Northern Golfer magazine #80 - December 2019 / January 2020

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80

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

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A YEAR TO REMEMBER Rachel Gourley looks back on her breakthrough year WIN NEXT YEAR’S MEMBERSHIP 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 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 2020 golf season is on the horizon, I’m sure I can see it through the rain clouds...

By the time you read this, it may have stopped raining... hopefully.

We’re well into the winter months and as I write, there seems a little hope of better golfing weather - fingers crossed!

The wet weather has put a great deal of pressure on many clubs. All clubs rely on a steady stream of income over these winter months and cutting off that income makes life incredibly difficult. With that in mind, it’s important to continue to visit clubhouses for Sunday lunch or to watch the football - or even just for a coffee. That little bit of support is really important at this time of year.

As ever, our region’s greenkeepers will continue to work hard to ensure courses are open as much as possible in the coming weeks and months.

As noted by columnist Simon Olver this month, greenkeeping can be an incredibly stressful profession and it is becoming increasingly difficult to balance opening courses with the pressure of presenting a high quality product at all times. His column on page 21 is an enlightening piece please take the time to read it this month.

One of my favourite pieces to write each year is our annual review of golfing achievements. There are so many events to look back on - from club and county events through to national and international ones - and I always have great fun looking back through each edition, picking out the highlights and charting the success of players from across the region.

You’ll find this year’s review on pages 29-33.

Our cover star Rachel Gourley was a player who popped up throughout the journey back through 2019. At just 15, she has spent this season adding to her enviable golfing CV, including making her England debut, as you’ll read on pages 24-26.

Chris Paisley made it to the second event of the Race to Dubai final series this season and his column this month is a fascinating look at his run, as well as an insight into what lies ahead for his 2020 season.

Congratulations to all those who have found golfing success in 2019.

This year has been another incredibly successful one for our region - at junior and club level, and on the national and international stage for male and female golfers of all ages, and there’s a lot more to come in 2020. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Dean Bailey, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

04-07 TEEING OFF

European success, a Challenge Tour call up and Northumberland girls heading to the US

08-15 TEEING OFF

Garrick gets his European Tour card, Rosie meets Rosey, and a charity challenge

16 150 NOT OUT A year to remember for Alnmouth Golf Club

19 TOUR LIFE

The latest from the European Tour with Chris Paisley

21 GREENKEEPER Simon Olver on creating a healthy environment

23 COLUMNIST

The Christmas present

29 YEAR REVIEW We look back on 2019’s golfing achievements

34 SPECIAL FOCUS Indoor golf

FRONT COVER

England international Rachel Gourley on her breakthrough year Pages 24-26

36 BY THE SEASIDE When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it ©Offstone Publishing 2019/20. All rights reserved.

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42 THE LATEST GEAR NEWS

44 COMPETITIONS Win golf for four at Whitley Bay, Castle Eden and Ravensworth

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46 FROM THE BUNKER Readers’ tales from around the region

NORTHERN GOLFER 03

TEEINGOFF

Big in America

Matty Lamb

Lamb gets England call England Golf has named its Men’s and A squads for 2020.

Northumberland’s Matty Lamb – runner-up in the 2019 St Andrews Links Trophy – is included in the men’s squad alongside Brabazon Trophy winner Ben Schmidt from Yorkshire.

The A squad features Yorkshiremen Sam Bairstow and Charlie Thornton.

Nine players have been named in the men’s squad for 2020 along with eight players who will be part of A squad training.

E

ngland internationals Jess Baker and Rosie Belsham have committed to the next steps in their golfing careers by signing up for scholarships in the US. Gosforth Park Ladies’ Jess and Whitley Bay’s Rosie will start their scholarships in autumn 2020 with Jess committed to joining the University of Central Florida in Orlando and Rosie heading to Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

Jess, who put together a string of top 10s in 2019 and represented England at the European Girls Team Championship, plans to major in psychology while competing for the university’s golf team.

She said: “The facilities at UCF are absolutely amazing. I’ll have access to numerous courses and be able to compete in tournaments across America as well as get the best possible support to gain my degree.

Rosie Belsham and Jess Baker “I hope to pursue a career in golf but I want to make sure I also continue with my studies to keep all my options open. I’m so excited to have this amazing opportunity.”

Meanwhile Rosie – who won the Fairhaven Trophy with a recordbreaking score of 23 under-par for four rounds - represented England

at the European Girls Team Championship in 2019.

She said: “I’ve always wanted to go to university in America so I’m really excited to be heading to Baylor. It will be a chance to really focus on my golf and compete against some of the best amateurs in the world every week.”

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TEEINGOFF

Challenge accepted

McNally on the move

A

ndrew Wilson will tee it up on the Challenge Tour in 2020 following the end of the EuroPro Tour and Challenge Tour seasons, and European Tour Qualifying School.

Rockliffe Hall-based Andrew finished in sixth place in the EuroPro Tour’s Race to Desert Springs for 2019, missing out on one of the five Challenge Tour cards available by just £219.11.

However, following the conclusion of the Challenge Tour season, Todd Clements and Richard Mansell - who held top five positions on the EuroPro Tour - have improved their playing status for 2020 through the Challenge Tour’s order of merit, meaning Andrew steps up to take a card.

Andrew said: “It’s a good feeling to be heading to the Challenge Tour next season. Earning my card was my main goal for 2019 and to achieve that in my first year as a pro is fantastic.

It’s going to be good to play at the next level.

“This season has been a success as a whole with a EuroPro Tour win at Linden Hall and making the cut at The Open. I didn’t play as well following The Open, which I need to learn from next season, but as whole I’m very happy with my year.

“The highlight has to be The Open. It was the icing on top of the year after I’d ticked off my goals on the EuroPro Tour.

Knowing I can play good golf at the highest level has given me a lot of confidence going forward.”

Andrew Wilson

Whitburn Golf Club has appointed Steve McNally as the club’s new professional.

Steve, 59, returns to the site of his first golf lesson from Denis Wilkinson as a youngster.

Steve (pictured) has built more than 30 years coaching experience at a number of clubs since he turned pro in 1978.

He has been at Boldon, Catterick, Otley, Wearside, Burgham Park, Oulton Hall, Slaley Hall and most recently Ramside Hall. He has coached at county, national and international level with Scotland and England, and the Northumberland and Durham county unions.

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TEEINGOFF A new pro tour has been launched for the north of England - offering male and female professionals the chance to compete alongside one another.

The tour, which is being led by Chris Hanson and Adam Walker, will play events across the north of England. For more information go to 2020protour.co.uk

Third place finish for Bishops

B

ishop Auckland Golf Club’s Annodata Matchplay campaign ended with a highly creditable third place finish at Montecastillo Golf Resort in Spain.

The Bishop Auckland team’s bid for the title started way back in March at Tyneside Golf Club in the preliminary round, and ended at the Grand Final event in Cadiz nine months later.

The team battled through in Cadiz, winning the quarter-final after extra holes against Collingtree before facing Ely City.

In the semi-final, Graham Milne led the team from the front and

l-r Michael Price, Ian Simpson, Alan Bailey (chairman), Niall Bennison, Stephen Ridley, Mark Walker (manager), Graham Milne, Chris Thompson, Carl Johnson, Adam Peart, Nigel Dodd, Andy Peart, Jackie Price (lady captain) and Mike Dodd secured a half. Carl Johnson then won his match comfortably before Adam Peart lost his match.

Niall Bennison halved his match after narrowly missing a birdie putt for victory on the 18th, leaving the match in the hands of anchorman Stephen Ridley.

Stephen walked down the 18th all square with James McLaughlin and with the match tied at 2-2. At the green, he lipped out from 15ft to win, forcing the tie into extra holes. In the

playoff, Bishops lost at the 20th hole.

Despite the disappointment, the team picked themselves up and beat Fingle Glen in the third place playoff.

Team manager Mark Walker said: “It’s been a great run. The week in Spain was very intense, but it was a fantastic experience. The players made the members, their families and most of all themselves proud.

“After celebrating our 125th year, it’s certainly been a memorable season.”

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TEEINGOFF

Zara reigns in Spain

Z

ara Naughton added to the region’s success in Spain this season with victory in the European Junior Open.

Matfen Hall-based Zara won the biggest title of her career in grand style at Alcaidesa Links – leading the elite field by eight shots.

Now in its 27th year, the event begins with qualifying throughout the season before a finals tournament played over five rounds.

Zara, 13, saved her best golf for the last day of the final with a three under-par final round of 71 to secure a comprehensive eight-shot victory.

She posted rounds of 79, 78, 74, 79 and 71 – discarding her two 79s under the rules of the competition.

Gosforth Park Ladies and Whickham-based Faye Wheatley climbed the leaderboard on the final day to finish joint third - counting

rounds of 78, 79 and 76 in the event.

Playing in the last group with Julia Kerrigan and Evanna Hynd, Zara was six under-par through the first nine holes. Two double bogeys and a bogey followed, but with birdies at the 13th and 18th she won in style in front of the Sky TV cameras.

Following the win, Zara thanked her coach at Matfen, JJ Vallely, and her grandad for helping her succeed this year. Her win follows finishing fourth in the event last year and being selected for the North of England U18 Regional Squad as well as England Schools.

Spain has proved a happy hunting ground for North East golfers in recent weeks as Garrick Porteous claimed his European Tour Card in Tarragona and Bishop Auckland cinched third place in the Annodata Championship in Cadiz.

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TEEINGOFF

Garrick Porteous

Garrick joins top flight

G

arrick Porteous will realise his dream of playing on the European Tour in 2020 after a stunning Qualifying School performance in Spain.

The 29-year-old from Morpeth posted closing rounds of 68, 68 and 67 following rounds of 70, 71 and 70 in the six-round marathon at Lumine in Tarragona to finish 13th and clinch one of the 25 European Tour cards on offer.

Garrick’s 14 under-par total showed the form he’s been building since returning to working with

Matfen Hall-based John Harrison as his coach and mentor.

“I’ve been dreaming of playing on the European Tour ever since I started playing golf,” said Garrick.

“You idolise the people you watch on TV, for me to be there and to be representing Bamburgh Castle on a global stage will be very special.

“I can’t describe the emotional ups and downs I went through during Q School. It’s a tournament that dictates how your whole year, even your whole career, can turn out and to play that well under those circumstances shows how far I’ve

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come. This year has been a steady performance on the Challenge Tour, the results might not have shown it, but I’ve continuously become more confident.

“The change back to John Harrison as a coach has certainly helped. I’m taking more ownership of everything I do and to have John as a coach and mentor is a massive help.”

Many expected Garrick to breeze into the big time after a glittering amateur career including Walker Cup honours and big wins in the British and Scottish amateurs.

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“From the beginning of my professional career in 2014 I’ve been on the Challenge Tour,” he said. “I’ve had a couple of decent years with a win on the EuroPro Tour in 2014 and another win on the Challenge Tour in 2017.

“The competition on the Challenge Tour seems to get better and better every year. Unless you are on your game, you’re not going to be close to the top or even making the cut.

“This is why I don’t think it’s such a big step up to the European Tour anymore. You still need to be on your game every week, as we all know the quality out there is phenomenal.

“To have Chris Paisley - and hopefully Graeme Storm - out on the European Tour will be a big help.

“I definitely look up to Chris.

He’s had a fantastic career todate. We have played on the same university team, represented GB&I in the Walker Cup and won on th Challenge Tour.

“It’s definitely exciting to see where we end up in the future.

Hopefully we can inspire the next generation of North East golfers to reach the top level.”

Garrick is proud to represent his home club, Bamburgh Castle, on tour and indebted to main sponsor Penny Petroleum as well as Puma and Cobra Golf, and his coaching and fitness team of John, Nick Grantham and Darren Wigg.

Garrick started his European tour season at the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek in South Africa, where he finished in the top 10 and picked up a cheque for €25,800, before taking a break and preparing to get married to his fiancée Maisie Grant in January.

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TEEINGOFF

Aaron Cox (second from left) with his team in Portugal

Portuguese master

B

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lackwell Grange’s Aaron Cox finished the NENW PGA season with victory in the circuit’s annual Portugal Pro Am. Aaron posted a four-round total of 153 points to finish five shots ahead of Sharpley’s Kevin Jackson.

Meanwhile, South Moor’s Mark Ridley took third place with 146 points as Brampton’s Phil Waugh and Tynedale’s Martin Forster shared fourth place on 144 points.

Aaron - who posted scores of 36, 36, 40 and 41 at Villa Sol, Laranjal, Quinta South and Quinta North – said: “It’s a good feeling to get another win to finish the year. It was a great week out in Portugal, the golf

courses are just spectacular. The courses out there suit my game as they’re a little closer to the courses back home in Australia – and that really helped me get the win.

“It’s been a good first year in the North East with a couple of wins.

I’m looking forward to seeing my coaching grow at Blackwell Grange too - the junior academy has gone from eight to 62 youngsters so that’s going to be really exciting to work on in 2020.”

Meanwhile, Morpeth’s David Clark shot a round of 64 to lead the field at the Sharpley Better Ball Pro Am as Callum Tarren teamed up with Stewart Parnaby to win the team event with a score of 59.

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Girls Golf Rocks is back Girls Golf Rocks is back for 2020 and clubs in England can sign up now.

The programme is now in its fifth year and has helped introduce more than 5,000 girls to the game of golf – inspiring beginners to enjoy themselves in a fun, friendly

and safe environment. Applications are now open for affiliated clubs and HSBC Golf Roots centres. The closing date for applications is January 8, 2020.

For more details and to sign up for the programme go to www.girlsgolfrocks.org

TEEINGOFF

Going green

B

eamish Park Golf Club’s green credentials have been recognised with an environmental award.

The club received the award at Durham County Council’s Environmental Partnership ceremony following work on a number of green initiatives and investments is reducing the club’s carbon footprint.

Work has included new hot roof insulation in the clubhouse, exchanging 600 halogen energy lightbulbs for LED bulbs and upgrading the heating system.

More projects are underway and due for completion in 2020, including upgrading the club’s fleet of LPG buggies to electric and changing computer and support systems.

As well as receiving the award, the club has benefitted from reducing

The Beamish team receiving the award its energy bills by 39% in the last six months, reducing its CO2 emissions by 13.7 tonnes so far.

Club secretary Trevor Robson said: “What we have achieved would not have been possible without the help and practical assistance of dedicated members, who have offered their professional skills completely free of charge.

“This has all led to positive comments and further engagement from our membership, which in turn encourages the management

committee to consider future projects such as solar panels.”

Durham County Golf Union secretary Jonathan Ward added: “It’s great to see a club investing for the future. The club has taken a long-term view, which is not always easy to do in an era when so many clubs have to work towards short-term goals. The results ought to be applauded and act as encouragement for other clubs thinking of adopting a similar approach.”

Yorkshire has become the first county to be awarded SafeGolf accreditation - recognising the county’s promotion of a safe and positive environment for all those participating, working and volunteering in golf and the wider industry, including children and adults at all levels of the sport.

2020 OPEN COMPETITIONS 7th May – Seniors Pairs 6th August – Ladies Team 16th July—Seniors Team 1st October Seniors Pairs Please enter via www.golfempire.co.uk or contact the club direct.

For further information please contact the Club Secretary Dawn Ridley on (0191) 2520180 or email secretary@whitleybaygolfclub.co.uk For more course related information, follow us on facebook (Whitley Bay Golf Course) and Twitter (@WhitleyBayGC) Membership types and prices listed on website www.whitleybaygolfclub.co.uk.

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TEEINGOFF

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12 NORTHERN GOLFER

Justin Rose and Rosie Belsham

Rosie fourth in Rose event

R

osie Belsham added another highlight to her 2019 season with a fourth place finish in the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship in Portugal as Yorkshire’s Ben Schmidt won the boys’ event by 15 shots.

Whitley Bay-based Rosie finished eight shots behind girls’ winner Mimi Rhodes from Somerset. She shot rounds of 81, 77 and 73 to take fourth place in the 12-girl field as Jess Baker finished in eighth place after receiving a late invitation to the event.

A past winner of the Northern Golfer Junior Champion of Champions title, plus-three handicappper Rosie has a string of top 10 finishes this year, including a win in the Fairhaven Trophy and

a second place finish in the English Women’s Strokeplay Championship.

In the boys’ event, Rotherhambased Ben put the gloss on a superb year by winning in record-breaking fashion at Quinta do Lago.

He shot rounds of 68, 69 and 69 to lead the field on 10 under-par.

Aaron Marshall took second place with a three-round total of 221.

“It’s been a fantastic year for me with the Brabazon Trophy and Carris Trophy already on the mantelpiece and now this as well,” said Ben - who has decided against signing up to a US college and will instead play an elite amateur schedule next year.

Setup by The Daily Telegraph in 1985, past champions of the event include Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick and Melissa Reid.

TEEINGOFF

Charity challenge

A

listair Collin, a sixhandicapper from Close House, is setting out to play the Golf Monthly Top 100 Golf Courses in the UK and Ireland while raising money for the British Heart Foundation.

Alistair, who had heart surgery in 2013 and suffered a subsequent heart attack in 2014, suffers from chronic fatigue. He has spent the last four years building back his energy and has now set his sights on playing the top 100 in the next two years while raising £20,000 for charity.

The courses include 50 English layouts, 24 courses in Scotland, 22 courses in Ireland and four in Wales.

The course furthest north from Alistair’s home is Royal Dornoch - 323 miles away. Trevose is the furthest south - 463 miles away while Tralee is 535 miles to the west. In playing all of the courses from the white tees, Alistair will hit the ball more than 375 miles and walk more than 550 miles.

Liz Dabrowski (left) with Deborah Gibbs of the Great North Air Ambulance Service

Chester charity boost

Alistair Collin “I wanted to put something back into the system as I’m very fortunate to have survived a serious heart condition,” said Alistair. “I had to retire aged 53 and really struggled after my heart attack. I’m pleased to say that I’m feeling as good as I have for years, so I’ve decided to take on a challenge that was bold but enjoyable. I have developed an

One of the finest championship courses in the Region.

outline plan of travel and the list of courses I need to play for the first 10 months is mouth-watering.”

Alistair starts the challenge at Close House in January and plans to complete it in November 2021.

If you’d like to support Alistair and the British Heart Foundation, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ alistaircollintop100challenge

The Great North Air Ambulance Service was given a major boost when Chester-le-Street Golf Club’s Liz Dabrowski handed over a cheque for £1,152.

The air ambulance was Liz’s chosen charity for her year as lady captain at the club, one which has included a Christmas raffle, preseason social activities, coffee mornings, Monday Morning golf roll-ups with entry fees donated to the charity, and a number of other events.

Winter Opens Singles Stableford, Dec 20th, Jan 17th, Feb 14th. £10.00 per person, 1st 2nd 3rd prize Vouchers, to spend at any PGA Golf shop.

5 to qualify from each event for Grand final on Friday 13th March 2020.

2020 Opens Sunday 10th May, Gents 4 Man Team-Texas Scramble - £40.00 per team Sunday 7th June, Gents 4BBB Stableford - £20.00 per pair Wednesday 15th July, Seniors 4BBB Stableford - £20.00 per pair (entrants must be over 55) Tuesday 21st July, Ladies Texas Scramble - £40.00 per team of 4 Saturday 15th August, Mixed Open Greensomes - £22.00 per pair Tuesday 25th August, Ladies Team of 3 - £30.00 per team of 3 Sunday 13th September, Gents US Masters Texas Scramble Open, 4 man team - £60.00 per team (in conduction with, www.golfinengland.org.uk) To Enter: send cheque payable to 1st Foregolf Ltd, stating preferred Tee time, competitors names, handicaps and clubs, to the Manager, Burgham Park Golf Club, Near Felton, Morpeth, Northumberland. NE65-9QP or Phone the Club Office on 01670 787898 (option 1) to pay by Debit/credit card. You can also download the entry form from Golf Empire, and send to the Manager, Burgham Park Golf Club.

Golf Society Packages 2020 Minimum 12.

Coffee/Bacon Sandwich & 18 Holes, Mon-Fri £24.00 Sat-Sun £29.00 Soup / Sandwiches & 18 Holes, Mon-Fri £25.00 Sat-Sun £30.00 1 Course Meal & 18 Holes, Mon-Fri £26.00 Sat-Sun £31.00 2 Course Meal & 18 Holes Mon-Fri £30.00 Sat-Sun £35.00 Membership 2020 1st January 2020 until 31st March 2021 - 15 months for the price of 12 7 Day Membership - £600.00 • 5 Day Membership - £455.00 Pay & Play Membership - £250.00 + £10.00 per play Intermediate, 22-25yrs - £380.00

Winter GreenFees Until March 29th 2020 Midweek £15.00, Weekend £18.00 per person.

WE DO NOT HAVE WINTER GREENS OR WINTER TEE’S

BURGHAM, Nr FELTON, NORTHUMBERLAND NE65 9QP • E : burghamparkgolfclub@gmail.com W: www.burghamparkgolfclub.co.uk T: 01670 787898 (OPTION 1) NORTHERN GOLFER 13

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Ryan’s second victory in the Yorkshire PGA event brought with it a £1,000 winner’s cheque as Mid Yorkshire Golf Club’s Aran Wainwright finished in second place following rounds of 38 points, 37 points and 31 points.

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eorge Washington Golf Club-based professional Ryan Ingram had a week to remember in Dubai retaining the title he won for the first time last year.

Playing in the Yorkshire PGA’s annual Dubai Pro Am - Ryan put together a 10-shot victory with rounds of 35 points, 43 points and 38 points over The Jumeirah Estates

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NORTHERN

INSIGHT

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

14 NORTHERN GOLFER

Blackwell Grange to host new junior series in 2020 Blackwell Grange Golf Club will host a new series of Junior Academy tournaments in 2020 following the opening of its academy course.

The events, hosted by PGA professional Aaron Cox, are open to all youngsters aged 6-10 years old and will take place on the new academy course, which has holes ranging from 40-73 yards.

All the events will coincide with golf’s biggest events: March 14-15 Players Tournament, April 11-12 Masters Tournament, May

9-10 Tour Championship, June 20-21 Winged Foot Open, July 18-19 Open Championship, September 12-13 Darlington BM Championship, September 26-27 Ryder Cup and October 10-11 Blackwell Playoffs.

Each two-day event will feature six holes on each day with prizes including a green jacket for the Masters Tournament and a claret jug for the Open Championship.

For more information and to book a place, contact Aaron Cox, tel 01325 461 002.

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ALNMOUTH150

150 not out We take a look back at the 150th anniversary celebrations at Alnmouth Golf Club

A

lnmouth Golf Club’s 150th celebrations have proved a huge success at local, regional and national level.

Major events were held at England’s fourth oldest club in 2019, including Northumberland’s victory in the Northern Counties Men’s Qualifying tournament, AKA The Big Six, in August. The club also hosted the Senior Home Internationals in September, which were won

by England.

The 10th anniversary of the Northern Junior Golf Tour Grand Final welcomed four 25-strong teams of juniors from Northumberland, Cumbria, Co Durham and North Yorkshire with Northumberland winning the team title.

Morpeth’s David Clark produced one of the rounds of the year at Foxton to win the 150th Anniversary Pro Am. His six under-par 65 led one of the finest fields of this year’s NENW PGA season as Ken Ferrie finished second.

At club level, events have included a hickory club tournament, a triangular match with Royal Liverpool and Stirling golf clubs - both of which also turned 150 in 2019 - and a tournament which brought together the county’s clubs.

For many, the highlight of the celebrations came off the course as 370 guests enjoyed a gala dinner in June. Guests included R&A captain Chris Hilton along with The Amateur Championship trophy, which was originally sponsored by 24 clubs, including Alnmouth.

Club manager Peter Simpson said: “The year couldn’t have gone better. The committees and staff have worked really hard to make it truly exceptional.

16 NORTHERN GOLFER

“The golf club has always been evolving. Even this year we’ve opened an indoor studio, but this year was a great opportunity to reflect on what we’ve achieved in 150 years.”

The year has been recognised with a number of additions to the incredible archives at the club. Gifts from clubs and England Golf will be displayed along with the original plans for the course, which were presented by the Duke of Northumberland, the club’s president.

Established in 1869 at what is now Alnmouth Village Golf Club by a group led by captain Arthur Walker, with Mungo Park as the club’s first professional and greenkeeper, the club moved to Foxton Hall in 1930.

This year’s celebrations have also involved Alnmouth Village, which took over the running of the original nine-hole links in 1936. The clubs hosted a match over nine holes at Foxton and the nine holes in the bay along with members swapping courses for events.

Peter added: “Personally, I have two highlights from 2019. First was creating new relationships with Royal Liverpool and Stirling. We’ve formed friendships which will carry on with regular events. Second was our gala dinner. We welcomed 370 people for a true celebration. It will stand out as a great occasion for many years to come.

“We enjoy celebrating our history at Alnmouth, but we’re not a club to stand still for long.

“Howard Swan has set out a five-year plan to keep the course moving forward in line with Colt’s original work and we’re looking forward to continuing our success for the next 150 years.”

Ian Patterson receiving the original course plans from the Duke of Northumberland

ALNMOUTH150 Richard Allen with Ian Patterson

The Amateur Championship trophy

Members at the club’s hickory event

David Clark

England’s Senior team

Northumberland’s Big Six team

Andy Malcolm (Stirling), Ian Patterson (Alnmouth) and Rob McBurney (Royal Liverpool)

Northumberland’s Northern Junior Golf Tour team

NORTHERN GOLFER 17

Castle Eden Golf Club 18 Hole picturesque parkland course

2020 OPENS

Gents 4BBB Stableford - Saturday 16th May - £24 per pair Gents 4 Man Team Stableford - Sunday 17th May - £48 per team Seniors Open 1 - 4BBB over 55s – Thursday 4th June - £24 per pair Mixed Open Team Stableford - Saturday 6th June - £48 per team Ladies Team American Scramble – Friday 12th June - £40 per team Seniors Open 2 - 4BBB over 55s – Thursday 16th July - £24 per pair Ladies Team of 4 Stableford – Tuesday 1st September - £40 per team Senior Open 4 man team over 55s – Thursday 17th September £48

Bookings now being taken for Visiting Parties in 2020 SOCIETIES - Golf packages from £20 per person for further details on the above telephone the Secretary on 01429 836510 Memberships All categories available - Flexible payment options

Castle Eden Golf Club, Castle Eden, TS27 4SS www.castleedengolfclub.co.uk 18 NORTHERN GOLFER

TOURLIFE

Chris Paisley

Another year over Chris Paisley reflects on his 2019 season and sets out his pan for 2020

M

y sixth season on the European Tour is in the books.

After a strong finish to the regular season in France and Portugal, I was feeling good heading into the final series. First up was the Turkish Airlines Open, which was a bizarre week. I finished 62nd out of 75 players. The strange part was the disparity in my scores on the two nines. I started each round from the 10th and played the back nine in a combined 13 under-par. I played the front nine in 12 over-par!

Looking back, it was pretty obvious why.

I was struggling with my long game and I just didn’t have the control that I’ve had in previous weeks. The back nine at The Montgomerie course is fairly forgiving there is room for error, especially from the tee - whereas the front nine is much more demanding. It certainly caught me out, although I didn’t run out of balls like Mr Pepperell! As always, I battled to the end but some weeks you just don’t have it, and

Turkey was certainly one of those weeks.

It was a similar, but slightly improved, story in Sun City, South Africa. I grew into the tournament but it is one of the most demanding courses we play all year and if you have anything less than your A game, you will struggle to break par. I played some great golf in spells but the consistency wasn’t there and I finished the week 44th out of 63 players.

After a long stretch of golf over the previous three months, I was feeling mentally and physically low on reserves. I also missed my wife and daughter as they hadn’t travelled to Turkey or South Africa.

I had planned to start my 2020 season at Leopard Creek, but decided the best thing was to have an extended off season of six weeks and spend some quality time with them.

As always, my attention quickly turned to where I want to improve for next season and beyond. Put simply, my ball striking is average at best relative to the rest of the tour. My putting, short game

and wedge play are all extremely strong and very consistent. I have also developed mentally over the past year. I am extremely level-headed and have more self belief than ever before.

Without getting too technical, for the past year or so, my club face has had a lot of rotation through the impact area. While I can still play some great golf, it means that my consistency isn’t as high as it could be.

The best players are the ones who play well most often, and I feel I need to develop a more stable face through the ball to take me to that next level. I truly believe, and the stats show, that the rest of my game is at an extremely high standard.

My season will start with the South African Open in January. From there I will play three events in the Middle East. I’m excited to have some time off to spend with Keri and Ella, who is now walking and becoming more and more fun every day.

She certainly has a cheeky personality! I will also be hard at work to try and make 2020 my best season yet.

NORTHERN GOLFER 19

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Chester le Street Golf Club, Lumley Park, County Durham, DH3 4NS

ONCOURSE

Simon Olver

Healthy minds Greenkeeper Simon Olver on creating a healthy environment in our golf clubs

M

ental health was never a subject people wanted to talk about, but things have really turned a corner in the last couple of years. With one in four people having mental health issues - it’s an important issue in every walk of life. There is no difference in the world of greenkeeping.

I would expect a lot of you to be quite surprised by this – but I hope this column will open your eyes to some of the pitfalls of the industry which so many of us choose to go into for our love of the game.

I also want to demonstrate how everyone can play their part in ensuring their club is a healthy environment.

Managing a golf course is tough. It’s a diverse role, combining technical and managerial skill with physical work while delivering a 12-month product under time, budget and environmental stress.

In situations where focus has not been given or management within clubs has placed unacceptable levels of stress on individuals, the results can be catastrophic.

In some cases, greenkeeping can

Simon Olver with the team at Whitley Bay Golf Club

become a world in which staff are not given the opportunity to train in specific areas, not suitably supported and equipped, and have 500-plus unpleasable bosses – many of whom they’ll only ever have negative interactions with. This only creates a negative environment.

So, how can we do things better?

Responsible businesses have a structured approach, suitably trained staff and management systems which drive a positive culture. Well-supported staff are motivated, energised and more productive – they also crucially feel safe.

Clubs which do this will lead the way with happy customers and staff who are proud of the facility.

This of course isn’t the easiest thing to bring into a golf club. Where staff are managed by an ever-changing committee of generous volunteers, there is always the possibility of a bad egg upsetting the bunch. Clubs must ensure that no one official has the power to create a culture which is harmful to individuals.

Businesses can also ensure they

have structured management systems in place with clear channels for employees to communicate in confidence. A designated individual who is responsible for psychological health and safety in the workplace is also really important.

For golfers out there - there is never a bad time to let people know they are doing a good job. Small things matter and can make a huge difference to someone’s day.

Remember that your words and actions can have a hugely negative effect too.

Always show respect to the highly skilled individuals who devote themselves to delivering a golf course you can be proud to play on.

Golfers have high expectations no matter what size, standard or stature of course they play. The good news is these standards can be achieved and even surpassed at any level if staff are well supported, happy in their work and feel appreciated.

Greenstaff will never do their best on their own, we all need the support of every golfer to make the partnership work.

NORTHERN GOLFER 21

WHITBY GOLF CLUB

Winter Warmer Green Fees 27/10/19 to 28/3/20

All Day Monday £10 Tuesday to Friday £12.50 Saturday/Sunday/ Bank Hols £15 Twilight after 1pm £10 Online booking and T&Cs of entry now available for all dates at www.whitbygolfclub.co.uk

Friday 5th June 2020 - Seniors Open Texas Scramble £36 per team of 4

Friday 19th June 2020 - Ladies Am-Am £44 per team of 4 (limited availability) Friday 28th August 2020 - Seniors Open Betterball £25 per pair

Friday 5th September - Open Four Man Team - £12.50 per person

Saturday 13th September - Open Mixed Greensomes - £25 per pair Saturday 10th October - Open Men’s Betterball - £25 per pair

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

COLUMNIST

Dean Bailey

Christmas present The best and worst Christmas gifts from non-golfers

I

’m sure all of you reading this have a collection of Christmas presents from year’s gone by stored somewhere in your house. Each one carefully chosen by a non-golfing relative and each warmly received, of course, but they’ll never see the light of day.

I took a look at my collection recently and was surprised by just how much there was in there.

It’s grown steadily over the years, sitting beside a collection of old golf bags. Hoarding golf paraphernalia is a big part of the game, isn’t it?

All the ‘classics’ were in there – golf balls harder than diamonds, novelty knick-knacks in every form imaginable and many pairs of unopened novelty socks.

There was a chipping net in there, two books of golf jokes, a right-handed golf glove, an automatic putt returner, a toilet putting game and a plastic scorecard holder. There are also numerous caps, beanies and assorted pieces of clothing in many other locations.

However, a few Christmas gifts are always warmly welcomed.

First of all, there’s a special place in every golfer’s heart for those relatives who ask which golf balls you play then present you with a fresh dozen on Christmas morning. My favourites presents also include a fantastic Geometric George Pringle jumper – an itchy wool garment which I wouldn’t be without; FootJoy socks are always a must; and a pair of microwaveable hand warmers which are essential during the colder months. Vouchers, for retailers and golf lessons, are always a safe option as well.

Aside from those listed above, all other gifts from non-golfers are destined to be stored at the back of a cupboard - hoarded for no obvious reason.

Here’s to all those who’ll be opening a hip flask, socks and cheap golf ball combo set this Christmas morning. Happy Christmas!

If you’ve got a standout Christmas gift to share, send us a picture on Twitter @negolfer, on Facebook @northerngolferuk or on Instagram @northerngolferuk

NORTHERN GOLFER 23

RACHELGOURLEY

Rachel’s year At just 15, Rachel Gourley has already built an impressive CV of national success and England caps. Dean Bailey meets her to look back on her breakthrough year and find out what lies ahead

W

hat were you doing when you were 15 years old?

I’d bet very few of you were practising six times per week, having already spent 10 years working with one of the North East’s best coaches.

That’s exactly what Rachel Gourley is doing – and her results on the golf course show just how hard she’s been working.

Having turned 15 this summer, Rachel already has three international caps and 3.5 international points on her golfing CV. She’s also one of the lowest-handicapped U16 girls in the country – currently playing off plus-one.

Rachel’s international experience includes a debut against Spain at Woodhall Spa in May along with matches against Switzerland and Ireland.

Following her successful start, she is now working with England coaches as part of a trial with the national U18 squad.

“Being selected for the Spain match was a big surprise,” says Rachel. “Once I had that under my belt, I set my sights on being picked for the Switzerland and Ireland matches.

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

“Going into my first match, I had a few nerves but as I got used to how things work, it felt natural and I started to enjoy it. Now I just prepare the same way as I do for every tournament, going through the processes I’ve learned from being part of the county system and events like the Northern Junior Golf Tour. I’ve grown up playing big events on different courses and that experience has really helped as the events have got bigger this season.”

As well as success as part of the England U16 team, Rachel has shone as an individual. Her personal highlight came at the English Girls Under 16 Open Amateur Championship at Gerrards Cross Golf Club – where she finished in third place. She also reached the last 32 of the Girls Amateur Championship at Panmure Golf Club – losing at the 22nd hole of her round two match.

A national title came at the English Schools Golf Association National Under 16 Girls’ Championship – where she led the field by four shots at Cleckheaton & District Golf Club before representing the schools association against Wales and Scotland.

RACHELGOURLEY

NORTHERN GOLFER 25

RACHELGOURLEY

“Finishing third in the English U16s at Gerrards Cross was the most important week of the year,” says Rachel. “It’s one of the biggest U16 events in the country and the field was the best I’d played against.

“Winning the U16s schools title while finishing second in the U19s was also a big achievement, and getting to play at Panmure having been the last reserve was a great experience too.

“I’ve felt a lot more comfortable in the U16 events than I thought I would. Making the step up to playing U16s while I was still 14 was definitely a good idea – I feel like I can compete in those events now.”

Rachel’s journey to the international stage has been a long one, despite being just 15 years old.

She started working with coach Andrew Nicholson aged just five and counts Andrew, whose pupils include Chris Paisley, as a key factor in her success.

“Andrew has been a huge part of my golf since I was five years old. This year we’ve worked hard on the course, particularly on short game and scoring, having learned so much from the international girls.

“My mam and dad are a huge part of my golf too. They tend to split the travelling, which gives me a nice mix. They have different skills - my dad is a golfer so he’s great when it comes to course planning while my mum is really chilled out. I love travelling with them and they make it possible to play in events all over the country.”

26 NORTHERN GOLFER

Rachel Gourley

Another key to Rachel’s rise has been the quality of girls’ golf in Northumberland. Led by England Girls internationals Rosie Belsham and Jess Baker, Rachel is part of an incredibly successful Northumberland system which includes fellow U16 internationals Libby Bell and Maggie Whitehead as well as Zara Naughton.

“All the Northumberland girls are doing really well right now and I’m proud to be part of that. We all get along very well – though we’re super competitive on the course.”

Rachel has also spent some of her time this year inspiring the next generation of female golfers as a Girls Golf Rocks ambassador.

“I’ve really enjoyed being an ambassador as part of Sally HintonLewis’ group at Close House,” she adds. “When I was little, I played and practised by myself a lot. That was fine for me, but having a big group makes it fun when you’re just starting out.

Sally’s sessions are so much fun and really inspiring. Hopefully the girls will continue in golf – seeing more girls playing would be fantastic.”

Winters in Northumberland are long for every golfer, though Rachel has an England warm weather training camp in early 2020 to look forward to. Apart from that, she’s still practising hard – if you ever visit the driving range at Close House you’ll probably see her there.

“I play golf with the Northumberland girls, but when it comes to practising I’m happy to do my own thing. I think it comes from starting out at Arcot Hall, where I was the only girl.

“I do my technique work with Andrew and then work as hard as I can with one day off each week. I’ve learned a lot from the England sessions at Woodhall Spa this year too. I’ve already learned a lot about decision making and course strategy, and I’m looking forward to going back to more camps.”

That practice is sure to come in handy next season when Rachel is looking to improve her European ranking while completing her GCSEs. “I’m looking forward to being part of the England system next year,” she says. “In 2020, I’d like to make it into the Girls Home Internationals then follow Rosie and Jess in playing events like the European Championships.

“It’s going to be a long winter of practising but once the season starts, I’ve got a busy calendar of U16 events.

I’d like to improve my results from last season and improve from 18th on the European rankings too. I’d also like to play in some European tournaments and the British Girls.”

For now, it’s time to put all of this season’s experience to good use on the driving range and practice green. It’ll not be long until the 2020 season is under way.

Society Golf A4 Poster_Layout 1 05/12/2019 10:16 Page 1

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YEARREVIEW

Another year over

Jess Baker and Rosie Belsham

2019 brought us international success, national honours and another year of the North East’s golfers shining brightly at all levels of the game.

Here’s our pick of the highlights from the last 12 months…

January Celebrations got underway for Alnmouth Golf Club’s 150th anniversary year as the new Rules of Golf presented a few teething problems. The year got off to a fast start for Callum Tarren in the US while closer to home, Danny Willett visited Cleveland Golf Club to open the club’s new driving range.

The North Region girls squad

Danny Willett at Cleveland

Feb-Mar Jess Baker, Rosie Belsham and Caitlin Whitehead were included in the England girls’ squad as the England Golf North Region girls won their triangular match against Yorkshire and the North West at Moortown. John Harrison picked up his first win of the year in the NENW PGA’s Andalucia Pro Am and Matty Lamb signalled his intentions for the year ahead with a string of top finishes in Australia, Portugal and Spain.

Callum Tarren Caitlin Whitehead

NORTHERN GOLFER 29

YEARREVIEW

April The European Tour announced the British Masters would return to Close House in 2020. On the national stage, Jess Baker and Rosie Belsham got the season underway with top 10 finishes in a string of national events, Matty Lamb won the prestigious Hampshire Hog tournament and Cameron Wallace won the English and Welsh Universities Championship. Durham’s Amy Burton picked up a hattrick of titles in seven days, and Eaglescliffe’s Tom Smith and Will Skipp won the Northumberland and Durham Inter-County Foursomes Championship.

May

Rosie Belsham broke multiple records as she won her first national title, the Fairhaven Trophy, by 20 shots with a four-round total of 23 under-par. Ladies county champions were crowned as Niamh Lendrum won the Northumberland title, Alex Stevenson won in Durham and Harriet Barker won the Cumbria title. Michael Thompson won the Durham County Matchplay title, Yorkshireman David Hague won the 50th edition of the Seaton Salver and Graeme Storm’s junior open at Hartlepool brought together more than 100 juniors.

June We celebrated the success of Girls Golf Rocks as Libby Bell and Rachel Gourley made their England debuts, and Rosie Belsham represented England in Germany. Callum Tarren teed it up in the US Open at Pebble Beach and Matty Lamb came within a shot of winning the St Andrews links Trophy.

Amy Burton won the Mini-Storm Trophy Series title at Wynyard. Mark Wharton won the Northumberland County Championship and David Clark won the Northumberland and Durham Open. Will Skipp retained the Durham County Boys title as Angus Buchanan won the Northumberland title. Zara Naughton, Rachel Gourley and Lois Blythe teamed up to win the North of England Schools title.

30 NORTHERN GOLFER

YEARREVIEW Lee Westwood

Andrew Minnikin, David Clark, NENW PGA president Ray Sentance and Brancepeth captain Peter Burdess

The Graeme Storm Junior Open

Niamh Lendrum with county captain Sian Oakley (left) and county president Margaret Pickard (right) Cameron Wallace

Amy Burton with Graeme Storm

Tom Smith and Will Skipp NORTHERN GOLFER 31

YEARREVIEW

July Andrew Wilson won the EuroPro Tour event at Linden Hall before qualifying for The Open at Royal Portrush, making the cut and finishing 32nd. City of Newcastle won the Northumberland Teams Championship. Rachel Gourley won the English Schools National U16 Girls title as Dyke House Academy’s Jack Burton, Louis Westmoreland and Will Skipp won the Team Championship. Yorkshire’s Ben Schmidt won the Brabazon and Carris trophies. Maggie Whitehead won the Northumberland Junior Girls title as Kitana Hollins won the Durham event, and Jack Ainscough won the Durham County Strokeplay Championship.

August

Northumberland won the Big Six at Alnmouth. Durham won the Northern Federation Junior Championship at Eaglescliffe and City of Newcastle Golf Club won its fifth consecutive Newcastle & District league title. Alex Wrigley secured a place in the GB&I PGA Cup team while John Harrison won the NENW PGA Championship. Rachel Gourley led England’s U16s to victory over Switzerland as Rosie Belsham, Jess Baker and Caitlin Whitehead helped England’s Girls win the Home Internationals. Josh Berry retained the North of England U14 Championship at South Moor and Katie Sibley won the North Region Close Championship at Silloth.

September We crowned our Champions of Champions at Ramside. James Wilson won the junior title, Faye Wheatley won the ladies title and Josh Bassitt won the men’s event. Northumberland were beaten by the final putt at the County Finals and City of Newcastle was crowned England’s champion club. England’s seniors won the Home Internationals at Alnmouth and Matty Lamb helped the men’s team win their Home Internationals.

John Harrison won the NENW PGA order of merit with victory in the Tour championship as Will Marshall captured the Durham OOM title and Nicky Lee-Shield won the Durham Junior OOM. Northumberland won the Northern Junior Golf Tour Grand Final and Heworth won the Clark Cup. 32 NORTHERN GOLFER

YEARREVIEW

l-r Phil Ridden, Alex Dixon and Andrew Minnikin

Northumberland’s County Finals team The Durham junior team

The Girls Home Internationals team

Alex Boyes and Nicky Lee-Shield

Rachel Gourley at the U16 Schools

October City of Newcastle’s Phil Ridden, Alex Dixon and Andrew Minnikin completed their year of success by being crowned European champions at Golf du Medoc Resort near Bordeaux. Maggie Whiehead made her England U16s debut alongside Rachel Gourley as England were beaten by Ireland, Malton & Norton Golf Club won a third consecutive North East Rabbits Golf Association Inter title as Roseberry Grange won the Rabbits title. Ken Ferrie won the Albatross Events Ryder Cup Anniversary Pro Am at Le Golf National and Aaron Mohun won the Lookers Junior Masters at Close House.

NORTHERN GOLFER 33

INDOORGOLF

Let’s head inside It’s been a particularly wet start to the winter, but fear not, there are a number of well-equipped swing studios in our region where you can get your golfing fix, find the perfect clubs for you and hone your technique. Try these…

SEAHAM GOLF CLUB - THE GOLF STUDIO As well as the superb golf course at Seaham Golf Club, members and guests can play world-renowned courses including Augusta National, Pebble Beach and the Old Course at St Andrews in The Golf Studio at the Co Durham club. The indoor Skytrak simulator is available to Seaham members, guests and the local community with more than 100,000 courses available to play along with detailed analysis available for lessons and custom fitting.

To book your session for one to four people from just half an hour, tel 0191 513 0837

As part of our ongoing investment programme, our new swing studio with golf simulator is now open for lessons and custom �itting.

• Flightscope® technology with E6 CONNECT software

• Flexible indoor and outdoor driving range practice

• Custom club �itting for PING, Callaway and Taylor Made

• Golf lessons with Head Professional Peter Raine from £30

• Lesson/driving range packages and gift vouchers available

Contact : Pro’s Shop 01325 461002 Email : peter@peterrainegolf.co.uk www.blackwellgrangegolf.com 34 NORTHERN GOLFER

NEW Swing Studio NOW OPEN

INDOORGOLF BLACKWELL GRANGE The new swing studio at Blackwell Grange offers the chance to play a great golf course, work on your game with the help of expert PGA professionals or try the latest equipment from the major brands. Flightscope technology allows you to play one of 30 courses or fine tune your clubs with access to a wide range of club data on every shot.

A roller shutter allows you to also hit balls outside with Flightscope data. You’ll also find a driving range and new academy course on-site. www.blackwellgrangegolf.com

Seaham Golf Club Introduces to you ‘The Golf Studio’, an indoor golf simulator. This project, which is supported with funding from LEADER and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, offers indoor golf simulator facilities for anyone who is interested in playing or learning golf. The Golf Studio offers a variety of deals and packages to suit the needs of the individual, as well as providing you with the opportunity to play on some of the worlds most famous courses

FULL GOLF WINTER MEMBERSHIP FOR £100 PLAY NOW UNTIL 1ST MARCH 2020 Take up this offer and recieve £50 off 2020/21 7 day membership.

GENTS PRICE £590

OUR OFFERS & PACKAGES, FOR ALL GOLF STUDIO PRICES (UP TO 4 PEOPLE): AGES, INCLUDED ARE: ➢ Members: £2 per person 30 minutes ➢ Club Fittings ➢ Non-Members: £2.50 per person 30 minutes ➢ Coaching Lessons and Swing Analysis (From a pro) ➢ Bag Mapping and Club Yardages ➢ Kids Parties Packages ➢ Rainy Day Packages ➢ Competitions (Shootout, longest drive, nearest to the pin) For more details or to book, contact us on (0191) 581 2354 or via our Facebook page ➢ Team building days (Under 12’s must be accompanied by an adult)

FOR MORE INFORMATION RING 0191 5811268 FOR MEMBERSHIP / 0191 5130837 • FOR VISITING PARTIES OR EMAIL SEAHAMGOLFCLUB@BTCONNECT.COM SHREWSBURY STREET, SEAHAM, CO. DURHAM SR7 7RD • SEAHAMGOLFCLUB.CO.UK NORTHERN GOLFER 35

FULL COURSE, GREENS / TEES OPEN ALL YEAR

MID WEEK WINTER PACKAGE 18 Holes Golf £18.00 per person Coffee/Bacon Roll + 18 holes £20.00 per person Coffee/Bacon Roll + 18 holes + meal of the day £27.00 per person Must be booked at least 24 hours in advance minimum 4 players from 1st November until 31st March

OPEN DATES

DATE

EVENT

13th February 16th April 2nd May 1st August 2nd August 10th September

4BBB Senior Open 4BBB Senior Open 4BBB Gents Open 4BBB Gents Open 4BBB Mixed Open 4BBB Senior Open

Application forms for all opens can be found at www.golfempire.co.uk

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

Head to the links

If you’re looking for great conditions despite the winter weather, the linksland of our region’s coast is home to a fine selection of golf courses.

Here we pick out a few of our favourites – each highly recommended throughout the year…

LINKSGOLF HARTLEPOOL GOLF CLUB Hartlepool Golf Club is a true links gem on the Durham coast and remains incredibly popular among those who enjoy a testing seaside layout on the North East coast.

The course is a combination of rolling fairways, hillocks and dunes studded with Marram grass, and some of finest views of the North East coast. There have been subtle changes over the years with bunker improvements and new raised tees, but the hand of James Braid, who designed some of the holes, can still be seen – particularly at the signature 10th hole.

At just 6,298 yards off the tips, the course isn’t the longest, though there are five par fours measuring more than 400 yards and like many seaside courses, you can be faced with all four seasons in a round.

The signature par four 10th hole is one of James Braid’s best.

It may only be 358 yards but a straight drive is required to avoid the rough on the left and four bunkers to the right of the fairway, while the second shot is blind and must be played over a mound between two higher peaks to a large green below. A fantastic golf hole at the heart of a true links test.

Hartlepool Golf Club, Hart Warren, Hartlepool, TS24 9QF tel 01429 274 398, www.hartlepoolgolfclub.co.uk

Seahouses Golf Club Fantastic Full Membership Offer Join 1st January 2020 until 31st March 2021 for only £400.00 (OTHER MEMBERSHIP OFFERS AVAILABLE IN ALL CATEGORIES)

Winter Golf Days

available until 31st March 2020 Green fees from £15.00 Coffee/Bacon Bap plus 18 holes with a 1 course meal to follow from only £20.00pp

NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR SUMMER GOLF All details can be found on our web-site www.seahousesgolf.co.uk Please follow us on Facebook

or Twitter @SeahousesGolf

Contact us on Phone 01665 720794 or by email secretary@seahousesgolf.co.uk

NORTHERN GOLFER 37

LINKSGOLF 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. Founded in 1893, the club remains a popular destination on the Durham coast with its easy walking layout and fine year-round presentation. At 6,295 yards, the course – originally a MacKenzie-Braid design – is short by modern standards but remains a true test, particularly when the wind blows. The views here stretch in all directions – out over the Tyne estuary, north to the Cheviot hills and south over Wearside to the Cleveland Hills.

South Shields Golf Club, South Shields, Cleadon Hills, South Shields NE34 8EG, tel 0191 456 8942, www.ssgc.co.uk

Flamborough Head G.C.

THE REGION’S MOST UNIQUE CLIFF TOP LINKS COURSE WITH FANTASTIC SEA VIEWS Flamborough Head Golf Club is an 18 hole cliff top Links Course, with absolutely stunning views of the cliffs around Flamborough headland and the magnificent & panoramic views of the North Sea. We have the two famous lighthouses, the oldest of which is known as ‘The Old Beacon’ this structure was built circa 1674 and is the only known example of its kind in England ‘The Old Beacon’ adorns the 5th Tee. The Club has a bungalow by the 1st Tee which sleeps 4 people to ‘stay & play’ and at £60 pp per night plus unlimited golf and Full English Breakfast in the Clubhouse is great value.

Full and Country Membership is available.

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

38 NORTHERN GOLFER

LIGHTHOUSE ROAD, FLAMBOROUGH YO15 1AR

LINKSGOLF

FLAMBOROUGH HEAD GOLF CLUB Heading a little further south, Flamborough Head offers a year-round treat with this clifftop links course affording breathtaking views out across the North Sea from nearly every hole.

Measuring just 6,198 yards, Flamborough is not the longest links course in the region but it is a demanding test. Avoid the rough at all costs, it is deep and will take a great shot to escape from, while the greens are large, undulating and fast in the summer months.

The clubhouse at Flamborough, beside the historic lighthouse, offers stunning views of the golf course and out to the North Sea as well as a warm welcome and great food.

Flamborough Head Golf Club, Lighthouse Road, Flamborough, East Riding YO15 1AR. tel 01262 850 333, www.flamboroughheadgolfclub.co.uk

great

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

The 15th is recognised internationally as one of the finest par threes. Played over an inlet with the North Sea crashing below, this 124-yard hole can be anything from a wedge to a long iron depending on the wind and has caught out many good players. Meanwhile, the 10th would make a signature hole on many courses – this 165-yard par three is played over a loch to a green sloping back towards the water.

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

ENJOY A

ROUND OF GOLF

experience the HIDDEN MACKENZIE/ BRAID CLASSIC with fantastic views along the COAST AND NORTH SEA GREEN FEES FROM WEEKDAYS £20* | WEEKENDS £25 ‘SUNDAY DRIVER’ ADD £5 TO ABOVE PRICES PLAYABLE ALL YEAR ROUND NOTED FOR ITS EXCELLENT GREENS

MID-WEEK VISITING PARTIES Golf & Lunch £26.00 Golf & Hot Drink/Bacon Bap £24.50 *SPECIAL GOLF RATES FOR PARTIES OVER 16

SOUTH SHIELDS GOLF CLUB Cleadon Hills, South Shields, Tyne and Wear NE34 8EG

Main Office: 0191 456 8942 Pro: 0191 4560110 Email: manager.southshieldsgolf@gmail.com

NORTHERN GOLFER 39

COURSEPROFILE

In love with Longhirst Dean Bailey heads into the Northumberland countryside to play Longhirst Hall’s Dawson course

I

n a little more than 22 years, Longhirst Hall Golf Club has been transformed from an opencast mine into one of Northumberland’s best golf destinations.

Now the site of two courses, the Dawson and the Lakes, the club founded by Ashington businessman Tommy Dawson has become a complete golf resort of the highest quality.

The Lakes and Dawson courses have both hosted the EuroPro Tour in recent years and both promise to test the very best golfers. Water is less prominent on the par 73 Dawson layout, though the strategic test is arguably greater given the smaller greens and the number of holes which require two or three very accurate shots to navigate them successfully.

The opening three holes are a key place to build a good score. A short opening par five of 487 yards requires less than driver from the tee for most. From here the fairway is generous and the green is guarded by a single bunker in 40 NORTHERN GOLFER

the front right corner and a pond on the left side beyond the green. Lay up to your preferred pitching distance and look to make birdie here.

A short par four of just 324 yards from the white tees follows – the bigger hitters can leave a short approach and look to make birdie here. A par three of 169 yards, the third has a small, flat green and there are no bunkers here.

A good start comes in very handy as the fourth and fifth holes are two of the most difficult par fours at Longhirst. At the 404-yard fourth, your drive must take on the pond on the right half of the fairway some 230 yards from the tee to leave a good angle to the green. Those that bail out left, away from the out of bounds on the right of the fairway, face a long approach to a green which slopes from back to front.

Turning 180 degrees, the fifth got our pick for signature hole (see fact file).

The 510-yard par five sixth is in reach in two for some of the big hitters should they avoid the

bunker on the right side of the fairway around 240 yards from the tee. From here the route to the green in unobstructed, just stay out of the bunker on the front right corner of the green and a birdie chance is yours.

The 400-yard seventh follows and a good drive will leave an unobstructed route to a small green set above the approach. At the par four eighth, picking a point to cut the dogleg is essential if you hit driver. Those who lay well back will face a tough approach to a narrow green.

A par five of 573 yards leads you into the turn.

A real three shotter, water is in play for each shot and a cautious approach is advised. Favour the left side from the tee to leave a second shot over the corner of the lake. From here it’s a narrow entrance to the green with water on both sides.

The 317-yard 10th offers a little respite. Lay up in the widest part of the fairway from the tee to avoid running out into the lake to the left of the green. A short approach to a relatively flat

COURSEPROFILE

FACT FILE green can yield a birdie putt. Another birdie opportunity follows at the short par five 11th – just get your drive past the lake on the left and it’s a straight run to a green which welcomes shots running up towards it.

The easiest of the par threes, the 12th, is just 161 yards. Avoid the bunker on the right – it’s tough to get up and down from in there.

Three tough par fours right in the middle of the back nine have ruined many good scores.

The 371-yard 13th requires an accurate tee shot down to the bridge. You’ll want to get as far down as possible as the uphill approach is long, and the front of the green slopes steeply away from the putting surface.

The 414-yard par four 14th offers plenty of room from the tee, and you’ll need a big drive to have a chance to getting up to the green. The best line to the green, avoiding the single bunker on the front right corner of the putting surface, is from the left of the fairway. The 379-yard 15th finishes the tough stretch. Big hitters can cut the corner of the dogleg by taking on the bunker, shortening the approach to a small green with a single bunker on the front right corner.

Many good scores here start with the opening three holes and are wrapped up with the final three. At 190 yards, the 16th is a straightforward par three - as long as you make the carry to the green. Anything short will leave an uphill pitch or risk finding a bunker cut deceptively short of the front right corner of the green. Meanwhile, the 364-yard par four 17th is a good birdie chance with room from the tee and a generous green.

On to the last, a 386-yard par four which turns from left to right. Plot your course around the corner here – some can take on the bunker and shorten the hole while most play left and tackle the long approach, which is played downhill to a green which features a bunker across much of its front edge.

CONTACT Longhirst Hall Golf Club Longhirst, Morpeth, NE61 3LL Tel 01670 791 562 www.longhirstgolf.co.uk Facebook @LonghirstHallGolfCourse Twitter @longhirstgolf Instagram @longhirstgolf GREEN FEES Booking is available online through longhirst-hall-dawson.play.teeitup.com A range of packages are available for groups, societies and golf days, please contact the club for more information

Away from its two golf courses, the facilities at Longhirst Hall Golf Club are equally impressive. The covered, floodlit driving range and excellent short game practice area is home to the Northumberland County Golf union coaching programme, and serves as a perfect place to improve every part of your game. In the clubhouse, food is superb and served daily for breakfast and lunch.

Further improvements to the clubhouse will take place in 2020 after planning permission was granted to expand and modernise the existing building. Watch this space.

TOTAL DISTANCE White tees – 6,713 yards Yellow tees – 6,446 yards Red tees – 5,607 yards FEATURES Two golf courses – Dawson and Lakes Buggy and trolley hire Covered, floodlit driving range Short game practice area Putting green Pro shop Changing facilities Clubhouse with bar and dining area CADDY’S TIP A good round with the driver will unlock good scores here – the on-site driving range is a perfect spot to warm up before your round.

SIGNATURE HOLE The 394-yard par four fifth hole requires a confident tee shot. Being brave, hitting driver into the narrowest part of the fairway and getting close to the hazard on the right side of the fairway gives the best chance of hitting the near-island green in two. Approaches from too far back or from behind the trees on the left side are almost impossible. The small green has water around 90% of it – good luck!

OUR VERDICT

An all-round resort of the highest quality, Longhirst Hall provides everything we want in a golf club.

NORTHERN GOLFER 41

GOLFERGEAR

Treat yourself The festive season brings with it news of new apparel from ProQuip, a huge range of new bags from Sun Mountain, a family of metalwoods from Cobra and a new GPS model from SkyCaddie…

READY FOR ALL WEATHERS ProQuip AW19 Collection RRP: various www.proquipgolf.com

ProQuip has launched its latest line of lightweight weatherwear and clothing, featuring exclusive Japanese fabric technology, lifetime waterproofing and ultra-light packable rain gear.

The stormFORCE PX6 waterproof suit headlines the new range.

The suit features Japanese fabric exclusive to ProQuip and carries a lifetime waterproof guarantee. We’ve been trying it out for the last month and like how quiet it is while making a swing, and how it keeps you warm and dry in any conditions - and we’ve been out in the worst of them recently! The styling - particularly the black and grey jacket options - is perfect for popping out or walking the dog too. With an RRP of just £325 - this is an unbeatable waterproof suit.

The new range also features TourFlex-Lite packable rain jackets - the lightest ProQuip waterproof to-date. For those on a budget, the Tempest suit retails at just £129 and comes with a three-year waterproof guarantee.

In the thermal mid-layer category, the updated Therma-Excel quilted jackets and gilets offer plenty of warmth while an updated Lambswool and Merino knitwear collection is also available.

Meanwhile, the women’s collection sees significant upgrades to the mid-layer category with the introduction of Millie, a super-soft brushed cotton zip-neck sweater and new colours available in Jenny, an athletic full-zip leisure jersey made with stretch fabric for a more athletic fit. The Katrina TourFlex-Lite and Aquastorm Ebony rain suits continue in the range with both carrying a threeyear waterproof guarantee.

42 NORTHERN GOLFER

BAGS OF POTENTIAL

Sun Mountain 2020 range RRP: various www.sunmountaingolf.co.uk Sun Mountain has released details of its new range of bags.

The range includes 21 products, ensuring golfers are covered in every situation. The lineup includes the new 4.5 LS 14Way model - designed for golfers seeking a well organised carry bag with 14 individual club dividers along with a E-Z Fit Dual Strap System, which helps balance the weight of the bag. The bag also features a leg-lock system and cart-friendly base making it suitable for use on a trolley.

Meanwhile, the ultra-lightweight 2.5+ bag features a fourway, 9ins top and five pockets, including a full-length clothing pocket; a velour-lined valuables pocket; a ball pocket with twoway zippers; and a drinks pouch. Weighing less than 1.4kg, the adjustable X-Strap Dual Strap System aids comfort, with a single strap option for carrying over shorter distances.

The range also features the waterproof H2NO Staff Cart Bag, the mid-sized C-130 cart bag and the KUBE travel cover, which expands into a spacious bag from its robust hard-case shell.

GOLFERGEAR TOP TECH

THE NEED FOR SPEED

SkyCaddie SX400 RRP: £299.95 www.skycaddie.co.uk

Cobra Speedzone range RRP: various www.cobragolf.co.uk

SkyCaddie’s new SX400 GPS promises award-winning features in a new compact size.

The SX400 features an ultra-fast multi-core processor, making it the fastest distance measuring device for golfers along with a 4ins HD touchscreen which provides detailed views of every hole you play. There’s also Wi-Fi connectivity to wirelessly download SkyCaddie’s latest course maps and software updates.

The new device also features multiround battery life; intuitive graphics showing yardages to every hazard, carry and lay-up point on each hole; and the ability to show the day’s pin positions on detailed IntelliGreen maps.

Other features include: Mark Ball, which helps you track club data; Target List View, which displays a quick list of all targets ahead; and Big Number View along with tee box selection, gender selection, dual green support, a yards or metres option, and stat tracking.

Cobra Golf has launched its new Speedzone range - including its fastest driver ever.

The range includes drivers, fairway woods and hybrids, and takes inspiration from supercars.

For the new drivers, King Speedzone and King Speedzone Xtreme, Cobra has worked on six zones of performance to deliver unrivaled speed and distance. They feature a CNC Infinity Milled Face, a new Titanium T-Bar Speed Chassis, an improved carbon fibre body, improved centre of gravity performance, enhanced aerodynamics and greater stability.

The range also includes three new fairway woods designed to suit a wide variety of golfers - the King Speedzone Fairway, the King Speedzone Tour Fairway and the Speedzone Big Tour Fairway, which features the largest profile of the three, stronger loft and forward CG weighting for more distance.

King Speedzone hybrids are also available for men and women along with King Speedzone One Length hybrids, which tie in with the Cobra One Length irons.

For Every Day Low Prices Checkout Our Website www.golfgear4less.co.uk Time To Go LITHIUM

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SAVE £’s Taylormade Woods & Irons Online and Instore NORTH EAST TROLLEY REPAIR SPECIALIST Motocaddy, Powakaddy, Hillbilly,

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We’re Open 9am - 5.30pm Tues - Sat www.golfgear4less.co.uk T: 0191 2702362 E: info@zflgolf.co.uk

Unit 8d, North Tyne Ind. Estate, NE12 9SZ – Opposite ASDA Benton. Two minutes from A19 Whitley Bay Exit on A191 Old Coast Road

NORTHERN GOLFER 43

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 January 30, 2020. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT WHITLEY BAY GOLF CLUB Whitley Bay Golf Club has a long history as one of our region’s finest courses, from hosting the likes of Seve Ballesteros in the early 1970s through to its most recent renovations. A must-play venue year-round, expect high quality putting surfaces and a challenging layout.

For your chance to win answer the following question: Who won the 2019 Race to Dubai title?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT CASTLE EDEN GOLF CLUB Set among ancient trees and with the castle giving a dramatic backdrop to the back nine, Castle Eden remains one of Co Durham’s finest layouts. A must-visit course.

For your chance to win answer the following question: Which course will host the 2021 Open Championship?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT RAVENSWORTH GOLF CLUB Formed in 1906, Ravensworth’s tight fairways and fast greens combine to provide a high quality test of golf for players of all abilities.

For your chance to win answer the following question: Who won the 1992 Open Championship?

Congratulations to last month’s competition winners: Garesfield – Brian Rutherford of Throckley South Shields – David Ryan of West Rainton • Whickham – Brian Skaife of Stanley 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.

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!

Darlington Golf Club

l-r Joelene Kam, Courtney Ewing, Amy Sutheran, Rachanok Rahulpan & Orakorn Thirayatorn Thanks to Dave Sutheran for sending in this picture of Hartlepool and Wynyard member Amy Sutheran with her Colorado State-Pueblo teammates after receiving awards for winning the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Women’s Championship at Ocotillo Golf Resort in Chandler, Arizona earlier this year.

The awards were presented during a college football game in November after the team won the tournament by 18 shots earlier this season.

Congratulations to Bill Michie, golf operations manager at George Washington Golf Club, who has become captain of The Society of Durham Golf Captains.

The society hosts four competitions per year as well as a match against Northumberland and an annual presentation night. Bill is pictured above (right) with Leo Noble from Crook Golf Club, the society’s 2019 captain. Any past or current club captain from Durham who would like to join the society should contact Ian Wilson, tel 07769 349 165 or email ianshanker@gmail.com 46 NORTHERN GOLFER

Thanks to Gillian Crosby for sharing the inspiring story of Wetherby Golf Club member Norman Jackson with us.

“At 92, Norman remains an active member of the club, playing most Wednesdays and Fridays with the ‘Fiddle’ group. He joined Wetherby in 1983, so has been a playing member for 36 years. He’s often accompanied by his wife Shirley on Wednesdays, who rides with him in a buggy, while he prefers to walk on Fridays. Norman and all the 90-plus year olds that continue to play golf are an inspiration to all of us.”

Garesfield Golf Club Darlington and Garesfield golf clubs marked 101 years since the end of the First World War with tributes at their clubs in November – as you can see above.

Chris Espiner from Ponteland Golf Club wrote in this month to share the story of a recent visit to Hobson Golf Club, and the generosity of one of its members.

He said: “I played at Hobson last month in a party of senior players from Ponteland and lost an iron cover. After the game, I mentioned this to a member, Ainsley Rea, who took it upon himself to look everywhere, which is difficult the way I play! A few days later I received the iron cover in the post with a lovely letter from Ainsley, who has clearly gone to a lot of trouble.

“This may appear a trivial thing, but that is what makes it special and worthy of more widespread praise and thanks. Hobson can be rightly proud and I will be returning to play and buy Ainsley a pint.”

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

STUBURT MENS/ LADIES GOLF BOOTS

CLEARANCE ON TAYLOR MADE M6 / M5 DRIVERS & FAIRWAY METALS UNBEATABLE DEALS INSTORE (LIMITED PERIOD) SAVE UP TO 30% OFF NORMAL PRICES REG FLEX / STIFF FLEX/ LADIES FLEX / RIGHT HAND / LEFT HAND HURRY WHILE THESE OFFERS LAST

FOOTJOY MENS/ LADIES GOLF BOOTS

1/2 PRICE GOLF SHIRT SPECTACULAR

FROM ONLY £59.99

FROM ONLY £9.99 OVER 100 SHIRTS TO CLEAR

ALL DISPLAY SETS OF IRONS NOW REDUCED BY 30%

SALE ON PREMIUM GOLF BALLS 25-30 % DISCOUNT

GUARANTEED WATERPROOF,

SEE IN STORE FOR FANTASTIC SAVINGS

PURCHASE POWAKADDY / MOTOCADDY LITHIUM ELECTRIC TROLLEY AND RECEIVE A FREE GOLF BAG (LIMITED PERIOD)

*BEST PRICES GIVEN*

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VALUED LOYAL CUSTOMERS, VERY BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW 2020 GOLFING SEASON FROM SHAUN & STAFF

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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