FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome to the twelfth issue of the Staffordshire Golfer with the summer season firmly underway. We’ve had a great couple of months since our last issue with competitions, team matches and much more happening across the County.
We’ve travelled all across Staffordshire, and the country, with members of our Mens, Seniors and Junior teams having all been in action at County and National levels. The standard of golf has been incredible to watch and all the hard work that our players put in throughout the season and the winter months is continuing to pay off.
Since our last issue we welcomed LIV GOLF to Staffordshire as JCB Golf and Country Club opened its doors to some of the world’s very best golfers. With the likes of Jon Rahm, Tyrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau all in attendance, they all put on a
fantastic show. Whilst LIV may be going away from the more traditional formats of the DP World and PGA Tour they really do know how to put on a show, and if you went you may have seen some of our very own County representatives, but there’s more on that inside…
In this issue we sit down with aspiring golf professional Max Simpson from Trentham Park Golf Club, who talks about his season so far, plans for the future and how the County has helped to drop his handicap from 12 to nearly scratch! If your child is interested in getting involved with the County set up then please get in touch as we have some great opportunities for Juniors throughout the season and winter months.
We also include part two of our interview with Simon Wakefield, who talks us through what it’s actually like to play on the European Tour as it was known
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
What a summer of golf we’ve had in 2024! With tournaments taking place across the county, the excitement was palpable, especially with the LIV Golf UK event hosted at the stunning JCB Golf and Country Club. It was fantastic to see so many familiar Staffordshire faces in attendance, bringing local pride to an international stage. As we enter the final months of the season, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported Staffordshire golf and participated in our competitions this year. Your enthusiasm and dedication have
back then, including tips on how to deal with club manufacturers throwing their equipment at you – if any of you reading ever find yourself in that situation!
We also include a story on our Staffordshire successes at The Open Championship at Royal Troon, with Richard Mansell and Aaron Rai, who has local golfer Jason Timmis on the bag, both making the cut at one of the most difficult Open Championships in recent history.
Planning for Issue 13 is well underway already. We will be including all the County results and competition winners, so if you think you’ve got a competition winner worth shouting about then get in touch as we’d love to include them in our next issue.
Or, if you’ve had anything incredible happen at your club over the summer months, whether that be course upgrades, club house refurbishments or any special member achievements then let us know! This e-magazine is here to showcase all the great things our County clubs and members do, and we’d love to highlight your club in our future issues…
been instrumental in making 2024 such a memorable season, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
Additionally, we’re pleased to announce a new contact telephone number for all inquiries: 07865 856899. Whether you have questions, need assistance, or just want to stay connected, feel free to reach out to us via telephone or WhatsApp. Your continued support is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to closing out the season with the same energy and passion that have defined this incredible summer of golf.
Congratulations to Ingestre Park Golf Club assistant professional, Ben Smith, for his hole-in-one on the eighth hole. This followed an eagle on the 6th and then a birdie on the 7th – five under par through 3 holes!
Did you know you can get discounted green fees at over 1,200 golf courses? Download the County Card app from your app store to access this fantastic discount which is available exclusively to golf club members. DID
Trentham Park Golf Club hosted the England Golf Championship Midland Qualifier in July.
RAHM ROARS IN ROCESTER
Rahm and Legion XIII teammate Tyrrell Hatton went head to head all the way through the event, with the pair tied for the lead on the 18th. However, a three putt for Hatton gave Rahm a putt for the win which he converted in front of the loud Staffordshire crowd.
The Englishman finished in a tie for 2nd place, alongside Open Champion Cameron Smith and Joaquin Niemann who all finished on 12 under par. Legion XIII had two of their team members inside the top 2, also meaning they took home the team prize after finishing shot ahead of Ripper GC.
Rahm told livgolf.com: “Really happy I got it done,” Rahm said. “Did what I needed to do on Friday, which is something I feel like I haven’t done this season, take the
lead or shoot a low one to put myself in a really good position to maybe where I can afford a bad Saturday. Instead of playing catch-up for the entire Saturday, I was kind of in position.
“I learned from the mistakes I made [Saturday], I adjusted and played a fantastic round of golf [Sunday]. There’s not a lot that went wrong. Made a lot of good swings out there and had a lot of fun, which is kind of how you want it.”
SUGC County Secretary Gareth Shaw commented: “It was fantastic to see LIV Golf coming to Staffordshire and we hope it can return for years to come.
“The line up of golfers is incredible, with former world number ones, Major champions and multiple time
and DP World Tour winners all playing on the Tour. Not to forget Ryder Cup stalwarts such as Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Henrik Stenson.
“With a shotgun start you get the chance to watch all the players come through your hole, or if you want to walk the course you still get the opportunity to see your favourite players.
“JCB have done a fantastic job in the short years that they’ve been in operation with multiple Legends Tour events and now LIV. It was a great opportunity for people to see behind the scenes at JCB, not many people get the chance to play it so to even walk the grounds is a special day for all the avid golfers in Staffordshire and across the country.”
PGA
Jon Rahm is finally back in the winners enclosure for the first time since The Masters in 2023, with his victory on the final hole of the LIV Golf UK event hosted at Staffordshire’s very own JCB Golf and Country Club.
INSIDE THE ROPES WITH LIV VOLUNTEERS
On one of the practice days, John Rahm asked me where the tenth tee was. I told him to jump in the buggy and I would take him there.
As we approached the tee, he said, “Oh no, look who’s on the tee, he’s as slow!” Looking to the right, he asked what the nets were at the top of the bank.
I told him there were photos of some of the players that you kicked footballs at. He spent the next half an hour kicking balls at Ian Poulter’s image. I would have hated to be on the receiving end of some of those kicks. I would rather not mention who the slow player was.
The caddies were phenomenal. On the first couple of days, I took quite a few of them out to different holes on the course and they would then walk the rest of the course on their own, mapping out all the obstacles and landing zones. They were on the practice greens a good hour before their players arrived, laying out the individual putting aid devices. These guys really earned their money.
It was a great insight into how many hours both players and caddies put in before they even start the competition. A great experience.
Ken Horleston – Course rating team leader and member at Whiston Hall GC and Blythe Bridge GC.
SIMON WAKEFIELD - WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE IT ON THE DP WORLD TOUR
Here is part two of our chat with former European Tour player, Simon Wakefield. In this snippet we discuss the start of his tour journey and how life on Tour was different to what he could have ever imagined.
G.S: Because of your progression and skill set, you kind of jumped straight into it and took to it like a duck to water?
S.W: Yeah, I got lucky if I’m honest. So I turned pro in 1997. We played as Trentham Park golf team in a Daily Telegraph event at The Belfry. And I’ll never forget it. We woke up on Sunday morning to drive to The Belfry, the same morning that Princess Diana got killed. So we were all heading to The Belfry, playing another team foursomes and then individuals. And we lost. We lost the final, which was really heartbreaking. Then the following Monday, I got a phone call from the EGU to sort of invite me to the Home Internationals. But at the time, I’d already decided I was going to turn pro and go to Q School. Back then, you could go to first stage, if you didn’t get through first stage, you could have a second
bite of the cherry and go to the second stage. And then to finals, where now you’ve got to go through first stage, you’ve got to qualify for first stage to get to the second stage and then on to finals.
So I remember driving with an old member from here, Alan Walker, driving to Wynyard up in the northeast and listening to the news evolving about Princess Diana and what happened. Going to Wynyard as a sort of an amateur hoping to turn professional. And I didn’t get through. I played terribly those few days and didn’t get through. So we decided right, obviously with our parents’ support, I decided to go to Spain to the second stage and see if I could have another go at it.
We got out to a place called Panoramica, which was about an hour and a half south of Barcelona. Got off to a great start, shot 66 in
the first round, and was top five. I think 15 players or 20 players got through. Then went out the next day, shot level. And then the next day I just needed to shoot, I think 75 or better to get back to get advanced to the finals. Shot level again. I remember coming in and sort of sitting down with my dad over my shoulder and someone saying yes, congratulations, you’ve got through. Can you sign this paper from the European Tour? What’s this? Well, now you’ve qualified for finals, you have to turn professional.
And it was like, I remember looking at my dad thinking, what? Right, crikey. So I signed it. And we sort of went out for dinner that night. And then we weren’t flying home until the following Tuesday because we always left a day, just in case of bad weather. And I went to play the golf course. I went to the pro shop and I said, is it okay if I play? And
the guy in the golf club said, Mr. Wakefield, you can play now you are a professional. So I’m like, wow, it just hit me. And then went through to Q School. We got rained off for a couple of days and bad weather. I ended up making the cut, missing my Tour card, but I ended up getting a Challenge Tour card. And then that was my journey. I got through my first go at Q School to the Challenge Tour and then played a couple of years on Challenge Tour. And then got my first Tour card for the 2000 season, which was just amazing.
G.S: Was that a good grounding, starting on the Challenge Tour then into the DP World Tour nowadays?
S.W: Yeah, absolutely. And it’s almost like you’re going from playing amateur stuff and travelling around the country and staying in bed and breakfasts and things like that. Yeah, that was tough. But you’re on a totally different stage. Now you’re flying. You don’t have many spectators on the Challenge Tour, but you’re playing with players that are from different countries and different parts of the world and different qualities. As an Englishman at a decent standard at plus 3, 4, I thought I was a decent player. You go to the Challenge Tour and suddenly you think, crikey, I’m not in the same league. I need to learn my trade again. And then you start playing tournaments, you start getting used to travelling, getting used to rooming with different people, getting used to playing for your livelihood, really. And yeah, so 98 was a tough year. 99 I sort of found my feet a little bit and got better, had some good results, some top five, top 10s.
And then I went to Q School again in 98 with the belief of right, I can do this, I’ve got a couple of years on the Challenge Tour now. I know what it’s about. I’ve got good sponsors behind me. Let’s give it a shot. And Poulter and Rosie were all in the same field as well. And I finished birdie birdie on eight and nine. I started on ten, birdied comfortably on eight, nine to finish 35th and get the final card. We all came in. Poulter got his card and Rosie got his card. So the six of us, their two dads and my dad all sat on the
veranda at San Roque with a beer on a Sunday afternoon. Cheers, lads. That was the start of our life. Certainly, they did considerably better than I did. But, the first year, 2003, we travelled together to Australia, Malaysia, Singapore. We just, we were in each other’s pockets all the time. We were the three who just got our cards together and the world was our oyster and well, off we went. That was fun.
G.S: Now you’re travelling the world, but still in your new career. Are there any stops that you kind of looked forward to going back to or certain golf courses that you were like, wow?
S.W: Yeah, so we played obviously, Far East, and Middle East, initially. We went to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, then went further south to Singapore, Malaysia, and then to Australia. And then it was either some of the lads came home after six or seven weeks away, or we go to Bali, I think was one of them. And then we come back and have a couple of weeks off. Then we go to China, play two or three in China while the weather was still off in Europe and then obviously come
back into Europe and start sort of mid-April, May time in Europe. But yeah, travelling with Rosey and with Poults was brilliant initially. And then there was another guy from Sweden, Per-Ulrik Johansson, who joined us as a fourth. So we practiced pretty much every week together, all four of us.
G.S: What did you feel in your game that you needed to enhance and improve to kind of compete like you did at that level?
S.W: I mean, initially, the first year was certainly, I mean, forget the Challenge Tour because that was just like a higher amateur standard, really. But obviously, you got to the European Tour in 2000, and that was a complete different animal because obviously, you’re playing with guys like Montgomerie and Seve and a lot of other guys that you’ve watched on TV for years. I was probably, I think I was blinded by the fact that the more the manufacturers were there throwing equipment at us left, right and centre, which was a big, big distraction. Looking back now, I probably should have spent less time on the trucks and more time on the range. Because you’re the new lad
SIMON WAKEFIELD - WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE IT ON THE DP WORLD TOUR
on tour, and then suddenly all these TaylorMade, Titleist, everybody was throwing stuff at you. Try this, try this, try this and you get, you get blinded by all this free equipment every week, it was like, oh, that’s a nice putter, I’ll try that and just never stuck with actually the equipment that got me there in the first place. Now looking back I should have just stuck with what I knew. But it’s so difficult to ignore all this free equipment. I mean, it was just ridiculous the amount of stuff that they used to throw at us.
But then playing with these guys, it was just, it was incredible. And I guess I was almost sort of standing there, sort of pinching myself thinking, I’ve watched you guys on TV for so many years. I’m actually competing with you. Now, as we stand on the first tee, we’re on the same level playing field. I used to go out and watch players on a Wednesday when some of the lads would be practicing. I’d do my practice in the morning, and in the afternoon, when the caddies had gone, I’d go and walk the course. I’d go watch Seve, I’d go watch Olazábal and Montgomerie and the young guys were like, well, why are
you going to do that? Well, these guys are the best in the world. I want to see how they’re going to play this course and see if I can pick some tips up. I can walk in the ropes, I can walk with the players and because I can stand right next to him and see what he hits off this tee. What club is it, Mr. Montgomery? You know, stuff like that. It was great, great for me. I picked up a few things that helped me play better because I didn’t hit it very far. So if I can play clever golf and plot my way around, then I’m going to do better.
G.S: What about playing in Majors?
S.W: Yeah, so the Majors are different. I think I played three or four Majors. The Open was just incredible. I think my first Open was St. George’s in 2003, which was a bit of a shock to the system, because the weather was horrendous. I played with Paul Lawrie the first two rounds. You know, Paul Lawrie, past Open champion, who couldn’t be more helpful, great guy, played with him and I played terrible. I was quite embarrassed for myself. It then went back to St. George’s in 2011. And that was completely different. And
then played Troon the year after. I missed the cut at Troon by a shot, which was a bit heartbreaking. Then Hoylake in 2006, that was the best one, because the weather was superb and I made the cut. I was sitting in the players’ lounge in the weekend, chatting with Lee Westwood and Tiger Woods and everybody. The atmosphere and the build-up to them is huge, you just know it’s a different event. The pressure the crowds, the excitement of the crowds and everything else is just so different. You’ve just got to take yourself away from all that and just get your head down and focus on what you’re doing. So I learned a lot from those three Majors that I played.
G.S: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring golfers?
S.W: Yeah, I’d say for anybody out there that’s aspiring to turn professional or play the best they can, just make sure you’re focusing on 100 yards in. If you can learn to be really, really good from 100 yards in, you can really, really make a good career of it because that’s where the games made. I spend hours and hours with my son working on his short game and his putting and if you can just get a number in your head for your wedge shots, and practice and practice and practice and just try and get it inside 10 feet from 100 yards in, then it just takes the pressure off the rest of your game. But just enjoy it. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just, know the opportunities are still there if you’re dedicated enough and you want it bad enough, you’ll make it happen. But just practice with a purpose and enjoy it.
If you’d like to listen to the podcast and the all of the other interesting episodes we’ve done then visit our podcast page by clicking below:
STAFFORDSHIRE GOLF ANNOUNCE HOME TEAM VENUES
The Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs is delighted to announce the four new home venues for our County teams. The move comes in a bid to improve our fortunes on the County scene, by giving our players the best chance at preparation and that all important home advantage.
Trentham Golf Club will be hosting the 1st team matches whilst The South Staffordshire Golf Club will be the home venue of the 2nd team. Michael Entecott, Chairman of the Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs said: “We’re delighted to get Trentham Golf Club and The South Staffordshire Golf Club on board for our home venues for our first and second teams.
“They’re both incredible golf courses, and two venues where home advantage really does come into play. We’re always looking at how we can get some marginal gains in our County matches and we believe this is good step in the right direction as we look ahead to 2025”.
Sandwell Park Golf Club will be hosting the Senior team matches, whilst Penn Golf Club will be the home of the Junior teams in 2025. Senior team captain, Terry Bray, said: “It’s fantastic news that Sandwell Park have allowed us to host our Senior team matches. It’s a course I’ve played many times and it’s always in top condition and the staff are second to none. We’re already looking forward to our 2025 season”.
“We’re thrilled that we’ve got a home venue for all of our Junior home team matches,” commented Alan Street, Junior Chairman. “Penn Golf Club do some fantastic things with the Junior section so it was an easy choice when we were looking at potential home venues. We’ve had a great 2024 season so far, and we already looking ahead to 2025.”
County Secretary, Gareth Shaw said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to all four golf clubs that are becoming our 2025 home venues. We went through a rigorous process when selecting them so we’re pleased that they’ve all agreed to become host locations. Home advantage is so important in team events, and having somewhere that all four teams will feel comfortable rather than travelling around the County will be a huge advantage.
Planning is well underway for the 2025 season, and if you, or your child, would like to represent the Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs and be a part of our County journey then there’s no better time to come on board.”
Please get in touch with secretary@staffsgolf.org.uk for more information on our County selection process
6EZ AN EASY FIT FOR STAFFORDSHIRE UNION OF GOLF CLUBS
6EZ, distributor of Fenix clothing, will supply all Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs elite teams with clothing for the 2025 season!
County secretary, Gareth Shaw said: “It’s been great working with the team at 6EZ. To bring on a distributor to the set up is a fantastic opportunity for us and gives us the best opportunity at kitting out our County players in the best way we can.
“We’re looking forward to working alongside them planning throughout the rest of the season and then into 2025.”
In 2008, avid golfer Michael Moir moved from Aberdeen, Scotland to Bangkok, Thailand. To stay sharp and network, he joined local golf
tournaments but found the provided polo shirts uncomfortable in Thailand’s heat due to poor quality fabrics. Recognizing a need, Michael sourced a local factory to create lightweight, breathable polo shirts for corporate golf events, founding Fenix Apparel and Accessories.
The business expanded to include Fenix Custom for bespoke corporate apparel and Fenix XCell for retail consumers, known for its vibrant designs. The Fenix XCell brand gained popularity, especially in Asia, with golfer Scott Hend as a notable ambassador.
PXG TO SUPPORT MENS AND SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
We are delighted to report that U.S. golf brand PXG are now supporting Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs with fantastic prizes for our Men’s and Senior Championships.
Parsons Xtreme Golf has rapidly become a symbol of innovation, precision, and luxury in the golf industry. Founded by Bob Parsons, a passionate golfer and entrepreneur, PXG was born from a relentless pursuit of creating the finest golf equipment on the market. The brand’s philosophy revolves around uncompromising quality, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled performance, catering to golfers who demand the very best from their gear.
At the heart of PXG’s success is its commitment to research and development. The company employs a team of top engineers and designers who work tirelessly to push the boundaries of golf club technology. Every PXG club is meticulously crafted using the finest materials and the latest advancements in design, resulting in equipment that offers superior feel, exceptional distance, and remarkable forgiveness. PXG’s product lineup includes a comprehensive range of drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and
putters, all tailored to meet the needs of golfers at every level. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic amateur, PXG clubs are designed to enhance performance and elevate your game.
Beyond its technological prowess, PXG is also known for its distinctive aesthetic. The brand’s sleek, modern designs are as striking as they are functional, making a bold statement on the course. With a dedication to customization, PXG offers a personalised fitting experience that ensures each golfer receives equipment perfectly suited to their unique swing and style.
In a crowded market, PXG stands out not just for its exceptional products but for its commitment to delivering an extraordinary golfing experience. With their support for Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs, we can’t wait to see more PXG on the fairways in season’s to come.
WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN ELITE JUNIOR GOLFER WITH MAX SIMPSON
In the latest edition of the Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs podcast we sat down with aspiring professional golfer, 17-year-old Max Simpson, who’s currently a member at Trentham Park Golf Club.
Max was late to the County scene, but since joining he’s enjoyed all the support that the County offers aspiring golfers and has seen his handicap drop from 12 to low single figures.
G.S: Before we get into the successes you’ve had over the last two years, let’s talk about where it all began. How did you get into golf, and why do you love it so much?
M.S: Well, my dad’s been playing golf for over 20 years. Growing up, he was fully into it. He bought me and my sister a right-handed club and a left-handed club, and I spent hours in the garden hitting with both. Eventually, he took the left-handed club away from me. I played as soon as I could walk, but I started at a golf course at Trentham Park about eight years ago, and I just fell in love with it. We’d go probably four or five times a week. In the last two or three years, I
started playing my own game more, practicing more, and I just love it.
G.S: How did that evolution come about? Did you try other sports, and golf just fit for you?
M.S: Yeah, probably when I was eight or nine, just before we joined Trentham Park, I played every sport—tennis, football—but I didn’t love any of them as much as golf. So I just stuck with it.
G.S: What spurred you on? The handicap has tumbled. Tell everyone how your handicap has tumbled and where you are now.
M.S:Two years ago, I started the year at 12 and finished the year at 12. I might have dropped 0.5, maybe a shot. I didn’t win anything, and it was frustrating because I felt I could play better. I got into competitions with a card in my hand, but I couldn’t put it together. Last year, after
finishing my GCSEs, I had 10 weeks off from school. I was at the club most days, practicing more instead of just playing. I started to see results and fell in love with it again. By the end of last year, I got down to five. My dad was off four, so my goal was to beat him.
G.S: Has playing with the male section, instead of Juniors, helped your game?
M.S: Definitely. Playing with better players, like my dad and his friends, who are all single-figure handicaps, helped. They gave me tips, and I was trying to chase them to beat them. Now I’m beating them, which is a real shame for them.
G.S: Where did that breakthrough come? Was there one tournament or card that you look back on?
M.S: There’s not one tournament that sticks out. Last year, I won four comps at Trentham Park. The first time I shot four or five under my handicap, I realised I could do it. This year, playing Trentham in the first round of Order of Merit, I broke par in a competition for the first time. That was a breakthrough for me.
G.S: You had a great score going. Did you realise you were five under and think you could have a great day?
M.S: It was one of those days where everything went right. I was off four at the time, and on the 10th tee, five under, the nerves got to me. But I thought I could have three or four bogeys, shoot level par, and still be happy. I ended up shooting four under par, which was way better than I’d ever done.
G.S: Did that kick you on? You had a great team season and individual success, leading the Order of Merit. Has playing more competitive tournaments helped?
M.S: Definitely. A lot of it is confidence-based. A few years ago, when I was stuck at 12, I crumbled under pressure. Now, I handle it better and have the confidence to shoot better scores and win matches.
G.S: You’ve played a lot of scratch golf at Trentham Park. What’s the experience been like playing at other venues?
M.S: Playing away is harder, but practice rounds help. With the help of my dad and Alec, the pro, we make plans for bigger competitions, focusing on strengths and weaknesses. It gives me more confidence.
G.S: What’s your strength at the moment?
M.S: My strength, especially compared to others my age, is distance off the tee. It helps a lot approaching the greens. My weakness is the short game. Getting to the greens is good, but I struggle around them.
G.S: What have you done to improve your short game?
M.S: I’ve changed my practice. Last year, I spent hours at the range. Now, I spend most of my time chipping and putting. Putting was really hard, and people made fun of it. That motivated me to improve. Now, I put in extra hours on the putting green to make it more consistent.
G.S: How do you block out noise and advice from others?
M.S: You just know your game better than anyone. I’m open to trying things, but sometimes you know right away if something isn’t for you. If it doesn’t feel right, I don’t use it.
G.S: What’s it been like playing in bigger events, like Midland events and going down to London?
M.S: I’ve loved it. The pressure makes it fun. Competitions make me want to get better and see how far I can go. It’s more fun than a friendly game.
G.S: Have you had any light bulb moments this year?
M.S: Getting more involved with the county side and playing team events has been great. Playing against scratch or plus golfers, I realised I’m not far behind them. Now, I think I can beat anyone if I play well.
G.S: What’s next for you?
M.S: I have another year of college. My goal for this year is to get to plus, and it would be amazing to win the Order of Merit. Next year, I want to enter bigger events, like Midland events and Men’s Staffordshire events. I played the Staffs Amateur this year and didn’t do well, but that was due to pressure. More experience will help.
G.S: What advice would you give to aspiring golfers or parents?
M.S: Keep going. You’ll have bad days, weeks, or months, but if you keep practicing and know your strengths and weaknesses, you can always improve. The best golfers in the world can always get better. Don’t give up and ask for help if you need it. My dad, despite my lower handicap, has a lot more experience. He helps me with my swing and makes it better. Enjoy the game, because you won’t get better if you don’t enjoy it.
To listen to the interview with Max, click the link below
TEAM RESULTS
1ST TEAM RESULTS
2ND TEAM RESULTS
U16 TEAM RESULTS
2ND TEAM MATCH REPORT
Staffordshire Union of Golf Men’s 2nd Team met for the third league game of the season at Greenway Hall Golf Club on Sunday 7th July 2024 to play Derbyshire.
The day was set to be a strange day for weather with rain and sunshine forecast. Greenway Hall was a new location for many of the players today. The course has seven par 3 holes with the 17th and 18th holes both being par 3’s over 240 yards in length.
The morning foursomes were started by Josh Smith and Dave Foley. The Staffordshire pair battled against a good team from the opposition. Josh and Dave went on to lose 5&3, but the score did not do the match justice.
Second group was James Sellman and Stuart Bennett. This was a new pairing together for Staffordshire, and the players formed a good partnership. The match was close all the way round where even the 18th hole couldn’t decide the outcome and the match ended All Square.
Third match was Ian Curley and Elliott Farmer. This was one Staffordshire pairing that had played the course previously. The Staffordshire pair played some good golf but finally went on to lose 2&1.
Fourth pairing was Ian Schofield (a last minute stand in for an injured player) and Josh Broster. This Staffordshire pair came together yet again by chance due to the late injury. They played well together and went on to have a very good win 4&2.
Final group for the morning session was Mike Amos and Richard Knott. The Staffordshire pair got off to a good start and gained an early advantage, only to be pegged back late on. Eventually the Staffordshire pair lost 2&1.
This meant that after the morning session the score was – Staffordshire 1.5 v Derbyshire 3.5. A morale boosting chat with the players prior to the second round meant that Staffordshire came out fighting for the win.
The afternoon session got underway with Dave Foley. Dave was against a player just returning from America. Dave battled against his opponent but ended up losing 6&4.
Second match was Ian Curley. Ian had a point to prove after the morning session and made a confident start. The match was close all the way round and Ian ended up winning 2 up on the last hole.
Third match out was Josh Smith. Josh was in good form in the afternoon session and got off to a quick start. Josh never allowed his opponent to get back into the match and went on to win 4&2.
Fourth match was James Sellman. James was involved in a very tight match with his opponent, during which there was never much to choose between them. The match went down the final hole and James recorded a win 1 up.
Fifth match was Stuart Bennett. Stuart was making a return to the County team after a period away. Stuart wanted to prove a point and was another player who took the early advantage and never gave it up, going on to win 4&2.
Sixth match was Elliott Farmer. Elliott was enjoying the day and using his knowledge of the course. Elliott played well and deserved his win of 3&2.
Seventh match was Ian Schofield. Ian ran out of steam after his morning good play and went on to lose 5&4, the score line not doing the match justice.
Eighth match was Josh Broster. Josh continued his fine form from the morning session taking his opponent all the way to the 18th hole where he won 1up.
Ninth match was Mike Amos. Mike was up against tough opponent. Despite Mike playing good golf and forcing his opponent to make birdies he went on to lose 2down.
Final match was Richard Knott. Richard made a string early start with three birdies in the first 4 holes only for his opponent to strike back with a birdie and an eagle. This was a close match all the way round. Unbeknown to Richard this match was the deciding game. Richard battled against his opponent and went on to win the game 2&1 with a good up and down on the 17th hole, with a few nervy faces on looking.
This meant that Staffordshire had rallied well in the afternoon singles matches. The final result being Staffordshire 8.5 v Derbyshire 6.5. Well done and a thank you to players from both sides with the match being played in the good spirit. We would like to wish the Derbyshire good luck for their remaining matches of the season. Thank you to Greenway Hall Golf Club for holding the match and for their friendly hospitality, looking after the players throughout the day. Thank you to the greenkeeping staff, professional staff, the catering staff and the members of the golf club for making us feel so welcome.
Match report written by Richard Knott - 2nd Team Captain
WHAT’S THE RULING?
If you are caught carrying more than 14 clubs in your bag by another player or referee the penalty is:
A) Immediate disqualification from the competition/match you’re playing in
B) Two stroke penalty per hole at which the breach was discovered
C) No penalty as long as you remove the extra clubs
See back page for the answer
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Answer: B - Two stroke penalty per hole at which the breach was discovered.