Northern Golfer magazine #47 - September 2016

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SEPTEMBER 2016

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OF GOLF FACES, PLACES AND ACES northerngolfer.co.uk

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

TOP CLUBS REVEALED REVIEWED

ALNMOUTH VILLAGE FAMILY AFFAIR

SIBLINGS TRIUMPH

BRILLIANT BRIONY

TEENAGER’S OLD COURSE VICTORY BREEDS CONFIDENCE IN HER GAME

WIN FOURBALLS AT BRANCEPETH, EAGLESCLIFFE AND WHITLEY BAY

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EDITOR Paul Robertson editor@northerngolfer.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk Paul Corney 07521 389 536 pcorney@northerngolfer.co.uk Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk John Harrison 01661 886 400 john.harrison@matfenhall.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Paul Bramley 01661 844 115 paul@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson info@kgphotography.co.uk Nicky Rogerson nicky@kgphotography.co.uk

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EDITOR’S NOTE AND CONTENTS It is hard to believe the season is drawing to a close and preparations will soon be underway for winter golf.

It has been another competitive year, in which the performance of some of our younger golfers has really stood out.

This month’s cover story features 16-year-old Briony Bayles, who has earned her place on the front for a season which has seen her take the junior titles at two clubs, win her first national title at the St Andrews Ladies Open and win the Northern Golfer Junior Champion of Champions at Chester-le-Street, as well as finishing her GCSEs. She has yet to decide whether to try and make a career in the professional ranks - for now she’s just having fun, which is what the game really should be all about.

In addition to Briony, Jessica Hall has continued her remarkable success, South Moor’s under-14 North of England Open attracted 97 golfers from around the world, while brother and sister Lucca and Ella from Seaton Carew gave the Jackson family plenty to smile about.

We also feature Rockliffe pro James Maw’s first EuroPro Tour victory, the remarkable Rebecca McGinley proving to be one of the world’s longest drivers again, plus plenty of other winners - including the amazing run of success enjoyed by Alex Belt and Mathew Webb.

Plenty of league titles have been decided over the past month and there is a round up of the triumphant teams on pages 6 and 7. On the county scene, Yorkshire once again has the bragging rights having sealed the Northern Counties championship.

Finally, congratulations to Justin Rose for his Olympic gold in Rio, which will hopefully inspire the next generation into the game. He of course takes his place in the Ryder Cup team this month alongside his teammates - including Yorkshiremen Matt Fitzpatrick and Danny Willet, and Close House attached professional Lee Westwood.

Let us hope by the time the next magazine appears Europe will have triumphed in Hazeltine and we can reflect on the contribution those connected to our region have made.

See you next month.

04-17 TEEING OFF

All the league winners, more success for Jessica Hall and Rebecca McGinley, wins for brother and sister, plus a maiden victory for James Maw

20-23 TEEING OFF

Professionals make their mark, old-fashioned on the fairways, and Wrigley’s last minute surprise

27 TOUR LIFE

Paisley on his end of season challenge

Published by:

28 TRIPLE CROWN 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

Belt and Webb’s remarkable run

Paul Robertson, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

31 PRO-FILE

Wynyard’s James Harper

FRONT COVER

38 GREENWATCH Avoiding disease

Briony Bayles is enjoying her golf after a fantastic season, including a victory at St Andrews to savour

40 TIPS

Putt for dough with Matfen Hall’s John Harrison

Pages 24-26 When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it ©Offstone Publishing 2016. All rights reserved.

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18 ALNMOUTH VILLAGE GOLF CLUB

42 COMPETITIONS

36 GOLF GEAR

Win fourballs at Brancepeth, Eaglescliffe and Whitley Bay

46 BUNKER

Maggie’s amazing week

NORTHERN GOLFER 03

TEEINGOFF

South have a little bit Moor

South Moor captain Colin Howe and his winning team Chris Handy, Ian McEntee and Michael Watts South Moor capped a big month with victory in the Durham County Clubs Championship.

Just a week after another successful staging of the North of England Under-14 Championship, the team of Chris Handy, Ian McEntee and Michael Watts came through in the second round over their home track to deny Consett and Durham City, the latter chasing a hat-trick of victories.

The win sees South Moor progress through to the English Champion Club Tournament at Stoke

by Nayland later this month.

Handy posted rounds on 75 and 76, McEntee 74 and 72 and Watts 78 and 75 for a total of 450, just two ahead of Consett’s John Kennedy, Mark Bonser and James Newton, with Durham City on 457.

Consett’s total was 18 over-par, which makes 17-year-old county matchplay champion James Wilson’s individual winning score of 68 and 72 (four under-par) all the more remarkable.

In the family The region just missed out in England Golf’s first PING Family Fourball Championship as Lincolnshire couple Spencer and Julie Gooderson won the title with 48 points.

The Goodersons led a packed leaderboard with father and son Paul and Daniel Plant from Bondhay Golf Club in Yorkshire finishing as runners-up with 47 points, pipping another father and son team, John and Rob King of Eaglescliffe, on countback.

04 NORTHERN GOLFER

Rosie Balsam (© Ian Horrocks)

The future looks Rosie

Whitley Bay teen is the youngest to score an albatross at South Moor during club’s successful under-14 open

R

osie Belsham may only be 14, but she is already the Northumberland under-21 champion and has set a benchmark at South Moor.

An England junior squad member, Rosie holed out from 166 yards in a regional open tournament to become the youngest player in the 93-year history of the club to sign for an albatross - or three under-par - at the par five second hole.

Rosie’s first albatross followed her first holein-one during a Saturday morning friendly match at her home club, Whitley Bay, earlier this season against her mother, Gina. Rosie aced Whitley Bay’s third hole, despite cutting her mother some slack by playing off the men’s tees.

The albatross was chalked up in the second round of the three-day North of England Under-14 Open. Supported by the Stanley Area Action Partnership, the tournament attracted players to Co Durham from across Great Britain as well as Dubai and South Africa.

Rosie, a pupil at Whitley Bay High School, was runner-up in the girls section and one of the event organisers, Guy Carr, said: “We get an albatross at the second hole about once every five years, and never before from a player so young.”

The second hole was 425 yards for the tournament and Rosie’s tee shot finished 55 yards

from a copse of trees. She soared over them with a wind-assisted six iron which hit the right fringe of the green before rolling down and across almost the entire width of the green into the hole.

This season has also seen Rosie, a member of England Golf ’s North Region Under-16 Squad, finish in a share for second place in the Scottish Girls Under-14 Championship.

The overall North of England title goes to the boy or girl with the best gross score and it was shared on 11 over-par by two Hertfordshire players, Max Hopkins and Ben Pierleoni.

The event was highly successful for Hertfordshire as Zainab Jepp triumphed in the girls section, signing off the final round with a 30ft putt, and George Durkan joined the tournament champions to form the Hertfordshire County Boys side which claimed the team trophy.

Gabe Somerville Smith, from Consett Golf Club, won the under-12 handicap section playing off 22.

One of the organisers, Guy Carr, said: “Every year we try and increase the profile and professionalism of the event. None of this would be possible without the support we get from the local community.”

For more information and the tournament scoreboard, visit northofenglandu14golf.co.uk

TEEINGOFF

Masterclass

Superb opening round paves the way for Donald’s victory at Rockliffe

S

am Donald produced the goods when it mattered at Rockcliffe Hall to win his second Northern Masters title in three years.

The 20-year-old from Eaglescliffe posted a superb opening round of 68, the best score of the day, before admitting he might have taken his foot off the pedal on his way to a second round 75.

His one under-par total of 143 was always going to be difficult to match as he went into the second round with a four shot lead over John Kirkpatrick, a winner of the both the Cumbria and Durham County titles.

Kirkpatrick also had to settle for a second round 75 in windy conditions over the Hurworth course for a total of 147 - a score matched by Richmond’s Michael

Henson (75-72) and Boldon’s Carl Thompson (73-74).

It was difficult to see where any real challenge would come from but players threatened. Donald’s Durham teammates Cameron Wallace and Rhys Thompson both posted second rounds of 73 for 149.

In the end Donald, who also won the Masters title in 2014, was a comfortable winner by four shots.

He said: “I’ve shocked myself a bit today to be honest.

“I haven’t played for a week and didn’t expect much but I was three under-par after three and went on attacking everything.

“It paid off and I was five underpar after nine. I really like the course and know it like the back of my hand having worked here at one time.”

A change of jobs has led to

Sam Donald a more relaxed attitude and it’s showing in his golf with three topfive finishes in his last five scratch events and an improvement in his handicap to plus-two.

“It’s been a while since I’ve

been in a real winning position,” he added. “On the back nine in the second round I was telling myself that par was going to be good enough, but I did get very nervous on the last two holes.”

NORTHERN GOLFER 05

TEEINGOFF

Top of the league Dean Bailey rounds up the league golf season

A

fter a long summer of golf, the best clubs in the North East have been crowned league champions for 2016 – from double champions to maiden wins and a breakthrough year with four titles, here’s our round-up of league golf for 2016.

NORTH DURHAM UNION OF GOLF CLUBS LEAGUE Ramside Hall lifted the North Durham trophy for 2016; finishing just two points clear of Durham City in division one before going on to win the Dixon Cup, which sees the five league champions face off to be named champion club in the North East.

Played at Ponteland, Ramside’s 450-stroke total was six better than Newcastle & District League champions, and defending Dixon Cup winners, City of Newcastle.

Ramside captain David Heckles, who also saw the club capture the NDUGC Team Strokeplay Championship at George Washington this season as the club’s juniors won the DCJGS League, said: “We are celebrating our 20th anniversary this year and what a season it’s turned out to be.

“I’m so proud of all our team players. We’ve finished runners-up in the last two seasons to Durham City and to come through a nailbiting end to the season and win the league was an amazing experience.

We’ve waited a long time to win major honours and we’ve scooped four in the space of three months.

“The Dixon Cup is the pinnacle of amateur team golf in our region and winning it is a brilliant way to round off a record-breaking season for Ramside.”

In the NDUGC League, Heworth finished 10 points clear of South Shields in division two as Crook beat Whickham to the division three title by seven points.

06 NORTHERN GOLFER

HADRIAN LEAGUE Close House finally made it to the top of the Hadrian League after four consecutive second place finishes.

Led by captain Alan Beenshill, Close House finished ahead of 2015 champions Hexham with 132 points from their 15 games.

Beenshill said: “We’re delighted to win the league for the first time for Close House. We’ve got a great set of hard working players and their commitment has been key to our success this season.

“The players have all worked hard – from the young guys who have shined like Brad Robinson, James Wilson, Ben Crawford and Christian Brown to Nigel Brown, who has been an exceptional player for the team for many years and has given so much to Close House and league golf,” added Beenshill, who also oversaw Close House’s victory in the Davison Cup - the knockout competition played between clubs in the Hadrian and North Northumberland leagues.

Stocksfield finished third with 104 points, one clear of Matfen Hall in fourth place.

NEWCASTLE & DISTRICT LEAGUE City of Newcastle and Phil Ridden repeated their 2015 success in the Newcastle & District League, winning the league title and player of the year trophies.

Ridden picked up 25 points as City won the league with 128 points – beating Whitley Bay by 11.

City captain Simon Bowman said: “To follow up a remarkable season in 2015 with another league title is a fantastic achievement.

“It’s the first time we’ve held onto the league title and that’s down to the strength of our team as a whole, starting with Phil at the top of the order. To have someone of his talent in your team is a huge boost.

“This year was very different to

Close House’s Alan Beenshill

The City of Newcastle team last season, trailing going into the final few weeks rather than leading from the front, but the team were solid through the whole year and got the job done in the last few weeks.”

In a close season, City beat Tyneside 10-2 at Tyneside in week 13 having trailed them throughout the season. Tyneside went on to finish third on 115 points.

TEESSIDE AND DISTRICT GOLF LEAGUE Wynyard won division one of the Teesside and District Golf League as Hartlepool and Teesside won divisions two and three respectively.

Wynyard finished eight points clear of Eaglescliffe as the two clubs ran away from the rest of the division.

Billingham and Blackwell Grange finished second in division two and three respectively.

NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND GOLF LEAGUE Bamburgh ran away with the North Northumberland Golf League, finishing 15 points clear of Berwick in division one. Magdelene Fields A won division two, 10 points clear of Longhirst Hall as Warkworth won division three by just two points from Magdalene Fields B.

TEEINGOFF Ramside’s successful team and below, the Wynyard team

Clark cup triumph

The winning Tyneside team Tyneside finished of their season with victory in the Durham County Clark Cup Final.

Having finished third in the Newcastle & District League and seen 17-year-old James Wilson win the Durham County Matchplay Championship and Kris Rae clinch the Durham County Strokeplay Championship, Tyneside picked up their third county title with a 3.5-1.5 win against Houghton at Bishop Auckland.

The Clark Cup is played on a knockout basis by all clubs in the Durham County Union and was last won by Tyneside in 1994. This time they beat Consett, Crook, Chester-le-Street, Ravensworth and Wynyard on their way to the final.

Tyneside captain Newton Wood said: “The lads battled hard and we must say thanks to the supporters who have turned out to cheer on the lads. I know their support has been greatly appreciated.”

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TEEINGOFF

Super Sam

Sam McIntyre (above) and Dylan Shaw-Radford Yorkshire youngsters were in top form in the American Golf Junior Championship with a win and a runners-up spot in two categories.

Taking the title in the special PING Star of the Future (under-eight) category with a fantastic nine-hole round of 47 was Sam McIntyre from Swillington while Dylan ShawRadford from Brighouse finished runner-up in the best nett category.

Sam, who is a member of Oulton Hall Golf Club in Leeds, played some fantastic golf at Gainsborough Golf Club to secure his title in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Having qualified for the final at High Legh Park Golf Club by being the golfer who best displayed the spirit and character of the game in the under-eight age group, Sam lined up against players from qualifying events held across the UK and Ireland in a best score shoot-out.

He held his nerve throughout the round, putting on a display of cool, calm golf and displaying all the qualities of a worthy champion.

Following his winning round, Sam said: “I really enjoyed taking part though I was a bit nervous when I had to talk to the cameras! I’m looking forward to taking part again next year and I recommend other juniors enter as it’s a great experience.”

Dylan, 15, from Crow Nest Park Golf Club secured runners-up spot in the competitive best nett score category, carding an impressive 64, three shots behind Dublin junior Kyle Honer. Playing off a handicap of 15, the Brighouse High School pupil held his nerve, fending off strong challenges, for his second place finish.

08 NORTHERN GOLFER

Rebecca McGinley

Rebecca has the drive to succeed Brilliant performance sees McGinley defend her title and win a place in the world final

B

ig-hitting Rebecca McGinley is through to the final of the American Golf Long Drive Championship for a second time.

The North East pro, from Prudhoe, gave another incredible display of power hitting to defend her UK title at Warrington’s High Legh Park.

Victory meant she picked up a top prize from Garmin but, more importantly, qualify for the World Long Drive Championship in Oklahoma for the second time.

Rebecca went into the final as hot favourite after winning the 2015 event and going on to finish third in last year’s world final.

She hit the ground running in her opening head-to-head match with a mammoth drive of 318 yards - but it didn’t all go her way with a strong challenge mounted by newcomers Olivia Raybould, Lorna McClymont and Rebecca O’Grady.

All three registered drives in excess of 260 yards with finalist Olivia Raybould topping out at 285.

In the final, Rebecca hit a drive of 299 yards in her first set of three. With Raybould unable to match it from her first or second

set she was crowned American Golf Long Drive champion and booked her seat on the plane to Oklahoma.

“I’m so pleased to have defended my American Golf Long Drive title,” she said. “The competition was tough this year so I was pleased to get a couple of 300 yard drives on the board.

“Now I’ve qualified for the world final, I’m going to have to up my game. I know if I put the work in I can do American Golf and Garmin proud and hopefully bring back a better finish than my third place last year.”

Daniel Gathercole, director of marketing and communications at American Golf, added: “Rebecca has been a fantastic ambassador for American Golf throughout her year as champion.

“Now she has a year’s more experience, and two titles under her belt, I’m really excited to see what she can do at the World Championship.”

The Long Drive Championship is part of American Golf ’s drive to get more people playing golf more often, and they are backing a series of new events including scratch and individual championships, a family cup, pitch and putt championship and adventure golf championships added to the junior championship, long drive, nine-hole, seniors and ladies tournaments.

TEEINGOFF

Jessica’s terrific treble

Hall wins England cap in champion summer

E

ngland Schools will cap Jessica Hall’s golden summer this month after she achieved a superb northern treble.

The record breaking teenager became the youngest Durham County Ladies Champion, before winning the title back-to-back, and has added the youngest ladies champion at Bishop Auckland Golf Club to her impressive CV. Now, after winning the North of England Schools Championship, she has won the North Region Ladies and Girls Championship at Ponteland with success in the 16-18 age group and the overall category - finishing with a three under-par total for 36 holes.

“I was really pleased because it

was another good performance in what has been a good year,” said 17-year-old Jessica.

“There have been a few good days this year and I am really pleased with how things are going. I am really enjoying my golf.”

The reward for her success is a place in the England Schools team, which plays Scotland at Fairhaven, having earned international recognition by winning the Northern title and going on to finish third at the English Schools National Championship.

Currently at Durham Sixth Form College, where she is studying a BTEC sport course, Jessica added: “We go to Ramside with PGA professional Kevin Jackson as part of the programme, and I’ve been

Jessica Hall working with my coach Brian Ridley at Beamish Park Hotel for a long time too and I’m starting to work on a few swing things that we have identified.

“I’m not sure what I will do

when I leave college - maybe go to university or take a year out.

“I want to play on tour, that would be the aim, but I’m just going to see how things go over the next few years.”

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NORTHERN GOLFER 09

TEEINGOFF

Whitby return as winners Victory at second attempt for Yorkshire club

W

hitby bounced back to become the England Golf Club Team Champions at their second attempt.

“Last year we were abysmal,” laughed Bob Scott, who teamed up with his partner Janet McGeehin and their friends Siew Choon Tan and Mike Coates for both attempts.

“We weren’t going to let that lie so we came back to show that we can play well.”

This year the team grabbed their second chance and hit top form, scoring 87 points on the Blue course at Frilford Heath Golf Club in Oxfordshire.

Siew Choon said: “This is a

very big deal, it will raise our club’s profile.”

Janet added: “It’s absolutely fantastic and I can’t wait to send a photo on Whatsapp to my grandchildren. I never thought I would do anything like this.”

Whitby finished one point ahead of the team from Downes Crediton Golf Club in Devon as third place was shared on 81 points by Marriott Worsley Park Golf Club in Manchester and Elton Furze Golf Club in Cambridgeshire.

This is the second year the Club Team Championship has been held and on both occasions the event has been won by Yorkshire clubs, with Whitby following Shipley’s inaugural

From left: Janet McGeehin, Bob Scott, Mike Coates and Siew Choon Tan (© Leaderboard Photography) success. All four team members enjoyed the mixed format with the best two stableford scores counting on each hole. “It gets you thinking -

and plotting,” added Mike.

The team is already hoping to make their third appearance at Golf Week to defend their title next year.

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Seniors victory makes Paul only the seventh in history to win on three tours

P

aul Eales claimed his first victory in 22 years as he secured a maiden European Senior Tour title at the Prostate Cancer UK Scottish Senior Open.

Sunderland fan Eales - who spent his childhood living in Cleadon, near Sunderland - trailed the overnight leader Ronan Rafferty by seven shots going into the final day at Archerfield.

Rafferty, a former attached professional at Slaley Hall, closed with a disappointing 78 as Eales made a run of birdies on the 10th, 11th and 12th before holding his nerve at the 18th with a birdie putt from 10ft for a round of 68 and a one-shot victory.

The 53-year-old Eales is a frequent visitor to the North East, and while now widely recognised for his broadcasting work as a regular golf analyst and commentator on television and radio, he was delighted to have finally won on the Senior Tour.

The victory makes Eales the seventh player to win on the Challenge Tour, European Tour and European Senior Tour, adding to his victories in the 1991 Audi Open and 1994 Extremadura Open.

“That is the special thing, knowing that I’ve won on the Challenge Tour on the way up, on the European Tour and now the Seniors,” said Eales. “It’s extremely special and I know I’ve now joined a small band of brothers who have won on all three tours.”

He was unaware of his position on the leaderboard after his run of birdies, where he was alongside Peter Fowler, Santiago Luna and Rafferty.

“It wasn’t until I made it to the 14th green that I could see that the other guys were coming back. I knew I was in it then. I putted on 17 and saw I was tied for the lead so thought ‘let’s see what happens’. I pulled my shot to the green a little bit in the wind but I just had to pick my line and roll it down - it went in the middle and was brilliant.”

Eales reserved special praise for his wife Sharon, who caddies for him on the Senior Tour, crediting her for her part in a memorable weekend on the DJ Russelldesigned Fidra course.

“Without her I wouldn’t have been here,” he said. “Most players will tell you, on tour there are a lot of scars and she’s encouraged me, nursing the wounds along the way and we have a blast.”

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NORTHERN GOLFER 11

TEEINGOFF

Juniors final show

The Consett team Following their win in the PD Cowell Memorial Salver at Boldon Golf Club in July, the team of Anthony Curry, Stephen Turnbull, Ryan Johnson and Joey Thompson from Consett & District Golf Club travelled to Frilford Heath in August to take on the best young golfers from around the country.

Playing in the national finals of the English Junior Club Team Championships alongside players from The Northumberland Golf Club and Truro Golf Club, Consett finished in 15th place out of 33 teams with a total of 133 points. The event was won by Long Ashton Golf Club in Gloucestershire with 147 points.

Inspiring space

Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club has officially opened its new practice facilities having received a £75,000 grant from the Sport England Inspired Facilities programme.

The new practice facilities and six-hole pitch and putt course were officially opened by Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg and will be a key part of the club’s drive to increase participation in the sport.

12 NORTHERN GOLFER

John Kennedy

Consett fly the flag Great shot takes team into last 16 of Mail on Sunday Classic

J

ohn Kennedy produced a miracle shot at the fifth extra hole to take Consett into the last 16 of the Mail on Sunday Classic at the expense of former finalists Chester-le-Street.

It looked all over for Consett when they were two down with two to play in the final match, but James Newton won the 17th and birdied the last to level the match and give his side a lifeline.

That have meant a sudden death shoot-out was needed between Durham County player Kennedy and Dave Foreman.

Kennedy, who had lost his earlier match 5&4 said: “It’s ironic that I hit every fairway and green in regulation and almost birdied the first four holes of the play-off before winning it on the hole where I pulled the tee shot miles left into the trees on.

“It was by far the worst tee shot I hit all day.

Dave hit one straight down the middle of the fairway to a perfect position and I was knee high in nettles and trees. I was 200 yards from the green and managed to hit a miraculous

shot to leave 60 yards to the flag.”

Foreman ended up in the trees at the back of the green and after hitting his chip shot to within 3ft of the flag, Kennedy held his nerve to close out victory.

“All the guys I play with say I am at my most dangerous every time I knock the ball into trouble. They burst out laughing when they saw what was happening and said they knew I was probably going to win it on that hole,” added Kennedy.

“It was a really good atmosphere. Everyone from Chester-le-Street came up and congratulated us. They want to see us go all the way.”

The Durham club has two more rounds to play if they are to reach the grand final, held at El Romipdo in Spain.

“If you rewound to James being two down with two to play, we were beaten, we were gone. Two hours later we’re through. I still don’t know how that happened,’ said Kennedy.

“Once you get to this stage, getting to Spain becomes a realistic possibility.”

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TEEINGOFF

Wilkinson puts them to the sword

James Wilkinson shot a four under-par final-round 69 to win The pentahotels Championship with a score of 10 under-par at Caversham Heath Golf Club, his second HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour title.

The Cumbrian finished one shot ahead of Mark Laskey (Brockey Hall/Team Honma) and Richard James (Aberdovey Golf Club). Both needed a birdie on the last to force a play-off with Wilkinson (Penrith Golf & FootGolf Centre) having held the clubhouse lead as the final groups played their concluding holes.

“I am delighted to win. It was tough out there as the wind was blowing a gale. I got stuck in and tried to stay patient,” said Wilkinson.

“I had a little blip on the 11th, the par five, but apart from that I hit good iron shots in good places so there wasn’t too much pressure on the putter.

“I hit a great second shot at 15, it was sitting lovely and I made birdie to join the lead. At the 17th, that birdie turned out to be enough for the win.”

Wilkinson had begun the final round sharing the nine underpar lead with Haydn McCullen (Delamere Forest) and Nick Cunningham (Bedford & County Golf Club). The latter was rarely in the picture and finished tied 12th.

McCullen held an early two-shot lead after birdies at the first and second, but a nine on the par five fourth and bogeys at the seventh and eighth put an end to his challenge, although a late revival did see him finish in a tie for fourth with Nick McCarthy (Moortown Golf Club).

14 NORTHERN GOLFER

James Maw

Maw celebrates maiden victory Rockliffe Hall pro wins EuroPro Cobra Puma Championship

R

ockliffe Hall’s James Maw won the Cobra Puma Golf Championship by two strokes, finishing on 16 under-par, after a final round which included a hole-in-one at Hawkstone Park Golf Club.

The Sheffield golfer, who is based at Rockliffe Hall near Darlington, began the third round as one of four players tied for the lead on 10 under-par and got off to a flyer with an ace at the second.

He stumbled with a bogey at the fifth but put together an outstanding run of five birdies in six holes from the 10th, with some championshipwinning putting giving him distance from the field.

By the time Maw (62, 70, 65) played the final hole he was two strokes clear of Curtis Griffiths (Wentworth: 69, 63, 67) and three better than playing partner Chris Lloyd (The Kendleshire: 66, 66, 68).

“I feel very happy, it was about time I won one,” said Maw, who took home £10,000 along with a Motocaddy S1 Lithium trolley, Bushnell Tour X Range Finder and Bolle Sunglasses.

“It was one of those days. When I had the hole-in-one at the second I thought maybe it was my day, and holing putts from everywhere helps

as well. I putted well for the nine under-par first round, on Thursday I struggled a little bit in the afternoon and then today I putted very well. I was aggressive - you can be here and some of the scores you have seen this week do show that. If you can putt well, you’ll do well.

“I looked at the leaderboards at every opportunity. I thought somebody might have caught up by the time I got to the ninth so it was nice to see they hadn’t and I could have a go.

“I have had enough bad luck to go against me in final round situations and you do need a little bit of luck on your side.”

Maw climbed to sixth on the Race To Desert Springs order of merit, from which the top five at the end of the season earn a Challenge Tour card. Griffiths climbs to second with his £6,000 runners-up prize, while Billy Hemstock (Teignmouth Golf Club) maintained his top-five position after finishing tied for fifth on 10 underpar at Hawkstone Park.

Matthew Cort (Beedles Lake Golf Club) and Greg Payne (Chobham GC / MindSet4Golf) also consolidated their standings on the tour money list, finishing among those tied for ninth place on eight under-par.

TEEINGOFF

Moor is last stop The final regular season event of the EuroPro season heads to Moor Allerton

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he HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour’s final event before the seasonending Matchroom Sport Tour Championship takes place at Moor Allerton Golf Club September 21-23.

The Clipper Logistics Championship returns for a fourth year, with previous champions Billy Hemstock and Mark Laskey among those in the field and within striking distance of a place in the top five of the tour’s Race To Desert Springs order of merit.

The top five at the end of the Tour Championships, to be played in Spain in October, progress to the Challenge Tour in 2017. After narrowly missing out in previous years, Hemstock and Laskey are within touching distance of promotion but know they need

a strong finish to the season to maintain a top five position.

James Maw and James Wilkinson are among the golfers from our region closing in on the top five with a win apiece so far this season, while Alex Wrigley knows if he can claim a first EuroPro title he’ll be right in the mix after a run of strong finishes this summer.

A field of 132 will tee it up at Moor Allerton at the end of September and the event is crucial for every single one of them only the top 60 after the Clipper Logistics Championship will be invited to the Tour Championship at Desert Springs.

For those outside the top 60 on the tour standings, the Moor Allerton tournament represents a final chance to sneak in, while for those at the top of the money list

Mark Laskey, last year’s champion the stage of the season has been reached where any let-up can be severely punished with the Race To

Desert Springs looking tighter than ever. Spectator entry to the event is free of charge throughout the week.

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TEEINGOFF

Mack’s the man Albert MacKenzie has been named PGA Cup captain for Great Britain & Ireland’s defence of the Llandudno Trophy in 2017.

The Saunton head PGA Professional was a vice captain to Jon Bevan in GB&I’s historic triumph at CordeValle in 2015, which saw them win for the first time on US soil.

The Scot takes the reins at a high point for the for team, who staged a magnificent Sunday singles fightback to tie the matches at Slaley Hall in 2013 before going one better with victory in California last year.

“Winning in America was history in the making,” he said.

“I have learned and taken much from CordeValle - the two captains being a shining example to us all.

“My goal now is to create history once more by successfully defending the PGA Cup after winning in such style in America.”

Yorkshire boys’ agony Yorkshire just missed out as Wiltshire successfully defended their title in the English Boys’ County Championship.

Jake Bolton scored the winning point for Wiltshire with a superb round of five under-par, closing out his game 3&2 as Yorkshire lost by half a point.

The teams had tied at the end of the championship with two match wins apiece, but Wiltshire snatched the victory with 16 points to Yorkshire’s 15.5.

The quality of the afternoon’s play was underlined when Charlie Daughtrey – who had been down all through his round – managed to win the last for a half, with a round of seven under-par. Tom North holed a testing putt on the last to win his game one-up and complete Yorkshire’s score.

Yorkshire coach Steve Robinson said: “I’m really proud of the way the team performed, and of their fighting spirit. They never gave in.

Congratulations to Wiltshire, they are deserving winners.”

16 NORTHERN GOLFER

Lucca and Ella Jackson

Winning is a family affair

Brother and sister triumph at St Andrews and Wynyard

L

ucca Jackson has won the Wee Wonders British Champion at St Andrews – and his elder sister has got in on the family act with a Durham County title.

Six-year-old Lucca, from Seaton Carew, overcame a strong field at the Home of Golf to claim the title on the 27th hole from Dubai’s Ruiri Cooper.

He shot a closing round 35 to follow his opening 34 and 36 to finish on a total of 105, one shot clear of his nearest rival.

Seaton’s Jack Burton also made it through to the finals in his age group for the second year in a row. Despite some very steady golf, he came up against a number of bigger, and longer, players.

However, he still put up a very creditable performance and Seaton are very proud of all their young golfers, three of whom were also in the Durham County team which won The Regional Cup. Lucca had his dad, and coach, Clifford Jackson – the Seaton Carew professional – on his bag throughout the three days.

Cliff said: “From a family point of view, it was absolutely fantastic. To see him hole his putt at the last and for him to win it was absolutely brilliant. Even though he is so young, he showed tremendous consistency throughout and you can see that from his cards. They were all very similar and it is just brilliant.”

To cap off the season for the Jacksons, Lucca’s older sister Ella went on to win the Durham Junior Girls Stableford Championship at Wynyard.

Ella, 12, carded an impressive 39 points which included an eagle from a 60 yard chip on her way to the title. She finished nine points clear of Durham City’s Emily Atkinson.

Ella said: “I am really proud of what I have achieved - particularly over the last few weeks, I can’t wait to see what I can achieve next year.

“My short term goal is to try to get into the Elite Development squad at Dyke House School and to continue to represent Seaton Carew Golf Club and Durham.”

Cliff said: “Since Ella made the difficult decision at the beginning of the year to focus on her golf and not gymnastics she has achieved so much. When I think she was a 54 handicap playing in the Graeme Storm Open in April and she is now playing off 34, and winning two big events, I really feel the sky is the limit for her. I am so proud of her determination to improve.”

“I can’t believe the success that they both have had in a short space of time. Ella was brilliant at Wynyard and then they were two of the Seaton three, along with Jack Burton, in the Durham County team to win the Regional Cup. “What a week it’s been and I’m so pleased for them.”

TEEINGOFF

White roses in full bloom Yorkshire pip rivals to take the Northern Counties title

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urham got the better of Northumberland in their Northern Counties League derby clash at Chester-le-Street, as Yorkshire won the Roses battle to retain the title.

It wasn’t close at Lindrick with Yorkshire winning 11.5-6.5, but it was tighter at Chester with Northumberland staging a big fightback after losing the foursomes 4.5-1.5 to edge the singles - losing overall just 10-8.

Yorkshire took the title with eight points, just one point ahead of Lancashire in second place with Cheshire, who beat Cumbria 10.5-7.5, also on seven but third on games won and lost. Durham

finished fourth in the table with two wins, Cumbria fifth with one victory and Northumberland bottom with five defeats - although they can take some comfort with players such as Arcot Hall’s Jack Maddison coming through the ranks.

Maddison, on debut, won his foursomes match along with Tynemouth’s Stuart Fell against Castle Eden’s Ryan Dixon and Cameron Wallace and then halved with left-hander Wallace in the afternoon singles.

Dixon and Fell were Northumberland’s only winners in the foursomes. However, after Richard Aisbitt won the top singles, Northumberland took the next four

Sean Heads, watched by James Wilson points through Phil Ridden, Alex Dixon, Sean Heads and Andrew Minnikin before Sam Donald, James Birkbeck, Stuart Brown and Ryan Dixon hit back to give Durham a 10-8 win.

At Lindrick, it was 3-3 after the foursomes, but Yorkshire

took the singles 8.5-3.5 to claim the title.

Cheshire won the morning foursomes comfortably by 5-1 against Cumbria and while Cumbria edged the singles 6.5-5.5, Cheshire were eventual winners by 10.5-7.5.

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NORTHERN GOLFER 17

COURSEREVIEW

Spectacular seaside views Dean Bailey tackles Alnmouth Village, one of our region’s oldest links courses, and finds one of the best views in golf

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he Northumberland coast is blessed with stunning landscapes for golf – miles of rugged shoreline and sand dunes set out around beach-lined bays and over dramatic clifftops with picture postcard seaside towns and ancient castles.

The links at Alnmouth Village are as blessed as any. The opening stretch runs along the beach, yards from the North Sea, while the view from the seventh tee is one of the best from any golf course in our area.

18 NORTHERN GOLFER

The oldest nine-hole links course in England, Alnmouth Village opened in 1869 with its designer, 1874 Open Champion Mungo Park, as greenkeeper and professional.

The course retains much of its layout – and its 19th Century clubhouse, from Park’s day, when the likes of his nephew Willie Park Jr and Harry Vardon would visit – using the small plot of land to test accuracy and imagination.

Playing out from the clubhouse, the opening five holes are the most challenging if the wind

blows, while the undulating fairways are the most difficult over the shoreline part of the course.

One of the shortest courses in the North East, imagination around the greens and controlling the golf ball into the small, often fast-running, greens with swales and steep drop-offs is the key here.

The only par three on the course, the first is 199 yards and a tricky tee shot to open with. Wind can play havoc with a carry of 190 yards to reach the green. Anything short will find a steep slope and run away from the flag. There are no bunkers, but the ball will run off the upturned green should it flirt with the edges.

The short par four second and third holes (350 and 312 yards respectively) are good scoring chances. The beach, and out of bounds, borders the right of both fairways. Two large bunkers guard the left of the green at the second, while the first third of the green is higher than the rest of the putting surface - making putts back to the front edge tough to read. At the third, the ball will gather towards the centre of the green – though anything left of centre will run off the green towards the bunker or down the slope and leave a difficult chip.

The second longest hole of the course, the

COURSEREVIEW

FACT FILE 386 yard par four fourth is also one of the toughest. The tee is inches from the beach and your tee shot must avoid the rough and out of bounds right. The approach is played over a steep rise to a long green which runs off to the left. A front left pin here is trickiest, while any shot which hits the right of the green risks running to the boundary fence.

The final outward hole, the fifth measures just 294 yards and may be in reach for some, though the beach is closer than you think on the right side. The green here is small, with many subtle undulations, and is protected by a steep slope at its front edge. Anything that misses the green right or long risks the out of bounds.

At 309 yards, the sixth looks a pushover on the card with no bunkers and a large green but it’s far from easy. The tee shot is played up a steep hill to a blind fairway – the left side of which is flanked by the hill and thick rough while the right side is protected by out of bounds. A long iron is best here as finding the fairway is key to controlling your second shot, which is played uphill to a plateau green.

The seventh at Alnmouth Village, played back down the hill, is the signature hole (see fact file).

The tee shot at the eighth must avoid the car park to the right while being long enough to reach the green at this 473 yard par four (played as a 486 yard par five on the back nine).

A driver should finish close to the road which crosses the fairway at some 280 yards, leaving a long iron or hybrid to one of the biggest greens on the course. The kidney-shaped green slopes left to right with bunkers at the front left and middle right – both of which leave tricky shots to a flag at the back of the green.

The ninth is a 333 yard par four with no bunkers and a flat green beside the first tee with the village beyond – not dissimilar from the closing hole of the Old Course at St Andrews. Avoid the thick rough and out of bounds right and you should have a short shot and a good chance of a closing birdie.

CONTACT Alnmouth Village Golf Club, Marine Road Alnmouth, Northumberland, NE66 2RZ tel: 01665 830 370 web: alnmouthvillagegolfclub.co.uk email: secretaryavgc@btconnect.com

Designed by Mungo Park in the late 19th Century, Alnmouth Village is a classic links with wind, undulations and sloping, fast greens its primary protection. For three of our group it played short, but one of us chose to dig out a set of hickory-shafted clubs and tweed cap. The older, heavier-shafted clubs bring the trouble into play and test your shotmaking ability, and give an insight into the way Park would have played it.

Great fun on one of England’s oldest courses.

GREEN FEES All week £20 Winter (Nov 1-Feb 28, every day) £10 Group discounts available and societies welcome BUGGIES Per round £15 (must be booked in advance) TOTAL DISTANCE White tees 6,090 yards (Par 71) Yellow tees 5,654 yards (Par 70) Red tees 5,188 (Par 70) FEATURES 19th Century clubhouse with bar, lounge and catering Changing rooms Practice area CADDY’S TIP Many holes here require a wedge or pitch to small, upturned greens, which will test your short game. Sharpen up your pitching and chipping, and imagination around the green as you’ll require many different shots.

SIGNATURE HOLE The view from the seventh tee at Alnmouth Village is one of the finest in our region. High above the bay, the coastline stretches for miles. A 385 yard par four, it plays much shorter than its yardage with a drive from the top of the hill back into the main part of the course.

Wind will play havoc here, but the double fairway is generous. The second shot is played to a green which falls off at the edges and is protected by subtle breaks and borrows.

OUR VERDICT One of the oldest and most fun courses to play in the region

NORTHERN GOLFER 19

TEEINGOFF

Age no bar for Cooper

Martin Cooper Martin Cooper’s Keighley club championship hat-trick was a remarkable feat.

Now aged 66, his third victory came 40 years after his second - his first just four years before that.

“Nobody is more surprised than me,” he said. “I am obviously mellowing with age!”

Successive rounds of 74 earned him the club championship and the Northrop Trophy for the best nett 36-hole total too.

He trailed by two shots after the first round, but came through to win by one from Mark Cunningham, who carded rounds of 77 and 72 as first round leader Paul Davies was third with scores of 72 and 77.

“At 66, I don’t know how many years I will have left where I can play 36 holes in a day,” added Martin, “but I’ll definitely try to defend my title next year.”

He is also approaching 50 years as a scratch team player for Keighley, although he reckons he is picked “only in the holiday season when they get desperate.”

He has held a handicap as low as one and had trials for Yorkshire.

Kendal triumph Cumbria’s Caitlin Whitehead won the Loretto School Scottish Girls Under-14 Open Championship at Craigielaw Golf Club.

Caitlin led an England one-twothree scoring 147 to finish five over-par, with Annabell Fuller from Roehampton and Whitley Bay’s Rosie Belsham three shots behind.

Whitehead, from Kendal Golf Club, fired eight birdies in her four under-par second round of 67.

20 NORTHERN GOLFER

Michael Nesbitt (© Richard Hannam)

Professionals battle it out

The latest news from the NE/NW PGA circuit

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he region’s best professionals have shared some of the biggest prizes of the season as the packed schedule of NE/NW PGA events draws towards its conclusion for 2016.

Michael Nesbit has produced some of the best golf of the summer with wins at the Morpeth and Bamburgh Castle pro ams in August and a second place finish in the Barnard Castle GC Pro Am, while Callum Terran, Craig Goodfellow, Mark Ridley and Vincent Guest have all picked up wins in the last month.

Nesbit, PGA professional at Westerhope Golf Club, said: “It’s been a great few weeks in the pro ams. I’ve played some good golf since the start of the year and just found a little bit on the greens in August which has brought the rewards.

“Both pro ams were pretty tough with pouring rain at Morpeth and then strong winds at Bamburgh so I was really happy to put in good scores in such tough conditions.

“I’ve had success at both clubs through the years - at Bamburgh as a junior and then in the pro ams, and I’ve always played well at Morpeth having broken the course record there about 10

years ago and had some good finishes in the pro am.”

Nesbit returned a round of 68 to beat Simon Calvert by a single shot at Morpeth before finishing in a tie for the win at Bamburgh with Peter Raine, both pros recording rounds of 67.

Meanwhile, Goodfellow returned one of the rounds of the season so far as he shot 65 to win the Hexham Golf Club Pro Am by three shots from Simon Robinson as Martin Forster finished a further shot back.

Terran won at the start of August at Rockliffe Hall, his round of 68 one better than Close House’s Jonathan Lupton.

Ridley won at Goswick, where his round of 69 was one better than Philip Waugh as Robinson finished third. While at Barnard Castle, Vincent Guest shot a superb 68 to lead the field as Tim Dykes and Nesbit tied for second place.

In the Order of Merit, played for over the Pro Series and professional tournament events throughout the year, Goodfellow leads Robinson by 33 points with just the Matchplay event remaining.

For the latest results from the NE/NW PGA visit www.nenwpga.co.uk

TEEINGOFF

Phil’s a record breaker Graham breaks Morpeth course record before winning the final Northumberland event of the season

M

orpeth’s Phil Graham enjoyed the best fortnight of his golfing career as he broke the course record at his home club before going on to win his first county title at Bedlington.

Graham, who is county development office for England Golf in Durham, blew away the field in the Fenwick-Smith Trophy at Bedlington with rounds of 70 and 74 to win by seven shots from Andrew Minnikin and Kev Beaney.

He said: “I was very confident going into the event having played some good golf this summer. In the

first round I got off to a flyer with an eagle and a birdie in the first two holes and finished three under-par.

“The weather really deteriorated in the afternoon and I played some more good golf to get to four underpar through 11 holes of the second round. I had a bit of a disaster coming home with a double and treble-bogey in the worst of the rain but had built a good enough lead to get over the line.”

The win followed a new course record 65 at Morpeth the previous week, where Graham has been working with PGA professional David Clark.

Phil Graham “To get my first county win is a great feeling having put in some work earlier this season with David – who deserves a lot of credit.

“My golf has been solid and I’ve been delighted with how I’ve played, coming down from one to plus-one,” he added.

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NORTHERN GOLFER 21

TEEINGOFF

Karen Neill & Fiona Ruffman (left) and Theresa Noblett & Helen Gott

Foursomes winners The duo of Karen Neill and Fiona Ruffman from Gosforth Park Ladies Golf Club beat more than 50 teams from across the region to win the area final of the Peugeot LGU Coronation Foursomes at Whitley Bay Golf Club with 39 points.

The event, in which pairs represent their home clubs following a qualifying round, saw 52 teams compete for a place in the Grand Final, and the Gosforth ladies were closely followed by Theresa Noblett & Helen Gott (Shaw Hill GC) and Claire Miller and Sarah Bendelow (Ryton GC) with both pairs scoring 38 points.

Due to holidays, Theresa and Helen will go on to compete in the Grand Final on the Eden Course at St Andrews later this year.

Pilkington is champ Mark Pilkington is the new PGA North Assistants’ Champion.

Pilkington picked up the Sue Wright Trophy at Helsby with an excellent round of 68, two shots ahead of a clutch of players including Bedlingtonshire’s Mathew Webb.

The 38-year-old stepped down after 12 years competing in Europe and is now in his second season as a PGA trainee assistant under the guidance of his 36-year-old brother Stuart, the head professional at Pwllheli Golf Club in North Wales - where their father John was a previous incumbent.

22 NORTHERN GOLFER

Lee Westwood and Danny Willett, and Miguel Àngel Jiménez (below)

Turn back time

Lee Westwood wins the hickory challenge in Crans-Montana

C

lose House attached professional Lee Westwood took home the cowbell trophy for the Turn Back Time two-hole hickory challenge after the third round of the OMEGA European Masters in Switzerland.

Westwood faced stiff competition from Paolo Quirici, 2013 World Hickory Champion, Danny Willett and Miguel Ángel Jiménez with all four players taking on the 10th and 18th holes of Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre.

The challenge was full of dramas from the outset. Willett was the first to tee off - landing his ball in a bunker before recovering to make a par.

Westwood finished the 10th with a superb putt to share the lead with Jiménez and Willett.

Jiménez was unlucky off the

18th tee and was forced to attempt an escape from behind a fence, although this didn’t quite go according to plan and left him with a disappointing bogey.

Play ended with Westwood and Willett facing each other in a play-off, which was a nearest the pin challenge from the drop zone on the 18th. After both players’ balls didn’t make the green, they attempted the shot again and Westwood was the closest.

Westwood said: “It was great fun; a completely different feel to what we’re used to - you have to wait for it a little bit longer.

The challenge was a good finish to a great day of golf.”

The event was set up to commemorate the 70 years the OMEGA European Masters has been hosted in Crans-Montana, making it the longest running golf tournament at the same venue in Europe.

TEEINGOFF

Swede success for Wrigley Hartlepool’s Alex Wrigley wins Oakley event

A

short trip to Sweden to caddy turned out to be another highlight in a what’s shaping up to be a great season for Hartlepool’s Alex Wrigley.

A EuroPro Tour regular, Wrigley made the trip across the North Sea to caddy for his girlfriend, Ladies European Tour player Johanna Gustavsson, and managed to turn a late entry into a regional event into a 36-hole total of 10 under-par and a five-shot victory at Kårsta Golf Club.

“I was out there caddying for Johanna and her coach managed to get me a late entry to the local PGA event sponsored by Oakley,”

explained Alex. “I’ve played some good golf this season so I had a bit of confidence going in despite the short notice. I was coming off the back of couple of top 15s on the EuroPro and I’d had a good result in Ireland the week before so I was expecting to play good golf.

“To get a win over there feels great and is another highlight in what’s been a really good year so far,” added Alex.

At the time of going to print, Alex sits inside the top 60 of the Race to Desert Springs on the EuroPro Tour and is looking forward to making the trip to the Tour Championship in Spain later this year.

Alex Wrigley “I’ve been able to carry on that form to get some more good finishes in the EuroPro and PGA events and I’m looking forward to the last few events of the season,

including Q School and the EuroPro Tour Championship,” he added.

“Let’s take it one shot at a time and see how far we go in the next few months.”

6 MONTHS WINTER GOLF MEMBERSHIP FOR ONLY £120

NEW MEMBER OFFER FOR 2017 - JOIN NOW GET 15 MONTHS FOR THE PRICE OF 12

WINTER GREEN FEES ONLY £10

Beautiful nine hole links with stunning coastal views, open all year round

Buggies available for only £15

Alnmouth Village Golf Club Marine Road, Alnmouth NE66 2RZ Phone: 01665 830370 www.alnmouthvillagegolfclub.co.uk

NORTHERN GOLFER 23

BRIONYBAYLES

Briony’s victory puts her on course Briony Bayles talks national success, her new golfing ambitions and what the future holds with Dean Bailey

F

or 16-year-old Briony Bayles, the last four months have been the best of her golfing career.

Having put her clubs away ahead of her GCSE exams, she committed to a packed schedule of summer golf which paid off in style when she won her first national title on the Old Course at St Andrews.

And as we went to print, Briony beat some of the best young players in the region at Chester-leStreet to claim the second Northern Golfer Junior Champion of Champions title – more on that in next month’s magazine.

On her first trip to the Home of Golf, Briony saw off some of the world’s best young female golfers to win the St Andrews Junior Ladies Open – including a 2&1 win over top seed Alison Muirhead in the semi-final before beating Jessica Bailey in the final of the event for the best female golfers aged under 23.

We last spoke the morning after Briony holed a 4ft putt on the 18th green to win the title.

A month on, that moment has settled in and given her the confidence boost she had been searching for.

“It’s been an amazing few weeks since winning the biggest title of my golfing career so far,” says

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

Briony, still beaming each time she talks about it.

“It was a special week, playing at St Andrews against some of the best young players in the world. To win finished off what had already been a fantastic experience.”

With the win, Briony joined an elite list of players which includes Ladies European Tour players Carly Booth and Anna Scott.

“Having let things sink in, it’s given me a huge confidence boost,” she said. “I’ve always felt like I could compete in those events but I wasn’t sure I could win them. To get the win, under so much pressure, has proven I can do it and given me the push I needed.

“It’s really changed my mindset and given me the belief I could make golf my career.”

A two-handicapper, Briony says she is at home at both Bishop Auckland, where she learned the game with her father David, and at Wynyard, where she has been a member for three years.

“I’m a big practiser; I love to get out on the range and working on my game, and developing my swing,” she says. “I don’t play too much golf at home, particularly this summer as I’ve concentrated on county and national events.

“I think it’s really important to have as much experience as possible and that means travelling

BRIONYBAYLES

NORTHERN GOLFER 25

BRIONYBAYLES to the big events and playing at St Andrews or Royal Birkdale as well as playing locally.”

Having played in a handful of national events each year since the age of 14, Briony admits she hasn’t felt entirely comfortable in the biggest tournaments in the past, but is now relishing the opportunity.

“This season has been a big turnaround for me. It’s the first time I’ve been able to fully commit to golf as I got my GCSEs out the way and could just play, focus my mind and go all out.

“Saying that, I’ve been really careful to split my time up and not play too much golf. It’s really easy to golf yourself out and I’ve spent time away from the course with my family and friends because I don’t want to just be all golf, golf, golf – right now it is just game.”

As well as her national success, Briony has won the junior club championship at both Bishop Auckland and Wynyard this summer, beating some of the county’s best young players, and some of her closest friend, to the titles.

“There’s a small but really talented junior section at Bishop and you have to play good golf to win the club championship. I played both rounds with Alex Stevenson and we had great fun – though we were obviously both playing to win.

“I played really well to win at Wynyard too, playing with Katana Hollins - who I’ve played a lot with and we get on with really well too.”

As well as competing against her friends at her home clubs, Briony has progressed through the Durham system with many of her friends, making it through to represent the county at Match Week – her favourite week of the golfing calendar.

“Alex and I shared a room at Penrith this year and played the foursomes together,” she says. “It was great to spend so much time with her having got on so well for so long. It’s a lovely atmosphere at Match Week and the girls are all so close.

“So many of us started together at the county girls camps and we have such a great time when we meet up.

We would have never had that if we didn’t have that junior coaching. For all of us to still be playing and competing against one another is amazing.

“It’s a totally different pressure playing for the team and it reminds you of how passionate you can be playing golf. It’s amazing to play the 26 NORTHERN GOLFER

last with all the girls cheering you on.”

Having first picked up one of her dad’s clubs in the back garden aged nine, Briony has been a member of Bishop Auckland since the age of 11, around the same time she started working with Steve Carpenter at Hedlam Hall.

“I’ve worked on my game with Steve since I started golf and he’s such a lovely guy to be coached by. He’s quite old school; we work on some technical stuff, but I really like his longterm approach to everything we do.”

Having found her confidence with success at St Andrews, Briony has a clear plan for the next stage of her golfing career.

“I’m starting my A Levels at Dyke House in Hartlepool and can’t wait to work with the coaches there and to be mentored by Graeme Storm like Jack Ainscough and Will Skipp have been in the last few years.

“I’d love to go on to play college golf in the US and get a degree while playing elite events. After that, who knows? I think most golfers dream of

playing golf for a living - but there’s a long time before I have to make any decisions like that.”

With so much golf in this year’s diary, Briony’s dad David has been key to her fulfilling her potential, and has watched every step of her golfing

career so far – feeling the pressure of every putt.

“When you’re playing you’re in control of what’s happening. Watching is far more stressful and can be so nerve wrecking,” says David.

“To travel and play some of these amazing events can only be a good experience for Briony and to see her enjoy her golf, at whatever level, is the most important thing. For her to be happy playing and succeeding makes all those miles worth it.

“Watching her hit balls in the garden aged nine I couldn’t have imagined how dedicated she would become and what she would achieve by the time she was just 16,” adds David.

“I couldn’t have achieved what I have without my dad ferrying me around, and for him to give up his time to travel with me and watch me play is so important to everything I’ve achieved,” adds Briony as her and David head back out to the golf course to finish their back nine – David one up with four to play, though he is getting a few shots nowadays.

TOURLIFE

Chris Paisley MIDDLESBROUGH GOLF CLUB BRASS CASTLE LANE Telephone 01642 311766 www.middlesbroughgolfclub.co.uk

TOUR LIFE

OLYMPIC SUCCESS? WITH EUROPEAN TOUR PLAYER CHRIS PAISLEY Since my last column I have played three tournaments. I missed the cut in the Czech, finished 34th in Denmark and narrowly missed the cut in Switzerland. There was a lot to be positive about, despite below average results. I am coming into the final stretch of the season feeling good about my game with some big money events lefts to play.

Currently, I am sitting just outside the top 110, so I need a few of good results. Fortunately, I enjoy these situations and leaving these things until the last minute - it adds a bit of drama if nothing else!

So, was golf in the Olympics a success? Short answer - yes! Having spoken to several players and caddies, the comments have been overwhelmingly positive. A number of players even described it as the best golfing week of their life. As competitors, they had access to any event so many witnessed Usain Bolt run his final Olympic race, Michael Phelps win his 23rd gold medal and Mo Farah win gold for Team GB. The Olympics are so special and inspiring, you would be crazy to not want to be part of it.

From the outside, the event looked fantastic. I was shocked at how good the golf course was presented, and everyone I have spoken to thought it was a great track. One of the goals was to present golf to a wider, more diverse audience. Based on the number of hilarious golf ball snatching incidents, camera clicks during players’ downswings, and the frequency of ‘quiet please’ from the caddies, I believe you could say mission accomplished.

Having Rose and Stenson going head-to-head made the tournament. The reaction from Justin when he holed the winning putt told me everything I needed to know.

I think they could tweak the format to make it more team based, but hopefully some of the top players realise they missed out on something special - not just the chance to win a gold medal - but the opportunity to be an Olympian.

Visiting Party Packages - From £35 per person 4 Ball Special - £100 (call for available times) Mixed Team Open 2nd October £50 per team To book or for further information contact Gordon Cattrell Club Professional on 01642 311766 or email gcattrell@tgigolf.com

Book your 2017 Visit Now Follow us on Twitter @ MGC1908

A TRUE HIDDEN GEM IN THE HEART OF SCOTLANDS’ GOLF COAST

Visitors welcome 7 days a week Contact: tom mcginley, golf services manager 01620 892726 Secretary@glengolfclub.co.uk Winter green-fees - mid-week £25 per round, £35 weekend.

All categories of membership available, country, 5-day and 7 day.

Glen East Links, North Berwick Tantallon Terrace, North Berwick, East Lothian EH39 4LE NORTHERN GOLFER 27

GOLFERNEWS

Three’s a crowd Webb and Belt soak up that winning feeling

F

or the third time in as many months, the team of Mathew Webb and Alex Belt have lifted a doubles title, and this month they’ve won the biggest one of the year.

Having qualified through the North region event earlier this summer, the duo won the Golfbreaks.com PGA Fourball Championship at Carden Park.

They again proved a cut above their rivals at the Cheshire resort with an eight under-par 64 giving them a four-stroke victory and a cheque for £5,500 in the SkyCaddie and BMW supported final.

It was a second national PGA title for Bedlingtonshire Golf Club-based Webb who has lifted the PGA Assistants’ Championship this season.

The pair’s friendship dates back

to playing in Spain and travelling on the PGA EuroPro Tour circuit, and Belt paid a generous tribute after his partner’s efforts in the tricky conditions.

“Mathew was the star of the show today, without a doubt. I was just there as a bit of support and to tend a few flags,” said Belt, from Snainton Golf Centre.

“It was one of the best performances I’ve ever seen him play, especially with the weather.

It wasn’t very pleasant, the rain didn’t lessen and there was no point putting the brolly up after five holes because you were already as wet as you were going to get.”

While they began the final day with a three-stroke advantage, they were kept on their toes by the Scottish pairing of James McGhee and Mark Hillson, who made a

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Mathew Webb and Alex Belt (©Jan Kruger, Getty Images) great start with five birdies in six holes and reached the turn in six under-par.

However, it was just one better than the leaders who hit the accelerator again with a Webb eagle on the 574 yard par five 13th and birdie on 14 which effectively sealed victory.

“We had a shaky hole on 11 but managed to get a par out of it and

then I eagled 13 and that was kind of pressure off.

“I then birdied the next and it was almost we had so much of a lead that we didn’t need to make any more birdies so we stopped making them,” said Webb.

“It’s a special feeling to win another national title and great to share it with Alex this time. It’s been a good couple of weeks.”

LUB RYTON GOLFTyC ne & Wear

MEMBERSHIP INTRO SPECIALS

18 MONTH FULL MEMBERSHIP ONLY £529, 5DAY MIDWEEK MEMBERSHIP ONLY £450. *Limited Time Only

Our clubhouse is available for any function, small or large, we cater for all. Please contact Agnes, bar Manager for more detail. 0191 4133737

contact: secretary@rytongolfclub.co.uk 01434 602975 sharron@robsonprint.co.uk robsonprint.co.uk 28 NORTHERN GOLFER

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

GOLFERNEWS

Captain Marvel Richardson takes title for the second time

Y

orkshire’s Alan Richardson is England’s champion club captain again.

He claimed the title for the second time at Frilford Heath when he scored 74 points in the 36-hole final.

Richardson, from Scarborough North Cliff, said: “I’m absolutely chuffed, over the moon,” as he picked up the title he first won at Burhill in 2014.

He was three points clear of halfway leader Andy Vernon (Stapleford Park), while Chris Wise (Holtye) and Martin Tate (Blackburn) shared third place with 68 points.

The championship was played as part of England Golf Week, which

Alan Richardson (© Leaderboard Photography

brings more than 500 competitors to Frilford Heath to take part in a series of finals during the five-day celebration of handicap golf.

Richardson was club captain in 2001 and has been a regular in England Golf Captains tournaments since then – alongside a large number of other Scarborough North Cliff past captains. “When we went to Southport and Ainsdale for the qualifier there were 10 captains from our club,” he said.

“We love it. It’s great value for money, even if you don’t win, and it’s really well organised. The nice thing with these events is that they are very friendly and there’s quite a bit of banter!”

Richardson arrived at the final playing off 11 and, after returning scores of 36 and 38 points, is anticipating that his handicap will be cut to eight, his lowest ever.

Consett & District Golf Club 2016 Membership Offers Special New Membership Offer

Join us now for a Membership until March 2018 LOOK AT THESE PRICES!!

Full Membership Full Playing 65 and over 5 Day 26-29

£495 £475 £435 £395

22-25 19-21 13-18 12 & under

£255 £205 £50 £25

Flexible monthly membership payment options available and further discounts available for groups joining together.

To join or to enquire about membership please contact Vince Kelly on 01207505060 (option 1) or email consettgolfclub@btconnect.com or call into the golf club for an application form: Consett & District Golf Club, Elmfield Road, Consett. DH8 5NN. Why Join Consett & District Golf Club • Competitions for all abilities • PGA Qualified Professional with an indoor golf simulator • Superb clubhouse overlooking the Derwent Valley • Excellent value for money catering • Member Loyalty Card scheme which provides discounted bar purchases • A friendly Over 60s Senior Section with competitions on Tuesdays and Thursdays • Free Junior Membership for your son/daughter or grandson/granddaughter

Seniors Open 4 Man Team/LadiesThursday 29th September’16 Great offers available for Visiting Parties. All functions provided with excellent Catering and Facilities.

Please contact the Secretary for all of the above; Vince Kelly on 01207505060 (option 1) or email: consettgolfclub@btconnect.com

NORTHERN GOLFER 29

Winter Membership £175 5 day Winter Membership, Monday to Friday From October 1st 2016 to March 31st 2017 Play off regular tees to summer greens All winter

Ladies want to participate in an exercise that keeps you fit without hurting, socialise in comfortable surroundings afterwards in our friendly club house.

Why don’t you sign up to play golf. includes 4 Free coaching lessons from Colin our friendly Golf Professional.

Afterwards play golf for £10 per week until march 2017.

Contact the club professional / secretary for further details on Tel: 01670817344 Email info@newbiggingolfclub.co.uk

A HERBERT FOWLER MASTERPIECE SINCE 1923

The Bradford Golf Club is a fine example of Herbert Fowler’s design principles - come and see how he used the land to make a quite stunning golf course with views across The Rombalds Moor.

The last two years have seen the club embark on a thoughtful re-discovery of its Fowler heritage, taking inspiration from some of Fowler’s other courses, notably Delamere Forest, the work enhances the original Fowler design, with the trees now forming more natural groups, with the 17th described as iconic.

Winter Golf Deal 4 Ball with Bacon Roll & Drink on arrival

ONLY

please contact our manager for other offers .

For more details please go to www.bradfordgolfclub.co.uk or call our manager James Washington on 01943 875570 option 1

The Bradford Golf Club, Hawksworth Lane, Guiseley, Leeds LS20 8NP

30 NORTHERN GOLFER

£100

from the 1st November 2016

NOV 2016

Celebrating 125 years as one of Yorkshires finest courses.

PROFILE

Membership Specials Join now until 1st March 2017 – Only £250 or until 1st March 2018 – Only £750 3 Month Trial Membeship

Only £150 (includes 2 half hour coaching sessions)

PRO -FILE

JAMES HARPER

Telephone the Secretary on 0191 5811268 or email seahamgolfclub@btconnect.com

SEAHAM GOLF CLUB

Shrewsbury Street, Seaham, Co. Durham SR7 7RD

www.seahamgolfclub.com

WINTER MEMBERSHIP 2016/17 ENDS 31ST MARCH 2017

AGE: 38 TURNED PRO: 28 HOME CLUB: Wynyard Golf Club CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Winner of Durham County Matchplay and Strokeplay Championships as an amateur, and attained a handicap of plus-three before turning professional.

Has had professional wins in Wales, Cheshire and the North East.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SEASON? “I’ve just completed my PGA training so haven’t spent too much time on the golf course this year. Having moved to Wynyard last April, I’ve been settling in while sitting my final exams and things have been going really well across the shop, custom fitting and coaching. I’ve played a couple of events in the last few weeks and things are shaping up well on the course, and I’m looking forward to playing more on the NE/NW PGA circuit next season.”

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE GAME? “Like most golfers out there, I started in the back garden under my dad’s watchful eye. From there I joined Seaton Carew and was hooked. I’d get dropped off in the morning and picked up in the evening, and just fell in love with playing golf. I progressed through the junior ranks onto the men’s team and county events but my golf really improved in my 20s having been off to university. I started to win bigger events before turning pro aged 28.”

JOIN FOR ONLY £125 AND PLAY AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE WITHOUT RESTRICTION. AVAILABLE NOW. JOIN UP AND MAKE THE MOST OF THE EARLY START.

Longhirst Hall G O L F

C L U B

Telephone 01670 791562 or email: enquiries@longhirstgolf.co.uk visit us online at: www.longhirstgolf.co.uk

LONGHIRST HALL GOLF COURSE, LONGHIRST, MORPETH, NORTHUMBERLAND, NE61 3LL

Tynemouth Golf Club

ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE AND SATISFYING PARKLAND GOLF COURSES IN THE NORTH EAST Temp membership for C. £2 per day (Sep-Oct 16) Flexible membership available £14 per 18 Holes Full Memberships available c. £13.50 per week

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? “An exciting mix. I’ll be balancing club commitments while playing a key role in developing custom fitting here at Wynyard, with kit like the SAM Puttlab. I’m also planning on playing and competing a little more.

It’s a really exciting time coming up on and off the golf course.”

INTERESTING FACT: James holds a B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering and M.Sc in Advanced Manufacturing Systems

Play 3 courses for one membership Reduced green fees at 12 more local courses 10% discount on bar and catering Discount shopping at Morrisons including fuel Also access to Braid Courses at reduced rates Phone 0191 257 3381 for more details King Edward Rd, North Shields NE30 2ER Phone: 0191 257 3381 www.tynemouthgolfclub.com NORTHERN GOLFER 31

GOLFERNEWS

Forster on the move

David Forster David Forster has joined Whickham Golf Club as PGA professional following the opening of the club’s Hollinside Golf Academy.

Forster, a PGA professional for nearly 20 years, joins Whickham from Philips Golf and will be based at the Academy before also taking on the running of the pro shop in January.

He said: “It’s a really exciting time to join Whickham as the club launches its new academy and I’m looking forward to establishing coaching here.

“It’s great to get back to my roots as a club pro, having started out with my brother Martin at Hexham, and to be back working outside on the golf course and the range.”

Forster will be coaching experienced players and beginners at Whickham, as well as offering club fitting, and providing coaching to the club’s junior members.

He added: “We want to establish a junior system for the club and that’s already started with junior coaching which will become the junior academy. I’m also looking forward to working with my existing players here and helping members improve their golf.”

The Hollinside Golf Academy, which includes three driving range bays, a short game practice area, six-hole pitch and putt course, and an indoor practice and teaching studio will officially open later this month. The facility has been funded by a £75,000 grant from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities fund.

Junior coaching at Whickham takes place on Wednesday 4.30-5.30pm and Sunday 12.30-1.30pm. For more information contact David, tel 0786 6591 240 or email davidforster4@gmail.com 32 NORTHERN GOLFER

Phil and James Carlaw

End of an era Leading North East professional Phil Carlaw retires after nearly 40 years in the business

W

hether you were a regular at Boldon Golf Club or Parklands, or a visitor to Philips Golf, many golfers in the North East will have met, worked with or sought the advice of Phil Carlaw.

One of the region’s most respected professionals, Phil retires this month after nearly 40 years in the golf business - and is looking forward to spending more time on the golf course and with his family.

Phil, who setup Philips Golf nine years ago having turned professional at the age of 18 and trained as an assistant at Whickham Golf Club under David Hunter, before becoming part of the successful Phipps Golf at Boldon then Parklands, plans to move to Spain later this year.

He said: “In 38 years as a professional I’ve seen a lot in the golf business and been lucky enough to meet so many great people at Boldon, Parklands and Philips Golf.

“My passion has always been for business and retail, and providing a great service to golfers of all abilities. I’m proud to have built so

many longstanding friendships in my career and to have been able to make my living in the golf industry.

“I’d like to thank all of our customers, those which date back to the Boldon days and those who have found us at Philips Golf, and I hope they continue to enjoy their golf as we plan to in the future.”

Phil, his wife Angela and son James were all part of Philips Golf, and Phil is looking forward to spending more time with his family away from work.

“We’ve spent a lot of time together but we’re all looking forward to relaxing over in Spain and playing some golf as a family.”

PGA professional David Forster, part of the Philips Golf team for nine years, has moved to Whickham Golf Club as head PGA professional and will be based at the club’s new Hollinside Golf Academy.

Phil added: “David is an incredibly talented professional with a great passion for coaching.

I’m sure he’ll enjoy working at the fantastic new facilities at Whickham and I wish him every success.”

CHESTER-LE-STREET GOLF CLUB

HOST TO THE NORTHERN GOLFER JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS EVENT 2016 MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE More tee times reserved for members than other local clubs

VISITING PARTIES AND SOCIETY GROUPS WELCOME GOLF PACKAGES AVAILABLE Check out our course development plans at www.clsgolfclub.co.uk/course-development Contact: Secretary 0191 388 3218 or email: clsgcoffice@tiscali.co.uk PGA Professional 0191 388 2333

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

www.clsgolfclub.co.uk

GOLFERNEWS

Close shave

Nathan Ali (left) and Saul Guilford

One of our region’s most interesting prizes was handed out for the first time in four years this summer as Nathen Ali from Cookridge Hall won the Leeds Golf Club Junior Championship for the Wilkinson Sword.

Played between male and female golfers, Ali won the gross prize in the open event with a superb round of 69 as the nett prize, the Wilkinson Shield, went to Saul Guilford from Moor Allerton with a score of 65.

The event is part of the Leeds & District Junior Order of Merit and is set to remain a highlight of the season in 2017.

Following his big brother

A

lex Fitzpatrick has set his sights on emulating older brother Matt after winning the prestigious Sheffield Plate and making his Great Britain & Ireland debut.

The 17-year-old from Hallamshire held off Lindrick’s Jamie Sheppard to win the Plate by five shots over his home course.

Alex carried the bag for his brother Matt in his US Amateur Championship win and watched as he went on to win twice on the European Tour on his way to making a Ryder Cup debut for Europe at Hazeltine later this year.

“I would love to be like Matt,” he said.

“For all young golfers, he is somebody to look up to and I’m lucky he is my brother

Alex Fitzpatrick and is there to help me.” The England under-16 international plotted his way around Hallamshire to one under-par 70 in both rounds.

“I was consistent thanks to being conservative, playing steady golf and keeping it in play. The key, though, was holing short range putts - something that I did well all day.”

Alex was part of the GB & I team which lost narrowly to the Continent of Europe in the Jacques Leglise Trophy 13½-11½ at Prince’s in Kent.

He won by 3&2 against Pontus Nyholm, birdieing the 16th to close out his match and finished the event as one of the home side’s top contributors with 3½ points.

BRANCEPETH CASTLE GOLF CLUB

NEW MEMBERSHIP OFFERS Monday only membership £200 9 Hole Membership – please contact the office for further details

2017 Opens now available to book online at www.brancepeth-castle-golf.co.uk Telephone - 0191 3780075 Option 2 or email enquiries@brancepeth-castlegolf.co.uk Competition & Golf bookings available online at www.brancepeth-castle-golf.co.uk THE CLUBHOUSE, BRANCEPETH, DH7 8EA 34 NORTHERN GOLFER

GOLFERNEWS

Golf in the Scottish Borders Traditional country inn ideally situated for playing MINTO, HAWICK, THE HIRSEL AND ROXBURGH plus many more. 12 en-suite bedrooms with tv, wi-fi, tea/coffee making facililties, Sky tv. Restaurant and bar serving cask ales (good pub guide)

STAY & PLAY - £85 per night on two people sharing

(2 course evening meal, B&B, 18 holes at Minto Golf club or Hawick Golf club)

The Auld Cross Keys Inn

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

The Green, Denholm, Scottish Borders, TD9 8NU Phil Didsbury with Barrie McDonald of Harry Fairbairn BMW Inverness

Triple crown Blyth golfer wins Nairn Dunbar title again Blyth Golf Club’s success in the Nairn Dunbar Five Day Open continued for a third time in four years as Phil Didsbury picked up the KM Cameron Salver after strokeplay at matchplay rounds in the low handicap section at the Scottish club.

Following in the footsteps of Blyth’s Keith Gordon and Rob Storey, Phil came through a nail-biting final against local favourite Dave Stewart to win at the 19th hole – his 91st hole of the competition.

South Shields Golf Club A hidden gem on the north east coast

All weather course VERY few days lost to weather ONLY 2 days last year.

5 month winter fee – Unlimited golf November to March - £250. £100 off full membership if taken up 15 months golf for the price of 12 – Membership from 1 October 2016 to 31 December 2017 e.g. £645 cost of 2016 men’s fees (£100+ reduction) Contact the Main Office for further information.

Cleadon Hills, South Shields, Tyne and Wear NE34 8EG Tel: 0191 456 8942 Email: ssgchonsecy@gmail.com www.ssgc.co.uk

MAGDALENE FIELDS GOLF CLUB Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1NE

GREEN FEE SPECIAL Monday to Friday tee off between 10.30 to 11.30 £5 Per person - maximim of 4 people per booking Valid until 31st October 2016 Excellent Visiting Party Packages For further details telephone the Secretary on 01289 306130 e: secretary.m.f.g.c@hotmail.co.uk www.magdalene-fields.co.uk

Garesfield Golf Club MEMBERSHIP FROM 1 SEPT 2016 TO 31 MAR 2018: (19 MONTHS) 1Male £545 • Female £515 22-25 years £310 • 26-29 years £365 • 30-35 years £420 FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE. WHY JOIN GARESFIELD GOLF CLUB: Fantastic course layout suitable for all golfers Clubhouse with catering and bar facilities with fabulous views to the South over the Derwent Valley and to the East over to the North East coast Membership includes one free round per year at Ryton, Prudhoe, Consett, Tynedale and Haltwhistle, and further rounds at a reduced green fee Reciprocal arrangements with Barnard Castle, Saltburn, Morpeth and Whitburn - further arrangements being sought First child/grandchild under 16 free PGA Qualified Professional, well stocked shop, lessons available ------We have a well-stocked Pro Shop call in see our great offers For catering contact Lynne Williamson 01207561309 / Bar/catering option 3 See Garesfield Golf Course Facebook page and website for updates. www.garesfieldgolfclub.co.uk

Garesfield Golf Club, Chopwell, NE17 7AP NORTHERN GOLFER 35

GOLFGEAR

MASTER STROKE

Game changers Brighten up the end of the season As autumn begins, we’ve got new releases to brighten your golfing days with new flatsticks from Scotty Cameron and Ping, three new iron designs from Mizuno, a Callaway driver, Srixon Soft Feel balls and clothing from Oscar Jacobson – including new woolly hats…Winter is coming.

OUT OF THE FIRE

FUSION POWER

Mizuno JPX900 Series irons RRP: from £105 per iron golf.mizunoeurope.com

Callaway Big Bertha Fusion driver RRP: £369 uk.callawaygolf.com

Mizuno’s latest range of forged irons - the JPX900 Tour, Forged and Hot Metal – bring together the Japanase clubmaker’s forging expertise with new materials.

The JPX900 Hot Metal irons feature Mizuno’s newest material, Chomoly 4140M, for increased ball speeds with the adjustability of a forged iron, while the JPX900 Forged continues the development of Boron-infused steel, and the JPX900 Tour is Grain Flow Forged from a single billet for a solid feel.

36 NORTHERN GOLFER

Callaway’s latest driver promises to “push the boundaries of forgiveness like no Callaway club ever has”.

Increased forgiveness is delivered through a titanium exoskeleton with a crown and sole composed of ultra-light, ultra-strong triaxial carbon – increasing MOI by 17% on Callaway’s previous best for straighter, higher ball flights on off-centre hits.

Cameron & Crown putters RRP: £320 titleist.co.uk Scotty Cameron has returned to four of his most-trusted models with the new line of Cameron & Crown putters. “These models are purpose-built 33ins designs, not manipulated 35ins putters, with two 20-gram weights to ensure the swing weight and feel of these putters are consistent with their longer counterparts. These are crucial details when it comes to making a confident stroke,” says Cameron on the putters, available in Select Newport 2, Select Newport M2 Mallet, GOLO 5 and Futura X5R models.

FROM THE VAULT PING Vault putters RRP: from £275 ping.com Inspired by the legendary Gold Putter vault at PING HQ, the four new PING Vault putter designs bring together decades of expertise and precision engineering. Two blade designs (Voss and Anser 2) and two new mallet models (Oslo and Bergen) are available to order now, featuring TR face technology with individually milled face patterns which vary in depth and pitch across the face to speed up off-centre impacts.

INTHEBAG

IN THE BAG Image credit: L.E.MORMILE / Shutterstock.com

with Olympic gold medallist Justin Rose

WINTER IS COMING Oscar Jacobson AW16 apparel RRP: from £18 www.oscarjacobson.com The Stylish Swedes at Oscar Jacobson have unveiled their latest line of autumn/winter apparel for 2016 – combing the brand’s 113-year heritage in tailoring with 40 years on the European Tour. The new range, which features a classic colour theme as well as a bolder option, includes waterproof jackets and trousers, wind and showerproof options, as well as pullovers and sweaters to keep you warm in all weathers this winter.

Justin Rose cemented his place in golfing history at the Olympic Games, becoming the first male Olympic champion golfer in more than 100 years when he saw off Sweden’s Henrik Stenson in a dramatic closing round. Rose produced a thrilling round of 67 to win the four-day event, including a closing birdie to seal the win with both men playing the last tied at 15 under-par.

Rose’s place in Europe’s Ryder Cup team to face the US at Hazeltine this month was confirmed later in the month, adding to a great year for the Englishman which has seen him cement his place in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Rankings.

Here’s what was in his bag in Rio…

Driver: TaylorMade M2 8.5°

3-wood: TaylorMade M2 15°

3-iron: TaylorMade PSi Tour

SOFT TOUCH Srixon Soft Feel ball RRP: £25

Ball: TaylorMade Tour Preferred X

The 10th generation Srixon Soft Feel ball has been unveiled, with new core and cover innovations to benefit male and female golfers with mid-low swing speeds. Srixon’s Energetic Gradient Growth Core, also found in the Srixon AD333 ball, boosts ball speed while the 324 Speed Dimple pattern combines greater uniformity of dimple design with better surface coverage to produce a more penetrating ball flight and maximised distance on full shots.

Putter: TaylorMade Ghost Monaco Tour Black Prototype

Irons: TaylorMade Tour Preferred MB (4-PW)

Wedges: TaylorMade Tour Preferred EF (52°, 56° & 60°) NORTHERN GOLFER 37

GOLFERNEWS

Up to the challenge

Academ

y Score

Stay sharp this winter with the Golf Skills Challenge at Close House

W

ith the final competitions of the season done it’s time to head to the range to tweak and sharpen your game ahead of the 2017 season – and the PGA Academy at Close House has just the thing to keep your game sharp this winter.

The Golf Skills Challenge tests each element of your game across six disciplines, from pitching to driving, all scored out of 10 and taking around half an hour to complete.

Head PGA professional at Close House Matthew Naylor says: “With increasing time pressure for all golfers, it’s vital we make the most

of our practice and the Golf Skills Challenge is an ideal way to practice with a purpose.

“The key to good practice is to work on each area of the game and make your time on the range as close to being on the golf course as possible. The PGA Academy is the ideal place to do this with the floodlit driving range and quality balls which offer real feedback on your shots.”

The Skills Challenge runs throughout the year and is open to members and visitors to the PGA Academy - just pick up a card when you pay for your basket of balls.

“In the last 10 years we have seen a dramatic change in golf club and

Card (No

ve 201

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ut 1 19/1 1/2014

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Page 3

GOLF

GOLF

NAME: EMAIL:

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3 5 shots 4 150 5 at the 2 points Yards if ball land150 yards gree and 1 poin n, s SHOT t if the inside White SHOT ball is insid flags SHOT 1 SHOT Purple DRIVER e the 2 SHOT flags.

3 5 shot 4 5 200 WITH s at the 200 DRI yard Yards inside Ora VER. 2 poin s target SHOT ts if nge SHOT ball is insid flags and 1 ball lands SHOT 1 SHOT e the Wh point if the 2 SHOT WHEN ite flags 3 COMPL 4 .

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BE ENT ERED INT PLEASE HAND O THE TO A MEM & CON MONT DITION BER HLY PRI S APPLY, ZE DRAW OF THE GOLF SUBJECT TEAM TO AVA & COMPE ILABILIT TITION TO Y

TERMS

Matthew Naylor golf ball technology,” added Naylor.

“Driving distances have increased but average club handicaps remain the same and this is down to the way many amateur golfers practice.

“By recording your scores throughout the year it’s easy to track improvement, and working through the Challenge regularly should deliver results for every level

WWW.CLOSEHOUSE.COM

Close House, Heddon on the Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 0HT Telephone 01661 85 22 55 Email enquiries@closehouse.co.uk

Includes access to practice facilities including unlimited use of the new Yearling course, member access to the short game area, a round on the Lee Westwood Filly and one half hour golf lesson with a PGA professional tutor.

/10 /10 /10 /10 /10

/10 TOTAL

/60

of golfer.” The PGA Academy at Close House is open daily to members and visitors. Academy Membership, which includes use of the short game practice area and Yearling par three course, a round on the Lee Westwood Filly Course, and a 10% discount across the Close House resort is £15 per month. For more information call 01661 85 22 55.

CLOSE HOUSE ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP

38 NORTHERN GOLFER

SCORES

70 Yards

SIMPLY PICK UP YOUR CHALLENGE CARD WHEN YOU PURCHASE YOUR BASKET OF BALLS AND KEEP YOUR WHOLE GAME SHARP THIS WINTER WITH PITCHING, APPROACH AND DRIVING ALL COVERED THROUGH SIX 10-SHOT CHALLENGES.

CLOSE HOUSE NEWCASTLE

DATE:

MOBIL

TARGET

£15 ONLY

PER MONTH

UNDER-18 ONLY

£10 PER MONTH

EMY

S CHA LLEN

ICAP:

TAKE THE GOLF SKILLS CHALLENGE AT THE PGA ACADEMY AT CLOSE HOUSE

Golf Academy

AC A D

SKILL

HAND

GE

GREENWATCH

GREEN WATCH

Hetton LeGolf Hill Club ELEMORE SUPERB 18 HOLE PARKLAND PAY & PLAY

WITH JON WYER, ROCKLIFFE HALL

CORRECT DISEASE IDENTIFICATION Pay & Play - £15 per round Seniors £12 per round (inc weekends) Attractive Group Rates for Parties

Telephone 0191 5173061 or email hettoncgc@gmail.com Hetton le Hill Golf Club Elemore Vale, Easington Lane, DH5 0QT

Already the daylight hours are decreasing significantly and although temperatures throughout the day are still mild to warm, the evenings are starting to become a lot cooler. This combination has led to the morning dew lying a lot thicker on the ground and taking a lot longer to burn off than in previous weeks.

With these morning dews, greenkeepers need to keep a close eye on the course for signs of fungal activity, which could lead to disease outbreak within the turf. Some disease pathogens are dependent on water to move from plant to plant and dew can be a major contributing factor to disease spread for this reason. These pathogens can also thrive in damp, humid conditions and the dew can create a microclimate, adding to

increased activity.

Remember though that not all disease is fungal and could still become an issue through the autumn.

It is important to understand the correct identification of any disease that may appear in the turf, and what the contributory factors are for its presence. Although weather may be the main factor (especially warm, wet weather) it could be poor cultural practices, such as poor aeration or over fertilising, may be the main reason for disease outbreak.

Identifying correctly the reason for the disease outbreak also helps ascertain which chemical to use as certain chemicals may only neutralise diseases and chemicals can have different modes of actions meaning the timing of application is also important to consider.

NEXT MONTH

The importance of communication with members

Cally Palace

HOTEL & GOLF COURSE

SPRING 2017 GOLF BREAKS 2 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast with 2 rounds of golf Par 71, 6062 yds Parkland Course

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t: 01557 814 341 | e: info@callypalace.co.uk

Fernhill Hotel Portpatrick

North West Castle Stranraer

Tel: 01776 810 220 E: info@fernhillhotel.co.uk

Tel: 01776 704 413 E: info@northwestcastle.co.uk

2 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast with 2 rounds of golf

from £152.00 pp

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LARGE GOLF GROUPS & GOLF SOCIETIES WELCOME

Golf available on Stranraer, Portpatrick, Glenluce or Cally courses.*

Golf available on Stranraer, Portpatrick, Glenluce or Cally courses. *

or book online at

www.mcmillanhotels.co.uk

Rates subject to promotional availability, conditions apply.

NORTHERN GOLFER 39

GOLFERTIPS

PUTT FOR DOUGH Golf is full of old phrases, but the one I really like to get players thinking about is ‘drive for show, putt for dough’. The golf swing is important, but we make more strokes with the putter than any other club in bag - and it’s the one that’s easiest to practice.

Rather than spending all your time on the range, dedicate a good portion of time to the putting green and use these two drills – I’m sure your scores will improve.

DRILL ONE – PAR 18 Pick nine putts ranging from 20-30ft around the putting green, mixing up angles, uphills and downhills, and left and right breaks to better simulate the sequence of putts you’ll have in a round.

Use your on-course pre-shot routine for each stroke and see if you can get all nine balls in the hole in 18 strokes.

DRILL TWO – PAR NINE Place nine balls around the hole ranging from 4-8ft. Using your pre-shot routine, try and hole out from each position.

Try these two drills and look to improve your score each time. The pressure soon builds as you improve and it’s a great way to practice with a purpose and create a little pressure, which is ideal when you face the same kind of putts on the course.

40 NORTHERN GOLFER

John Harrison Matfen Hall

tel 01661 8 86 400 www.matf enhall.com

ADVERTORIAL

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As well as our fantastic range of balls, coming soon we will have a full online selection, including Golf Trolleys, Bags, Gloves and 100’s of other golf related items and accessories.

You can purchase balls online at golfrus.co.uk and all parcels are tracked using My Hermes couriers and there is a money back guarantee with every purchase. www.golfrus.co.uk | 07957353265 ebay.co.uk/golfrus | facebook.com/GolfRus

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NOW AVAILABLE @ GOLFRUS CLICGEAR GOLF TROLLIES, BAGS & ACCESSORIES BAGBOY GOLF BAGS • VOICE CADDY GPS SYSTEMS GOLF PRIDE , SUPERSTROKE & LAMKIN GRIPS CALLAWAY GOLF GLOVES All range of balls available from competition to practice standard meeting all standard of golfers requirements.  All major brands in stock  All deliveries made via My Hermes couriers  Tees and Gloves now available as well.

NORTHERN GOLFER 41

GOLFERCOMPETITIONS

win

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

Please include your contact details and telephone number.

.WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT WHITLEY BAY GOLF CLUB. An inland course within stunning views of the North Sea, Whitley Bay is a must-play venue throughout the year, widely regarded as one of the bestprepared courses in our region.

With its undulating fairways and dene, it requires good driving and imagination to find the right positions from which to make pars and birdies.

Closing date Thursday October 6 2016. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Hazeltine, host venue of this year’s Ryder Cup, is in which US state?

.WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT BRANCEPETH CASTLE GOLF CLUB.

.WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT EAGLESCLIFFE GOLF CLUB.

Between Durham and Crook, Brancepeth remains one of the finest examples of Harry Colt’s design work in our region. Just 15 minutes drive west of Durham city, the course still bears all the trademarks of a classic Colt and is a stern, but fair, test.

One of Teesside’s best courses, Eaglescliffe presents a tough test for all golfers and remains a firm favourite. Measuring 6,289 yards from the back tees, the course at Eaglescliffe was designed by James Braid, while Henry Cotton undertook the design of four new holes in 1968.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: In which year did Lee Westwood make his Ryder Cup debut?

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Which Englishman leads the all-time Ryder Cup points list?

Congratulations to last month’s competition winners: Matfen Hall - Richard Windsor-Price of Forest Hall Parklands - Colin Gibson of Redcar • South Moor - Linda Murray of Ryton

£3

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CENTURION PARK ONLY 4 MILES FROM NEWCASTLE CITY CENTRE...

RANGE

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Visitors & Societies welcome – Book for great 2017 deals

LATE SUMMER GREEN FEES Weekdays £14 - Weekends - £16 Twilight from 2pm - £10 4 Ball Weekdays £40 - Weekends £50 THURSDAY SPECIAL - ONLY £10 Play 5 rounds get 6th FREE

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42 NORTHERN GOLFER

Fantastic 2017 Membership Deals Contact the secretary on 0191 262 4231 ext 2

Contact the Pro Shop to book or for more information on 0191 2624231 ext 2

DRIVING RANGE 24 Floodlit bays 50 balls Only £3 100 balls Only £5 Buy digi card save £££’s

Rheydt Avenue, Wallsend NE28 8SU

We’re Open

T: 0191 2702362 www.golfgear4less.co.uk E: info@zflgolf.co.uk

9am - 5.30pm Mon - Sat

Trolley Service & Repairs Motocaddy, Powakaddy, Hillbilly & More Motocaddy Trolleys & Lithium Batteries in Store We stock Adidas, Under Armour, Taylormade, Srixon, Callaway, Motocaddy, SuperStroke Grips, Ecco & lots more!

FREE Club Check, hit longer, straighter shots having your clubs correctly fitted. Call 0191 2702362 today to book.

We stock batteries, chargers & spares for all leading trolley brands Call in and try the latest Odyssey and Taylormade Putters on our large indoor putting green

GoKart made in the UK £269 FREE Loft & Lie Check

by Appointment.

GoKart Electric Golf Trolley Only £269 Lightweight, Super Strong, Compact & Easy to Use

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

Wynyard Golf Club

An exceptional golf experience

Winter Packages” 1st October 16 – 30th April 17 4 BALL - £116.00 – Coffee & Bacon Rolls followed by 18 Holes on the Championship Wellington Course 2 BALL - £70.00

– Coffee & Bacon Rolls followed by 18 Holes on the Championship Wellington Course.

Contact Golf Bookings on 01740 644399 ext. 22 or email proshop@wynyardgolfclub.co.uk to reserve your tee time www.wynyardgolfclub.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 43

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

44 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 4274 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

Filey Golf Club West Avenue, Filey, YO14 9BQ 01723 513293

South Shields Golf Club Cleadon Hills, South Shields, NE34 8EG 0191 456 8942

Forest of Galtres Golf Club Skelton, York, YO32 2RF 01904 766198

Tynemouth Golf Club Spital Dene, Tynemouth, NE30 2ER 0191 257 4578

Forest Park Golf Club Stockton-on-Forest, York, YO32 9HF 01904 400 425

Tyneside Golf Club Westfield Lane, Ryton, NE40 3QE 0191 413 2742

Fulford Golf Club Heslington Lane, York, YO10 5DY 01904 413 579

Wearside Golf Club Cox Green, Sunderland, SR4 9JT 0191 534 2518

Ganton Golf Club Station Road, Ganton, Scarborough, YO12 4PA 01944 710 329 Harrogate Golf Club Forest Lane Head, Harrogate, HG2 7TF 01423 862 999

Whickham Golf Club Hollinside Park, Fellside Road Whickham, NE16 5BA 0191 488 1576

Heworth Golf Club Muncaster House, Muncastergate, YO31 9JY 01904 426 156

Whitburn Golf Club Lizard Lane, South Shields, NE34 7AF 0191 529 4210

Kirkbymoorside Golf Club Manor Vale, Kirkbymoorside, YO62 6EG 01751 431 525

Whitley Bay Golf Club Claremont Rd, Whitley Bay, NE26 3UF 0191 252 0180

Knaresborough Golf Club Boroughbridge Road, Knaresborough, HG5 0QQ 01423 862 690

YORKSHIRE (EAST)

Malton & Norton Golf Club Welham Park, Welham Road, Norton,Malton, YO17 9QE 01653 697 912

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

Masham Golf Club Burnholme, Swinton Road, Masham, Ripon, HG4 4NS 01765 688 054 Oakdale Golf Club Oakdale, Harrogate, HG1 2LN 01423 567 162 Pannal Golf CLub Follifoot Road, Pannal, HG3 1ES 01423 872 628

Scarborough South Cliff Golf Club Deepdale Avenue, off Filey Road, YO11 2UE 01723 360 522 Scarthingwell Golf Club The Scarthingwell Centre, Scarthingwell, Tadcaster, LS24 9PF 01937 557 878 Selby Golf Club Mill Lane, Brayton, YO8 9LD 01757 228 622 Skipton Golf Club Short Lee Lane, Skipton, BD23 3LF 01756 795 657 The Oaks Golf Club Aughton Common, Aughton, YO42 4PW 01757 288 577 Thirsk & Northallerton Golf Club Thornton le Street, Thirsk, YO7 4AB 01845 525 115 Whitby Golf Club Low Straggleton, Whitby, YO21 3SR 01947 600 660 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 Dewsbury District Golf Club The Pinnacle, Sands Lane, Mirfield, WF14 8HJ 01924 492399 Garforth Driving Range Barwick Road, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 2DN 0113 287 1111

Mid Yorkshire Golf Club Havercroft Lane, Pontefract, Darrington, WF8 3BP 01977 704522 Moor Allerton Golf Club Coal Road, Wike, Leeds, LS17 9NH 0113 266 1154

Jeffrey Musgrove Golf Shop Garesfield Golf Club Chopwell, NE17 7AP 01207 563082

Otley Golf Club West Busk Lane, Otley, Leeds, LS21 3NG 01943 465 329

Leda Discount Golf Centre Grange Villa, Chester le Street, DH2 3NF 0191 370 1757

Oulton Hall Rothwell Lane, Oulton, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS26 8HN 0871 222 4690

Marshalls Golf Heworth Golf Club, Gingling Gate, Heworth, NE10 8HY 0191 4384223

Pontefact & District Golf Club Park Lane, Pontefract, WF8 4QS 01977 792241

Gordon Catterill Golf Shop Middlesbrough Golf Club, Brass Castle Lane, TS8 9EE 01642 311766

Rawdon Golf and Lawn Tennis Club Buckstone Drive, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BB 0113 2506040 Sand Moor Golf Club Alwoodley Lane, Leeds, LS17 7DJ 0113 268 5180

Philips Golf Discount Unit 3 Strand Business Centre Locomotion Way, Camperdown Ind Est Killingworth, NE12 5UJ 0191 268 0008

Scarcroft Golf Club Syke Lane, Leeds, LS14 3BQ 0113 289 2263

Riverdale Hotel Bellingham NE48 2JT 01434 220 254

Wakefield Golf Club 28 Woodthorpe Lane, WF2 6JH 01924 258778

Snainton Golf Direct Coast View, Swarland, Felton, NE65 9JG 01670 787 010

Woodhall Hills Golf Club Woodhall Road, Calverley, Pudsey, LS28 5UN 0113 255 4594

Sunderland Golf Centre Newcastle Road, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR5 1JT. 0191 516 8600

OTHER GOLF OUTLETS

The Golf Factory 678 West Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 2UR 07837 001527

Headlingly Golf Club Back Church Lane, Adel, Leeds, LS16 8DW 0113 267 9573

Aslan Golf Lizard Lane, Whitburn, NE34 7AF 0191 5294210

Ripon Golf Club Palace Road, Ripon, HG4 3HH 01765 603 640

Hollins Hall Hollins Hill, Baildon, Shipley, Bradford, BD17 7QW 01274 530 053

YORKSHIRE (NORTH)

Romanby Golf Club Yafforth Road, Northallerton, DL7 0PE 01609 778 855

Horsforth Golf Club Layton Rise, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5EX 0113 258 6819

Bargain Golf Seaham Golf Club, Shrewsbury Street, Seaham, SR7 7RD 0191 5130837 & Hobson Golf Club Burnopfield, Newcastle, NE16 6BZ 01207 271605

Aldwark Manor Golf Club Aldwark Alne,YO61 1UF 01347 838 146

Rudding Park Golf Club Rudding Park, Harrogate, HG3 1JH 01423 872 100

Huddersfield Golf Club Fixby Hall, Lightridge Rd, HD2 2EP 01484 426203

Bedale Golf Club Leyburn Road, Bedale, DL8 1EZ 01677 422 451

Sandburn Hall Golf Club Flaxton, York, YO60 7RB 01904 469 929

Leeds Golf Club Elmete Lane, Leeds, LS8 2LJ 0113 265 9203

Dan Hookway Blyth Golf Club New Delaval, Blyth, NE24 4DB 01670 540 110

Scalm Park Golf Club Bishop Wood, Wistow Common, Selby, YO8 3RD 01757 210 846

Leeds Golf Centre Wike Ridge Lane, Shadwell, Leeds LS17 9JW 0113 288 6000

Dynamic Indoor Golf Wideopen, Newcastle, NE13 7BA 0191 481 3590

Hornsea Golf Club Rolston Rd, Hornsea, HU18 1XG 01964 534989 The KP Golf Club Pocklington, York, YO42 1UF 01759 303 090

Catterick Golf Club Leyburn Road, Catterick Garrison, DL9 3QE 01748 833 268

Richmond Golf Club Bend Hagg, Richmond, DL10 5EX 01748 823 231

Stokesley Driving Range Broughton Road, Stokesley, TS9 5JJ

Wetherby Golf Club Linton Lane, Linton, Wetherby, LS22 4JF 01937 580 089

Andy Paisley Golf Centre, Hexham Golf Club, Spittal Lane, Hexham, NE46 3RZ 01434 603 072

Pike Hills Golf Club Tadcaster Road, Askham Bryan, YO23 3UW 01904 700 797

George Paylor 5th Tee 27 Horsley Avenue, Crawcrook, NE40 4XF 07737 963881

Moortown Golf Club Harrogate Road, Leeds, LS17 7DB 0113 268 6521

Garforth Golf Club Long Lane, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 2DS 0113 286 2021

Flamborough Head Golf Club Lighthouse Road, Flamborough, Bridlington, YO15 1AR 01262 850 333

Eureka Copt Hill, Houghton le Spring, DH5 8LU 0191 584 1198

Custom Fit Golf South Moor Golf Club Superstore Craghead, Stanley DH9 6AG 01207 283 525

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 The Hobson Golf Range Hobson Golf Club, Burnopfield, NE16 6BZ 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 45

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

Westerhope Golf Club Whorlton Grange, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 1PP 0191 286 9125

Scarborough North Cliff Golf Club North Cliff Avenue, Scarborough, YO12 6PP 01723 355 397

directory

Easingwold Golf Club Stillington Road, Easingwold, YO61 3ET 01347 822 474

NOR THERN

Ravensworth Golf Club Angel View, Longbank, Gateshead, NE9 7UU 0191 487 6014

from the

bunker The winning team: Geoff Cook, Jonathan Ward, Gary Ramsay and Michael Foggin

Northern Golfer publisher Gary Ramsay maintained his remarkable (and some say well planned) run of success in golf days hosted by Offstone Publishing and Northern Golfer with victory at Close House.

Playing alongside Durham CCC’s Geoff Cook, Durham County Golf Union secretary Jonathan Ward and Michael Foggin of JMF Print, the team returned 91 points in the best two scores from four format.

Meanwhile, our most recent golf day wasn’t such a success for Northern Golfer editor Paul Robertson - who finished in last place in the event alongside Paul Vokes, Fred Howie and Matt Sammons (pictured below).

A big thank you to all the players who took part, many of whom continue to support Northern Golfer magazine.

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!

Our own Alan Hedley had a bit of an adventure on a recent trip to Northumberland. He writes: The antics of the Whitburn Whisky Squad - who have featured in these columns before - suggest that age and experience is absolutely no barrier to being able to make fools of themselves on and off the golf course.

I can say that from personal Dennis Miller with his trophy and the rest experience, as I am a fully paid up of the Whitburn Whisky squad member of said squad who recently decided to stay a bit closer to home with a three-day trip to Percy Wood, Dunstanburgh Castle and Burgham Park.

It was a tale of lost golf balls, a lost wallet (which wasn’t actually lost as it turned up under his pillow), an unintentional visit to a duck pond in search of supposed lost wallet, some sampling of local watering holes and, surprisingly, some decent golf at times.

Four members of the group are in their 80s and one of them - Dennis Miller - managed to produce three stableford scores in the 30s to comfortably win The Whisky Trophy.

Well what else would it be called?

Maggie Whitehead had a golfing trip to remember.

Maggie, 10, who received late sponsorship from Ramside Hall to make a dream trip to the US, has returned from Pinehurst after a remarkable week.

Having qualified for the US Kids World Golf Championship at the US Open host venue, Maggie finished tied 29th out of 102 competitors in the under-10 girls category with scores of 86, 79 and 77 for a +26 total - finishing as the top European player.

The winner in her category was Canadian Vanessa Borovolis with a score of four under-par on a course widely regarded as one of the toughest in the US. Well played Maggie!

Blackwell Grange Golf Club Easy to Play – Difficult to Master

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Discounted golf equipment & clothing Fully stocked store - all major brands In-store Flightscope Xi & golf simulator for accurate custom fitting & tuition We have a massive selection of second hand sets of irons, woods, wedges & drivers in

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All staff P.G.A. qualified. Over 35 years experience. Friendly honest advice External practice area for long game and new short game area next to shop We have thousands of happy repeat customers, we must be doing something right

stock. Call in and see for yourself

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for or shop or tuition

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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

Your No 1 Discount Golf Store

Shaun Cowell PGA Golf Professional - Tel: 01207 283 525 South Moor Golf Club Superstore, Craghead, Stanley, DH9 6AG

£5

£10

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Open Mon - Sun 9am - 6pm Early opening at weekends All major credit cards accepted

2016

GOLF SOCIETIES DEAL ONE

DEAL TWO

DEAL THREE

PERCY WOOD 1 Night accommodation Breakfast 2 Rounds of golf

PERCY WOOD 2 Nights accommodation Breakfast 3 Rounds of golf

£65.00 M/Week £75.00 W/End

£105.00 M/Week £109.00 W/End

PER PLAYER

PER PLAYER

PERCY WOOD & SEAHOUSES 1 Night accommodation Breakfast 1 Round Percy Wood 1 Round Seahouses £71.50 M/Week £73.50 W/End PER PLAYER

DEAL FOUR

DEAL FIVE

DEAL SIX

PERCY WOOD & SEAHOUSES 2 Nights accommodation Breakfast 2 Rounds Percy Wood 1 Round Seahouses £105.00 M/Week £109.00 W/End

PERCY WOOD & DUNSTANBURGH 1 Night accommodation Breakfast 1 Round Percy Wood 1 Round Dunstanburgh £81.50 M/Week £87.50 W/End

PERCY WOOD & DUNSTANBURGH 2 Nights accommodation Breakfast 2 Rounds Percy Wood 1 Round Dunstanburgh £116.50 M/Week £119.50 W/End

PER PLAYER

PER PLAYER

PER PLAYER

DEAL SEVEN

DEAL EIGHT

DEAL NINE

PERCY WOOD & BURGHAM 1 Night accommodation Breakfast 1 Round Percy Wood 1 Round Burgham £77.50 M/Week £87.50 W/End

PERCY WOOD & BURGHAM 2 Nights accommodation Breakfast 2 Round Percy Wood 1 Round Burgham £102.50 M/Week £116.50 W/End

PER PLAYER

PER PLAYER

PERCY WOOD, SEAHOUSES & BURGHAM 2 Nights accommodation Breakfast 1 Round Percy Wood 1 Round Seahouses 1 Round Burgham £117.50 M/Week £121.50 W/End

DEAL TEN

DEAL ELEVEN

PERCY WOOD, DUNSTANBURGH & BURGHAM 2 Nights accommodation Breakfast 1 Round Percy Wood 1 Round Dustanburgh 1 Round Burgham

PERCY WOOD, SEAHOUSES & DUNSTANBURGH 2 Nights accommodation Breakfast 1 Round Percy Wood 1 Round Seahouses 1 Round Dunstanburgh

£124.50 M/Week £130.50 W/End

£121.50 M/Week £127.50 W/End

PER PLAYER

PER PLAYER

Email: golf@percywoodgolf.co.uk www.percywoodgolf.co.uk Chesterhill | Swarland | Morpeth | Northumberland | NE65 9JW

PER PLAYER

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01670 787 010