March=april 2015 for web

SUFFOLK & NORFOLK R E F L O G MARCH/APRIL 2015

www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

• See the new Spring/Summer Specials and get those Clubs out!

• Getting older? Losing distance? Handicap going up?

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• Shoe Fitting service - be correctly fitted

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• 10% discount code at Blue Lizard

• CASH FOR CLUBS - If you have old or unwanted Clubs take them in for cash, or to part-exchange on new equipment

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Page 29

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Stowmarket Golf Club Lower Road, Onehouse, Stowmarket IP14 3DA Tel: 01449 736473 www.stowmarketgolfclub.co.uk

We have a magnificent 18 hole golf course in a picturesque parkland setting and a welcoming Clubhouse for a drink and delicious meal.

New members always very welcome

For a limited time take advantage of our 2-for-1 offer on our joining fee!

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European Golf Machinery Ltd (EGM), the U.K's largest manufacturer and supplier of golf range machinery, has announced the appointment of David Murphy from DKM Golf & Leisure, to represent them in the South of England.

Tony Nelli, EGM Sales Manager, said “ Dave brings a wealth of experience of the golf industry with him and we are delighted to welcome him to our team.”

David will also represent Rangeball UK Ltd, EGM's sister company, which holds large stocks of consumables, including range balls, Fiberbuilt and the exciting new Magstripe mat systems

David can be contacted on 07894 064322 www.rangeball.co.uk

Rushmere Lady Captain 2013/14 Denise Martin presenting her Charity Cheque of £2335.54 to Michelle Pullen in Aid of Parkinsons.

Wendy to stand down

The Suffolk Golf Partnership is looking for a new volunteer secretary to take over from Wendy Wootton.

Wendy, who is also junior organiser at Felixstowe Ferry, will be standing down at the partnership’s AGM in April.

Chairman Crawford Gillan said: “We need to find someone to replace Wendy, who has performed the role with great distinction since just after the partnership was formed five years ago – a fact recognised in her being named a winner of England Golf’s Volunteers of the Year award in 2013.”

The main secretarial tasks concern the administration and arrangements for quarterly meetings. Anyone who can help should contact county development officer Alastair Spink: alastair@suffolkgolfpartnership.co.uk (tel 07545 155341).

Crawford added: “With golf going through a difficult phase that has seen participation in the sport dropping off, it’s more important than ever that the partnership does everything possible to attract newcomers into the game. Thanks to a number of exciting initiatives – organised by Alastair – we have been having significant success in spreading positive messages about our great game.”

Royal Worlington & Newmarket Golf Club Founded 1893

Royal Worlington is regularly listed amongst the top 100 courses in Britain and Ireland by Golf Monthly, and has the reputation of being the greatest 9-hole course in England, if not the world. It is a firm, fast running links-like course, with true undulating greens.

For a unique Clubhouse atmosphere, and a relaxed round of golf, contact the Secretary at

secretary@royalworlington.co.uk or by telephoning him on 01638 717787

County Card visitors are accepted as are 3 and 4 balls (at certain times), all visits must be arranged in advance. www.royalworlington.co.uk

NEWTON’S EMILY SWEEPS BOARD Six handicap golfer, Emily Penfold, cleaned up the trophy shelf at the Newton Green Golf Club ladies’ annual meeting.

Following on from winning the Suffolk Medal Silver Spoon for a seven under handicap club competition round, Emily was named Newton’s lady golfer of the year, which was one of many trophies awarded to her. The meeting installed Sheila Walter as captain and Sally Cade vice-captain.

Outgoing captain, Sue Thurgate thanked all members for their wonderful support over the past year. She said the club captains’ joint charity cause, Canine Partners, had raised in excess of £6,000.

It was reported Newton ladies now had the Suffolk junior girl captain in Eloise Aldous, and Rebecca Evans has been named the county’s delegate to England Golf.

IRISH EYES ARE SMILING

When indomitable Irishman Jim Devereux recently received a trophy at Newton Green Golf Club it was the seventh time in 14 years he had collected the same award.

Seniors at the club compete over 30 weeks of the summer for the Brian Eady Senior Stableford glass bowl.

After five years when his name has been missing from the trophy, Jim is back as the winner of a competition which began in 1999. His winning run began in 2001, when he won for the first of six times in eight years. The only man to put a spoke in his earlier running sequence was donor of the trophy, Brian Eady, who won in Jim’s two barren years.

Jim is seen with the glass bowl and Mick Barlow, who has administered the competition for many years.

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The Runyard Trophy

September 2014 saw the first Runyard Trophy competition played at Woodbridge Golf Club. The full name of the competition is The Norfolk and Suffolk Schools Old Boys and Girls Golf Challenge, hence with such a mouthful, the name of the donated trophy, Runyard, became the more commonly used name for the competition.

Back in 2013, Chris Buisseret the then Hon Sec of the Old Woodbridgian Golfers got together with Norman Porter of the Old Framlinghamians and Liz Smith from the Old Felicians, to see what interest could be generated in a two county alumni competition.

Support, and teams, came in from Ipswich School, RHS Holbrook, Norwich, Greshams, Woodbridge, Framlingham and St Felix, with the first competition planned for the 23rd September at Woodbridge. It was intended as a fun golf day, played in Stableford format with all team points counting, with teams of six from each school.

Woodbridge was presented to the usual high standard, the weather was mild, the scoring was high, and on the day the Old Woodbridgians were victorious with 198 points against runners up The Old Ipswichian’s with 189 points

A splendid trophy was presented by Old Woodbridgian Richard Howe, and named the Runyard Trophy in honour of his mother, Constance Ellen Runyard Howe. The claret jug shape and form was chosen because the Runyards (Jeanne Runnier, Huguenot) fled from France in 1752 and arrived in England in a boat carrying a cargo of claret. Each winning team member also received a bottle of claret, again kindly donated by Richard Howe, and an embroidered golf towel as a further reminder of the day. Other prizewinners received golf balls generously donated by Liz Smith (St Felix) of Peewit Caravans.

It is hoped that more schools will take part next year, with interest already registered by Culford, Farlingaye in Woodbridge, and King Edwards Vl, Bury St Edmunds. The organisers stress that it is not limited to Public Schools, and any school in Norfolk, or Suffolk, which can raise a team of six alumni golfers is very welcome to join in.

The 2015 Runyard will be held at Thetford’s challenging course on Monday the 7th September, with an 11.00 am first tee off. Further details for the 2015 Runyard Trophy competition can be obtained from Chris Buisseret on 01284 700518 or email chrisbuisseret@talktalk.net.

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HOLE IN ONE

Steve Potts, recently retired, holed in one at the par 3, 134 yards 8th hole at Rushmere Golf Club, using a 7 iron. This was Steve’s first hole in one and his playing partners were l-r: James Caley, Steve Potts, Bob Caley and Sean Payne.

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Suffolk Golf Union

WELCOME FROM Ron Kent, President of the Suffolk Golf Union

Twelve days to go to the County’s Annual General Meeting when I am set to become “ex officio” after twenty two years in one office or another for the County Union.

I will miss the many enjoyable aspects of that involvement and there is absolutely no truth in the rumour that I will be seen on the afternoon of 27th March at Hintlesham performing cartwheels across the car park – the very idea at my age!

This is the last Suffolk and Norfolk Golfer magazine in which I shall play a lead role but I hope I can still stir myself to contribute something from time to time. I have enjoyed being involved for the near sixteen years it has appeared although the copy deadlines seem to come round more quickly these days especially during the winter months when there is next to nothing going on County golf-wise.

On the other hand I am looking forward to spending some more time at the clubs where I am fortunate enough to enjoy honorary membership.

In closing, I must thank all those readers who have expressed kind comments and encouragement and those who have contributed to or supported the magazine with their advertising.

The days are certainly warming up, there are definite signs that spring is nearly here and I am maybe looking forward to joining some old friends on the golf courses.

As Bobby Robson’s autobiography was entitled, “Farewell but not Goodbye”.

. . . ENJOY

YOUR GOLF!

Anyone wishing to submit articles or comment about golf matters generally should write to Ron Kent, 77 Bennett Avenue, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3JJ. e-mail: golfsgu@btinternet.com

Suffolk Golf Union Current Officers and Members of the Executive Committee

President: Ron Kent (Hintlesham) Tel: 01284 705765; Vice President: Phil Platten (Woodbridge) Tel: 01394 461246; Honorary Secretary: Charlie Wilderspin (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 588028 Treasurer: Geoff Henney (Aldeburgh) Tel: 01728 685525

Executive Committee: Ray Baines (Felixstowe Ferry) Tel: 01394 276076: Brian Brandwood (Southwold) Tel: 01502 723885: Bill Darling (Stowmarket) Tel: 01449 615854: Colin Firmin (Ipswich) Tel: 01206 298742: Mike Rees (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 568941: Tony Rubin (Woodbridge) Tel: 01473 785350.

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Other positions: Chairman Suffolk Junior Golf: Mike Stevenson (Thorpeness) Tel: 01728 603521; 1st Team Captain: Nathan Overton (Woodbridge) Tel: 07979 366874; 2nd Team Captain: Neil Meadows (Felixstowe Ferry) Tel: 01394 766104; Seniors Captain: Geoff Henney (Aldeburgh) Tele: 01728 685525; County Referee: Mike Rees (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 568941 EGU Delegate: Charlie Wilderspin (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 588028; SE Group Delegate: Mike Rees (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 568941; Ecology Officer: Michael Thomas (Ipswich) Tel: 01394 283973.

Chairman Suffolk County Golf Partnership: Crawford Gillan (Ipswich) Tel: 01473 254753; Suffolk Junior Golf Committee: Chairman: Mike Stevenson (Thorpeness) Tel: 01728 603521: Secretary: Charlie Wilderspin (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 588028: Managers: Under 18s: Trevor Mason (Felixstowe Ferry) Tel: 01394 274331: Under 16s: Tony Watkins (Ipswich) Tel: 01473 713748: Under 14s: David Ashworth (Hintlesham) Tele: 01787 377752: Head Coach: Keith Preston (Aldeburgh) Tel: 01728453309: County Child Protection Officer: Stuart McCallum (Ipswich) Tel: 01473 782780.

President’s Report

2015 Annual General Meeting

The Suffolk Golf Union Personnel

Once again, I have been fortunate in having the unwavering support of the Executive and Junior Committees which has been an indispensable factor in another busy year for me. It would be wrong to single out individuals in what has again been a robust team effort.

However, I continue to hope that some younger golfers will come forward to serve on our Committees and enhance our thinking.

Finances

Our Treasurer Geoff Henney continues to keep an expert eye on our finances and has presented his usual excellent report on which he will expand if requested to do so.

Club memberships, on which we rely for our income, continued a downward trend and this has led to much discussion nationally and the major initiative by England Golf is progressing. Falling memberships, with the resulting effect on revenues, continues to be the biggest concern in our sport. It is of little comfort to see that several other sports have seen declining participation too, suggesting we are battling with a major societal trend which will not be easily reversed.

Seniors Champion: Geoff Henney Junior Champion: Gregor Tait Men’s Match play Champion: Rhodri Harston Junior Matchplay Champion: Josh Driver Junior Order of Merit: Jed Seeley

The increasingly erratic weather caused the abandonment of the Suffolk Open Championship and one must wonder if August is the best month to play this event. Over the years, several Competitions have been affected by bad weather in August but this is the first time I can recall that it was not possible to achieve a result.

It was a major disappointment that support for the Category 2 Handicap and the proposed Category 3 Handicap Championships was so poor that they were both cancelled, just one entry for the Category 3 being received.

Matchplay and Team Competitions

Again, it was encouraging to see some different clubs challenging for honours, Newton Green winning their third-ever Hambro Cup, Diss recording their first-ever wins in the Stenson and becoming Champion Club, and Ufford Park lifting the Tolly Cobbold and Beaumont Cups.

The winners were: Men’s Champion Club: Diss, Stenson Shield: Diss, Hambro Cup: Newton Green, Tolly Cobbold Cup: Ufford Park, Parks Trophy: Ipswich, Beaumont Cup: Ufford Park, Seniors Team (Michael Thomas Trophy): Aldeburgh, Junior Champion Club: Newton Green, Junior Club Team KO Champions: Ipswich and Junior Handicap KO Cup: Ipswich

Men’s Teams

One of the hardest jobs in Amateur Golf is to Captain a Men’s County Team and I was fortunate Championships to have Nathan Overton at the helm of the first The competitions continued to produce the usual team and to have the experience of Neil Meadows strongly contested golf. The various winners are who came forward to develop the talent which we listed on the County website but for those who may have in our second team. not have access to it, they were as follows: The first team finished its Anglian League Amateur Foursomes: Nathan Overton and Alastair programme in 4th place and the second team Hall, making a successful defence of their 2013 ended a wonderful season by winning their Anglian victory.

League division at Newton Green in September, Amateur Champion: Jack Cardy the first time Suffolk has done so since Matt Men’s Order of Merit: Nathan Overton Fordham’s team won in 2000.

EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING: 150 Fronks Road, Dovercourt, Harwich, Essex CO12 4EF Tel: 01255 242141 E-mail: suffolkgolfer@aspects.net Front Cover: www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com Publisher: Linda Basham Opinions, comments and reports in Suffolk & Norfolk Golfer Magazine are not necessarily those of the SUFFOLK or NORFOLK COUNTY GOLF UNIONS.

Hudson Group

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Seniors

The Seniors, captained by Geoff Henney, again fought their way through to the Finals of the Southern Counties Foursomes, played at Broadway in Gloucestershire. Unfortunately, once again the team could not overcome the final hurdle but competed well and the squad continues to go from strength to strength with an extensive programme of events and several good players becoming eligible each year.

Our thanks go to Geoff Henney for his Captaincy and to Alan Garrett who took on the administrative work. It was fitting that Geoff Henney was the Seniors Strokeplay Champion this year.

Juniors

Our Treasurer’s Report confirms that we continue to invest heavily in junior golf here in Suffolk and our extensive coaching programme, led by Keith Preston, continues to be highly acclaimed by many counties.

Our juniors once again reached the final of the Anglian League Junior Championship but were beaten on this occasion by Leicestershire at Oundle.

Our Chairman of Suffolk Junior Golf, Mike Stevenson, has the solid support of an enthusiastic team of managers and helpers and our child protection continues in the capable and professional hands of Stuart McCallum.

I must just thank Ian Woodhead who left the services of the County this year due to work commitments. He did a marvellous job with our under-14s and his legacy is clear for all to see as his charges move on into the ranks of the older boys. I very much hope we shall benefit from his enthusiasm and skills again in the future.

County Partnership

Crawford Gillan took on the Chairman’s responsibilities from Colin Firmin and we wish him all possible success in this challenging job. The Partnership’s major task is, of course, to stem the declining participation in our game by attracting new players into golf and, hopefully, eventually into club membership.

Communications

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Our Secretary Charlie Wilderspin keeps clubs fully informed of all matters as well as being the fulcrum around which all our County work revolves. In all areas, he does an outstanding job and provides

regular updates of our website www.suffolkgolfunion.co.uk, a source of extensive information on all manner of things.

The Suffolk and Norfolk Golfer magazine appears to maintain its popularity as it enters its 16th year of publication and I am grateful to the many clubs, individuals and organisations who continue to support the issues with their items of input and advertising.

I continue to be beholden to our publisher Linda Basham who does such a brilliant job in laying out the bi-monthly issues and who never chases or chastises me when my copy is (invariably) late!

As my close involvement in County Golf is now at an end, it is encouraging to know there is a desire to keep the publication going and the incoming President is already active in trying to fulfil this ambition.

In conclusion

As I said for the past two years, the future continues to be challenging as clubs endeavour to maintain or rebuild memberships whilst having to balance ever-rising costs with income streams increasingly hit by the tight economic situation and some adverse weather extremes.

As I finish my time in office, once again I must thank the many Club Secretaries, Managers and Club owners and the County Officers and members of the Executive Committee for their solid support over the 22 years I have been involved in County Golf in some form or another. It has been an interesting, hugely enjoyable and at times challenging trip and one in which I am very proud to have been involved.

My sincere thanks to you all and all good wishes for the future for whatever part you represent in this wonderful game.

Finally, I wish to express sincere thanks to my wife Jean and my family who have all been very supportive over the years.

Ron Kent President Suffolk Golf Union March 2015

NEVER MISS A COPY

Suffolk & Norfolk Golfer can be read and downloaded from www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

IN THE ZONE!

by Michael Thomas Your Committee may decide that it is appropriate to establish a Dropping Zone (DZ) to take relief from a hazard or condition.

Quite often DZ’s are offered as an alternative to relief under the normal rule, but sometimes their use is mandatory – look for a temporary Local Rule on the notice board to be certain.

Appendix I B 8 in your Rules Booklet sets out the procedure for using a DZ and its worth having a number things in mind to take maximum advantage and avoid an accidental penalty.

1. The player does NOT have to stand in the zone when dropping the ball

2. The ball must first strike a part of the DZ when dropped. If the DZ is marked by a line, that line counts as part of the zone.

3. The ball, having been correctly dropped, does NOT have to remain in the DZ. It is in play even if it rolls towards the hole. The only need for a re-drop would be if it ran more than two club lengths from where it first struck the ground.

Dropping in the Zone

4. If the DZ happens to be in a Closely Mown area and Preferred Lies are in force, then the ball can be preferred within the DZ, or if it rolls outside and into a Closely Mown area.

If you keep these things in mind, you will be able to drop in the most advantageous way and perhaps even avoid all those divots in a well used zone!

Have a quick read of pages 135 – 136 in your current Rules Booklet.

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Suffolk Junior Coaching

The Suffolk Golf Union winter coaching programme for Under 16 and Under 18 boys concluded recently. Over the winter months 29 boys from across the county have attended sessions at Aldeburgh and Felixstowe Ferry Golf Clubs under the direction of PGA professionals Keith Preston, Lawrence Dodd and Robert Joyce.

Throughout the sessions they have undertaken a series of skills tests for which they have received points and at their final session trophies were awarded to the boys that achieved the best score in each age group. The Under 18 winner was Gregor Tait and the Under 16 winner was Jude Everett.

by Trevor Mason

round the streets of Felixstowe. He also does exercises at home and in the gym, making it a part of his lifestyle.

His golfing achievements are impressive. At club level he is the club champion and junior champion and has been a member of teams that have won the Stenson Shield and the Hambro Trophy. He won the most points of any player in both men’s teams in the Anglian League. He has competed in national events, including qualifying for the Men’s English Open Championship (the Brabazon Trophy) and the British Boys Championship.

Paul is profoundly deaf but Paul has shown that disability is no bar to achievement if you are determined to succeed and throughout has enjoyed the considerable assistance of his Dad.

Paul has excelled at the highest level among deaf golfers and is the current England and European Deaf Golf Champion. He was part of the England team that won the team trophy at both championships. He was joint third in the World Deaf Golf Championship in the USA, helping England to second place in the team competition.

Paul Waring (left) and Lewis Whiting

Also, at the final session the Nick Reiss Memorial Trophy and the Sam Jaggard Trophy were presented to Paul Waring and Lewis Whiting respectively.

In every photo taken at the presentations at these tournaments you will see that Paul is wearing his Suffolk County tie. He is proud to represent the County and is undoubtedly the only Suffolk golfer who has been the subject of a television programme when he was filmed by Channel Four for an item on Transworld Sport, which is shown all over the world.

Paul has set an excellent example to all junior golfers and is held in high esteem by his peers.

The Reiss Trophy is awarded to the junior golfer who has achieved high standards of behaviour, sportsmanship and leadership, thus setting an example for others to follow.

Paul has been involved with County Golf from the age of 13 and has represented Suffolk at every level – Under 14, Under 16, Under 18, Men’s second team and Men’s first team. He has always conducted himself in an exemplary fashion whenever he has been representing the county.

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Paul has a handicap of scratch, the lowest junior in the County in 2014, and he did not get that handicap by accident or good luck. He has worked exceptionally hard to achieve it. He has also kept himself physically fit and can often be seen running

Gregor Tait (left) and Jude Everett

The Sam Jaggard Trophy is awarded annually to a male junior who was under 16 years old on 1st January of the year under consideration and is voted for by members of the Suffolk Golf Union Junior Committee. In making the decision the Committee takes into account high standards of behaviour and sportsmanship, thus setting an example for others to follow. In 2014 one player, Lewis Whiting, was outstanding.

throughout Europe, and finished in a very creditable 11th place. He was selected to represent the county Under 18 team in the Boys Anglian League where he twice won matches by the 13th hole and he also beat the boy who finished 3rd in the McGregor Trophy.

Lewis was also selected by England Golf to take part in their regional Under 16 training programme.

Ryder Cup Wrangles T Lewis reached a standard which gave him entry to the McGregor Trophy, the English Boys Open Under 16 championship, which attracts entries from

he row which burst forth after America’s defeat in the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles was much publicised in the media. Most notably, Phil Mickelson felt that he and other team members had been badly treated by Team Captain Tom Watson. Mickelson was especially critical of what he saw as Watson’s poor communication with the team and felt the future needed to be addressed. As a result of the situation, meetings involving Mickelson and Tiger Woods and nine others, then took place to review how USA should approach the next event with a real chance of reversing the catalogue of defeats in recent years. Mickelson appeared to have support for Paul Azinger who had led the team to victory by 16.5 to 11.5 at Valhalla, Kentucky in 2008 against a Europe side captained by Nick Faldo, himself to come in for some criticism from his own team at a later date.

It was felt that Fred Couples would be a sound appointment so it was perhaps surprising that the PGA of America then named Davis Love to be the captain at Hazeltine. It was not the end of the controversy when Butch Harman, who had coached Mickelson and Woods, threw his support behind Love, despite Love having captained the USA side in one of the Ryder Cup’s biggest collapse, the team losing a 10-4 advantage to lose the match 13.5 to

He has been an excellent ambassador for Suffolk Junior Golf and his achievements have set a benchmark for others to aspire to.

14.5 on the final day at Medinah, Illinois in 2012.

Of course, the media’s insatiable desire to seek out Ryder Cup wrangles with which to intrigue and titillate readers has always been there but perhaps not with the intensity which patriotic fervour now demands. Looking back on Azinger’s Valhalla victory, Lee Westwood commented on what he claimed was the abuse he suffered from a partisan section of American supporters reported as saying “Some people don’t know the difference between supporting their team and abusing the opposition – I have been abused from start to finish”.

A further antic when America’s “team jester and cheerleader”, Boo Weekly, charged off down the 1st fairway astride his driver, must have raised the eyebrows of officialdom and most probably several others too – just not done!

Moving back a decade, the 1999 Ryder Cup may well go down as the most controversial of all the 40 played so far. Played at The Country Club in Massachusetts, it is remembered as “The Battle of Brookline”, proving to be a fierce patriotic battle. Tom Watson remarked it should be about golf not war but it did not diffuse the situation.

Team Europe, so dejected having

By Ron Kent

thrown away victory, had been disgusted and furious at the action of the US team which invaded the 17th green after Justin Leonard holed a 45 foot putt, followed by a scoop-seeking photographer. Jose Maria Olazabal, still to putt and save the match for Europe, could only watch as his line of putt was trampled on.

Once some semblance of order had been restored the Spaniard not surprisingly missed his putt which would have halved the match had it gone in.

There was worse. It was reported that throughout the Europeans had been abused and Colin Montgomery’s father left the course whilst it was claimed that Mark James’s wife was spat at.

In fairness, the appalling behaviour was not confined to the American supporters, drunkenness, chanting and general loutishness being reported from the European sector too.

USA Captain Ben Crenshaw tried to calm the post-match tension by apologising deeply for what had happened but Colin Montgomery declared that no amount of apology could excuse what “they” did.

Other controversies, fortunately less vitriolic, go back as far as 1947 and maybe we can look at some of those in a future issue.

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We are grateful to Tony Garnett for permission to use the following abbreviated version of an article which appeared in late January this year in the East Anglian Daily Times.

Gibbs enjoyed his greatest success when playing foursomes.

He won the Haskell Cup (Suffolk Open Aldeburgh golfer Gordon Gibbs recently celebrated his Foursomes) 90th birthday. He is the only player of his age in the on three United Kingdom to maintain a single figure handicap for occasions. In the past 75 years. Gordon currently plays off nine. It is 1964 he many years since he shot a score over his age. He often played with returns medal scores under 80 and his name is engraved Dick Long, in on almost all the club’s trophies.

1973 with Jon Marks and in He was born in 1925 and England Golf has confirmed 1977 with that there is no-one with a record that compares with Gibbs. In Scotland there is 75-year-old Arthur Harper of legendary professional Dunfermline who has just completed 100 rounds better Reg Knight. than his age. He plays off five but is 15 years younger!

He won the Gibbs was introduced to golf at Beccles, playing with Collins Cup his father who had lost an arm on the Somme during the (Suffolk First World War. He had a single figure handicap by the Mixed age of 14 when playing with hickory-shafted clubs Foursomes) which he repaired himself. He would place his clubs in with his wife a bucket of water to swell the wood to keep the head in Betty in 1984 place and used emery paper to remove any rust. and the Suffolk Amateur Foursomes four times. The first He received a late call-up by Beccles for a Hambro Cup three in 1964, 1966 and 1967 were with Dick Long and in 1970 with David Whinney. tie at home to Bury St Edmunds in 1939 and won his match by 10 holes.

He won the Daily Mail Foursomes in 1984 when the

Gordon Gibbs

His ability at golf did him no harm in securing his commission in 1943. He was on an officer training course just outside London when two senior officers needed golf partners. Gibbs was chosen. He was a second lieutenant by the age of 18 and rose to captain.

He never used his Army rank once his days in the Forces were over.

He was a talented all-round games player who also played cricket, football and hockey. His agility and quick thinking in those days may have saved his life and that of several others. Whilst in charge of recruits who were training with live grenades in Norfolk, one nervous recruit removed the pin and then dropped his grenade.

Gibbs threw it to safety just before it exploded.

16

His war service was mainly in Africa. After the war Gibbs became a member at Bungay, Lowestoft and Beccles before he joined Aldeburgh. Gibbs was appointed as Suffolk county captain in the 1970s and held the post for 11 years during which time the Anglian League title was won. At one time his county foursomes partner was Richard Evans, then of Woodbridge, who won the Carris Trophy at Moor Park in 1971. Other leading Suffolk players in those days included, John Cook of Felixstowe Ferry, Dave Whinney of Ipswich and Aldeburgh’s Dick Long.

finals were staged at Aldeburgh. His partner was Roger Taylor, also a former Suffolk county captain, who was at that time half his age. Taylor was 30 and Gibbs 60.

Gibbs recalls: “There was a howling gale but Roger’s driving was superb. It won us the trophy.”

It was third time lucky in this event. Gibbs and Peter Harding had previously lost in the final at Lytham St Annes. He lost in the semi-final with Dick Watson at Ross on Wye.

In 1988 he helped Aldeburgh win the Hambro Cup. The team in the final was John Baker, David Westcott, Roger Taylor, Gordon Gibbs, David Wybar, Mike Jones, John Lloyd and Tim Rowan-Robinson. Westcott was a Great Britain Olympic hockey international. Rowan-Robinson is the current club captain.

Gibbs was nine times club champion between 1973 and 1996 in a competition also open to Artisans. He dominated the Victor Longstaff Challenge Cup which is played on Boxing Day. He would be the one without a hangover when winning in 1973, 1993, 2006, 2008 and 2009.

One of his best rounds in recent times came when he shot 14 under his age, then 87, in 2012. He was annoyed to miss a short putt on the 18th green.

Kilts and Bagpipes Celebrate Burns’ Night at Stowmarket Golf Club

Left and right: The Captains respond

A recent Saturday evening saw yet another sell-out for its ever popular Burns night which, thanks to the organisational skills of Bill Campbell, proved to be a very enjoyable night out for the lucky members and guests who were able to secure a ticket.

As tradition demands proceedings commenced with the Haggis held high by Chef Darren Given, expertly piped in by no less than Maister Bill himself and followed by guest Vic Blackwood carrying two crossed bottles of scotch whiskey.

President Vic French asked everyone to stand to toast the Queen and Vic Blackwood recited the Selkirk Grace.

Once everyone had settled down MC and Steward Chris White invited Maister Bill Campbell to address the Haggis which he did in fine style, enrapturing the diners with robust passion and fortitude whilst wielding his sgian dubh to cut open the Haggis at the appropriate moment.

Responding on behalf of the lasses Sheila Cummings, with a just discernible twinkle in her eye reciprocated with a toast to the men, helpfully clarifying the exact meaning of certain words and phrases used by the lasses in those (rare) moments of spousal discord that otherwise harmonious relationships might perhaps encounter!

The evening was brought to a close by our Captain Pat Shepherd thanking Steward Chris White and Angie for their hard work behind the bar and at the tables, Chef Darren Given and the catering team for providing an excellent meal, Shona and her team for ably serving the food with a very slick service, and last but not least Maister Bill Campbell and his (mostly) Scottish compatriots for their hard work and efforts which combined to form a very

by Ron Woodham special evening.

The catering team provided an excellent 4 course meal comprising Haggis, neeps and tatties as a starter, followed by cock-a-leekie soup, a main course of beef, roast potatoes and vegetables finishing with a cranachan desert , coffee and a wee dram of whisky.

Formalities and food having being duly served Maister Lawrie Reekie treated us to an extremely witty and well prepared speech relating the current to the historical technology of some 250 years ago. He concluded by asking all to raise their glasses to the immortal memory of the Baird himself.

Captain Pat Shepherd rose to his feet to propose a toast to the lasses and with an element of tongue in cheek proceeded to comment on the subtleties of the fairer sex by proffering much advice to the benefit of the male contingent as to how best to look after the superior sex.

17

Uncle Rupert or Auntie Beeb?

By Ron Kent

The R&A’s decision to move the live TV rights away from the BBC to Sky for a mouth-watering £15 million for each of five years starting in 2016 caused a furore from many quarters with claims it was outrageous, a disgrace and from Peter Alliss, that doyen of Open Championship commentaries on BBC, the view that the R&A was “dipping their hands into the money – that’s it”. Eurosport suggested that Sky coverage would reduce ratings from 5.5 million BBC viewers to some 30% of that figure watching on Sky.

solid near 1 inch high and very bold black headlines, that a poll of 220 respondents, (hardly representative out of 700,000), had witnessed “cheating” on the golf course. I suspect what they most probably saw was not cheating as such but an unwitting and widespread lack of knowledge of the rules. After all, the Rules of Golf Book runs to 116 pages, with 34 different rules and countless sub paras, without the several appendices further on.

The latest edition of Decisions on the Rules of Golf Book in my possession extends to some 580 pages! Little wonder then there is so much soR&A Chief Executive Peter Dawson admitted that called “cheating” to be seen. Do leisure-seeking the flood of hate-mail had reached unprecedented golfers, especially newcomers to the game, have proportions but claimed the BBC had dropped out the time or indeed the inclination to plough through of the bidding, (perhaps because they realised they all those rules? had no chance of matching Sky’s inexorable appetite for swallowing up just about every sporting • SURVEY IDENTIFIES INTEGRITY ISSUES• encounter worth watching?).

In an earlier issue, I commented on and agreed with the East Anglian Daily Times’ Mike Bacon that the loss of the Ryder Cup from free-to-air viewing was unhelpful to the current efforts to reverse the trend of declining golf club membership, efforts promulgated by David Joy, Chief Executive of England Golf. One could understand if he were to feel that his campaign to salvage a leisure pursuit lately in decline had suffered something of a blow.

Of course, we have to wait and see what the R&A intends to do with the £75 millions it will accrue between 2017 and 2021. Apparently it has promised a major contribution to help resolve amateur golf’s difficulties but I am not aware it has yet disclosed any firm details.

One hopes the R&A will fuel the initiatives at grass roots level from its windfall rather than just enhancing the prize money for the Open Championship. That remains to be seen although early announcements suggest it could still cost £80 per day just to get through the entrance gates to the 2015 event.

In 2014, the Championship was worth just under £1 million to the winner and one has to recognise that 20% of that goes out of the game as it wings its way to the player’s management companies (or did in Rory McIlroy’s case before he avoided an unwelcome court case and settled out of court after changing horses).

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It was also surprising that the England Golf’s own tabloid magazine revealed, in a recent issue, in

POLL SHOWS CHEATING I S RIFE IN GOL F

Although its circulation is limited, would-be golfers who might have come across the headlines might wonder if this is really a game for them. Would it be easier to buy a bike, as did so many after watching Bradley Wiggins’ success on TV in the Tour de France a few years back, and go cycling as much or as little as you want, as long as you know the rules of the Highway Code, have a good safety helmet and can avoid the potholes (aka as bunkers to golfers)!.

Just to make the unwelcome publicity worse, a politician got involved, as they often do these days, when Government Business Secretary, Vince Cable, based on research by the London School of Economics, claimed that the country’s housing shortages could be solved by building over golf courses, a claim that was strongly challenged by PGA Chief Sandy Jones.

Mr Jones claimed that a recently-commissioned study for the PGA showed that golf has an important annual impact on the economy of £6.1 billion in Great Britain and Ireland and, in fact, occupies only a miniscule part of the landscape.

Overall, the battle to save the game goes on. Let’s hope the tide soon turns and some more positive vibes emerge to help the recovery campaign along.

Women in Golf

By Ron Kent

Whilst we can look forward to the stylish writing of Julie Latimer Jones during the season, copy is always short during the “close” season. I thought, therefore, I would do a little research on the subject of women in golf for this early spring issue.

Golf Clubs and some other sporting clubs, like the Marylebone Cricket Club, have not always admitted lady members although I suspect that all but a few now do so. There was some embarrassment that the 2013 Open was played at the then all male Muirfield, also known as the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers.

The supreme club in the land, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, only a year or so ago eventually bowed, after some 260 years in existence, to public opinion when it lowered the barricades and voted, by an 85% majority, to let the ladies in, echoing the decision by that other august body in America, Augusta National, two years ago.

played between teams representing the USA and Great Britain and Ireland, was first played in 1932, some ten years after the Men’s version, the Walker Cup, which began in 1922. Early results were similar to the Walker Cup showing seven Curtis Cup wins for the USA women of the first eight matches played compared to the men’s Team from Great Britain and Ireland winning just one of the first ten played.

The professional level of the ladies game has gradually developed whereby there is now a European Tour whilst in America it is much stronger. Reflecting the Ryder Cup which was first played in 1927, the Solheim Cup between America and a team drawn from Europe got under way in 1990 and, to date, has resulted in 8 wins for the United States and 5 wins for Europe who have won 3 of the last 6 matches played.

In a future issue, we will take a look at the personalities in the ladies’ amateur and professional games, including two notable players from Suffolk.

In the meantime, the national drive to rebuild the memberships at our clubs has identified potentially strong growth possibilities for lady memberships, something already exploited by several clubs including some here in Suffolk. Should we ever get close to parity between the sexes, that could be interesting.

All of that said, there is evidence of women’s participation in golf as far back as a century or so ago, Sunningdale Ladies Golf Club having seen the light of day around1890s. It claims a course which is a good test of golf, Woodbridge Golf Club Captains’ Charities has its own clubhouse and is currently The Captains’ of Woodbridge Golf Club presented cheques open to membership without a joining for £1895 each to their chosen charities, The Alzheimers fee.

Society and Riding for the Disabled (Hollesley group) Here in Suffolk, at Felixstowe Ferry, our recently. Cliff Longman and Andrea McNally have now oldest club founded in 1880, there is finished their term of office and raised the funds through golf evidence of a ladies section as far back challenges and events, together with social activities as 1894 when, in the club’s very factual throughout 2014. publication marking its centenary, it is The Club has a long history of supporting local and national claimed there were 73 lady members, charities and co-hosts an annual charity golf day in June with although this is qualified by saying that The Rotary Club of Woodbridge and Woodbridge School. the majority of the members were from “London and the Home Counties with very few from Felixstowe Town”.

The same publication shows a picture of 3 ladies in very elegant bonnets being served tea by a fourth suitably wearing a starched white apron, in front of their own clubhouse. Sadly, the clubhouse proved unequal to the invasive North Sea and long ago vanished beneath the waves.

At an international level, the Curtis Cup,

19

NOTEBOOK

By Ron Kent

With my impending departure from office, I have been busy going through old Suffolk Golf Union documents and a few hundred photos I have accumulated during the past 22 years.

One such photo reminded me of my very first involvement with County golf when I took on the management of our Under 18s team, similar to the role undertaken so expertly these days by Trevor Mason. The picture shows a fairly youthful Kevin Lovelock, (right) the professional appointed to the team and who, in those days, travelled regularly with their appointed age group team.

Kevin was the professional at Stoke by Nayland in those days and was able to bring a stream of talented young players from that club whom he had helped to develop.

Kevin was a great help to me in those first few formative years and his calmness, not to mention a fairly dry humour, suited me fine. We still engage in a bit of leg-pulling whenever we meet up at Purdis Heath where he is now the club’s Head professional. Somehow, whenever I caught up with him playing in a Suffolk PGA event, it was always lashing it down, prompting him to refer to me ever since as The Rain God. *

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I still have a complete collection of all the Suffolk (and more recently Suffolk and Norfolk) Golf magazines since our first issue in July 1999 and I happened to pick up the January/February 2000 issue the other day. One item recorded there was the near disastrous fire at Diss Golf Club which damaged Nigel Taylor’s pro-shop so badly and had it not been for the prompt arrival of the Fire Brigade, would assuredly have spread quickly through the Ladies Changing rooms and beyond.

Whenever I call at the club, I often look up at the

smouldering roof at Diss

roof and recall those smouldering roof joists fifteen years ago. *

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With the commitment to County golf over the years, Jean and I have taken only a few holidays but one that has reoccurred for the past five or six years, is the annual pilgrimage to the Isle of Arran and, would you believe, my wife has already committed us to travelling north again to that charming location. I am looking forward to the stunning train ride which hugs the east coast north of Newcastle and the ferry across to Brodick. Although our friends whom we meet there do not play golf, I am half thinking of taking the golf clubs with me.

There are some delightful courses there, mostly quite short. The sight of deer resting (but at risk from my wayward approach to the 9th green) at Lochranza is a sight to behold.

The recent news item about Harrison Ford crash landing his plane on the Penmar course in Los Angeles reminded me of a couple of incidents which occurred when I was County Secretary. I cannot claim to have had a plane land on a course but I have had two cars, literally, come flying onto the course during a competition. The first was at Waldringfield during a junior match. Playing down the third hole, some junior players had only just taken their second shots when a car miraculously

Car at rest on Felixstowe’s 11th

flew off the adjoining road, over the hedge, before coming to rest on the edge of the fairway. It later transpired that the car was only a few days old and was driven by a young man, presumably with the permission of his mother who owned the vehicle. We were shaken to think that had it happened a few minutes later, it could easily have done serious injury to the young golfers, one of whom had just played a shot from the very spot where the car came to rest.

Less traumatic was at Felixstowe Ferry when a

young petrol-head lost control on the bend just past the 12th tee and spun out of control onto the semi-rough. Dangerous business being a County Secretary!

As a postscript to the Harrison Ford incident, I could not help smiling at a cartoon which appeared the next day. One golfer near a crashed fuselage was saying to the other that he did not care if it was Harrison Ford, he needed to be proposed by three members before he could crash land on this course!

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Bye Ron - Keep in touch Ron Kent and I started Suffolk and Norfolk Golfer in July 1999 and the magazine has grown beyond our expectations.

The success is partly due from the Golf Clubs warm embrace and enthusiasm for the magazine, and all our readers, but mostly from Ron Kent and his unstinting contribution to the editorial copy, support and promotion throughout this whole time.

The magazine will still continue to be the publicity vehicle for Golf in Suffolk, albeit and sadly without Ron’s personality, wit and professionalism that has made it what it is today.

I will miss you Ron and sincerely hope, if you have the time or inclination, you will succumb to sending in the odd piece, keeping in touch with us all and letting us know how much you are enjoying your golf and travels.

Good luck to you and Jean, you both deserve the best of luck health and happiness for your retirement.

Linda Basham, Publisher I will always remember Ron as the sage of Suffolk golf. The value of the right person in the front line at Bob Tawell and Rushmere Golf Club HQ cannot be underestimated. A tireless worker wish to thank Ron Kent for his service to and great ambassador for the SGU, Ron has the Suffolk Golf Union and wish him all commanded respect from all of us involved in golf in the best for the future.

Suffolk, whether as administrators or players. It has been a privilege to work with Ron and to consider myself as a friend. Ron, please enjoy a well-earned Ron is going to be sadly missed, he's a retirement. tough act to follow. We wish him all the Neill Ellice, General Manager, Ipswich Golf Club best for his retirement.

Hintlesham Golf Club

Well done Ron for all your fantastic work for Suffolk Golf over the years, and for your comprehensive contribution to the Suffolk Golfer magazine. I hope you enjoy your retirement.

Tony Dobson

Bungay & Waveney Valley Golf Club sincerely thank Ron for his contribution to Suffolk Golf and wish him well in his retirement.

It has been my pleasure to have known Ron for over 25 years since my first assistants job under Robin Mann at Thorpeness. Ron is the wise old owl of Suffolk Golf and was the person I would look out for in any tournament. He has overseen the second generation Robertson develop and flourish through the Suffolk County Coaching system, as well as having a part in helping many other junior players fulfil their potential within the game.

Enjoy your retirement Ron – it will be great to see you playing rather than officiating around the county!!

Stuart Robertson All the staff at Brett Vale Golf Club would like to wish you well in your retirement and to thank you for all you have done for us.

22

Ron has been a good friend to Norfolk throughout his golfing career. His snippets have both informed and amused for many years. He has many friends in the Norfolk Golfing community and we wish him well in his retirement.

Mike Devlin, Hon Secretary, Norfolk County Golf Union

What a consistent correspondent for the Suffolk Golfer Ron Kent has been over the years and perhaps reliability is one of his endearing traits because I first became aware of him when his grand-daughter Lily appeared on the golfing scene as a talented junior. There she would be, quietly and elegantly picking her way around the courses of Suffolk and, almost without fail, there would be her grand-father, at a respectful distance, keeping an eye on proceedings.

Perhaps his plans for retirement include American travel as Lily continues her studies at University. Whatever he does, I wish him happy times and hope he enjoys his leisure.

Julie Latimer-Jones I send my best wishes for Ron’s retirement, after all his efforts since starting the magazine.

I understand he is a fan of my column, but I am not surprised that he enjoys my Letter from Spain, since he has been the main contributor to everything else, in every issue for 16 years!!!

I wish him well and a long, happy life.

Peter Ballingall

Ron has done a superb job during his years as Suffolk Golf Union secretary and then president.

He will be a tremendously hard act to follow. I very much hope he will continue to make regular contributions to Suffolk and Norfolk Golfer and that we shall see him at SGU events.

A highlight of his time in office must have been Suffolk’s first appearance in the England county finals at Beau Desert.

Maybe he will now be able to get his clubs out more regularly.

Tony Garnett

Ron, thank you for your support for the juniors since I became Chairman. It has been greatly appreciated. We will miss your help and experience.

Mary and I wish you and Jean many more happy years.

Mike Stevenson Congratulations and best wishes to Ron on his retirement, and his fantastic contribution not just to the magazine but Golf in Suffolk.

A real gentleman introduced to me by our mutual friend Eric Peachey, sadly no longer with us, but Eric told me what a great boss he was to work with at Rannochs.

Good Luck for the future Ron Ian Duncan

It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with Ron during his many years of unrivalled service for the Suffolk Golf Union, and through his contributions to the Suffolk Golfer magazine. Without Ron’s hard work and enthusiasm, Suffolk Golf would not be where it is today.

On behalf of everyone at Rookery Park Golf Club, we wish you a well-earned and happy retirement. You are always welcome for a game should you be visiting the north of the county.

Robert Pettett Secretary, Rookery Park Golf Club Ron’s enormous contribution to the County was unquantifiable, we wish him a long and very happy retirement.

Tony Tyrrell and Jenny Holmes

Wishing Ron a well-deserved, long and happy retirement. Having known Ron for only a few years in my capacity as past Captain and Chairman of Stowmarket Golf Club I have often bumped into him at various county matches and he has always been a welcome visitor to our club. His pragmatic and tireless approach to the world of Golf in our region is matched by few and he will always be welcome at Stowmarket Golf Club.

Ron Woodham, Stowmarket Golf Club Press Officer, Past Captain, Immediate past Chairman I would like to wish Ron and his wife Jean, well in their retirement and thank him for the support and help given to Newton Green GC and myself personally over many years.

Carole

The end of an era! Everyone at Stowmarket Golf Club wishes you all the very best for your retirement Ron. 23

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JUNIORS BEAT SENIORS

Each year the juniors of Newton Green Golf Club challenge a section of the club for the Scanlon Trophy, and this year they took on the senior men. Played under Stableford rules, the match could not have been closer with the younger golfers notching 254 points - one more than the seniors. Former captain John Scanlon, who donated the trophy several years ago, provided hospitality for the event which provides a healthy bonding exercise between younger and older golfers at the club.

SUMMER SPECIALS? NEXT ISSUE MAY/JUNE

A new era at Rushmere Golf Club, as they introduce Buggy’s to the Course.

The Golden Sausage Society were the First Group to venture out onto the Hidden Gem of Suffolk Rushmere Heath, the home of Rushmere Golf Club, where golf has been played since 1895.

A NEW ERA

Golden Sausage Society with the Buggy’s

It’s a numbers game?!

It may be easy to see that from the numbers that you have hit down steeply by 12° and across the ball from out-to-in by 4°. That is very useful knowledge, but unless you also know what factors in the set-up or swing contribute to this you could easily spend countless hours of practice trying to improve your numbers by lots of trial and error!

Clubhead speed - 102mph, Ball Speed - 40 mph, To make better use of your time, book some time with a PGA Pro who will be qualified to help you Smash Factor - 1.38, Spin Rate - 3853 rpm, understand the numbers and how they relate to Launch Angle - 16°, Dynamic Loft - 14°. your movements, helping you reduce the time it There are many different ways of obtaining this and takes to help you achieve what you may ultimately require, longer, straighter or more consistent more information: from a top of the range shots!!

Trackman system at £30,000 down to a personal Skypro unit at under £200, there are many to choose from!

The information that these systems provide can prove to be great information for the golfer looking to improve, but what do they really mean? and how do they help?

Knowing your numbers can be a great help in finding issues, but it is how you decipher this information and relate it to the movements in the golf swing that will really see how it can help your game progress forwards.

Connor Talbot and Ellie Aldous

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Two of Newton Green's young players have qualified for the English colleges national finals to be played at Bath Golf Club.

Connor Talbot and Ellie Aldous are both aged 16 and play off handicaps of six.

Ellie, who already represents Suffolk ladies at adult level, won the girls and Connor was runner up in the boys regional qualifying events held at Bawburgh Golf Club in Norfolk.

A pupil at West Suffolk College, Bury St Edmunds, where she is studying for a BTech in Sports Sciences, Ellie is captain of Suffolk junior girls.

Connor attends Suffolk New College, Ipswich, where he is working for a diploma in sport, and was a member of last year's successful Newton Green Hambro Cup winning side.

Enjoy your golfing journey - it will lasts you a lifetime!

Stuart Robertson PGA Golf Professional The Doctorgolf Academy Ufford Park Woodbridge 01394 383480 mail@doctorgolf.co.uk www.doctorgolf.co.uk @doctorgolf247

News from St Audrys

Ruth Goodship is seen driving in for her second year as Ladies Captain. As usual the St Audrys ladies made it a light hearted and boisterous event with Ruth running the gauntlet of a tunnel of balloons, before teeing off to the accompaniment of them bursting . In spite of the distractions she drove straight down the middle.

The forthcoming Ladies match with the Seniors will be unique this year as her husband John is this year's Seniors Captain.

In the run up to the Clubs Golden Jubilee next year, a number of improvements and re- furbishments are taking place with much of the work being carried out by volunteers from the members.

Involvement of the members in carrying out many varied tasks to maintain the Clubhouse and equipment has always been a feature of the St Audrys scene from the very beginning.It is one of the reasons the Club is able to continue to be financially secure yet be the least expensive private members club in the area.

Limbering up…

As we anticipate the arrival of spring, we get out the golfing gear and give it a spruce up, wash the practice balls, make a few resolutions about routines and intentions and, regardless of whether we have sustained our efforts through the off season, burst into renewed activity.

Meantime, with the county first team hopefuls fully occupied, the younger element are about to embark on their new season’s golf with encouragement from Sarah Howe, Suffolk’s Junior Organiser, aided by County Vice-Captain, Vanessa Bell. In addition to their usual round of fixtures which includes a Texas Scramble, the Junior County Championship, matches and practice matches, there is a new fixture featuring the Junior

A team versus the B team. Training for the B Squad starts in earnest in April featuring the B team with beginners and improvers alongside.

Latimer-Jones

The next training session will cover putting drills and skills and, once again, acquiring a comfort zone with a given length will be important.

Julie

During the first training session, a chat was followed by two hours concentration on accuracy from 100 yards out . This concentration resulted in ‘homework’, the requirement being to tie down the shot required for 70, 50 and 30 yards to the pin.

Not everyone will have reached their current expertise with the same technique, of course, but an understanding of the power of the landing point and the consistent production of a particular length shot is vital to success for the single figure golfer.

by

Suffolk’s team possibles and probables are being helped in these plans by experienced professional, Christine Langford.

Christine turned professional in 1976 at the age of nineteen. She qualified for her USLPGA card in 1977 and then returned to European golf two years later, subsequently winning five tournaments. Now based at Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club, she has become the Suffolk ladies’ coach and she has given the players some immediate impetus with goals to aim for.

Below: Some of the Suffolk golfers interested in fostering junior golf who coincidentally were the winning Weston Trophy team in 2014. (Left to right) Sarah Howe, County Junior Organiser; Abbie Symonds, a recent shining light of the County Juniors, Sharon Luckman, winner of the Joy Winn Trophy in its first year; Sarah Saggers, County Captain; Sylvia Bloomfield, Ipswich Captain 2014, and Vanessa Bell, County Vice-Captain and impressive golfer with a particular interest in helping the Junior B Squad golfers to improve their game.

Sarah and Vanessa have also been supporting the recent free taster sessions at Stonham Barns, West Suffolk and Rookery Park Golf Clubs.

These have been aimed at introducing 8-14-yearolds to the game of golf. Led by Tony Dobson, the professional at Stonham Barns, around 100 youngsters have joined in the fun and it is hoped they will go on further in the game. Any girls who are interested will be welcome to join in the Suffolk Ladies plans for Junior Golf. Please make contact via info@suffolkladiesgolf.org.uk

Suffolk Ladies County Golf Association Current Officers:

President: Ms Ann Graves Tel: 01394 411020; Captain: Mrs Sarah Saggers Tel: 01394 383583. ViceCaptain: Ms Vanessa Bell Tel 01473 231411; Hon Secretary: Mrs Jeanette Longman: Tel 01394 450939; Hon Treasurer: Miss Hermione Scrope Tel 01359 232618; England Golf Representative: Ms Rebecca Evans Tel 01787 464624; Handicap Adviser: Mrs Eunice Gray Tel 01473 833392; Junior Organiser: Miss Sarah Howe Tel: 07990 110976 ; Seniors Organiser: Mrs Jo Moore Tel: 01502 711155; Scratch Score Assessor: Mrs Sue Cook Tel 01728 688406.

All other personnel may be found on the County website at www.suffolkladiesgolf.org.uk

27

TrackMan Stories

open to the club path. This will result in a predominately glancing blow imparted on the golf ball reducing the smash factor (efficiency of strike) and increasing spin axis and curvature.

In Mrs P’s case she would generally start the golf ball on her intended target line usually the flag and Issue 2 the ball would curve away to the right further away from the flag than Mrs P would of liked. You may Want to hit the ball further from the be thinking at this point why doesn’t she just aim tee? Ever wondered what you could further to the left and allow for the curvature of the golf ball? change in an instant to hit the ball You would be right in thinking that and why not? further with your driver? Read on to Colin Montgomerie to my knowledge won a record find out more…. of 8 European Order of Merit titles playing with a similar shot shape to a slice, although his was CLUB PATH minimal not to mention a great short game etc. But Is your golf ball starting straight then slicing or Mrs P wanted and felt that she needed more fading? Have you ever been told your out to in length from her shots. or over the top? Read on to find out how a lady So on analysing Mrs P’s swing and recording her golfer lost her slice forever… shot data Figure 1 > For the purposes of this article we shall call our lady golfer Mrs P. She has struggled with a slice for Shows the club path a while, this slice has caused a loss of distance and swing and accuracy. Mrs P came to us in the hope to reduce her slice or even try to eradicate it forever. direction way to the There are many causes for a slice but a certain left of the impact factor is always present.

For the golf ball to curve to the right in the air (slice target with a poor for a right hander) the club face will need to be

smash factor and a steep attack angle for her club head speed.

When Mrs P completed her backswing and begun her downswing she was inclined to rotate her body quickly to the left and keep her weight on her back foot. This resulted in the club travelling out to in giving the resulting numbers.

We had Mrs P practice a drill which helped her move laterally toward the target rather than rotate too quickly and after a few attempts started producing numbers that looked like Figure 2.

Figure 2 > shows a more neutral club path and a reduction in swing direction.

Mrs P also increased her smash factor and a more suitable attack angle.

Thankfully using a trackman we can see valuable club data which will aid coaching and help to improve your game. Don’t use anything Inferior use a Trackman.

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IPSWICH GOLF CENTRE Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich Suffolk IP2 8NQ 01473 680699 Email: info@ipswichgolfcentre.com Alex Lucas 07802 208359 Bradley Wilkins 07715 298382 Website: Ipswichgolfcentre.co.uk

29

Denise van Outen spends romantic Valentine’s weekend in luxur y lodge

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Actress, singer, TV & radio presenter and Strictly Come Dancing star, Denise Van Outen chose to return to her favourite lodge at the family-owned Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa for her Valentine’s weekend with boyfriend Eddie Boxshall and two close friends. Having loved her stay in the lodges when she played in the Ladies European Tour Access Series Pro Am last October, Denise booked to return for two nights for a packed Valentines itinerary at this renowned award-winning golf and spa resort, situated in beautiful Constable Country on the Suffolk/Essex border.

Arriving Friday evening, the new guest Eastenders actress and friends enjoyed a sumptuous dinner in the hotel’s Two AA Rosette Lakes Restaurant with family director Tamara Unwin and husband Stephen. Denise had been interviewed on the red carpet the night before for the Premier of 50 Shades of Grey, but despite 3 hours sleep looked as stunning as ever in an elegant short black dress with sky high heels.

After a photoshoot in the lodges on Saturday morning Denise teed off on the Gainsborough course for a relaxed round of golf with her friends.

She only took up the game last year and is already looking impressive on the course, showing a natural swing and aptitude.

A fun Rasul Mud Therapy Experience after her golf – one of the most popular treatments in the hotel’s Peake Spa – provided Denise and her singer/songwriter friend Cozi Costi with much hilarity.

On Valentine’s night Denise and friends enjoyed a special romantic champagne candlelit dinner in the Lakes Restaurant. She was so impressed by the excellent quality of the food that she wanted to thank Executive Head Chef Alan Paton and his talented team personally – and surprised him by walking into the kitchen to order her own dessert and asking him to do a selfie with her. The delighted and startled Chef was very happy to oblige!

After dinner Denise and friends joined hotel family owners Tamara Unwin and Susanna Rendall and their guests in the Devora Suite and quickly got into the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party theme for the hotel’s Valentine’s Ball, dancing the night away to popular live band, Juke Box Fury.

Denise shared several photos of her fun weekend with her 600,000 or so twitter followers, commenting “Best Valentines weekend of golf,

dinner and dancing with Cozicosti, Eddieboxshall and Dunc at Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa”.

Her stay was also featured in the Mail on Sunday the next day. She later said “We literally had the best time. We had a really fun day followed by a lovely meal in the evening. We met some great people and it was everything we wanted it to be.

The lodges are amazing and we felt like we had our own space and we could really enjoy the weekend.”

Hotel director Tamara Unwin said “We were thrilled that Denise and Eddie decided to come to Stoke

by Nayland for their first Valentine’s weekend together and that they had the opportunity to enjoy all the facilities on offer here. We believe that the seclusion, luxury and comfort of the lodges together with the excellent dining, golf and spa facilities at the hotel provide a unique winning combination for anyone needing to escape for a romantic fun-filled break, and we are really delighted that they had such a great time”.

Denise and Eddie on the Lodge balcony

Peter Ballingall

@

LETTER FROM SPAIN

[Portugal]? The reality seems to be that the ‘anti-austerity’ parties in Brrrr! It has been the coldest Winter for years down these countries are making great waves with growing support from here in the south west of Spain with strong winds their citizens and whatever your from the north making life ‘challenging’ for the golfers. Even the Swedes have been wearing long own views are about the EU there is a growing swell of opinion for change and that the idea of a Federal trousers and warm tops – and we had frosts some State of Europe is not the way forward. mornings; almost unheard of!!

People wish to fly their own nation’s flag and they In the north of the country the weather is not too want government for ‘their people’ by ‘their people’ dissimilar to that of the UK with snow, much rain and not by faceless bureaucrats locked away in the and grey skies but this winter has been a long one dungeons of Brussels. for the people there too.

It is all a bit of a concern, don’t you think? All over The good thing, of course, is that this is only Europe, even also in the UK, people are dissatisfied temporary and even as you read this our with the main stream political parties with their ‘career temperatures will be sitting in the low to mid 20’sC politicians’ and it is likely that wherever there might be again and that la primavera ha llegado. a General Election the voting will be higher than ever before. UKIP, the SNP, Green Party in the UK are The state of the Euro, bearing in mind what is making their voices heard and here in Spain the happening in Greece, is of great concern to many Podemos Party, [center-left] are really making waves not least to the ex-pats who live in Spain and in countries like Italy and Portugal. The economies of that is panicking the traditional PSOE [Left Wing] and the PP [Right Wing]. It seems that the face of politics these countries have suffered hugely under the directives of Brussels and Strasburg and although it is changing across the board. could be argued that many infrastructures have benefited – like road systems etc. – the euro is now very weak against the pound.

Whilst this benefits UK citizens holidaying in these ‘sun countries’ as they get more Euros for their Pounds it paints a sorrier picture for those living here who might wish to ‘sell up’ and return home – even to transfer cash in Euros to Pounds.

It works both ways, of course. When we first came to Spain the Euro was sitting at €1.50 to the pound enabling us to buy our house at a huge discount so we cannot complain. The problem could arise should we wish to return. Mrs B and I have not discussed the possibilities of returning home because we are happy here seemingly living in a ‘bubble’ shielded from the harsh realities that exist for so many others – BUT with so much uncertainty about the future we might have to look at it!

Can it be possible that if Greece abandons the Euro for the Drachma that we might see the return of the Peseta [Spain], the Lire [Italy] and the Escudo

Some people do not put too much stock into Opinion Polls but all across Europe ‘the drums’ are being heard. Where it will lead us to and where will it end only time will tell and depending on one’s point of view this is an exciting or a depressing time in our history.

Personally I do not like uncertainty and, being a dinosaur now, am fearful of radical change.

Hang on a minute! The skies are blue here again and the sun is shining. It is warmer now and we can pack away the winter clothes – so ‘kindly disregard this letter’ .

Enjoy!

Contact me, Peter Ballingall at: Apartado de Correos 101 21450 Cartaya (Huelva) ESPAÑA Tel: (0034) 959 02 42 42 or E-mail: pballingall@golfelrompido.es Website: www.peterballingall.com

CAN YOU DONATE A COUPLE OF POUNDS FOR CANCER RESEARCH? One of our freelance magazine staff, who contributes and supports our wonderful magazine is doing the 5k muddy challenge, on 13th June to raise money for Cancer Reasearch, something close to all our hearts.

If you can, please go to www.justgiving.com/janeclarke1

32

Pele wins first event of 2015 A regular at the Stonham FootGolf Course, Pele Heydon won the first event of the 2015 season with a tremendous 52, 6 under par to win by 2 shots. His course record equalling score, included 7 birdies and he now leads the new Suffolk Rankings table with 50 points.

In 2nd place were Markus Pfetzing and Darren Wheat who both scored a 4 under par 54.

Markus managed a fantastic 6 under par for his last nine holes which included a hole in one on the 17th.

The event attracted just under 60 players from all over the region which included 34 men, 17 ladies and 8 juniors. It was great to have the 17 ladies who played in the event as part of #thisgirlcan campaign. This Girl Can is a national campaign developed by Sport England and a wide range of partnership organisations. It's a celebration of active women up and down the country who are doing their thing no matter how well they do it or how they look.

The next ranking tournament will be on the Sunday 12th April with a 1.00pm start. Everyone is welcome, juniors, ladies and men.

Anyone interested in playing please contact Stonham Barns FootGolf Course. Tel 01449 711545 or email tony@midsuffolkgolfacademy.co.uk.

Mens FootGolf Scores Pele Heydon M 1 2 Markus Pfetzing M 3 Darren Wheat M 4 Sam Scott M 5 Liam Coyte M 6 Tony Dobson M 7 Josh Cantwell M Ladies FootGolf Scores 1 Natalie RichardsonL 2 Emma Willis L 3 Holly Richardson L 4 Helen Richardson L 5 Ella Sliney L 6 Julie Harriss L Junior FootGolf Scores 1 Charlie Tranter J 2 Darren Lindeman J 3 Luke Marks J 4 Dylan Coddington J 5 Louis Musk J 6 Tyler Leggett J

52 54 54 56 56 57 57

64 67 77 79 79 81

70 72 76 77 83 83

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Mike NORFOLK COUNTY Devlin Hon GOLF UNION Secretary by

On yours marks, get set…

County Captain, Iain Yule (iain.yule@btinternet.com ) is hosting a County Trials day at Swaffham Golf Club on Sunday March 22nd. All players who feel they have the game to represent Norfolk as a County 1st or 2nd Team player should contact Iain and come along on the day. *

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The County 1st & 2nd Teams are looking forward to their first get together of the year on Sunday 29th March at King’s Lynn Golf Club. The traditional format for the day is the 1st Team versus the 2nd Team versus the Under 18 Team where much is made of the opportunity for the 2nd Team and the Under 18 Team to show the County 1st just what they are made of. *

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The County Championships playing season gets underway with the County Foursomes Championships at Thetford. Day one will be a stableford event with the top four pairs going through to the 1st Flight Match Play semi-finals and eventual final on day two and the next four pairs going on to compete in the 2nd Flight event.

Last year’s winners, Kevin Webb and Ian Rafferty, both of Costessey Park Golf Club, will no doubt be doing their best to repeat their victory.

The County Under 18 Juniors start their campaign with the traditional friendly against Eaton GC. Bragging rights will go to the victors who will, no doubt, dine out on it for the rest of 2015. This is followed almost immediately by the BUT Trophy, a triangular match against Leicestershire & Rutland, Bedfordshire and Norfolk. This match is an annual fixture and is played at rotating venues around the three participating counties and is a mixture of foursomes and singles match-play. This year the venue is South Beds GC. 34

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Our County Senior’s are holding a pre-season get together at Great Yarmouth & Caister on March 20th to hopefully glean an insight into form for the forthcoming inter county matches. This will be followed by a match against Norfolk Juniors (Boys and Girls) at Sheringham on March 29th. Match points will be hard fought and afterwards some ribbing may well take place dependent upon the outcome of each of the matches. *

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HANDICAPPING MATTERS Area Handicapping Authority, Kevin Joy has completed the annual Category 1 audit and the findings have been forwarded to England Golf for their records.

Although in the winter months less golf is played the process of running a successful club remains, especially for handicap committees. The Annual Review is a point in question. One of the most frequently asked questions from committees is how to conduct a successful annual review. Perhaps the best way to answer that question is to ask it in another way – ‘Why is an annual review necessary?’ There are a number of reasons for conducting an annual review but the overwhelming reason is to ensure that a player’s handicap reflects their present playing ability. To assist committees, their handicap software will produce recommendations based on the players’ scores over the season. Quite clearly it is easier to see a pattern of play for a player who has submitted 25 qualifying scores than a player who has only submitted the minimum of 3 qualifying rounds. In a majority of cases players’ handicaps remain the same and as long as committees can evidence changes this will ensure that when players compete they can be confident that as far as possible their playing partner’s handicap reflects their current ability.

Just a reminder that if you have any handicapping enquiries , Kevin will always endeavour to answer them for you and if he does not know the answer he will ensure that he will find out and give you a definitive answer.

The easiest way to contact Kevin is by e-mail (kevinjoy@live.co.uk).

Junior Matters

Jack Yule – of Middleton Hall Golf Club has just returned Hardworking, Norman Blanch, County Junior from Portugal and Spain Manager continues his search for any talented where he featured very highly young golfers who may wish to be considered for indeed. A top 13 spot in County Squad inclusion. Club Junior Organisers, Portugal and making the final Secretaries and Managers are requested to please 16 in Spain shows his consider the juniors at your club and consider pedigree and all bodes well putting them forward to be included. Please for his career. He’s a busy, contact Norman on norman.blanch@btinternet.com busy golfer and next he is to for further details. tee up in the Sunningdale Foursomes partnered by his Norman is delighted to report that Gary Davis, long father and County Captain Iain. Their first round term servant of Norfolk Junior Golf, has been opponents have turned out to be Laura Davies appointed Under 18 Squad Manager with partnered by Barry Lane and irony of ironies, Jack immediate effect. Gary has started by hitting the and Iain have to give them a shot. Hey ho !! ground running and is already engaged with Norman in squad selection for the upcoming BUT Trophy. Nothing like keeping busy eh?

The County Union Annual General Meeting is to be * * * * * held at Royal Norwich Golf Club on April 8th when President Alan Winstanley steps down. Alan has been a fantastic President over the last two years and The bi-annual County Union Delegates meeting has served unswervingly throughout his term of office. was held at Eaton Golf Club on March 4th and it Happily we shall not lose his services as he will was well attended by representatives of Norfolk continue on the Executive Committee as Immediate Clubs. A varied agenda kept the assembled Past President. Vice-President Doug Gilchrist, a audience up to date with all the latest information founder member of Weston Park Golf Club and a long about golf in our County. term supporter of golf within Norfolk, will be proposed A new inter-club event was tabled for as President of the Norfolk County Golf Union for discussion and gaining support it was agreed to 2015 to 2017. The County is in safe hands. start this year. The tournament is to be known as the NORFOLK COUNTY GOLF UNION HANDICAP LEAGUE and to be competed for annually.

Around & about ...

The torch is passed

Clubs participating will be placed to four geographical divisions with their peers and play each other home and away.

Clubs shall be represented by eight players - 4 pairs.

Matches to consist of two legs (home and away) of 18 holes, betterball, match-play.

President - Alan Winstanley

And finally ...

Vice-President – Doug Gilchrist

Scoring will be by matches, the side winning the largest number of matches will be deemed the I was delighted to attend the 25th Anniversary of winner.

Middleton Hall Golf Club and I can report that they are in good health. The atmosphere was, as one would The playing handicap limit will be 18. Any expect from such a friendly club, absolutely brilliant. player whose handicap is between 19-28 may Some 70 plus members enjoyed a splendid meal and represent his club but must play off the a terrific series of presentations by some of the older maximum handicap allowable of 18. The and even founder members of the club, waxing lyrical handicap allowance will be three quarters of and recalling many many snippets of all that makes a the difference taken from the lowest player. golf club such a wonderful institution. Plaudits Further details of the conditions of entry are abounded for the current owners, Mike and Mandy available through your Club Secretary’s office.

Johnson who have taken the club to greater heights and a fitting position amongst its’ peers in the Norfolk * * * * * Golfing Community. Long may they prosper.

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NORFOLK PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS' ASSOCIATION

by Secretary, John Paling ‘Squirrels Reach’, Folgate Lane, Old Costessey, Norwich NR8 5EF Tel: 01603 741301 Email: jandjpaling@uwclub.net

PGA Norfolk Pro Am Hunstanton

www.club-noticeboard.co.uk

COMMITTEE MEMBERS Chairman: Mike Jubb; Norfolk PGA Representative: Michael Few; Captain: Ryan Pudney; Vice Captain: Neil Lythgoe; Committee: Alan Hemsley, Lee Patterson

The superb location of Hunstanton Golf Club “kicks off” the Norfolk professional season and once again a big field of 26 teams battled against a strong northerly wind, which increased the chill factor. With work on the course reducing the par to 69 it was still going to be a challenge to make that score and indeed only the winner matched par. Tom Clements is in his first year as a trainee professional under the tutorage of Mark Allen at Eaton golf club and he brings a good record from his amateur days with his score proving that today. Two shots further back were last years O.O.M. winner Ian Ellis (Great Yarmouth & Caister) and visitor from Peterborough Stuart Brown. Stuart also featured in the team competition being squeezed into third place on count back to Tim LondCaulke’s team (Diss Driving Range). Very satisfying to have another trainee feature in the prizes because the team winners were led home by Sheringham Trainee professional Charlie Bright with a score of 7 under par 131.

Today was a good day for the trainees and in the county we now have 8 trainees, which is very healthy for the PGA and golf in general.

Anyone wishing to play in any of this year’s ProAms should contact the secretary, John Paling (07778577596 or jandjpaling@uwclub.net) Team. 1st 131Charlie Bright with Colin Clark, Chris Leswell & Alex Winstanley 133 C/B Tim Lond-Caulke (Diss Golf Centre) with Tom Fitchew, Guy Baker & Ross Bailey Green. 133 Stuart Brown with Neil Jary, Edwards Peggs & Paul Godfrey.

Professionals 1st 69 Tom Clements, 71 Ian Ellis & Stuart Brown, 74 Neil Mitchell (Bury Driving Range) & David Woolley (Middleton Hall).

The PGA in Norfolk Professionals had their A.G.M. following prize giving and, elected to the office of this year’s Captain, was Jason Groat (Denver Golf Club).

Thetford P.G.A. Norfolk Pro Am

The course came in for some special praise for it’s condition in early March, although most of the field were challenged by the slick greens, they were up to summer speed. Only one golfer beat par and that was last year’s Order of Merit runner-up, Mark Spooner (Bawburgh) with a 71. For the second week running we had two trainees in the top five and returning a level par 72 for second position was Thetford’s Will Cross who also led in the winning team with a C/B winning score over Ian Ellis (Great Yarmouth & Caister).

Nearest the pin was Ted Evans and Longest Drive was Brad Smith.

Team. 1st 138 Will Cross with Harry Brister, Anthony Stannard & Norrie Dickson. 138 Ian Ellis with Brad Smith, Mitch Smith & Dean Ashton. 139 Matthew Gardner (Barnham Broom) with Rudy Holtz, Spencer Thrope & Olly Clarke.

Professionals. 1st 71 Mark Spooner, 72 Will Cross, 73 Ian Ellis, Mark Allen and Tom Clements (both Eaton) After two events the O.O.M. table is shown below.

Professional

Golf Club

Ian Ellis

Great Yarm’ & Caister12

Will Cross

Thetford

Tom Clements Mark Spooner David Woolley

Bawburgh

Middleton Hall

Points 14

10 8

6

Mark Allen

Eaton

4

James Yemc

Hunstanton

3

Jason Groat 36

Eaton

Denver

3

CAN YOU DONATE A COUPLE OF POUNDS FOR CANCER RESEARCH?

One of our freelance magazine staff, who contributes and supports our wonderful magazine is doing the 5k muddy challenge, on 13th June to raise money for Cancer Reasearch, something close to all our hearts.

If you can, please go to www.justgiving.com/janeclarke1

ROYAL NORWICH GOLF CLUB’S RELOCATION TAKES A GIANT STEP FORWARD

Royal Norwich Golf Club’s relocation to Weston Park has moved to the planning permission stages after the formal agreements were signed and exchanged. Royal Norwich Golf Club and Persimmon Homes have already started making significant progress towards delivering exciting new facilities for the future.

In respect of the Golf Course the detailed planning work is being managed by European Golf Design’s Ross McMurray. Emily Barnston from Fieldon & Mawson Architects together with Richard Utting of Richard Utting Associates are working on the state of the art Clubhouse design and additional facilities for golfers and their families.

It is believed that after satisfactory planning permission is granted it will take approximately 24 months to construct and “grow in” the new course at Weston Park. Until that point Royal Norwich will carry on playing 18 holes at the Hellesdon site.

Phil Grice, General Manager of Royal Norwich Golf Club said: “This is an incredibly historic moment for Royal Norwich Golf Club. The Golf Club’s Legal Sub Group have worked tirelessly over the last twelve months to achieve todays signing. It is now over to the various design teams to create a course and facilities that are seen as a new benchmark in golf”.

Martin Goymour, of Goymour Properties said: “Germination for this exciting venture may be slow, but it has steadily moved forward and will create a ‘must play’ top class golf venue for Norfolk and East Anglia.

We are proud of Weston Park, and look to the future when Royal Norwich at Weston becomes a prestigious golf club and family facility” Martin Davison from Persimmon Homes said: “We are delighted that the formal legal agreement between ourselves and the Club has been completed today enabling progression of work towards the submission and attaining of relevant planning permissions”.

He added: “Considerable work still needs to be undertaken before applications can be submitted.

However the signing of these agreements is a major milestone in achieving the ultimate objectives of both Persimmon and the Club”.

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37

THETFORD NEWS

Pitcher 69-4-65.

February Midweek Stableford: 39pts Charlie Bick; 38 Brian How; 35 David Horsburgh, Nigel Parker and Dean Scott; 34 Chris Kay and Alan Hitchborm.

The Thetford Winter Pro-Ams continued on a wet day, with 104 players including 19 Professionals taking Thetford Golf Club teams are making steady part in the latest event. progress in national competitions.

The men's Mail on Sunday team saw off the In the Professionals medal event, George Howard from Brampton Park had a mixed scorecard including challenge of neighbours Feltwell with a resounding 5-0 success. The Thetford team of Josh 2 birdies and 2 bogies on the course’s four short Chamberlain, Bruno How, Ian Farnham, Paul holes. He birdied two of the par 5s and also birdied the two hardest holes on the course according to their Pearce and Mark Henfield all secured comfortable wins and they now await the third round draw with stroke index. All in all it added up to a 1 under par interest. round of 71 and a one shot win over Ben Kerr. Ben will be disappointed with his finish as he was 2 under Thetford ladies had a terrific tussle at Bury before bowing out of the competition 3-2. Jess Dixon, par with just 5 holes to play. Maybe the rain finally took its toll and caused bogies on the 9th, putting him Abigail O'Riordan, Sue Pitcher, Kath Malvern and Heather Keeble fought hard and two of the matches back to second. were decided on the 17th hole and the other three In the Pro-Am event, the same two professionals took went all the way to the 18th, but ultimately giving a the top 2 places in a tight finish. First, second and total of 35 strokes in the five matches proved too third all scored 4 under par 68s and could only be much to overcome. separated by a card countback.

Thetford's representatives in the Daily Mail Foursomes are both through after steady home The top two pairings in the Am-Am also scored 68 wins. Josh Chamberlain and Bruno How beat their and also had to be separated by countback. The opponents from The Suffolk 3&2 despite giving 12 Alliance President, Steve Plumb was paired up with strokes, and in the ladies' event Heather Keeble his regular partner Tim Smith and started off like a and Sue Pitcher won 5&4 against opponents from house on fire from the 6th tee with two birdies and a Feltwell. par. The pair seemed to have blown their great start when the best they could do on the par 4 9th was a 7 Father and son Tony and Mark Brooks won the first cup competition of the year, the Nunthorpe Cup.

by Tim. However they didn’t drop another shot until their penultimate hole, the 4th and their score pipped The competition is a four-ball better-ball Stableford and Tony and Mark returned 39 points to beat Mark fellow Saffron Walden pair, Cam Brown and Callum Brooks whose double bogey on the 18th proved their Henfield and Paul Pearce on countback. John Ward and Noland Guthrie were third with 38, beating John undoing.

Clark and Martin Jackson on countback.

Scores: Professional Medal: 71 George Howard (Brampton Park); 72 Ben Kerr (West Suffolk); 76 David Law (Wyboston), Adrian Firman Assistant pro Will Cross was second in the Norfolk PGA Pro-Am with a round of 72. Mark Spooner had (Peterborough) and Miles Collins (Stoke-By-Nayland).

Pro-Am: 68 George Howard/Ed Dimambro (Brampton Park) on the best score of the day, a one-under-par 71. countback from Ben Kerr/Matt Hartley (West Suffolk/Newmarket) and Other results: Jonny Sharkey/David Marris (Newmarket).

Am-Am: 68 Steve Plumb/Tim Smith (Saffron Walden/Bishop’s Stortford) on countback from Cam Brown/Callum Brooks (Saffron Walden); 69 Roger Toone/Richard Cross (Stoke-By-Nayland).

Front-runners Kevin Cooke and Dan Traher stormed home with 35 points on Sunday to win Thetford Golf Club's Winter League. The competition involves six rounds, three four-ball better-ball events and three foursomes events, and each pairing keeps the best two scores in each format.Cooke/Traher were joint leaders going into the final foursomes round with a total of 138, and they improved their score by seven points.

Farnham and Horsburgh came in with 36 for an eightpoint improvement - but they had begun the day four points adrift.

Mark Henfield and Paul Pearce, the joint leaders, dropped back to third place with a disappointing final day.

The Everard Gates Trophy is a winter eclectic event. Leading final scores: Michael Smith 71-8-63; Andrew Knowles 72-7.5-64.5; Graham

Seniors March Stableford: 36pts Peter Yule, 35 Aidan Power and Dave Rivett; 34 Graham Norman, 33 Robert Smith, 32 David Edge and Harold Ham.

Thetford's Bruno How and Josh Chamberlain beat Brian Hay and Steve Wicks of The Suffolk 3 & 2 in the first round of the Daily Mail Foursomes. The visitors led by one hole after nine, but the Thetford pair - who were giving 12 strokes - produced a good run over the next few holes to secure victory.

Other results at Thetford: February Medal, Division One: 1 Ian Hamshaw 84-12-72, 2 Mark Tudor 82-8-74, 3 Brian How 82-8-74, 4 Matt Foulds 87-12-75, 5 Robert Taylor 85-10-75, 6 Jim Sanford 89-14-75, 7 Robert Bentley 91-15-76, 8 John Barton 87-11-76. Division Two: 1 Robert Baldwin 100-26-74, 2 Patrick Gould 93-17-76, 3 Tim McAlinden 94-16-78, 4 Aidan Power 97-18-79, 5 Chris Evans 101-22-79.

Ladies' February Stableford, Division One: 1 Liz Wigg 31pts, 2 Kath Malvern 30, 3 Judith Pattrick 29. Division Two: 1 Jane Herrington 31, 2, Dawn Dixon 30, 3 Vera Squirrell 28. Division Three: 1 Julia Leeson 21, 2 Jean Howe 19, 3 Margy Lingham 16.

Ladies' Valentine's Competition: 1 Val Cunningham, Kath Malvern & Jane Herrington 92pts, 2 Julia Leeson, Judith Pattrick & Sandra Lester 82 ocb 3 Julia Arthur, Dawn Dixon & Vicki Smith.

The build-up to the county inter-club events continued at Thetford with two warm-up matches against Stowmarket for some cross-border rivalry between Norfolk and Suffolk clubs.

It was a good contest, as expected – Thetford had been beaten finalists in Norfolk’s low-handicap event, the Myhill Trophy, while Stowmarket had reached the final of the Suffolk equivalent, the Stenson Shield.

The result of the foursomes match was a 16-hole win for the Thetford team of Josh Chamberlain & Ross Sanford, Charlie Bick & Jared Delvaux, Paul Pearce & Mark Henfield , John Stapleton & Dan Traher and Ian Farnham & Andrew Horsburgh.

Thetford captain Kevin Cooke was delighted with his team’s display, and thanked them for risking domestic problems by turning up to play golf on Mothering Sunday.

Thetford’s Cullington Cup team, for handicappers of 10 and above, also won against the Stowmarket Tolly Cobbold Cup squad, by a 12 hole margin.

Other results: March Midweek Stableford: 36pts Ian Gosling; 35 Matt West, Brian How; 34 Frank Benn, Peter Griffiths; 33 Chris Waters; 32 Terry Brooks, Phil Halford; 31 Charlie Bick; 30 Mike Tilley.

Ladies’ March Medal. Saturdays Division One, 1 Kath Malvern 90-11-79; 2 Jessica Dixon 87-3-84; 3 Abigail O’Riordan 94-9-85. Division Two: 1 Val Gallagher 113-34-79; 2 Dawn Dixon 103-21-82; 3 Gwen Dixon 121-35-86. Midweek Division One: 1 Janice Bone 93-13-80; 2 Moira Morgan 96-16-80; 3 Heather Keeble 94-12-82. Division Two: 1 Vicki Smith 107-2681; 2 Dawn Dixon 102-21-81; 3 Pam Ellis 110-25-85.

SEARCH NARROWS FOR STEWARD OF THE YEAR

The search for the Fuller’s London Pride Steward of the Year has narrowed with the announcement of the four regional winners for 2014. They are:Midlands: David Guest of Halesowen Golf Club, Worcestershire North: David Prior of Blackley Golf Club, Lancashire South East: Samantha Hudson of Swaffham Golf Club, Norfolk South West: Kevin Brown of Sherborne Golf Club, Dorset

NCGU CONTACTS President

Alan Winstanley, Sheringham Golf Club

Vice President

Doug Gilchrist, Weston Park Golf Club

Imm. Past President

Frank Myers, Thetford Golf Club

Hon. County Secretary

Mike Devlin, Acacia House, The Street, Tibenham. Norfolk. NR16 1QA Great Yarmouth & Caister Golf club niblick@btinternet.com 01379 674516

Hon. County Treasurer

Richard Betts, Gt Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club 01603 720957 email: richardbetts@btinternet.com County Captain Iain Yule, Kings Lynn Golf Club iain.yule@btinternet.com

2nd Team Captain Kevin Webb, Costessey Park Golf Club - kevinwebb@fpands.co.uk Seniors Captain Terry Norman, Great Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club, terrynorman45@hotmail.co.uk

Seniors Administrator Malcolm Carr of Sheringham Golf Club malcolm.carr@tiscali.co.uk

Junior Secretary - Norman Blanch, 10, Hillside Crescent, Wicklewood, Norwich. NR18 9QD Tel: 01953 604394 normanblanch@btinternet.com Team Managers (Juniors):

Andrew Cullington The national winner will be announced at a celebration lunch at The 01603 898311 ajcully@btinternet.com Counting House, an historic Fuller’s pub in London.

Whoever wins the title of London Pride Steward of the Year will Tarro Giannesi - 07903 805807 receive a weekend break in London, complete with accommodation tarrogiannesi@live.com for two nights in a Fuller’s Central London Hotel. They will also win U18 Manager - Gary Davis - 01603 advertising space in the local press to promote their golf club.

610006 email: davis393609@aol.com The competition, now in its eighth edition, is run jointly

by England Golf and Fuller’s and aims to identify the golf club PGA Secretary - John Paling steward who provides the most welcoming and enjoyable ‘Squirrels Reach’, Folgate Lane, experience at the 19th hole.

Old Costessey, Norwich NR8 5EF Club members, visitors and golf club managers put forward Tel: 01603 741301 jandjpaling@uwclub.net nominations for the 2014 title. These were whittled down to a shortlist of 12 stewards – three from each region - by representatives of Norfolk Schools - Margo Horsburgh England Golf and Fuller’s, with the help of 2013 Stewards of the 5 Bishops Croft, Barningham, Year, Simon and Karen Ward of Wilmslow Golf Club, Cheshire.

Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 1BZ The shortlisted stewards were all visited personally and the regional 01359 221281 dandmhorsburgh@talktalk.net winners were selected after the candidates were judged on their level of commitment, innovation and standard of service and presentation, Girls Organiser - Carol Delf together with that extra special something which sets them apart.

Gt Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club

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SMILES ALL ROUND

Middleton Hall Golf Club Lady Captain, Brenda Boldero ( seated centre ) with her team which beat Hunstanton 4 - 1 in the second round of the Mail on Sunday: From left to right: Kate Duncan, Elaine Calvert, Kath Metcalfe, Truda Foster and Helen Bensley.

Last year Middleton Hall ladies reached the last thirty two in this national competition; the only team in the county to do so.

A good start to this year, girls!

Dereham Golf Club

This year saw the revival of the Captain’s team v the Ladies Captain’s team match.

With 16 ladies and 16 gents Captain Nigel Elmar and Ladies Captain Jane Bizley drew for their mixed pairs. The format was Greensomes match-play over 18 holes. Following play all players enjoyed a meal at which the Captain announced that his team had won 5-3. The Ladies Captain thanked everyone for playing and making the afternoon a success.

The following Tuesday Dereham ladies played their last winter jolly with a ‘bring and win’ twist. 27 ladies turned out in the spring sunshine to play a 9-hole Stableford. The winner was Ellie Barker with 21 points, closely followed by Anne Taylor on 20 points.

The ladies are now looking forward to the Ladies Captains Away Day at Dunston Hall on St. Patricks Day.

ADVERTISING WORKS!

If golfers and Societies don’t know you’re there or what you offer, how will they play your course or become a new Member?

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suffolkgolfer@aspects.net

Jim McGrath Hole in One

Playing in the Algarve International Classic held over 1 week and based in Villamoura, Fakenham Golf Club member Jim McGrath (above) had a hole in one whilst playing the Pines Course at Pinheiros Altos.

It was on the 18th hole a 170 yard par 3 and he used a 5 iron.

In addition Jim was a section 2 daily winner and section 2 weekly winner.

Other Fakenham golf club members were Terry Hegarty who was a section 1 daily winner and Randy Reynolds won the open pairs competition.

Suffolk & Norfolk Golfer Magazine would like to say a sincere sorry to Margo Horsburgh, who works hard to send in copy for the Norfolk Schools Golf Association, and we mistakenly entitled her column as Suffolk Schools Golf Association.

We appreciate all Margo’s efforts and again apologise for our silly mistake.

The Sunrise Seventh As the morning sun rises over the United Kingdom one of the first holes which sees daylight is the seventh at Gorleston Golf Club which presently holds the distinction of being geographically, the most easterly hole in the country. It was not always the case as, until 1939 one of the holes at the disbanded Corton Golf Club a few miles south of Gorleston would have held the distinction.

Alan Attoe, Gorleston Golf Club

Equally Lowestoft Golf Club would have been able to lay claim to the title prior to them decanting first to Pakefield before eventually parking themselves at Rookery. Looking solely at the green it would be easy to leave the story of the location there. A summary of the fact that thirty nine players are presently listed on the honours board to have stepped up to the green to retrieve their ball for the magical ace including former Club Captains and Presidents, ladies and gentlemen one of whom was handicapped by the disability of having only one arm. We could remind ourselves of, because of the narrow piece of land between green and cliff edge and its protection by bunkers at the front and both sides, the lines of Rudyard Kipling "If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those impostors just the same".

Some remains existed until much later and the site of its Manor House existed until the 17th century to the east of Potters Holiday Centre in Hopton whilst its church dedicated to St Mary was used as recently as the nineteenth century before being claimed by the sea. Now the only memory of Newton Cross lies in the name of a residential street half a mile or so from the course whilst man eventually succeeded with his seventh attempt to construct a harbour with the present harbours mouth which has existed since the 16th century and is clearly seen north from the green.

This valley, which traverses the course ending on its new grounds to the west which are presently used as a practise area, is most likely the destination of the "third cut" of the seven attempts our forefathers made in their attempts to navigate a route through to the inland waterways of what was known as the Great Broad the estuary which extended from Hopton in the south to beyond Caister to the north. At the time the cut was started the golf course would have been very much inland and to its east was the settlement of Newton Cross which sparse records show ceased to exist following a great storm in the 14th century.

All golf Clubs with coastal locations will know of the perils of such locations therefore it is appropriate to remind ourselves the seventh will not always have the distinction of being the nation's most easterly golf hole. This summer with the men's section having the good fortune of a plethora of home draws in County competition and with the Suffolk Amateur Championship heading to the course this summer hopefully players of these Clubs and many more will take the opportunity of being able to say they have played this unique hole and our Club will be pleased to give them a warm welcome.

There is however more to the hole than that and what there is reminds us of the fragility of the land on which we play the great game. I have not researched who chose the original layout of the hole from its teeing ground over a valley to the green. The responsibility lies with either the original architects Willie Park jnr and James Hepburn or was part of the revised layout from the partnership of Hawtree and Taylor. It is the valley itself which in my research I found most interest.

A further reminder of the forces of nature came in 1960 when a Miss L Holmsen was walking with her father, Mr T W Holmsen along the banks of the fjord near their Norwegian home when Miss Holmsen noticed a large piece of wood floating in the water. On closer inspection it was seen to state "Gorleston Golf Club PRIVATE" further enquiry with the Club led them to discover the sign had been lost over the cliff the previous summer. I can only conclude this loss came as a result of one of the regular attacks the Club faces from the elements.

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CAPTAIN’S FAREWELL

The Ladies Captain, Pam Sillis, held the last competition of her year before the AGM. It was a good day for golf and the ladies turned out in good numbers.

After the competition the ladies returned to the clubhouse for coffee and cakes before the prize presentation.

The Ladies Captain, Pam, said how much she had enjoyed her year and thanked everyone for their support.

9 hole stableford competition.

1st tee: 1. Soon Letchford 23pts, 2. Pat Simpson 18pts ocb, 3. Pat Arnold 18pts ocb.

10th tee. 1. Margaret Doubleday 19pts ocb, 2. Irene Flynn 19pts ocb, 3. Maggie Clarkson 19pts ocb.

Nearest the pin on the 5th Soon Letchford and the l6th Maureen Everett

Photo left to right: Maureen Everett, Pat Simpson, Soon Letchford, Pam Sillis, Ladies Captain, Pat Arnold, Irene Flynn, Maggie Clarkson & Margaret Doubleday.

Right: Pam Sillis, presented a cheque to Lindsay Atkin, Community Fundraising Manager, for the Norfolk Hospice.

The members of the golf club had raised the amazing sum of £4,000. for Pam’s Captain's Charity, which was gratefully received by the Hospice in their 30th Anniversary Year.

2014 Senior’s Captain John’s charity donation to the Norfolk Hospice

Middleton Hall Golf Club senior’s captain for 2014, John Burdett, raised £900 for the Norfolk Hospice via charity events and donations through 2014.

John is pictured handing over the cheque to Lindsey Atkin, Community & Corporate Fundraiser for the Norfolk Hospice, also pictured left to right are Mike Freedman, Neil Williams, Chris Hudson and this year’s captain Malcolm Doughty.

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VALENTINES CUP

Lady Captain of Middleton Hall, Brenda Boldero, (right) presents Marie Brewer with the Valentine' Cup which is awarded for the highest score in a Running Stableford.

25th ANNIVERSARY FOR MIDDLETON HALL Middleton Hall Golf Club is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The Club opened on 5 March 1990, initially as a 9 hole course but within six years it had been transformed into a challenging 18 hole course designed by Dick Scott.

The celebrations began on 5 March 2015, exactly 25 years later, with a tree planting ceremony. Mick Quince, one of the founder members who has been president, club captain and secretary of the Club, is pictured below planting an Oak tree between the 9th and 18th fairways. Mick said he was proud to perform the ceremony and hoped the tree would add to the existing beauty and challenge of the course.

has also been gradually improved to become one of Norfolk’s premier courses regularly hosting county events. Mick Quince concluded the evening with anecdotes about the Club and its people.

Of the 18 current founder members, 10 attended the gala dinner (pictured above, left to right: Mick Quince, Bob Foster, Eric Horrell, Rita Hill, Sandra Quince, Alan De Witt, Bill Small, Rose Poole, Kevin Woolley, Lionel Poole) . Club President, Malcolm Garrod said "This is one of the friendliest clubs in the county and all members are extremely proud of what has been achieved in our first 25 years.

2015 Open Competitions

The celebrations continued at the weekend when members and their partners gathered for a lavish Gala Dinner. The evening included a presentation from Bob Foster about the Club’s history. Those present heard that the opening day in1990 was marred by the tragic death of founder member, Ben Watson, while playing the third hole. Ben’s widow presented a trophy for which the men still compete every year.

Kevin Woolley talked about the Club's golfing development. The membership has more than doubled over the past 25 years and developed strong men, ladies, senior and junior sections who have competed successfully at both county and national level, notably when the men reached the final of the prestigious Mail On Sunday competition in 2011, narrowly losing to Wentworth. The course

Ladies Open Thursday 7th May

Entry fee per team of four players: Visitors £104. Separate prizes for Visitors and Members. Includes coffee & croissant on arrival, two course buffet style meal and prizes.

Mixed Open Sunday 17th May

Entry fee per pair- Visitors £52 Separate prizes for members and visitors. Entry includes coffee & bacon roll on arrival, a two course carvery meal.

Seniors Open Friday 4th September

Entry fee per pair - Visitors £52. Separate prizes for members and visitors. Entry includes coffee & bacon roll on arrival and two course carvery meal.

FULL DETAILS AND TO DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORMS visit:

www.middletonhallgolfclub.com

Hall Orchards, Middleton, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 1RY Tel: 01553 841800 email: enquiries@middletonhallgolfclub.com

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Eaton’s successful re-vamp

At Eaton there are many improvements for members and visitors alike to look forward to this summer, and the club is enjoying renewed success as it continues to invest in its members.

At the recent AGM it was reported that membership has really taken off again. The popularity of the course combined with renewed excitement around the traditional club house welcome from Eaton’s 2013 regional Steward of the Year Steve Warren and his team, have seen a big increase in visitors, societies and functions.

Now, extra works are under way and major improvements are being seen all round, successfully blending an excellent challenge on the course with the traditional members’ club atmosphere and benefits, including regular sell-out social functions.

When asked about the changes to the course, Eaton Chairman Graham Edwards said “Our contractor has now finished the immediate project, and with kind weather his work went so well that we managed to get through much more than originally planned. We now have an ongoing programme and expect to continue over the next few years.”

The most dramatic change has taken place on the celebrated dog-leg left 6th hole, where players who had successfully negotiated the signature pine tree had to cope with three imposing oaks that crowded the green on the right. Now, two of the oak trees have been removed and other trees on the right have been taken away to allow the fairway to be moved further to the right, creating a sharper dog-leg around the pine which has been trimmed to achieve a pleasing natural shape.

Greenside bunkers have been replaced with mounds and a new path created behind the pines to the right.

The area to the left of the green has also been reshaped including a grassy hollow. The final result is a much fairer par 4, with a dramatically improved approach and green surround.

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On the 10th, teeing off outside the club house now

Reshaping the Bunker on the 6th

New Bunker on the 10th

presents a new challenge. The old cross bunkers have been replaced with two strategically placed bunkers on the right and some trees on the left have been removed to tempt the longer hitters. Some Himalayan Birches (similar to those on the left of the 9th) have been planted along the right by the beech hedge to provide some additional protection for the newly surfaced car park, and eventually a stunning contrast of colours.

Many other changes will also please the seasoned visitor – a total of 10 bunkers have now been given a major refurbishment, with rivetted edges and new shapes. Tees have been re-laid and re-shaped on several holes, and new pathways are also to be found.

Eaton’s head green keeper Mick Lathrope

taking delivery of a new tractor and aerator

In all of this work the greens and fairways have not been overlooked. The success of an extensive over-seeding programme in 2013 was widely praised last year, and the club’s investment in several new green-keeping machines has not only produced the required improvements to tees, fairways and greens but it has also meant that work can now be completed much more efficiently.

Eaton’s programme of improvements is ongoing, and the club has a new sense of confidence and enthusiasm. Club Captain for 2015 Ted Evans voiced his optimism: “I’m so fortunate to be able to captain this club at such a positive moment in its history. We have so much to look forward to, and this promises to be a great year!”

At the Charing Cross Centre in London a Silver Award was presented to Avril Carey, Barnham Broom Ladies Captain 2014. The Award was in recognition of the hard work put in by Dan Jones and Avril Carey (Barnham Broom Captains 2014) and all the members of Barnham Broom by raising £3,581.00 for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).

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Dereham Golf Club Junior Section

Dereham Golf Club’s junior members started the 2015 season amongst sunshine by playing for the Valentine Trophies in the rain.

In spite of the bad weather conditions the 18 holes Stableford competition saw some excellent scores with Hakan Tokbay taking top prize with 41 points, followed by James Buck on 38 points & Max Jacobs on 37 points.

All received prize money and gifts which were kindly donated and presented by Mrs Jill Trudgill.

Unfortunately due to the rain the 5 & 9 holes competitions were not played and will be rescheduled for later in the year.

DEREHAM GOLF CLUB

Mrs Jill Trudgill and winner Hakan Tokbay

SPRING SPECIAL

£25.00

(£22.00 if 4 Ball or more)

18 holes of golf and a one course meal.

TWILIGHT GOLF (Vegetarian alternative available)

March & April £12 after 2pm

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Must be pre-booked by calling the Pro Shop on 01362 695631 or the Office on 01362 695900 office@derehamgolfclub.com www.derehamgolfclub.com QUEBEC ROAD, DEREHAM, NORFOLK NR19 2DS

Junior organiser Jane Bizley thanked Jill Trudgill for providing the players with chocolates and prizes and said the right decision had been made to abandon the competition for the younger members.

The junior season continues with the Scratch Cup and Wiseman Trophy, followed by the start of the Monday Club.

If you have any news, ideas, opinions, jokes, results, course upgrades, or something to interest our readers, please feel free to contribute to the magazine.

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