STAFFORDSHIRE GOLFER
FEBRUARY 2025
FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome to issue fourteen of the Staffordshire Golfer, our first issue of 2025 – we can’t quite believe how quick the new golfing year has gone round.
We’ve had lots of things going on in the County since our last issue, with our County Presentation dinner – we forget how much planning goes into them every year! We had a sell-out attendance at Whittington Heath Golf Club, it was great to see all our winners, families and County officials all together to celebrate the wonderful season we had – but there’s more on that inside.
There’s also been an exciting addition to the County scene, with former County Captain and now PGA Professional at Stone Golf Club, Kevin Beattie, coming on board as our new Head of Elite Golf. Look out of for our interview with Kevin inside where he talks about plans for the future, the upcoming season and his history with the Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs.
We also shine light on one of our own, Peter Baker, who successfully defended his MCB Tour Championship in Mauritius, we’ve done our best to summarise his success in an incredibly sunny
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
As we step into another exciting year, I’m thrilled to welcome you all to the 2025 season. I’m also pleased to share that our fixtures for the season are now live and open for booking. This year promises to be packed with competitive golf, camaraderie, and opportunities for players across the County to shine.
In the off season we have worked hard to bring our 3-year strategic plan (https://issuu.com/staffsunionofgolfclubs/docs/sugc_strategic_plan_2025) to life. Our mission
Mauritius which is a stark contrast to the wind, rain and snow we’ve been seeing in Staffordshire over the last couple of months!
We’d like to take this opportunity to remind you of some of the great things that we do at the Union, as we lead the way in the digital world. Our podcast is available on all recognisable platforms including Spotify. We’ve had some fantastic guest appearances, ranging from DP World Tour player Richard Mansell to Staffordshire Golf stalwart Ken Horleston. If you want to catch up on all the latest episodes you can do so here.
MESSAGE FROM THE COUNTY SECRETARY
is to be the leading amateur golf body in Staffordshire, dedicated to promoting, supporting, and growing the game at all levels. We aim to provide exceptional value to our affiliated clubs and individual golfers, foster excellence in competition, and uphold the highest standards in course rating, handicapping, and governance. Through strategic initiatives and strong partnerships, we will ensure that golf in Staffordshire thrives for future generations.
On the golf course, our winter training program is in full swing, with players honing their skills and preparing for the season ahead under the watchful eye of our new Head of Elite Golf, Kevin Beattie. We’re absolutely delighted to bring one of the County’s own into the setup, having been involved in the County set up for years prior to becoming a PGA professional.
Our goal is always to give our players the best platform to perform on the County stage, and we feel this appointment is the next step to achieving great things on the golf course, not only this year, but in years to come with our talented Junior section knocking on the door of our Men’s teams.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue, the first of 2025 and with many more to come throughout the year this serves as a great opportunity for your club to be featured. If you’ve got a story to tell of something that has happened at your club, this is the place to do so. To be featured all you need to do is to send your story to secretary@staffsgolf.org.uk
Happy Golfing!
IN THE CLUBHOUSE
We had a great time at our 2024 presentation evening at Whittington Heath Golf Club, but more on that inside!
At the start of November we hosted our County delegates meeting at The South Staffordshire Golf Club. We’re especially grateful to our industry-leading experts, Matt Roberts from The 59 Club and Ben Thompson from 6EZ, for sharing their invaluable insights and knowledge with us.
JOHN BAUGH - OBITUARY
John Frederick Baugh joined Bloxwich Golf Club in January 1945 as a ten year old. Had he lived a few more months he would have been a member for eighty years. A popular and well respected Bloxwegian he served as Captain in 1974, President in 1986 and 87, and was a mainstay on many committees.
In his youth John was a talented golfer who reached the coveted scratch handicap for a short while and played for the Staffordshire County second team on many occasions.
As a young married man, John served as conservative councillor for Park Hall, where he lived at the time. Whilst on Walsall Council, he helped Walsall Golf Club get ownership of the land for the golf course, which they had previously rented. For this service, the club made him an honorary member.
In 1996 the then Secretary of the Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs, Alan Smith, asked John if he would take over the running of the County Junior team after the passing of Mick Morgan, another Bloxwich member, who had done the job for many years. John Baugh remained the Junior chairman until 2001 when he becameCounty president elect, serving as president in 2002 and 2003. Unfortunately, he did not get his full enjoyment in the role as during his term of office he was forced to have a quadruple bypass and a faulty valve replaced in his heart.
John Baugh was a gentleman, always generous and with a great sense of humour. He was a dear friend of mine, and he will be sorely missed by me and the Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs. Roger Waite
STAFFORDSHIRE UNION OF GOLF CLUBS AGM: Highlights from 2024 and Key Appointments for 2025
The Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs recently held its Annual General Meeting, reflecting on a successful 2024 season and confirming key appointments for the 2025 season.
Key Appointments for 2025
Elected Directors:
M.W. Entecott (South Staffordshire GC)
A. Street (Drayton Park GC)
A.N. Dathan (Whittington Heath GC)
A.D. Guy (Stone GC)
Officers Ratified:
County Welfare Officer – Alan Street
County Captain – Richard Hunt
2nd Team Captain – Richard Knott
Membership Scheme Secretary – Michael Entecott
Under 18 Team Manager – Craig Johnson
Under 16 Team Manager – Wesley Perks
Under 14 Team Manager – Simon Roberts
Under 14 Pathway Manager – Vicki Donoghue
Team Highlights from 2024
Under 18 Team
The standout performers of 2024, the Under 18 Team, narrowly missed claiming the league playoff title against a strong Cambridgeshire side. Despite losing the foursomes in the morning, the team showed remarkable resilience in the singles, falling short by just one point. They also had notable performances at the Boys Midlands Qualifier, with James Thompson and Ronnie Groves finishing 4th and 5th respectively.
2nd Team
The 2nd Team, under Captain Richard Knott, demonstrated great potential, finishing 3rd in their league. A few crucial halved matches could have propelled them to the top spot.
Senior Team
The Senior Team, led by Terry Bray, also finished 3rd in their league, with impressive victories against Worcestershire (15–3) and league winners Shropshire & Herefordshire (11–7). A narrow early loss to Derbyshire ultimately cost them the league title.
Under 16 Team
The Under 16 squad recorded two wins and two losses, with a standout 10.5–1.5 victory over Warwickshire.
Under 14 Pathway
The Under 14 programme, driven by the efforts of Vicki Donoghue and Simon Roberts, continues to grow, successfully identifying and nurturing young talent.
Individual Successes
Staffordshire Amateur Champion: Ronnie Groves claimed the title with rounds of 72 and 69 at Bloxwich Golf Club during their centenary year. Ronnie also won the James Beattie Salver, Britannia Cup, and contributed to South Staffs’ victory in the Scarf Shield team event.
Boys Championships:
Boys Champion: Jayden Phipps (South Staffs), 6-over-par at Walsall Golf Club.
Boys Open Champion: Lewis Foxall (Great Barr).
Senior Championships: Martin Kirkbride won the Church Trophy (Gross). Paul Griffiths secured the Macbryde Trophy (Nett).
Rising Star – Alfie Turner: At just 14 years old, Alfie Turner had an extraordinary year.
Highlights include:
Winning the Trentham Punch Bowl (youngest ever winner).
Claiming the North of England Under 14 Stroke Play title.
Becoming PGA National America Junior Tour Champion (Under 14).
Triumphing in the Staffordshire Stroke Matchplay final against Tom Hewitt with a clutch putt on the final hole.
Alfie’s remarkable achievements underscore the success of Staffordshire’s development pathway.
Looking Ahead
With a strong foundation laid in 2024 and clear plans for 2025, Staffordshire Golf is poised for continued success. The Union remains committed to fostering talent, supporting teams, and enhancing the County’s presence on the national stage.
STAFFORDSHIRE STALWART BECOMES HEAD OF ELITE GOLF
The Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs has recently welcomed Kevin Beattie as its new Head of Elite Golf. A highly respected figure in the County golf scene, Kevin brings a wealth of experience, having progressed from a self-taught junior golfer to a County player, second-team captain, and now a key figure in shaping the future of Staffordshire’s top amateur talent.
Gareth Shaw.: Before we get into your new role and what you’re going to be doing with the County, let’s go back to the beginning. You’re a PGA professional, but before that, you were a highly esteemed amateur golfer. How did you get into the game?
Kevin Beattie.: My journey started when I was about 11 years old. A mate and I used to come home from school, and we didn’t have golf clubs, so we used old cricket bats and a golf ball, hitting shots around a farmer’s field. One day, my mate turned up with a piece of tubular steel with a flattened end. His dad, who worked in engineering, had made it and put a rubber grip on it. We took that down the field and used it to hit golf balls. We played like that for about three or four months before I begged my mum to order me a club from the family catalogue.
G.S.: Brilliant.
K.B.: I got a 7-iron that my pocket money paid for and played with it for about 12 months. I learned to play all different shots with that one club.
G.S.: Self-taught?
K.B.: Self-taught, yeah.
G.S.: Amazing.
K.B.: Yeah. I then got a book voucher from school and bought Golf My Way by Jack Nicklaus.
G.S.: Oh, what a book. I’ve got the original.
K.B.: Brilliant. It’s the most straightforward and easy-to-follow instructional book ever written. The illustrations are fantastic.
G.S.: Yeah, fantastic.
K.B.: I must have read that a thousand times. Then, around exam time, my dad promised that if I did well, he’d sort me out with some clubs. So I worked hard, got good results, and a couple of weeks later, a bag arrived with a set of Maxfli Australian blades.
G.S.: Wow.
K.B.: It was crazy for a first set. From there, I spent every night down the fields hitting golf balls. During the summer holidays, my mate and I would get dropped off at Greenway Hall at 8am, play 72 holes a day for 50p, and get picked up around 9:30pm or 10pm. We did that practically every day except weekends.
When I was about 15 or 16, Keele Golf Course opened, so we played there. Later, after starting an
engineering apprenticeship, my dad suggested I join Trentham Park, where a lot of his workmates played.
G.S.: Your first handicap was 11?
K.B.: Yeah, but by then, I’d been playing for about four or five years, all self-taught. For my birthday, my dad booked me some lessons with Martin Hall at Trentham. After a few lessons, Martin told me, “You’ve got good hands. Your grip is pretty good, just needs a slight tweak. Your takeaway and backswing are unusual, but you strike the ball really well.” He didn’t want to change too much at that stage. I had four lessons with him before he left for Florida.
By this time, my handicap was down to around two. Back then, there weren’t many scratch golfers—only elite amateurs. The handicap system was different, and you had to play away from your home course to get certain scores.
G.S.: So you were down to a 2 handicap by then?
K.B.: Yeah. I was always a keen sportsman—I played cricket at County standard, snooker to a decent level, and football. But as I got older and family commitments increased, I had to drop some sports, and golf became my main focus.
Martin Payne, the County Secretary and Second Team Captain, picked me for the County Second Team. My first match was at Wolstanton.
G.S.: How did that feel?
K.B.: I won the foursomes match comfortably. In the afternoon singles, I was five down but managed to get a half. Martin was impressed and asked me to play the next match. I played Second Team golf for six or seven years before getting called up to the first team. Andy Guy, the first-team captain, gave me my debut. Over the next couple of seasons, I earned 15 points to get my County colours.
G.S.: That’s a massive achievement.
K.B.: Yeah. Then Martin Payne asked
if I’d be interested in taking over as second-team captain. I jumped at the chance. I had a lot of ideas on how things should be done—getting players to be more professional in their approach, practicing together, and sitting down as a team for meals instead of everyone doing their own thing.
G.S.: And you were one of the first to integrate the younger generation into County golf, weren’t you?
K.B.: Yeah. Historically, County golf had been difficult to break into—the same names were picked over and over, regardless of performance. I wanted a more performance-based approach. I told the players, “This is serious. It’s the elite level of County
golf. Every club pays affiliation fees to fund County golf, so we need to perform.” I pushed for more structured practice and better team unity.
G.S.: You raised the standards.
K.B.: Absolutely. We had tremendous success, winning the Midland League. Several players who came through went on to play professionally.
This is part one of our in-depth chat with Kevin, make sure you check back in our next issue for part two. If you can’t wait until then, you can listen to the full podcast here.
CLICK HERE
PETER BAKER DEFENDS MCB TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE
South Staffordshire G.C. Head Professional, Peter Baker, has successfully defended his MCB Tour Championship in Mauritius. It took Baker until the third play-off hole to claim the title, with Simon Griffiths pushing him all the way.
Baker had put himself in a great position heading into the final day after an incredible round of 62 the day previously. Barry Lane Rookie of the Year, Simon Griffiths, was the player to come out of the chasing pack with over 10 players in with a chance to win as the back nine unfolded.
It was Griffiths who mounted a charge, with four birdies in his first eight holes to draw level whilst Baker made the turn with only two birdies to his name. The pair remained tied until the 18th, with a playoff for the title ahead of them. Baker birdied the first playoff hole,
with Griffiths matching the Staffordshire player after holing out from 15-foot. The pair then birdied the next playoff hole, meaning the pair headed back to the 18th tee for third time.
Both players found the greenside bunker in two, with Baker splashing out his third shot which left only a couple of feet for birdie. Griffiths failed to get up and down, and thus crowning Baker champion for the second year in a row.
After his victory Baker told legendstour.com: “It’s just fantastic, I didn’t expect any of that really, during the week.
“Today was a tough day. I didn’t really get it going early on. It was tough around the turn, but I played some really good shots on the way in and was just hanging in there all day. We played some great shots on the play-off holes, and fortunately it went my way. I’m absolutely delighted to do it here in this great place.
“I think sometimes it’s meant to be. I’ve had some really good chances this year and not quite done it, and it hasn’t really come together. This week it’s all come together and I’m really, really proud to be the champion.”
STAFFORDSHIRE GOLF COURSES MAKE THE TOP FIVE
The Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs are delighted to see two of their very own 47 clubs named in the top 5 Parkland courses in Today’s Golfer Top 100 list.
JCB Golf and Country Club sit in fourth spot, whilst Little Aston Golf Club hold fifth place.
JCB Golf and Country Club opened its gates in September 2018 but has received plenty of plaudits since. Designed by Robin Hiseman of European Golf Design, the course based in Rocester, has seen the stars of past and present take to its fairways, with both the Legends Tour and the recently formed LIV Golf both hosting events there.
Whilst JCB Golf and Country Club is relatively new, Little Aston, who were named in fifth spot opened 115 years ago. Little Aston has since hosted regional qualifying for The Open, various PGA and The
R&A sanctioned events and saw Ryder Cup and multiple time DP World Tour winner Tommy Fleetwood win the English Amateur Championship in 2010, his last tournament as an amateur.
Gareth Shaw, County Secretary of the Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs added: “It’s absolutely fantastic that two of our 47 golf clubs have made it on to the Top 100 Parkland course list.
JCB and Little Aston are both wonderful supporters of everything we try and do in the County so to see them recognised is great.
Staffordshire has some fantastic hidden gem golf courses and Little Aston definitely falls into
that category for everyone outside the County. Hopefully this encourages more people to visit the County and play some of our wonderful golf courses.”
LITTLE ASTON
JCB
2024 AWARDS EVENING
Mens Fourball Better Ball (Gross) Beddows
Boys Under 12 Championship
Boys Under 14 Championship
Boys Open Championship (Gross) Keith
Boys Open Championship (Nett)
Boys Open - Tee it Forwards - Gross
Boys Open - Tee it Forwards - Nett
Boys Championship (U18) (Gross)
Boys
Mens
NEW 1ST TEAM CAPTAIN NAMED
James O’Keeffe, a highly accomplished golfer and valued member of Trentham Golf Club, has been appointed as the new County Captain for Staffordshire. With a WHS index of +0.2, James is an exceptional player who brings experience, passion, and leadership to the role.
As County Captain, James aims to inspire and guide the team to success, building on Staffordshire’s proud golfing heritage. His commitment to the game, combined with his strong connection to the golfing community, makes him an ideal leader for the upcoming season.
We look forward to seeing James lead Staffordshire Golf to new heights in 2025!
SUGC RENEWS PARTNERSHIPS WITH PXG & WILSON GOLF FOR 2025 SEASON
PXG Golf, renowned for its cutting-edge technology and exceptional quality will be supporting Men’s and Senior golf in the County. The brand’s commitment to excellence mirrors the Union’s dedication to developing and nurturing talent at all levels. As part of the continued collaboration, PXG Golf will provide exclusive access to the latest in performance-driven equipment, ensuring Staffordshire’s golfers have the best tools available. Similarly, Wilson Golf has been a trusted name in the golfing world for over a century. With a history rich in success, including Major
Championships, Wilson continues to push the boundaries of design and technology. Wilson will continue to support Junior golf in the County, helping the Union’s goal to enhance the golfing experience for all members, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
By continuing to work with these prestigious brands, the Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs reinforces its commitment to excellence, player development, and community engagement. The Union is proud to partner with PXG Golf and Wilson Golf as they look forward to an exciting 2025 season
filled with opportunities for golfers to grow, compete, and succeed. County secretary, Gareth Shaw, commented: “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with both PXG and Wilson Golf. They’ve both been great supports of County golf in Staffordshire, and we’re looking forward to working with them both throughout the 2025 season. Staffordshire County Golf is continuing to grow and we’re delighted with direction we’re heading in, things are only looking up and it’s an exciting time to get involved the with County set up.”
The Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs is excited to continue its partnership with PXG Golf and Wilson Golf for the 2025 season. These two industry-leading brands have long been at the forefront of golf innovation and performance, and the Union is proud to align with them to support golfers across Staffordshire.
SUPPORTING YOUR CLUB IN 2025
As we’re into the early stages of 2025, we wanted to highlight the work already underway to support our clubs. During the first month of the year, Gareth, our County Secretary, has been actively assisting numerous clubs with development plans, governance, rules and course rating.
Looking ahead further into 2025, we want to remind you that our diary is open, and we’re here to provide support tailored to your club’s needs. Whether it’s guidance or collaboration, we’re happy to assist in the following areas:
• Golf Development: Supporting player pathways, junior programs, and more.
• Recruitment and Retention: Strategies to grow your membership and keep your golfers engaged.
• Governance: Advice on club management, safeguarding, and compliance.
• Course Rating: Assisting with course rating processes and updates.
• Rules of Golf: Clarifications and education for players and committees.
• Elite Golf: Supporting players and introducing them to the County pathway for all ages.
If there’s anything we can help with, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re fully committed to supporting your club’s success and development in 2025 and beyond. Let’s work together to achieve great things this year!
As an affiliated member of the Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs, you can enjoy discounted golf at over 1,000 courses across the UK with the County card. Download the igCounty app today and unlock the benefits of your membership.
Stay Connected with Us on WhatsApp! We’re excited to announce our new WhatsApp channel, designed to keep you up-to-date with all things golf in Staffordshire. Get the latest updates on competitions, team performances, fixtures, and exclusive offers delivered straight to your phone - get in touch for more information!
2025 LEVEL 2 GOLF REFEREEING SEMINARS
Interested in deepening your knowledge of the Rules of Golf?
These two-day seminars are perfect for golf administrators beyond the club level or anyone pursuing refereeing!
South Staffordshire Golf Club, Staffordshire
Dates: 15-16 April 2025
Fee: £40 per person
To register: secretary@staffsgolf.org.uk
Mickleover Golf Club, Derbyshire
Dates: 4-5 March 2025
Fee: £60 per person
To register: secretary@derbyshirecountygolf.co.uk
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your understanding of the Rules of Golf!
WHAT’S THE RULING – DID YOU KNOW?
‘Winter Rules’ as you used to know them are no longer!
England Golf has replaced the Winter Checklist with a brand new Adverse/Extreme Weather Reference Guide. The biggest change is that your club can now use ‘Model Local Rule E-3’ all year round, more commonly known as preferred lies.
Preferred lies can now be used anytime throughout the season, rather than the previous dates of October 1st – May 31st.
Make sure to share this with your handicap secretary!
SUPERSPEED GOLF 2.0: ELEVATING SPEED TRAINING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
SuperSpeed Golf has unveiled its most advanced training system yet—SuperSpeed 2.0. This next-generation speed training system is designed to help golfers optimise their swing speed through innovative design improvements and new technology integrations. Here’s how SuperSpeed 2.0 is redefining speed training:
Aerodynamic Enhancements
The updated club design features a streamlined weight tip with airflow modulators that reduce drag and allow players to swing faster. Inspired by projectile research, this aerodynamic upgrade enables greater acceleration during the transition of the swing, resulting in increased clubhead speed.
Optimised Shaft Load and Release
SuperSpeed 2.0 introduces two key shaft zones:
• Load Zone: A stiffer area near the top of the shaft promotes aggressive loading and transition acceleration.
• Release Zone: A more flexible tip area optimises the release of the clubhead at impact for faster, more powerful swings.
Enhanced Grip Design
The updated grips are slightly larger than standard golf grips to engage more muscles in the hands and forearms, improving grip strength and control. Softer, textured areas on the grip guide optimal hand placement, allowing players to maintain control without excessive grip pressure.
Inertia Matching System (IMS)
The revolutionary Inertia Matching System allows players to customise the club’s weight to match their own driver. Each set includes nine weight plugs (20g, 30g, 40g), enabling precise adjustment to mirror the swing feel of a player’s driver. This innovation eliminates the need for the previous ultralight club, offering greater flexibility for all player types.
Integrated Travel System
SuperSpeed 2.0 now offers the flexibility of a full 3-club set for in-depth training and a convenient single-club travel option. The adjustable weight system allows players to convert one club into three distinct training modes—light, medium, and heavy—ideal for training on the go.
Why SuperSpeed 2.0 Leads the Market
With its cutting-edge design improvements in aerodynamics, shaft dynamics, grip ergonomics, and customisable weight systems, SuperSpeed 2.0 stands as the most advanced speed training system available. Golfers can expect faster swing speeds, better control, and improved overall performance.
CLUB SCREENS
Club Screens is transforming golf clubhouses across the UK by replacing traditional wooden honour boards with cutting-edge digital display screens. These innovative screens provide a modern, versatile, and practical solution, enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of clubhouses.
Unlike wooden boards, digital screens eliminate the need for annual update costs and save valuable wall space, offering unlimited capacity for winners and instant updates. They seamlessly blend contemporary design with the preservation of your club’s history and traditions. Beyond honour boards, these screens can
also be customised to promote events, showcase club activities, or celebrate members’ achievements. Additionally, clubs can install smaller advertising screens, generating a steady stream of revenue by featuring ads from members and local businesses. The savings on annual maintenance, combined with advertising opportunities, make
Club Screens a smart and cost-effective investment. With numerous clubs already adopting this technology, the feedback from members and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have praised how it brings their clubhouses into the 21st century, adding a professional and polished touch.
To learn more or request a free quote, contact Club Screens at 0800 061 4552 or email info@clubscreens.com and take your clubhouse to the next level!
TOP 10 WAYS TO RETAIN GOLF CLUB MEMBERS
1. 3. 7. 5. 9. 2. 4. 8. 6. 10.
Deliver Exceptional Customer Service
Make members feel valued through friendly and personalised service. Actively listen to feedback and address concerns promptly.
Foster a Strong Community
Create opportunities for members to socialise through events, leagues, and mixers. Encourage a welcoming atmosphere for both new and existing members.
Offer Diverse Membership Benefits
Include perks such as discounts, reciprocal arrangements with other clubs, and loyalty schemes. Provide exclusive member-only events or early booking privileges.
Keep the Course and Facilities in Top Condition
Regularly invest in course maintenance and improvements. Ensure the clubhouse, practice facilities, and amenities meet modern expectations.
Communicate Effectively
Use newsletters, social media, and mobile apps to keep members informed. Regularly update members on club developments, events, and opportunities.
Enhance the Value of Membership
Offer flexible payment options or tailored membership packages. Introduce additional services, such as fitness classes, coaching, or family-friendly activities.
Focus on Member Engagement
Organise a variety of tournaments, competitions, and casual play opportunities. Highlight member achievements in newsletters or on social media to build pride and recognition.
Provide Continuous Learning Opportunities
Host clinics, workshops, and lessons for golfers of all abilities. Keep members engaged with educational content on rules, etiquette, or course management.
Create a Feedback Loop
Conduct regular surveys to understand member needs and preferences. Act on feedback to demonstrate that member input drives positive change.
Build a Family-Friendly Environment
Provide non-golf activities such as dining events, quiz nights, or holiday celebrations for families.
By focusing on these strategies, golf clubs can enhance member satisfaction, foster loyalty, and strengthen their sense of belonging within the club community.
FIXTURE LIST
The new golfing season is finally upon us and the Union is excited to see how our County representatives will perform across all our Junior, Men’s and Senior Teams.. We’re confident with the work that our teams have being doing throughout the winter months and they’re all ready to compete at the highest level this season.
Sunday 6th
Sunday 6th
April
Senior Get Together Sandwell Park Golf Club
Staffordshire Men Vs Staffordshire Ladies Trentham Golf Club
Thursday 10th Seniors Vs Cheshire Wychwood Park Golf Club
Sunday 13th Staffordshire Juniors Vs Parents Penn Golf Club
Sunday 13th 1st Team Vs Leicestershire and Rutland Trentham Golf Club
Sunday 13th 2nd Team Vs Leicestershire and Rutland Market Harborough Golf Club
Tues & Wed 15th & 16th
Tues & Wed 16th & 17th
Midland 4 Counties Forest Hills Golf Club
Midland U16 Boys & Girls Stroke Play Hawkstone Park Golf Club
Sunday 20th U18 Vs Seniors Sandwell Park Golf Club
Sunday 4th Staffordshire Schools Championship Newcastle-under-Lyme Golf Club
Tuesday 6th Seniors Vs Derbyshire Sandwell Park Golf Club
Sunday 11th 1st Team Vs Shropshire & Herefordshire Trentham Golf Club
Sunday 11th 2nd Team Vs Shropshire & Herefordshire
Sunday 11th U14 Vs Warwickshire Penn Golf Club
Tuesday 13th
May
England Golf Brabazon Trophy Midland Qualifer Burton-on-Trent Golf Club
Friday 16th Seniors Vs Shropshire & Herefordshire
Sunday 18th Junior Order of Merit Round 1 Enville Golf Club (Highgate)
Monday 19th Membership - RH Simkin Salver Trentham Golf Club
Sunday 25th England Golf Junior Club Championship Trentham Park Golf Club
Sunday 25th U14 Vs Derbyshire Alfreton Golf Club
Tues & Wed 27th & 28th
England Golf Boys County Championship Belton Park Golf Club
Thursday 29th Seniors Cox and Thomas Ingestre Park Golf Club
Friday 30th MGU Mid-Amateur Open Championship Kirby Muxloe Golf Club
Sunday 1st 1st Team Vs Worcestershire Trentham Golf Club
Sunday 1st 2nd Team Vs Worcestershire Kings Norton Golf Club
Wed - Fri 4th & 6th
June
English Senior Men's Open Stroke Play Championship Woodhall Spa Golf Club
Thusday 12th Membership - LE Williams Salver Barlaston Golf Club
Saturday 14th Staffordshire Amateur Championship Sandwell Park Golf Club
Sunday 15th U18 Vs Derbyshire Morley Hayes Golf Club
Friday 20th Staffs Club Golfer Qualifying Round 1 Walsall Golf Club
Wednesday 25th Staffs Club Golfer Qualifying Round 2 Leek Golf Club
Wednesday 25th Seniors Vs Nottinghamshire Radcliffe-on-Trent Golf Club
Fri - Sun 27th - 29th
English U18 Championship Farnham Golf Club
These are the complete fixtures until June, if you would like to view the complete list then follow the link below.
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 for more information on the SUGC
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