of money raised in a relatively short space of time. The club has shown a huge amount of warmth and support to local

hospice care and it has been an absolute pleasure working alongside them over the last 10 years. I hope that this partnership will continue long into the future.” The first Alice Bendle Shield competition was won

by Anthony Forster.

Whitley Bay Golf Club’s Jasmine Lee won the Northumberland Ladies County Golf Association Juniors’ Barlow Bowl – beating Ponteland Golf Club’s Sophie Auld in the event’s final at Bedlingtonshire Golf Club.

Eight girls qualified for the matchplay competition following the Margaret Crofton Trophy at Morpeth Golf Club in June, with Jasmine coming through three matches to win the final event of the season.

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TEEINGOFF

Father and son reach last 16 at Slaley

David Edwards

Industry champion David Edwards has been named captain of the Golf Industry Golf Society.

The former Catterick Golf Club professional is preparing for the Autumn meeting at Prince’s Golf Club in Kent, along with a string of international dates for his world-renowned trick shot show.

Earlier this season, David hosted his annual charity day at Forest Pines, raising more than £8,000 for Prostate Cancer UK - taking the total raised for the charity to more than £22,000 in the last three years.

Rod and Joe Henderson

F

ather and son team Rod and Joe Henderson celebrated a run to the finals of the Daily Mail Foursomes at Slaley Hall.

The Alnwick Castle duo made it into the last 16 at Slaley and were bidding to emulate the feat of neighbours Alnmouth, who won the event in 1966, and more recently Boldon, who lifted the title in 2010.

The Hendersons went out in the

fourth round last year, but they battled their way into this year’s finals by winning three of their earlier matches on the last green. It was also a close call in their last 16 match, where they were beaten by Parkstone’s Paul Harding and Rhys Francis 1dn.

One of their best performances was in the sixth round, when they beat Alan Redhead and Bill Ritchie from Galashiels 3&2 at Alnwick.

Rod, 62 said: “We just knuckled down. We pegged them back where they had shots and put them under pressure. That’s how we got the result. Joe is a good partner. His all round game is very good. He hits the ball an awful long way. It makes second shots quite easy for me.”

Joe, 25, began playing golf when he was four and Rod added: “He used to play 100 holes a day when he was little. We used to drop him off at dawn and pick him up at dusk.

Rod admits the foursomes format can test them. He added: “Joe’s off scratch and I’m off 11. He thinks I should be as good as him and I get a scowl now and then.”

Sixteen women’s and men’s teams made it to the finals at Slaley from an initial entry of more than 3,000 pairs. Sudbury’s Daniel Jeffries and Nick Avery took the men’s crown with a 3&1 win over Justin Powell and Alan Griffiths from Alsager.

Meanhile, Redditch’s Janice Kerr and Vivienne Cranton won the women’s title by beating Kirriemuir’s Irene Park and Audrey Aiken.

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Andrew Wilson

Wilson misses out by one spot

R

ockliffe Hall-based professional Andrew Wilson will be heading to European Tour Q School in November looking to improve his prospects for the 2020 season having missed out on one of five Challenge Tour cards available through the EuroPro Tour’s order of merit.

Andrew was pushed out of the the five-man bubble at the tour’s final event of the season - the Tour Championships at Desert Springs, finishing in sixth spot on the season-long points race.

Andrew missed his card by £219.11 as Mikael Lundberg won the Tour Championship following a playoff against James Allan.

Lundberg (Lumine Golf Club) clinched the order of merit title with victory in his first season on the tour. The Swede signed for rounds of 64, 73 and 69 to force a playoff after leading after the opening day.

Andrew shot rounds of 73, 68 and 74 at Desert Springs to finish in a tie for 25th place in the event.

He will now tee it up at European Tour Qualifying School, where the leading 25 players in the final stage will earn full cards for the European Tour, while those that finish outside that mark can earn playing privileges on the Challenge Tour based on their final positions and other exemptions.

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PROFILE

PRO -FILE

PHIL REDPATH AGE: 28 TURNED PRO: 2009 HOME CLUB: Ramside Hall CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Worked in the Middle East at Emirates Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates Delivered coaching and fitting to players including Lewis Hamilton, Pep Guardiola and Marco Verratti Part of teams for the European Tour’s Qatar Masters, Dubai Desert Classic and DP World Tour Championship

Major Players INSIG

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The Business and Leisure Magazine for the North East Region

For advertising and editorial enquiries contact Michael Grahamslaw on mjgrahamslaw@outlook.com or visit the website www.northern-insight.co.uk

18 NORTHERN GOLFER

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO? “I’ve been back in the North East since the start of the 2019 season and I’m really enjoying being part of the team at Ramside. Coaching is my passion and coming back to the UK has been a big change – it’s not like I’ve moved down the road and brought a load of players with me.

But, I’m working with some good members and players already, and I’ve got the teams from Durham Sixth Form and Durham University to work with, which is a fantastic opportunity. I’ve also got around 50 juniors working across seven weekly sessions and I want to grow that into a structured junior academy with a progression route for players of all ages and abilities. Even though I’ve only been back a few months, there’s been plenty to crack on with.”

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE GAME? “I started out at Parklands, taking part in the Saturday morning junior coaching sessions and walking around the course with my dad at Bedlington Golf Club. From there, I joined City of Newcastle aged 12 and went from there. The junior section at the City was so strong back then and we all wanted to beat one another.”

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? “I want to grow the list of players I’m working with at Ramside Hall – ranging from the club players to elite players, and the guys from the college teams. I also want to take what I’ve learned in the Middle East and apply it to a junior system at Ramside, creating a system which works for young golfers at every level as they get older, grow in confidence and improve as golfers. There’s a lot to look forward to.”

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Chris Paisley

The final countdown

Chris Paisley picks up a pair of top 10s at the end of the regular season and sets his sights on the Race to Dubai finals

O

ctober was an interesting month - personally and for a lot of my peers.

The season came to an end with a three week run including the Italian Open, French Open and Portugal Masters.

The closing stretch is always fascinating and you can feel the atmosphere becoming more and more intense as the end of the season closes in. There are always both wonderful and gut wrenching stories.

My close friend Justin Walters has had a difficult year on and off the course. He tore his calf in the summer and missed two Rolex series events, then lost his father in August. He needed a miracle run at the end of the season and after a top 10 in Italy, he finished second in Portugal to retain his card! He has faced a lot of adversity and it was emotional to see him come out on top.

Meanwhile, Steven Brown needed a solo third in Portugal to keep his card, so he went ahead and won - a gutsy performance to say the least! Hugo Leon has struggled

this year, but produced some great golf in the final two events, finishing eighth and 21st, but missed his card by just a few points. A young Frenchman and very talented player, Clement Sordet, made a nine on the final hole in France to miss the cut by a shot, and then missed the cut in Portugal to miss his card by a couple of spots. A brutal way to end a long season.

Personally, my card was safe so the goal was to climb the rankings as much as possible to get into the final series events.

I was going well in the Italian Open, but played the last five holes in three overpar, which cost me a lot of points. The event being part of the Rolex Series made that pill even tougher to swallow. I was furious with myself and recall telling my brother about my need to learn to finish tournaments stronger.

On to France and a brutal golf course.

The weather was cold, wet, and windy.

I was playing some nice golf again and entered the final round in 20th place. A

slow start meant I was two over-par after eight holes. Determined not to finish another week poorly, I seemed to find another gear and played the last 11 holes in six under-par. It was the best I have played in years given the difficulty of those holes and the weather conditions. To play such a hard stretch so well was a huge confidence boost and it shot me up to eighth place.

The following week, in Portugal, I was playing well and in 20th place again going in to the final round. I shot a delightful, bogey free round of 64 to move up to fifth place. Those were two very satisfying Sundays, especially after that chat with my brother in Italy.

After a strong end to the regular season, I’m sitting 63rd in the Race to Dubai. I’m guaranteed to play in Turkey and 95% certain for Sun City, but I’ll need a good finish to jump into the top 50 for the DP World in Dubai. My confidence is on the up so my goal of a top 20 finish in the Race to Dubai is still possible.

NORTHERN GOLFER 21

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Simon Olver

Winter’s come early

T

Greenkeeper Simon Olver on tackling the early arrival of winter conditions

he long, dry summer of 2018 seems a distant memory, doesn’t it? Heat and sunshine were replaced by rain, and lots of it, in the summer of 2019 - placing pressure on greenkeeping teams and testing our ability to prepare courses to the highest level. The next five months could be very tough if the wet weather continues. Course closures, restrictions and performance issues may become more common, but greenkeepers everywhere will be delivering courses in the best condition possible.

One of the biggest changes for golfers during wet weather is the quality of putting surfaces. The grass is longer, speeds drop and the surfaces are bumpier.

During the winter months, we raise mowing heights to protect plants from

Simon Olver is course manager at Whitley Bay Golf Club. He is also an R&A scholar and has worked at majors and tour events around the world

mechanical damage (mowing and golf traffic) and minimise environmental stress (weather). As ground conditions become softer and daylight hours are reduced, we also want grass plants to have more leaf area, which gives them a greater ability to generate energy through photosynthesis. This helps maintain a strong plant, which is better protected from damage and outbreaks of turf disease.

There are a few things golfers can do to help greenkeepers during these wetter months. Firstly, carrying your clubs is a big help as it reduces wear and damage around greens, tees and high pressure areas. Repairing pitchmarks is an essential year-round task, but when growth stops it’s vital any damage is repaired immediately. Adhering to any

rules and restrictions is also important to protect the course and yourself – that shortcut will cause damage that will last throughout the winter. Where they are used, fairway mats can make a huge difference come April, particularly in high traffic areas, and can take a big chunk out of the annual budget for divoting! Please remember to use them.

Lastly, remember it’s winter. Greens running firm and fast, bunkers raked daily and full tees are simply not achievable for the majority of courses in the UK during the winter. Now is the time to enjoy meeting with friends and getting some fresh air under our bobble hats while allowing the greenkeepers to complete winter projects and maintenance so the course is at its very best once again next season.

NORTHERN GOLFER 23

EUROPEANCHAMPIONS

Champions of Europe Phil Ridden, Alex Dixon and Andrew Minnikin bring an international title back to Northumberland

C

ity of Newcastle Golf Club is Europe’s champion club.

England’s champions led the field of 25 teams from across Europe to become just the third English team to win the title – and the first since Ealing Golf Club won the event back in 1990.

“I couldn’t have imagined a better year as club captain,” said Simon Coultas on his return from France. “I’d set my sights on winning a fifth Newcastle & District league title in a row - I never thought we’d miss picking up that trophy at the presentation night to get our hands on a European title in Bordeaux.”

Winners of the Northumberland County Clubs Championship earlier this season for a third consecutive year, the team of Phil Ridden, Alex Dixon and Andrew Minnikin won the club’s second English Champion Club title in three years at Romford Golf Club in Essex before capturing the European title at the Golf du Medoc resort near Bordeaux.

Phil, one of the North East’s most decorated club golfers, was part of the team in 2017 – alongside Alex and

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

Mark Wharton – that finished third in Bordeaux. He said: “Coming back to the golf club and hearing from all the people that have taken an interest in what we’ve been up to has been fantastic. It is a huge honour for the club and everyone that has been involved this year.

“I’ve been lucky enough to win a number of titles over the years, but this is the pinnacle of my achievements on the golf course.”

The City team started the second and final round of the event six shots adrift of Germany’s Stuttgarter GC. With two out of three scores counting towards the team total, a pair of level par rounds from Alex and Andrew had left City in the chasing pack and requiring some final day fireworks.

Those fireworks came from Alex. His five under-par round of 66 was backed up by Phil’s one under-par round of 70 as they overcame the deficit in style to lead the field on six under-par. Icelandic team GKG finished four shots adrift in second place.

Alex’s final round included five birdies on the front nine and helped him finish

EUROPEANCHAMPIONS

NORTHERN GOLFER 25

EUROPEANCHAMPIONS

second in the individual event, one shot behind Frenchman Raphael Le Bot. “The response from the members, and all our supporters and followers has been great. It hasn’t sunk in for me just yet, but it is an incredible experience to be able to reflect on,” said Alex. “We’re all very proud to be European champions, but also to be members of the City and part of Northumberland golf. The North East doesn’t get a great deal of recognition for the quality of the players we produce, but this shows how good the golfers here are.”

Alex’s final round got off to a fast start with five birdies on the front nine, but it wasn’t until the 15th tee that he knew the team had a chance to win.

“I had 18 pars in the first round and knew I had a lower score in me,” he added.

“With one round to play and being six shots behind, we knew it would be tough.

Once I got to the 15th tee and saw we were two shots ahead, the pressure really ramped up.

“I just got stuck in and tried to focus on hitting fairways and greens, knowing that a solid finish would give us the win. To be able to do that was a great feeling and 26 NORTHERN GOLFER

Alex Dixon, Andrew Minnikin and Phil Ridden

gives me loads of confidence to take forward into next season.”

Andrew, who joined the City earlier this year, added: “I couldn’t have imagined we’d be European champions at the end of my first year as a member of the City.

“The experience at Golf du Medoc was very similar to what we’d gone through at Romford as a three-person team. Knowing that only two of the three scores were going to count both days gave us a chance to put a low score together. On the second day, Alex pulled a sensational round out of the bag.

“We would have liked to have been a little bit closer to the leaders going into the second round, but chasing the lead was our preferred position. Our return to defend the title is already in the club diary and I’m looking forward to earning my place to head back to the event in 2020.”

For Simon, the event brought an end to a remarkable, if nerve-wracking, year as club captain.

“We had a good sense of what was going on, but you couldn’t see that

in context until all the players were through 14 holes.

“We knew going into the second day that the guys were due some putts going in and Alex took full advantage.

He could have gone really low, but he held it together superbly and put together one of the lowest rounds of the event under immense pressure. We had a long wait after the guys finished, but getting the text to say we’d done it was incredible.

“We’ve been successful in the last few years as a club, but this is another level. We’ve had messages from all over the world. It’s been great to receive all those congratulations and to shine a big spotlight on the quality of golf in our region.”

The three-man City of Newcastle team – all of whom have plus three handicaps – stopped a winning run from home favourites Racing Club de France La Boulie, who entered the 45th staging of the event looking to win their fourth title in five years. City of Newcastle will return to the event in 2020 to defend the title.

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COLUMNIST

Dean Bailey

A club golfer’s worst nightmare What do you do if you’re playing with a cheat?

I

t’s the moment many of us dread seeing on the course and a question which has vexed club golfers for decades – what do you do if you suspect a playing partner is cheating?

The simple answer is to report them to the committee, have them disqualified and ultimately banned from club competitions - but these things aren’t always so black and white.

A poor counter is easy enough to tackle, just get their card in your hand in a competition and make sure to add up their strokes carefully. More often than not, they’ll get the message when you correct their five to a seven a second time.

While arguably the most common form of cheating, those who protect their handicaps or artificially inflate them in order to win selected competitions are worthy of a whole column on their own – though the remedies later work just the same.

Other forms of cheating - the extra ball or the leather wedge in the rough - are far harder to be 100% certain on – and far harder to bring up for club golfers not wishing to cause a scene in the clubhouse or car park in the future.

The Great Escape-style dropped ball or nudge in the thick rough can be hard to spot and harder still to confirm,

particularly if they happen when your ball is on the opposite side of the fairway.

But there are remedies. The first is to raise it with your fellow player if you’re confident you’ve seen them break a rule. You have a duty as a golfer to play by the rules and if others choose to not follow the rules, you have a duty to raise it with them. If you’re sure you’ve seen a breach of the rules, try a quiet word on the next tee or at the soonest opportunity which doesn’t cause a fuss.

Alternatively, raise your concerns with the handicap secretary or committee after your round. They are charged with ensuring competitors play to the rules and should take up the issue on your behalf.

There is also the option of raising the issue with other members to see if the same thing is going on regularly. If you find others with the same concerns, it becomes far easier to monitor in the future and will give the handicap committee far more leverage to punish to offending player when multiple players bring evidence.

The key to raising any issue is to be certain you have seen a breach of the rules. There is nothing worse for a golfer’s reputation than to be labelled a cheat.

But, if they’re not keeping to the spirit of the game, are they truly golfers in the first place?

NORTHERN GOLFER 29

ROUNDWITH A ROUND WITH...

Mike Bowers The Cellular Solutions MD on his passion for golf, his long-term partnership with the Northumberland county union, and more

M

ike Bowers’ sporting connections in the North East are far reaching. A county rugby coach and referee, the former Gosforth RFC player has longstanding ties with Newcastle Falcons, Durham County Cricket Club and a number of amateur sporting clubs across the region. He has also been a partner of the Northumberland Union of Golf Clubs for 15 years, supporting the development and playing opportunities of some of the county’s most successful players through sponsorship of the county team.

Following an incredibly successful year for the county, we sat down with Mike to learn more about his passion for the game...

1 How much golf do you get to play?

If I’m lucky, I’ll play a corporate event or with work most weeks during the summer.

I try to get a competitive round in each weekend too, often with my sons, Sam, 18, and Harry, 14.

2 How did you get into golf?

My father was a late starter in golf, though my uncle Stan always played. I started out at Newcastle United Golf Club, my dad’s home club, aged nine. I left the game to concentrate on rugby until I was 25. I’ve been back playing golf since then.

3 Which is your favourite course in the North East?

I’m lucky to be a corporate member at Close House, which is an unrivalled golfing experience in the North East. If I venture out, I love going back to Bamburgh at least a couple of times a year. I’ve played some of my best golf there over the years.

4 And further afield?

I’ve been lucky enough to play Loch Lomond Golf Club a few times over the years and it’s always a very special experience from the moment you arrive.

I’ve got a trip to the US planned next year for my 50th birthday, including a couple of days at The Masters and golf at Pebble

30 NORTHERN GOLFER

Beach and Spyglass Hill - so that answer may change soon!

5 What’s your best score ever?

A one under-par 71 at Laguna Golf Course in Villamoura, Portugal in 2003 as part of the NENW PGA Portugal pro am.

6 Which is your favourite golfing memory?

Holing a five iron from 200 yards for an albatross on the eighth hole at City of Newcastle Golf Club after my opponent had setup a 3ft putt for eagle. His reaction was priceless!

7 What about embarrassing moments?

At Close House ahead of a charity event, our table was joined by a guy I didn’t recognise. I introduced myself and he stood there, saying nothing. After an awkwardly long silence, I realised it was the current Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke! People still point out who he is whenever he’s on the TV. 8 Do you have any superstitions?

No, too often they’re used as excuses for poor mental preparation.

9 What are your strengths on the course?

My competitiveness - I always go out there to win. Even when you’re down in a match, if there’s enough holes to play you can win.

10 And your weaknesses?

My chipping. I’ve done some work on it with Matthew Naylor, but it’s still the weakest part of my game. The kids think I’m taking them out on the par three course for their benefit, it’s purely for mine.

11 Which is your favourite club?

My seven iron - though I do have a real fondness for my Scotty Cameron putter too.

12 Who is your best golfing friend?

I’m lucky to have been introduced to the game by my father, and to have had the

chance to play so much golf with my family, including my late brother Peter. I have so many golfing friends, it’s impossible to single one out.

13 How does your sporting background help your golf?

I retired from rugby at 27, so I’ve avoided any injuries which affect my golf. The sporting mentality, that desire to win, is a big part of playing good golf.

14 Who is your favourite tour player?

Right now, it’s Lee Westwood. I’ve been lucky to spend some time with him at Close House and he’s a great person to play golf with and socialise with.

15 Which event do you enjoy attending the most?

The TV coverage makes the majors come to life, but for real drama it has to be the Ryder Cup. I was at Celtic Manor and Gleneagles, and the experience of the Sunday singles is unlike any other in sport. The way the atmosphere builds is incredible.

16 Who do you admire?

Close House owner Graham Wylie. He could have disappeared into the sunset, but he’s chosen to put so much energy into the golf club as well as his charity work and being involved in things like the World Transplant Games. His passion for everything he does is incredibly admirable.

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

That’s an easy one - Tiger, Jack and Seve.

18 If you could have one mulligan, when would you have used it?

My tee shot on the 18th at Newcastle United in the Hepworth Bowl. I dragged it out of bounds left, knowing I had the whole golf course on the right side, en-route to a triple-bogey seven. A five would have won me one of the oldest trophies in regional golf, and my very own green jacket!

ROUNDWITH

NORTHERN GOLFER 31

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 English Tourism 3 Star Accommodation - Tripadvisor 2019 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 £250 • Coastal Classic Golf Break - Golf at Alnmouth, Goswick Links & Bamburgh Castle with 2 Nights Dinner Bed and Breakfast from £300

Reserve your rooms for 2020 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

GOLFIN2020

Get ready for 2020

It’s time to get next year’s key dates in the diary, including those all important away days.

Looking for inspiration? Try these…

LONGHIRST HALL GOLF CLUB The two championship courses at Longhirst Hall Golf Club have each hosted the EuroPro Tour in recent years and present two excellent tests of golf. Set in stunning Northumberland countryside, The Lakes course is a demanding layout, rewarding accuracy as water comes into play on 15 holes. Meanwhile, the Dawson course offers players a little more room from the tee, while demanding a great short game to its smaller, well-defended greens. The club is also home to a state-of-the art driving range with short game practice facility, along with a welcoming clubhouse.

Part of the top 100 must-play venues in the UK with Golfshake.com, Longhirst welcomes visitors and societies seven days a week with a range of packages available incorporating multiple rounds, catering and more. www.longhirstgolf.co.uk

NORTHERN GOLFER 33

GOLFIN2020 ALNMOUTH GOLF CLUB A trip to Alnmouth Golf Club is always highly recommended. England’s fourth oldest club celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019 and has hosted some of the biggest events in its history this season, including the northern counties Big Six and the Senior Home Internationals.

Overlooking Foxton Bay, an area of natural outstanding beauty on the Northumberland coast, the course was designed by HS Colt. Renowned for the condition of its greens and overall presentation, the course is included in the Top 100 golf course in the UK and is also home to first-class practice facilities and a driving range. Only 40 minutes drive from Newcastle, visitors are always given a warm Northumbrian welcome here. For those staying and playing, the 26-bed Dormy House within the clubhouse is designed to accommodate golfers with twin or single rooms with en-suite facilities while golf breaks can be organised to include a choice of the best courses in Northumberland. www.alnmouthgolfclub.com

THE

CAIRNDALE

HOTEL & LEISURE CLUB

ENGLISH STREET, DUMFRIES, SCOTLAND, DG1 2DF

VOTED THE SECOND BEST HEATHLAND COURSE IN SCOTLAND!!

GREEN FEES 2020

MAY TO SEPTEMBER - £80 PER ROUND APRIL & OCTOBER - £55 PER ROUND Book through Professional’s Shop. To be paid when booking.

Quote Northern Golfer Offer

COUNTRY MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE SOCIETY PACKAGES AVAILABLE SEE THE WEBSITE FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

LADYBANK GOLF CLUB A N N S M U I R , L A DY B A N K , C U PA R , KY 15 7R A T E L : 0 1 337 830 7 25 - WWW. L A DY B A N KG O LF.CO.U K E M A I L : I N FO @ L A DY B A N KG O L F.C O.U K ( Q UOT E N O RT H E R N G O L FE R )

34 NORTHERN GOLFER

The ideal location for your golfing break with a choice of more than 20 local courses.

GOLF OFFERS 2020 Weekend in June 2 nights DBB plus 2 rounds of golf, choose from the following courses: Dumfries & Galloway, Lochmaben, Thornhill or Colvend only £214 Midweek in July 1 night DBB plus 1 round of golf at Powfoot or Dumfries & County, only £103 Midweek in September 2 nights DBB plus 2 rounds of golf, choose from the following courses: Dumfries & County, Dumfries & Galloway, Lochmaben, Thornhill or Lockerbie £195

Visit our website www.cairndalehotel.co.uk or contact our Golf Coordinator Brian Duguid on 01387 240286

GOLFIN2020 THE CAIRNDALE HOTEL Situated in Dumfries town centre, the Cairndale Hotel & Leisure Club is the ideal base for those heading north to sample the high quality golf and hospitality in Dumfries & Galloway, and into Cumbria.

The team at The Cairndale are experts in hospitality and golf, with a wealth of contacts locally and further afield to ensure you get the right mix of golf courses around the counties during your break, as well as arranging your tee times, preferred meals and rooms in the hotel. All golf breaks at the hotel include a full Scottish breakfast each morning, a four-course Table d’hôte dinner each evening and complimentary use of the leisure facilities.

Tae a look at the hotel’s golf breaks Facebook page (@ GolfCairndale) for the latest competitions and offers. www.cairndalehotel.co.uk

v

NORTHUMBERLANDS FINEST

LONGHIRST HALL GOLF COURSE 36 HOLES OF CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF & PUBLIC DRIVING RANGE

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

JUST NORTH OF MORPETH 5 MINS FROM A1

LONGHIRST OPEN FOR MORE BUSINESS THIS WINTER!!

FROM NOV 1ST BOTH COURSES OPEN WEEKENDS! LOTS OF WINTER DEALS COMING UP! KEEP AN EYE ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR REGULAR UPDATES AND PROMOTIONS

TELEPHONE: 01670 791562 EMAIL: ENQUIRIES@LONGHIRSTGOLF.CO.UK

WWW.LONGHIRSTGOLF.CO.UK

NORTHERN GOLFER 35

GOLFIN2020 LADYBANK GOLF CLUB Laid out by Tom Morris, the golf course at Ladybank Golf Club dates back to 1879. Set out over attractive heathland, the landscape features stunning gorse, broom, heather, scots pine and silver birch.

The sandy soil creates tight turf while the gentle undulations to fairways and fast, firm greens make for a memorable occasion on every visit. Deep bunkering adds a links-like feel when matched with the tight fairways. The links resemblances end there however, for the many trees here demand far more accuracy from the tee than the traditional linksland of the coast. There are few straight holes and while just four of the par four holes stretch more than 400 yards, this is no pushover thanks to the doglegs and subtle curves. www.ladybankgolf.co.uk

GOLFAMORE An alternative option for golfers across the region is now available thanks to Golfamore - Sweden’s most popular online golf course booking service.

Golfamore offers golfers discounts on green fees across Europe and rapidly became a movement in Sweden, where more than 20% of all golfers have used Golfamore. Today around 1,000 golf courses across Europe have partnered with Golfamore, opening up half price green fees to Golfamore members.

For £4.95 per month, Golfamore users get access to the 50% green fee discount at all of Golfamore’s partner golf clubs in Europe, including clubs in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Scandinavia and Italy.

For more information and to sign up go to www.golfamore.co.uk

36 NORTHERN GOLFER

50% Christmas deal

This Christmas, give the gift of golf to yourself and your loved ones!

For only ÂŁ24 (was ÂŁ49) you access half price green fees at 1000 golf courses across Europe.

Get the Christmas deal now! www.golfamore.co.uk/christmas

COURSEPROFILE

By the seaside at Shields Alan Hedley pays a visit to South Shields Golf Club

W

hen it comes to golf course views, those found at South Shields Golf Club are hard to beat.

The course - a combination of original work by James Braid dating back to 1893 and later work by Dr Alister Mackenzie - sits on a stunning piece of the Cleadon Hills with views over the North Sea, Cheviots and Durham coastline.

The course lies between suburban South Shields, Cleadon and Whitburn and features drystone walls, wicked gorse, temperamental wind and excellent bunker designs which give it a links and heathland feel - especially when the wind is blowing, which is often.

While the 6,295-yard course sits astride the Cleadon Hills, it is reasonably flat and easy walking. You’ll find challenging par fours, delightful risk and reward short par fours, and some cracking short holes here.

You’ll find one of those fine short holes at the

38 NORTHERN GOLFER

very start of your round – a 176-yard opener played from an elevated tee with out of bounds left and three menacing bunkers. The tee shot can require anything from a rescue club to a short iron depending on the wind.

The 343-yard par four second also has out of bounds left and a fairway sloping right to left, so two precise shots are required. Your drive must favour the right but beware the fairway bunker, while three more traps guard the green.

Another par four of 380 yards, often played into the wind, follows. Anything left here risks finding the sand, but get it right and a solid second avoiding the greenside bunkers should leave a birdie chance.

The 418-yard fourth is often downwind and those that carry the ball over the fairway bunkers will be left with a simple approach to a green with no bunkers.

A fine par three of 189 yards follows – though it can require as much as a driver when the wind

blows. You’ll find a host of greenside bunkers here, plus another two short of the green. Make sure to take plenty of club at this one!

The first par five, measuring 518 yards, follows.

A blind tee shot must avoid out of bounds right.

A fairway bunker and mound also guard the fairway, though those who find the fairway can reach the green in two.

The seventh is a tough 459-yard par four and finding the fairway here is essential. A good drive will leave a blind approach to a bunkerless green.

The next, a par five of 485 yards, is a genuine birdie opportunity, but you must be straight.

Avoid the mounds and the trouble right and you’ll have a good chance of finding a two-tiered green guarded by two front bunkers.

A stunning par four of 342 yards with great views follows. Some will be tempted to have a crack at the green here, though there are plenty of bunkers to contend with en-route to the green.

Another fine par three of 170 yards follows,

COURSEPROFILE

FACT FILE before another tempting par four of 322 yards.

A bold tee shot must flirt with trees and out of bounds. Alternatively, a three wood or hybrid past the corner will leave an easy pitch to the two-tiered green.

The 490-yard par five 12th is a decent birdie chance too, especially if you can take on the line of bunkers across the fairway. If you can’t make the green in two, there is room to leave a simple pitch to setup a birdie opportunity.

Yet another spectacular par three follows.

Played from an elevated tee – the highest point on the course with some great views – the tee shot at the 13th is just 156 yards, but there is plenty of trouble with out of bounds and bunkers blocking your path to the putting surface.

A tricky 456-yard par four follows with out of bounds very close to the left side of the green and a well-placed bunker to the right side. It’s no wonder many consider this to be the hardest hole.

The 15th, a risk and reward par four, got our pick for signature hole (see fact file).

The 16th also came close to being named signature hole. At 369 yards, this dog-leg right par four features a difficult drive with three bunkers waiting 200 yards from the tee.

Find the fairway here and you’ll be left with a relatively short second shot to a treacherous two-tiered green.

At 392 yards, the 17th features a challenging approach to the green through a narrow entrance. Take your line using the iconic Victorian water tower, but beware of the bunkers which lie 150 yards from the green.

The final hole at South Shields is a cracker.

Big hitters may be tempted to get close to the green at this 351-yard par four, but there is all sorts of trouble waiting with gorse, bunkers to the right and out of bounds left and beyond the green. Get the tee shot right and you’ve got a great shot at a closing birdie.

CONTACT South Shields Golf Club Hillcrest, Cleadon Hills, South Shields, NE34 8EG Tel 0191 456 0475 Office 0191 456 8942 Pro Shop 0191 456 0110 www.ssgc.co.uk Facebook @SouthShieldsGolfClub Twitter @ssgchonsecy GREEN FEES Weekdays £20 Weekends £25 For group and society packages please contact the club

Few courses have as decorated a past as South Shields. Dr Alister MacKenzie, the famed architect of Augusta National, had a hand in the layout here, as did five-time Open champion James Braid. Meanwhile, Open champions James Taylor and Harry Vardon played an exhibition match at the course in 1912 – an event captured in a photograph with club members. More recently, Christy O’Connor Jnr was an assistant pro at the club, while Doug McClelland was an active amateur member in the 1970s before turning professional and playing on the European Tour.

TOTAL DISTANCE White tees 6,295 yards Yellow tees 6,002 yards Red tees 5,746 yards FEATURES Pro Shop Buggy and trolley hire Practice area Putting green Locker rooms with changing facilities Clubhouse with bar, lounge and dining area CADDY’S TIP A sure putting stroke is essential on these fast greens.

SIGNATURE HOLE The 279-yard 15th, a fine example of a risk and reward par four, is played in the shadow of the iconic Victorian water tower at South Shields. While short enough to tempt you to have a crack at the green, be very aware of the out of bounds left. There is also a big bunker on the right at about 200 yards. The entrance to the green is very right with two more menacing bunkers. Good luck if you take it on!

OUR VERDICT

Playing South Shields is a joy - a superb test of golf and extremely pleasing on the eye.

NORTHERN GOLFER 39

GOLFERGEAR

Winter warmers

The winter months are a perfect chance to tinker with new equipment and test out something new – such as a new putter from Odyssey or a new golf ball from Titleist. While you’re out there, it’s essential you wrap up warm and this month we bring you new apparel from Adidas and Mizuno to do just that. Last but not least, we have four new bags from BIG MAX, offering something for every golfer and budget…

THE BODYGUARDS

Adidas Frostguard collection RRP: from £89.95 www.adidas.com

Adidas has unveiled its latest apparel range – Frostguard - a new layering collection for men and women designed to help golfers extend the season into the colder months.

Frostguard is built to perform in the toughest of conditions, providing warmth without sacrificing mobility. Down-filled panels on the front and back of the Frostguard jacket and vest keep players warm where it matters most while allowing the garments to feel lightweight. The panels are woven bonded so that golfers don’t lose excess heat throughout the round while also providing all-around wind protection. Knit side panels and sleeves ensure the jackets are quiet, while water-resistance ensures you are prepared for wet conditions.

BACK IN BLACK

Odyssey Stroke Lab Black Ten and Bird Of Prey putters RRP: £269 eu.callawaygolf.com Odyssey has released two new putter models - the Stroke Lab Black Ten and Stroke Lab Black Bird of Prey.

Both putters incorporate Stroke Lab weight distribution to create a more consistent putting stroke through an innovative multi-material shaft. The Stroke Lab shaft is 40g lighter than a standard putter shaft and Odyssey has redistributed that weight by adding 10g to the head in two sole weights, and adding 30g to the grip-end via a 10g-lighter grip and 40g end-weight.

Both new headshapes have been created to boost MOI for greater stability. Additionally, a new Microhinge Star Insert creates a firmer feel with Tour-proven roll characteristics. Both models will be available in Europe from January 2020.

NEW BALLS, PLEASE

Titleist TruFeel golf ball RRP: £23 per dozen www.titleist.co.uk

Titleist’s newest golf ball, TruFeel, has been released. The new design is engineered to deliver longer distance and excellent control in Titleist’s softest-feeling ball.

The TruTouch core and TruFit aerodynamics promote more distance with the driver and in the long game while the TruFlex cover provides ultra-soft feel and control on shots into and around the green. Designed for golfers who prefer a very soft compression feel, the TruFeel improves on the previous DT TruSoft design.

TruFeel is available in white and yellow, with a new matte red colour option to be added in January 2020.

40 NORTHERN GOLFER

GOLFERGEAR NEW LOOK

Mizuno AW19 apparel RRP: various golf.mizunoeurope.com

IN THE BAG With CJ Cup winner Justin Thomas

BAGS OF TRICKS

BIG MAX Winter bags RRP: from £54.99 www.bigmaxgolf.com

BIG MAX has announced details of its winter bag line up.

With four bags featuring different levels of technology, capacity and price, there’s something for every golfer.

The AQUA Ocean bag is 100% waterproof, with sealed seams. Weighing just 1.7kg, it combines an ultra lightweight design with five waterproof pockets, an oversized top and glove, towel and umbrella holders.

The DRI LITE 7 water-resistant stand bag features waterproof fabric and zips. Designed for the golfer who wants to travel light but have access to a full set, it weighs 1.9kg and features an air channel strap and the option to use the bag on a trolley.

The Heaven 7 design features four large pockets including a waterproof valuables pocket, glove and towel holder and Air Channel straps for comfortable carry while the Heaven 6 bag is perfect for a golfer who wants to grab their clubs and get out at a moment’s notice with plenty of space to store all the accessories you need.

© Hafiz Johari-Shutterstock.com

Mizuno’s latest apparel collection promises top engineering and a stylish look which meets the needs of winter golf.

Technology in the new garments includes Mizuno’s revolutionary heat-generating Breath Thermo yarn, Tech Shield, Move Tech and Techfill.

Breath Thermo - a fabric that captures body vapour to generate heat and return warmth to the body – is a leading technology in the collection.

Move Tech trousers feature a slightly heavier fabric to last season and are ideal on cold, dry days. Tech Shield, a knitted material with weather-proofing and stretch properties, features prominently as well. Breath Thermo beanies and bobble hats along with a Breath Thermo neckwarmer complete the new range.

Justin Thomas joined an elite group of players with his 11th PGA Tour win at the CJ Cup. In the last 60 years, only two players have collected more victories before their 27th birthday - Tiger Woods (34) and Jack Nicklaus (20).

Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth also earned 11 wins before turning 27.

Justin turns 27 on April 29, 2020, while Jordan will celebrate that birthday on July 27, 2020. Justin earned his second win in four starts at the event at Nine Bridges Golf Club on Jeju Island, South Korea – here’s what was in his bag…

Driver: Titleist TS3 (9.5° - Mitsubishi Diamana BF 60 TX shaft) 3 wood: Titleist TS3 (15° - Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro Blue 80TX shaft) 5 wood: Titleist 915Fd (18° Fujikura Motore Speeder VC 9.2 Tour Spec X shaft) 4 iron: Titleist T100 (True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts) 5-9 iron: Titleist 620 MB (True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts) Pitching wedge: Titleist Vokey Design SM7 (46° - True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shaft) Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM7 (52° & 56°) & SM6 (60° - all with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts) Putter: Scotty Cameron Futura X5 Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

GOLFERTIPS

J Haror hn iso tel 01 www 661 886 4 n .ma 00 tfenh all.co m

GET A GRIP The grip is our only connection to the club, yet it is so often overlooked.

A good grip allows you to hinge the club correctly into a square position at the top of the backswing, and then deliver the clubface consistently without any need for manipulation.

Often the right hand causes the issues, all too often creeping underneath the club so the grip is sitting in the palm rather than the fingers. This leads to tension in the grip and restricts the release of the clubhead through impact.

To improve your right hand position (or your left hand for a lefthanded player), take a ball and hold it against the club in the same way shown here. From here, make a few practice swings and feel how the club hinges into the square position.

42 NORTHERN GOLFER

Tyneside’s Winter Membership is back!

Be Quick!

AND

SUR

E

Don’t miss out!

R FA

1879

TYNESIDE

GOLF CLUB tynesidegolfclub.co.uk

TYNESIDE GOLF CLUB

Offer limited to the first

50 memberships!

All year round playability on our normal greens whenever possible.

Join October 2019 until end of February 2020 Join November 2019 until end of February 2020

or

£150 £125

(excluding play on Saturday)

(excluding play on Saturday)

Affordable enough to run as a second membership.

Enjoy playing more Winter golf!

To join, contact General Manager, Peter Smith

peter.smith@tynesidegolfclub.co.uk Westfield Lane, Ryton, Tyne & Wear, NE40 3QE

0191 413 2742

2019_TGC_Winter Membership_198X136mm v2.indd 1

28/08/2019 12:55:00

WHITBY GOLF CLUB

Winter Warmer Green Fees

27/10/19 to 28/3/20

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

All Day Monday £10 Tuesday to Friday £12.50 Saturday/Sunday/ Bank Hols £15 Twilight after 1pm £10

GOLFERPROMOTIONS

win Northern Golfer competitions are also listed on our website www.northerngolfer.co.uk/ competitions Alternatively, you can 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 November 28, 2019. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT WHICKHAM GOLF CLUB Whickham Golf Club was founded in 1911 and today sits at Hollinside Park with a parkland layout offering spectacular views along the Derwent Valley. Scoring is determined more by accuracy than length as you plot your way through the tree-lined fairways to small, tricky greens.

For your chance to win answer the following question: Which course hosts the PGA Tour’s Tour Championship?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT SOUTH SHIELDS GOLF CLUB The coastal layout at South Shields Golf Club brings together elements of heathland and classic links with stunning views out across the North Sea. An excellent combination.

For your chance to win answer the following question: Which course will host the 2020 Open Championship?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT GARESFIELD GOLF CLUB On the border between Northumberland and Durham, Garesfield Golf Club is home to one of our region’s most picturesque golf courses.

For your chance to win answer the following question: Who won the PGA Tour’s first ZOZO Championship?

Congratulations to last month’s competition winners: Longhirst - Ged Nearney of Jarrow Bellingham - Geoffrey Hardy of Willington • Chester-le-Street - Stuart Mckean of Heworth 44 NORTHERN GOLFER

Win a Year of Free Golf Brewin Dolphin is one of the UK’s leading wealth managers. Helping you and your family with expert financial planning and investment management. Building your wealth, protecting you and your loved ones, and planning for the future Brewin Dolphin has teamed up with Northern Golfer to sponsor their Champion of Champions events, and further demonstrate our commitment to helping promote the game in the North East.

One current club member in the region will have their 2020 subs paid for the year.

If you’ve already paid them, we will refund you or defer to the next year.

To enter, simply visit www.brewin.co.uk/golfmember and fill in the simple form.

PE N S I O N S | R E T I R E M E N T | I N H E R I TA N C E | I N V E S T M E N T S

The value of investments can fall and you may get back less than you invested.

NORTHERN GOLFER 45

from the

bunker

We’re big fans of golf club dogs at Northern Golfer and recently spotted this great photo of Allendale Golf Club site manager Billy at work. Enjoy.

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!

Thank you to John Rhind for writing in and sharing his experience with the new rule regarding the options for the flagstick when putting. John said: “It’s almost a year since the R&A decided that the pace of play would be improved by allowing golfers to leave the flagstick in the hole when putting.

“At my home club, players have reacted to this new freedom differently and debate still rages on whether it is more advantageous to have the flagstick in or out.

“Take our Sunday fourball for example. Jack is an aggressive putter and likes the flagstick in for every putt. Bill prides himself on having 20:20

It may be a little further afield, but the news from Thonock Park in Lincolnshire caught our eye in the Northern Golfer office this month.

The club’s female members voted to ban girls from playing in ladies competitions, but after member Darren Fox flagged up the vote on Twitter, Tonock Park’s owners PING stepped in and reversed the decision immediately.

Ping Europe’s managing director John Clark wrote in a statement: “Upon hearing news on the result of this vote, PING (the proprietors of Thonock Park) immediately revoked the proposal and have made it very clear that it goes completely against the values, principles and philosophies of PING and would never permit this to go ahead.”

Well done Darren and PING for reversing the plan so quickly – here’s to everyone having as many opportunities to play and compete as possible.

46 NORTHERN GOLFER

vision and scorns the idea of having the flagstick in the hole at any time. Tony for some reason has the flagstick out when putting from a distance but has it in the hole when close in and I have the flagstick in when lagging a putt and out for shorter putts. So, depending on the order we’re putting, the flagstick can be subject to a spot of the hokey cokey and pass the parcel. Not quite what was intended!”

Have you got any thoughts for John or any others struggling with what to do in order to speed up play on the greens? Send us a tweet, Facebook message or email with your suggestions.

Our congratulations to Dave Mews - who has been crowned champion golfer of the year by the Northumbria Nomads golf society.

Dave (pictured above, left) received the award at the society’s presentation at Slaley Hall following nine events throughout the season.

Founded in 1986, the society plays events across the region and in Yorkshire every year, and is always welcome to new members. For more information contact Steve Richardson on 07910 688 374.

END OF SEASON GOLF SALE NOW ON EVERYTHING MUST GO , SAVE £££S 1 MONTH ONLY

PART EXCHANGE YOUR OLD DRIVER AND RECEIVE A MINIMUM OF £150.00 EG TAYLOR MADE M6 £399.00 YOU PAY ONLY £249.00 SEE IN STORE FOR SELECTED DRIVERS T&C’S APPLY MUST BE BRAND NAMED & NO VISIBLE PAINT MARKS

OVER 150 GOLF BAGS IN STORE TO CLEAR 25 - 40% OFF

SAVE £££S PRICES

FROM ONLY £199.00

NOW £115.00

EG MOTOCADDY CART BAG £99.00 NOW £75.00 LYNX WATERPROOF TROLLY BAGS WERE £199 NOW £139 TAYLOR MADE / CALLAWAY STAND BAGS WERE £119 NOW ONLY £89.99 WINTER STAND BAGS FROM ONLY £49.99

BUSHNELL WATCHES

SPECIAL OFFERS THIS MONTH (HURRY)

IN STOCK NOW NEW TITLEIST U500 / U510

SPECIAL OFFERS THIS MONTH ON ALL WATCHES!

GET READY FOR WINTER

GREAT RANGE OF WATERPROOF CLOTHING GALVIN GREEN, PRO QUIP, STUBURT, MIZUNO, CROSS, FOOTJOY & OJ (PRICES FROM ONLY £49.99) MANY SUITS DISCOUNTED 25-50%

FROM ONLY £9.99 OVER 100 SHIRTS TO CLEAR

STUBURT MENS/ LADIES GOLF BOOTS FOOTJOY MENS/ LADIES GOLF BOOTS GUARANTEED WATERPROOF,

FROM ONLY £59.99 ALL DISPLAY SETS OF IRONS NOW REDUCED BY 30%

1/2 PRICE GOLF SHIRT SPECTACULAR

DUE TO A VERY BUSY TRADING PERIOD WE HAVE OVER 50 PART EXCHANGED SETS OF QUALITY IRONS -ALL AT CRACKING PRICES

SALE ON PREMIUM GOLF BALLS 25-30 % DISCOUNT SEE IN STORE FOR FANTASTIC SAVINGS

WE ARE READY FOR WINTER ARE YOU? WINTER SNOODS FROM ONLY £14.99 MIZUNO/ TITLEIST,GALVIN GREEN THERMAL WINTER HATS FOOTJOY, MIZUNO, TTILEIST , OSCAR JACOBSEN & MORE FROM ONLY £9.99 WINTER PLAYING GLOVES THERMAL , RAIN GLOVES FROM ONLY £9.99 SWEATERS / MID LAYER BASE LAYERS IN STORE FROM ONLY £19.99

WE PRICE CHECK ALL OUR STOCK ONLINE TO MAKE SURE YOU GET THE LOWEST PRICE ALWAYS (PRICE PROMISE) How to find our superstore Leave A1 (m) at junction 63 Chester-le-Street and follow B693 to Stanley, turn left onto B6532 (Asda roundabout), follow road to end and turn right, pass Blomfomtein School and follow sign to South Moor Golf Club

Your No 1 Discount Golf Store

Shaun Cowell PGA Golf Professional - Tel: 01207 283 525

South Moor Golf Club Superstore, Craghead, Stanley, DH9 6AG Crook Golf Club, Low jobs Hill, Crook, DL15 9AA, tel no 01388 762429

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

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