Northern Golfer magazine #36 - August 2015

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golfer NOR TH E R N

EDITOR Paul Robertson editor@northerngolfer.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk Paul Corney 07521 389 536 pcorney@northerngolfer.co.uk Dean Bailey 07792 608 162 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk David Charlton 07734 697 769 david@sport-excellence.co.uk Daniel Hookway 01228 545 665 dihookway@gmail.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Gillian Corney 01661 845 026 07903 500 401 gillian@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Peter Skelton www.photo-psp.co.uk

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EDITOR’S NOTE AND CONTENTS As the nights start to draw in late summer is still serving up some great golf.

Our cover star this month Andy Minnikin won’t want the season to end after a remarkable run of success. He has juggled work and home commitments which would defeat a lesser player to win four Northumberland events this year, and shares some strong opinions on the state of the amateur game in his home county.

Another golfer who will want the season to keep on going is Jessica Hall (page 6) whose appetite for winning is insatiable.

And what about Sandy Twynholm (page 5)? He may have just turned 50 but that didn’t stop him winning his 21st Morpeth Club Championship - as popular as he is, the members must be looking forward to his golfing retirement!

Success is a theme running throughout the magazine as James Wilkinson secured his first EuroPro Tour victory. You can read all about it and the forthcoming tournaments in the region on pages 10 and 11.

This issue also features a special section on late summer deals at some of the region’s best courses - it is an ideal opportunity to get together with friends and try your game out at one of the many superb locations the North East and Yorkshire has to offer.

It is not every day a golfing legend turns up at your club but that’s what happened at Bishop Auckland who enjoyed the company of John Daly - find out how he did on page 7. There’s also a chance to play alongside another legend of the game thanks to Direct Golf on page 26.

We also have the latest from the NE/NW PGA circuit, a round-up of the local league winners, chances to win fourballs, opportunities to support charity golf days, plus all the usual news, views and columns.

Our course reviews this month take us to south east Northumberland and North Yorkshire, plus we have the draws for the closing stages of our Match Play Pairs and Ladies Greensomes competitions.

And if you struggle with your chipping - check out our Tips page to help you get back in the groove.

Enjoy the magazine and hopefully some late summer sun where your golf can continue to shine.

See you next month.

Sandy Twynholm 50 not out, Jessica Hall treble, EuroPro Tour in the region, league golf and charity events round-ups

20-26 TEEING OFF

Win for Willett, Paisley on Tour, and award for Houghton GC

31-35 GOLFER NEWS Featuring Mind Games, Greenwatch and success for Durham Boys

38-47 FOCUS: SUMMER SAVERS

Special deals at some of the region’s leading courses

Paul Robertson, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

48 TIPS

Perfect chips

FRONT COVER

Andy Minnikin on the state of amateur golf and his remarkable season Pages 28-30

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04-17 TEEING OFF

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51 LADIES GREENSOMES & GENTS MATCHPLAY The latest on our Gents Match Play Pairs and Ladies Greensomes

54 FROM THE BUNKER Junior champion news

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Andrew Atkinson

Atkinson goes close Windermere golfer finishes second at English Seniors Men’s Open Amateur

A

ndrew Atkinson finished second in the English Seniors Men’s Open Amateur Championship at Worplesdon and West Hill golf clubs in Surrey with a three-round total of 219.

Atkinson, who finished eight over-par for the week, was three shots behind Ian Attoe from host club Worplesdon. He said: “Although I feel really pleased with my second place, I also feel slightly disappointed.

I played well in the final round and started really strongly.

“I was two under-par after seven holes but three-putted the eighth before dropping another at the ninth.

“I didn’t putt great this week. Had

Young guns Barclay Brown, the top regional player in the McGregor Trophy at Wallasey, is in the line-up for the second North of England Under 14 Championship at South Moor.

The England Boys cap from Hallamshire was fourth at Wallasey

I putted well, I don’t think anyone would have got near me - but I’m sure others have a similar tale to tell.”

Atkinson, who carded a six over-par second round at West Hill added: “West Hill was the harder of the two courses. The pins were brutal at times.

“The second place puts me in the hunt for an England cap for the home internationals in September. That would be the pinnacle of my career so far.

“A couple of good results this summer would do me no harm,” Atkinson added.

Meanwhile, Moortown Gold Club’s Stephen East finished in a tie for 13th place with 225 total (+14).

and he’ll be defending his Under 14 title in Durham.

Brown also added the Sheffield Open Amateur Championship to his list recently shooting rounds of 72 and 67 over his home course to beat the record held by European Tour star Danny Willett for the last 11 years - he’s two years younger than Willett was when he won the trophy.

TEEINGOFF

50 not out

Sandy Twynholm picks up his 21st Morpeth Club Championship

S

andy Twynholm picked up his 21st club championship at Morpeth Golf Club, a prize he has now won in his teens, 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.

A multiple winner in Northumberland, Twynholm turned 50 in May and returned scores of 67 and 72 to collect the trophy.

“It’s a nice milestone, winning my 21st club championship having just turned 50,” said Twynholm.

“I’ve reduced my playing schedule a lot with the kids getting older and it was a great feeling to win one of the events I’d set out to at the start of the year.”

Tywnholm won his first Morpeth club championship at the age of 17 in 1982.

“I’ve been a member at Morpeth man and boy. It’s where I grew up,

where I learned the game and it was nice to win it this year as I’m not playing as much as I used to.

“I was playing off a four handicap when I won my first championship, and this year’s scores got me back to plus-two which was another goal I set when I turned 50.

“I’ve now been playing off scratch or better since I was 22 – it would be nice to keep that record going until I am 52!”

Twynholm, who stepped back from county commitments last year, is now spending more time with his family, and his son Cameron is part of the Morpeth junior programme.

“Cameron is nine in September and he’s really enjoying the junior coaching on Friday nights.

“He’s got 11 years to win one as a teenager - so we’ll see how he gets on.”

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TEEINGOFF

Very Pleased

Rebecca Horner with the Pleasington Putter Durham’s Rebecca Horner picked up the prestigious Pleasington Putter with rounds of 73 and 71 over the Lancashire course.

The 20-year-old from Wynyard and Woodham was four under-par and tied with Holly Morgan from Hallamshire who had two 72s, but for the first time this year the winner was decided on a card playoff, and not a four hole sudden-death playoff, and the title went to Rebecca with the best second round.

Taylor takes over Ilkley has appointed Mark Taylor as its first full-time secretary/manager.

Taylor, who worked initially as a PGA professional before moving into golf club management, will have responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day running of the club.

He has more than 10 years’ experience in the golf industry, becoming a PGA qualified professional after completing a PGA Foundation degree at the University of Birmingham.

He began his golfing career as an assistant professional at Moor Allerton Golf Club, where he was later promoted to senior assistant professional.

06 NORTHERN GOLFER

Nathasha Slater and Jessica Hall before the final

Jessica Hall with the Northern Counties Ladies Trophy, the Durham County Ladies Trophy and the Bishop Auckland Ladies Club Championship Trophy

Jessica Haul!

Yet another trophy for the talented teenager who keeps on winning

J

essica Hall has added the Northern Counties Ladies title to her growing list of successes in the last two seasons.

The Durham teenager showed her fighting qualities to win a close final at Brampton against local hope Natasha Slater from Furness.

Both youngsters are on the England radar and they finished the leading qualifiers for the matchplay after two rounds of strokeplay.

Natasha, a winner in the Faldo Series Scotland at St Andrews, led with scores of 72 and 71. Jessica, who has won both the Durham County Ladies title and the Bishop Auckland club championship again this year, was second top qualifier with rounds of 74 and 75.

They both progressed through to the final of the matchplay and in a close match Jessica holed a 20ft birdie

putt on the final hole to win one-up.

The top four qualifiers - Natasha, Jessica, Chloe Stokes (Ganton) and Sarah Cousins (Ulverston) - went through to the semi-finals of the championship while the next four - Samantha Taylor (Tynemouth), Jessica Smee (Ganstead), Lucy Eaton (Skipton) and Rebecca Horner (Wynyard) went through to the semi-finals of the Millennium Bowl.

Natasha beat Sarah Cousins 4&3 while Jessica beat Chloe Stokes 3&2 in the semi-finals.

In the Millenium Bowl, Rebecca Horner beat Samantha Taylor one-up and Jessica Smee beat Lucy Eaton 2&1. Rebecca went to beat Jessica 1 up in the final and add the 2015 Millennium Bowl to her Pleasington Putter victory earlier this summer.

Of the nine competitors eligible for the Slazenger Trophy - which is for players aged 18 or over on January 1 - Chloe Stokes from Ganton was the winner with a score of 150 and Sarah Cousins from Ulverston was runner-up with 151.

TEEINGOFF

Bishop tames Daly

Golfing legend tees off to entertain and support one of the North East’s oldest clubs

I

t’s not every day a golfing legend turns up to help your club raise money.

But former Open and USPGA champion John Daly did just that when he paid a visit to Bishop Auckland GC. Daly who, at 49, is not quite the “wild thing” of a few years ago is nevertheless something to behold on the course...and not just for his outrageous choice of trousers.

Daly arrived at Bishop Auckland in the company of former Manchester United footballer Lee Sharpe and Gordon Sherry to take part in a golf day and question-andanswer event to raise money for the club. He was happy to answer

any questions from his battles with addiction to gambling and drinking - to his colourful home life, which has also involved four marriages.

On golf, he said: “To win the USPGA in 1991 was great but to win the British Open at the home of golf in 1995 was incredible. A lot of Americans might differ with me on that, though.”

Daly joined Sharpe and club captain Andy Graham to play the club’s first hole, which they both birdied, as Andy managed a bogey.

“It was absolutely breathtaking to have John Daly, Lee Sharpe and Gordon Sherry here,” said Andy, “and to play the first hole with them was a dream come true.”

John Daly in action at Bishop Auckland Daly’s visit came about thanks local businessman and member Graham Sheldon and Andy, who was presented with a shirt by the American. Andy added: “It was a cracking day and all three were brilliant with the members, the place was buzzing.

“We made John an honorary member and he’s even asked me

to play with him down in Florida when I’m there and he talked about everything and answered any questions.”

The money raised from Daly’s visit will go into the club’s fund for improvements to both course and clubhouse as they head towards their 125th anniversary in four years time.

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EUROPROTOUR

Northern Desert swing As the Race to Desert Springs heats up, the EuroPro Tour arrives in the region for three weeks

T

he HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour moves towards its climax this month with three events in the region, including the Clipper Logistics Players Championship at Moor Allerton Golf Club in Leeds, the first 72-hole event on a European Tour third-tier satellite.

The tour visits Slaley Hall for the Break90 Championship August 12-14 before heading along the A69 to Close House for the Tree of Life Championship, which begins on August 19.

The tour and its players will then travel 100 miles south to Moor Allerton for the showpiece

08 NORTHERN GOLFER

tournament of the summer, where an increased prize fund of £60,000 will be up for grabs.

The tournament is a major step for the HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour, the UK’s number one tour and leading satellite to the European Tour. The Clipper Logistics Players Championship will begin on Wednesday August 26, concluding on Saturday August 29 with a pre-tournament pro-am on Tuesday August 25. A cut to the leading 50 players plus ties will be made after 36 holes.

Barry Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Sport and the HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro

Marcus Armitage Tour, said: “This event is a step forward for the EuroPro Tour. It brings the tour even closer to the Challenge and European Tours and means the best young golfers in the country will have the chance to experience the demands of 72 holes in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

“The EuroPro Tour has made great strides over the last few years.

This year we have seen prize funds increase by 25% across the season and to have the Clipper Logistics Players Championship as our first

72-hole event will be one of the highlights of the summer.”

At the time of going to print, Gary King leads the EuroPro’s Race To Desert Springs, with Howley Hall-based Marcus Armitage the highest ranked player from the region. Armitage won the GRENKE Championship at Cumberwell Park in Wiltshire in June and sits seventh on the EuroPro money list, from which the top five progress to the Challenge Tour. Daniel Gavins, from Pontefract, is ninth.

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Brampton pro Wins Eagle Orchid Scottish Masters

J

ames Wilkinson shot a final-round 63 to earn his first HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour title, winning the Eagle Orchid Scottish Masters at Montrose Links by three shots with a score of 12 under-par.

Wilkinson, from Brampton Golf Club, began the day five shots behind leader Neil Fenwick before an opening nine of 31, with five birdies, moved him to nine under-par. Four more birdies at 11, 13, 14 and 15 saw him move to 13 under-par and on course for nine-under - which would have equalled the course record.

He dropped a shot coming in at 17, signing for a final-round 63, eight under-par, to put the pressure on the field.

Paul Reed birdied 15 to move to 10 under-par with three holes to play but a bogey at the 17th signalled the end of his challenge and he joined those tied for second. Darryn Lloyd (Stamford Marquees) also birdied 15 to move to 10 under-par, but bogeys at 16 and 18 saw him finish in a tie for sixth place.

Robert Sutton (Dunstable Downs Golf Club - 67, 70, 67), Darren Wright (Golf at Goodwood - 67, 69, 68), Reed (Bristol & Clifton Golf Club) and Fenwick (Dunbar Golf Club - 64, 69, 71) shared second place on nine under-par, three shots back.

“I was swinging it well on the range this morning and for the first few holes I just wanted to keep it steady,” said Wilkinson, who won £10,000, a new Motocaddy trolley, Bushnell Tour X range finder, Bolle sunglasses and £500 to spend at HotelPlanner.com.

“It was a bit windy out there today. I wanted to get off to a nice start and managed to get to four under-par early on. I didn’t think about winning it at all, I was just trying to shoot the best score I could and keep hitting it close.

“I stuck to my process all day and that helped me shoot 63. The course record would have been the icing on the cake but I wasn’t thinking of that. I just wanted to keep hitting the shots and I got rewarded. I can’t believe it, I am over the moon.”

NORTHERN GOLFER 09

TEEINGOFF

Pipe’s smokin’

Ray Pipe Darlington’s Ray Pipe is off to the US this month after overcoming the odds - and the weather - to win the Bridgestone Amateur Golf Championship at The Belfry.

Pipe, who plays at Rockliffe Hall, and Dublin’s Ger Breen both posted a stableford score of 34 to pave the way to a trip to the prestigious Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, where they will play a round before the competition starts.

Ray said: “Playing at The Belfry was a magical experience in itself, but to go on and win the event and such a phenomenal prize is a dream come true.”

Silver lining

Malton’s Judy Butler was a winner at the England Golf Senior men’s and women’s tournament at Beau Desert.

Judy and Sue Pidgeon (Wrekin) were just a point behind and Judy scooped the women’s scratch prize with 56 points.

New Date The Durham County Seniors Championship, which was abandoned because of an electrical storm at South Moor, will now be played at Whitburn on August 19.

10 NORTHERN GOLFER

Rhys Thompson with the Durham County Matchplay Championship Trophy

Rhys banishes the demons Thompson puts last year behind him to clinch crown

I

t was fitting that Rhys Thompson won the Durham County Matchplay Championship - although beaten finalist Darren McCaig probably won’t agree.

Nineteen-year-old Thompson suffered the same disappointment as McCaig when he lost in last year’s final after having victory in his grasp.

Two-up with three holes to play at Wynyard, Thompson lost to Seaham’s David Patterson at the 20th hole last season. Twelve months on, he could have been forgiven for getting a little nervous when Whickham’s McCaig birdied eight, nine and 10 to come from one-down to one-up in this year’s final at Wearside.

Could it happen again? Thompson was determined it wouldn’t - he birdied the 17th to level the match and when McCaig found a bunker on the 18th, he held his nerve to win one-up.

Thompson, who won the Northumberland and Durham Inter-County Foursomes Championship alongside Gavin Nesbit for his home club Boldon at the start of this season, insisted: “Last year wasn’t on my mind! I tried to keep that out of it as much as possible.

“I was very disappointed last year and it is nice to go one better and win the trophy

this time.

“I was two-up and then went one-down when Darren hit me with three birdies in a row.

“One-down playing 17 I knew I needed something special and managed to square the game with a birdie. I was then able to hold my nerve and win on the last.”

Thompson, who is studying for a degree in golf management at the University of Central Lancashire, added: “I’d like to work within the golf industry in some way, but I’m not quite sure what yet.

“I’ll do my degree and then see what’s what.

I think there a lot of opportunities within golf, I just want to see where I end up before making any decision. I’m not planning on turning pro immediately or anything like that - that’s more of a long-term goal, but I want to play a few more years as an amateur, get my degree and see where I end up from there.

“I’m 19 and I’m off plus-one handicap. I think I need to just wait and see what happens and not get my hopes up unnecessarily.”

Semi-finals: R Thompson (Boldon) bt J Wilson (Tyneside) 5&3; D McCaig (Whickham) bt M Calvert (Boldon) 2&1. Final: Thompson bt McCaig 1 hole.

TEEINGOFF Brad Robinson with Marc Watt & James Wilson

Brad Robinson

Final spot for Brad Westerhope player Nick’s a place

B

rad Robinson is on his way to the Nick Faldo Series Grand Final.

Robinson, The Northumberland Junior Golfing Association boys captain, won the Under 18 Scotland Faldo Series Championship over the Duke’s Course at St Andrews by four shots.

The Westerhope player posted rounds of 76, 71 and 72, no mean feat over one of the toughest courses in St Andrews. The date and venue for the final is to be confirmed, and Robinson will be joined by James Wilson of Balmore who won the Under 21

category and Inverallochy’s Marc Watt who took the Under 16 top spot.

The final two qualifying spots went to 2014 Faldo finalist Alison Muirhead (Emirates Golf Club Dubai) who also played in this year’s Faldo Series Middle East Championship and the Under 16 Champion Natasha Slater (Furness).

In the Girls Under 21 category, Laura Morrison (Garforth) just missed out, finishing second while in the Girls Under 16 section, Briony Bayles (Bishop Auckland) was third.

Q for deals

Slaley Hall’s Priestman course Two of the North’s top courses have unveiled new trial membership deals costing less than £100.

Slaley Hall, near Hexham, is offering six-week packages for just £99 while Oulton Hall in Leeds is offering the same deal for £85.

It’s another step by QHotels, owners of both resorts, following up the successful launch of its QFairway membership.

The deal offers full playing rights for six weeks plus discounts on food and drink, golf lessons and in the golf shop. Jeff Mills, director of golf at Slaley Hall, said: “We have received an overwhelming response since launching QFairway and are determined to build on the momentum.”

NORTHERN GOLFER 11

NENWPGA

Jonathan Lupton

He’s a Jolly Goodfellow

The latest from the NE/NW PGA circuit as Harrison produces round of the year and Goodfellow takes control

C

raig Goodfellow holds a commanding lead at the top of the NE/NW PGA Order of Merit following a win at the Cockermouth Pro Am and strong finishes in the Cumbria Classic Pro Am and Penrith Pairs Pro Am. The Carlisle Diving Range pro now leads Close House’s Jonathan Lupton by 97 points in the season-long race, with South Moor’s Mark Ridley third and Sharpley’s Simon Robinson in fourth place.

Darren Pearce collected the NE/NW PGA Championship at Brancepeth Castle Golf Club with rounds of 70 and 68 for a one-shot victory over Simon Edwards. Vincent Guest, Mark Ridley, Simon Robinson and Philip Waugh tied for third place as Goodfellow finished in a tie for eighth place with rounds of 74 and 71.

Goodfellow’s five under-par 64 at Cockermouth Golf Club was enough to lead the field by two shots. Carus Green’s Chris Coates, Tour Performance Golf ’s Dan Hookway and Close House’s Will Robson finished in a tie for second place with rounds of 66, as Bedlington’s Matthew Webb finished fifth with a round of 67.

Hexham’s Philip Waugh shot a superb two round total of 133 (68-65) to win the A W Jenkinson Forest Products Pro Golf Classic at 12 NORTHERN GOLFER

Penrith Golf Club. Waugh, currently sixth in the order of merit, finished one shot ahead of Simon Robinson as Goodfellow and Vincent Guest tied for third place and Lupton finished fifth.

Four players tied for the top prize at the Houghton-le-Spring Pro Am with Ramside Hall’s Kieran Ayre, Mark Ridley, Michael Skelton and Mark Watkins sharing the winner’s cheque.

Fellow Ramside pro James Harper shared a tie for fifth place with Hexham’s Andrew Paisley and Thomas West.

Following a breakthrough win on the EuroPro Tour, Brampton’s James Wilkinson returned to NE/NW PGA action and collected the top prize at the Cumbria Classic Pro Am at Silloth and Carlisle golf clubs. Wilkinson’s 136 36-hole total was one better than Jonathan Graham, as Callum Terran finished third.

Philips Golf/Tynedale pro Martin Forster finished fourth as Goodfellow collected more order of merit points with a fifth place finish.

Matfen Hall’s John Harriosn produced one of the best rounds of the season to win the Penrith pairs Pro Am. The European Senior Tour player carded an eight under-par 61, including oneputting the first 16 greens, to beat Goodellow by three shots in Cumbria. Tim Dykes finished third and Morpeth’s David Clark was fourth.

Craig Goodfellow

John Harrison

Dan Hookway (courtesy Richard Hannam)

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Further Further

Kevin Jackson

Kevin’s back on course Ramside’s Kevin Jackson returns to the NE/NW PGA after rare nerve disorder

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evin Jackson, head PGA Professional at Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Club, is enjoying his return to the NE/NW PGA circuit, after a rare medical condition threatened to end his playing career.

Jackson, 43, lost all power in his left wrist in November 2012 and was left with a rare condition known as ‘drop wrist’. Doctors discovered that his radial nerve had failed, causing the transmission of messages from his brain to his wrist and left hand to fail.

“I was coaching on the range when I experienced a tingling sensation in my thumb. The following day the tingling turned into pain and then overnight I had no power in my wrist and it was completely limp,” explained Jackson.

Doctors thought that the nerve might regenerate and Kevin wore a wire cage on his left arm and wrist, fixing his fingers and thumb into place. Twelve months later he was still unable to grip or hinge the golf club. “It was my worst nightmare.

I make a living teaching people to play golf and competing and I was left wondering if I would ever swing a club with two hands again,” explained Jackson.

Following two failed surgeries, Kevin was told nothing more could be done. However, he and his wife persuaded his consultant surgeon to operate once more. That third surgery, in July 2014, was successful and gradually power and movement has returned to his wrist enabling him to grip the club again.

Jackson is currently enrolled on a programme of physiotherapy and rehabilitation to strengthen his wrist and stimulate his nervous system.

He made his comeback this season, after almost two years out of the sport, and has finished in the top-20 in three NE/NW PGA events at Rockliffe Hall, Ramside Hall and Prudhoe Golf Clubs.

“I’m looking forward to rediscovering my love of playing . I’d like to see whether I have the game to qualify for and compete on The Seniors Tour,” said Jackson.

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TEEINGOFF

League golf round-up Hexham steals Hadrian League title with victory in final match as City of Newcastle storms to N&D win

I

t was a dramatic final night of matches in the Hadrian League as Hexham Golf Club romped to a 12-0 victory over Tyneside to pass long-time leaders Close House at the finish line.

The Close House team, which had a five point lead going into the last round of matches, was beaten 9-3 away to Matfen Hall on the final night – giving undefeated Hexham its third title in five years.

Hexham captain Kim Steward said: “We knew we needed a big result going into the final game. We wanted to remain unbeaten and knew that a convincing win would give us a chance of the title.

“To win 12-0 was incredible and to finish top of the league, without holding the top spot at any stage, is a great feeling.

“I’m really proud of my team and all of the support we had throughout the season. The whole team performed well, and I have to make special mention of Sean Heads, who won 12 matches and had one half in his 13 games.”

The final night results meant Close House finished second for the fourth year in a row as 2014 champions Stocksfield finished in third place.

In the Newcastle and District Golf League, City of Newcastle romped to victory with matches to spare as a strong side produced five 12-0 wins, losing just once throughout the season.

City of Newcastle captain Bob Stoddart said: “Our season has been a fantastic experience and I’m delighted

14 NORTHERN GOLFER

for every member of the squad and for all the supporters who have travelled with us throughout the season.

“I must make a special mention of Phil Ridden, who returned to our team this season. Phil is a fantastic leader for us and his experience has been invaluable.

“To match Phil up with the rest of the squad produces an incredible team, led by three county players [Ridden, Alex Dixon and Jack Hermeston] and backed up by guys with huge experience.”

Meanwhile, in the North Northumberland League, Bamburgh Golf Club finished top of division one with 88 points as Alnmouth A finished second (80) well ahead of Berwick (58).

In division two, Dunstanburgh A (72) will return to the top flight after beating Rothbury by a single point. In division three Longhirst Hall (82) finished comfortably ahead of second placed Percy Wood (63).

In the North Durham League, Durham City was crowned champion, closing the season with a 14-0 win over Wearside to finish ahead of Ramside Hall. In division two, Boldon took the trophy with an undefeated season as Brancepeth Castle was promoted from division three.

Farthest south in our round-up, Eaglescliffe beat Bishop Auckland in the race for the Teesside Union Golf League trophy as Castle Eden and Barnard Castle won division one and two respectively.

The five league winners will compete for the Dixon Cup on Sunday September 6 at Newbiggin Golf Club.

City of Newcastle l-r Steve Slater Neil Elborn Gary Owen Jonny Todd Bob Stoddart Simon Coultas Phil Ridden Jack Hermeston Mark McCarthy Hexham GC l-r Sean Heads Jonathan Davey Andrew Crawford Ian Paxton Kim Steward Ali Harris Ian Richardson Martin Coup

IMAGE CREDIT: © mooinblack / Shutterstock.com

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Lee Westwood

Put skills to the test

Close House challenge and Westwood takes on disabled ambassador role

G

olfers will have the opportunity to test their skills by taking part in the Close House Skills Challenge at the Close House PGA Academy and Driving Range.

Close House sales and marketing director, Ian Dinning said: “If you haven’t had the chance to perfect your golf skills at the range then now is the time. We want you to have fun and discover a great way to perfect your game with a structured practice and warm-up.

“It really couldn’t be easier to enter, just visit the Academy.

The competition is free for both members and non-members; just purchase your basket of balls, practice yours skills and mark your card - you can play and enter as many times as you like.”

The competition points totals have been structured to give everyone a chance to qualify for the Grand Finals Night on Wednesday August 26.

To qualify for the finals night men and boys need to score the following points totals: - 0-9 handicap require - 30pts - 10-18 handicap require - 25pts - 19-28 handicap require - 20pts

Memberships available all categories Under 16's FREE with full paying adult 24 Bay floodlit driving range Range cards available save £££’s Clubhouse serving food and drink Live sports shown Visit our NEW Website www.centurionpark.com for other SPECIAL offers, Membership rates etc!!

Tel: 0191 262 4231 Rheydt Avenue, Wallsend, NE28 8SU

To qualify for the finals night ladies and girls need to score the following points totals: - 0-9 handicap require - 25pts - 10-18 handicap require - 20pts - 18-28 handicap require - 15pts - 28-36 handicap require - 10pts Each of the category winners on Finals Night will receive a voucher for Sunday lunch for two people in No19.

Meanwhile, Lee Westwood has become an ambassador for the European Disabled Golf Association.

The Close House attached professional and former world number one said: “Golf brings people together. I am looking forward to helping the European Disabled Golf Association achieve its objectives of encouraging more people with disability to play golf and ultimately to help golf become a Paralympic sport.”

EDGA President Tony Bennett said: “To have Lee as an Ambassador for the association is a great addition to our efforts to raise the awareness of golf for the disabled.”

The EDGA was formed in the year 2000 and helps individuals with impairment to start, stay, succeed and enjoy golf.

NORTHERN GOLFER 15

TEEINGOFF

A ton of great work

Rotary president Dai Bryson with Amy Slater, Stephen Bilclough and Adrian Fairbairn the golf day organiser The Rotary Club of North Shields has passed the £100,000 mark for raising money for charity from its annual golf day.

This year the event was held at Tynemouth Golf Club, and the charity to benefit was St Oswald’s Hospice in Newcastle, with a cheque presented to Amy Slater from the charity.

The main sponsor this year was the John Dunn Group and 33 teams took part with the winning score being 115 points.

St Cuthbert’s tee off

St Cuthbert’s Hospice Golf Day The annual St Cuthbert’s Hospice Golf Day will take place at Ramside Hall next month.

The event costs £250 for a team of four and takes place on September 9 with a shotgun start at 9am.

Entry fee includes bacon roll and hot drink on arrival, golf, two-course meal and the opportunity to take part in a raffle and quiz.

There will be competitions including nearest the pin, longest drive and beat the pro. There is also the opportunity to sponsor a hole and promote your business or service. Contact hannah.bunce@ stcuthbertshospice.com 16 NORTHERN GOLFER

Ramside Hall Hotel & Golf Club

Join our golf day Second Northern Golfer Charity Golf Day in aid of No Strings set for Ramside Hall

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he second Northern Golfer Charity Golf Day in aid of No Strings - a Newcastle‑based charity working with children in the world’s trouble spots - will be held over the new Cathedral Course at Ramside Hall Hotel & Golf Club on Wednesday September 23.

No Strings uses puppetry and films made by members of the original Muppets team to reach children in conflicts, disasters and poverty in four continents.

It has recently worked in Madagascar, Syria and Iraq, and its founder Johnie McGlade, said: “It’s fantastic that the Northern Golfer Charity Golf Day will again benefit No Strings. Our programmes reach hundreds of thousands of children in the

world’s trouble spots every year, and funding is crucial in helping us to take our life-saving messages to troubled communities.

“We are currently working in areas as diverse as Haiti, where we are helping children and families fight back against the threat of disease in their communities; in sub-Saharan Africa, where our HIV messages are reaching young people on a level they naturally engage with; and in the Philippines and elsewhere in South East Asia, where our programmes have helped communities be safe in landslides, earthquakes and tsunamis.”

Teams of four are £350 and include a round on the new Cathedral Course at Ramside Hall plus evening barbecue, prize giving and charity auction.

Northern Golfer Charity Golf Day, Wednesday September 23, Ramside Hall Hotel & Golf Club To enter a team contact Gary Ramsay, tel 01661 844 115 email gary@offstonepublishing.co.uk

Willow Burn The first Willow Burn Golf Day will be held at Slaley Hall on Thursday September 24.

The charity day includes tea/coffee and bacon roll, 18 holes of golf followed by a onecourse meal. The cost per fourball is £260.

To enter contact fundraising@ willowburnhospice.org.uk

Willow Burn is also looking for tee sponsors; if you are interested in promoting your company contact Katherine Cooper tel 01207 523 292 to secure sponsorship for £100.

TEEINGOFF

Captain’s Day The KP will be hosting its captain’s charity am-am in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research on Friday, September 18.

The event is open to teams of four (best two scores at each hole to count) with a maximum handicap of 24 (three quarters allowance).

There will be several team prizes and a variety of other prizes.

The entry fee is £180 per team which includes food on arrival, golf and meal afterwards. To book a tee time between 12.04pm and 2.04pm email ashley@thekp.co.uk or tel 01759 303 090 and choose option 1 for golf.

Marathon men Gary and Dan

Hole lot of fun

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P Club captain Gary Tavender and club champion Dan George played a staggering 100 holes on the longest day of the year to raise funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

The duo teed off at sunrise (4.32am) and managed to complete two rounds before anyone else emerged on the course.

Rounds three, four and five were played when members and visitors arrived on the course but Gary and Dan were allowed to play through and continue on their quest.

The course got somewhat quieter for round six but the pair completed the 100 holes at the 10th with three hours play still possible.

They decided to complete the sixth round and felt they had time enough to play a seventh round. As they holed out on the 18th there was still 20 minutes left until sunset at 9.40pm.

They then set off down the first for the eighth time and managed to play the second and third before they called time.

It meant the final tally for the day was a staggering 129 holes played and a total gross combined score of 1175.

The event raised just over £900 for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Gary and Dan would like to thank everyone for their generous support in raising such a fantastic amount.

Ladies appeal Ramside Hall’s ladies section raised £6,800 for the Breast Cancer Now appeal and finished runner-up in the Ladies Golf Union fund-raising competition.

The ladies raised the money with a fun day golf tournament which included a halfway house with Pimms and cupcakes followed by an evening event.

Being named runner-up in the nationwide fundraising, which has reached a magnificent £500,000, won Ramside two season tickets for the Women’s British Open.

www.clsgolfclub.co.uk

CHESTER-LE-STREET GOLF CLUB

Open Competitions 2015 SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST

TEAM OF 4 MALE, FEMALE OR MIXED STABLEFORD – BEST 3 SCORES ON EACH HOLE

(£40 PER TEAM) Membership 2015 Prices REDUCED for all age groups under 30 Other categories available - Ring the Secretary for details Visitors & Societies always welcome for packages ring the Secretary

Contact: Secretary 019 3883218 or email clsgcoffice@tiscali.co.uk Professional 0191 3882333 Chester le Street Golf Club, Lumley Park, County Durham, DH3 4NS

BLYTH GOLF CLUB PRO-AM

Friday 15th September - 10 am Shotgun Start Your opportunity to play one of the most progressive courses in the North East with the region’s top Professionals.

A limited number of spaces available!

£225.00 + Vat for a team of 3 playing with a top PGA North Region Pro which includes prizes and a superb buffet style meal.

Please contact the Club Manager John Hall on01670 540110 ext 5 or email clubmanager@blythgolf.co.uk

Blyth Golf Club, Blyth, NE24 4DB www.blythgolf.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 17

COURSEREVIEW

Blyth Spirit Paul Corney takes a trip to south east Northumberland to find a well manicured course which is a pleasure to play

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lyth Golf Club has had no fewer than three homes since its formation in 1905.

The first was a nine-hole course on the links to the south of the town where golf was played until the start of World War I. The Club then moved to a 12-hole inland course, adjacent to Plessey Road (known as the Old Course), where it remained until 1976.

Then, a newly built 18-hole course situated at New Delaval was developed on land which in the past was home to a thriving mining community, leased from Blyth Valley Council.

In 1991, the club took over the responsibility of maintaining the course and in 2008 the membership became master of its own destiny when the course and clubhouse were purchased from the council.

Today the course might not appear as difficult as some in the North East, but don’t be misled into believing that it can be a walkover. The 18 NORTHERN GOLFER

fairways may be generous and the mostly large greens are very receptive, however, there are many well-sited bunkers and water hazards that can ruin a good medal round.

The first hole is a strong par four measuring 393 yards and a slight dog-leg right. With trees left and right as well as out of bounds to the right - although you have to be really wayward to fall foul of that - the opening drive is far from easy. Watch out for the two bunkers at the corner of the dog-leg, they will come into play for the shorter hitters.

At 434 yards, the third hole is a very tough par four and is considered to be the toughest on the course. Again the fairway is tree-lined and there is out of bounds all the right side. From the tee, the fairway is generous and should favour the left side as there is some room before you reach the trees.

There is a large bunker on the left 25 yards short of the green and another front right.

The fifth is the longest hole on the course, a 539-yard par five with a dog-leg left. The tee shot is slightly uphill played to another generous tree-lined fairway. Two bunkers are located on the left at the start of the dog-leg and on approaching the green another trap is positioned on the left 30 yards short of the putting surface. Another two bunkers protect the green which falls away to the right and rear – a good drive, sensible second and an accurate pitch should leave you putting for a birdie.

An exquisite par three concludes the front nine - a shortish hole played slightly downhill back to the clubhouse. There is a pond front left of the green to worry about and a bunker on the right. Club selection is all important at this one so take into account the strength and direction of the wind.

Another strong par four is the 11th and at 410 yards, this hole requires two very good shots to

COURSEREVIEW

FACT FILE CONTACT Blyth Golf Club New Delaval, Blyth, Northumberland NE24 4DB Email clubmanager@blythgolf.co.uk Web www.blythgolf.co.uk GREEN FEES Weekday Adults £26, Juniors £8 Weekends Adults £29, Juniors £8 Other reduced rate packages are available Buggies £15 a round TOTAL DISTANCE White tees – 6,485 yards par 72 Yellow tees – 6,248 yards par 72 Red tees – 5,486 yards par 73

reach the green. There are bunkers 40 yards short of the green so play short of them if you feel you can’t carry them.

Again, this hole is tree-lined and there is out of bounds along the left to take into account.

The next is a good par five with out of bounds on the left. The hole dog-legs left with a large bunker protecting the corner and a large pond to the right waiting to gather any wayward shots. This hole is a test of course management where good shots will be rewarded and bad shots severely punished.

Following the signature 13th hole (see factfile) the 16th is a short par three and the easiest hole on the golf course. It may only be a wedge for some but the tee shot is played to a well guarded two-tier green – make sure to find the correct level otherwise you will be in three putt territory.

And finally, the 18th is a 491-yard par five and a great finishing hole. This one dog-legs severely to the right but is a good birdie chance to finish the round.

And then it’s off to the recently refurbished clubhouse where there is a great selection of food along with competitively priced drinks.

Last year, an agreement between Blyth Golf Club in Northumberland and Eyemouth Golf Club in Berwickshire was announced - membership of either club would automatically entitle members to have playing rights at the other club free of charge. John Hall, golf club manager at Blyth explained: “We have adopted a number of initiatives during the recession in an effort to ensure the long term success of the club. We feel sure that membership at both clubs offers excellent value for money

FEATURES 18-hole parkland course Practice and chipping areas Putting green Practice net Small but well-stocked golf shop PGA tuition available Ample car parking Excellent bar and dining facilities Event location (weddings / parties etc) CADDY’S TIP For its defence, Blyth’s golf course depends on its well-placed bunkers and its sloping greens. Before visiting it might be wise to get a little bunker practice and perfect your putting stroke otherwise you could find yourself frittering away unnecessary shot SIGNATURE HOLE The par three 13th is the signature hole at Blyth. Played over water, there is very little room for error and if you come up short, you’ll be reaching into the bag for another ball. The green slopes back to front and is bunkered both left and right, so club selection is paramount - as is accuracy. A really testing short hole off the back tee

PAUL CORNEY’S VERDICT

The course has matured into an excellent tree-lined test of golf, suitable for golfers of all abilities – a great day out can be had at Blyth NORTHERN GOLFER 19

TEEINGOFF

Wonderful Willett

Success tops off a strong run for Yorkshireman

D

anny Willett held off stiff competition from fellow Yorkshireman Matt Fitzpatrick to win the Omega European Masters and clinch his third European Tour title.

Willett carded a bogey-free round of 65 to finish the tournament on 17 underpar, one shot ahead of former US Amateur Champion Fitzpatrick.

“It was a great day,” said Willett. “I played some really good golf. Matt was snapping at my heels all day so I’m delighted to get the job done.

“Matt played some great golf and really kept the pressure on me. But it probably made it a bit easier to be honest, because it meant I couldn’t lose concentration even for a minute.

“With a bigger lead you can take your foot off the gas a bit, but I knew I had to keep attacking and committing fully to shots and luckily enough it turned out well in the end.

“The season has been very, very good. Two wins and good performances in the majors and World Golf Championships is more than I could’ve hoped for. I’ve worked really hard so it’s nice to get the rewards for it.”

Fitzpatrick was more than happy to be in the mix as he is still learning his trade on the European Tour.

“I played to win but Danny just went one better, so you have to take your hat off to him. I don’t have any regrets whatsoever, and that’s all you can ask of yourself. I gave it everything, but Danny was very impressive.

“There were a couple of turning points which decided it, but I matched him birdie for birdie for the most part. I know Danny very well, he’s also from Sheffield so I’m very pleased for him.”

There were decent finishes from Harrogate’s John Parry with rounds of 67, 70, 70 and 67, Barnard Castle’s Rob Dinwiddie with scores of

Danny Willett wins again 70, 68, 71 and a blistering final day 63 and Stocksfield’s Chris Paisley with rounds of 69, 69, 72 and 68 while Hartlepool’s Graeme Storm posted 69, 70, 68 and 70.

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For more information please Telephone the Secretary or Professional on 01748 823231or email secretary@richmondyorksgolfclub.co.uk for further details.

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Joe is champion County unearths another Amateur winner

T

he English Amateur Championship is staying in Yorkshire for another year.

Lindrick’s Joe Dean almost holed-in-one to seal a resounding 9&7 victory over Kent’s Alfie Plant at Alwoodley Golf Club in Leeds and take possession of the trophy from last year’s winner Nick Marsh from Huddersfield.

Dean’s seven-iron shot to the 29th hole – the par three 11th - pitched just past the hole, spun back, went into the cup and then popped out again finishing a couple of inches away.

Plant hit his tee shot, but once the players reached the green he conceded the hole and the match.

“I won the first match of the week with an eagle and I nearly finished it off with an eagle!” said Dean.

It provided a fitting end to an impressive display by the 21-yearold who was four-up after the morning round in the 36-hole final.

He played the 29 holes of the match in four under-par.

Dean’s win – on Yorkshire Day - marks a resounding return to form for the England Golf men’s squad member.

“I’ve struggled through the start of the year and felt frustrated, so this means everything to me,” he said.

Dean’s win will give the England selectors a nudge as will the performances of Alnmouth’s Jake

Joe Dean with the English Amateur Championship Trophy (courtesy Leaderboard Photography) Storey, who reached the quarterfinals before losing to another Yorkshire player Jamie Bower (Meltham) 3&2. Bower lost to Plant at the 20th in the semi-finals, while Dean beat Rob Burlison (Enville) 2&1 in the other semi-final.

Dean and runner-up Plant are included in England’s team for

We’re Open

the Home Internationals at Royal Portrush this month.

It will be the first time Dean and Plant have played for England at this level and they will be joined in the team by two more new caps, Meltham’s Jamie Bower and Bedale’s Dan Brown, who are also Yorkshire county players.

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Hetton LeGolf Hill Club

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Chris Paisley

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ENJOY A GOLFING TREAT AT HETTON LE HILL SOCIETY GOLF SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES NEW MEMBERS 2015 - REDUCED FEES Telephone 0191 5173061 or email hettoncgc@gmail.com Hetton le Hill Golf Club Elemore Vale, Easington Lane, DH5 0QT

4 BALL SPECIAL £100 VISITING PARTY BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR 2016

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Coffee and bacon roll on arrival, 18 holes of golf, 2 course evening meal £35 pp

Coffee and bacon roll on arrival, 10 holes of golf (morning), soup & sandwiches, 18 holes of golf (afternoon) 2 course evening meal £50 pp

Bespoke packages can be negotiated for small and large parties Call the Pro Shop to book

MIXED TEAM OPEN - 4TH OCTOBER £60 PER TEAM Gordon Cattrell, Club Professional, on 01642 311766 • Email: gcattrell@tgigolf.com Web: www.middlesbroughgolfclub.co.uk 22 NORTHERN GOLFER

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KNOWING YOURSELF WITH EUROPEAN TOUR PLAYER CHRIS PAISLEY

One thing I have noticed while watching the top players out on tour is they all fully understand what they have to do in order to play well. This sounds simple, but it is fundamental to becoming a successful touring professional. Time is precious and the margin between success and failure is so minute, you need to know how to get the most out of every day.

Take the cigar smoking, Rioja drinking legend Miguel Angel Jimenez, for example. To me, he has life and golf totally figured out, or at least as close as you can get to figuring it out. With his jovial and outgoing personality, people assume he is fairly blasé towards his game and is more interested in having a good time. Wrong!

He has a specific and regimented physical routine (I know it doesn’t look like it, but trust me, he is strong and flexible in all the right areas). When you see him practising, he does all his odd practice swings, his quirky warm up routine, it almost looks as though he is just messing around. What he is in fact doing, is managing his tendencies. He understands exactly what he has to do and feel to get the club in the right positions. It may look strange to most people, but it certainly works for Miguel. All successful players have their routines and processes, and not one is the same. What works for one will not work for another. This is something I am continually doing through observation, good advice, and lots of trial and error. I am slowly piecing together my way of doing things.

I have a long way to go, but I feel as though my understanding of myself is becoming strong. I used to spend a lot of time ‘beating balls’ on the range. I have learned, however, this is generally a complete waste of my time. Engaging and effective practice, tendency management, and confidence building are key to success, and cannot be found by hitting 40 seven irons in a row! So, as you’re working on improving your game at whatever level you are playing at, remember to observe carefully, seek good advice, and figure out what works for you.

PRACTICE YOUR GOLFING SKILLS AT CLOSE HOUSE

Golf Academy CLOSE HOUSE NEWCASTLE

Test your golfing skills by taking part in the Close House August Golf Skills Challenge at the Close House PGA Academy and Driving Range.

Just purchase your basket of balls, practice your skills and mark your card. You can play and enter as many times as you like.

Based on your handicap, we have competitions for Men, Ladies and Juniors. Grand Finals night is Wednesday 26 August and each of the category winners will receive a voucher for Sunday Lunch for two people in No 19.

Basket of balls: £4 for 40 £6 for 80

EVERYONE IS WELCOME AT THE REGION’S ONLY PGA GOLF ACADEMY

‘Every golfer should practice their skills.’

Lee Westwood Official Attached Tour Professional

CLOSE HOUSE, HEDDON ON THE WALL, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, NE15 0HT TELEPHONE: 01661 85 22 55 EMAIL: enquiries@closehouse.co.uk WWW.CLOSEHOUSE.COM

TEEINGOFF

Moortown treble The Moortown Ladies team has achieved a stunning treble in this year’s Yorkshire County inter-club team competitions.

Despite a small ladies membership of around 50, Moortown managed to field three teams in the Scratch, A and B competitions and reach the finals which comprise of a semi-final and final knockout between the top clubs in each division.

These take place at the end of the month at Brough, Selby and Halifax West End Golf Clubs.

The scratch team finished top in Division Two of the Scratch league taking 37 out of a possible 42 individual games and won the Sue Johnson Cup as well securing promotion back into Division One next year.

All of the teams this year comprised of well-established and long-serving members as well as several ladies who only joined in the last 12 months.

The club prides itself on having a vibrant competitive and welcoming ladies section which, although small, has recently been very successful in attracting new members through an Academy programme which is also aimed at those returning to golf after a break. Another boost in membership could follow the club playing host to the Ladies British Open Amateur Championship on August 19-21.

Megan wins at Boro England U16 player Megan Clarke stormed to a seven shot win in the Yorkshire Junior Championship at Middlesbrough GC. The Cleckheaton golfer, who beat the professionals to win last year’s final event on the WPGA One Day Series, shot 70-71 to go one better than last year. Last season she posted a level par 74 at Forest Pines in Lincolnshire to win the WPGA event by a stroke from Sian James and Keely Chiericato.

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

The GB and Ireland PGA Cup team

Wrigley is California dreaming Hartlepool golfer prepares for the big showdown

A

lex Wrigley was involved in the Great Britain and Ireland PGA Cup team bonding session at The Belfry which it’s hoped will pay dividends in their quest to win on US soil for the first time.

The Hartlepool pro joined captain Jon Bevan and the rest of the team ahead of the California clash against the United States at CordeValle, California, from September 18-20.

GB and Ireland have the weight of history against them with no team managing to win in America

since the biennial event’s inception in 1973 and with only one victory (2005) in the past 14 matches although they tied two years ago at Slaley Hall.

“The concept of getting the guys together was always a good idea,” said Bevan. “We feel that every little extra thing we can do, every one per cent extra improves our chances of winning.

“I’m under no illusions about the task ahead of us but I’ve no doubt about the quality of players and the character of my team. They all got on like a house on fire and have really bought into what we are trying to achieve.”

As part of the preparations the team played foursomes and fourballs over the PGA National Course and the iconic Ryder Cup Brabazon Course. The 2015 team comprises Cameron Clark (Moor Hall), Lee Clarke (Beeston Fields), David Dixon (Enmore Park), Graham Fox (Clydeway Golf), Paul Hendriksen (Dinnaton), Niall Kearney (Royal Dublin), Jason Levermore (Channels), Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre), Gareth Wright (West Linton) and Alex Wrigley (Hartlepool).

Bronte reaches the heights Yorkshire’s Rochelle Morris finished runnerup to world number three Bronte Law in the English women’s amateur championship at Hunstanton.

Law posted 13 under-par and had a 16shot winning margin but Woodsome Hall’s

Morris will be pleased to have pipped Lizzie Prior (Burhill) with her better last round after they both finished on three over-par.

“I said to my dad that this was a competition for second place,” laughed Morris, who was delighted with her achievement.

TEEINGOFF

Terrific Teesside

Stocksfield Golf Club Stocksfield ladies

Congratulations to Teesside Golf Club’s senior team who have scored a runaway win in the Teesside Union Golf League Division Two with a superb 92 points, 14 points clear of runnersup Blackwell Grange The squad of Des Murray, Eric Beevers, Barry Pinkney, John Bayne, Willy Crellin, Derek Gordon, Alan Christison, Norman Hood, Tom Dolan, Alan Robbins, Mick Fleming, Bob Allen, Bill Harrison and Ed Hicks produced the remarkable season to return to the top flight.

From great Stock Stocksfield are the new Durnell Trophy winners.

They finished top of more than 20 teams of four playing the event at their home course in the Northumberland Ladies County Golf Association event.

The trophy was donated in 2004 by Moira Durnell, a vice president of the association,

and the stableford competition is played for on an annual basis with the profit from the competition fees and raffle donated to a local charity. Local knowledge proved useful and with a score of 113 points Brenda Mills, Carole Smith, Diane Harvey and Marie Palmer were the winners, closely followed by Hexham on 111.

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NE37 1PH UK NORTHERN GOLFER 25

TEEINGOFF

Golf meets business

Northern Golfer Mind Games columnist David Charlton is hosting FORE Business golf networking events in the region.

Setup as a platform for business owners and directors, the events take place on the last Wednesday of each month and offer a chance to build relationships with businesspeople through the game.

For more information and to get involved contact David, tel 07734 697 769, email info@sport-excellence.co.uk or go to www.fore-business.com

In the family

Andrew Watkin collected the top prize in Castle Eden’s Men’s Captain’s Day as his sister Rebecca won the Ladies’ Captain’s Day. Andrew’s 42 points was enough to beat the three players tied for second by two shots in captain Phillip Hardboard’s event. Ryan Dixon collected the gross prize as Clive Brooker won the vets prize.

In the ladies’ event, Rebecca recorded 38 points to beat Margaret English by two points.

win Sam will meet you on your arrival, play two holes with your team and present the prizegiving.

For your chance to win this fantastic prize simply answer the following:

Phil Graham (right), county development officer for Durham, presents Houghtonle-Spring GC with its GolfMark award with (left to right) Margaret Shaw, David Freeman and Ann Young

Houghton makes its mark

National award for club recognises its development work

D

urham club Houghton-le-Spring has won a national award from England Golf.

The Copt Hill club has received the GolfMark award which is the official seal of approval for clubs which successfully work to develop the game.

The club was recently awarded a Sport England grant to improve existing practice facilities and develop a six-hole pitch and putt course which is aimed at encouraging those who have never played the game or those who wish to improve.

The club also recently held an open day which showcased its facilities as well as promoting a variety of membership offers and coaching sessions, and links are continually being developed between local schools and businesses with a view to ensuring the wider community

A place on the Sam Torrance Golf Day 15th September at Crosland Heath Golf Club Huddersfield.

In participation with

MAGDALENE FIELDS GOLF CLUB Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1NE

MEMBERSHIP SPECIALS What year did Sam Torrance win the Ryder Cup as Captain? a) 1992 b) 2002 c) 2012

Northern Golfer competitions are also listed on our website www.northerngolfer.co.uk/competitions, Alternatively, you can enter via email at competitions@northerngolfer.co.uk (mark the competition name in the subject field) or post your entry to: Competitions, Northern Golfer, Unit One, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL Please include your contact details and telephone number. Closing date Friday 28th August 2015. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

26 NORTHERN GOLFER

has the opportunity to enjoy the facilities as well as the health and social benefits of playing golf.

Ann Young, who worked with Joanna Ellison and Vince Hodgson to lead the club’s push to GolfMark, said: “Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club is a great club. It’s very friendly, welcoming and forward-thinking.

“This award helps us to spread that message and to tell people that children are safe and secure here and that we understand how to encourage and support beginners.”

The award was presented by Phil Graham, the County Development Officer for the Durham Golf Development Group, which works to grow the game across the county.

He said: “I’m delighted that Houghtonle-Spring Golf Club has achieved GolfMark and that its efforts to grow the game can be nationally recognised. “

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MINISLAM

28 NORTHERN GOLFER

MINISLAM

Andy’s mini slam

Northumberland county captain Andy Minnikin looks back at an incredible year, and to the future of county golf, with Dean Bailey

A

mateur golf has come a long way.

With the introduction of England Golf training camps, the growth of English youngsters in the US college system and the opportunity to turn professional and play for big prizes as a teenager, there are fewer and fewer amateurs at the elite and county levels playing the game as a hobby.

That landscape makes the fact Andy Minnikin has won each of this year’s Northumberland strokeplay events even more impressive.

The 35-year-old, who balances a career with the Ministry of Justice and a young family with the Northumberland County captaincy has won the North & South, 72-hole Strokeplay, County Championship 36-hole qualifying and Fenwick-Smith trophies this season.

We meet at Minnikin’s home club, Northumberland, the morning after his return from the Big Six on the Isle of Man where his team finished fourth - just six shots behind winners Lancashire and within a week of Minnikin finishing his ‘career slam’ with victory at Bellingham Golf Club in the FenwickSmith Trophy.

“The Fenwick-Smith was the culmination of a great season for me personally,” Minnikin begins enjoying one of his few days off the golf course in the last three months.

“I needed that trophy to compete the ‘career slam’ of county events, and I’m now part of an elite group of players who’ve won all five county titles, which is an incredible feeling.

“I’d only won one county title before 2013 so to produce the golf I have in the last three years has been an amazing experience. It proves it’s never too late to work on your game and to push on to another level.”

Minnikin’s victory at Bellingham followed a

packed schedule, which began with the qualifying rounds for the County Championship.

He led the field at Morpeth after 36 holes with two rounds of 70 – finishing two strokes ahead of City of Newcastle’s Phil Ridden. Minnikin had however already stated his intention to compete in Final Qualifying for the Open Championship and the English Mid-Amateur Championship at his home club the same week and will therefore not receive the Renwick Medal.

“I know I was the best player on the day at Morpeth so although I don’t get the trophy, I took a huge amount of confidence from that and carried it on into a busy week,” he explains.

In Final Qualifying, having qualified at his home club following a five-man playoff, Minnikin would go on to finish in a tie for 37th place.

Later that week, in the Mid-Amateur, he recorded rounds of 71, 72 and 73 to finish second, six shots behind Durham’s Richard Aisbitt at the club which has been his home for a little more than two years having made the switch from Gosforth Golf Club.

“It’s been a great year for Northumberland, hosting the Logan Trophy and qualifying for the Open Championship, and I know everyone here is proud of the club.

“Playing a major event around your home course does add a little bit of pressure. I know I could have been a lot closer to Richard had the putter been remotely warm that week – averaging 33 putts a round just didn’t cut it.”

In the most gruelling event of the season, the 72-hole Strokeplay Championship played over two days at Newcastle United, Minnikin finished in a tie with Jonathan Richardson following rounds of 73, 69, 74 and 76 in tough conditions. He would go on to win the two-hole playoff, picking up the trophy NORTHERN GOLFER 29

MINISLAM

he first won as a 23-year-old in 2003 at Northumberland.

“The four round event is far more suited to the younger guys,” he jokes.

“The conditions made it even tougher so it was a great feeling to win my second title of the year - 12 years after I first won that trophy.

“Your first win is massive and I still remember my rounds of 69, 69, 75, 68 and playing with Andy Paisley in the final round.”

The event which began his incredible season, the North & South Trophy at City of Newcastle, came at the perfect time for Minnikin following a winter of competitive golf and work with his coach and friend Paisley.

“We started a winter order of merit last year to get the county players together; that worked really well for me. Staying sharp over the winter, winning three of those five events, as well as being able to take what I was working on with Andy onto the course gave me a lot of confidence going into the North & South at a course I know very well.

“I’m competitive by nature, but to have those events was definitely one of the reasons for my quick start this season.”

Minnikin, who teamed up with Paisley two years ago having had a knee reconstruction, has fully committed to his coach’s working practises and teaching. “The steps I’ve made this year are really down to hard 30 NORTHERN GOLFER

Andy Minnikin

work with Andy and committing to practising and improving. When you get that little bit of success it makes you push on and work even harder to achieve more.

“Andy’s great to work with; we’ve known each other for more than 20 years and I’ve learned a great deal from him. I now understand the processes of playing my best golf and the importance of the routines which underpin good golf.

“Having the support of my partner Michelle has also been massive and has given me the chance to play as much golf as I do while balancing time with our family.”

As well as working on his own game, Minnikin manages and promotes county golf in his role as county captain.

“I’ve been working hard to open the door to county golf. If you go out, play in county events and perform there is a place in the county side for you – no matter where you’re from or who you are.

“The most frustrating thing for every county captain is getting the best team you can together on a regular basis.

“The young guys have to put England ahead of the county and I fully understand that they have bigger futures than county golf. We’re a small county and the depth isn’t there - that will always be the biggest struggle for every county captain.

“There is also the issue of players wanting to be part of the county team. I made my debut in 1999 and to get that green jumper was a highlight of my golfing career. It doesn’t seem to be as big a deal for players now. We need guys to come out of their bubbles, put their neck on the line and play for the side and improve as players in the process.

County golf is the pinnacle of most players

careers and we need more guys to commit to being part of it.”

The lack of commitment to county golf is one of Minnikin’s biggest struggles. This year’s Fenwick-Smith Trophy was almost cancelled due to a lack of support and Minnikin is working hard to ensure that doesn’t happen again.

“It’s absurd really, the reduction in attendance for county events.

“When I was coming up in the county scene, four handicappers would be balloted out of the county championship. Now we only have 40-50 players taking part in our biggest event.

We need to make some changes to the events to encourage more players to take part and improve their own game in the process.

“We have more than 175 golfers with two handicap or better and more than 750 category one players.

“We also need to move the events around more. Morpeth is a great course but it has hosted three events in as many years and we need to see a range of courses being involved to attract players.”

With work to do as county captain, what does the future hold for Minnikin on the course?

“The passion for county golf is still there. I’d like to get to 100 caps to Northumberland in 3-4 years time.

“Also, when I do give up the county captaincy, I’d like to leave the post in a better position than I took on so we need to progress and grow.

“Personally, now I’m a mid-amateur, I’d like to get my hands on a national title.”

Plenty still to do then, good thing he’s decided to hit some balls rather than having a full day off...

MINDGAMES

LUB RYTON GOLF yC ne & Wear T

MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL

With DAVID CHARLTON

DO YOU HAVE THE MINDSET OF AN OPEN CHAMPION? An Open Championship at St Andrews is always a great spectacle and this year’s event was no different. The winner, Zach Johnson was a surprise to many, but there were some very good lessons all golfers can learn from the now twotime major champion.

One thing really stood out for me when I heard his interviews.

He mentions ‘trust’ on a number of occasions. When I am working with amateur and professional players this is a word that is also frequently used on the negative side.

Trust is crucial for success on the golf course and is one of the biggest things I work on with players.

Firstly, players need to understand what a trust mindset is.

TRAINING MINDSET

TRUSTING MINDSET

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five golfers an opportunity to work with me for £250 (normally £300), on a 12-week personalised performance programme - please get in touch.

Northern Golfer Performance Enhancement Specialist David Charlton tel 07734 697 769 • email info@sport-excellence.co.uk www.golf-excellence.co.uk

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Tel: 01670 822457 Email: secretary@bedlingtongolfclub.com www.bedlingtongolfclub.com Acorn Bank, Hartford Road, Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 6AA NORTHERN GOLFER 31

GOLFERNEWS

Home chance for trio

Durham City’s winning trio Jack Richardson, Graeme Marchbank and Andrew Bell with Durham County President Graham Hope Durham City trio Andrew Bell, Graeme Marchbank and Jack Richardson earned a second successive crack at the English Champion Club title.

And this time they will be on home ground when the final is held just down the road from their Littleburn course.

The City team will be among the favourites for this year’s championship when it takes place at Brancepeth Castle on September 19-20 after a narrow two-shot victory over Wynyard in the Durham County Clubs Championship at Dinsdale Spa. Richardson was the anchor man with rounds of 70-73 to be one under-par while Bell shot 76-75 and Marchbank 73-75 for a 10-over par total of 442.

The Wynyard team was two shots back with Steve Burn 77-73, Matthew Hayes 75-78 and Andrew Wilson posting an excellent threeunder-par 69-72, a score matched

by Durham County and English MidAmateur Champion Richard Asibitt with 70-71 as Brancepeth finished fourth on 450, the same score as Seaton Carew.

Last year, City finished 11th at Trentham with Richardson doing his bit with 73-69 and Bell finished one over-par but Marchbank had one of those days all golfers dread and will be determined to put that right next month at Brancepeth.

They’ll be joined by Northumberland champions City of Newcastle and Bingley St Ives, winners of the Yorkshire Team event.

32 NORTHERN GOLFER

The successful Durham County Boys team

Durham boys on the march Second successive win sees county champions take on England’s best

D

urham is off to the English Boys National Finals again after winning the Northern Counties Championship for the second year in a row.

And the team is looking for sponsors to help with the costs of sending the boys down to Norfolk to play in the National Finals at Kings Lynn on August 25-27.

Last year, Durham finished runners-up to Essex in the national event and aims to go one better this time after the six-man team emerged on top of the Northern group, which also involves Northumberland, Cumbria, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire and Isle of Man. Chris Handy (South Moor), Aaron McManus (Darlington), James Wilson (Tyneside), Jack Ainscough (Hartlepool), Ryan Dixon (Castle Eden), Thomas Harbord (Castle Eden) and reserve Will Marshall (Heworth) delivered at Seascale in Cumbria in windy conditions.

They were 16 behind Lancashire but pulled off an amazing comeback to win the title by two strokes - Ryan Dixon parring the last when he only needed a bogey to win the title for Durham.

James Wilson also recorded the best individual round with a 73, two over-par, and the Durham lads are determined to bring back the national title this time. Anyone interested in helping with sponsorship should contact Durham County Union secretary Jonathan Ward on (0191) 374 0788.

Meanwhile, Jack Ainscough has also sealed a place in the England Schools team to face Scotland next month.

He clinched one of the eight places by finishing joint second in the English Schools National Boys Championship with a two-round 146 at Peterborough just one shot behind winner Joseph Bannan, from Manchester.

Ainscough will now be in the team to face Scotland at Kilmarnock on September 14, and he also added a tied ninth place in the McGregor Trophy at Wallasey with rounds of 72-70-74-79 as Spain’s Ignacio Puente won the title.

Hallamshire’s Barclay Brown (71-77-7169) was fourth and Alex Fitzpatrick, younger brother of Matt, was fifth with rounds of 69, 77, 77 and 66.

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WESTERHOPE GOLF CLUB Whorlton Grange, Westerhope, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE5 1PP www.westerhopegolfclub.com

TOURNAMENT SET-UP Throughout the season, many golf courses will work towards hosting an event or competition, be it Captains Day, Club Championships or various golf days.

Here at Rockliffe Hall, we were fortunate enough to host the William Hunt Trilby Tour Matchplay Final.

These events are always the perfect way to showcase the golf course. In the lead up to the event, around two weeks before, the mowing regime is increased, continuously mowing stripes to enhance the definition and improving playability of each individual playing surface.

The putting surfaces also benefit from increased mowing to improve green speeds, along with light verticutting and grooming to thin the turf sward, reducing ball friction.

On the day of the event, all

efforts are concentrated into mowing and course set-up. The fairways are mown and debris removed, tees are mown and switched, markers and any signage set up for the day’s play.

The greens are mown and rolled with vibrating rollers, and then finally the hole is changed and sprayed with competition paint for presentation.

The course is then inspected hole by hole before the first tee time to ensure it is in perfect condition.

Here at Rockliffe Hall, we aim to give the golfer the ultimate experience and try to have the course prepared to as near to tournament standard as possible on a daily basis.

This also helps when it comes to the bigger tournaments as it means we are on top of the majority of jobs making the work load easier.

NEXT MONTH Education and development

Bellingham Golf Club

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www.bellinghamgolfclub.com

NORTHERN GOLFER 33

GOLFERNEWS

Houlding his nerve

Will power

H

Will Whiteoak is presented with the Tillman Trophy Will Whiteoak joined illustrious company in winning the prestigious Tillman Trophy - and he did it in record-breaking style.

The Shipley golfer shot rounds of 66, 69, 66 and 69 for a record low score of 270 and a five-shot win at Moor Park - adding his name on the trophy alongside that of Ernie Els, Ross Fisher, Peter Baker, Simon Wakefield and Phil Parkin.

“It is nice to have a trophy at home with Els’ name on it,” he said.

“It looks a bit like the Word Cup and I don’t have to hand it back until next May.” The previous best total was 271 set by European Tour player Dave Coupland in 2010.

Moortown’s David Houlding proved a chip of the old block when he triumphed in the second playing of the Vardon Grip Trophy at Harrogate.

The tournament attracted a record field of more than 60 players, and while Adam Chapman put in a good defence of his title, Houlding, grandson of former Moortown professional Brian Hutchinson and who is currently on a golf scholarship in the USA, produced a fine 67 to set the first round pace.

The competition was reduced to 27 holes following a thunderstorm during which a bolt of lightning struck a tree on the first hole. Fortunately the klaxon had gone and all players were back in the clubhouse enjoying lunch and with Houlding reaching the turn in 35, he was declared winner by three shots from clubmate Ben Firth and Windermere’s Chapman.

Harrogate secretary Ruth Skaife-Clarke said: “We’re delighted to have a recognised Yorkshire Order of Merit event and it is particularly pleasing to have attracted such a strong field of competitors from Yorkshire and beyond.

Vardon Grip Trophy winner David Houlding with Harrogate captain Stan Fearnley (left) and club chairman John Robinson “The competitors were pleased with the goodie bags we gave them on arrival and thanks go to the professionals for supplying free range balls for the event. The course was beautifully presented by head greenkeeper Paul Mitchell and his team and we look forward to this tournament going from strength to strength in the future.”

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AUG 26-29

GOLFERNEWS

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Birtley Golf Club

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Richmond celebrates a brilliant league double

R

ichmond Golf Club scooped the Yorkshire Second Division and Third Division titles to put a real gloss on the season.

Ryan Howe, Mike Henson and Chris Bradley won the second division championship at Wakefield and best on the day was Bradley after posting 142 (69-73).

That helped Richmond to a total of 439, beating Wheatley in to

second place by seven shots.

The same team won the third division crown at Cookridge Hall with a final score of 436, 14 shots clear of their nearest rivals Selby.

Richmond captain Adrian Brakenberry said: “Every player was absolutely superb - a real credit to our club, but special thanks must also go to our caddies, our supporters and sponsors, whose backing made such a difference.”

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Banks is BOSS

N

ewton Aycliffe’s John Banks is sporting a limited-edition BOSS watch for achieving a hole-in-one.

The 37-year-old seven handicapper scored his ace on the 148-yard, par three 12th at Woodham and was rewarded with membership of the exclusive BOSS Watches H1Club and a specially-commissioned, commemorative timepiece.

BOSS has pledged to reward club golfers with an exclusive watch for every hole-in-one recorded during a club competition in 2015 after giving away more than £1m-worth

John Banks of limited-edition timepieces since its launch in 2013 and Banks is among the latest to achieve the feat this year.

Meanwhile, Barnard Castle’s Graham Shipman will also have no excuse for missing his next tee-time after also winning a BOSS watch for achieving a hole-in-one.

Nineteen-handicapper Graham Shipman, 53, scored his ace on the 165-yard, par three 11th at Barnard Castle.

We promise our visitors a very warm welcome and the opportunity to play a real championship golf course that has just co-hosted the Men’s English Amateur Championship.

Why not look at our Summer Packages, Twighlight Offers or perhaps our 2016 Open Days, by visiting www.pannalgolfclub.co.uk or contacting Managing Secretary, Neil Douglas on 01423 872628 Whether you visit as an individual or part of a society we can offer a complete package to suit your budget and ensure you will be determined to play Pannal again.

Come over to Pannal – Yorkshire Golf at its best!

Follifoot Road, Pannal, Harrogate, HG3 1ES NORTHERN GOLFER 35

COURSEREVIEW

Pannal’s for champions Photographs: copyright James Drake Photography

Alan Hedley is put to the test on a magnificent course in Yorkshire

P

annal is one of very few golf courses in Yorkshire to have hosted Open Championship Regional Qualifying and it’s easy to see why.

This is a beautiful heathland and woodland course which proves you don’t need to have a 7,000-yard plus layout to provide a serious golfing test.

At 6,614 yards, it might be considered short by some given the massive hitting standards of today, but there is no question Pannal can still test the best.

It’s also famous for its views of Almscliffe Crag to the west, the Vale of York to the east and from the signature 17th hole to the north across a green valley to the impressive Crimple Viaduct and the spa town of Harrogate.

There’s no easy start. The first is a formidable tree-lined 438-yard par four which demands accuracy from the tee and to avoid the three 36 NORTHERN GOLFER

bunkers lying in wait at the green. A testing right to left dog-leg par four of more than 400 yards follows with out of bounds left of the green followed by a terrific par three of around 150 yards with a green guarded by four bunkers and a severe slope.

If your score is around par after that start, you’re doing very well because there is the hint of a birdie chance at the dog-leg par five fourth and big hitters will be looking to make it in two, but there’s gorse beyond the trees right and two bunkers on the approach plus a deep greenside bunker and swale on the right of the green.

A sweeping 400-yard dog-leg with a sloping fairway with trees and deep rough left and more trees and gorse right follows with a green cut into the side of the hill and protected by three bunkers.

The sixth is another sweeping dog-leg with a blind tee shot and a hog’s back fairway with heather, trees and gorse - a real cracker and the

second shot is just as intimidating with the green guarded by a large bunker right, a small quarry left and out of bounds to the rear. No wonder it’s stroke one on the card.

There’s a chance to get something back at the next three holes, all tree-lined, but all shortish par fours of under 400 yards.

A lovely little par three starts the back nine and it’s a good chance to pick up another shot, but it is played through a funnel of trees to a small, wellprotected green.

Big hitters will fancy their chances again at the double dog-leg par five 11th, but there is out of bounds down the left and bunkers down the right.

There’s also bunkers on the left and right of the two-tier classic Mackenzie-style green.

A long par four of 450 yards plus follows and trees are everywhere plus it’s a small green protected by two bunkers, no wonder it’s stroke two, but a shortish par five of 488 yards follows

COURSEREVIEW

FACT FILE CONTACT The Pannal Golf Club Follifoot Road, Pannal, Harrogate North Yorkshire, England, HG3 1ES Tel 01423 872 628 Pro shop: 01423 872 620 Email secretary@pannalgolfclub.co.uk web www.pannalgolfclub.co.uk GREEN FEES Weekday £60, £70 a day (June-October) Weekends and Bank Holidays £75 Thursday and Sunday afternoon fourball £100 (limited times available) Visitor packages available TOTAL DISTANCE White tees - 6,614 yards Yellow tees - 6,406 yards Red tees - 5,839 yards and while it’s uphill - which makes it play longer than the yardage suggests and trees line the hole on both sides from tee to green - it’s an opportunity for a birdie.

As is the 360-yard 14th as long as you stay out of the trees while the small green is well protected by three bunkers and a steep run off.

Sample the view here.

The 15th might be a long par three, but it’s played slightly downhill and has a generous green. Avoid the three greenside bunkers and you have another birdie chance.

You may need it as 16, although a shortish par five, is played uphill with a semi-blind tee shot and it gets very tight at around 270 yards.

Two bunkers guard the entrance to the green which is long, narrow and slopes from back to front.

The 17th is the signature hole at Pannal (see fact file) and it is part of a great finish with the 18th played from an elevated tee with views of the clubhouse and Crimple Valley.

It plays a little shorter than its 355 yards, but stay away from Drury Spring and the trees and thick rough beyond.

There is more room left than you think but too far left and out of bounds awaits.

Get it right and the second shot is played to a generous green, protected by two greenside bunkers.

FEATURES 18 holes tree-lined heathland course Excellent clubhouse with bar, TV room (Sky TV) and restaurant plus lounge and Centenary Terrace overlooking the course Changing rooms with showers and towels Plenty of car parking Well-stocked professionals shop with PGA Professional tuition including golf studio with the latest technology, custom fit, equipment,trolley and buggy hire Extensive practice ground (hire range balls) Putting green Practice bunkers Par three short course

Pannal is no stranger to hosting top events - from Open qualifying to this year’s English Amateur Championship.

In September it will stage the Northern Counties Strokeplay Championship for the third consecutive year.

Other prestigious tournaments held here in recent years include the North of England Under 16s and the Yorkshire County Championship.

Top golfers from the UK and Ireland are expected to compete in the North of England Championship in September - a World Amateur Golf Ranking event and the final fixture of the Titliest Footjoy England Order of Merit.

CADDY’S TIP Accuracy off the tee with the tree-lined fairways, gorse and heather is essential, as is a good putting stroke, so get practising SIGNATURE HOLE The par three 17th and not merely for the finest views on the course. The approach on this 190-yard hole is well-guarded and the long, narrow, left to right sloping green is cunningly cut into the side of a hill.

Going left or right is not an option!

The views across the valley towards Crimple Viaduct and Harrogate are quite stunning

ALAN HEDLEY’S VERDICT

A testing championship course with fantastic views and a clubhouse with excellent facilities NORTHERN GOLFER 37

P L AY YO R K SH I R E ’ S O L D E S T AN D ONLY CH A MP I ON SH I P TR U E L I N K S C O URSE VISITORS AND S OCIETIES WELCOME Green Fees - £28 round Packages from £28 (8+) Other packages available on request or visit our website August & September 2015 Specials Monday – Friday (after 11am) Play off any tee for £25 golf only and receive a £10 reduction off a further visit

OPEN COMPETITIONS August 23rd - Gents 4BBB £20 a pair 27th -Juniors Open £4pp 28th - L adies Open £30 a team 29th - Mayors Cup £8pp 30th - Mixed Open £30 a team 31st - Open 3 Man £30 a team

To book a tee time or for further infor mation on anyof the above ED Y K telephone the Secretary O AR BO T 01642 471798 or email S EN E I IM E majuba@btconnect.com RT L RE

CLEVELAND GOLF CLUB Majuba Road, Redcar, Cleveland, TS10 5BJ www.cleveland-golf-club.com

P PA M D F LLS CO AN BA T A T E GY UP RS EIV UG M I F C B AR W RE EN

Longhirst Hall G O L F

C L U B

DRIVING RANGE AND ACADEMY NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC TWO COURSES, DRIVING RANGE AND ACADEMY FULL COMPETITION PROGRAM - WE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED IDEAL VENUE FOR VISITING PARTIES BOOKABLE ANY DAY FROM £15 PER PERSON PGA EUROPRO TOUR VENUE, AND HIGHLY RANKED ON GOLFSHAKE.COM MEMBERSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE NOW ON A MONTHLY DIRECT DEBIT

BUY 1 BASKET OF RANGE LONGHIRST HALL GOLF COURSE, LONGHIRST, MORPETH, NORTHUMBERLAND, NE61 3LL BALLS, GET 1 FREE Telephone 01670 791562 or email: enquiries@longhirstgolf.co.uk TO BE REDEEMED BEFORE SEPT 30TH 2015.

COUPON TO BE PRESENTED

38 NORTHERN GOLFER

visit us online at: www.longhirstgolf.co.uk

4 - BALL £50 ANY DAY, ANYTIME TO BE REDEEMED BEFORE SEPT 30TH 2015.

COUPON TO BE PRESENTED

SUMMERDEALS

Late summer savers

Call your friends, grab your clubs and enjoy the last of the summer sunshine at golf clubs across the region

SLALEY HALL The two courses at Slaley Hall, the Hunting and the Priestman, are rightly ranked among the very best in our region. Set in more than 1,000 acres of Northumberland moorland and forest, the championship golf courses are stern tests – the Hunting Course has hosted European, European Seniors, EuroPro Tour and PGA events.

The Hunting requires great ability to play anywhere near to your handicap; the front nine is among the toughest stretches in the country, requiring long and straight tee shots, accurate approaches and an excellent putting stroke. The ninth, often switched to the 18th for major events, is widely regarded as one of the toughest par fours you will find in the region.

Designed by Dave Thomas, the lush sweeping fairways, rolling moorland, streams and lakes, towering trees and banks of rhododendrons combine to provide an air of peace and tranquillity and a golfing experience you’ll never forget.

Slaley Hall, Slaley, Hexham Northumberland, NE47 0BX tel 01434 673 350, www.qhotels.co.uk/slaley-hall

Wynyard Golf Club

An exceptional golf experience

Winter Golf

1st October 2015 – 30th April 2016

Winter 4 Ball – £29 per head Coffee & Bacon Rolls followed by 18 Holes on the Championship Wellington Course. (minimum of 4 players required) Winter 2 Ball - £35 per head 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 39

SUMMERDEALS ALLENDALE GOLF CLUB Allendale Golf Club, which sits in the Northumberland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the club’s every golfer from our region should play at least once.

With stunning views of the Northumberland countryside, the course, which measures 4,681 yards and is framed by rolling hills to the south and west, is a welcome break from the modern courses where you often find you require the driver from the tee on all but the par threes. This is a beautiful course, which is a real pleasure to play.

Allendale Golf Club, High Studdon, Allendale, NE47 9DH tel 07005 808 246, www.allendale-golf.com CLEVELAND GOLF CLUB A championship links in every sense, Cleveland Golf Club has a long tradition of producing top golfers and will test the very best when played at its full 6,921 yards.

The rolling links are easy to walk and well protected with bunkering developed by a number of architects including Harry Colt and Donald Steel over the years.

Cleveland Golf Club, Majuba Road, Redcar, Cleveland, TS10 5BJ tel 01642 471 798, www.cleveland-golf-club.com EAGLESCLIFFE GOLF CLUB On the banks of the River Tees and with the Cleveland Hills as a backdrop, Eaglescliffe Golf Club is widely regarded as one of Teesside’s most picturesque golf courses.

Though beautiful, the course is a stern test with rolling fairways and sloping greens, and it has tested many of the region’s best players in its 101-year history.

Eaglescliffe Golf Club, Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees TS16 0DQ, tel 01642 780 238, www.eaglescliffegolfclub.co.uk

Cally Palace

Hotel & Golf Course

Autumn Stay & Play Including 2 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast and two rounds of golf

Par 71, 6062 yd parkland course

from

£156 per person

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

Fernhill Hotel Portpatrick

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

2 NIGHT STAY & PLAY

North West Castle Stranraer

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

2 NIGHT STAY & PLAY

from £170.00 pp

from £158.00 pp

LARGE GOLF GROUPS & GOLF SOCIETIES WELCOME

LARGE GOLF GROUPS & GOLF SOCIETIES WELCOME

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

or book online at

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

www.mcmillanhotels.co.uk

Rates subject to promotional availability, conditions apply. * Supplements may apply.

40 NORTHERN GOLFER

COOKRIDGE HALL GOLF CLUB The golf course at Cookridge Hall offers spectacular views across the Yorkshire Dales. The par-72 layout, just 15 minutes from the centre of Leeds, measures 6,788 yards from the back tees and can present a stern test for the bigger hitter.

Accuracy is demanded at Cookridge Hall no matter which tees you play from with a number of water hazards and strategically placed bunkers waiting to catch anything off line. The 18th at Cookridge is a great finishing hole, fittingly named Temptation. The short par four presents players with a choice between going for the green and glory while flirting with the water hazard, or playing safe.

Cookridge Hall Golf Club, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS16 7NL tel 0113 230 0641, www.cookridgehall.co.uk

SUMMERDEALS THE HIRSEL GOLF CLUB The Hirsel Golf Club has long been a must-visit course for those travelling north from the region. Its mixture of tall trees, tight dog-legs and immaculate greens makes it a stern test.

Minutes from Coldstream, The Hirsel offers a friendly welcome and a layout which golfers of all abilities will enjoy, as well as a number of opportunities to make birdies and throw away a good score as you make your way down the closing stretch – all of which makes for a great tale to tell in the well appointed and friendly clubhouse after your round. It may take a few visits to learn the secret to unlocking the Hirsel, but we recommend giving it a go.

Hirsel Golf Club, Kelso Road, Coldstream, Berwickshire, TD12 4NJ tel 01890 882 678, www.hirselgc.co.uk LONGHIRST HALL GOLF CLUB A EuroPro Tour host venue for the last five years, the championship courses at Longhirst have matured fantastically in the last 10 years.

The two courses at Longhirst present two great tests of golf in rolling Northumberland countryside.

The Lakes course is a demanding layout where players are rewarded for accuracy from the tee.

With water playing a part on 15 holes finding the fairway on the Lakes is key. The Dawson course, which hosted the EuroPro Tour this season, gives players a little more room from the tee.

Both courses are always presented superbly, with particularly fast greens at the height of the season. Longhirst is also home to a new state-of-the art driving range, which is home to junior academy coaching as well as being open for the use of members, visitors and the general public.

Longhirst Hall Golf Club, Morpeth, NE61 3LL, tel 01670 791 562 www.longhirstgolf.co.uk

ROSEBERRY GRANGE

FREE POWAKADDY GIFT WORTH £30

COMMUNITY GOLF CLUB t: 0191 3700660

Buy FW3 Powakaddy electric trolley receive FREE accessory worth £30 Must quote NG 36 or bring this magazine to the store (valid until 30.9.15)

OTHER GREAT DEALS DURING AUG/SEP...

SUMMER OFFER HALF PRICE MEMBERSHIPS FOR A LIMITED TIME!!

RETURN TO ROSEBERRY Play once and return within a week and play for £7.50!!

TaylorMade SLDR Driver was £299 NOW £169

Callaway XR Driver was £279 NOW £199

1 doz ProV or ProV X Balls £40 plus FREE Titaliest cap

Powakaddy Premium Cart Bag was £149 NOW £129

Ping G25 Driver was £249 NOW £159

GREEN FEES SPECIAL Manic Monday- £7.50 PER ROUND Wacky Wednesday £10 PER ROUND OPEN GOLF DAY Thursday 24th September-all welcome, please call 0191 3701757 to enter

e: roseberrygolf@gmail.com Grange Villa, Chester le Street, DH2 3NF www.roseberrygrange.com find us on mytravelpal.com

Nike Vapor Driver was £249 NOW £199

EMAIL: MARSHALLSGOLF@LIVE.CO.UK, TELEPHONE: 0191 4384223 Heworth Golf Club Gingling Gate, Heworth, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE10 8XY NORTHERN GOLFER 41

LATE SUMMER GOLF SPECIAL AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2015 ONLY 18 HOLES + CHEFS SPECIAL £22pp WEEKDAYS - £24pp WEEKENDS AFTER 2pm AND MUST BE PRE BOOKED CONTACT THE PRO SHOP ON 01287 624653

VISITORS & SOCIETIES ALWAYS WELCOME

SALTBURN GOLF CLUB Design by James Braid

VISIT WWW.SALTBURNGOLF.CO.UK SALTBURN GOLF CLUB, HOB HILL, SALTBURN BY THE SEA, CLEVELAND, TS12 1NJ

SUMMERDEALS MORPETH GOLF CLUB Just outside the old market town, the parkland course at Morpeth Golf Club offers fantastic panoramic views of the Northumberland countryside including the picturesque Cheviot Hills and features a host of challenges from tricky par fives and challenging par threes to a number of short par fours which offer the chance of a birdie or two.

Measuring 6,341 yards off the medal tees and with a par of 71, golfers of all levels will enjoy a day at Morpeth.

Morpeth Golf Club, Loansdean, Morpeth, NE61 2BT tel 01670 504 942, www.morpethgolf.co.uk NEWCASTLE UNITED GOLF CLUB Newcastle United Golf Club, situated on Nuns Moor just outside the city centre, is a haven for golfers flooding into and out of the city.

One of the longer courses in our list at 6,638 yards, Newcastle United is a favourite among many of the region’s top golfers who regularly compete for Northumberland county honours over the moorland.

Newcastle United Golf Club, Ponteland Road, Newcastle, NE5 3JW tel 0191 286 9998, www.newcastleunitedgolfclub.co.uk RAVENSWORTH GOLF CLUB One of the oldest clubs in the North East, the golf course at Ravensworth offers panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and The Angel of the North. With undulating fairways and a number of changes in elevation to contend with, this 5,913-yard parkland course has produced more than 250 county and England caps since 1950.

A down-to-earth Geordie club, the welcome at Ravensworth is warm and the clubhouse is open to visitors from near and far alike.

Ravensworth Golf Club, Angel View, Long Bank Eighton Banks Gateshead, NE9 7NE, tel 0191 487 6014 www.ravensworthgolfclub.co.uk

Wilton Golf Club 18-hole Parkland Course

Situated close to the A19 it is ideally located for visitors from the north and south

NEW SEASON OFFERS

EAGLESCLIFFE GOLF CLUB Founded 1914

4 Ball £60.00 - Round of Golf after 12pm £15.00

Nestled beside the River Tees with the Cleveland Hills as a backdrop, the course has been described by Golf Monthly magazine as a ‘hidden gem’ of English golf.

18 Holes of Golf

This 6289 yard James Braid course is both picturesque and demanding due to the nature of the rolling terrain and sloping greens which provides a challenge for both novice and experienced golfers alike.

8 or more people Bacon Sandwich & Coffee followed by 1 Course Meal £22.00pp

For Ladies that Lunch

we are now serving Afternoon Teas please phone for details Telephone the Secretary, Claire Harvey on 01642 465265 or email secretary@wiltongolfclub.co.uk Wilton Castle Redcar TS10 4QY • www.wiltongolfclub.co.uk

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

Check our website for Reduced Green Fee Dates in August For all enquiries or to arrange a visit, please contact Martin Ball on 01642 780238 or email secretary@eaglescliffegolfclub.co.uk

MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE FROM £350 “Home of European Senior Tour Player and Teaching Professional Graeme Bell”

2015 OPENS

MIXED TEAM - SUN 30TH AUGUST

Please Book online on our website www.eaglescliffegolfclub.co.uk

42 NORTHERN GOLFER

SUMMERDEALS

RICHMOND (YORKS) GOLF CLUB One of the shortest courses on our list, Richmond (Yorks) makes up for its lack of length with a mix of five stunning par threes, which may well be the best mix of short holes in the region. The Richmond layout offers the perfect blend of tight doglegs, tree-lined fairways and birdie opportunities. The key to good scoring at Richmond is a sensible approach from the tee and a hot putter. The undulating greens offer a great deal of defence – take an extra few minutes on the putting green. You’ll thank us later! The finishing hole at Richmond offers a great story for the end of every visit. A par three played through a narrow gap in the thick trees to a green sitting on the edge of the clubhouse veranda; birdies are met with warm applause, while not making it out of the trees may result in a few laughs from your companions.

Richmond (Yorks) Golf Club, Bend Hagg, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 5EX, tel 01748 823 231, www.richmondyorksgolfclub.co.uk

Westfield Lane, Ryton, Tyne & Wear, NE40 3QE

Club Sponsor 2015 – Harrow Ltd NEW Lifestyle Membership Category

2015 Group Golf Packages August & September Coffee & bacon sandwich on arrival 18 holes of golf One course chef’s special dinner

4 Ball Special Coffee & bacon sandwich on arrival 18 holes of golf

 01609 778855  enquiries@romanby.com  www.romanby.com

# Time, work or family constraints? # Playing a limited number of rounds in a year? # Playing occasionally on a weekend or in the summer after work? # Would like to be a member of a golf club?

A LIMITED NUMBER of Lifestyle Memberships have been introduced – it is not a ‘pay & play’ but an innovative method of being a member of Tyneside Golf Club and all the benefits that go with it – at a justifiable cost.

An ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION of £300.00 (+ county and national golf levies) places 100 GOLF POINTS on your membership swipe card. Each time you play points are simply deducted from your account (fewer points are required to play at quiet times on the course and more points at busier times) For FURTHER DETAILS please contact Club Manager Alastair Greenfield on 0191 4132742 or secretary@tynesidegolfclub.co.uk www.tynesidegolfclub.co.uk

Yafforth Road, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 0PE, T&C’s Apply

NORTHERN GOLFER 43

SUMMERDEALS ROMANBY GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB As tough as it is stunning, Romanby Golf and Country Club sits on the River Wiske and follows the natural contours of the North Yorkshire landscape with an array of water features, including the river.

The greens here have been constructed to a modified USGA specification which means you will find excellent surface right through to the end of the summer. It is also long enough at 6,663 yards off the back tees, 6,405 from the yellow tees, and 5,635 off the red tees to provide a real challenge.

Romanby Golf and Country Club, Yafforth Road, Northallerton DL7 0PE, tel 01609 778 855, www.romanby.com ROSEBERRY GRANGE COMMUNITY GOLF CLUB Built on the site of the former High Handenhold Colliery, the Roseberry Grange Community golf course opened in 1987 and has been run by members since July 2011. The rolling landscape offers a number of chances to build a good score, while trouble waits for any mis-struck shot into the green. Expect a warm welcome and great day’s golf.

Roseberry Grange Community Golf Club, Chester-le-Street, DH2 3NF tel 0191 370 0660, www.roseberrygrange.com

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SALTBURN-BY-THE-SEA GOLF CLUB Sitting above the town of Saltburn and offering stunning views out over the North Sea, Saltburn Golf Club measures 5,974 yards with a par of 70. The highlight of any round here is the par threes; all four are worth of signature hole status.

The 222-yard 12th got our vote with its element of risk and reward with the left side of the green well defended by a long carry over thick bushes while the right side offers a simple chip and a chance to save par.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea Golf Club, Hob Hill, Saltburn-by-the-Sea Cleveland, TS12 1NJ, tel 01287 622 812, www.saltburngolf.co.uk

䐀椀猀挀漀甀渀琀攀搀 昀甀氀氀 洀攀洀戀攀爀猀栀椀瀀 琀漀 礀攀愀爀 攀渀搀 愀猀 氀漀眀 愀猀

SEAHAM GOLF CLUB Seaham is a fine challenge with its fast greens, which remain some of the best around long into September. Tucked away close to the centre of a former mining village on the Durham coast, the course measures a little over 6,000 yards. It’s main defence is large, undulating greens and we recommend more than just a few whacks on the putting green before you head out (you’ll thank us later!), and avoid leaving yourself above the hole.

The key to Seaham is patience; position yourself in the fairway, hit the right part of the green and you’ll find it a delight to play.

Seaham Golf Club, Shrewsbury St, Seaham SR7 7RD tel 0191 513 0837, www.seahamgolfclub.co.uk TYNESIDE GOLF CLUB Formed in 1879, Tyneside Golf Club is among the oldest clubs in the North East of England, having been established in 1879. The club has a history of connections with some of the game’s greatest names - from the initial nine-hole course being designed by Mungo Park (Open Champion 1874 and club pro at Alnmouth) to Willie Park Junior, the Club’s first professional, to the current Ryton Falls course being established in 1911 and designed by Harry Colt.

The course is renowned for the quality of its greens and its year-round playability. In recent years the club has also been working on maintaining and restoring the course’s ‘Colt’ elements.

Although not long, you will hit every club in your bag and it takes years to unlock all of the course’s secrets.

Perched high on the ‘Falls’ of old Ryton village, the course is tucked away in tranquil surroundings and enjoys magnificent views over the River Tyne and the beautiful Tyne valley.

Tyneside Golf Club, Westfield Lane, Ryton, NE40 3QE tel 0191 413 2742, www.tynesidegolfclub.co.uk

No1 Choice for Captain’s Trips and Away Days 2014 GolfMark Club Of The Year Winners

ꌀ㜀

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猀攀挀爀攀琀愀爀礀䀀愀氀氀攀渀搀愀氀攀ⴀ最漀氀昀⸀挀漀⸀甀欀 㜀 㔀 㠀 㠀㈀㐀㘀 匀漀挀椀攀琀礀 戀漀漀欀椀渀最猀㨀 ㄀㐀㌀㐀 㘀㠀㌀㐀㌀㠀 匀挀愀渀 昀漀爀 愀挀挀攀猀猀 琀漀 琀栀攀 昀甀氀氀 氀椀猀琀 漀昀 ㈀ ㄀㔀 伀瀀攀渀 挀漀洀瀀攀琀椀琀椀漀渀猀⸀

44 NORTHERN GOLFER

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

Cookridge Hall Golf Club, Cookridge Lane, Leeds, LS16 7NL

SUMMERDEALS

WYNYARD GOLF CLUB Wynyard’s Wellington course offers a tough enough test with its undulating fairways, well-placed bunkers and punishing rough. Avoid all of that and you’ll find one of our region’s best presented courses with fast, true greens throughout the summer months.

Wynyard Golf Club, Wellington Drive, Billingham, Cleveland, TS22 5QJ tel 01740 644 399, www.wynyardgolfclub.co.uk

Ravensworth Golf Club www.ravensworthgolfclub.co.uk

TWILIGHT GOLF SPECIAL Reduced Green fee after 2 pm Only £15pp or £50 for a 4 Ball - Save £££’s Valid until 30th September 2015 Numbers are limited so be sure to book early Please contact the Pro Shop on 0191 5342518 Must QUOTE NG 36 to qualify

Memberships - August till End December 2015 7 Day £210 5 Day £175 Juniors Aged 7 to 14 FREE Flexible Memberships also available All Memberships include DCGU & England Golf Fees

SUMMER OPENS 17th September - Seniors 4 Man Texas Scramble - £28 per team 19th September - Tom Sellars 4BBB - £18 per pair VISITOR GREEN FEES Monday & Wednesday Only £12 per person (max 4 ball) Sundays in August Only £18 per person or 4 Ball £50 (after 12 Noon & must be booked in advance) TEE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES £395+vat Includes 24 x 4 Balls SUMMER SOCIETY FRIDAY SPECIAL (min 10 players) COFFEE & BACON ROLL, 18 HOLES, FISH & CHIPS £22 PP EXCELLENT FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Telephone 0191 5342518 email: wearside_golf@yahoo.co.uk www.wearsidegc.co.uk

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

Visitors & Societies welcome 7 Days Saturdays & Sundays Available

NORTHERN GOLFER 45

SUMMERDEALS WILTON GOLF CLUB Set in the heart of Teesside, Wilton Golf Club is a golfing oasis. The 6,220-yard parkland layout may be short by today’s standards, but is by no means a pushover. With half a dozen par fours around the 400-yard mark and some testing approach shots, accuracy is essential at Wilton, not length.

The finishing stretch offers birdie chances, card-wrecking risk and reward shots and the opportunity to give your mates a laugh in the clubhouse. The dog-leg 17th has trees guarding the corner, while 18 has two trees in the middle of the fairway.

The choice is yours, over or around? Just remember, if you hit it into one of the trees and into trouble, the guys in the clubhouse will know about it before you’ve put your clubs in the car.

Wilton Golf Club, Redcar, Redcar and Cleveland, TS10 4QY tel 01642 465 265, www.wiltongolfclub.co.uk MCMILLAN HOTELS A little further afield, McMillan Hotels serve as an excellent base to sample golf in Dumfries & Galloway. North West Castle, Fernhill Hotel & the Cally Palace all offer year-round golf packages, while the Cally Palace also has its own 18-hole parkland golf course. The region also has a number of top courses including Southerness, Dumfries & County, Stranraer, Portpatrick and Wigtown County to name but a few.

McMillan Hotels, Dumfries & Galloway, www.mcmillanhotels.co.uk CAIRNDALE HOTEL The Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries is a great hub to travel from and they can organise a range of packages to suit every size of party and length of stay.

Dumfries is a great base for a golf break and The Cairndale Hotel, in the centre of the town can organise a schedule to suit everyone’s needs.

WEARSIDE GOLF CLUB In the shadow of Penshaw Monument on the River Wear, Wearside Golf Club is one of the oldest and best kept parkland courses in the North with a par of 72 and measuring just under 6,500 yards. Located just off the A19, but far enough away not to be bothered by the busy road, one of the biggest tests at Wearside is its undulating fairways, which can be tricky to get the hang of. Its greens are a pleasure to putt on while the clubhouse at Wearside boasts a very warm welcome and a cracking menu.

Wearside Golf Club, Coxgreen Road, Sunderland, SR4 9JT tel 0191 534 2518, www,wearsidegc.co.uk

6 weeks of golf including unlimited golf course access to slaley hall

Join Slaley Hall for a six week trial golf membership for only £99 Our 6 week QFairway golf trial will give you unlimited access to Slaley Hall for a 6 week period.

You can then take advantage of the following benefits: • 20% Discount on food and drink • 10% Discount in all golf shops (exc. hardware) • 10% Discount on member’s lessons • Exclusive member events Pop into the club to find out more or give us a call 1434 676 587 | slaleygolf@QHotels.co.uk QHotels.co.uk/golftrial 46 NORTHERN GOLFER

20

14 - 2015

Hirsel Golf Club One of the UK’s Hidden Gems, recently featured in Golf Monthly’s Top 100 Hidden Gems of UK & Ireland list

Come and play the No1 golf course in the Scottish Borders

September Special Offer Day Thursday 10th we are offering a round of golf from ONLY £7.50 per person This incredible deal is only available by booking online at www.brsgolf.com/hirsel/visitor_home.php Come and join us and see for yourself why more and more people are raving about the Hirsel Experience!

Hirsel Golf Club, Coldstream, Kelso Road, Berwickshire, TD12 4NJ TELEPHONE 01890 882678 e: secretary@hirselgc.co.uk

SEAHAM GOLF CLUB

Shrewsbury Street, Seaham, Co. Durham SR7 7RD

August Special Offer

4 Ball - Only £40 (Monday - Friday & after 2.00pm Bank Holiday / Weekends) For availability contact the Pro, Andrew on 0191 5130837 www.seahamgolfclub.co.uk

There are a number of packages available including Play the Best, The Birdie Trail, Solway Links and Gateway to Golf. All the packages include dinner, bed and breakfast and complimentary use of the Cairndale’s Barracuda Leisure Club. There is plenty of car parking spaces and it is only a short walk into the centre of Dumfries.

Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club, English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2DF tel 01387 240 286, www.cairndalehotel.co.uk MARSHALLS GOLF Based at Heworth Golf Club for more than 14 years, brothers and PGA Professionals Adrian and Warren Marshall have more than 50 years of golfing experience between them, and a shop, which offers major brands and expert advice. Custom fitting and golf tuition are also available using the latest Flight Scope technology.

Marshalls Golf, Heworth Golf Club, Gingling Gate, Heworth NE10 8XY, tel 0191 438 4223, www.marshallsgolf.com

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

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

Special September offers Sunday night arrivals 2 Nts DBB + 2 rounds of golf from £159 Monday or Tuesdays 3 Nts DBB + 3 rounds from £229

Newcastle United Golf Club Est.1892

Membership Offers Full - (£49.50 per month) 5 Day - (£41.00 per month) Ladies (40.00 per month) Associate - £150.00 (£10 per game) 4 Join for the PRICE of 3 (Payment up Front Deal)

SUMMER GREEN FEE OFFERS Weekday Round £15.00 pp -----Weekday 4 Ball £50.00 -----Weekday 4 Ball inc 2 buggies £70.00 ------

Weekend Round £18.00 pp ----Weekend 4 Ball £60.00 ----Weekend 4 Ball inc 2 buggies £80.00 Buggies must be Pre-booked

GOLF SOCIETIES SEPTEMBER SPECIALS (Weekdays & Weekends) Coffee & Bacon Roll, 18 Holes £17.00 per head ---Coffee & Bacon Roll, 18 Holes, Soup & Sandwich £20.00 per head Coffee & Bacon Roll, 18 Holes, 2 Course Meal £24.00 per head

One Night DBB plus 2 rounds from £100 Subject to availability

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

For any further information, please contact Liam McNulty on (0191 2869998 Ext.2) Email: liam1892@googlemail.com Web: www.info@newcastleunitedgolfclub.co.uk

60 Ponteland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 3JW NORTHERN GOLFER 47

GOLFERTIPS

PERFECT CHIPS We are in the height of the season and with the warmer weather comes firmer conditions under foot. On the course we are starting to find more and more tight lies, putting our ball striking under pressure - particularly around the greens. Here’s a drill to perfect your technique...

l Danieay w irector Hoonk D a al nd

A common mistake we see with amateur golfers is trying to scoop the ball into the air when playing pitch and chip shots. Here I am trying to hang back and help the ball into the air - this moves the lowest point of their swing arc too far behind the ball, often creating thin or fat shots. Even on sweetly struck shots, the results can be inconsistent and hard to control.

A great drill to improve the consistency of your strike is to maintain the position of your sternum over the golf ball through the swing.

Beneath our sternum is where we will find the bottom of our arc.

sio lf Profes nce Go rforma e P r 5 u To 45 66

28 5 tel 012

For this drill, line the ball up just inside your left heel and place your right foot on its toe directly behind it in a straight line.

In this position you will have to balance on your lead leg.

By taking your right leg out of play you will lose balance if you try to hang back and scoop the ball in the air.

Instead, this drill promotes an efficient turn through the ball and a consistent strike.

Give this drill a go and watch your ball striking improve rapidly. Remember to take a rest between shots so not to tire yourself out standing on one leg!

48 NORTHERN GOLFER

TOUR PERFORMANCE GOLF

ur Get To e Fit anc b Fit m r o f r Pe Clu i ndard

ta TP Tour S ute lesson/ n 30 mi reening Sc

!

0 6 LY £

ONaving (S £35)

• Golf Golf Retail Outlet Retail Outlet • Floodlit Covered Driving Range • European Tour Technician Jimmy Latta • 2x PGA Pros • TPI Trainer • Orka National Fit Centre

Spend £150 Spend £250 receive 5 credits for our driving range

receive 10 credits for our driving range

Tel: 01228 545 665 | www.tourperformancegolf.co.uk

Enter online

win GOLFERCOMPETITIONS

Lo northe g on to rngolfe r.co.uk

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

Please include your contact details and telephone number.

Closing date Thursday September 3 2015. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

.WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT MORPETH GOLF CLUB. Set in stunning Northumberland countryside, Morpeth Golf Club has long been regarded as on the county’s best – regularly hosting NUGC events. The 18-hole parkland course has been home to a number of the county’s best players and its combination of scoring opportunities and tough pars makes for a challenging, yet ultimately rewarding, round of golf.

For your chance to win answer this question: How many majors has Gary Player won?

.WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT BEDLINGTON GOLF CLUB.

.WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT THE HIRSEL. The Borders is incredibly popular with golf societies from the North East and Yorkshire and a firm favourite with many of them is The Hirsel.

Situated in the incredible borders landscape, on the outskirts of Coldstream, the 18hole layout is regarded as a top venue, with a great mix of testing holes - and is often dubbed ‘The Augusta of the North’.

At 6,813 yards from the back tees and with a par of 73, Bedlington Golf Club is no pushover, particularly when the wind blows. However, the course is generally flat and if you hit it straight, you’ll score well. Expect a warm welcome, and be sure to pay a visit to head professional Marcus Webb for some last minute advice – he know every inch of the course!

For your chance to win answer the following question: What is the name of Tiger Woods’ tiger headcover?

For your chance to win answer this question: Where will the 2016 Open Championship be played?

July’s competition winners: Ramside Hall: Gary Hude of Stanley Romanby GC: Tom McNally of Morpeth Backworth GC: Shaun Woodward of Darlington

MOORTOWN GOLF CLUB

Host of the British Ladies Amateur Strokeplay Championship 19-21st August 2015 www.moortown-gc.co.uk

50 NORTHERN GOLFER

MATCHPLAYPAIRSGREENSOMES

MATCH PLAY PAIRS Round 3 Draw 1. Alan Brady (13) & Mathew Harper (6) (Durham City) V Dave Slipper (20) & Steve Johnson (0) (Gosforth/Morpeth)

5. Andrew Sharp (15) & Paul Chapman (10) (Garesfield) V Jeff Lightle (7) & Steve Gray (6) (Slaley Hall)

2. Steve Slater (2) & Gary Wright (12) (City of Newcastle/Backworth) V Duncan Fisher (13) & Neil Timbey (14) (South Moor)

6. Ted Cromar (13) & Graham Dodds (13) (Morpeth) V David Robison (5) & Bill Robison (23) (Whickham/Hobson)

3. Sephen Hanson (9) & Jason Robson (5) (Castle Eden) V Ken Bell (9) & Alan Heslop (16) (Hexham)

7. Ian Irving (12) & Gary Foxwell (2) (Arcot Hall) V Kevin Hill (13) & Ken Chapman (12) (Ryton/Garesfield)

4. Alan Slater (14) & Anthony McKeown (9) (Ramside Hall) V Malcolm Crowson (16) & K. Taylor (4) (Oulton Hall)

8. Jamie McPhillips (8) & Craig Beadling (10) (Romanby) V Colin Marshall (15) & Paul Tindale (12) (Durham City)

MATCHES TO BE PLAYED BY MONDAY AUGUST 24 2015

NORTHERN GOLFER LADIES GREENSOMES 2015 Round 3 Draw 1. Sandra Gradwell (25) & Val Pesara (5) (Hexham) V Christine Walby (15) & Lynda Golightly (18) (Slaley Hall)

2. Katie Clark (13) & Anne Gollogly (11) (Saltburn) V Sandra Taylor (11) & Julie Parry (8) (Rudding Park)

3. Pamela Moffat (28) & Dorothy Edwards (25) (Romanby) V Gerry Longstaff (28) & Lis Stevenson (26) (Eaglescliffe)

4. Bernadette Legg (27) & Christine Vine (31) (Gosforth) V Ami Storey (+1) & Claire Brown (4) (Close House)

MATCHES TO BE PLAYED BY MONDAY AUGUST 24 2015

Round 2 Results 1. Holroyd & Lennon lost to Taylor & Parry 19th hole

5. Brady & Brady lost to Clark & Gollogly 5 & 4

2. Legg & Vine beat Preston & Greatbatch 1 up

6. Oakley & Benn lost to Gradwell & Pesara 19th hole

3. Moffat & Edwards beat Davidson & Wilkinson 2 & 1

7. Liddle & Wolson lost to Walby & Golightly 2 & 1

4. Longstaff & Stevenson beat Ball & Hovenden 7 & 6

8. Storey & Brown beat Jone & Lees 20th hole

MATCH PLAY PAIRS

Round 2 Results

1. McPhillips & Beadling beat Longthorn & Bowes 2 up

5. Patterson & Patterson lost to Marshall & Tindale 4 & 2

9. Hanson & Robson beat Howie & Woolgar 3 & 2

13. Ingram & Redford lost to Brady & Harper 1 down

2. Hall & Bates lost to Hill & Chapman match conceded

6. Bell & Heslop beat McColl & Walton 1 up

10. Irving & Foxwell beat Ince & Burns 3 & 1

14. Rutter & Stocks lost to Sharp & Chapman 5 & 3

3. Slater & McKeown beat Murphy & Murphy 6 & 5

7. Crowson & Taylor beat Buxton & Smith 2 up

11. Robison & Robison beat Lumsden & White 1 up

15. Lightle & Gray beat Menzies & Jackson 5 & 4

4. Urwin & Bell lost to Slater & Wright 3 & 2

8. Gallagher & Walmsley lost to Foster & Timbey 3 & 2

12. Cromar & Dodds beat Stoker & Lewington 7 & 6

16. O’Ware & Gray lost to Slipper & Johnson 1 down

NORTHERN GOLFER 51

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

52 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 Skelton Lane, Wigginton,York 01904 769400

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

Forest of Galtres Golf Club Flaxby, Knaresborough, HG5 0RR 01423 863 444

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 Flamborough Head Golf Club Lighthouse Road, Flamborough, Bridlington, YO15 1AR 01262 850 333 Hornsea Golf Club Rolston Rd, Hornsea, HU18 1XG 01964 534989

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 Pike Hills Golf Club Tadcaster Road, Askham Bryan, YO23 3UW 01904 700 797 Richmond Golf Club Bend Hagg, Richmond, DL10 5EX 01748 823 231

Scarborough South Cliff Golf Club Deepdale Avenue, off Filey Road, YO11 2UE 01723 360 522

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

Scarthingwell Golf Club The Scarthingwell Centre, Scarthingwell, Tadcaster, LS24 9PF 01937 557 878

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

Selby Golf Club Mill Lane, Brayton, YO8 9LD 01757 228 622

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

Skipton Golf Club Short Lee Lane, Skipton, BD23 3LF 01756 795 657

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

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

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

Whitby Golf Club Low Straggleton, Whitby, YO21 3SR 01947 600 660

Rawdon Golf and Lawn Tennis Club Buckstone Drive, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BB 0113 2506040

York Golf Club Lords Moor Lane, Strensall, YO32 5XF 01904 491 840

Sand Moor Golf Club Alwoodley Lane, Leeds, LS17 7DJ 0113 268 5180

YORKSHIRE (WEST)

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

Bradford Golf Club Hawksworth Lane, Guiseley, LS20 8NP 01943 875570 Cookridge Golf Club Cookridge Lane, Cookridge, Leeds, LS16 7NL 0113 230 0641

Wakefield Golf Club 28 Woodthorpe Lane, WF2 6JH 01924 258778 Woodhall Hills Golf Club Woodhall Road, Calverley, Pudsey, LS28 5UN 0113 255 4594

Dewsbury District Golf Club The Pinnacle, Sands Lane, Mirfield, WF14 8HJ 01924 492399

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

Garforth Driving Range Barwick Road, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 2DN 0113 287 1111

OTHER GOLF OUTLETS

Garforth Golf Club Long Lane, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 2DS 0113 286 2021 Headlingly Golf Club Back Church Lane, Adel, Leeds, LS16 8DW 0113 267 9573

Andy Paisley Golf Centre, Hexham Golf Club, Spittal Lane, Hexham, NE46 3RZ 01434 603 072 Aslan Golf Lizard Lane, Whitburn, NE34 7AF 0191 5294210 Bargain Golf Seaham Golf Club, Shrewsbury Street, Seaham, SR7 7RD 0191 5130837 & Hobson Golf Club Burnopfield, Newcastle, NE16 6BZ 01207 271605

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

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

Direct Golf Lullingstone Crescent Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, TS17 5GJ 01642 765 000

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

The KP Golf Club Pocklington, York, YO42 1UF 01759 303 090

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

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

Eureka Copt Hill, Houghton le Spring, DH5 8LU 0191 584 1198 George Paylor 5th Tee 5th Tee,Garesfield Golf Club Chopwell, NE17 7AP 07737 963881 Jeffrey Musgrove Golf Shop Garesfield Golf Club Chopwell, NE17 7AP 01207 563082 Leda Discount Golf Centre Grange Villa, Chester le Street, DH2 3NF 0191 370 1757 Marshalls Golf Heworth Golf Club, Gingling Gate, Heworth, NE10 8HY 0191 4384223 Gordon Catterill Golf Shop Middlesbrough Golf Club, Brass Castle Lane, TS8 9EE 01642 311766 Philips Golf Discount Unit 3 Strand Business Centre Locomotion Way, Camperdown Ind Est Killingworth, NE12 5UJ 0191 268 0008 Riverdale Hotel Bellingham NE48 2JT 01434 220 254 Snainton Golf Direct Coast View, Swarland, Felton, NE65 9JG 01670 787 010 Stokesley Driving Range Broughton Road, Stokesley, TS9 5JJ 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 Tour Performance Golf California Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3Â 0BY 01228 545 665 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 53

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

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!

Home for Yorkshire County Championships 18-20th August Come and watch some great golf for free Last minute afternoon summer green fee from £47.50 per person– including coffee and bacon roll on arrival Monday – Thursday only Visit our online bookings at www.fulfordgolfclub.co.uk or ring Tom on 01904 413579 ext 4

Fulford (York) Golf Club - 01904 413579, Heslington Lane, York, YO10 5DY

Non-member golf enquires to 01904 413579 ext 5 OR

see www.fulfordgolfclub.co.uk for on line bookings and last minute deals

The sons of two of the North East’s best golfers went headto-head in a playoff for Prudhoe GC’s Club Championship as James Curry took on James Surtees.

Curry, the son of former European tour player David – now steward at Blyth Golf Club, shot rounds of 71 and 72 to match Surtees, son of Northumberland legend John, who recorded rounds

of 70 and 73 at the Tyne Valley course. In the four-hole playoff for the title, Curry built a one-shot lead through the opening three holes before making a birdie at Prudhoe’s fourth hole to seal the win. Meanwhile, in the Index Trophy Wayne Philipson, brother of Prudhoe, Northumberland and England legend Shaun took the prize with nett scores of 65 and 74.

The first Northern Golfer Junior Champion of Champions takes place on October 10 over the Cathedral Course at Ramside Hall Hotel & Golf Club. We’ve teamed up with Mill Volvo, Elddis Transport, Hall Construction and Ramside to stage the event. Invites will be going out soon. For more information contact Paul Corney, pcorney@northerngolfer.co.uk or tel 07521 389 536

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

Special Offer Membership 2015 thru to 2017 valid until 28th Feb 2017 AVAILABLE TO NEW APPLICANTS ONLY 19 MONTHS for the PRICE of 12 MONTHS MEMBERSHIP

James Surtees and James Curry in action

Apologies to Fulford Golf Club for the error made in its advert in the July edition. The correct summer green fee is £47.50pp.

For more information, and to book, contact the club tel 01904 413 579.

Hexham’s Matty Lamb represented England in the Boys’ Home Internationals at Conwy Golf Club, Wales in August. Lamb, competing in the internationals for the second time, joined seven new boys to take on Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The 17-year-old won 2.5 points, as England finished second to Scotland.

Send your feedback, news and photos (inc contact details) via email to editor@northerngolfer.co.uk, tweet us @negolfer or find us on facebook.com/northerngolferuk

Love Golf....

Love Beamish Park

“TRY BEFORE YOU BUY” Offer 2015 Membership valid until 31st March 2016 Available to New Applicants Only 1st payment £70 followed by 7 payments of £40 Payable by Monthly Direct Debit!

Visitors & Societies always Welcome Book your Society Outing Now Party of 12 or more Organiser goes Free…..

SPECIAL OFFER…GET 4 ROUNDS/18 HOLES OF GOLF FOR ONLY £50 (SINGLE UPFRONT PAYMENT)

Contact us for more information- 0191 370 1382

www.beamishgolf.co.uk 54 NORTHERN GOLFER

@beamish park_gc

Beamish Golf Club

Beamish Park Golf Club, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 ORH

SUMMER SIZZLING OFFERS SAVE £££’S REMEMBER WE ARE YOUR NO1 STORE FOR GREAT DEALS

OVER A 100 STAND & CART BAGS IN OUR SALE INCLUDING 14 WAY DIVIDER BAGS FROM £59.99

NEW EXTENSIVE RANGE OF GALVIN GREEN CLOTHING IN STOCK MANY ITEMS FROM LAST SEASON IN OUR SALE SAVE £££’S

NEW COBRA 2015 WOODS & IRONS IN STOCK LOWEST PRICES

NEW SKETCHERS QUALITY PERFORMANCE SHOES IN STOCK

AS WORN BY MATT KUCHAR

NEW CALLAWAY MINI BERTHA 1.5 DRIVERS 12 DEGREE, 14 DEGREE LOFT

OVER 100 SETS IN STOCK - BEST PRICE GUARANTEE + FREE FITTING WITH OUR NEW FLIGHT SCOPE XI - THE LATEST ON THE MARKET NEW CALLAWAY XR NEW CLICKGEAR NEW BRIDGESTONE NEW ARRIVALS NEW JUNIOR WOODS & IRONS TROLLEYS AT MIZUNO MP25 & COBRA J15 WOODS INTRODUCTORY OFFERS!!

DISCOUNTED PRICES MP5 IRONS DRIVERS IN RESCUES STOCK, COMPLETE WITH 2 GOLF SHAFTS FOR EXTENDED USE AFTER GROWTH

WEDGE SALE MANY TO CHOOSE FROM, VARIOUS LOFTS TO CLEAR.

ALL AT £29.99

EACH HURRY!

TAYLORMADE GHOST -TOUR PUTTERS WERE £129 NOW £59.99 SPECIAL OFFERS ON ODYSSEY PUTTERS

& IRONS IN STOCK

SPECIAL OFFER

ON GOLF GLOVES

1 X GLOVE £8.99 NOW £5.99, 2 X GLOVES £10, 3 X GLOVES £12

NEW MIZUNO IRONS IN STOCK! CLEARANCE ON DRIVERS, FAIRWAYS & RESCUES SAVE £££’S

CLOTHING SALE! UP TO 30% OFF OSCAR JACOBSON, CROSS PLUS MANY MORE!

MIZUNO 30 % OFF ALL SWEATERS & WATERPROOFS

JUNIOR GOLF

SINGLE IRONS, WOODS, WEDGES RESCUES & FULL SETS IN STOCK -

IRONS FROM £17.99

(FULL MADE TO MEASURE CUSTOM FIT AVAILABLE)

FINAL CLEARANCE GOLF SHIRTS TO CLEAR MANY PAIRS OF MENS/ LADIES, STUBURT URBAN 2 LEATHER SHOES WERE £49.99 NOW £24.99

MANY LESS THAN 1/2 PRICE ONLY £14.99

TROUSERS

STROMBERG PLAIN £34.99 NOW £24.99 PATTERNED £49.99 NOW £29.99

SAVE £££’S

Discounted golf equipment & clothing

All staff P.G.A. qualified. Over 35 years experience. Friendly honest advice

Price Beat policy - includes online

External practice area for long game and new short game area next to shop

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 stock. Call in and see for yourself Authorised stockists for Callaway, Mizuno TaylorMade, Cobra, Titlest, Bridgestone & more. We have heads & shaft options for a complete custom fit

We have thousands of happy repeat customers We must be doing something right Part Exchange welcome - top prices given Next day delivery available for mail orders Gift vouchers available for shop or tuition

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

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