Staffordshire Golfer - #9 February 2024

STAFFORDSHIRE GOLFER

FEBRUARY 2024

ISSUE NINE

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to the ninth issue of the Staffordshire Golfer. The winter season is drawing to a close with planning and preparation for the new season already in full swing. Most of my introductions in these magazines have revolved around the weather, and that continued to be a theme throughout December and into January. If you have managed to get out on the course or to the driving range over the past couple of months, then I hope all your preparations for the new season have gone well, and you survived the storms!

We might be in the off season, but we still have some great stories from across the County to tell. Our aim for 2024 is to take these stories to as many Staffordshire Golfers as possible, so if you could share

this magazine with as many of your members and golfing friends as possible, we’d be forever grateful.

There has been plenty going on behind the scenes at the Union over the last couple of months. We’ve launched our new store, named a new Men’s First Team Captain and we’ve got our heads around all the new changes coming to the World Handicap System on April 1st. More on that in this issue.

We are also delighted to announce our Junior Series that will be taking place across Staffordshire golf clubs, allowing junior golfers to experience competitive golf at some of the best courses in the area. We strive to produce the best competitions and environments for Junior Golfers to thrive, and we hope this inclusion to

THE TEAM AT STAFFORDSHIRE GOLFER

Editor and Production: Medi8 Golf – nathan@medi8ltd.co.uk

Editorial research: Gareth Shaw – secretary@staffsgolf.org.uk

Editorial research: Michael Entecott – michael.entecott@staffsgolf.org.uk

A MESSAGE FROM THE COUNTY SECRETARY

the golfing calendar will be greatly appreciated.

You may have missed that LIV Golf have announced that JCB Golf and Country Club will be hosting the UK swing of this season’s LIV Golf League, but more on that inside. We also chatted to Grant Field, the coach of Open Champion, Cameron Smith in the latest episode of our podcast, an abridged version of which is in this edition.

Our podcast channel is a great way of gaining even more insight about your game, the County and much more. To catch up on all the episodes, click here.

I’ll leave you now to read the latest issue, sit back, enjoy and don’t forget to share it with your golfing friends.

IN THE CLUBHOUSE

Home course: Sandwell Park (Member since 1982)

WHS index: 1.1

Favourite course: Royal Birkdale Golf Club

Dream fourball partners: Lee Trevino, Seve Ballesteros & Sir Nick Faldo

Hopes for the season: To have a very competitive team and hopefully win a trophy, whilst keeping it fun and enjoyable for everyone who takes part.

Welcome to our new SUGC President

The course rating team working hard planning the 2024 rating schedule.

If your course is thinking of making any changes this year, have you considered how it will affect the course rating? Get in touch and we can help in the process.

Home course: Drayton Park Golf Club

WHS index: 1.8

Favourite course: Royal Birkdale Golf Club

Dream fourball partners: Tiger Woods, Fred Couples & Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes for the season: We have a huge amount of talent in Staffordshire and I want those talented people to enjoy representing the County. It was a honour for me to represent Staffordshire growing up and I want that to return. I know golf has changed over the last few years but there’s no better feeling than being part of a successful team and winning County matches.

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Jim Whitehouse. Jim was an esteemed member of our county, serving as a highly respected Junior Organiser and County President for the Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs. His dedication and contributions to our county have left an indelible mark, and he will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. During this difficult time, our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Jim’s family. We share in their grief and extend our sincerest sympathies. Please join us in remembering Jim for his remarkable spirit and countless contributions to our county.

Chris Gaskell of South Staffordshire Golf Club

TERRY BRAY – SENIOR CAPTAIN

RICHARD HUNT – COUNTY CAPTAIN (NON-PLAYING)

JIM WHITEHOUSE

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS RETURNS FOR SUCCESSIVE YEAR

The SUGC Champion of Champions will be returning for the second year after the huge success of the inaugural event. The competition is becoming a staple in the Staffordshire Union of Golf Club’s calendar and will be played once again at JCB Golf and Country Club. The 7308 yard par 72, will play host to the club champions of all Staffordshire golf clubs across all age groups.

It was the highlight event of the SUGC 2023 calendar, with 79 competitors competing for one of three trophies. Highlights from the first event were wins for James Johnston (Mens – Whittington Heath Golf Club) and Alfie Turner (Juniors – Trentham Golf Club), with both players set to try and plot their way back to this year’s event through their Club Championship.

The trophies that will be played for are named in honour of three gentlemen who have dedicated much of their life to Staffordshire Golf. The Men’s Ivan Forster Salver commemorates Ivan Forster, who was President of the County Union in 1988 and 1989.

The Senior’s John Keen Salver, is named for the County President for 2006 and 2007. While the Junior’s Mike Tunnicliffe Salver is dedicated to the memory of Michael Tunnicliffe who did so much to promote the growth of junior golf in the County. County Secretary Gareth Shaw said: “It’s great to be returning to JCB Golf and Country Club. It’s a fantastic competition that was introduced in our Centenary year and hopefully it’ll be around for years to come.

“Golfers will have to win their Club Championships or a designated qualification event in order to tee it up at JCB, and these events will be taking place throughout the year.

“To give the Club Champions and designated event winners the opportunity to play at such a prestigious venue that has hosted two Legends Tour events alongside a LIV Golf event this year is great and a fantastic reward for them.”

The Champion of Champions event will take place on 21st September

PETER BAKER WINS LEGENDS TOUR ORDER OF MERIT

The South Staffordshire Head Professional Peter Baker ended the year on a high after securing his fourth win of the season at the MCB Tour Championship which also clinched him the Legends Tour Order of Merit. Baker was 264 points clear of second place Adilson Da Silva, with the Brazilian pushing Baker until the last hole of season.

Baker and Da Silva both began the day one shot off the lead but an incredible run of four birdies in the last six holes completed Baker’s third round of 67 to seal victory and take the Order of Merit.

The win in Mauritius topped off a great year for Baker who also picked up wins at the JCB Championship, Irish Legends and the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship. Baker beat some famous faces on home turf at JCB Golf and Country Club, which was cut short by a day due to inclement weather. Vijay Singh finished second, whilst Ernie Els, Darren Clarke and 2022 winner Alex Cejka were all in the chasing pack.

Baker told the press after winning in Mauritius: “It’s been an incredible golfing year for me and I thought I would have to win this event to take the trophy.

I played the back nine really well and the last six holes were tremendous. I can’t quite believe it, but I guess I managed to hit some great shots at the right time this year.”

Baker also told legendstour.com that he spoke to friend and former Masters Champion Ian Woosnam during the year for help: “He’s really supported me and we talk a lot. He’s blunt, as you can imagine, which is great, that’s how we are.

“He’s really encouraged me throughout the year. I had a lot of help from Michael Welch at home in Shropshire, as well. You need that support. It’s a tough game, so I’m very appreciative of all the help I’ve had.”

OVER 3000 GOLF BALLS DONATED BY STAFFORDSHIRE GOLF CLUBS

Over the Christmas period Staffordshire Golf Clubs were asked by The Golf Trust to gift unwanted golf balls to youngsters in Ghana to help support a charity called Fafali. This charity delivers a Golf & Goal programme that provides golf coaching and mainstream education for children who would otherwise not receive it. If the children stay in education, they are gifted equipment to continue their golf education alongside their schooling. Although Fafali often receives donations of clubs, the charity was running out of golf balls!

Success and impact of the Golf & Goal programme is not measured in terms of golf ability, but by the life opportunities it gives to the children of Ghana. That said, in just three years, the pathway has produced some very talented golfers. Julienne Afi Amezado, one of the first beneficiaries of golf equipment from The Golf Trust, travelled to America to participate in the Mack Championship Invitational.

Trentham Golf Club, Barlaston Golf Club and The South Staffordshire Golf Club were amongst the first to sign up to ‘Balls for Africa’. But with the message pushed heavily to Staffordshire Golf Clubs, more and more started to donate their unwanted golf balls. Calderfields Golf Club donated over 500 golf balls that helped to take the number donated to over 3000 from Staffordshire.

Once the word was out, other clubs also got involved taking the total number of balls being shipped to Ghana this month to 16,000!

Gareth Shaw, County Secretary said: “When The Golf Trust reached out for help it was a no brainer for us to

get involved. We’re keen on growing the game not just in Staffordshire, but worldwide and we knew we could rely on our clubs to help out.

“I was blown away by the amount of balls that were collected by clubs in the Union. They’re going to a great cause and we should all be very proud that we can contribute to the success of the Golf & Goal programme run by Fafali.”

Cae Menai-Davies, founder of The Golf Trust explained: “The Golf Trust has worked with Fafali for the last three years, providing advice, coaching and golf equipment, but a recent shortfall in golf balls leaves the children with nothing to play with. We wanted to send a huge shipment of balls to them at the start of the New Year to get 2024 off to a great start and thanks to SUGC we are going to be able to do that.”

If you or your club have any unwanted balls to donate then please email Gareth at: secretary@staffsgolf.org.uk

JCB GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB TO HOST LIV GOLF EVENT

JCB Golf and Country Club is set to host the UK swing of the LIV Golf League, the most prestigious event the Club have held. LIV Golf will be arriving in Rocester on July 26-28. With final player rosters now complete, Staffordshire golfers will be excited to welcome 2023 Masters Champion Jon Rahm to the County as he heads up the star-studded line up.

Both will be up for grabs when the League arrives in Staffordshire.

Smith, six-time

winner Phil Mickleson, and

Major winners Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson and Martin Kaymer plus many more famous names will be teeing it up at JCB. The UK fans will be drawn to Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Sam Horsfield and the newest member of Legion XIII – Tyrrell Hatton.

LIV Golf kicked off in Mexico at Mayakoba with Joaquin Niemann winning the individual title and Legion XIII taking the team win.

The CEO of JCB, Graeme Macdonald told jcb.com: “We have very ambitious goals for the JCB Golf and Country Club and the whole team is absolutely delighted that LIV Golf has selected the course as its sole UK venue for 2024.

To have secured this tour event so early in the life of the JCB Golf and Country Club is testament to everyone’s hard work in creating a course which is already recognised as one of the best in the country.

Having already hosted four professional tour events, this news is another great step towards putting the JCB Golf and Country Club firmly on the international golf map.”

Gareth Shaw, County Secretary commented: “It’ll be great to have the some of the best players in the world coming to Staffordshire. The viewing locations at JCB are fantastic and people will be able to see the best golf from up close. There’s some fantastic names that have gone over to LIV and it’ll make for a great spectacle across the three days.”

2023 PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka, 2022 Open Champion Cameron

Major

two-time

INSIDE THE ROPES WITH GRANT FIELD

In the latest episode of the Staffordshire Union of Golf Club’s podcast we sat down with Grant Field, coach to the winner of the 150th Open Championship and now LIV golfer, Cameron Smith. We’re going to take you back to July 2022 to discuss The Open Championship, alongside Grant’s journey of becoming coach to one of the best players in the world.

Gareth Shaw: Hello and welcome to the Staffordshire Union of Golf Club’s podcast. First of all, how did you get into golf coaching and get to where you are today?

Grant Field: Like most of us I started playing fairly young. I was probably 11 or 12 when I first took up the game which back then, was not as popular as it is today. I started with my dad in just a golf club here and obviously took an interest in it and then I was all in from probably the age of 12 or 13.

I remember early on, I was probably about 16, 17 and the local pro at the golf course at the time was Mark Gibson. He was one of the first people that sort of did

a lot of coaching and he was probably as close to a full-time coach as there was back then and I really liked when I saw him down at the range, what he was doing and how people were really interested in what he was doing and I thought that would be really cool to do and, like most people, I wanted to play or I thought I wanted to play early on.

I went about playing and did my traineeship and even through that time I had a lot of interest in coaching. I started coaching some young players and then when I finished my traineeship and played for a year and I just thought that I’m out here worried about what everybody else is doing and I’m helping other pros on tour and I was like this is ridiculous. I might as well go and do what I actually want to do, which is coach.

G.S: A lot of people listening will know you for your work with Mr Cameron Smith, Open Champion, can we touch on that journey?

G.F: I started coaching Cam at basically age of 10. He was in a junior squad we had here on the Sunshine Coast and he was put into my group. We had three coaches and we had three kids per coach as part of this squad and he was put in my group, which I’m eternally thankful for.

We did some stuff that year and then his dad came back the next year and sort of said “I think he’s ready for a coach now and he said he really likes you.” He said “Are you interested in coaching him?” I said yeah and he was an 11-year-old kid at that time. You don’t go into it with that end goal in mind, he was a good young player but there was still a long way to go between then and last year’s Open.

Around 14 or 15 I started to really notice that I thought he was different to a lot of the others that I’d spent time with. Yeah, he was progressing nicely but about that time he started to really sort of take off, I guess you could say, and started to win a lot more. He started to perform really well in men’s amateur events and just had that different feel about him. About that stage we started to get some other people involved. We started with the physical side. We had a meeting with Ramsey, which some of you may or may not know. Ramsey was sort of a world leader in golf therapy and we had the opportunity to spend some time with him and he just sort of started that process for us.

For me it was great because around that time with Cam I was already coaching some really good players and some pros, Asian tour players and things like that. But when he started to show you the things he did, I thought I need to keep upskilling if I’m going to keep being a part of his team.

I was always somebody that was wanting to get better and was always seeking out people to sort of shadow and watch. It wasn’t like I was out of the box, but I had to learn more of that high performance pathway. Fortunately Ramsey and I actually did this session and he asked me to do some stuff and about an hour later I got an email saying there’s a national camp down in Melbourne next week and I’d love you to come, you can stay at my house. I thought, okay, yeah, I’ve just got to go.

I said to my wife, I’ve got to go to Melbourne next week, and at the time we weren’t in a position for me to just take off to Melbourne for the week. It was quite an expensive trip, but I just knew I had to go and I asked him later on why he asked me to come along and he said you passed the smell test and he goes “There’s a lot of pros that I’d asked to do what you asked that were highly regarded, and he said they couldn’t do it.” That bought me into another level of different coaches and I remember when I went down there Kevin Kirk who coached Patrick Reed was in town for the week, and Stuart Deong, who used to be at the PGA Golf Centre, and a lot of other coaches who all of a sudden I had access to. I was really appreciative of that coming my

way and being able to sort of bounce off some new people that had been in that space for a little while.

I think that time was when we started to think this was good for both of us. I spent a lot of time caddying for Cam a fair bit early on and I caddied for him in the Australian amateur that he won. I caddied for him at the Australian Open where he came 10th. I think as an amateur I caddied for him in his first PGA event in Malaysia where he came fifth and about that time that he made some money. We went right, we’ll get you a proper caddy.

So we’ve got a trainer, we’ve got support staff, we’ve got managers, agents, obviously, a full-fledged caddy and we’ve got myself. It’s definitely changed a lot over years. Like I look at my role now and I sort of am more maintenance for Cameron now, making sure that we’re staying on top of things. I always liken it to driving an F1 car, we’re just trying to tune that car to the best of our ability week in, week out, and obviously at the end of the season if there’s anything that you think needs to be improved upon, you do.

G.S: Can I touch on 2022? What a year that was! The Players Championship, The Open Championship. What was that ride like for you as a coach and instructor? Did you see that year coming?

G.F: Look, it’s hard to see a year like that coming unless you know it was the target. I just felt like he was starting to progress into those bigger events and I said, good

INSIDE THE ROPES WITH GRANT FIELD

stuff’s coming for you mate, like let’s just keep going. You’ve done well in a couple of matchplay events and the bigger events, and he’d backdoored a fifth at the Masters and just started to really sort of move forward with things like 2018, I think it was 2018 and 2019. He finished fifth at the Masters and he just started moving in the right direction. Then obviously that was through COVID, so I wasn’t able to travel at that time and my first weeks back, I think, were the Scottish Open and then The Open. So yeah, did I see all that coming? Maybe, maybe not, but I think he was definitely progressing towards it.

G.S: How special was that for you staying in the back of the 18th green. And then I saw after pictures of you drinking out of the Claret Jug. How was that for a pinch yourself moment?

G.F: Because the way the afternoon unfolded we were out sort of watching and we got to that bottom end there at St Andrews, on 8, 9, 10, 11 and that area. When he didn’t birdie 9 and then he birdied 10 and I had my son with me and we were like what are we going to do? Because it was just nuts trying to follow right, so do we walk back? Do we watch it? So anyway, we decided to

walk back, and anybody that knows St Andrews knows that’s a fair walk back to the clubhouse. Well, when I said the clubhouse, the players lounge.

So we walked back and he birdied 11 and he was just about to birdie 12. So he tapped it in on 12 and it was like, okay, this is interesting because 9 and 10 you should birdie, and then 11 definitely wasn’t a birdie hole that week and then he birdies 12 and then Rory didn’t birdie 12. Then he birdied 13 and it was like, okay, this is starting to get a bit more real than obviously he birdied 14. It was starting to get a little bit real now, because until the back nine he was close but he wasn’t in the lead or anything like that.

And then he started to reel off all those birdies in a row. Then when they got to 16, they come and got us and they said can you come up to the back of the clubhouse? So we all went up there and he had that putt on 17 and you couldn’t see the hole but you could see the crowd. Then when that went in, it was like he went up and we’re like okay, this is definitely getting more real. Then he’s hit a great drive down 18 and it comes up just short and birdies the last then you’re going

through all the scenarios and what can still happen. You know Rory can obviously pitch it in and you’re waiting, waiting and then you’re watching Rory come up the last and watching the crowd walk up behind him.

We’re at the 150th Open, Cams just shot 30 on the back nine, against Rory. It just made it like if you were looking a storybook. Then obviously to win and you’re just looking around and thinking it just doesn’t get any better than this, like it was literally writing a story. I couldn’t be more thankful to be a part of that journey and to have that experience. Not many people get that experience and I’m so appreciative to be part of that, not only that moment, but his journey for the last 20 years. He’s given me so many great moments that I will cherish forever. So yeah, that one was pretty special”.

To listen to more of this incredible interview with Grant where he delves deeper into junior coaching, Cameron Smith’s strategy at The Open plus much more head over to our podcast channel by clicking the link below.

Benefits of Affiliation

Within the framework of your Club membership subscription, an annual affiliation fee is levied, which is allocated between your County Golf Union and England Golf. This document elucidates the utilization of this fee, delineating the advantages it extends to you, your golf club, and the broader golfing community.

Financial Support and Governance:

Funding for the Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs is primarily sourced from affiliated Club members, supplemented by a modest amount of sponsorship. These affiliation fees, collected by Clubs from their playing members, along with sponsorship and surpluses from County Events, constitute the financial backbone of the County Union. The Union, acting on behalf of all affiliated Clubs in the county, is governed by the voting members of Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs Ltd.

Governance Advice:

A dedicated team, supported by numerous volunteers, operates within the county to offer governance advice and support to Staffordshire Clubs. Covering areas such as refereeing matters, rules of golf, course setup, handicap concerns, and course ratings, this team conducts seminars and workshops to keep affiliated clubs abreast of evolving governance in the amateur game.

Course Ratings and Handicapping:

A team of trained course raters ensures that each affiliated Club’s course is accurately measured and rated under the Worldwide Handicapping System (WHS). The Union, serving as the area handicapping authority for Staffordshire, assists in resolving queries and concerns related to members’ handicaps, maintaining the integrity of handicaps across the county.

Safeguarding:

Safety is paramount for Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs, with accreditation under the Safe Golf initiative. This collaborative effort, involving various UK golf bodies, aims to ensure a safe and positive environment for all participants, emphasizing the welfare of children and adults at risk in the sport of golf.

Player Development & County Teams:

The Union actively fosters player development by working with golf clubs to identify, develop, and showcase leading golfers in the county. Coaching, utilization of advanced technology, and collaboration with experts contribute to the growth of players at various levels.

Competitions & Championships:

Since 1923, Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs has organized and administered Club team knockout and Championship competitions, catering to golfers of all levels.

County Card & County App:

Affiliated members can now avail the County Card for free, providing access to discounted golf at over 1000 courses nationwide. The County App, available on all major App Stores, facilitates easy access to relevant information.

Golf Development:

Leveraging over 50 years of collective golf knowledge, the Union supports golf clubs in Staffordshire with initiatives and assistance in recruitment, retention, and general development.

Brand Discounts:

Members of Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs enjoy discounted rates in the online shop, offering products from leading brands in the golfing world.

Handicap Administration and Authoritative Advice:

England Golf administers the World Handicap System (WHS) on behalf of CONGU, calculating and assigning members’ handicaps and adjudicating on queries.

Competitions:

Over 6,500 England Golf members participate in a variety of competitions, including regional and national championship events.

Elite Amateurs Support:

England Golf provides coaching, competitive opportunities, and funding for regional and national squad players.

Safeguarding and Disciplinary Cases:

England Golf manages safeguarding and disciplinary cases, ensuring the safety and reputation of the amateur game.

Exclusive Benefits and Discounts:

Members can access a growing range of exclusive offers, discounts, and prize draws through the My England Golf program.

Personal Liability Insurance:

Affiliated members benefit from £10 million in personal liability insurance, underwritten by Allianz and provided through Bluefin Sport.

MyEG & My WHS App Provision:

Members gain personal access to their Handicap Index, scoring records, slope ratings, and course handicaps through the MyEG & My WHS app, facilitating sharing and linking with friends.

WHAT’S THE RULING?

When can you replace a damaged club?

A) When you’ve lost your temper after missing a three foot putt

B) When the club was not damaged by the player on purpose

C) When you’ve snapped your shaft over your knee

See back page for the answer

WHS COURSE RATING VIDEO

THE COURSE RATING SYSTEM - Relative playing

playing difficulty of golf courses around the world

JUNIOR GOLF THRIVING AT NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME GOLF CLUB

Newcastle-under-Lyme Golf Club has seen a huge rise in the number of Junior members thanks to the hard work of PGA Professional Tim Nightingale, who has worked tirelessly with Head Professional Toby Goodwin to boost the Junior membership. The number of regular attendees has risen from just five to 40 and much of that progress can be put down to Tim’s hard work.

Toby Goodwin said: “Since Tim has joined the team here at Newcastle-under-Lyme Golf Club he has taken responsibility for developing the Junior section and it’s gone from strength to strength. To go from only five members to forty is incredible. The work he does with the Juniors is fantastic, and he should be very proud of what he’s achieved.

“I see the sessions taking place and the Juniors are loving the lessons, but also being around the club, and that’s what it’s all about. Getting them integrated into the club is the first step into them becoming a full member in years to come.”

Junior sessions are booming, with three group sessions taking place over the week. One on a Sunday afternoon and two separate sessions on a Monday evening. The club will also be entering a Junior team into the league, further highlighting the progress of both the ability and number of Junior golfers at the club.

Tim added: “Golf is all about having fun, and that’s the most important message I try to convey in our sessions.

We cover a whole range of different things from putting and chipping to pitch shots and other parts of the game but as long as they go home smiling that’s the most important thing.

We’re doing much more than teaching them how to play golf, it’s about building friendships, learning the correct etiquette both on and off the course and helping them develop their personalities in a fun environment.

We’ve put a real effort into the Junior Section over the past 18 months and we’re now starting to see the reward. More Juniors are wanting to join the club, the youngsters that we’ve worked with for a while are developing well and we’re even entering a Junior team in the league. We’re very proud of the turnaround and you can see that it’s having a positive effect throughout the club.”

Anyone who would like more information about the Junior Section at Newcastle should contact the Professional team at Newcastle-under-Lyme Golf Club.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Golf Club

STAFFORDSHIRE UNION OF GOLF CLUBS LAUNCHES NEW JUNIOR SERIES

We are delighted to announce the launch of a new event for 2024 - the Junior Series. The Series will allow all Juniors the opportunity to play at some of the best courses in the area with four events taking place at: Trentham Golf Club, The South Staffordshire Golf Club, Newcastle-under-Lyme Golf Club and Little Aston Golf Club.

Entry will cost only £10.00 per event, and not only are there prizes to be won but this is a fantastic way for Staffordshire Juniors to make friends with young golfers from outside of their own club. These events are great for Juniors who’ve already experienced playing County competitions or for Juniors who aspire to take the next step up.

Junior Chairman, Alan Street said: “It’s great to launch a new Series onto the Junior calendar. The Juniors are the future of the County so it’s important we can get them together on as many occasions as possible.

“It’s not just good for their golf, but it’s great for them to get out and play different golf courses with different

people. You can make friends for life on the golf course and it’s important to start building friendships from a young age.

“I’d like to thank Trentham, South Staffordshire, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Little Aston for allowing us to take the Junior series to their clubs. They all have great Junior sections so hopefully they’ll be well supported by their own Juniors plus others from our affiliated clubs.”

The Junior Series kicks off at Trentham Golf Club on Sunday 19th May.

Trentham Golf Club

The South Staffordshire Golf Club

Little Aston Golf Club

2024 FIXTURE LIST

We are delighted to confirm our competition schedule for the 2024 season, and signups are now open. This is a fantastic opportunity for golfers of all abilities to participate with both nett and gross prizes available for every event.

We look forward to welcoming you all to our competitions throughout the season. Please see the fixture list below and for more information, including booking click here.

4

Pros

Seniors Vs Cheshire Seniors

1st Team - Staffs Vs Leic & Rutland

2nd Team- Staffs Vs Leic & Rutland

MGU U16 County Cup

4

Staffs Boys Vs North Wales Boys

Trentham

Midland U16 Stroke Play

1st

1st

Seniors Vs Derbyshire

2nd Team - Staffs Vs Worcestershire

1st Team - Staffs Vs Worcestershire

4 Counties - Under 18’s

U18 Vs Shropshire & Herefordshire

Midland U16 Stroke Play

U14 Vs Warwickshire U14

MGU

&

Junior Order of Merit Round 1

Staffs

Staffs Vs Staffs Pros

MGU Senior Spring

Seniors Vs Cheshire Seniors

Membership - RH Simkin Salver

1st Team - Staffs Vs Leic & Rutland

Seniors Vs Derbyshire

Staffordshire Seniors Cox & Thomas

2nd Team - Staffs Vs Worcestershire

2nd Team- Staffs Vs Leic & Rutland

Midland Mid-Amateur Championship

1st Team - Staffs Vs Worcestershire

U14 Vs Derbyshire

U18 Vs Shropshire & Herefordshire

MGU U16 County Cup Staffs Boys Vs North Wales Boys

Midlands Schools Championship Practice Round

U14 Vs Warwickshire U14

Midlands Schools Championship

Junior Order of Merit Round 1

Seniors Vs Derbyshire

England Golf Boys County Championship Practice Round

2nd Team - Staffs Vs Worcestershire

MGU Senior Spring

England Golf Boys County Championship

1st Team - Staffs Vs Worcestershire

Membership - RH Simkin Salver

Seniors Vs Warwickshire Seniors

Staffordshire Seniors Cox & Thomas

U18 Vs Shropshire & Herefordshire

England Golf Junior Club Championship

Midland Mid-Amateur Championship

U14 Vs Warwickshire U14

U14 Vs Derbyshire

Junior Order of Merit Round 1

Junior Order of Merit Round 2

MGU Senior Spring

Midlands Schools Championship Practice Round

2nd Team - Staffs Vs Notts

Midlands Schools Championship

Membership - RH Simkin Salver

1st Team - Staffs Vs Notts

Staffordshire Seniors Cox & Thomas

England Golf Boys County Championship Practice Round

English Senior Open Championship

England Golf Boys County Championship

Midland Mid-Amateur Championship

Staffordshire Amateur Championship

Seniors Vs Warwickshire Seniors

U14 Vs Derbyshire

Staffs Club Golfer Qualifying Round 1

Midlands Schools Championship Practice Round

England Golf Junior Club Championship

MGU Senior Pairs

Midlands Schools Championship

U18 Vs Derbyshire U18

Junior Order of Merit Round 2

England Golf Boys County Championship Practice Round

Staffs Club Golfer Qualifying Round 2

2nd Team - Staffs Vs Notts

England Golf Boys County Championship

Seniors Vs North Wales

1st Team - Staffs Vs Notts

Seniors Vs Warwickshire Seniors

Staffs Club Golfer Qualifying Round 3

Midlands Schools Championship Practice Round

English Senior Open Championship

England Golf Junior Club Championship

Membership - LE Williams Salver

Midlands Schools Championship

Staffordshire Amateur Championship

England Golf Boys County Championship Practice Round

Staffs Club Golfer Qualifying Round 1

Junior Order of Merit Round 2

MGU Midland Youth

MGU Senior Pairs

England Golf Boys County Championship

2nd Team - Staffs Vs Notts

Seniors Vs Shropshire & Herefordshire

Seniors Vs Warwickshire Seniors

1st Team - Staffs Vs Notts

U18 Vs Derbyshire U18

Junior Order of Merit Round 3

Staffs Club Golfer Qualifying Round 2

English Senior Open Championship

England Golf Junior Club Championship

2nd Team - Staffs Vs Derbyshire

Seniors Vs North Wales

Staffordshire Amateur Championship

1st Team - Staffs Vs Derbyshire

Junior Order of Merit Round 2

Staffs Club Golfer Qualifying Round 3

Staffs Club Golfer Qualifying Round 1

Seniors Vs Leicestershire & Rutland

2nd Team - Staffs Vs Notts

MGU Senior Pairs

Membership - LE Williams Salver

British Senior Championships

1st Team - Staffs Vs Notts

U18 Vs Derbyshire U18

MGU Boys Amateur Championship

MGU Midland Youth

English Senior Open Championship

Staffs Club Golfer Qualifying Round 2

England Golf County Championships Practice Round

Seniors Vs Shropshire & Herefordshire

Seniors Vs North Wales

England Golf County Championships

Junior Order of Merit Round 3

Staffordshire Amateur Championship Club Golfer Qualifying Round 1

Staffs Club Golfer Qualifying Round 3

U16 Vs Warwickshire U16

MGU Senior Pairs

Membership - LE Williams Salver

2nd Team - Staffs Vs Derbyshire

4 Counties - Under 14’s

1st Team - Staffs Vs Derbyshire

U18 Vs Derbyshire U18

Midland Senior Amateur Championship

Seniors Vs Leicestershire & Rutland

MGU Midland Youth

Staffs Club Golfer Qualifying Round 2

Seniors Vs Nottinghamshire

Seniors Vs Shropshire & Herefordshire

British Senior Championships

U18 Vs Warwickshire U18

MGU Boys Amateur Championship

Seniors Vs North Wales Club Golfer Qualifying Round 3

Junior Order of Merit Round 3

Geoff Marks Trophy

England Golf County Championships Practice Round

Membership - LE Williams Salver

2nd Team - Staffs Vs Derbyshire

Staffordshire Senior Championships

England Golf County Championships

1st Team - Staffs Vs Derbyshire

Staffordshire Boys Championship

MGU Midland Youth

U16 Vs Warwickshire U16

Seniors Vs Leicestershire & Rutland

U18 Vs Worcestershire

4 Counties - Under 14’s

Seniors Vs Shropshire & Herefordshire

British Senior Championships

Tri-Match U16 (Worcestershire - Shropshire & Herefordshire)

MGU Boys Amateur Championship

Midland Senior Amateur Championship

Junior Order of Merit Round 3

England Golf County Championships Practice Round

Seniors Vs Nottinghamshire

2nd Team - Staffs Vs Derbyshire

Seniors Vs Northamptonshire

U18 Vs Warwickshire U18

England Golf County Championships

1st Team - Staffs Vs Derbyshire

Centenary Bowl Competition

Seniors Vs Leicestershire & Rutland

U16 Vs Warwickshire U16

Geoff Marks Trophy

2nd Team - Staffs Vs Warwickshire

British Senior Championships

Staffordshire Senior Championships

4 Counties - Under 14’s

1st Team - Staffs Vs Warwickshire

Staffordshire Boys Championship

Midland Senior Amateur Championship

MGU Boys Amateur Championship

U18 Vs Leicestershire & Rutland U18

U18 Vs Worcestershire

Seniors Vs Nottinghamshire

England Golf County Championships Practice Round

England Golf Senior County Championships

England Golf County Championships

Tri-Match U16 (Worcestershire - Shropshire & Herefordshire)

U18 Vs Warwickshire U18

Staffordshire Boys Open Championship

U16 Vs Warwickshire U16

Geoff Marks

Midland Closed Amateur Championships

Seniors Vs Northamptonshire

Staffordshire

STORE CATALOGUE

At the Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs we have been working hard behind the scenes to bring an online store to life. This is to give the option to our team players and County members to get their hands on some Union branded apparel and equipment. The store opened at the end of 2023 and it’s already been a big hit with players and members.

Team Staffs Bobble Hat

Team Staffs Hygge Striped Beanie

Team Staffs Apres Beanie

Team Staffs Double Stitch Belt

Team Staffs Vessel Player IV Stand

Birdicorn 6 in 1 Divot Tool and Ball Marker

Team Staffs Bucket Hat

Team Staffs Two Tone Trucker Cap

Team Staffs Umbrella

Team Staffs Trucker

Team Staffs Visor

Cap

Team Staffs Player Golf Towel

Team Staffs Suprafleece Snood

Team Staffs x VLS Stand

Team Staffs Gilet

Is there someone at your club that goes above and beyond? Has there been a hole-in-one or an exceptional score? Do you have a special event happening in the coming months? Have you redecorated the clubhouse?

We want to know! Let us know of anything exciting going on at your club and we’ll try and find a spot in the next edition! E-mail: secretary@staffsgolf.org.uk Click here

Make sure you’re following us on social media to keep up with all the latest news from around Staffordshire:

@staffsgolfclubs

@staffsgolfclubs

Staffordshire Golf Union

www.staffsgolf.co.uk

Answer: B – When the club was not damaged by the player on purpose.