Northern Golfer magazine #31 - February-March 2015

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EDITOR Paul Robertson editor@northerngolfer.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk Paul Corney 07521 389 536 pcorney@northerngolfer.co.uk Dean Bailey 07792 608 162 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk Neil Whinham (Whitburn) 0191 529 2144 David Charlton 07734 697 760 david@sport-excellence.co.uk ADVERTISING MANAGER Gillian Corney 07903 500 401 gillian@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Peter Skelton www.photo-psp.co.uk

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Publishers: Jane Pikett & Gary Ramsay Address: Offstone Publishing Unit 1, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield Northumberland, NE43 7AL Tel: 01661 844 115 E: enquiries@offstonepublishing.co.uk Twitter: @offstonepublish Facebook: /offstonepublishing

EDITOR’S NOTE AND CONTENTS The nights are getting lighter, well at least they are supposed to be, which marks the countdown to another season.

We are delighted to begin 2015 with 64-pages packed with golf news, views and offers. We look forward to the season ahead with the region’s pros, while Neil Whinam has some top tips to prepare you for a return to competition off the back tees (see page 58).

Speaking of competitions, there is still time to enter our popular Gents Matchplay Pairs, while we have introduced a new Greensomes competition for ladies. Go on, give it a try and look out for some exciting news about junior golf in next month’s issue.

Graeme Storm has given up his Northern Golfer column to concentrate on his golf and his passion for helping youngsters in the game, which you can read about on pages 30-32.

Young pro Chris Paisley has taken over from Graeme as our European Tour columnist and it will be fascinating to follow him in his second year on the tour having made it through the qualifying school.

Joining Chris on the international stage will be European Seniors Tour players Graeme Bell and John Harrison - who both made it through the qualifying school recently.

We also have news of the PGA North and county schedules for the season ahead, plus a look forward to the Europro Tour which visits four of the region’s best courses in 2015.

Throw in course reviews of Newcastle United and Woodham, news of some of our brightest prospects including a seven-year-old Teesside boy, plus competitions and great offers, and there is plenty to keep you occupied off the course in these pages.

Last year the region enjoyed some exceptional playing conditions thanks to the weather and our hardworking green staff. A relatively mild winter, at least until the end of January, bodes well for another cracking year of golf.

One thing’s for sure - you will be hard pushed to find anywhere to match the North East and Yorkshire when it comes to great places to play.

Have a fantastic season and may your handicaps plummet.

Paul Robertson, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

FRONT COVER

Graeme Storm on his legacy which will hopefully see more Tour pros emerge Page 30-32

04-21 TEEING OFF

New ladies competition, year ahead for our pros, wee wonder Ben, Seniors qualifying, all the latest news, and Chris Paisley’s first column

24-29 TEEING OFF Thieves strike, club’s new pro and an honour for a golfing stalwart

33-44 GOLFER NEWS Walker Cup hopes, counties changes, TV fury and PGA schedule

46-50 TRAVEL Turkey and Ireland

54-55 PAIRS

Enter our Matchplay Pairs When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it ©Offstone Publishing 2015. All rights reserved.

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

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

56 COMPETITIONS

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58 TIPS

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04 NORTHERN GOLFER

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Matfen Hall

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One for the ladies Enter our new competition

T

his season, Northern Golfer is launching a new event for the region’s lady golfers following the success of the annual Gents Match Play Pairs event, which will take place for the third time this summer.

The Northern Golfer Ladies Greensomes Championship, sponsored by Matfen Hall, will be played throughout the season, with entries open now (see the coupon left for more details).

The event will see pairs of ladies, who are active members of golf clubs with a handicap of 36 or less and aged over 18, compete in knockout matchplay rounds at courses around the region ahead of the semi finals and final at Matfen Hall, Northumberland in September.

The winning pair will receive

a two-night stay for four people at Matfen Hall, which includes dinner, bed and breakfast, use of the spa facilities and two rounds of golf as well as the championship trophy.

Peter Smith, golf club manager at Matfen Hall, says: “We have a great relationship with the team at Northern Golfer and we are delighted to be working with the magazine to launch an event specifically for the region’s lady golfers.

“We are working hard to promote participation in ladies golf, both to beginners and active club members; with the number of active players decreasing nationally, we think it is vital to grow the game in any way we can.

“The prize includes two nights in our award-winning hotel, use of the excellent

LADIESGREENSOMES Credit: photogolfer / Shutterstock.com

NORTHERN GOLFER LADIES GREENSOMES CHAMPIONSHIP RULES 2015

new spa facilities and golf on our 27-hole championship layout. It is worth in excess of £500 and I am sure our inaugural winners will be very happy to collect the prize.”

Northern Golfer editor Paul Robertson adds: “Our Gents Match Play Pairs has proved incredibly popular in its first three years and we’re looking forward to holding an event for the region’s female golfers.

“The semi final and final will be

played at the Matfen Hall resort in Northumberland and I am sure our finalists will enjoy the golf and facilities on offer.

“The region’s amateurs have shown us that there is a big appetite for inter-county golf events, which are flexible and offer the chance to play against golfers from other clubs and at new venues – we’re excited to be offering more opportunities to do just that.”

1. Run in conjunction with Northern Golfer for its readers within its circulation area.

2. The format for the event will be match play greensomes - in which each member of a pair tees off on each hole. A tee shot is then selected and the pair progresses, playing alternate shots, until the ball is holed or the hole is conceded.

Note, there is no limit the number of drives chosen from each player.

3. A pair’s handicap is calculated using the England Golf’s Greensomes Handicap Conversion Table (available on request and from www.northerngolfer.co.uk). A pair’s greensomes handicaps are added together. The lowest of the two teams’ combined greensomes handicaps is then deducted from the highest. This number (decimals rounded down) is the number of strokes the higher handicapped team will receive.

4. Entry forms, illegible or incorrect may result in disqualification.

5. At each match, if courtesy is not given, green fees will be shared.

6. All entry forms are to be directed to Northern Golfer with the entry fee.

7. The minimum age is 18.

8. The maximum handicap is 36.

9. Matches to be played off the tees of the day (Home players may choose depending on club policy).

10. This competition is open to golf club members with a valid handicap.

11. Active handicap certificates must

be available at all matches for opponents to inspect if requested.

12. No player can enter the competition more than once.

13. Once a team has registered their home club, they cannot transfer to another club without notifying Northern Golfer and a transfer will only be accepted once a check has been made that the players have fully complied with COGNU handicapping rules.

14. The home drawn pair to offer three dates and times to their opposition.

15. No extensions will be given.

16. In the event of being unable to arrange a date, both teams will be disqualified.

17. Should a match be tied after 18 holes, the result will be decided by a sudden death play off commencing at the First hole.

18. A panel consisting of representatives from Northern Golfer will adjudicate any disputes in conjunction with the Rules Office of the R & A. Their decision will be final.

19. No correspondence will be entered into.

20. The prizes are not transferable.

21. Distance Measuring Devices are permitted.

22. All players agree to being photographed and included in Northern Golfer.

23. Closing dates for entries is April 30, 2015.

To enter this year’s Northern Golfer Ladies Greensomes Championship, fill in the coupon left, alternatively go to www.northerngolfer.co.uk

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NORTHERN GOLFER 05

TEEINGOFF

Flying the flag for Northern golf Alan Hedley looks at the prospects for some of the North East and Yorkshire’s leading players

I

t has been a while since the North East and Yorkshire has had such an opportunity to make an impact on the European Tour scene.

No fewer than 10 players from the region will be competing, at some stage, on the main tour in 2015 and we already have a winner in Sheffield’s Danny Willett.

Carrying the weight of the North East’s hopes, by virtue of posessing full cards, are Hartlepool’s Graeme Storm and Stocksfield’s Chris Paisley, who is back on tour after a successful visit to the tour qualifying school.

Meanwhile, Barnard Castle’s Rob Dinwiddie

returns to the tour after injury - much will depend on his fitness and how many opportunities he gets having been granted a medical extension.

Ashington’s Ken Ferrie and Morpeth’s Garrick Porteous will have limited opportunities, playing a mix of European and Challenge tour events.

Ferrie could get as many as eight starts, three of them as a former winner of the event concerned, plus any invites.

Porteous will almost certainly get some entries to main tour events, but is likely to play the Challenge Tour mainly.

GRAEME STORM Storm is determined to not find himself in the position he was last year, when a succession of missed cuts left him facing the possibility of losing his European Tour card.

The 36-year-old from Hartlepool admitted:

“I was relieved to keep my card in the end.

“2014 wasn’t a good year for me until September. However, I did nearly win a tournament (finishing second at the Omega European Masters) and kept my card for 2015 when it was looking at one point as it I would be going back to the qualifying school.

“I need to push and get my card done and dusted much earlier than last year, and the target always remains to win another tournament, to get back in the winner’s circle and get back in the world top 100. From there, I want to get back into the majors.”

06 NORTHERN GOLFER

Chris Paisley

CHRIS PAISLEY Paisley did the business at the tour qualifying school at the PGA Catalunya Resort in November, and the 28-year-old is determined to carry a new-found confidence into this year’s European Tour season.

“It feels fantastic to be back on tour,” Paisley said. “I really missed it.

“My hopes for this year are not only to keep my card, but to compete in tournaments going into the back nine on Sunday.

“I should get around 25 starts this year, which is about perfect for me. I haven’t made any big changes to my swing, but I am hitting it further and finding it easier to do what my coach Andrew Nicholson wants me to do.”

KEN FERRIE Ferrie remains the North East’s most successful European Tour player in recent years with three wins and strong showings in a couple of majors.

He won’t be on the tour full time after missing out on a card at Q-school, but rumours that he was about to quit the tour scene are wide of the mark.

“It’s an option that I’ve not considered,” said the 36-year-old from Ashington. “I suppose it’s something I will consider eventually, but not as yet.”

Ferrie hopes to make the most of the limited chances he will get on the main tour and also play in some Challenge Tour events as well as regional PGA tournaments.

“I should get around seven or eight starts on the main tour including the three tournaments which I’ve won. I played okay in the tour events I was in last year when I got the chance, and if I go well in those tournaments this year, then things will take care of themselves.”

TEEINGOFF

ROB DINWOODIE Dinwiddie probably feels this is the year he really has to deliver.

The Barnard Castle player was 32 before the turn of the year and his spells on the Tour to date have been ruined by injury.

He recently returned for the first time since June when he missed his sixth cut from 11 outings, and due to his back problems, he was given a medical extension and will have to rekindle some form to be in with a chance of making his mark on Tour this time around.

DANNY WILLETT AND MATT FITZPATRICK Big things are expected of both Willett and Fitzpatrick this season.

Willett, 27, started the 2015 campaign with a victory in the Nedbank Challenge at Sun City.

It was the biggest victory, so far, of Willett’s career and moved him to the fringes of the top 50 in the world rankings and an invite for a first Masters appearance in April.

Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick looked comfortable playing in the last group alongside Masters winner Charl Schwartzel in the South African Open recently.

He finished joint fifth, winning €£28,666 and said: “It was brilliant to play in the last group and I can’t wait to do it again.

“While I want to keep my card for next year, I don’t want to think about just keeping my card, as then its about playing safe, I just want to go for it and play well.”

GARRICK PORTEOUS Porteous will be hoping for the occasional foray to the main event but his focus will be on Challenge

Tour and possibly some Europro Tour events in 2015.

After his strong showing in three main Tour events last year, including a top 10 finish in the Czech Masters and playing all six rounds at Q-school, he has shown he can handle the top end of the tournament scene.

His first eight months as a professional have been rewarding he’s made money - including a win on the EuroPro Tour.

JOHN PARRY Parry is back on the European Tour having lost his playing privileges after a dire 2014 campaign.

He showed flashes of what he

is capable of by finishing sixth to win one of the 25 cards on offer at Q-school. The 28-year-old from Harrogate is now determined to put 2014 behind him.

“Last season was a tough one, but I feel I learned a lot and have grown as a golfer. I worked really hard in Dubai before Q-School and was able to reap the benefits.”

SIMON DYSON After a difficult end to 2013 when he was handed a two-month ban for tampering with the green, York-born Dyson displayed his qualities to turn in six top ten finishes and missed just 11 cuts all year. He does have the ability and temperament to claim a seventh Tour win if he can carry over that sort of form into 2015.

RICHARD FINCH Hull-based Finch, 37, lost his card in 2013 season but made the most of sponsors’ invites to win nearly enough money in the first two tournaments last year to regain his playing rights.

NORTHERN GOLFER 07

TEEINGOFF

Ben’s a wee wonder Youngster to take on the best in Europe

B

en Brown looks like one to watch…but it might take a few years.

Who knows though, the seven-year-old from Stockton is already making a name in the game.

Ben has to contend with a sun allergy, for which he needs medication, but there’s no doubting his talent which all started when dad Craig and mum Kathryn bought him a Gator Golf set when he was four.

He now plays at Knotty Hill Golf Centre and Stokesley Golf Range and the Seaton Carew golf dome.

A pupil at St Patrick’s Primary School, Fairfield, Ben finished sixth in his age group in the Wee Wonders UK Championships at St Andrews and was second in the Tiger Club grand final at Gainsborough.

His Wee Wonders success qualifies him for the US Kids Golf Junior European Championships in Scotland in May, where a good performance could mean qualification for the US Kids Golf Junior World Championships in North Carolina at the end of July.

He’s also been invited to play in the inaugural UK Kids Open which will be played in Venice.

Dad Craig told the Teesside Gazette: “We bought him a set of golf clubs for Christmas in 2011 and he hasn’t looked back since.

“We took him to a driving range and although it was difficult for him with heavier clubs, you could see he was a natural. He has a great temperament and he’s particularly good around the greens, chipping and

Ben Brown in action (picture courtesy of Teesside Gazette) putting.” Ben’s sun allergy resurfaced again last year causing skin irritation and nausea, but he seems to be over it now. “He’s not the biggest of kids, but his swing makes up for it,” Craig added. “He might not hit it as far as kids who really smack it, but he usually hits it straight down the

We’re Open

middle. At St Andrews, he was still driving it in excess of 130 yards and he has the ability around the greens to make up shots.

“He loves it. He’s already told school he wants to be a professional golfer and if he can’t do that, he’d like to teach children to play golf.”

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TEEINGOFF

Top honour for Nicholson Wynyard man picks up trophy and could be named the country’s top coach

A

ndrew Nicholson is in the running for England Golf ’s coach of the year award.

Nicholson, based at the David Leadbetter Academy at Wynyard in County Durham, was among five coaches recognised by England Golf as going the extra mile to support their players and squads at a recent awards ceremony.

The five - Nicholson, Mark Day from Hertfordshire, Ryan Fenwick from Sussex, Lysa Jones and Graham Walker from Yorkshire - are all coaches to England Golf squads and received their awards at the

England Golf Coaching Conference at St George’s Park. The overall Coach of the Year award will be announced in April.

England Golf performance director Nigel Edwards said: “We all know that there is always a team of people around successful players who encourage, guide and support them during good and bad times.

“So, for the first time this year, England Golf is recognising individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to coaching.”

Nicholson coached, mentored and providing professional support

Andrew Nicholson, back right, with fellow winners to international, national and county golfers throughout 2014 including Yorkshire’s Nick Marsh, the English amateur champion.

Nicholson also coaches the Durham County Boys’ squad, who had their best ever finish at

2014 Boys County Finals, and the England Golf Yorkshire girls’ squad, who were undefeated in 2014.

Nicholson also works with a number of top-level professionals including Northumberland’s Chris Paisley.

NORTHERN GOLFER 09

TEEINGOFF

Teesside Golf Club Est 1901

Beautiful 18 hole Parkland course Visitors & Societies always welcome Visiting Party Packages 2015 (12 or more) Bronze £30.00 pp 18 Holes followed by a 2 course set meal Silver £42.50 pp 27 Holes, soup & sandwiches plus 3 course meal Gold £43.75 pp 27 Holes, soup & sandwiches plus 3 course carvery Parties of 24 or more will receive 2 FREE green fees Telephone the Secretary Steve Wood on 01642 616 516

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MEMBERSHIP 2015-2016 Join Now until 31st March 2016 Adult 7 Day £400.00 Seniors 7 Day £300.00 Juniors under 18 YEARS £60.00 Intermediate under 22 YEARS £120.00 Visitors welcome Discounts for Golf Parties Telephone 0191 5173061 or email hettongc@gmail.com Hetton le Hill Golf Club Elemore Vale, Easington Lane, DH5 0QT 10 NORTHERN GOLFER

Alex Wrigley

Wrigley goes close Hartlepool golfer just misses out after play-off drama in the Middle East

A

lex Wrigley came within a whisker of opening 2015 with a victory in Abu Dhabi.

The 23-year-old EuroPro Tour player from Hartlepool was edged out by Wales’ Garry Houston in the Mercedes-Benz International Pro-Am following an epic play-off battle which ended on the fourth extra hole.

With both players finishing with a three round total of 200 - 13 under-par - Houston and Wrigley played off on the 18th hole, halving in par fives three times before moving to the 16th, where Houston made a birdie three to win.

Despite Wrigley driving the green, Houston was just short and chipped and putted for birdie while

Wrigley took three putts.

Wrigley led going into the final round and, while he missed out on the win, there were plenty of positives for the young pro.

“My game has been in decent shape for the last couple of weeks.

I’ve been changing a few things over the winter and they’re obviously paying off,” he said.

Wrigley’s four under-par 67 in the second round at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club followed an opening 65 which included five birdies in the last seven holes. “I got it going around the turn,” Wrigley added. “I think I made three or four birdies in a row and made three key up-and-downs.

“I was really pleased with my game throughout the week.”

Yorkshire duo triumph Yorkshire duo Andy Rhodes and Liam Blacka claimed the double of individual and team award at the TaylorMade-adidas Amateur Championship final held at the Trump Turnberry Resort.

Keighley pro Andy and club member Liam saw off the challenge of 19 other pairings over the world-famous Ailsa Course, finishing eight underpar. Meanwhile, Liam won the individual amateur event with a total of 33 points.

TEEINGOFF

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Moortown Golf Club

Moor Leeds the way Cup marks its centenary at the Yorkshire course with an illustrious history

M

oortown hosted the first Ryder Cup on British soil in 1929 and since then most of the country’s top amateur competitions as well.

Now another famous tournament will be added to its illustrious history - the 100th Leeds Cup - which takes places July 29-30.

Professional golf ’s oldest trophy, inaugurated in 1902, the Leeds Cup bears some of the biggest names in the history of game, including many from the early part of the last century - including several Open Championship winners.

Moortown is regarded as one of Britain’s finest inland courses, designed by legendary architect Dr Alister MacKenzie, it will have the honour of staging the 100th version of the event, which was suspended during the war years - the trophy was even hidden by being buried in sand dunes on the Lancashire coast during World War II. The cup was presented to the PGA on its formation in 1901 by the Lord Mayor of Leeds to be competed for annually by professional golfers. Open champion Harry Vardon was the first to have his name inscribed on it at Cobble Hall.

Appropriately, most recent

winners are Yorkshiremen - former European Tour players Nick Ludwell, from Selby in 2013 and Waterfront Golf ’s Ben Mason last year.

PGA North secretary Graham Maly said: “This is truly a unique tournament and this year’s event is extra special as we mark reaching the 100th milestone.

“We are hoping to negotiate funding from individuals and companies for both title and support sponsorship for this very special occasion, which will be preceded by a pro-am which presents another opportunity to become involved.

“It’s wonderful to establish a lasting legacy in the development of professional golf while marketing and promoting their brand to our members and the broader golfing community in association with the PGA.” Leeds Cup winners and Ryder Cup players George Duncan, Archie Compston and Abe Mitchell were part of the historic 1929 Ryder Cup team which played at Moortown.

Bill Davies, Ted Jarman, Jack Busson, Jon Fallon, Eric Green, Syd Scott, Alec Caygill, Gordon J Brand and Howard Clark also won the Leeds Cup and went on to play in the Ryder Cup in later years.

inc Carling, Coors, Tetleys, Worthingtons, Magners Midweek £34 pp - Weekend £40 pp Offer open to parties of 20 + contact: secretary@rytongolfclub.co.uk

Telephone: 0191 4133253 or www.rytongolfclub.co.uk

MEMBERSHIPS All categories available On joining receive 2 Range cards (1,000 balls) worth £50 FREE + discounted buggy rates Juniors 16 and under Membership is FREE with any Adult Member joining!

Ring the Secretary 0191 2621973 or email wgc@centurionparkwallsend.co.uk

SOCIETIES Great choice of Packages including Weekends!

Parties of 16 + receive FREE buggy hire plus Society pack Ring the Secretary 0191 2621973 or email wgc@centurionparkwallsend.co.uk

WINTER GREEN FEES Monday - Sunday £10 per round 4 Ball £30 Ring 0191 2624231 or book online www.centurionpark.com

DRIVING RANGE 50 Balls £3 100 Balls £5 - Buy a discount card and save £££’s

CLUBHOUSE After your round enjoy a drink, meal and watch live sport in Happy Gilmores!

Rheydt Avenue, Wallsend, NE28 8SU www.centurionpark.com

C E N T U R I O N P A R K

NORTHERN GOLFER 11

TEEINGOFF

Kids go free by the sea Offer to get more youngsters involved launched by Seaton Carew

T

op Durham club Seaton Carew is aiming to encourage more youngsters to take up golf by offering free memberships.

Children aged 11 and under can enjoy membership at Seaton in the hope it helps them to become interested in golf, while those aged 12-17 also have the chance to become members at the North Sea links for just £125.

Club professional Clifford Jackson is keen to make the initiative a success.

He took over at Seaton six and a half years ago and holds regular children’s clinics on Saturdays

during the season. While he clearly hopes Seaton benefits from the move, he also hopes that more clubs follow suit to help the North East produce more talented golfers in the future.

Jackson said: “Clubs are starting to feel the pinch because golf can be a costly exercise. You have to kit yourself out, join a club, get lessons and that’s probably why people can sometimes turn away.

“We want to have kids come along and feel like they don’t need anything apart from some comfortable clothing and shoes, and we would like to move them forward knowing they

Summer Society Golf Packages 1st April until 31st October 2015

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Seaton Carew don’t have the added expense of membership fees.

“From a regional point of view, we would like to see them succeed in the future. We would like to put the North East on the golfing

Flamborough Head Golf Club ‘The Friendliest Club on the Coast......’

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18 holes & 2 course meal From £30 pp*

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Bacon Bap & coffee on arrival, 18 holes, lunch 18/9 holes & 2 course meal From £44 pp* Full details of golf packages can be found on www.flamboroughheadgolfclub.co.uk *Mon-Thurs, minimum 8 golfers

12 NORTHERN GOLFER

Open Golf Competitions 2015 Friday 17th April

FHGC Open AM AM

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Thornwick & Sea Farm Open Gents 4BBB Stableford. £25 per card Tuesday 9th June

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map because a lot of money does go south.

“If these kids were given an opportunity, they could make something of themselves and we are helping them at Seaton Carew.”

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Gents & Ladies, Mixed Stableford. £50 team Saturday 27th June

Green acres Classic Open AM AM Gents & Ladies or Mixed, Stableford. £50 team Friday 17th July

Glenn McHale Open

Gents AM AM Stableford, Corporate/individual teams. £100 team Saturday 8th August

Inter Club Trophy Open AM AM

Gents & Ladies, Mixed Stableford. £50 team Friday 21st August

Junior Individual Open

£10 entry fee (inc meal & soft drink after playing Saturday 5th September

Bridlington Free Press Masters Open Individual Medal £16 entry fee Friday 19th September

Seniors Open AM

Gents Stableford £50 team

Full details of golf packages can be found on www.flamboroughheadgolfclub.co.uk

TEEINGOFF

Flexible friends Ramside Hall launches flexible membership to encourage more people to play

R

amside Hall has launched a major drive to encourage more people to take up golf.

According to England Golf, participation in the sport is declining in the UK with fewer people taking up the game because it is seen as too expensive and time consuming.

However Ramside, Durham’s only 36-hole complex following the opening of the Cathedral course in September 2014, hopes to reverse this trend by making it cheaper for people to join the club and then pay for as much golf as they want to play.

The club has launched Flexi-Golf, a new flexible membership scheme which allows golfers to join the

club for just £195 and buy bundles of points to exchange for rounds of golf at the resort’s two courses.

Helen Roseberry, director of golf at Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Club said: “It is important to recognise that golf has changed.

The days of waiting lists at local golf clubs are gone and it is so easy to find discounted golf on the internet.

“People are busier than ever before. As a North East golf club we need to make it easier for local people to access the sport, without bing put off by the idea of paying for a fixed term annual membership that they might not use as much as they would like.”

Ramside Golf Club is dedicated to helping new starters take up the sport and in 2013 was named best

Gymnast Kate Gibson and Ramside’s Matthew Stephenson Adult Starter Centre in County Durham by the national Get into Golf Initiative.

The new Flexi-Golf membership guarantees all of the benefits that full members enjoy without the larger financial commitment.

Members can hold an official handicap and play in club competitions, but the pricing structure is more flexible and costeffective. The Flexi-Golf points

system takes into account overall demand for tee-times at the club and prices golf credits at higher rates during peak times, such as the summer months and at weekends, whereas tee-times are cheaper during off-peak times.

Ramside Golf Club’s new 18hole championship Cathedral course opened in September 2014 and further development at the resort continues.

For more information about Flexi-Golf at Ramside, where membership starts from £195 per year, go to www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk/golf

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NORTHERN GOLFER 13

EUROPROTOUR

EuroPro set for four trips North

T

he HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour has confirmed it will visit the North East four times as part of its 2015 regular season events.

The European Tour’s satellite in the UK, the EuroPro Tour returns to Moor Allerton,

Close House David Booth

season on the Dawson Course from June 4-6.

Slaley Hall’s Priestman course plays host to the tour from August 12-14, and the EuroPro stays in the North East the following week with Close House welcoming the tour for the first time from August 19-21.

The tour then moves south for its return to Moor Allerton in Leeds from August 26-28.

As well as regular season events, the tour will be in the region for the

Slaley Hall and Longhirst Hall this season, as well adding a new stop at Close House, Northumberland – home of the world’s only Lee Westwood golf courses.

Longhirst Hall, a long-standing host of the EuroPro Tour will stage the fourth event of the

George Washington Hotel Golf & Spa

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Golf Lessons with P.G.A. Professional Gary Shipley (£100 for 6 x 30 minute lessons or £125 for 6 x 40 minute lessons) Ring 0191 4178346

Telephone Jonny Mould on 0191 4178346 or email: gsd@georgewashington.co.uk Check website for green fee specials - www.georgewashington.co.uk Stone Cellar Road, High Usworth, Washington, NE37 1PH 14 NORTHERN GOLFER

TEEINGOFF EUROPRO TOUR 2015 SCHEDULE

William Harrold, winner at Longhirst in 2014 qualifying stage again this season, with a First Stage event over 36 holes at Slaley Hall.

Players successful at First Stage then head to Frilford Heath Golf Club near Oxford where a field of 240 compete over 56 holes in a bid to achieve the highest possible category for the season. Last season’s Qualifying School was won by David Booth of Rotherham Golf Club.

The EuroPro Tour has thrived in recent years, growing its number of events as well as the number of spectators on its visits to the region.

The tour has also announced a 25% increase of prize funds for this season, up to £50,000 per event, as well as adding a fifth First Stage venue for Qualifying School.

Offering direct access to the Challenge Tour through the final Order of Merit, HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour players will compete for more than £800,000 in 2015, with the top five golfers at the end of the season awarded a category

T

QUALIFYING SCHOOL STAGE ONE MAR 31-APRIL 1 Burhill GC, Walton On Thames Players Club, Bristol Slaley Hall (Priestman), Northumberland Mottram Hall, Cheshire Woldingham GC, Surrey

New Membership Recruitment

QUALIFYING SCHOOL FINAL APRIL 8-10 Frilford Heath GC

Full Member - Feb - April 2016 - £400

REGULAR SEASON EVENTS May 13-15 Celtic Manor May 20-22 Frilford Heath May 28-30 Burhill Jun 4-6 Longhirst Hall Jun 17-19 Cumberwell Park Jun 24-26 Newmachar Jun 30 - Jul 2 Montrose Links Jul 15-17 Mar Hall Jul 22-24 Hawkstone Jul 29-31 Chart Hills Aug 5-7 The Carrick Aug 12-14 Slaley Hall Aug 19-21 Close House Aug 26-28 Moor Allerton Sep 2-4 Princes

We have the following super offers in various category’s

April 1st - 31st March 2016 Under 30’s - 20 places £200 Ladies - 20 places £300 Over 55’s - 20 places £300

contact: secretary@rytongolfclub.co.uk

Telephone: 0191 4133253 or www.rytongolfclub.co.uk

on the 2016 Challenge Tour.

This season, players will compete in 15 main events with Celtic Manor, Chart Hills and Prince’s among the courses on the schedule.

The EuroPro Tour is open to all professional golfers and amateurs with a handicap of two or better. For more information on this season’s tour and how to enter qualifying school go to www.europrotour.com

Alnmouth Golf Club, Foxton Hall Northumberland’s Hidden Gem Dormy House Golf Breaks 2015

Top of the list Moortown’s Stephen East and Sale’s Cath Rawthore are England’s top senior golfers for 2014, having each won their respective England Golf Order of Merit.

Rawthore topped the Ascot Golf senior ladies’ table after a spectacular season in which she won English and British titles and helped England’s senior ladies to become both European team champions and Home International winners.

East followed a recent trend for newcomers to the over-55 age group, winning the Titleist/

LUB RYTON GOLF yC ne & Wear

FootJoy Senior Men’s Order of Merit, crowning a maiden season in which he became both English and Spanish senior champion.

Rawthore was playing her second season of senior golf and, after an impressive debut in 2013, she forged ahead, winning the English senior strokeplay at Knaresborough and the British seniors at Royal Dornoch in Scotland. She was also a semi finalist in the English senior amateur at Sandy Lodge, near Watford.

She won the order of merit by a clear margin from Staffordshire’s Julie Brown.

English Tourism 3 Star Accommodation Dinner, Bed and Breakfast with 2 Rounds of Golf FROM £87 per person - MARCH 2015 ONLY £80 2 Night Break with 3 Rounds of Golf from a choice of Northumberland Golf Courses FROM £195 per person

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Next Winter Open Event Four Person Team Event - Sunday 15th March 2015 £56 per team includes Bacon Roll & Coffee Open to Men, Ladies & Mixed teams All Summer 2015 Opens Booking now available online www.alnmouthgolfclub.com Visiting Parties Welcome in 2015 – Ring for details of packages Alnmouth Golf Club, Foxton Hall, Alnmouth, Northumberland, NE66 3BE Tel: 01665 830231 - E: bookings@alnmouthgolfclub.com www.alnmouthgolfclub.com Follow us on Facebook

NORTHERN GOLFER 15

Ravensworth Golf Club

TEEINGOFF

www.ravensworthgolfclub.co.uk

2015 MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE IN ALL CATEGORIES 7 Day £625 5 Day £520 Twilight £250 Juniors 7 to 14 FREE Flexible Memberships also available All Memberships include DCGU & England Golf Fees

WINTER WARMER SPECIALS Tuesday to Saturday 18 Holes followed by 1 Pint of Lager or Beer or Soft Drink & Eagle Burger with Cheese, Bacon and Chunky Chips £20pp Sunday Bacon Roll & Coffee, 18 holes followed by 1 Course Sunday Lunch £20pp Please book in advance - Available to Individuals and Societies TEAM OPENS - Saturday 21st February, Friday 20th March £40 per 4 man team includes coffee/tea & bacon roll SINGLES OPENS - Saturday 7th March £10 per person includes coffee/tea & bacon roll SUMMER SOCIETY FRIDAY SPECIAL (min 10 players) COFFEE & BACON ROLL, 18 HOLES, FISH & CHIPS £22 PP EXCELLENT FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Angel View, Long Bank, Wrekenton, Gateshead, NE9 7NE Tel: 0191 4876014 email: info@ravensworthgolfclub.co.uk

Visitors and Societies Bookings now being taken for 2015 Saturdays & Sundays Available

Bellingham Golf Club

VISITING PARTIES WELCOME EVERY DAY - GREAT DEALS ON OFFER BUGGIES & CATERING AVAILABLE

MAKE BELLINGHAM YOUR SECOND CLUB IN 2015 TWO GREAT OFFERS

EITHER: 6 Day Patrons Membership 1st May - 31st Oct (Mon - Sat, Gents/Sun - Fri, Ladies) £100 includes 2 FREE 4 Ball vouchers (Mon - Sat) OR: 7 Day Second Club Membership To 31st October 2015 £195 includes 2 FREE 4 Ball Vouchers (Mon - Sat) You must be a current full member of another club to qualify for this GREAT deal

Now to March 15 Online Green Fee £15 per Player and £45 for a fourball including weekends Telephone 01434 220530 or email admin@bellinghamgolfclub.com Bellingham Golf Club, Boggle Hole, Bellingham, NE48 2DT

www.bellinghamgolfclub.com 16 NORTHERN GOLFER

Fulford’s finishing hole

Trophy trail

York course takes its place as one of the venues for the Lombard Trophy

F

ulford is among a stellar line-up of courses for this year’s Lombard Trophy.

The Yorkshire course joins Ryder Cup and US Open qualifying course Walton Heath as one of the regional final venues in the 2015 Lombard Trophy, which finishes with a grand final at Gleneagles.

Three Northern courses have been chosen: Fulford, near York, Lancashire gem Formby and Cheshire’s excellent Dunham Forest.

Walton Heath, which bore witness to arguably the strongest side in US history in the 1981 Ryder Cup, is one of 16 courses that will host regional finals in the £80,000 event which carries a £12,000 first prize.

The 16 winning finalists will go through to compete over 36-holes at Gleneagles PGA Centenary Course on September 1-2.

Camberley Heath will kick start the action on Wednesday, May 27 with the popular Harry Vardondesigned Little Aston the next stop two days later.

June sees stops at Formby on June 9 and Dunham Forest on June 26, while Fulford is the venue on July 2 with Walton Heath a week later and 2006 Ryder Cup course The K Club on July 13.

More than 750 clubs entered last year’s tournament, which was won

by Cornwall’s St Kew Golf Club, and with the event going from strength to strength, tournament organisers expect that figure to increase this year.

Ben Groutage, PGA head of tournaments said: “We’ve added seven new venues to the event, to provide another first class line-up of courses.

“We hope clubs will again support the regional finals, which offer pros and amateurs a superb tournament experience and one I’m sure they will all enjoy.

“With the support of Lombard, the PGA National Pro-Am Championship remains one of The PGA’s most popular events and we look forward to building on its recent success.”

Team event launched Fulford Golf Club will be one of the regional final venues in the new England club team event being launched this year.

Teams comprising two men and two women over the age of 18 with competition “c” handicaps and with a combined team handicap between 50 and 96 can enter the event, with

the regional final on June 14.

The entry fee £25 per player and the format is team stableford, in which the best two scores from four count per hole.

The top six teams per region will qualify for the Grand Final to be played at Frilford Heath on Friday, August 14.

TEEINGOFF

Charity boost Ladies captains at Whitley Bay and Percy Wood raise money for two great causes

C

hristine Latimer and Maureen Baggaley put their year as captain of their clubs to good use, raising significant sums for charity.

Whitley Bay Golf Club’s Latimer closed her year as ladies captain by handing over a cheque for £1,450 to Newcastle University’s Andrew Trevelyan.

Latimer, who led the ladies section in raising the money throughout the 2014 season, donated the money to Epilepsy Research UK - a charity close to her heart as her son suffers from the condition.

Dr Trevelyan is senior lecturer in Network Neuroscience at Newcastle University and is carrying out research into epilepsy.

Meanwhile, Percy Wood has raised more than £2,000 to help a 12-year-old girl who has locked-in syndrome.

The Northumberland course raised the money for the All For Eve fund, which was set up to support Eve Anderson.

The Morpeth 12-year-old suffered a massive brain haemorrhage and tumour in 2011 and while she survived and is fully aware of everything going on around her, she cannot move or talk and requires round-the-clock care.

The fund was set up to buy specialist equipment and products that will help to improve Eve’s quality of life and was chosen to benefit from the club’s charity fund raising by Maureen Baggaley.

Whitley Bay ladies captain Christine Latimer with Dr Andrew Trevelyan, Newcastle University Maureen is Eve’s great aunt and she is delighted with the £2,207 that has been raised. She said: “I can’t believe we have collected this much.

Everybody has been very good and I am ecstatic with the total.

“I chose the All For Eve fund as my lady captain’s charity and the money was raised through events

such as an Easter raffle, cake stall and a handbag sale.”

Eve’s father Ian added: “Maureen absolutely adores Eve and on behalf of Eve, the family would like to say a big thank you to Maureen and everyone at the club who helped raise this money. We are eternally grateful.”

Longhirst Hall G O L F

C L U B

MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE NOW! WITH QUARTERLY DIRECT DEBIT FACILITIES! TWO COURSES, DRIVING RANGE AND ACADEMY FULL COMPETITION PROGRAM - WE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED IDEAL VENUE FOR VISITING PARTIES BOOKABLE ANY DAY - FROM £15 PER PERSON PGA EUROPRO TOUR VENUE, AND HIGHLY RANKED ON GOLFSHAKE.COM

Europro Tour LONGHIRST HALL GOLF COURSE, LONGHIRST, MORPETH, NORTHUMBERLAND, NE61 3LL Telephone 01670 791562 or email: enquiries@longhirstgolf.co.uk visit us online at: www.longhirstgolf.co.uk

JUNE 2015

NORTHERN GOLFER 17

TEEINGOFF

Super Mac on track

Pioneering surgery helps Norman get back into the swing of things at Beamish

T

he first man to undergo surgery at Sunderland Royal Hospital with the help of ‘Brian’, a £1.7m NHS robot has returned to the golf course and collected a trophy at his home club.

Beamish Park member Norman McDonnell, who underwent prostate cancer surgery in October 2013, picked up the Doug Whitley Trophy with his playing partner Mike Ryan just six months after the surgery.

McDonnell, a single-figure handicapper, was presented

with the trophy by consultant Kanagasabai Sahadevan, who led the surgical team.

“It was uplifting watching Norman strike the ball so sweetly off the tee,” he said. “I guess we must have done something right at the hospital.”

Inspired by Norman’s experiences, golfers at the Beamish Park club raised £3,190 during the 2014 season to support the national Men United against Prostate Cancer campaign.

Norman, 68, who was the first patient at the hospital to benefit

Sunderland Royal Hospital consultant surgeon Kanagasabai Sahadevan presenting Norman McDonnell, with his trophy from the robot-assisted surgery, which has halved the amount of time patients spend in hospital and reduced the number of complications by two thirds, said: “I feel very lucky I decided to have

this operation as opposed to other treatments available and the care I received in Sunderland Royal Hospital was first class. The biggest difference it has made is the feeling I can get on and live a normal life.”

For more information and to donate, go to menunited.prostatecanceruk.org

Castle Eden Golf Club

Society bookings now being taken for 2015

Packages available: Mondays from £20 Wednesday to Friday from £25 & Weekends* (after 3pm) from £30 Catering available all day

Open Competitions 2015 Gents 4BBB - 16th May Gents Team - 17th May Ladies - 3rd August Ladies Team - 1st Sept Mixed - 6th June Seniors - 4BBB 6th August Limited tee times available See club website for entry forms

To check availability or make a booking please contact the club secretary on 01429 836510 Visit our website www.castleedengolfclub.co.uk or email castleedengolfclub@hotmail.com 18 NORTHERN GOLFER

TEEINGOFF

LUB RYTON GOLF yC ne & Wear T

TEE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY Brand New Signage at Ryton 12 months Advertising + 20 x 4 Balls Worth £1200

Graham Bell

Senior citizens

Bell and Harrison produce the goods to qualify for Tour in style

I

t was third time lucky for Hartlepool’s Graham Bell in the European Senior Tour qualifying school in Portugal - despite a final round injury which nearly ruined his chances.

Bell hurt his hand hitting a shot from behind a tree on the 10th hole at the Pestana course and “stumbled home” as he put it for 75 but it was good enough to clinch the sixth and final full card while Matfen Hall’s John Harrison shot a magnificent closing 68 to also win back full playing rights for this year’s tour.

Both picked up €3,130 as Canada’s Ken Tarling completed a comfortable seven shot victory and won €6,000.

The Canadian had started the final round at Pestana Resort’s Vale da Pinta course with a two shot advantage and never looked like relinquishing the lead, closing with a round of 70.

His playing partners Magnus Persson Atlevi and Bell could not match his steadiness during the final round, but there’s no doubting Bell’s tenacity as he reached the turn one over-par for the day.

Bell then hurt his hand playing out of the trees on the 10th hole and while he made birdie there, he dropped three shots in a row and three-putted the last hole for a round of 75 to drop back to one over-par, but it was just enough.

Bell missed out two years ago when he led at the halfway mark and he said: “I’m over the moon. It was going to be a lot easier but I hit my ball over the fence behind a tree and hurt my

hand. After that I kept carving the ball right and then I just stumbled in. But this is just like taking a test and passing it. I’m just delighted that I’ve actually done it now. I was leading the first time I came here and messed it up, so it’s great to just get over the line this time.”

Despite starting the final round nine shots back Harrison, the 2009 Qualifying School winner, roared in with 68 to become one of the five players who finished tied on one over-par.

“It’s amazing,” said Harrison. “I had a torturous week overall. I had a treble on the first day, a treble on the second day and three-putted the last from three feet yesterday.

“So you think those things will come back to haunt you. I then played really nicely on the final day though and I think sometimes when you are in the situation I was, when you have to make birdies, it is easier than when you try to hold on. It made me more positive.”

John Harrison

Only £400 +VAT 2015 Opens April 22nd Senior 4BBB Stableford £14 pair May 10th Gents 4BBB Stableford £20 pair July 5th Mixed Greensomes £16 pair July 27th Gents 4BBB Stableford £20 pair July 28th Ladies Team Open £28 Team

contact: secretary@rytongolfclub.co.uk

Telephone: 0191 4133253 or www.rytongolfclub.co.uk

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Valid April 1 - Oct 31 2015 *Booking must be made by 31 March 2015.

Tel: 0113 230 0641 www.cookridgehall.co.uk

Cookridge Hall Golf Club, Cookridge Lane, Leeds, LS16 7NL NORTHERN GOLFER 19

TEEINGOFF

Back in the black

Club turnaround includes the chance to stay in the castle which overlooks it

D

urham club Chester-leStreet has proved there is a way out of the hard times being experienced by many golf clubs.

After two years of difficult times financially, Chester has turned things around and was able to announce a profit for 2014.

Members and officials were justifiably delighted as this has placed the club on a firm financial footing for the future.

The turnaround has been achieved by the prudent use of

resources and a doubling of the annual budget/income from green fees.

The club has been able to invest in two new green cutting machines and other improvement initiatives and is also looking at a draft club development plan which includes significant enhancements to the course to be implemented as finances improve further over the coming years.

One of the initiatives has seen Chester-le-Street team up with Lumley Castle Hotel to offer stay

Chester-le-Street is overlooked by Lumley Castle and play packages at the 600-yearold hotel, which overlooks the golf course.

The four-star hotel is the backdrop for 12 of the course’s fairways, six of which also overlook the Riverside Cricket Ground, home of Durham County Cricket Club,

with fells and hills beyond.

“We are delighted with this initiative,” said club secretary Colin Henderson. “Lumley Castle is a spectacular venue which graces the eastern aspect of the town and guests can not fail to enjoy the experience of staying there.”

Membership is available and for more information on that or green fees and tee times call the Secretary’s Office on 0191 388 3218 or email clsgcoffice@tiscali.co.uk or visit the club’s new website at www.clsgolfclub.co.uk

Whitley Bay Golf Club Claremont Road, Whitley Bay NE26 3UF www.whitleybaygolfclub.co.uk

MEMBERSHIP FROM £46 PER MONTH

Dunstanburgh Castle golf Club Scenic 18 hole seaside links course designed by the famous James Braid, adjacent to spectacular Embleton Bay VISITORS & SOCIETIES WELCOME INCLUDING WEEKENDS

Spring Special

(until 31st March 2015) Coffee & bacon roll on arrival, round of golf followed by soup, large filled roll & chips £24 per person Mon-Fri • £27 per person weekends

MEMBERSHIP FROM NOW UNTIL APRIL 2016 ONLY £405!

Our free draining links course means we hardly ever close due to bad weather!

GOLFAS 2014

greens team of the Year Winners!

Embleton, Northumberland, NE66 3XQ - Tel: 01665 576562 email: enquiries@dunstanburgh.com - www.dunstanburgh.com 20 NORTHERN GOLFER

7 Day, 6 Day, 5 Day available Very attractive terms for Under 30’s as Intermediates & Juniors e.g. 24 years 7 Day membership = £32 per month All details on our website

2015 OPEN COMPETITIONS

Mixed Open - Bank Holiday Monday 25th May Seniors Open - Thursday 9th July Ladies Open - Thursday 6th August Mens Open - Sunday 16th August

NEW GOLFERS Cafe Golf for Ladies, Academy Golf for Men and our Junior Academy allow new golfers to learn and experience the game in a club environment. These packages include tuition with our P.G.A. Professional David Twizell, access to the golf course and practice facilities plus use of the clubhouse For further information please contact Dawn or David by Telephone or Email

Secretary: Dawn Ridley 0191 252 0180 Professional: David Twizell 0191 252 5688 Email: whitleybaygolfclub@virginmedia.com

CHRISPAISLEY

LUB RYTON GOLF yC ne & Wear T

Chris Paisley

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TALES FROM THE TOUR CHRIS PAISLEY’S DEBUT

So it seems Mr. Storm has passed on the flame of the Northern Golfer Tour column to me.

My aim is to try and provide an interesting insight into my life and my views on golfing matters that happen to be arousing attention.

Since this is my first column, I am going to keep it simple and fill you in on what has been going on with me recently.

I am two events into my second season on the European Tour. I’ve managed to play nicely and make both cuts without being at my best.

Honestly, I was just happy to be playing on the main tour again. For those who followed me last season, it was pretty rough! I fell into a cycle of trying too hard and putting pressure on myself.

With the help of my wife, family, and coaches I managed to get my head out of my you-know-what and play some good golf towards the end of the season. It was a huge learning curve.

It’s hard to perform in any job when you are putting so much pressure on yourself. Coming through tough periods is a fundamental part of becoming a successful golfer, and I think the experience has made me a better player.

Speaking of tough periods, I have to say, the Final stage of Tour School is brutal! My brother Andy (professional at Hexham GC) was caddying and when I made back-to-back bogies to fall onto the cut mark with four holes left, I think he was ready to kill me! He managed to pull me together and I played the last four in one under.

I think the first thing we said to each other was “Lets never come back here again!” With that quote in mind, hopefully I’ll be asked to continue this column!

NEWCASTLE UNTIED GOLF CLUB In the coming weeks I’m heading to Dubai for a 60 Ponteland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 3JW couple of days on my way to play in India, before www.newcastleunitedgolfclub.co.uk heading out for three events in South Africa. After that,it’s on to Morocco, where I finished in a tie for 11th place in 2013. Let’s hope I can post a similar result this year!

April 22nd - Senior 4BBB Stableford £14 pair May 10th - Gents 4BBB Stableford £20 pair July 5th - Mixed Greensomes £16 pair July 27th - Gents 4BBB Stableford £20 pair July 28th - Ladies Team Open £28 Team

contact: secretary@rytongolfclub.co.uk

Telephone: 0191 4133253 or www.rytongolfclub.co.uk

Newcastle United Golf Club Est.1892

Membership Offers Full - £594.00 (£49.50 per month) 5 Day - £492.00 (£41.00 per month) Associate - £150.00 (£10 per game) Group Deals (based on 3 or more joining)

SUMMER GREEN FEE OFFERS Weekday Round £15.00 pp Weekday 4 ball £50.00 Weekend Round £18.00 pp Weekend 4 Ball £60.00 ---

2015 GOLF SOCIETY PACKAGES (Weekdays & Weekends) Coffee & Bacon Roll, 18 Holes £20.00 per head Coffee & Bacon Roll, 18 Holes, Soup & Sandwich £23.00 per head Coffee & Bacon Roll, 18 Holes, 2 Course Meal - £27.00 per head

2015 OPEN EVENT Saturday 23rd May (Moor Scratch / Singles Open) Sponsored by ITPS 36 Holes for Category 1 Players (Gross & Nett Prizes) 18 Holes for Category 2 & 3 Players (Gross & Nett Prizes) For any further information, please contact Liam McNulty on (0191 2869998 Ext.2) Email: liam1892@googlemail.com Web: www.info@newcastleunitedgolfclub.co.uk

60 Ponteland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 3JW NORTHERN GOLFER 21

COURSEREVIEW

United score with course

Newcastle United is not just about Premier league football but also first class golf as Paul Corney discovered

A

trio of Tyneside clubs - Newcastle United, City of Newcastle and Northumberland can all trace their origins back to the late 19th century.

The City of Newcastle Golf Club was founded in October 1891 with gentlemen members playing a course designed and laid out on the Town Moor by the legendary Tom Morris Senior.

When it opened, locals played without permission so, to introduce an element of control, the City decided to encourage the formation of an ‘Artisan’ club.

Newcastle United Workman’s Golf Club came into existence in June 1892 and for a number of 22 NORTHERN GOLFER

years, the City and United Clubs played alongside each other. The Artisan club later changed its name to Newcastle United Golf Club, a title it has maintained.

City’s days on the Town Moor were numbered and as a result of restrictions placed on development by the Freeman and City Corporation and a continuing problem with locals, a splinter group broke away in 1898, to form Northumberland Golf Club at High Gosforth Park. The remaining City members lasted a further nine years before moving to the Three Mile Bridge in August 1907 and leaving the United club in sole possession of the Town Moor course.

Now located on Nuns Moor, the course begins with a 408-yard par four where a straight drive, usually downwind and over the marker post, should find the centre of the fairway. The only problem at this hole is the semi-blind approach.

Although the second may be slightly shorter than the first, the hole is played back into the prevailing wind and is a much tougher proposition. There is a bunker on the left to take into account, 200 yards from the tee, but find the short grass and you will be left with a middle iron to a bunkerless pear-shaped green.

Only 154 yards, the fourth is the first of the par threes where care has to be taken with club selection. The narrow green is nearly 40 yards long so there could well be three clubs difference, depending on the pin position. In addition, there are five green-side bunkers to worry about along with trees and deep rough to the left.

Having hopefully started well, the Newcastle United course now starts to ask questions about your long game. The sixth is all of 546 yards and for most of us, a genuine three-shotter. A drive of 250 yards or so to the marker post, followed by a wellpositioned second shot avoiding the five fairway bunkers will leave an approach of about 100 yards.

The well bunkered green is a small target and take care not to leak the approach right or your ball will disappear down a steep slope, leaving a tricky chip.

COURSEREVIEW

FACT FILE The seventh, a 159-yard par three played slightly uphill to a green defended by three bunkers is followed by a tough 436-yard par four and a hole where most will be more than happy to make par.

At 561 yards, the ninth is a straight par five with out of bounds along the right. And gentlemen be warned, you need a drive of 180 yards at this one, just to make the ladies tee. The fairway is flat to start with and then rises uphill to the green, adding distance and making the hole play even longer.

If you think that was long, the 10th is 566 yards and another strong par five. Saying that, the fairway is wide but you will require two very good strikes to get within 100 yards of the green. Watch out for the bunker on the right, 90 yards from the target and a further three protecting the target.

The 12th is an acute dog-leg left. A sensible tee shot of around 220 yards will leave a downhill approach on this par four, to a green protected by bunkers on both sides and sloping severely back to front.

Another good par five at 13 is followed by back-to-back par threes including the signature 14th (see factfile).

The drive at the 17th is semi-blind but the marker-post is the line and the fairway does open up. The green has bunkers left and right and there is a very deep hollow at the front - this par four maybe just 367 yards but many golfers have dropped shots as a result of coming up short.

The final hole is 417 yards and a good finishing par four with out of bounds left. Avoid two fairway bunkers and you will be left with a middle iron to a large green.

CONTACT Newcastle United Golf Club 60 Ponteland Road, Cowgate Newcastle, NE5 3JN Tel 0191 286 9998 (Ext 2) Fax 0191 286 4323 Email liam1892@googlemail.com Web www.newcastleunitedgolfclub.co.uk GREEN FEES Weekdays - £15 a round, £50 a fourball Weekends - £18 a round, £60 a fourball Buggy hire - £20 a round

Following the construction of the Central Motorway, Newcastle United Golf Club was forced to move to Nuns Moor in 1973.

A new clubhouse opened in 1981 at a cost which very nearly forced Newcastle United out of existence.

With huge debts, the club had to introduce stringent cost-cutting measures while increasing subscriptions dramatically.

It’s fair to say these were difficult times but the club stuck to their financial plans and by the early 1990s, had become totally solvent with a healthy membership

TOTAL DISTANCE White tees – 6,638 yards Yellow tees – 6,422 yards Red tees – 5,867 yards FEATURES 18-hole heathland course Good practice facilities Putting green Ample car parking Buggy hire Well stocked golf shop Snooker table Great friendly atmosphere Good food and bar service CADDY’S TIP In the height of summer the greens can be deceptively quick and difficult to read – a session on the putting green is always a good idea before tackling the course.

SIGNATURE HOLE The signature hole is the 14th, a classic par three and at nearly 190 yards, a real tester. The ‘Swilcan Bridge’, short of the green is a real eye-catcher but it’s well short of the green. Played slightly uphill to a narrow target, a par at this hole is a good score.

PAUL CORNEY’S VERDICT

Over the past three decades, the transformation at Newcastle United Golf Club has been spectacular - the course has matured into one of the best in our region

NORTHERN GOLFER 23

TEEINGOFF

Passport to East Yorkshire Coastal scheme expands to six courses due to popularity

T

he popular seaside resort of Bridlington on the East Yorkshire coast is fast becoming a golfing haven.

In 2009 three local courses Bridlington Belvedere, The Bridlington Links and Flamborough Head joined forces to create the innovative East Coast Golf Passport.

Designed to offer golfers of all abilities the opportunity of playing some of Yorkshire’s finest courses over a seven-day period, it also encourages visitors to stay locally in the many hotels and guest houses and has

proved a big success. So much so, that two more courses - Filey and Hornsea were introduced to the scheme and up to the end of 2014, some 15,000 passports were sold.

That equates to more than 50,000 rounds of golf and more than 30,000 accommodation nights, bringing a huge amount of revenue to the pretty seaside resort.

East Coast Golf Passport co-ordinator Anthony Howarth, who is general manager at Bridlington Belvedere told Northern Golfer: “There is much negative talk about the

Bridlington Inset: Scarborough South Cliff

effects of the current economic downturn but since we introduced the Passport scheme the local economy has benefitted to the tune of well over £5m.

“The East Coast Golf Passport is set to improve even further in 2015 with the introduction of a sixth course in the very popular Scarborough South Cliff Golf Club.”

The price of the Passport also remains unchanged for 2015 at £58 for three rounds, £70 for four rounds or £80 for five rounds.

Local hotels have also embraced the Passport and are offering excellent stay and play packages. For full details go to www.golfcoastpassport.co.uk or contact Bridlington Belvedere Golf Club tel 01262 606 367

AN 18 HOLE GEM OF A COURSE Ryder Cup special throughout October £15 per round Visiting Parties welcome 7 days a week - prices from £18 per round Membership available in all categories

For further details contact the Secretary/Manager on 0191 5365360 or email: info@boldongolfclub.co.uk Boldon Golf Club, Dipe Lane, East Boldon, NE36 0PQ www.boldongolfclub.co.uk 24 NORTHERN GOLFER

TEEINGOFF

CHESTER-LE-STREET GOLF CLUB

MEMBERSHIP 2015 Prices REDUCED for all age groups under 30 Vacancies also available in ALL other categories For further details telephone the Secretary Colin Henderson on 0191 3883218 or email clsgoffice@tiscali.co.uk

VISITORS & SOCIETIES ALWAYS WELCOME! Chester le Street Golf Club, Lumley Park, County Durham, DH3 4NS

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EAGLESCLIFFE GOLF CLUB 1914 - 2014

Ce rs leb rating 100 Yea Nestled beside the River Tees with the Cleveland Hills as a backdrop, the course has been described by Golf Monthly magazine as a ‘hidden gem’ of English golf. This 6289 yard James Braid course is both picturesque and demanding due to the nature of the rolling terrain and sloping greens which provides a challenge for both novice and experienced golfers alike.

A warm welcome awaits.............Golf Societies, Corporate Golf Days and Captain’s Away Days..............We will tailor packages to your requirements.

WINTER PACKAGE 1 October 2014 – 31 March 2015 4 Ball £65 - including bacon roll and coffee on arrival For all enquiries or to arrange a visit, please contact Martin Ball or Don Whitehead on 01642 780238 or email secretary@eaglescliffegolfclub.co.uk We are now taking bookings for our 2015 Opens • Senior Gents Team Open • Ladies Open • Gents Open • Senior Gents 4BBB Open • Mixed Team Open

Wednesday 13th May Friday 15th May Sunday 2nd August Wednesday 12th August Sunday 30th August

Details and entry forms can be downloaded from the Club’s website www.eaglescliffegolfclub.co.uk

26 NORTHERN GOLFER

Boldon GC

Whitburn GC

Thieves strike at two clubs Police appeal for help after equipment is stolen

D

urham clubs Whitburn and Boldon have been hit by a spate of raids in which nearly £50,000 of golf course maintenance equipment was stolen.

The two clubs suffered five separate raids during January three at the Dipe Lane club and two at Whitburn’s Lizard Lane course.

Thieves broke in through the roof at both clubs greenkeepers sheds and Chris Brown, manager of Boldon said: “Thieves have entered by coming in through the roof. This has been a devastating blow for both clubs. We are a not-for-profit organisation, any little bit of cash we make goes straight back into the club. While we are insured for the items, our premiums will be going up, and it’s going to be our

members who end up suffering.”

Thieves stole a Husqvarna strimmer, a Flymo and Allan lawn mower, a generator, a compressor, a Dell laptop, Stihl saw, a battery booster, a Dori scarifier and a Spalding socket set from Whitburn.

A second break-in at Boldon saw the theft of four strimmers, two rotavators, two generators, a large water pump, reciprocator, three squeegees, heater, diesel fuel, water pump and diesel tank gauge.

Further break-ins at Boldon saw a leaf blower taken and an Alto steam cleaner, drill and angle grinder. There was also another attempted burglary at a work shed at Whitburn’s course.

Police are appealing for witnesses and to anyone who may have been offered them for sale.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, extension 69191 quoting reference number 3650Y/15 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers tel 0800 555 111

More get into golf The number of people taking up Get into Golf opportunities grew rapidly over the summer months according to a new report on grass roots activity across England.

More than 24,000 people aged 14-plus, were encouraged by counties to take structured coaching courses and become regular, oncea-week golfers in the six months

from April-September 2014. That’s up by 59% on the same period in 2013, says the latest impact report on county activity, prepared

by England Golf’s Participation and Club Support department.

The figures reflect a new focus by counties on coaching and regular playing opportunities, rather than one-off taster sessions.

TEEINGOFF

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POWAKADDY FREEWAY 2 CONVERSION Garesfield’s new pro Jeff Musgrove (left) is congratulated by club chairman Noel Wark

Musgrove at the helm Garesfield Golf Club appoints a new professional to take the club forward

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imes are changing at Garesfield Golf Club and, after many years, a new PGA Professional has been appointed.

Jeff Musgrove, who grew up at Castle Eden Golf Club playing golf with his dad, is a local lad born in Durham City.

He said: “You have to pass certain qualifications to enter the PGA as it is a full university degree taken through Birmingham University. I then applied to be a PGA member and joined Seaton Carew Golf Club as the assistant under Clifford Jackson.

“Once I had started with Clifford I had to do a playability assessment and coaching assessments which I successfully completed.

“Once I passed, I got the opportunity to play with Garesfield chairman Noel Wark. We got on well and the opportunity came along for me to be here.”

Jeff is currently refurbishing and restocking the shop and will begin work at the club on March 1.

The last professional who was based at Garesfield was a young

professional who was working for Shaun Cowell from South Moor Golf Club.

Wark said: “We couldn’t afford the wages. Things were not going that well at the time so the arrangement wasn’t affordable and we decided to try and run the shop ourselves.

“We found it very hard to monitor things and to keep people here, to move forward we felt that we should be looking for somebody to run the shop either as a business or someone like a young professional that was starting off and would take this opportunity.

“I happened to be playing with Jeff and his father and we had a few discussions and everyone came to the conclusion that it was a good opportunity for someone to take on.

“Jeff will be running everything such as the lessons, the shop, bookings coming in by phone and looking after the membership and people who want to come and play.”

Jeff added: “I played here as a kid and found Garesfield a really good golf course situated in a fantastic setting.”

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Visitors & Societies welcome Party Packages 2015 Min 12 golfers Midweek 18 holes £20.00 pp 27 holes £25.00 pp Sunday 18 holes £25.00 pp Choose from a full range of catering options when you book For further details or to book telephone the Secretary on 01325 461002 or email: professional@blackwellgrangegolf.co.uk Blackwell Grange Golf Club, Snipe Lane, Darlington, DL2 2SA

www.blackwellgrangegolf.com NORTHERN GOLFER 27

TEEINGOFF

83-year-old gets his first hole-in-one Heworth Golf Club’s Tom Murray has finally recorded his first holein-one at the age of 83 during the first Vets event of the season.

Murray, who has been playing the game for more than 49 years, recorded his maiden ace at Heworth’s sixth hole – a tricky, 130yard par three from the temporary tee, using a three-wood.

Murray said: “I hit it really well and knew it was on line for the pin, but couldn’t see where the ball finished.

“As we approached the green I thought it had run through the back, but my playing partner, Jim Turner, assured me it was in the hole.”

Castles challenge The dates have been set for this year’s Northumberland Three Castles Open.

The Mixed Pairs event will take place on July 21 at Bamburgh Castle, July 22 at Dunstanburgh Castle and July 23 at Alnwick Castle.

The Men’s pairs event will take place on Aug 14 at Dunstanburgh, Aug 15 at Alnwick and Aug 16 at Bamburgh.

The tournaments are betterball stableford with handicap limits of 28 for men and 36 for ladies.

Tel 01665 602 632 to enter

28 NORTHERN GOLFER

The Break 90 Pod

Close House looks to Break90 New retail venture is planning a national roll out

B

reak90 has signed its first major deal to supply its innovative retail pod to Close House in Northumberland – site of the Lee Westwood Colt and Filly courses and a host venue for the EuroPro Tour this season.

The pod, which stocks everything from tee pegs to clothing, is accessible at all hours of the day and means that golf staff at Close House are able to concentrate on providing tuition and service to the club’s membership.

Break90, which was established in July 2014, has already created 20 jobs and is in talks with more than 45 clubs around the UK, with a view to national roll-out within the next three years.

As well as the merchandise, the retail pods offer screens for product manufacturers’ adverts and

can also include Costa Coffee terminals.

John Glendinning, managing director of Close House Hotel and Golf said: “We are committed to offering the highest standards so that our venue and levels of service are the best they can be. As a venue with an international reputation, we are keen to lead the way with new innovations.

“As well as backing a local business, we firmly believe Break90 offers a credible alternative to the traditional means of golf retail and we are very pleased to be the first to install the XPS pod shop.”

Rob Mullen, director of Break90 added: “We are absolutely thrilled that a premium golf resort like Close House has become the first major venue to use the Break90 pod.”

TEEINGOFF

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Get your trolley or buggy ready for the new season Sue Johnson (photograph courtesy of Linda Whitwam)

Sue’s honour

Y

orkshire’s Sue Johnson, Since then she has also become who was one of the first the first woman to be president presidents of England of Huddersfield Golf Club and is Golf, was made an OBE currently in the second year of her for services to golf in the New Year term of office.

Honours list.

She has been a single figure “This is a very great honour,” said handicap golfer for most of her life Sue, who has held prominent positions and played for the Yorkshire second within golf at national, county and team. Sue was introduced to the game club level. “I must be very lucky to be by her husband Peter, and their elder honoured for doing something which son Paul, is also a golfer and is a past has given me great pleasure.” captain of Huddersfield Golf Club.

For many years Sue was closely Their other son, Dan, represented involved with the administration of Great Britain in wheelchair basketball women’s golf, but when England Golf in three Paralympic Games and was formed in 2012 she became joint their daughter, Jill, played hockey for Garesfi eld Golf Club, Chopwell, NE17 her 7APhome president of the new organisation England before making alongside Paul Baxter. in France.

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email garesfieldgc@btconnect.com Baker Road, Nelson Park West, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 1WL

Garesfield Golf Club, Chopwell, NE17 7AP NORTHERN GOLFER 29

TOURSCHOOL

Storm force As one of the region’s leading golfers, Graeme Storm is determined to leave a lasting legacy as he explained to Alan Hedley

G

raeme Storm jetted out to sunnier climes leaving behind the cold North East and, he hopes, the foundation of a lasting golfing legacy in his home town of Hartlepool.

The 36-year-old is currently on the Middle East and African swing of the Tour having made a late run to retain his card by finishing runner-up in the Omega European Masters in Switzerland.

Losing in a play-off for the top prize may not seem a cause for celebration, but Storm was delighted to have made sure of his 2015 playing privileges - and 30 NORTHERN GOLFER

scooping an £112,000 car for a hole-in-one was the icing on the cake.

“The hole-in-one was unbelievable - but I don’t get the car until July because the insurance has to be sorted out - and whether I keep it or not could depend on how the finances are by then!

“But it was a great week. I probably ended up winning more than the winner of the tournament.

Winning the tournament would have been the icing on the cake as it would have brought with it exemption on tour, but it was still massive relief to

TOURSCHOOL

Graeme Storm with North East rising stars Jack Ainscough, Will Skipp and Cameron Wallace

Graeme checks out Jack’s putting stroke

keep my card.” Following the result, Storm was able to relax over Christmas with his family but it’s now back to business and the 2007 French Open winner flew out last month for the Middle East section of the tour after launching an innovative Elite Development Squad scheme run by Dyke House Sports and Technology College and involving Hartlepool Golf Club - where he learned the game.

Through the scheme, Storm mentors North East youngsters Jack Ainscough, Cameron Wallace and Will Skipp who attend the college and he expects

big things from the trio. All three are in the England North Region squad coaching system and they were at Hartlepool Golf Club along with Storm for the official link-up of club and school.

And Storm is more than keen to help the North East develop more golfers capable of playing on Tour.

“Obviously it will be down to them how far they go, we can only give them so much advice, but they have great potential,” he said.

“Jack is off scratch at the age of 15. When I was 15 I was still off four handicap and he is really ahead of

the game. Cameron is off three at the age of 15, there is still plenty of time for him, and Will is only 13 but is off eight and he is doing really well. I expect big things from all three of them.”

Being in Dyke House’s Elite Development Squad means the trio, along with other students aged from 11-16 receive the best support specialised sport while also furthering their academic education.

There are a wide range of benefits to aid development, including links with Teesside and Durham Universities and also with Hartlepool Golf NORTHERN GOLFER 31

TOURSCHOOL Club which now has covered bays and floodlit driving range and the young golfers practise there every Wednesday afternoon.

Storm added: “Hartlepool Golf Club is a perfect location and the backing of the school is tremendous.

“Being able to go and practice during school hours is great, plus the strength and conditioning programmes they have through the university means everything is in place for them.

“We came to Hartlepool because I grew up here and it’s a great facility now with the floodlit driving range being here and it’s five minutes from the school so it’s a perfect location.

“These three lads have enormous potential but it is really up them - we can only give advice and help.

“I do expect big things from all three of them. If I can help them in any way I will.”

Not surprisingly, the youngsters can’t quite believe their luck and 13-year-old Skipp, who picked up a golf club at the tender age of two, said: “It is brilliant working with Graeme.

He brings a lot of experience. I have ambitions to become a professional and

Jack Ainscough

Will Skipp

Practice makes perfect for Cameron and Will want to be one of the best on the Tour.”

Danny Evans, director of the Elite Development Squad at Dyke House said: “It’s unbelievable we have Graeme on board. His input is fantastic but they have their own coaches as well.

“They have all the bases covered as long as they continue to keep their

focus and put the hard work in.”

The trio will be representing Dyke House in the British School Golf Championships, which take place at Beamish at Easter.

You can follow Graeme Storm at www.graemestorm.co.uk and on Twiiter @stormygraeme

Cameron Wallace

VISITING PARTIES 2015 Fantastic deals available on one of the North’s most prestigious courses ie Coffee & Bacon roll on arrival, 18 holes of golf + 2 course meal, £35 per person Bespoke packages can be negotiated for small and large parties

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32 NORTHERN GOLFER

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GOLFERNEWS

In the running for Walker Cup

Yorkshire pair make initial squad for big showdown with the US

Y

orkshire duo Dan Brown and Nick Marsh have been named in the initial 20-man Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup squad along with Windermere’s Adam Chapman.

The GB and Ireland team will face the US at Royal Lytham & St Annes on September 12-13, bidding to win back the historic trophy after the US’s convincing 17-9 victory in the 2013 match at the National Golf Links of America in New York.

It will be a chance for English Champion Marsh to put the gloss on his amateur career with Walker Cup honours.

The Huddersfield golfer was

set to turn pro last year, but has delayed that after failing to make it to the Tour Qualifying School and the bonus is that he is eligible for this year’s clash. After being in the GB and Ireland side for the St Andrews Trophy, he has to be one of the favourites to make the team.

For Bedale’s Dan Brown, being named in the squad is a major step up but he has the credentials with a string of strong performances highlighted by reaching the quarter-finals of the British Amateur Championships at Royal Portrush.

Chapman looks like one to keep an eye on after he won both the South of England and new North of England Strokeplay titles in short

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Nick Marsh order last season. If any of the trio make it, it will maintain the North’s strong record of Walker Cup representation - in the 2013 clash both Morpeth’s Garrick Porteous and Sheffield’s Matt Fitzpatrick played. Both are now pros.

A get-together for the 20-man squad will be held on July 21-22 at Lytham and the players will also

meet ahead of the Lytham Trophy in May. Meanwhile, Marsh won the 36hole qualifying medal in Australian Amateur Championship at Lake McQuarrie after he returned a second consecutive 68.

Marsh finished on eight under-par and one shot clear of a strong field.

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Visit our website - www.parklandsgolf.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 33

GOLFERNEWS Award winners at the Durham County Golf Partnership’s second Development Awards evening

The award winners were:

Golf’s unsung heroes Volunteers recognised for the work they do in the sport

D

urham golf has paid a special tribute to the unsung volunteers who do so much to help grow the game in the region.

The Durham County Golf Partnership’s second Development Awards evening – held at Durham County Cricket Club’s ground in Chester-le-Street – presented 13 prizes to helpers of all ages and backgrounds.

The meeting also heard about the CGP’s plans for its seventh year and the progress made so far in bringing new players into golf and on into potential club membership.

Clubs learned how the CGP

can help them introduce the sport to people of all ages and abilities with information on development initiatives, resources and available funding.

Jonathan Ward, outgoing development officer for Durham, said: “The evening was a great opportunity for club and county representatives to recognise the commitment of volunteers, clubs and coaches. It was also a chance to celebrate their outstanding contributions.

“It was also an opportunity for clubs to learn more about the work of the CGP and meet representatives from England Golf and the Golf

Foundation, who are working to encourage more people into the sport, and to celebrate the success of all the past year’s projects. It also enabled us to demonstrate the support that is available for clubs to deliver new projects that will help build a sustainable membership.”

Awards were presented by CGP chairman Ron Baines Bennett, Jason Budd (England Golf North East and Cumbria Regional Development Officer), Ian Harvey (Golf Foundation Regional Development Officer) and Mark Rayson (PGA Pro and County Academy Programme Co-ordinator).

Young Volunteer of the Year: Jordan Pout (Durham County Golf Partnership) Volunteer Coach of the Year: Dominic Salmon (Bishop Auckland) Club Development Volunteer of the Year: Anita Maxwell & Pat Usher (Woodham) County Development Volunteer of the Year: Ken Joel (Durham County Union) Services to Golf: George Crawford (Durham CGU/Durham County Junior Golf Society/Durham CGP) Services to Golf: Anthea Rowntree (Bishop Auckland) Golf Mark Club of the Year: South Moor Golf Club Get into Golf Project of the Year: Oakleaf Golf Club - Showed commitment to attracting ladies into the game with social and structured coaching activity backed up with playing, competing and membership opportunities tailored towards females, all led by PGA Pro Julie Welch.

Get into Golf Centre of the Year: Sunderland Golf Centre Golf Roots Project of the Year: Sharpley Golf Club County Academy Performance Player of the Year: Marc Cameron (Beamish Park) County Academy Development Player of the Year: Lewis Reay (Ramside Hall) Ellen Robson (Billingham)

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GOLFERNEWS

HOST TO THE NATIONAL COUNTIES TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP 2015

BRANCEPETH CASTLE GOLF CLUB 2015 OPEN COMPETITIONS

Inset: Phil Graham, the new development officer for the Durham County Golf Partnership

New chief is a class apart

P

hil Graham is swapping the classroom for the clubhouse as he starts a new job to help grow the game of golf in County Durham.

The 30-year-old has been appointed as development officer for the Durham County Golf Partnership.

The one-handicapper, who is a member at Morpeth Golf Club, has spent the past five years as a primary school teacher in Wallsend, but is now teeing up a fresh challenge helping golf clubs across the county attract and retain members.

An active competitor in events across the region, Graham was a member of the winning team from his home town club Bishop Auckland in the 2006 Durham County Clark Cup. He went on to win his club championship the following year.

His sporting interest started early and he represented St Johns’ RC Comprehensive School across a range of sports while taking up golf at Bishop Auckland at the age of 12.

“I attended the Saturday morning taster sessions with the club professional and I was hooked,” he says.

His father Ian is a former captain

at Bishop Auckland and introduced Phil and younger brother Andy to the sport.

During his time at Northumbria University in Newcastle, studying for a degree in Sport Science and Psychology, he played in league and championship matches and he has played county golf at both junior and adult level, including representing Northumberland last year against Durham.

“I am still a Durham lad at heart,” he says, “and I am really excited at the prospect of working with clubs and golf facilities across the county to help introduce new people to the sport, encourage them into golf club membership and retain the members we have now.

“It was a difficult decision to leave the teaching profession, but due to my passion for golf I decided to pursue a career in which I could use my enthusiasm for the game in a work environment.

“I am looking forward to continuing the excellent work of outgoing CDO Jonathan Ward and getting to know about the needs of clubs and people across the region.”

Phil is married to Laura and the couple live in Morpeth with twoyear-old daughter Isabelle.

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Any club requiring advice and support for its future plans, should contact Phil tel 0758 4240420 or email p.graham@englandgolf.org NORTHERN GOLFER 35

GOLFERNEWS

All change in counties New officials elected at both Northumberland and Durham

B

oth Northumberland and Durham started 2015 with new county secretaries and presidents.

At their respective annual meetings in The Northumberland Club and the Ramside Hall Hotel, both counties also made presentations to Elliott Procter and Graham Hope to mark sterling service.

In Procter’s case, it was the end of a period of 31 years - the longest stint by a secretary of Northumberland - and before that he represented the county nine

times as a player, he was also an England Youth International in 1958.

Procter was also county Durham County officials (left to right): Allan Roberts, Jonathan Ward captain 1983and Graham Hope 1984 and county president 2009-10. As well as being secretary. He was captain of Close two years in office as president and a good golfer, he’s also no slouch House in 1988 and now plays out of he is succeeded by Gordon Garratt, at squash and has won both the Newcastle United. Harrison was also a past captain of Prudhoe and Northumberland and the Shropshire secretary of the Hadrian League, of secretary of the Northumberland which he is now a life vice president.

Junior Golf Association. Mayfield county titles - the latter while on National Service.

Also standing down at the remains as treasurer.

Ian Harrison succeeds Procter as meeting was John Mayfield after his City of Newcastle’s Jim Cairns was

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“Tyneside has all the hallmarks of a vintage Harry Colt design” Frank Pont - Europe’s leading restorer of classic courses

GOLFERNEWS

Dates for your diaries

Northumberland officials (left to right): new secretary Ian Harrison, retiring secretary Elliott Procter, retiring president John Mayfield and new president Gordon Garratt elected a new vice-president while John Fletcher (Close House), Paul Brennan (Arcot Hall) and John Bell (Newbiggin) join the executive.

Durham’s new secretary is Jonathan Ward, the former county development officer takes over from Graham Hope, who was elected president in succession to Allan Roberts.

Hope was secretary of Durham

for 16 years and was also county competitions secretary for four years.

Les Inskip, who has held the post of treasurer for 27 years, was re-elected.

Eaglescliffe’s Mike Sample and Ryton’s Cyril Thomas were elected new vice-presidents. Meanwhile, Chester-le-Street’s Andy Garrity and Ken Joel were re-elected to the executive.

The Northumberland Club will stage English Mid-Amateur Championship in July.

The tournament for the Logan Trophy - former Northumberland County President George Logan donated the trophy - takes place on July 3-5 and it will be one of the highlights of a packed programme of events in the North this year.

Other key dates at county level include: April 19 Northumberland and Durham Inter-County Foursomes Final (Boldon GC) May 2 Durham County Championship Qualifying (Castle Eden GC) May 16-17 Durham County Championship (South Shields GC) May 16 Northumberland North and South Trophy (City of Newcastle GC) May 30-31 Northumberland County Strokeplay Championship (Newcastle United GC) June 10-11 Northumberland

County Seniors Championship (Arcot Hall GC) June 13 Northumberland County Teams Championship (Prudhoe) June 22-23 Yorkshire County Seniors Championship (Knaresborough GC) June 27 Northumberland County Championship Qualifying (Morpeth GC) July 1 Durham County Seniors Championship (South Moor GC) July 4 Northumberland County Championship Final (Morpeth GC) July 8 Northern Boys Championship (Seascale GC) July 18, 19 and 25 Durham County Matchplay Championship (Wearside GC) July 30 Yorkshire County Teams Championship (Hessle GC) August 1 Northumberland Fenwick-Smith Trophy (Bellingham GC) August 1 Durham County Clubs Championship (Dinsdale Spa GC) August 18-20 Yorkshire County Championship (Fulford GC)

NORTHERN GOLFER 37

GOLFERNEWS

Sporting hero helps the heroes Ryder Cup hero Lee Westwood has thrown his weight behind the 2015 National Golf Club Challenge amateur charity golf tournament.

Westwood, who is attached to Close House in Northumberland, is keen to continue his support for the competition which sees hundreds of golf clubs throughout the UK compete against each other while at the same time raising funds in support of Help for Heroes.

He has been a patron to the National Golf Club Challenge, from its inception in 2010, giving his time and influence on a number of occasions to help raise the profile of the popular national charity golf competition.

“I’m proud to be Patron to the National Golf Club Challenge,” he said. “It’s the best way I can think of to bring the great British golfing community together to raise funds for such a worthy cause. Our Armed Forces are real British heroes and do a great job and deserve our help and support.

“It’s important to remember that many of the brave individuals who have suffered life-changing injuries while in the service of our country, will require ongoing support for a number of years. So it’s great to see the National Golf Club Challenge enter its sixth year in continuing to fundraise for Help for Heroes.”

There is no registration fee for golf clubs to take part in the 2015 National Golf Club Challenge; the only requirement is to raise as much money as possible for Help for Heroes while running a qualifier event. In the last two years more than £380,000 has been raised.

Participating golf clubs can fundraise on the day of their 2015 event, throughout the event week, or even all year long.

This makes it easy for every golf club in the UK to take part by simply nominating an existing event in their 2015 calendar as their Challenge qualifier event.

Golf clubs can register to take part in the 2015 National Golf Club Challenge at www.2015ngcc.com.

38 NORTHERN GOLFER

Lee Westwood

Open and shut case

Westwood leads chorus of disapproval at television switch from BBC to Sky

L

ee Westwood has labelled the new TV deal which will see Sky take over coverage of the Open Championship as “an absolute disgrace.”

Live coverage of The Open will disappear from the BBC from 2017 after the R&A announced a deal had been struck with Sky Sports.

Sky will have exclusive live rights for the major championship from 2017-2021, with the BBC showing a two-hour highlights package each day as well as broadcasting live radio coverage on BBC 5 Live and Sports Extra.

The Open, like the Wimbledon tennis championships, has long been regarded as one of the ‘crown jewels’ of British sport and the decision to remove it from the shrinking list of free-to-air events is a controversial one.

“I cannot believe The Open isn’t protected as one of the sporting crown jewels. That is an absolute disgrace,” said Westwood, who represents Northumberland course Close House on the world stage.

Westwood is both angry and worried that - with golf participation in sharp decline - the move will be a backwards step for the sport.

Westwood, who finished runner-up at the 2010 Open, added: “It’s very disappointing, even though I can appreciate how much Sky

have done for the European Tour, and how much they’ve done for the game of golf. But look at the viewing figures for Sky compared to the BBC and you have to question it when the number of golfers is dwindling.

“I wouldn’t have got into golf if it wasn’t for watching Nick Faldo win the Open in 1987. I would watch every minute of the coverage, and you want today’s kids to have the same opportunity.

“The BBC is doing golf no favours at all by letting the Open Championship go.”

Westwood also questioned the big-money move by the R&A, adding: “Well, it is the guardian of the game. But it seems to be all money-driven and Sky are willing to pay more than anyone else.”

Meanwhile, R&A chief executive Peter Dawson welcomed the deal, saying: “We believe this is the best result for The Open and for golf.

“The way people consume live sport is changing significantly and this new agreement ensures fans have a range of options for enjoying the Championship on television, on radio and through digital channels.

“Sky Sports has an excellent track record in covering golf across its platforms and has become the home of live golf coverage.”

MINDGAMES

With DAVID CHARLTON

PRACTICE LIKE A TOUR PRO Many golfers will be spending more time practising at the range to get ready for the new season. However, only a small number of those will be using their time wisely.

Some will stand there on a mat, hitting ball after ball with the same club, to the same target, thinking about mechanics all the time. Others will stand and strike ball after ball, in a quick fire approach, hitting 50 balls in around 30 minutes.

If this is you and you want to improve this season, try this approach instead: 1. Plan your practice to get the most out of it 2. Write down your goal before you practice

3. Spend 50% of practice time in the scoring area (short game and putting) 4. Practice under pressure with games against yourself or friends 5. Score yourself on a notepad 6. Don’t hit the same club twice 7. Aim for different targets 8. Simulate what you do on the course, playing holes at your club in your mind For a more detailed account of this article and further tips, check out my blog www.golf-excellence.co.uk Also, get in touch to organise a consultation to discuss your practise routines so that you get the most out of your time and play your best golf in 2015.

Northern Golfer performance enhancement specialist David Charlton tel 07734 697769 • email david@sport-excellence.co.uk www.golf-excellence.co.uk

NEXT MONTH

Achieve Your Golf Goals in 2015

Bob’s silver service Bob John has stepped down as secretary of the Northumberland and Durham Alliance 25 years after he volunteered to step in and fill the post “on a short-term basis.”

“I joined the Alliance in 1968 and met and played with many good golfers, also meeting many interesting and very friendly people,” said Bob. “In 1990, I volunteered and was appointed to carry out the

role of secretary/treasurer only for a year until a full-time officer could be found. Now it’s 25 years later and, happily, someone has been found at long last to replace me!”

The new secretary, Alan Liddle, a member of South Moor takes over the role this month and a presentation was made to Bob on his retirement at the Alliance’s annual meeting.

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GOLFERNEWS

Sweet Sixteen Coaching initiative is working but more could be done say the experts

E

ngland launched a major initiative to improve Under 16 coaching two years ago and while it has been reasonably successful, former Durham County captain Bryan Ross feels more could be done to promote what is available.

All 10 regional Under 16 boys’ squads are now well established and the girls’ coaching programme is being changed to a similar structure.

The basis of the scheme is that each player receives 20 days of coaching and an equivalent of 10 days physical development. Here in the North, the scheme is run

by Ross as England Golf regional manager - a voluntary role - along with a team of North of England coach Kendal McWade, England Girls North coach JJ Vallely and strength and conditioning coach Teleri Hamilton of Smart Fitness.

“We are blessed in the North Region with a group of fantastically talented coaches who are fully committed to delivering a world class coaching programme to the players of Northumberland, Durham and Cumbria,” said Ross.

“They all dedicate more time to the programme than they are paid to deliver and they have created an outstanding learning environment.

England’s North Region coaching team (left to right) Kendal McWade, Bryan Ross, JJ Vallely and Teleri Hamilton “Selection takes place in September and we are looking for players who are passionate, committed and show something that could make them a champion.

You also needs to be remember that any player can apply.”

Based at Matfen Hall, Vallely has spent several years working different squads. “My remit from

England Golf is to develop the best Under 16 Girls squad in Northumberland, Durham and Cumbria so they are capable of playing for England.

“There are definitely less girls to choose from than boys so it is important that no talented youngsters who show some promise slip through the net.”

Application forms for the England Golf North programme will be available from Bryan Ross, email bry.ross@hotmail.com or tel 07733 360 325 or from the England Golf website www.englandgolf.org/Coaching from around mid-summer.

Anyone who would like to discuss selection or anything to do with the programmes should contact Ross, Vallely (jjvallely@yahoo.co.uk or tel 07899 090 777), McWade (kendal.mcwade@btconnect.com or tel 07770 810 130) or Hamilton (teleri@smartfitness.org.uk or tel 07979 107 028).

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NORTHERN GOLFER 41

GOLFERNEWS

Rockliffe spa expands

Artist’s impressions of the Spa Garden at Rockliffe Hall Rockliffe Hall has announced major expansion plans for 2015.

The five-star resort at Hurworth near Darlington, home to the English Seniors Open in the past two years, is to develop a new Spa Garden the only one of its kind in the North East - to further enhance its award-winning spa facilities.

The new development is set to open in the autumn and work on the 200-metre spa garden is now underway with local contractors, Wharton Construction from Darlington managing the project.

The new Spa Garden will be adjacent to the current spa and will have two outdoor hot pools including an infinity edge hydrotherapy pool with massage features and a warm Jacuzzi, under-floor heated decking and lounging areas, a garden room with a traditional glass-fronted sauna cabin, fire pit, water feature, landscaped gardens with views across Rockliffe Hall’s grounds and heated relaxation loungers.

Rockliffe Hall’s spa has become one of the most successful in the UK and was recently the only spa in the North to receive a Good Spa Guide award - the Best Spa for Sheer Luxury, competing against high profile spas including Dormy House, Chewton Glen and Pennyhill Park.

This latest award for Rockliffe Hall’s spa comes after a successful 2014 when it received the Good Spa Guide’s new accolade of ‘5 Bubble Luxury’ alongside just five other UK spas – again, the only one in the North of England.

In addition, Rockliffe Hall was recognised as one of the top 15 spa partners in the world for the exclusive brand, Comfort Zone.

42 NORTHERN GOLFER

Colin Montgomerie

Monty triumphs yet again Scot is crowned number one for the ninth time in his sensational senior career

C

olin Montgomerie revisited a familiar end of season feeling when he was officially crowned the European Senior Tour’s number one player in Mauritius.

The Scot signed off a sensational 2014 season by receiving the John Jacobs Trophy after finishing sixth in the MCB Tour Championship, winning an Order of Merit crown for the ninth time in his illustrious career, having topped the European Tour’s money list a record eight times.

Montgomerie claimed four Senior Tour titles, including two Senior Major Championships during a record-breaking 2014 campaign, winning the Order of Merit with earnings of €624,543 - the highest in the history of the Senior Tour, comfortably beating Carl Mason’s previous 2007 benchmark of €412,376.

The 2010 European Ryder Cup Captain becomes just the second former European Tour number one to repeat the feat on the Senior Tour, matching the achievement of another former Ryder Cup captain, Ian Woosnam in 2008.

“This is great,” said Montgomerie. “To think I have eight of these Order of Merit trophies from The European Tour, which take pride of place, and now the John Jacobs Trophy from the Senior Tour to go alongside them is

fantastic. This will most certainly join them, because this is very special. To win an Order of Merit again, and make it nine, really does mean a lot, and I look forward to trying to retain it next year. It has been a very special year, winning two majors in America and twice back in Europe, and now capping it off with this.”

Meanwhile, Paul Wesselingh successfully defended his title in the MCB Tour Championship, overcoming Barry Lane in a record-equalling six-hole play-off, as the 2014 European Senior Tour season reached a dramatic conclusion in Mauritius.

Wesselingh had needed only to par the 18th hole to retain the title in regulation play, but he left his 20ft birdie putt 4ft short, then watched his next attempt horseshoe around the cup.

That meant he dropped back to nine underpar, signing for a closing round of 69, to finish level with fellow Englishman Lane, who had birdied three of the final four holes.

The pair then produced some superb golf in the play-off to each birdie the 18th hole five times in a row - Wesselingh somehow getting up and down after flirting with the water on the left of the green on the third extra hole before Lane, who had been struggling with injury and illness at the start of the week, eventually succumbed on the sixth.

PRO -FILE

DAVID ORD With Parklands pro David Ord AGE: 40 TURNED PRO: 2003 HOME CLUB: Parklands GC, formerly professional at Goswick GC and an amateur at Magdelene Fields CAREER HIGHLIGHTS As an amateur: Eyemouth GC club championship in 1998 Goswick GC club championship in 2003 Represented Aberdeen University THIS SEASON “The thing I am focusing on most this season is establishing myself as a teaching professional at Parklands.

“I’ve been at Parklands for a few months now and I’m starting to get to know the members and the regulars on the driving range. It’s a busy club, with some excellent practice facilities, and I’m looking forward to getting out there and helping people improve.

“I say this every year, but I’d like to play a little bit more competitive golf this season too. The NE/NW PGA is a great set up, with a fantastic group of players who I enjoy playing with, so I’d really like to get out and play a few more of its pro events and pro ams in 2015.”

GETTING INTO THE GAME “I moved to Berwick with my parents aged 12 and we lived about 300 yards from the clubhouse at Magdelene Fields. I picked up the game with my school friends there was about 20 of us who went to school and played golf together so I always had someone to play with. Living so close to the club was great; I used to pop over after school, sometimes in the dark, and practise my chipping and putting.

“I didn’t play a lot of golf of county level golf as a teenager, then went off to study engineering at Northumbria University. From there I moved to Aberdeen University and played a little bit for the uni golf team - but not at an ‘elite’ level.

“Having studied to be an engineer, I decided to switch career paths, joined the PGA in 2003 and I haven’t looked back.”

AIMS/FUTURE “Teaching has always come first; I get a lot out of helping people enjoy their golf. Of course I’d like to play more - both competitively and for fun - but I get far more satisfaction from seeing the players I work with enjoying it and hearing that they’re getting more out of the game.”

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Richmond (Yorks) Golf Club Set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales Bend Hagg, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 5EX NORTHERN GOLFER 43

GOLFERNEWS

MAIN RANKING EVENTS MAY 29-31: PGA North Region Championships (Carus Green) JULY 27-31: Leeds Cup Centenary (Moortown)

On course for a great year Dates and venues for PGA North confirmed

P

GA North is on course for its most successful season in years with a packed calendar running from early spring to late autumn.

Top of the list are five 36-hole tournaments counting for the Michael Slater Memorial Order of Merit - from which the top three players qualify for the national PGA Play-offs.

The first ranking event is the PGA North Region Championship at the end of May, which moves to its new home, Cumbria club Carus Green.

Next up, in July at Moortown, is the iconic Leeds Cup, professional golf ’s oldest trophy, which is celebrating its 100th staging.

The Manchester Open, inaugurated in 2002, will tee off for the eighth time at Marriott Worsley Park in late August followed in mid-September by the James Brearley Lancashire Open at Blackpool North Shore.

To complete the set, the resort’s Herons’ Reach, a regular home of the North Region Championship, keeps in the loop by hosting the PGA North Tour Championship which is a new event in early October. There will be pro ams at all five venues.

Assistant professionals are also well catered for with a record seven events with at last one in each county.

Spread throughout the campaign are 21 pro ams. One of the best supported is expected to be England’s Golf Coast pro am played over three days at West Lancs, Formby and Royal 44 NORTHERN GOLFER

Birkdale in April and is open to the whole country. PGA North secretary Graham Maly said: “As always, we have attempted to add new playing opportunities across our broad spectrum of members.

“We have secured continued sponsorship from James Brearley, Mansell Finishes, Worsley Park, Carus Green, Stewart Golf & Raa Putters with some new backing which should make this year one of the most successful to date.”

PROAM INVITATION PGA North is inviting teams from across the country to tee it up in England’s Golf Coast 54-hole pro am.

The event will be played at the end of April at Formby, West Lancs and Royal Birkdale which straddle arguably the most famous stretch of links courses in the world.

The inaugural event last year was such a success that interest from outside the region prompted the move to open it up nationwide.

“This is a glorious chance for professionals and amateurs to play these three iconic courses,” said PGA North secretary Graham Maly.

The first round will be at Formby on April 28. You can enter a team, which costs £1,500, at pga.info (England & Wales (North) tournaments) or by contacting PGA North, tel 01204 496 137 or to download an entry form go to img.bluegolf.org

Formby Golf Club home to the first round of PGA North’s pro ams this year

AUG 25-26: Manchester Open (Marriott Worsley Park Golf Club) SEPT 14-16: James Brearley Lancashire Open (Blackpool North Shore) OCT 6-8: PGA North Tour Championships (Herons Reach) ASSISTANTS MARCH 26: Druh Belts Assistants’ Shoot-out (Cookridge Hall) MAY 6: Assistants’ Championship of Yorkshire (Ilkley) JUNE 5: Assistants’ Championship of Cheshire (High Legh Park) JULY 14: Sue Wright Trophy (Helsby) JULY 24: Assistants’ Championship of Lancs (Bolton) AUG 18: NE and NW Assistants’ Championship (TBC) SEPT 1-2: Harold Lees Trophy (Dore and Totley) OCT 2: Inter-County Assistants’ Matchplay Championship (Wilmslow)

NEW COURSE ADDED FOR 2015

East Coast Golf Passport UNBELIEVABLE VALUE WITH PRICES REMAINING UNCHANGED FOR 2015.

PLUS YOU CAN NOW ALSO PLAY SCARBOROUGH SOUTH CLIFF GOLF CLUB Bridlington and the surrounding coastline proudly boasts six of Yorkshire’s finest golf coures all located within a short distance of each other offering golfers of all abilities an excellent test of golf on six very different and contrasting courses The six clubs have come together to create a new and innovative golf pass which enables visitors to Bridlington and the East Yorkshire area the opportunity to play six fantastic courses and at the same time enjoying incredible savings of up to half the normal Green Fees.

How to apply for this great deal?

Simple, just contact the office at Bridlington Belvedere Golf Club, tel. 01262 606367 seven days a week or e-mail enquiries@bridlingtongolfclub.co.uk and let us take care of the arrangements for you.**

BRIDLINGTON GOLF CLUB

Belvedere Road, Bridlington t: 01262 606367 www.bridlingtongolfclub.co.uk

HORNSEA GOLF CLUB

Rolston Road, Hornsea t: 01964 534989 www.hornseagolfclub.co.uk

The Special reduced cost of your passport is;

£58* for 3 rounds of golf! £70* for 4 rounds of golf! £80* for 5 rounds of golf!

ENJOY EXCELLENT SAVINGS!

FILEY GOLF CLUB

FLAMBOROUGH HEAD

West Avenue, Filey t: 01723 513293 www.fileygolfclub.com

Lighthouse Road, Flamborough t: 01262 850333 www.flamboroughheadgolfclub.co.uk

THE BRIDLINGTON LINKS

Flamborough Road, Bridlington t: 01262 401584 www.bridlington-links.co.uk

SCARBOROUGH SOUTH CLIFF Deepdale Avenue, Scarborough t. 01723 360522 www.southcliffgolfclub.com

The Revelstoke Hotel

In conjunction with the East Coast Golf Passport 1-3 Flamborough Road, Bridlington YO15 2HU

Three Day Golf Break Only £169.00 Inc. 3 rounds of golf & 2 nights b&b

Four Day Golf Break Only £237.00 Inc. 4 rounds of golf & 3 nights b&b

Five Day Golf Break Only £299.00

Inc. 5 rounds of golf & 4 nights b&b.

Offer Includes Weekends Please contact us on 01262 672362 e: info@revelstokehotel.co.uk www.revelstokehotel.co.uk

www.golfcoastpassport.co.uk

GOLFERTRAVEL

Turkish delight It may not be famed for its golf but Alan Hedley finds Turkey is fast becoming a must visit for those who love the sport

T

urkey is staking a major claim to become the number one destination for golfers.

The significant development of the Belek region, highlighted by quality courses such as the Montgomerie Maxx Royal, has seen the area transformed into a haven for travelling golfers.

In a relatively compact area, several courses are on offer - the Sultan and Pasha, Faldo Cornelia, Sueno, Gloria, Carya, The National and the superb Lykia Links, but the Montgomerie Maxx Royal is the best of the bunch.

The Turkish Airlines World Golf Finals at the Maxx Royal and Turkey’s decision to bid for the Ryder Cup further highlights the growing influence and quality of golf in Turkey.

46 NORTHERN GOLFER

There are many top quality golf courses and accommodation options in Belek but there are one or two venues a cut above the rest and The Montgomerie Maxx Royal is just such a venue. Umbrella pine trees dominate Colin Montgomerie’s creation and while they call for accurate play, a wayward drive is not always a disaster and there are ways to escape.

The course sprawls over 260 acres of prime parkland and is just a stone’s throw from the sea. There are no less than eight lakes dotted around the course and with those trees, this is no pushover as the greens are also fast and tricky. The course stretches to over 7,000 yards off the back, but each hole has four tees and can be enjoyed by less experienced players from as little as 5,429 yards. It is an excellent

Fact file Alan Hedley flew from Manchester to Antalya with Turkish Airlines and flights are also available from Edidnurgh and other regional airports. He stayed at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal,İskele Mevkii, Turizm Cad., Belek, Antalya www.maxxroyal.com and www.montgomerie maxxroyal.com

test with a testing par five start and finish plus some terrific par threes.The par five fourth around and over a lake is memorable and is followed by a long par thee over water while the seventh is an excellent driving hole.

Water comes into play again on the ninth and the 14th is a wonderfully teasing par three over a lake but, for me, the 18th is the best hole as it offers a real chance to get up in two if you get the drive right but it is also an equally good three-shorter if played sensibly.

Five minutes walk from the all inclusive five-star hotel, the course also boast a five-star clubhouse with a perfect terrace overlooking the 18th.

All of the guest rooms are suites in The Maxx Royal Hotel, which is set at the heart of a 400,000 square metre estate, which is just a few minutes from the centre of Belek and 45kms from Antalya City and airport.

A variety of dining options offer guests unrivalled quality and choice. The hotel (and golf course) is operated on an all inclusive basis.

GREENWATCH

GREEN WATCH

With JON WYRE, ROCKLIFFE HALL

Backworth Golf Club A MUST PLAY HIDDEN GEM IN NORTH TYNESIDE

12 Month Memberships

Adult Male & Female - £424

Senior 5 day - £384 Senior 7 day - £404

New members welcome Telephone the Manager John Robinson on 0191 2684274 Visitors & Societies Welcome Telephone 0191 2689131 for course availability, information and events Email: backworthminers@virgin.net • www.backworthminers.co.uk/golf The Hall, Backworth, NE27 0AH

MAGDALENE FIELDS GOLF CLUB Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1NE

ADULT MEMBERSHIP £400 for year 1st Febuary 2015 to 31st January 2016 First time member 20% off all full prices Email the club or phone for more deals!

Course open all winter with summer greens.

Visitors & Societies always welcome.

For further details telephone the Secretary on 01289 306130 e: secretary.m.f.g.c@hotmail.co.uk www.magdalene-fields.co.uk

Here at Rockliffe Hall, we have the pleasure of maintaining USGA greens with A4/G6 creeping bent grass species. This allows us to present our greens twelve months of the year without the need for temporary greens throughout the winter months. Along with our continuing maintenance programme prior to and during the winter period, we also have a frost policy while the course is frost covered.

As the turfgrass plant is made up of 90% water, when frozen it becomes susceptible to damage from foot traffic and golf trolley wheels. Frost coverage usually presents itself in two forms, a ‘leaf frost’ which is identified easily by the white coverage on surface. The second type is a ‘ground frost’. This frost type is where the most damage

can occur and it is not so easily indentifiable. The frost may have thawed within the leaf and may look like the greens have thawed but the crown of the plant may still be frozen, and applying pressure can break the leaf at the crown from its root system thus potentially killing the plant altogether.

Both of these frost forms can have a long term detrimental effect on the playing surface by encouraging uneccessary plant stress which can then lead to a disease threat.

Throughout the Autumn, you should see greenkeepers aerating and possibly topdressing greens to keep the green surfaces dryer. This helps with frost damage, as the less water on the surfaces means the potential for less damage during frost periods.

NEXT MONTH Getting back on course

NORTHERN GOLFER 47

GOLFERTRAVEL

Dun Laoghaire

Emerald Isle’s golfing gems Alan Hedley takes a short trip over the Irish Sea to find some wonderful venues for a trip away

I

reland is very much back on the golfing map these days.

Scotland makes a big thing about being the home of golf and rightly so, but having been a regular visitor to Ireland - north and south for nearly 30 years, I can assure you the quality of Irish courses is second to none.

There’s also been some muchneeded realism recently with regard to

green fees and a trip to the Emerald Isle won’t break the bank.

We sailed to Ireland from Holyhead to Dublin on the Ulysses and returned after a four-day trip on the high-speed Dublin Swift.

Irish Ferries has four ships sailing between the UK and Ireland, with the new ferry Epsilon on the popular Holyhead to Dublin route increasing the choice of departure times, so that

THE CAIRNDALE HOTEL ENGLISH STREET, DUMFRIES, SCOTLAND, DG1 2DF

Dunmurry Springs Dunmurry Springs Golf Club, Kildare Town Co Kildare tel 353 (0) 45 531 400 dunmurrysprings.ie Dun Laoghaire Golf Club, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow tel 353 (0) 1 272 1866 dunlaoghairegolfclub. ie

Golf in the Scottish Borders Traditional country inn ideally situated for playing MINTO, THE HIRSEL, KELSO, HAWICK plus many more.

12 en-suite bedrooms with tv, wi-fi, tea/coffee making facililties, Sky tv.

Restaurant and bar serving excellent home cooked food and cask ales (good pub guide)

The ideal location for your golfing break with a choice of more than 25 local courses.

Facilities include 91 comfortable en suite bedrooms, heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and gymnasium.

Midweek breaks 2 nights DBB plus a round at Powfoot, Southerness and Dumfries & County from £219 (April & Oct) £239 May – September The Birdie Trail - choice of 8 courses Midweek from £200 • Weekend £219

Visit our Website www.cairndalehotel.co.uk or contact Michael Dickie 01387-240286 48 NORTHERN GOLFER

there are up to six sailings a day in each direction.

The Isle of Inishmore also sails the Pembroke to Rosslare route, for golfers driving from the south.

Cruise-ferry fares start at £79 each way for a car and driver, with no extra charges for carrying golf clubs or other baggage in the boot of the car.

Irish Ferries Holidays can also

The Auld Cross Keys Inn

B&B only £35.00 pp sharing twin room or £45.00 pp single

Tel: Karen or Dave on 01450 870305 crosskeysdenholm@btopenworld.com www.crosskeysenholm.co.uk Five Star Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence

The Green, Denholm, Scottish Borders, TD9 8NU

GOLFERTRAVEL

package ferry crossings with selected hotels, B&Bs and cottages to create great value self-drive golf holidays.

We stayed in the excellent Tullamore Court Hotel which was more than handy for the delights of the town which has its own whisky distillery and some excellent pubs such as The Brewery Tap, Hugh Lynch’s, Joe Lee’s and Kelly’s. fI you have time on the way there, call in at The Dew Drop Inn in Kill (I kid you not) in County Kildare.

There are some wonderful courses, among them Tullamore, a true championship course, designed by James Braid and upgraded by Paddy Merrigan in 1996.

It is truly one of the best parkland courses in Ireland. Tree-lined, water comes into play on several holes, but the fairways are generous and while the rough is punishing, as it should be on a quality course, there are chances to score.

The fifth, a strong par four, will stick in

the mind and there’s a great run on the back nine starting at 13 and 14 with the signature hole 16th and a terrific par five to finish.

Green fees are from 20 to 38 euros, really good value for money on what is a lovely, scenic course with an excellent clubhouse, and there are special rates for societies, plus there is a ridiculously cheap three-course deal along with Esker Hills and Castle Barna for 70 euros (about £58-£60). See www.tullamoregolftriangle.ie.

On the way back, dinner at Giltrap’s Pub in Kinnitty was a treat and the following day, it was off to Dunmurry Springs, a considerably younger course than Tullamore - it opened in 2005 but it’s surprisingly mature with some spectacular views and a number of testing holes.

Water features on several holes but it’s often not a card-killer and the sixth, seventh and eighth holes are reckoned to be their own Amen Corner, whie the approach to the 18th over water is a fitting finale. A buggy is a good idea here.

A visit to Tullamore is not complete without dinner in the Bridge House Hotel. It seemed most of the town was there when we were and that’s not

18 Hole parkland course set in the heart of the Borders beautiful countryside Visitors & Societies always welcome Winter Golf only £10 round until 31st March 2015 Summer Golf - Midweek £25 round - Weekend £30 round Excellent rates for visiting parties

Telephone the Secretary on 01573 223009 or email:secretary@kelsogolfclub.co.uk Golf Course Road, Kelso, Borders, TD5 7SL www.kelsogolfclub.co.uk

Irish Ferries: www.irishferries.com Tourism Ireland: discoverireland.com Tullamore Golf Club Tullamore, Co Offaly tullamoregolfclub.ie Tullamore Court Hotel tullamorecourthotel.ie The Maldron Hotel & Leisure Club, Dublin themaldron hotelcardifflane.ie The Dew Drop Inn, Kill, Co Kildare dewdropinn.ie Giltrap’s Pub, Birr Co Offaly +353 (0) 57 913 7076 Bridge House Hotel Tullamore househoteltullamore.ie

founded 1905

surprising as the food and drink is exceptional.

Our third course, Dun Laoghaire hit the jackpot when their original course at Eglington Park was sold for millions of euros. The club upped sticks and moved a few kilometres south to Ballyman Glen on the border between the counties of Dublin and Wicklow.

They built a superb new 27-hole course in a glorious valley with spectacular views and a clubhouse which compares with Riviera in the USA. Cleverly designed by Hawtree to allow different combinations of the three loops of nine with multiple teeing areas, it’s the venue for the 2016 Curtis Cup which gives an idea of its standard.

Because of the variety of tees it offers various degrees of difficulty - and ease - but it might be wise to take a buggy given the rolling terrain.

The American-style bunkers may not suit purists but some of the water holes are fantastic and do offer chances to score if you’re sensible rather than brave!

The magnificent clubhouse on three levels seems a bit posh but it exudes the typical Irish hospitality and is really something. There’s an academy with practice area, pro shop and splendid changing rooms and green fees won’t break the bank at 70 euros with 240 euros for a fourball.

Sadly, that was end of our golf in Ireland for another year but an overnight in the smart Maldron Hotel and Leisure Club in Dublin rounded off the trip before the return journey to Holyhead on the Dublin Swift.

The best day out you’ll have on a golf course (without breaking the bank)

18 hole parkland course with stunning views across the Solway Firth, Cumbrian Fells & even the Isle of Man Visitors & Societies always welcome Deals always available

Visit Colvend and enjoy golf the way it should be played

Telephone 01556 630398 or email secretary@colvendgolfclub.co.uk Sandyhills, Dalbeattie, DG5 4PY www.colvendgolfclub.co.uk

NORTHERN GOLFER 49

GOLFERTRAVEL

Play Portrush Here’s your chance to play Ireland’s Open Championship course Royal Portrush.

Now back on the Open rota, Portrush is the home of 2011 US Open winner Graeme McDowell and also 2011 Open Championship winner Darren Clarke.

It will also be the centrepiece of the Causeway Coast Amateur Tournament this June as it has been for more than 45 years.

The format of this unique tournament has never changed and features Royal Portrush’s Valley course, Castlerock, Ballyliffin and Ballycastle - four of Ireland’s finest courses.

Entrants play four out of five days Monday-Friday starting the first Monday in June and it costs just £200, which gives four practice rounds and four competition rounds on excellent links courses.

Even allowing for air fares and bed and breakfast accommodation, this is remarkable value. Entry is limited to 900 and there are no domestic/international quotas. You are free to enter as an individual or large group and every night brings various social activities, culminating in a Friday night prize giving.

The dates for 2015 are Monday June 1-5 and info is available at www.causewaycoastgolf.com The 2015 opening ceremony will be held on Sunday May 31 at 8pm at Castlerock Golf Club and entertainment includes a golf trick show artist, traditional Irish music, Bushmills Whiskey, Hog Roast and a few free beers.

EMAIL: INFO@CAUSEWAYCOASTGOLF.COM • WWW.CAUSEWAYCOASTGOLF.COM

NORTHUMBRIA GOLF BREAKS FOR THE BEST GOLFING HOLIDAYS UNDER THE SUN

ASK US FOR A QUOTE FOR YOUR NEXT GOLFING HOLIDAY! YOU WILL BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED! We cover most destinations in the world Telephone: 01207 562 322 or Mobile: 07889 943 753

CONTACT TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR, RAYMOND EAKIN TEL: +44 (0) 28 7086 8140 MOB: +44 (0) 7739 419 727

50 NORTHERN GOLFER

ATOL PROTECTED

Email: brian@golfnorthumbria.com www.golfnorthumbria.com Northumbria Golf Breaks, The Office, Ravenside Farm, Hedley, Stocksfield NE43 7SX

ROTHBURY GOLF CLUB Picturesque 18 hole course in the heart of Northumberland

visiting parties

Great value packages available to suit everyone. Excellent discounts for larger parties Casual and Individual visiting golfers are very welcome

membership

Full Adult from £450 (Other Membership Options are available at reduced cost) Significant discounts for groups of four new memberships (combined) 3 and 5 year membership discounts also available

clubhouse

Stunning views of the Simonside Hills and the Cheviots. Full catering served daily including Sunday Carvery Available for Wedding Receptions, Birthday Parties, Business Meetings, Clubs, Societies etc Non-Golfers, Walkers and Bikers always welcome

open competitions 2015

Ten Open Competitions to enter - Ladies, Men’s and Seniors Visit our website for full details www.rothburygolfclub.com

For further details of all our offers telephone the Secretary on 01669 621271 or email: secretary@rothburygolfclub.com www.rothburygolfclub.com Whitton Bank Road, Rothbury, Northumberland, NE65 7RX @rothburygolf

COURSEREVIEW

Welcome return of Woodham

Alan Hedley pays a visit to a course which is thriving again under new owners who have invested wisely

T

he course at Woodham is among the best tests of golf in the North.

Plenty of water, strong par fives, good par fours and terrific par threes including the signature 17th, go to making an excellent 6,671-yard layout.

No surprise then that it’s up and running again with new owners investing heavily in both the course and clubhouse.

Wisely, there have been no major changes to the course - if it ain’t broke don’t fix it - but a comprehensive programme of work has been carried out by Woodham Golf and Leisure Ltd since they bought it in July.

52 NORTHERN GOLFER

Major drainage work plus tidying up of copses, bushes and shrubs has made a huge difference while the clubhouse has seen a top-notch refurbishment with a completely new ladies locker room and an extensive patio area created.

A special camera was used to supervise work on nearly 2,000 metres of drainage while the greens have been sand-injected to revive a course opened in 1981 and designed by the highlyrespected J Hamilton Stutt.

It has always been a quality layout, as shown by the opening par five with out of bounds on the left. It can be reached in two but the green is well protected by bunkers.

Beware the bunkers and the water at the second and, if you are a big hitter, the same applies to the third where a stream runs along the right side.

The fourth is the first of the short holes and is possibly the most straightforward, but it still needs an accurate tee shot. A long par five dog-leg follows where accuracy is even more essential.

Another dog-leg follows but not as severe and while it’s not a long hole, it’s nevertheless challenging and it might not be a driver at what is lovely hole.

Another shortish dog-leg follows and big hitters could be really tempted here.

COURSEREVIEW

FACT FILE CONTACT Woodham Golf and Country Club Burnhill Way, Newton Aycliffe Co Durham, DL5 4PN Tel 01325 318 454 Pro Shop 01325 319 977 www.woodhamgolfandcountryclub.co.uk Email golf@woodhamgolfandleisure.co.uk

Meanwhile, lots of bunkering has to be negotiated at the short eighth.

Don’t be fooled by the relative shortness of the ninth, another dog-leg right with a green surrounded by bunkers and those at the front are very deep.

The start of the back nine isn’t a long par five but it is a challenging one and you must be straight to have a chance of getting up in two for birdie or better.

A left to right dog-leg, the long par four 11th features a very undulating green and the short 12th might look fairly routine but the two-tier green is well bunkered with out of bounds to the left and rear.

Then it’s the start of Woodham’s Amen Corner. The 13th boasts a blind tee shot, water and trees as does the 14th with the approach over a lake and the 15th could arguably be the signature hole with a stream that wends its way across the fairway plus a pond in front of a raised green.

Then it’s on to a fine finish. The 16th is just short of being a 400-yard par for but stay out of the rough!

The 17th is a superb par three and is the signature hole (see factfile); if you get out of there with a par the 18th will seem a doddle... but it’s not!

You must avoid the water left of the green and the trees and if you do it will offer you the chance of a good finish.

GREEN FEES Weekdays £12.50 (juniors £8.50) Weekends £17.50 (juniors £11.50) Buggies available TOTAL DISTANCE White tees - 6,671 yards Yellow tees - 6,113 yards Red tees - 5,401 yards FEATURES 18 holes parkland golf Newly refurbished clubhouse, The Green lounge bar and Lakeside Suite Restaurant Sky TV Disabled access Refurbished changing rooms Plenty of car parking Practice area and practice net Putting green PGA Professional tuition Well-stocked pro shop Junior academy

The refurbished clubhouse is very much at the centre of things at Woodham.

The Green lounge bar offers a relaxing atmosphere and is the perfect destination to enjoy a delicious homecooked meal and a drink with friends. Seating 40, it has Sky Sports, a bar, disabled access and friendly staff.

The Lakeside Suite Restaurant seats 120 and with its panoramic view of the course you will be dining in style.

Great changing room facilities are backed up by a fullystocked pro shop offering custom fitting and club repair, buggy hire, excellent practice facilities and coaching.

The club has a membership scheme with no joining fee and no waiting list, while green fees currently start as low as £12.50 per round

CADDY’S TIP Stay out of the trees and the water; it’s not always a driver off the tee SIGNATURE HOLE The 220-yard par three 17th. Boy, is this a testing par three. Stand on the tee and the hole seems to get narrower as it gets to the green...that’s because it does with tall trees either side. It’s also uphill. Consider four to be a good score here.

ALAN HEDLEY’S VERDICT

Woodham has always been one of best looking courses in the North and it’s a great test NORTHERN GOLFER 53

MATCHPLAYPAIRS MATCH PLAY PAIRS APPLICATION FORM For your chance to win a top prize in amateur golf, simply fill in this application form and send it to: Tournament Organiser, Northern Golfer, Offstone Publishing, Unit One, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

LEAD PLAYER PLAYER NAME

HANDICAP

Gents Match Play Pairs 2015 Enter our popular competition ENTRY FEE

£25

GOLF CLUB

ADDRESS POSTCODE TEL (DAY)

TEL (EVE)

EMAIL

PARTNER

HANDICAP

PLAYER NAME

GOLF CLUB

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Wynyard Golf Club

EMAIL

PAYMENT:

ENTRY FEE

I have enclosed a cheque made payable to Offstone Publishing for £25  Or I authorise Offstone Publishing to debit my Mastercard/Visa/Maestro/Delta card by £25 only

£25

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54 NORTHERN GOLFER

Y

es , the new season is only weeks away and entries into our annual Gents Match Play Pairs Tournament are already flooding in.

This is the chance for golfers throughout the North of England to play excellent courses, meet other regular golf enthusiasts and enjoy a golf tournament that has been running since 2002 Throughout the years, as a result of their victories, all of our champions have enjoyed a tournament golfing holiday on the Algarve in sunny Portugal where some were successful in winning further great prizes.

This season, the Match Play semi finals are to be played at Wynyard Golf Club and the final is at Ramside Hall Golf Club - please visit our website www.northerngolfer.co.uk to view the rules The winners will receive places in the NE/NW Pro Am to be staged

on the Algarve later this year, organised by Kevin Batty from Golfing Holidays.

Last year, Peter Gallagher and Neil Walmsley from Durham City Golf Club were our champions.

Peter, a 48 year old painter and decorator, works for Durham County Council. He has been playing golf for approximately 20 years but more seriously recently since becoming a member at Durham City Golf Club five years ago.

“This is a great competition and obviously to win it was a great feeling,” said Peter. “It is well organised and we both have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Everybody we played against was very welcoming and it was great to get courtesy when playing away, taking part in the semis at Ramside and of course the final at Tyneside.

“The prize itself was excellent and I would recommend to everyone to enter and have a go – it was just great.”

For more information on entry go to www.northerngolfer.co.uk

MATCHPLAYPAIRS NORTHERN GOLFER MENS MATCH PLAY PAIRS RULES 2015

Ramside Hall Neil, who is also 48 years of age, agreed with his partner. He said: “I cannot fault anything about the competition, it was brilliant from start to finish and played in great spirit. To win something like this has been the best thing to happen to me with regards to my golf.

“There were no problems at all and I would like to thank the Northern Golfer team for all their

hard work in organising the event.”

So don’t delay, you could be the next champions and enjoying a top prize in amateur golf - simply fill in the application form and send it to Tournament Organiser Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs Offstone Publishing Unit 1, Bearl Farm Stocksfield, Northumberland NE43 7AL

1. A pairs match play competition to be run in conjunction with Northern Golfer for its readers within its circulation area.

2. Entry forms, illegible or incorrect may result in the entrants being disqualified.

3. At each match, if courtesy is not given, green fees will be shared by both home and away teams.

4. All entry forms are to be directed to Northern Golfer with the entry fee.

5. The minimum age for the competition is 18, there is no maximum.

6. The maximum handicap is 24.

7. Matches to be played using 3/4 of the difference of the handicap taken from the lowest handicap.

8. Matches to be played off the tees of the day - (Home players may choose between yellows or whites depending on club policy).

9. This competition is open to golf club members with a valid handicap.

10. Active handicap certificates must be available at all matches for opponents to inspect if requested.

11. No player can enter the competition more than once.

12. Once a team has registered their home club, they cannot transfer to another club without notifying Northern Golfer and a transfer will only be accepted once a check has been made that the players

have fully complied with COGNU handicapping rules.

13. The home drawn pair to offer three dates and times to their opposition.

14. No extensions will be given.

15. In the event of being unable to arrange a date, both teams will be disqualified.

16. Should a match be tied after 18 holes, the result will be decided by a sudden death play off commencing at the First hole.

17. A panel consisting of representatives from Northern Golfer will adjudicate any disputes in conjunction with the Rules Office of the R & A. Their decision will be final.

18. No correspondence will be entered into.

19. The prizes are not transferable.

20. Distance Measuring Devices are permitted.

21. All players must agree to being photographed and included in Northern Golfer should the occasion arise.

22. The semi-finals and final are to be played during the first two weeks of September 2015.

23. Date and venue of the NE/NW PGA Pro Am has yet to be confirmed.

24. Closing dates for entries is March 30, 2015.

Woodham continues to benefit from the extensive improvements being undertaken by the owners.

A considerable investment has been made most noticeable in the course drainage, clubhouse refurbishment and treatments to the greens.

The owners are delighted with the very positive feedback received from the golfing community and look forward to many more golfers enjoying this fantastic facility.

Winter Green Fees available until 31st March 2015 Weekday £12.50

Weekend £17.50

Weekday Junior £8.50

Weekend £11.50

Weekday with member £8.50

Weekend £11.50

Weekday Day £24.00

Weekend £34.00

Membership: No joining fee - No waiting list Membership Fees 1st April 2015 - 31st March 2016 Adult

7 Day £450

5 Day £400

Joint £850

Juniors (17-21 years) £200 (14-16 years) £100 (under 14 years) £50 Fully stocked golf shop - Major Brands Buggy Hire Visitors £20.00

Member £12.00

Telephone 01325 319977 Coaching available from PGA professional Ernie Wilson telephone 01325 319977 (golf shop) email: woodhamproshop@googlemail.com www.woodhamgolfandcountryclub.co.uk

Tel: 01325 319977 (golf shop) Burnhill Way, Woodham, DL5 4PN www.woodhamgolfandcountryclub.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 55

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Enter online

GOLFERCOMPETITIONS

Lo northe g on to rngolfe r.co.uk

Northern Golfer competitions are also listed on our website www.northerngolfer.co.uk/competitions, Alternatively, you can enter via email at competitions@northerngolfer.co.uk (mark the competition name in the subject field) or post your entry to: Competitions, Northern Golfer, Unit One, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL Please include your contact details and telephone number.

Closing date March 22 2015. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT .WESTERHOPE GOLF CLUB The 6,392 yard layout at Westerhope Golf Club is a popular one for the region’s pros as well as top leval amateur events.

The parkland course is always well presented and the club has produced a number of county players since it was established in 1941 - having been designed by 1902 Open Champion Sandy Herd.

For your chance to win answer this question: Where will the 2015 US Open be played?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT CASTLE EDEN GOLF CLUB WIN A PAIR OF G/FORE GOLF SHOES Worn by eight-time major champion and 2014 US Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson as well as PGA and European Tour winners Jonas Blixt, Robert Rock and Alex Cejka - G/FORE golf shoes are available in a range of colours and offer the perfect balance between comfort and style, on and off the course.

The Gallivanter golf shoe combines premium water-resistant materials, including leather, suede, flannel wool and performance microfibres, all in a number of signature colourways.

For your chance to win answer the following question: When will Sky Sports begin broadcasting the Open Championship?

The picturesque 18-hole parkland layout at Castle Eden is one of County Durham and Teesside’s finest.

The par 70 course measures just more than 6,000 yards from the back tees and has hosted a number of Durham county events.

Its undulating greens and tree-lined fairways are regularly regarded among some of the best in the county and many of them are tricky to master.

For your chance to win answer this question: Who won the 2015 Omega Dubai Desert Classic?

We had another great response to our Dec-Jan competitions, with more than 500 entries. Congratulations to the winners: KP: Douglas Pinchin of Longlands, Middlesbrough, Ryton: Colin Richardson of Hetton le Hole, Woodham: Aidan Brough of Consett

BEAMISH PARK GOLF CLUB Providing Golfing Excellence for over 100 Years “Be Challenged and Enjoy the Experience”

Love Golf....

Love Beamish Park Visitors & Societies always welcome Book your Society Outing Now! Party of 16 or more Organiser goes free

Winter Warmer (Tue to Friday)

18 holes plus soup + bread roll Only £10

Special offer on 2015 Membership Pay for 12 months and get until End of March 2016.

Available to New Applicants Only Reduced Membership rates for age groups 25 and under

Contact us for more information - 0191 3701984

www.beamishgolf.co.uk 56 NORTHERN GOLFER

Beamish Golf Club Stanley, County Durham, DH9 ORH

Sa N les o O w f O fi pe ce n

A New Luxury HolidAy Home Development in the heArt of northumberlAnd Northumbrian Hills is an exclusive four-star development consisting of holiday cottages, pavilion and leisure facilities set within the Burgham Park championship golf course, which is nestled between Morpeth and Alnwick.

50 three bedroom stone holiday cottages in a village setting are currently available for sale to people looking for a holiday home in Northumberland with easy access to the coast and countryside. Each stone cottage provides 107sq.m (1150sq.ft) of internal floor space spread over two floors with a balcony offering breathtaking, panoramic views. House prices from ÂŁ235,00.

Andrew Coulson

Stephen McOwan

Showhome opening shortly, to view, contact William Kiely on 07786 988819 ailsa@andrew-coulson.co.uk stephen.mcowan@smithsgore.co.uk Tel 01434 632404 Mobile 07736270505 Tel 01434 600146 Mobile 07834585375 or email info@northumbrianhills.com Northumbrian Hills, Burgham Park, nr Felton, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 9QP. www.northumbrianhills.com

GOLFERTIPS

PRE SEASON CHECKPOINTS It is important to start the season the right way. Here are some checkpoints that every golfer should go over before the first competition of the spring arrives...

START ON THE RIGHT FOOT Start the season with a few lessons - even if you are completely happy with your game at this point in the year.

It is really important to get some good advice from your coach, even if it is just to cover all the basics; remember there is always something you can improve on.

GET THOSE MUSCLES .MOVING Now is the time to work on your fitness and think carefully about your diet. Don’t ignore your fitness - it is crucial to adding distance and building some consistency in your game.

GET YOUR EQUIPMENT .IN ORDER Prepare your golf equipment and get everything you need now rather than panicking 10 minutes before you tee off. Now is the time to get your equipment checked, altered and changed if necessary.

PRACTICE Get out there and hit some balls on the range and on the practice green. 100 swings a day will groove the muscle memory and help stimulate the muscles.

Neil Whinham North ern Golfer Pro tel 0191 529 2144 for private lessons and advice

AT: CHECK OUT OUR ONLINE TIPS /tips/ www.northerngolfer.co.uk/category 58 NORTHERN GOLFER

directory NOR THERN

NOR THERN

directory

Pick up a copy of Northern Golfer at any of these venues

COUNTY DURHAM Barnard Castle Golf Club Harmire Rd, Barnard Castle, DL12 8QN 01833 638 355

To be listed or to advertise please call 01661 844115 or email enquiries@northerngolfer.co.uk

Beamish Park Golf Club Beamish Park, Stanley, DH9 0RH 0191 370 1382 Birtley Golf Club Portobello Road, Birtley, Chester-le-Street, DH3 2LR 0191 410 2207 Bishop Auckland Golf Club High Plains, Bishop Auckland, DL14 8DL 01388 661 618 Blackwell Grange Golf Club Snipe Lane, Darlington, DL2 2SA 01325 464 458 Brancepeth Castle Golf Club Brancepeth Castle, DH7 8EA 0191 378 0075 Castle Eden Golf Club Castle Eden, TS27 4SS 01429 836 510 Chester le Street Golf Club Lumley Pk, Chester le Street, DH3 4NS 0191 388 3218 Cocken Lodge Golf Cocken Lodge Farm, Leamside, DH4 6QP 0191 584 1053 Consett & District Golf Club Elmfield Road, Consett, DH8 5NN 01207 505 060 Crook Golf Club Low Jobs Hill, Crook DL15 9AA 01388 762 429 Darlington Golf Club Haughton Road, Darlington, DL1 3JD 01325 355 324 Dinsdale Spa Golf Club Middleton St George, Darlington, DL2 1DW 01325 332 297 Durham City Golf Club Littleburn, Langley Moor, DH7 8HL 0191 378 0029 Hallgarth Hotel Golf & Country Club Coatham Munderville, Darlington, DL1 3LU 01325 300 400 Hobson Golf Club Hobson, Near Burnopfield, NE16 6BZ 01207 270 941 Ineos Golf Club School Aycliffe Lane, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6EA. Sec: Patrick Montgomery, 07974 742 679

60 NORTHERN GOLFER

Oak Leaf Golf Club School Aycliffe Lane, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4EF 01325 310 820 Ramside Hall Golf Club Ramside Hall Hotel, Carville, Durham, DH1 1TD 0191 386 9514 Rockliffe Hall Golf Club Hurworth-on-Tees,Darlington, DL2 2DU 01325 729 980

Bamburgh Castle Golf Club The Wynding, Bamburgh, NE69 7DE 01668 214 321

Seahouses Golf Club Beadnell Road, Seahouses, NE68 7XT 01665 720 794

Saltburn by the Sea Golf Club Hob Hill, Saltburn by the Sea, TS12 1NJ 01287 622 812

Bedlingtonshire Golf Club Acorn Bank, Bedlington, NE22 6AA 01670 822 457

Slaley Hall Slaley, Hexham, NE47 0BX 01434 673 350

Seaton Carew Golf Club Tees Road, Seaton Carew, TS25 1DE 01429 266 249

Belford Golf Club South Road, Belford, NE70 7DP 01668 213 232

Stocksfield Golf Club New Ridley Rd,Stocksfield, NE43 7RE 01661 843 041

Bellingham Golf Club Boggle Hole, Bellingham, NE48 2DT 01434 220 152

Tynedale Golf Club Tyne Green, Hexham, NE46 3HQ 01434 608 154

Teesside Golf Club Acklam Road, Thornaby Stockton on Tees TS17 7JS 01642 616 516

Blyth Golf Club New Delaval, Blyth, NE24 4DB 01670 540 110

Warkworth Golf Club The Links, Warkworth, NE65 OSW 01665 711 596

Burgham Park Golf Club Near Felton, Morpeth, NE65 8QP 01670 787 898

Wooler Golf Club Dod Law, Doddington, Wooler, NE71 6AN 01668 282 135

Close House Heddon-on-the-Wall, NE15 0HT 01661 852 953 Dunstanburgh Golf Club Embleton, NE66 3XQ 01665 576 562

Roseberry Grange Community Golf Club Grange Villa, Chester le Street, DH2 3NF 0191 370 0660

Goswick Golf Club Goswick Beal, TD15 2RW 01289 387 256

Seaham Golf Club Shrewsbury Street, Seaham, SR7 7RD 0191 581 1268

Gubeon Golf Centre Walton Road, Morpeth, NE61 3YJ 01670 519 090

Sharpley Golf Seaton, Seaham, Co Durham, SR7 0NP 0191 513 1100

Haltwhistle Golf Club Banktop, Greenhead, NE49 9JR 01697 747367

South Moor Golf Cub The Middles, Craghead, Stanley, DH9 6AG 01207 232 848

Hexham Golf Club Spital Lane, Hexham, NE46 3RZ 01434 603 072

Woodham Golf & Country Club Burnhill Way, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4PN 01325 319977

Longhirst Hall Golf Club Longhirst Hall, Morpeth, NE61 3LL 01670 791 562

CUMBRIA Brampton Golf Club Talkin Tarn, Brampton, CA8 1HN 01697 72255 Seascale Golf Club The Banks, Seascale, CA20 1QL 019467 28202

NORTHUMBERLAND Allendale Golf Club High Studden, Allenheads Road Allendale, NE47 9QL 01434 683 926 Alnmouth Golf Club Foxton Hall, Alnmouth, NE66 3BE 01665 830 231 Alnmouth Village Golf Club Marine Road, Alnmouth, NE66 2RZ 01665 830 370 Alnwick Castle Golf Club Swansfield Park, Alnwick, NE66 2AB 01665 602 632 Arcot Hall Golf Club Dudley, Cramlington NE23 7QP 0191 236 2794

Macdonald Linden Hall Golf and Country Club Longhorsley, Morpeth, NE65 8XF 01670 500 011 Matfen Hall Golf Club Matfen, NE20 0RH 01661 886 400 Magdalene Fields Golf Club Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1NE 01289 306 130 Morpeth Golf club Loansdean, Morpeth, NE61 2BT 01670 504 942 Newbiggin Golf Club Newbiggin NE64 3DW 01670 817 344 Percy Wood Golf Club Coast View, Swarland, Felton, NE65 9JG 01670 787 010 Ponteland Golf Club 53 Bell Villas, Ponteland, NE20 9BD 01661 822 689 Prudhoe Golf Club Eastwood Park, Prudhoe, NE42 5DX 01661 832 466 Rothbury Golf Club Whitton Bank Rd, Rothbury, NE65 7RX 01669 621 271

Wilton Golf Club Wilton,Near Redcar, TS10 4QY 01642 465 265 Wynyard Hall Golf Club Wellington Drive, Wynyard Park Billingham, TS22 5NQ 01740 644 399

TYNE AND WEAR SCOTTISH BORDERS Eyemouth Golf Club Gunsgreenhill, Eyemouth, D14 5SF 01890 750 004 Hirsel Golf Club Kelso Road, Coldstream TD12 4NJ 01890 882 678 Roxburghe Golf Club Kelso, Roxburghshire, TD5 8JZ 01573 450 333

TEESSIDE Billingham Golf Club Sandy Lane, Billingham, TS22 5NA 01642 533 816 Cleveland Golf Club Majuba Road, Redcar, Cleveland TS10 5BJ 01642 471 798 Eaglescliffe & District Golf Club Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, TS16 0DQ 01642 780 238 Hartlepool Golf Club Hart Warren, Hartlepool, TS24 9QF 01429 274 398 High Throston Golf Club Hart Lane, Hartlepool, TS26 0UG 01429 268 071 Hunley Hotel & Golf Club Brotton, By Saltburn, TS12 2QN 01287 677 444 Ingleby Barwick Golf Club Lullingstone Crescent, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton on Tees, TS17 5GJ 01642 765 000 Knotty Hill Golf Centre Sedgefield, Stockton on Tees, TS21 2BB 01740 620 320 Middlesbrough Golf Club Brass Castle Lane, Middlesbrough TS8 9EE 01642 311 515

Backworth Golf Club The Hall, Backworth, NE27 0AH 0191 268 4247 Beamish Park Hotel Golf & Driving Range, Marley Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE16 5EG 01207 230666 Boldon Golf Club Dipe Lane, East Boldon, NE36 0PQ 0191 536 5360 Centurion Park Golf Club Rheydt Avenue, Wallsend, NE28 8SU 0191 263 0041 City of Newcastle Golf Club Three Mile Bridge, Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 2DR 0191 285 1775 Garesfield Golf Club Chopwell, NE17 7AP 01207 561 309 George Washington Golf Club Stone Cellars Road, Concorde Washington, NE37 1PH 0191 417 8346 Gosforth Golf Club Broadway East, Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5ER 0191 285 3495 Heworth Golf Club Gingling Gate, Heworth, Gateshead, NE10 8XY 0191 469 9832 Hetton le Hill Golf Club Elemore Vale, Easington Lane, DH5 0QR 0191 517 3061 Houghton le Spring Golf Club Copt Hill, Houghton le Spring, DH5 8LU 0191 584 7421 Newcastle United Golf Club 60 Ponteland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 3JW 0191 286 9998

Middlesbrough Municipal Golf Club Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, TS5 7YZ 01642 315 533

Northumberland Golf Club High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HT 0191 236 2009

Norton Golf Club Blakestone Lane, Norton Stockton on Tees, TS20 3LQ 01642 676 385

Parklands Golf Club High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HQ 0191 236 4480

Ryton Golf Club Clara Vale, Ryton, NE40 3TD 0191 413 3253

Easingwold Golf Club Stillington Road, Easingwold, YO61 3ET 01347 822 474

South Shields Golf Club Cleadon Hills, South Shields, NE34 8EG 0191 456 8942

Filey Golf Club West Avenue, Filey, YO14 9BQ 01723 513 293

Tynemouth Golf Club Spital Dene, Tynemouth, NE30 2ER 0191 257 4578

Flaxby Park Golf Club Flaxby, Knaresborough, HG5 0RR 01423 863 444

Tyneside Golf Club Westfield Lane, Ryton, NE40 3QE 0191 413 2742

Forest Park Golf Club Stockton-on-Forest, York, YO32 9HF 01904 400 425

Scarthingwell Golf Club The Scarthingwell Centre, Scarthingwell, Tadcaster, LS24 9PF 01937 557 878

Wearside Golf Club Cox Green, Sunderland, SR4 9JT 0191 534 2518

Fulford Golf Club Heslington Lane, York, YO10 5DY 01904 413 579

Selby Golf Club Mill Lane, Brayton, YO8 9LD 01757 228 622

Westerhope Golf Club Whorlton Grange, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 1PP 0191 286 9125

Ganton Golf Club Station Road, Ganton, Scarborough, YO12 4PA 01944 710 329

Skipton Golf Club Short Lee Lane, Skipton, BD23 3LF 01756 795 657

Harrogate Golf Club Forest Lane Head, Harrogate, HG2 7TF 01423 862 999

Whitburn Golf Club Lizard Lane, South Shields, NE34 7AF 0191 529 4210

Heworth Golf Club Muncaster House, Muncastergate, YO31 9JY 01904 426 156

Whitley Bay Golf Club Claremont Rd, Whitley Bay, NE26 3UF 0191 252 0180

Kirkbymoorside Golf Club Manor Vale, Kirkbymoorside, YO62 6EG 01751 431 525

YORKSHIRE (EAST) Beverley and East Riding Golf Club Anti Mill, Westwood, Beverley, HU17 8RG 01482 868757 Bridlington Golf Club Belvedere Road, Bridlington, YO15 3NA 01262 606 367 Bridlington Links Golf Club Flamborough Road, Marton, Bridlington, YO15 1DW 01262 401 584 Driffield Golf Club Sunderlandwick, Driffield, YO25 9AD 01377 253 116 Far Grange Park & Golf Club Skipsea, Driffield, YO25 8SY 0800 197 2074 Flamborough Head Golf Club Lighthouse Road, Flamborough, Bridlington, YO15 1AR 01262 850 333 Hornsea Golf Club Rolston Rd, Hornsea, HU18 1XG 01964 534989 The KP Golf Club Pocklington, York, YO42 1UF 01759 303 090

YORKSHIRE (NORTH) Aldwark Manor Golf Club Aldwark Alne,YO61 1UF 01347 838 146 Bedale Golf Club Leyburn Road, Bedale, DL8 1EZ 01677 422 451

Knaresborough Golf Club Boroughbridge Road, Knaresborough, HG5 0QQ 01423 862 690 Malton & Norton Golf Club Welham Park, Welham Road, Norton,Malton, YO17 9QE 01653 697 912 Masham Golf Club Burnholme, Swinton Road, Masham, Ripon, HG4 4NS 01765 688 054

Leeds Golf Centre Wike Ridge Lane, Shadwell, Leeds LS17 9JW 0113 288 6000

Scarborough North Cliff Golf Club North Cliff Avenue, Scarborough, YO12 6PP 01723 355 397

Mid Yorkshire Golf Club Havercroft Lane, Pontefract, Darrington, WF8 3BP 01977 704522

Scarborough South Cliff Golf Club Deepdale Avenue, off Filey Road, YO11 2UE 01723 360 522

Thirsk & Northallerton Golf Club Thornton le Street, Thirsk, YO7 4AB 01845 525 115

Pontefact & District Golf Club Park Lane, Pontefract, WF8 4QS 01977 792241

Whitby Golf Club Low Straggleton, Whitby, YO21 3SR 01947 600 660

Rawdon Golf and Lawn Tennis Club Buckstone Drive, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BB 0113 2506040

York Golf Club Lords Moor Lane, Strensall, YO32 5XF 01904 491 840

YORKSHIRE (WEST) Bradford Golf Club Hawksworth Lane, Guiseley, LS20 8NP 01943 875570 Cookridge Golf Club Cookridge Lane, Cookridge, Leeds, LS16 7NL 0113 230 0641

Pannal Golf CLub Follifoot Road, Pannal, HG3 1ES 01423 872 628

Garforth Driving Range Barwick Road, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 2DN 0113 287 1111

Pike Hills Golf Club Tadcaster Road, Askham Bryan, YO23 3UW 01904 700 797

Garforth Golf Club Long Lane, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 2DS 0113 286 2021

Romanby Golf Club Yafforth Road, Northallerton, DL7 0PE 01609 778 855

Otley Golf Club West Busk Lane, Otley, Leeds, LS21 3NG 01943 465 329

The Oaks Golf Club Aughton Common, Aughton, YO42 4PW 01757 288 577

Oakdale Golf Club Oakdale, Harrogate, HG1 2LN 01423 567 162

Ripon Golf Club Palace Road, Ripon, HG4 3HH 01765 603 640

Moortown Golf Club Harrogate Road, Leeds, LS17 7DB 0113 268 6521

Oulton Hall Rothwell Lane, Oulton, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS26 8HN 0871 222 4690

Dewsbury District Golf Club The Pinnacle, Sands Lane, Mirfield, WF14 8HJ 01924 492399

Richmond Golf Club Bend Hagg, Richmond, DL10 5EX 01748 823 231

Moor Allerton Golf Club Coal Road, Wike, Leeds, LS17 9NH 0113 266 1154

Headlingly Golf Club Back Church Lane, Adel, Leeds, LS16 8DW 0113 267 9573 Hollins Hall Hollins Hill, Baildon, Shipley, Bradford, BD17 7QW 01274 530 053 Horsforth Golf Club Layton Rise, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5EX 0113 258 6819

Rudding Park Golf Club Rudding Park, Harrogate, HG3 1JH 01423 872 100

Huddersfield Golf Club Fixby Hall, Lightridge Rd, HD2 2EP 01484 426203

Sandburn Hall Golf Club Flaxton, York, YO60 7RB 01904 469 929

Leeds Golf Club Elmete Lane, Leeds, LS8 2LJ 0113 265 9203

Sand Moor Golf Club Alwoodley Lane, Leeds, LS17 7DJ 0113 268 5180 Scarcroft Golf Club Syke Lane, Leeds, LS14 3BQ 0113 289 2263 Wakefield Golf Club 28 Woodthorpe Lane, WF2 6JH 01924 258778 Woodhall Hills Golf Club Woodhall Road, Calverley, Pudsey, LS28 5UN 0113 255 4594 Wetherby Golf Club Linton Lane, Linton, Wetherby, LS22 4JF 01937 580 089

OTHER GOLF OUTLETS AB Golf Andy Blythe P.G.A Golf Professional Middlesbrough Driving Range, Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, TS5 7YZ 01642 300 720 Andy Paisley Golf Centre, Hexham Golf Club, Spittal Lane, Hexham, NE46 3RZ 01434 603 072 Aslan Golf Lizard Lane, Whitburn, NE34 7AF 0191 5294210 Bargain Golf Seaham Golf Club, Shrewsbury Street, Seaham, SR7 7RD 0191 5130837 also at: Wearside Golf Club, Cox Green, Sunderland, SR4 9GT 0191 534 2518 & Hobson Golf Club Burnopfield, Newcastle, NE16 6BZ 01207 271605

Custom Fit Golf South Moor Golf Club Superstore Craghead, Stanley DH9 6AG 01207 283 525 Direct Golf Lullingstone Crescent Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, TS17 5GJ 01642 765 000 Dynamic Indoor Golf Wideopen, Newcastle, NE13 7BA 0191 481 3590 Eureka Copt Hill, Houghton le Spring, DH5 8LU 0191 584 1198 George Paylor 5th Tee 5th Tee,Garesfield Golf Club Chopwell, NE17 7AP 07737 963881 Jeffrey Musgrove Golf Shop Garesfield Golf Club Chopwell, NE17 7AP 01207 563082 Leda Discount Golf Centre Grange Villa, Chester le Street, DH2 3NF 0191 370 1757 Marshalls Golf Heworth Golf Club, Gingling Gate, Heworth, NE10 8HY 0191 4384223 Philips Golf Discount Unit 3 Strand Business Centre Locomotion Way, Camperdown Ind Est Killingworth, NE12 5UJ 0191 268 0008 Riverdale Hotel Bellingham NE48 2JT 01434 220 254 Snainton Golf Direct Coast View, Swarland, Felton, NE65 9JG 01670 787 010 Stokesley Driving Range Broughton Road, Stokesley, TS9 5JJ The Hobson Golf Range Hobson Golf Club, Burnopfield, NE16 6BZ Tim Jenkins Golf Cleveland Golf Club, Majuba Road, Redcar, TS10 5BJ 01642 471 798 also at Castle Eden Golf Club, Castle Eden, TS27 4SS 01429 836689 ZFL Golf Unit 8d, North Tyne Ind. Estate, NE12 9SZ 0191 270 2362 SELECTED TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES ALNWICK, BELLINGHAM, BERWICK, CORBRIDGE, HALTWHISTLE, HEXHAM MORPETH, NEWCASTLE, ROYAL QUAYS, SALTBURN, SEAHOUSES WHITLEY BAY AND SELECTED GOLF CLUBS IN THE BORDERS AND CUMBRIA

NORTHERN GOLFER 61

To be listed or to advertise please call 01661 844115 or email enquiries@northerngolfer.co.uk

Whickham Golf Club Hollinside Park, Fellside Road Whickham, NE16 5BA 0191 488 1576

Scalm Park Golf Club Bishop Wood, Wistow Common, Selby, YO8 3RD 01757 210 846

directory

Catterick Golf Club Leyburn Road, Catterick Garrison, DL9 3QE 01748 833 268

NOR THERN

Ravensworth Golf Club Angel View, Longbank, Gateshead, NE9 7UU 0191 487 6014

from the

bunker

This month on Twitter and Facebook you were talking about........

1. Dan (@Dan84bennett): Might be cold @GolfWearside but pleased to be out #WGC #bandidos #golf

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!

Rachel Gourley (@Rachgolf): A 60 yard target swing from the @FlightScopeGolf Junior Girls Combine test at the range today. #Winter_golf

Prudhoe Golf Club

Prudhoe Golf Club member, Richard Hannam, reckons the ‘Home of Champions’ course looks fantastic any time of the year so he set out to prove it with this unusual ‘Four Seasons’ photo compilation. “Makes our latest member & visitor offers even more attractive,” says Richard.

NG: Thanks to Richard, who often supplies us with fantastic photos. If you see anything unusal or simply want to shout about something unusual going on in golf please let us know.

Send your feedback, news and photos (inc contact details) via email to editor@northerngolfer.co.uk, tweet us @negolfer or find us on facebook.com/ northerngolferuk

Cramlington LV Sport (@CLV_Sport): Yr7&8 Urban Golf Experience Week - down the slide, under the swing, off the climbing wall just a few select holes!

Great North Tours (@GreatNorthTours): #Northumberland gives most county’s a run for there money in places to play #golf #closehouse cracking course.

Seton Wakenshaw (@SetonWakenshaw): Excited to get on the course today with these and these @DynIndoorGolf

Blyth Golf Club (@blyth_golf): With the freezing cold nights who else is pining for that hot red summer glow. #BringOnTheSeason

Thanks to all for your pictures, tweets and comments. Keep up to date with the region’s golf news and share your stories and pictures with us on Twitter @negolfer or Facebook /northerngolferuk

JOB VACANCY

GENERAL MANAGER Blackwell Grange Golf Club, Darlington Salary in the region of £40,000 p.a. plus performance related incentives Blackwell Grange Golf Club is a forward-thinking and progressive club with exciting plans for its future. The club is undertaking a number of investment projects to enhance facilities and infrastructure, and is seeking to appoint a General Manager to help realise its ambitions. Reporting to the Executive, this newly created post will be responsible for managing all aspects of the club’s operation including Finance & Administration, Business Development, the Clubhouse and Golf.

Successful applicants will demonstrate commercial & financial management skills and an ability to lead and develop a team of staff. A knowledge of the game of golf and its traditions, golf clubs finances and challenges would be beneficial.

Significant interest is expected in this outstanding opportunity. Applications are encouraged at the earliest date. To apply, please forward a CV and brief covering note to paul@paulcardrecruitment.co.uk For more information, please visit www.paulcardrecruitment.co.uk/golfclubmanager Paul Card Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency on behalf of Blackwell Grange Golf Club.

62 NORTHERN GOLFER

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NOW £14.99 OR 2 FOR £25.00

WINTER GOLF MOT MANY DRIVERS & FAIRWAYS TO CLEAR IE MD GOLF ICON DRIVERS £99 NOW £49.99 RESCUES £79.99 NOW £39.99

WITH OUR P.G.A.PROFESSIONALS NORMALLY £30, SPECIAL PRICE £9.99 PRICE INC: 1 X 40 MIN GOLF LESSON, LOFT & LIE IRONS CHECK, IRONS, DRIVER & FAIRWAYS SHAFT CHECK, GRIP CHECK, SWING & CLUB ANALYSIS USING OUR INDOOR FLIGHTSCOPE GOLF SIMULATOR, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY(LIMITED PERIOD)

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 to end and turn right, pass Blomfomtein School and follow sign to South Moor Golf Club

Discount Golf Equipment

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

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