SUFFOLK & NORFOLK R E F L O G MAY/JUNE 2016
www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com
NEW CAPTAIN FOR FYNN VALLEY The new Club Captain, Tony Tyrrell (below) drove off in traditional style from the 10th tee, watched by over 60 supporters. Tony is the Club Secretary/M.D. of Fynn Valley and takes up Captain’s office for the first time, following a request from the Club Committee to mark 25 years since the Club opened its doors to members in 1991. Tony’s second drive was an awesome 186 yards into a fierce head wind! Lady Member Sharon Davey won the sweep, which raised £71 for Tony’s nominated charity for his year, Beefy’s Charity Foundation. Following the Drive In, 14 teams competed in the inaugural Friday evening Texas Scramble, including three generations of Tony’s family, a great turn out and a wonderful start to a special anniversary year for the Club.
THORPENESS OFFERS AND ACTIVITIES
This year marks the 3rd annual Festival of Golf, playing for the prestigious Thorpeness Trophy. The variety of offerings at the festival make it a perfect environment for a weekend away touching up on your golf, with activities to keep you entertained between, and after, rounds around the course. This summer Thorpeness also has offerings that suit larger parties, such as 1 person in every group of 16 goes free in June. This is a residential offer from £109pp including 2 rounds of golf, 1 nights stay, a 3 course meal and breakfast the next morning. Thorpeness is a classic British Heathland course, designed in 1923 by legendary golf course architect James Braid. Its journey takes you winding through silver birch trees, gorse, and heather with the 18th hole framed by the iconic House in the clouds and the Thorpeness Windmill. The par 70, 18 hole championship course is positioned between the Meare and coastal paths, in a spot of outstanding natural beauty. To find out more about either of these offers or what else Thorpeness has to offer email info@thorpeness.co.uk or call on 01728452176.
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Brett Vale
golf club
Set in the heart of Constable Country where a warm welcome is always guaranteed
SOCIETIES WELCOME Surrounded by stunning Constable Country, Brett Vale golf course offers a challenge to players of all ages and handicaps; along with first class facilities.
Membership available with no joining fee Fantastic function room available for that special occasion or business meeting For all enquiries please telephone 01473 310718
'We go that extra mile, why don't you!'? Noakes Road, Raydon, Near Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 5LR www.brettvalegolf.co.uk EXCEPTIONAL DRAINAGE PLAYABLE ALL YEAR 4
Great Success and Good Fun The annual fund raising golf day for the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, was bigger and better than ever before. 92 players from all over the region turned out at Haverhill Golf Club. The course as always was in excellent condition. A bacon roll and coffee on arrival, 18 holes of golf followed by a fish and chip supper and some great prizes, all for £25 per head proved very popular and with the auction and the raffle the event was able to raise more than £2000 for the Theatre. The organiser from website providers Club Noticeboard, Ian Duncan, said, "We changed the format this year and it proved very very successful. We really appreciate the support and generosity of Karen Wilby and her team at Haverhill and our main sponsors Robinsons Mercedes. We were delighted to again have been supported by the Stage Golf Society with TV & The West Ends, Jonathan Whaley, award winning actor Sion Tudor Owen and former playing partner of John McEnroe, Peter Fleming. Fleming is best known for his successful doubles partnership with John McEnroe, with whom he won 52 titles, seven at Grand Slams (four at Wimbledon, three at the US Open). As a singles player, he peaked at World No. 8, winning three titles ... and he is a great golfer off a 10 handicap The winning team were ‘The Tractor Boys’ Duncan Macdonald, Glyn Clouting, Bob Moody and Sion Tudor Owen with a great team score (3 best scores out of 4) 124 points. Two points ahead of Diss members ‘The Ball Bashers’, Kerry Enever, Sarah Gotts, Jason Petitt, and Stewart Rollingson, 3rd Place was ‘Hobsons Choice’ from Haverhill, Siobhan Harrison, Tom Harrison, Simon Cousins and Peter Young, with 118 on countback Best Front 9 - Phil Jones, Bob Merriman, Amando Duord, Peter Fleming Best Back 9 - Mick Dalena, Pat McGarr, Alaster Cocks Paul Bartlett (Haverhill) Nearest the pin on the 16th was Jason Petitt from Diss who won a Mercedes for the weekend provided by Robinsons Mercedes and the longest Stuart Robertson, Longest Drive Drive was Stuart Robertson, Doctor Golf from Ufford Park Golf Hotel. Any body wishing to play in the next event please contact Ian@club-noticeboard.co.uk
TARNIA ROBERTSON CELEBRATES ONE YEAR AT THE HELM Tarnia Robertson is celebrating her 1st Anniversary as Managing Director at Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf and Spa. Tarnia assumed the role when her parents, Colin and Shirley Aldous, retired last year. Her first year has been a very busy one and real progress has been made in terms of modernising the hotel with the completion of the latest phase of bedroom refurbishment. Tarnia said: “The bedrooms are just part of what I have planned for the coming months and years, but our thinking in terms of the bedrooms was driven by our desire to meet our customers’ needs, and by a recognition that our customers stay with us for a variety of reasons. Sometimes their bedroom needs to be an ‘office’ space as well as a space for them to kick back and relax. We’ve ensured that the design in our newly decorated rooms works on both levels, and that guests have all the supporting features they need including additional plug sockets and USB ports to charge mobile phones, tablets and other technology.” One third of Ufford Park’s 90 bedrooms have now been extensively refurbished since December 2014 amounting to an investment by the hotel of over £220,000, and the latest phase, which began in January this year, involved the refurbishment of a further eight Classic bedrooms and two Superior bedrooms. Tarnia continued: “The response from our customers has been overwhelmingly positive, and we hope to be able to announce the beginning of phase four next January 2017 when we have plans to fully refurbish a further 27 more bedrooms and bathrooms this time. Over the next 6-8 months we also plan to continue slowly modernising our public areas too. So watch this space …..’’ Tarnia’s vision for the business also extends beyond the traditional areas it is known for. A planning application has recently been approved for a new adventure golf course to be constructed within Ufford Park’s grounds. The course, being created by Moore Adventure, is set to open in advance of the school summer holidays this year, and it is to be named Congo Rapids Lost World. It is the first of its kind planned within Suffolk. Tarnia said of the new attraction: “We are very excited at the prospect of opening such a fabulous new family attraction within our grounds. It will make for a great day out and can be combined with our new Little Adventurers’ children’s menu which is now available in our dining areas all day. We hope that players will stay and enjoy something to eat or drink with us when they come. The course will also appeal to couples and other groups of friends of all ages. All our facilities are open to non-members so everyone is made welcome at Ufford Park.”
Tarnia’s ambition to share Ufford Park with a new generation is clear, as well as her desire to continue providing the highest quality of customer service to its very loyal customers who have been coming back for many years.
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Suffolk Golf Union Suffolk Golf Union Current Officers and Members of the Executive Committee President: Phil Platten (Woodbridge) Tel: 01394 461246; Vice President: Colin Firmin (Ipswich) 01206 298742 Honorary Secretary: Charlie Wilderspin (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 588028 Treasurer: Geoff Henney (Aldeburgh) Tel: 01728 685525 Executive Committee: Ray Baines, Championship Secretary (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. County Captain: Jack Cardy (Hintlesham) 07738 536769 Other positions: Chairman Suffolk Junior Golf: Mike Stevenson (Thorpeness) Tel: 01728 603521; 1st Team Captain: Nathan Overton (Woodbridge) Tel: 07979 366874; 2nd Team Captain: Calvin Sherwood (Bungay & Waveney Valley) 07450 952622; Seniors Captain: Kevin Brooks (Hintlesham); County Referee: Mike Rees (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 568941 EGU Delegate: Tony Rubin (Woodbridge) 01473 785350; SE Group Delegate: Tony Rubin (Woodbridge) 01473 785350; Standard Scratch Lead Assessor: David Barnes (Stowmarket) 01787 311778 Ecology Officer: Michael Thomas (Ipswich) Tel: 01394 283973. 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: Jim Harrison (Woodbridge) 07866 639769: 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. 6
www.suffolkgolfunion.com Welcome from the President of the Suffolk Golf Union
Phil Platten Writing these small snippets for this magazine reminds me how quickly the months race by and before we know it, the golfing season is here at full throttle. Already we have had the championship ‘opener’ with the Suffolk Amateur Foursomes. A record 73 pairs entered but sadly we could only accommodate 56 into the starting line-up. In the short space of four years there was another successful defence of the title with James Biggs and Chris Bartrum from Diss coming out as worthy winners. Over the excellent Ipswich Golf Club course they returned a winning score of 143. (See full report on page 7) What was so remarkable was how the field returned so many good scores, with cold windy conditions that were interrupted by the odd heavy hail shower, all doing their best to disrupt the players efforts on the slick greens. Without taking anything away from the adults, I must give a mention to two juniors from Bury St Edmunds Golf Club, Max Adams (hcp 5) and Joseph Beasant (hcp 12) who, never having played the course before, followed their morning round of 88 with a brilliant 75. Very well done, and was probably my round of the day. A few weeks ago, I attended the annual England Golf National Awards, which give well deserved recognition to people and clubs for outstanding achievement within our sport. Outside of the main event, there were several presentations on various subjects which will be effecting the sport in the future. One item on the agenda was the move towards setting up a Worldwide Handicapping Scheme. There are currently several different schemes in operation from South Africa, Argentina, CONGU but numerically dominated by the USGA Slope System. The general view is that a Worldwide Scheme will incorporate significant parts of the USGA Slope System and is why England Golf is now using the USGA Slope methodology for the course Standard Scratch Rating. There are significant differences that will need to be ironed out, not least the rounds that count towards adjusting a handicap. Under the USGA system, all rounds including friendly rounds form part of the calculations. Although unlikely to happen anytime soon, discussions are ongoing to find the best solutions. You may have seen the new R&A/USGA Rules of Golf book in your clubhouse. Normally this book has a start date and finish date but this one has none for a particular reason. Over the next few years the R&A and USGA are working together towards simplifying the ‘Rules’ in the hope the exercise will be completed by around 2020. Good luck to them !!
Bartrum and Biggs retain Suffolk Amateur Foursomes Championship
by Charlie Wilderspin Hon Secretary
The Suffolk Amateur Foursomes Championship was played at Ipswich Golf Club. It attracted a field of 56 pairs with a further 17 pairs on a reserve list. A cold wind and tricky pin positions made scoring difficult, although the course was immaculate and the greens excellent. A hailstorm in mid- morning caused a slight delay owing to the greens being covered in hailstones. The morning round saw the holders, Chris Bartrum and James Biggs from Diss, record a level par round of 71 to establish a 1 shot lead over the Stowmarket pairing of James O'Doherty and Keiran Issit, who carded a 72 with Jed Seeley and Russell Oakey of Newton Green, returning a 74. Bartrum and Biggs added a 72 in the afternoon for a total of 143 and victory by 6 shots over Jasper Johnson and County Second Team Captain, Calvin Sherwood, who added a 73 to their morning round of 76 to edge ahead of O'Doherty and Issit on count back, both pairs finishing on 149. Graham Wardley, Felixstowe Ferry, and Paul Barnard, Ipswich, took 4th place on 151 with rounds of 76 and 75 and Sam Byford and Tom Fowler, Ipswich were 5th on 15277 and 75. Bartrum and Biggs retain the Macleod Cup with Sherwood, and Johnson received the Watts Salvers. The event this year included the Suffolk Seniors Amateur Foursomes Championship. With Andy Whittaker and Mark Jackson and Dick Barton and Chris Ginn, both returning 36 hole scores of 159. This was decided by a sudden death playoff. Both pairs missed short putts with Barton and Ginn, eventually taking the trophy with a par at the 18th, their second playoff hole.
Mason Awarded Winstanley Trophy Trevor Mason, team manager of the Suffolk boy’s under 18 squad for the past nine years, was presented with the Winstanley Trophy at the annual meeting of the Suffolk Golf Union at Woodbridge. This premier award for outstanding service to Suffolk golf, came as a surprise to Mason whose work with the successful county juniors has been exceptional. After accepting the award from the President of the Suffolk Golf Union Phil Platten (pic), he said it was not just for him but for all the juniors whose efforts had proved so rewarding. Mason will be taking over as Suffolk Junior Chairman from Mike Stevenson at the end of the current year. by Tony Garnett Diss Golf Club Seniors held their 2016 Open Golf Tournament and saw 88 competitors from all over East Anglia compete for many prizes. The competition was won by Reg Mayhew of Thetford & Dennis Millier of Diss Pictured is one of the competitors teeing off on the 4th hole in his attempt to win a Vauxhall Corsa for a hole in one, sponsored by Thurlow Nunn Vauxhall, Diss. A raffle was held for the Captain's charities, Macmillan Nurses & Acorn Village which raised the wonderful sum of £525.00.
EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING: Tel: 01255 242141 E-mail: suffolkgolfer@aspects.net www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com Publisher: Linda Basham Front Cover: Opinions, comments and reports in Suffolk & Norfolk Golfer are not necessarily those of the SUFFOLK or NORFOLK COUNTY GOLF UNIONS or the Publisher.
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Look, the ball has moved! by Michael Thomas
Our friend is obviously worried that he has incurred a penalty stroke after addressing the ball. This would have been the case last year, but on the 1st January 2016, the R&A removed automatic penalty for a ball moving after it had been addressed (See page 14 in your Rules Booklet and the change to Rule 18-2). Now the responsibility is on the player, the opponent, partner or fellow competitor to take all circumstances into account and come to a sensible and fair decision as to whether the player did, or did not, cause the ball to move. In addition to Rule 18 in your Rules Booklet, the Decisions Book has three pages devoted to establishing the facts of a situation (Decision 18-2/0.5 and 34-3/9), but factors like the ball being on a slope or conditions being very windy are obvious examples of significant considerations in determining the case. Remember, if it is agreed that the player did cause the ball to move, then it must be replaced, if not, it would be played from the wrong place and the overall penalty would then be 2 strokes. If the player did not cause the ball to move then there is no penalty and the ball should be played from where it comes to rest. If it rolled into the hole that would be a wonderful bonus!
A player in despair?
Its worth reading pages 13 – 15 in your Rules Booklet – Principal Changes – to ensure you are up-to-date.
Suffolk Juniors season Starts
by Mike Stevenson
Jim Harrison’s under 16 squad has had 3 matches since their coaching during the winter finished. They played Norfolk at Diss golf club and ran out winners in a 9.5 to 2.5 victory The morning 9 hole foursomes saw Suffolk hold a 3.5 to 0.5 lead, and strong individual performances from Max Adams and Sam Bingham saw the team home. On a lovely sunny day at Hintlesham the under 14 squad played a match against the under 16s. 10 Lads from each group played 18 hole foursomes Stableford, which was very competitive but extremely friendly. The result was victory for the under 16 by 164 to 150. A huge thanks to Hintlesham golf club for the use of their facilities. The under 16 played a match against the Suffolk Seniors, who were determined not to be beaten by their younger opponents and Kevin Brooks fielded a very strong side. The result was a win for the seniors by 16 holes using Hambro scoring. The under 16 team had several lads who had not played a county match before and it was a great experience for them. The season has started off with the first junior open at Thorpeness and it resulted in a win for Harry Fricker of Ufford Park with the handicap prize going to 10 Year old Harry Brinded of Thorpeness. The managers Jim Harrison and Dave Ashworth are keen to see as many squad members playing in these events to gauge their form for the forthcoming major fixtures. Suffolk Under 16’s Pictured -left to right- Max Adams, Liam Hansey, Tom Auchterlonie (Captain), Louis Martin, Alfie Halil, James Cooper, Harvey Watts and Sam Bingham 9
SUFFOLK SENIORS
The Suffolk Senior team which lost to Northamptonshire at Stowmarket. From left: Kevin Brooks (captain), Chris Ginn, Nigel Fosker, Geoff Henney, Trevor Hellyer, Andy Ball, Nigel Hilliard, Mark Jackson, Steve Mann, Trevor Whymark, Roger Taylor and Giles Oates. Photograph: CONTRIBUTED
BY TONY GARNETT Suffolk Seniors suffered a setback in their opening Anglian League match of the season against Northamptonshire at Stowmarket. They lost by nine and a half matches to five and a half, which will give team captain Kevin Brooks food for thought before he selects his team for the match against Lincolnshire at South Kyme on June 27. Northamptonshire are the holders of the trophy having also won in 2014. It was a good day for Nigel Fosker of Felixstowe Ferry and Giles Oates of Stowmarket. They were the only Suffolk foursomes winners and followed up with victories in their singles. The dependable Roger Taylor (Aldeburgh) halved his foursomes with Geoff Henney and went on to win his singles. In both matches Suffolk fought back from a losing position. The only other Suffolk singles success came from Suffolk’s reigning senior champion Mark Jackson. Stephen Whymark had to withdraw because of injury but is hoping to be fit enough to return in the next few weeks.
SEATON ROBSON TROPHY BY TONY GARNETT
Luke Thompson of Rookery Park had rounds of 71 and 76 to win the gross prize at the Seaton Robson Trophy at Aldeburgh. Thompson had recovered from a pulled muscle in his side which forced him to withdraw from the Suffolk Amateur Foursomes during the first round. At the time the problem was feared to be more serious. The weather was ideal for golf with sunshine and a gentle breeze. The course was in excellent order, but players found it difficult to score well on a consistent basis. Playing off the blue tees made the course long and many shots were dropped on the tricky greens when a positive approach to the pin was crucial. The Seaton Robson Trophy, decided on handicap, was won by John Moore from Clacton with Ben Sayers of Felixstowe Ferry as runner-up. Alan Sharrocks of Colchester was third. The gross competition, with Suffolk players battling for SGU order of merit points, saw Sam Debenham Suffolk 5.5 Northants 9.5 (Hintlesham), Ben Sayers and Will Wright all finish At Stowmarket. Suffolk names first. on 150. Wright played his first nine in the morning in Foursomes (over 13 holes): Trevor Hellyer and Mark 33 but the ball did not run kindly for him in the Jackson lost to Richard Cole and Alan Freeman 3 and 2; Roger Taylor and Geoff Henney halved with Ted Dunn and afternoon. Nigel Robson, son of Seaton Robson, was going Alan Wrigley; Steve Mann and Chris Ginn lost to Ian Kerr well in the morning with 74 off his handicap of four. and Garry Hardy one down; Nigel Hilliard and Andy Ball It looked for a while as though he might win his lost to Mark Johnston and Brian O’Connell 3 and 1; Nigel Fosker and Giles Oates beat Graham Jones and Mike family trophy, but his challenge faded over the last Abbotts 2 and 1. eight holes when play became slow (by Aldeburgh Singles: Taylor beat Cole two up; Hilliard lost to Kerr 7 and standards). 6; Hellyer lost to Freeman one down; Henney lost to Hardy The highest handicapped players in the field played one down; Mann lost to Wrigley 2 and 1; Fosker beat off six with many balloted out. Players came from as Dunn 2 and 1; Jackson beat Johnston 2 and 1; Ginn lost far afield as Walsall and Stourbridge as well as from to O’Connell one down; Ball lost to Jones 2 and 1, Oates Kent, London, Essex and Norfolk. beat Abbotts one up. 10
Leading gross scores 147: Luke Thompson (Rookery Park) 71 86. 148: Robert Osmond (Rochester and Cobham) 73 75. 149: Jake McGoldrick (Enville) 75 74. 150: Sam Debenham (Hintlesham) 72 77, Russell Oakey (Newton Green) 75 75, Ben Sayers (Felixstowe Ferry) 74 76, Will Wright (Aldeburgh) 71 79. 151: Alan Sharrocks (Colchester) 73 78. 152: Jake Keeley (Bawburgh) 75 77. 153: John Moore (Clacton) 78 75, Tom Wright (Ipswich) 78 75. 154: Richard Shaw (Enville) 7579, Nigel Robson (Aldeburgh) 74 80. 155: Danny Perring (Gorleston) 84 71, Andy Cunningham (Stowmarket) 80 75. 152: Paul Buckle (Stowmarket) 79 77, Darren Abbs (Royal Norwich) 78 78.
Seaton Robson Trophy: From left: Tig Staveley-Dick (Aldeburgh Golf Club president), Nigel Robson (son of Seaton), Luke Thompson (gross winner), John Moore (handicap trophy winner), Chris Clarke (Aldeburgh Golf Club captain). Photograph: CONTRIBUTED
Harry Fricker wins Bell Cup Thorpeness Golf Club held their Junior Open,the first Suffolk Order of Merit event of the year. The competition attracted a field of 52 players 10 of which were girls. Harry Fricker, Ufford Park, took the Bell Cup with a superb round of 73, 5 shots clear of Habebul Islam, Ipswich,and Liam Cossey, Royal Norwich, who both carded 78's. Megan Bailey, Bungay & Waveney Valley, returned the lowest girls score with 88.
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Suffolk v Norfolk Suffolk entertained Norfolk by in their opening Anglian Charlie Wilderspin League match at Hon Secretary Halesworth Golf Club. The morning foursomes were shared with Paul Waring and Josh Driver and Ali Hall and Nathan Overton achieving wins for the home team. Only Monty Scowsill, Chris Bartrum and Nathan Overton were able to win their games in the afternoon singles, whilst Paul Waring gained an extremely good halve against Toby Briggs, leaving Norfolk the winners by 6.5 to 5.5 Results Am- Foursomes- James Biggs and Chris Bartrum lost to Toby Briggs and Tom Nudd 5 & 3, Paul Waring and Josh Driver beat Dillon Green and Bruce McQuade 1 up, Ali Hall and Nathan Overton beat Richard Wilson and Giles Evans 4 & 2, Monty Scowsill and Jasper Johnson lost to Simon Clarke and Ian Yule 2 & 1 Pm-Singles- Waring halved with Briggs, Biggs lost to Nudd 1 down, Scowsill beat Wilson 3 & 2, Bartrum beat McQuade 8 & 7, Johnson lost to Green 3 & 1, Overton beat Evans 4 & 2, Driver lost to Yule 4 & 2, Hall lost to Clarke 3 & 2. Suffolk 5.5 Norfolk 6.5
Suffolk 2nds v Norfolk 2nds Suffolk 2nds opened their Anglian League campaign with an away match at Swaffham GC against Norfolk. The morning foursomes saw Suffolk establish a 3-1 lead with only Harry Fricker and Sam Byford losing by the narrow margin of 1 down. Wins in the afternoon singles from James, Jones. Seeley, Tyler and Byford saw Suffolk achieve an impressive 8-4 victory. Results Am Foursomes- Ben Sayers and Connor James beat Thane Hacon and Tom Carding 2 up, Jed Seeley and Jamie Jones beat Richard Allen and Ben Aldous 2 & 1, Calvin Sherwood and James Tyler beat Kyle Heath and Jack Cullington 2 & 1, Harry Fricker and Sam Byford lost to Darren Abbs and Ian Rollett 1 down. Pm Singles- James beat Hacon 4 & 3, Sayers lost to Allen 4 & 3, Jones beat Carding 5 & 4, Seeley beat Aldous 1 up, Sherwood lost to Cullington 3 & 2, Tyler beat Heath 3 & 2, Byford beat Abbs 2 & 1, Fricker lost to Rollett 1 down
NEWTON JUNIOR FUND RAISER NETS £1,180 A day which supports one of Suffolk's most successful golf junior sections, raised £1,180. It was raised at a charity golf day staged at Newton Green Golf Club, where juniors made a near clean sweep of junior team titles in the county last season. The section is self funding, and 18 teams of four supported the charity event, which started in steady rain, which gradually cleared up, before a torrential downpour left the approaches to the club almost marooned in flood water. Winners: 87 Bernie Pooley, Mick Springett, Mark Barlow and Robbie Rothwell; 87 on count back, Tim Cooper, Jed Seeley,Rebecca and Gareth Evans; 84 Ian Duncan, Nick Smith, Nigel Gerrans and Tony Adams. 12
SUFFOLK GOLF ALLIANCE by Doug Renyard AND THE WINNER IS ...
Many institutions ladle out awards at some time of the year, so we thought why not and came up with the following Suffolk Winter Alliance Honours for the 2015/16 season. Order of Merit - Tom Martin (Felixstowe Ferry) who leapfrogged the table league leaders at Haverhill’s final meeting of the winter. Along with partner Ben Sayers, Tom also captured both items of silverware up for grabs which are the Millennium and John Whiting Memorial Cups competed for at Haverhill and Bungay. Leading Lady – Haverhill’s Lyn Fish, who alongside husband Andrew, became the first Lady Amateur to take a top spot. This was at the Ufford Park Christmas gathering. Leading Club – Stowmarket who overran the leader boards during the first half of the season, but only just managed to hang onto the overall lead from fast finishers Haverhill who had Stoke by Nayland in close attendance. Top Professional – Stow’s Sam Forgan who was some 20 plus shots under par for his rounds, and this included a holiday break post Christmas. Best Performers – Joint winners here. All the Greens Staff who ensured play went ahead despite another wet winter along with the Catering Teams who made certain all were well fed and watered. The New Year winners were as follows:Bungay & Waveney – T.Martin, B.Sayers (Felixstowe Ferry). Waldringfield – J.Sandford, M.Chaplin, R.Bland, D.Goddard (Stoke by Nayland). Southwold – T.Lyons , I. Wheeldon (Haverhill and Felixstowe Ferry). Brett Vale – P.Nuttall, C.Morton (Stoke by Nayland). Diss – P.Bartlett, K.Ward (Haverhill). Felixstowe Ferry – Meeting cancelled – Course waterlogged. Haverhill – T.Martin, B.Sayers (Felixstowe Ferry). And finally the last award of the winter, Non Golfing TV Performance – Which unanimously goes to Stowmarket’s Gus Cutting following his appearance on Channel 4’s “ First Dates”? The look on his face when his dinner partner simply got up and walked out on him, without a word, was a treat. Our suggestion Gus would be why not try ITV’s “Take Me Out”. At least a cold shoulder there would be rewarded by a hug from Host, Paddy, plus a song from the Girls. With a 30/1 chance of a trip to Fernando’s the odds are considerably better. Here’s hoping you capture a Caddy during the summer and we get to meet her when the Alliance reconvenes in the autumn at Halesworth Golf Club!
It’s got nothing to do with golf
By Ron Kent
A good friend of mine once made a profound statement that “you don’t have to be a millionaire to live like one”. It summed up his pursuit of a life of hedonism embracing not going very far or doing anything which required much physical effort. Unfortunately, some time ago my friend did manage one last journey to his own ethereal utopia.
van and fancying having a lick or two, and not being as nimble as some, finding they cannot make it to the van in time before Mister Softee is forced to disappear into the distance. Can you imagine the disappointment and the sense of deprivation we senior citizens will feel if the ban becomes widespread? Despite numerous protests, the licensing and environmental health committee remained heartless and voted unanimously for the I was somewhat disappointed the other day when HRH, with some time on her hands between coffee change. It is enough to make you want to write to breaks, nine holes of golf or a game of bridge (it is your MP, seek the intervention of Help the Aged or organise a forced march to Westminster. often difficult to track her movements) launched quite a stinging attack on me for the very same And since we are talking about bells, it seems the thing. Olympic bell, put in place in 2012, will never sound again. Weighing over 20 tons and audible for A protest seemed pointless. In defence I admit several miles, it is claimed the bell would disturb that I can no longer cope with ticketless residents, which I can imagine it would! The procedures, the threat of being strip-searched or London Legacy Development Corporation decided some other of the many indignities we suffer at it will be mounted near the Olympic stadium for all airports these days. As for ocean-going cruises, to see but never hear. It flitted through my mind enjoyed by several of our friends, I avoid them. I have a massive dread of the sea, knowing full well that in these times of government cuts, someone might have dropped quite a clanger agreeing to its that the nearest land is likely to be several miles £1 million pound purchase in the first place. away and most probably straight down. Had I dared to at the time, I might also have pleaded increasingly frequent attacks of SBI (I have a rare strain for which, to date, there is no known cure). But common sense prevailed for once and I retired to the shed at the bottom of the garden searching for refuge. (The shed is equipped with a gas heater, a primus stove and a rickety chair on which I can sit and read the daily newspaper). On such occasions a few hours later and only when HRH has departed for some further activity as befits one of the leisure queens of Europe (OECD finding not mine!), do I feel it safe to emerge.
Enjoy your golf.
Just lately, as her chidings have become more frequent, I have, perversely, had more time to engage with the national press although I am selective about which newspapers I read. I much prefer to avoid some of the tabloids, whose headlines alone tend to scare the living daylights out of me. Since I cannot think of anything better to write about, my dozen or so loyal readers may be interested in sharing one or two items I came across recently. It was reported that Worcester licensing authority has banned ice-cream vendors from stationing themselves in one place for more than 15 minutes at a time or a maximum of another 15 minutes if there is a queue waiting. The implications are regrettable. Imagine ageing pensioners, hearing the jolly jingle of the ice-cream 13
From your Suffolk Golf County Development Officer Jordan Dymond
Get into golf and the Player Pathway
email: j.dymond@englandgolf.org Mobile: 07710 701274 Twitter: @SuffolkGolf www.suffolkgolfpartnership.co.uk
As we move through into the golfing season it is great to see so many clubs and PGA Professionals in Suffolk reaching out to new and lapsed golfers through the Get into golf programme. Get into golf is a national campaign to get more people playing golf regularly. It is run by England Golf and delivered locally by PGA Professionals and clubs. Get into golf focuses around group coaching sessions that are delivered in a fun and relaxed environment. Equipment is provided at all coaching sessions so participants just need to book onto their preferred course online at www.getintogolf.org and turn up in comfortable clothing. When looking at delivering a Get into golf programme, it is essential that golf clubs consider what happens next after the initial course of lessons. It is unlikely that many of those taking part in Get into golf will move straight into golf club membership, so it is important to consider how we can keep those golfers participating at our club and still playing regularly. Below is an example of a player pathway that can lead from an introduction to golf right through to full membership of a club. 1. Taster sessions / Open days. STOWMARKET LADIES SCORE 2. Beginners group coaching programme- 4-6 weeks. 3. Improvers / Intermediates coaching FUNDRAISING SUCCESS programme- 4-6 weeks. During her year as Ladies Captain in 2015/16, 4. Course Induction/ on-course coaching. Annie Tyler had a variety of fundraisers which included a pink day golfing event and top money 5. Introduction to the golf club. spinner - a table top sale which recycled gifts 6. Trial / Flexible membership. and unwise/unworn (!) fashion purchases in a 7. Full membership. process akin to EBay, combined with selling The above gives a rough idea of what a pathway from donated homemade an open day or taster session right through to club cakes – all helped to raise a great sum membership could look like. It is unlikely that all those of money for the charity. taking part in the initial steps will move right through Annie said: “During my year as Ladies Captain into club membership, but if a pathway/ escalator is at Stowmarket Golf Club in 2015/16, I have created then we give ourselves the best possible been delighted with the support I have received chance to encourage new or returning golfers to join from our ladies section and from the club for my our golf club. chosen charity - Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk. Sky Sports supporting Get into golf campaign We have raised a total of £3,647 used to part I am excited to announce Sky Sports will now be fund the new telephone system. In this very promoting ‘Get into golf’ as part of its drive to increase rural area, this will provide vital access to the engagement and participation in golf. The campaign invaluable free services that the Citizens Advice aims to bring 500,000 new or lapsed golfers back to provides to those people who are unable the game by the end of 2018 and is supported by the to come into the Stowmarket office.” Home Unions, the European Tour, the R&A, LET and Carol Eagles, Bureau Manager, Citizens Advice the Golf Foundation. This will hopefully increase Mid Suffolk commented: “We are delighted to exposure and enhance what we are already doing. receive such a generous donation from If you would like to give golf a go or know someone Stowmarket Golf Club and are extremely who would then please visit grateful to the Ladies section and their Captain www.getintogolf.org/suffolk. Here you will find a range Annie for their efforts in raising such a of Get into golf coaching sessions taking place at tremendous amount. This donation will help us various clubs over the summer... to continue to provide our free telephone and Keep Golfing and enjoy the warmer weather! face to face advice service to all the residents and workers of Mid Suffolk.” 14
Jordan
Thetford’s ladies are still going strong in two inter-club events Heather Keeble and Sue Pitcher have battled through three rounds of the Daily Mail Foursomes, their latest success coming at home to Rosie Jackson and Jan Doe of Newton Green. Despite having to give nine strokes, Sue and Heather secured their fourth-round place by a 5 & 3 margin. They now await the draw for this national competition with interest. On the county scene, Shelly Pleasance and Abigail O’Riordan beat Lily Farrell and Heather Clements at Dereham 5 and 4 in the Young Cup, which is the Norfolk foursomes knock-out for County Lady/Junior Girl pairings. They will be at home in the next round and await news of their opponents (either Middleton Hall or Sheringham). Andrea Fletcher and Vicki Smith won the Coronation Foursomes trophy with a total of 32 points, beating Kath Malvern and Liz Wigg on countback. Margaret Hayward and Diane McBride were third with 30pts. The Sutherland Vase was won by Julie Arthur with 35 points off a handicap of eight. Moira Morgan (17) was second with 33pts on countback from Pauline O’Sullivan (26).
DO YOU HAVE ADVERTISING EXPERIENCE? DO YOU KNOW YOUR GOLF? The success of Suffolk & Norfolk Golfer has meant the magazine has grown and we’ve got a lot busier! We’re now looking for assistance in the area of advertising sales. If you have experience and are interested in this freelance opportunity with Suffolk and Norfolk Golfer, then please contact us at
suffolkgolfer@aspects.net
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The rain stopped by mid morning and it may not have been a coincidence that the eventual winners were in the penultimate group out on the course. Roger and Wendy Cook, from Colne Valley GC, came in with 44 points to win the competition by two points. Wendy, who plays off a handicap of 13, has recently joined Thetford as a Country member and her local knowledge paid off. Roger is a 16-handicapper. The runners-up were Robin and Christine Ashe of Bungay & Waveney Valley with 42 points and third place went Wendy and Roger Cook of Colne Valley to long-time leaders Peter Ogden and Debbie Jary from GC won Thetford's Mixed Open event Caldecott Hall with 41. They held off Chris and Ann Lockhart (Eaton) and Trevor Wignall and Sharon Caws of the host club on countback. The winners of the nearest the pin competitions were Debbie Jary (Caldecott Hall) and Nigel Kerridge (Halesworth). In all there were representatives from 25 different clubs involved.
Memories of a County Secretary
of the course on my first visit there. Unfortunately, that excellent memory is countered by the fact that it was at the very same course, playing with my son Paul in a pro-am later, where the putting yips hit me, completely out of the blue, a condition from which I could only partially escape By Ron Kent afterwards by putting left-handed with a blade putter. My sons were not very sympathetic to my plight! Among my many other very enjoyable duties as County Secretary for sixteen years or so, I was a major contributor I e-mailed Peter recently to thank him for his contributions and, true to type, he was quickly back to me with some to the Suffolk Golfer which Linda and I started in July 1999. It is encouraging to know that it has stood the test interesting comments. of time for all those years when numerous other golfOne of the memories I would rather not have is the decline related magazines have come and gone. in membership that many of our clubs have experienced in We were pleased when our good friends in Norfolk asked recent years with several closing down although fortunately none here in Suffolk. A number of initiatives have been to join in with us. It made good sense for everyone, not developed to halt the decline, particularly those to least the advertising reach and the copy levels. The encourage ladies membership, with some success if my magazine grew from its small beginnings to what is a local club here in Bury is anything to go by. beautifully-presented (thanks to Linda’s skills) 48-page magazine now and, being something of an anorak, I have a Unfortunately, there are increasingly many other things to do which compete for our free time. copy of every single issue since day one. Still, hope springs eternal and maybe the success of Frequently, in its pages I was moved to acknowledge the Yorkshire’s Danny Willett in the US Masters will splendid work done by our greenkeepers in climatic encourage more interest among the younger set. Not sure conditions which have become so much more erratic in about his claim to have “bunked” off school every recent years. They do a splendid job despite several hundred “unofficial” green-keepers all thinking they could Wednesday afternoon, although I seem to recall my own son Paul “seeking” permission to do likewise and actually do so much better! getting it, and he didn’t do too badly at the game. Over the years, I have also commented frequently in the Success at national and international level usually magazine on the brilliant work so unselfishly carried out encourages interest, witness Steve Davis and snooker back by volunteers who run our junior sections at club and in the 80/90s and more recently Sir Bradley Wiggins with County levels. My own grandchildren have benefited his success in cycling. It worked wonders for bicycle enormously from their work. Volunteers these days are sales! hard to come by in all walks of life and we have been especially fortunate here in Suffolk to have seen such longevity of service from ours. At County level, our junior coaching and development programmes have been developed to become one of the most highly regarded in the country. Over the years, contributions have increased from our affiliated clubs, providing some interesting information of past and present. I found it fascinating to learn some of the history of Southwold, founded in 1884, being an 18-hole course until half of the course was immersed in 10 feet of water during the great floods of 1953. The nine holes were never recovered but the course is a delightful place to play and the welcome is always so warm. Among other contributors, I have made no secret of the fact that one of the first things I search out in the latest issue to reach me is the letter by Peter Ballingall at El Rompido in Spain. I first met Peter when he was the professional at Barnham Broom back in the 80s and I was Captain at Bury St Edmunds. He was a real gentleman in the way he had no hesitation in offering me courtesy
SLCGA by Julie Latimer-Jones
Another first-time Champion for Suffolk as Alice Barlow wins the title In the first busy golfing week of the year, the County Championships got under way at Stowmarket Golf Club and the thought of finding this year’s Champion exercised the mind. The field was comparatively small, but all the good golfers were present, the handicaps were competitive and whoever kept their golf going the best would win the day. The 36-hole Strokeplay Championship which acts as qualification for the Matchplay event, went to Fiona Edmond (Ipswich) with two great rounds of 74, two over the competition standard scratch of 73. She finished two shots ahead of Alice Barlow (Newton Green) who entered playing off five but bettered her expected total by returning 74/76. The everreliable Vanessa Bell (Ipswich) came in a further three shots behind with 76/77. Unfortunately, Fiona Edmond had to abandon the Matchplay Championship because of illness. The sixteen qualifiers were seeded through the automatic draw and the only difficult prediction lay in the match between Abbie Symonds and Sarah Howe. Although Howe qualified the better, Symonds won the match to go through to the quarter finals. Alice Barlow and Lottie Whyman (Ipswich) both had exceptional wins, 8/6 against May
Caddie Mark Barlow with victorious daughter Alice
Bird (Fynn Valley) and 7/5 versus Tessa Summers (Aldeburgh) respectively. In the Quarters, Barlow beat Lils James who said her opponent ‘played wonderfully’. Vicki Inglis (Ipswich) knocked out Sharon Luckman (Ipswich), two past champions going for it; Whyman saw off Eloise Aldous (Newton Green) by 7/6 and Bell beat Symonds but not until the 20th, the closest encounter so far. Barlow proved too good for Vicki Inglis (Ipswich) in the semis while Whyman and Bell had a cracking game which ended in Whyman’s favour 2/1. Suffice it to say that the final was a great match between Alice Barlow and Lottie Whyman, the defending champion from 2015. Things went Whyman’s way over the first nine, but Barlow stuck to her guns, took advantage of a couple of wayward drives, threw in the odd birdie and squared the match at twelve. Thirteen was halved in birdie and Barlow made a standard par four at fourteen to go one ahead. Another par at sixteen made it two with seventeen and eighteen to play. The 413-yard seventeenth was edgy with both players over the green in two. Barlow’s wedge shot finished eight feet short; Whyman’s chip was fluffed and the ensuing putt failed to drop. A half in five gave Barlow the Championship and the chance to lead out the Suffolk team at County Match Week. The Inaugural Championship Plate gave a second flight of eight players a chance to win a trophy. Disappointingly only five were able to go ahead to the matchplay stage which was nevertheless enjoyed in the circumstances. The winner was Tanya McGregor (Bungay) who beat Elizabeth Bezance (Bury St Edmunds) by 7/5 in the final. The Seniors Championship. The four qualifiers for the Matchplay stage were Helen Bray (Ipswich) who beat Ann Harston (Felixstowe) by 4/2 to set up a final against Vicki Hunt (Ipswich) who beat Sheila Jarvis (Felixstowe) by 5/4. Hunt took the Championship by 2/1.
Alice Barlow, at the age of 17, took on the might of Ipswich Golf Club to win the Suffolk Ladies’ County Golf Association match-play title, with her dad Mark on her bag. It is the first time Newton Green Golf Club has provided a winner of an individual county ladies title for 57 years. Newton’s last woman, individual county title winner was Mary Openshaw in 1959. 18
Strokeplay Championship Winner: 148 Fiona Edmond (Ipswich) 74/74 ; 150: Alice Barlow (Newton Green) 74/76 ; 153: Vanessa Bell (Ipswich) 76/77 156: Lottie Whyman (Ipswich) 79/77; 57: Vicki Inglis (Ipswich) 80/77; 161: Eloise Aldous (Newton Green) 76/85; Sharon Luckman (Ipswich) 78/83 ; 163: Sarah Howe (Ipswich) 81/82; 165: Lils James (Bungay) 83/82 ; 166: Mariette Robertsee (Bury St Edmunds) 82/84 ; 169: Abbie Symonds (Ipswich) 86/83 ; 170: Jenny Howlett (Bungay) 83/87 ; 171: Sarah Jane Barker
(Rookery Park) 90/81 ; 172: Trudy Read (Rushmere) 85/87; 176: Tessa Summers (Aldeburgh) 88/88; 178: Wendy Wilderspin (Stowmarket) 89/89 ; 184 May Bird (Fynn Valley) 87/91 Championship Plate 179: Fiona White (Southwold) 88/91; 175: Tanya McGregor (Bungay) 95/90 ; 189: Rebecca Evans 96/93 ; 191: Sharon Davey ((Fynn Valley) 94/97; 193: Elizabeth Bezance (Bury St Edmunds) 90/103. Seniors Championship 81: Ann Harston (Felixstowe) ; 84: Vicki Hunt (Ipswich); 90: Sheila Jarvis (Felixstowe), Rachel Trotman (Aldeburgh) ; 91: Helen Bray (Ipswich) ; 94: Jude Hanner (Felixstowe); 96: Anne Archer (Ipswich) 100: Sally Cade (Newton Green).
Suffolk Ladies County Golf Association Current Officers: President and Hon. Treasurer: Miss Hermione Scrope Tel: 01359 232618 Captain: Mrs Sarah Saggers Tel: 01394 383583. Vice-Captain: Ms Vanessa Bell Tel 01473 231411; Hon Secretary: Mrs Di Cunningham 01787 247590 email: secretary@suffolkladiesgolf.org.uk ; 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 Summers 01986 872826; Scratch Score Assessor: Mrs Sue Cook Tel 01728 688406. All other personnel may be found on the County website at
www.suffolkladiesgolf.org.uk. The 9 hole KINGSFLEET COURSE at Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club, which was opened in 1996 has undergone significant improvements in preparation for the golfing season. The Par 35, 2956 yards course has had a number of bunkers remodelled and some have been removed to be replaced by grassy hollows, which has enhanced the aesthetics of the course without detracting from the challenge for established golfers, beginners and juniors. The course at the 5th oldest club in England, has been an excellent addition to the championship 18 hole Martello course which is the only true links course in the county.
UFFORD PARK APPOINTS PGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Stuart Robertson becomes non-executive member of the board Stuart Robertson, Ufford Park’s Director of Golf, has been appointed as a new nonexecutive member of the board of directors at Ufford Park Hotel. In his new role, he will be responsible for presenting a report to each board meeting covering industry trends both locally and nationally, as well as reporting on the condition of Ufford Park’s 18-hole golf course. This will include any plans to improve either the course or the golf centre itself in terms of the driving range, membership and Pay and Play (visitors). Stuart has been a member of the Ufford Park team since it opened for business in 1992. That year he completed his training as a qualified PGA professional from Fynn Valley Golf Club in Ipswich and he established The Doctorgolf Academy at Ufford Park soon afterwards. He is highly experienced and is generally regarded as one of the best golf teachers in East Anglia. Stuart and his team teach everyone from 4-5 year olds looking to have their very first lesson, through the Junior Academy, right through to vastly experienced scratch golfers. Stuart said of his appointment: “I am honoured to have been appointed as a director on Ufford Park’s board. I look forward to sharing my passion for golf with the board, and to contributing in any way I can to the ongoing success of Ufford Park as a world-class hotel, spa and golf course.” 19
Enjoy your golfing Journey There are many facets to playing the game of golf well, hitting the ball is only one of them. Embrace the challenge I was once told by a very experienced golfer that “Golf is a relatively simple game, made extremely difficult by overthinking!” It is a game that no golfer has ever got to grips with fully as there are numerous challenges to overcome; The ground conditions, Temperature, Severity of the hazards, Weather conditions, Playing Partners/Opposition, Players Health and Fitness as well as their sometimes fragile Mental State! If you can welcome the challenge of the game for what it is – A lifelong learning process where you will have highs and lows over a season/month/week/day/round or even on a single hole!, you will have a great time within it.
St Audry’s Golf Club 50th Jubilee 2016 marks the 50th birthday for St Audry’s Golf Club. The Club was originally set up for the patients and hospital staff and when the hospital closed, the members took it over and freely contributed their time and skills to build the clubhouse. This approach continues today with the clubhouse currently being refurbished primarily by club member volunteers, in preparation for a week of Jubilee Celebrations at the beginning of August, around the actual anniversary of the Club.
Mistakes and errors are a healthy part of the learning process If you aren't making mistakes and errors your game is not going forwards. Welcome the opportunity to experiment with changes in your set up or swing. By standing closer/further away; having ball further forward/further back; gripping further under/over the grip; bending over/standing taller, you will never know what impact these changes can make to the movements of your golf swing until you have tried. There may be some shots that weren't the desired result, but look upon those as learning opportunities – you have now learnt the positions and movements necessary to play different shots. The challenge is to recreate those similar movements and feelings when you require that particular shot on the golf course. Long term steady growth is more exciting than any “quick fix” Although we would all love to positively affect the results with the minimum of changes, for lasting change to occur there has to be a culture of wanting long term, steady, sustainable growth rather than a quick fix to each problem that may arise from time to time. In order to have something that is sustainable, it needs to be built on solid foundations. The building of these may take time to firm up, but once these have been created and instilled it will stop the willingness to try every “quick fix” to put your game on track. Don't chase “Fix” after “Fix” - Stick with a plan! Once a plan has been detailed, drawn up, and agreed, it is important to stick with it until completed. The major structure of a property will not change from foundation to completion. Although the materials used may change, fixtures and fittings may alter and decoration may evolve during the building phase, the finished product will accurately resemble the initial plan. Ensure your plan is followed in the same way. If you try to take on board every “quick fix” that is out there, not only will your game suffer, but your mental state will fluctuate too.
Stuart Robertson - PGA Golf Professional The Doctorgolf Academy Ufford Park Woodbridge Tel: 01394 383480 mail@doctorgolf.co.uk • @doctorgolf247
Mark Herron recently had his first hole in one! It was on the 6th at Waldringfield, with a 7 iron to a pin at 168 yards, pitching on the front of the green and rolled in. It was an evening social round with playing partner Simon ‘Trudge’ Trudgett.
RUSHMERE HOLE IN ONE’s Peter Jordan achieved a hole in one at the par 3 8th hole 145 yards using a 5 iron, playing in the first major competition, the Lindley and Sunnucks cups. His playing partners were David Burgess, Kenny Musgrove and James Barker. James Columbus achieved his first hole in one at the par 3 6th hole 164 yards, with a 6 iron, his playing partner was Kris Green.
Peter Ballingall
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LETTER FROM SPAIN
Life continues happily in this little ‘bubble’ that is El Rompido where one day rolls into the next without a lot happening, except that each week brings a new intake of golfers from all over Europe.
Personally I want my country back: my flag, sovereignty, democracy and borders – in spite of having many Spanish, German, Dutch, Italian and Scandinavian friends. This, of course, is only my opinion and, maybe, I am feeling more patriotic living abroad. One thing is for sure and that is I do not feel ‘European’.
Who is doing the work I ask myself! Everyone is either retired or is on holiday but we are not concerned about this and are enjoying another Sorry if this offends anyone!! busy ‘high season’ - and El Rompido is flourishing!! We do not worry about falling memberships because we have no members, nor must we scratch our heads as to how to attract more green fee paying customers, as is the current challenge in the UK. We have ridden the waves of 20082010 that seemed to take everyone by surprise – particularly in Spain where construction and tourism came to a sudden halt – and now we are in a position to reinvest in ourselves and our product. A grand refurbishment was made to the clubhouse during the winter: painters everywhere inside and out, wooden floors and furniture sanded down and restored to pristine condition that pleased the ‘regulars’ who visit us each year and did much for the morale of the team who work here. Because so many Pros bring groups of their clients to sunnier climes for coaching and golf, as I did during the winter months when I was at Barnham Broom, this generates massive revenues for the club here and so it is good to know that plans are in place to really raise the profile of the practice facilities. The Putting Greens and Chipping areas are to be extended and Huxley mats installed on both the Driving Ranges. Perhaps, too, the tees on the Ranges will be covered to protect golfers in the rain season and from the searing heat in the summer months. So this is all very positive.
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
FULL HOUSE FOR NEWTON GREEN SOCIETY DAY Eighteen, four-ball teams took advantage of experiencing golf at Newton Green Golf Club when a special day was set aside for entertaining golf societies. Last year the club experienced a 30 per cent increase in visits by societies, and is hoping to maintain this trend as a result of increased on-going investment in the course. For the recent event, visitors experienced their first taste of playing the re-modelled first hole, which is even more challenging as a result of a £6,000 tree transplanting scheme some 150 yards from the green. The Wanderers Golf Society took the first two places in the team event. 93 Derek King, Allan Scott, Peter Hebditch & Dave Fisher, 88 Peter Stebbing, Frank Coot, Larry Nolan & Keith Reid, 87 Derek O’Shea, Paul Neale, Alan Beattie & John Anderson. Below: Newton mens captain Lee Prentice (left) with prize winners Derek King, Allan Scott, Dave Fisher and Peter Hebditch.
* * * * * I must stop reading the UK Press! The Remain-ers tell us that Gt. Britain will be economically ‘barren’ if the vote is to Leave and that trade with European countries [and with the USA] will be nigh impossible and that Visas will be required to visit EU countries whilst the Leave-ers are warning us that, apparently without the PM’s knowledge, Brussels’ plan for a fully integrated United States of Europe is well underway. 21
CONGO RAPIDS LOST WORLD IS COMING TO LIFE AT UFFORD PARK
IPSWICH GOLF CLUB JUNIOR SECTION NEWS The Family Trophy was won by Aaron Shepherd and his Dad, Andrew (below) with 36 points.
This summer Congo Rapids Lost World Adventure Golf Course will open at Ufford Park Woodbridge. Following approval of the planning application earlier this year construction has begun and the new attraction is starting to take shape in the beautiful Ufford Park grounds. The course is being built on an 1800m2 rectangular site, near the golf driving range at Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Spa allowing easy access to all its drinking and dining facilities, and with ample free parking onsite. Construction is being managed by Adventure Golf experts Moore Adventure Ltd, which already operates a successful Adventure Golf course in Norwich, Norfolk called Congo Rapids, but this is the first of its kind to be built in Suffolk. Adventure Golf is different from mini golf or crazy golf as it offers more physical interaction at some of the course holes, and it also offers a more dramatic setting for the players to enjoy. The course will offer an outdoor, fun experience featuring tropical jungle greenery, an animal themed section, waterways to cross on self-propelled rafts and even the company of life-size dinosaurs! Other features include a giant dinosaur claw which will stand at over 3m tall and the shell of a ‘crashed’ plane. Alongside the visual elements, jungle beat music and other sound effects will create an atmosphere to ‘transport’ players to a far-away, mystical world.
There was a fun girls only (pic below) Texas Scramble, when 7 members and 2 guests played on the Bixley course.
Eight members of the Development Squad (below) had an enjoyable day at the RJ National 3 hole, par 3 course at Ransomes Jacobsen's European headquarters. Tarnia Robertson of Ufford Park Hotel said: “Now They were taken round the course by greenkeeper that construction is under way we are getting a James Gotts who explained the concept behind the better sense of the scale of the course and we’re three holes. They then played a 9 hole tournament, even more excited about having this onsite. We followed by a buffet lunch and then a further 9 holes believe it will be enjoyed by young and old, both when they tried to beat Ian Scott, Ipswich Assistant children and adults will be welcome, and all players are free to come into the hotel before or after Professional's tee shot on the 3rd hole, which was they play to enjoy some refreshments.” achieved by Natasha Gregory. Connor Shenfield and David Moore of Moore Adventure said: “The Charlotte Gregory won prizes in the overall construction is going according to plan and we’re competition. looking forward to sharing news of the official opening in a few weeks’ time.” Congo Rapids Lost World will be open before the school summer holidays this year.
Ipswich Golf Club Junior Open
is being held on Monday 25th July (a Suffolk Order of Merit competition). Entry forms are on the Ipswich GC website at www.ipswichgolfclub.com 22
The Association of Suffolk Golf Club Captains has a Spring and Autumn meeting each year and several matches against other associations throughout the year. Membership of the Association is open to current & past Captains of clubs that are members of the Suffolk Golf Union. Visit www.club-noticeboard.co.uk/suffolkcaptains for more details of how to join.
Spring Meeting and 2016 AGM
Obviously there has been a lot of work put into the course recently and a lot of trees have been taken out, making real improvements. There were some really good scores and predictably some very average scores! Excellent hospitality and a very enjoyable meal preceded the AGM and presentations. The AGM, traditionally a very speedy affair, seemed to drag this year, completed in about 7 minutes! President Barry Storey handed over the reins to Chris Pearson for the coming 12 months and Paddy agreed to continue for the next 10 to 20 years as “Organiser Supreme”.
Bury St Edmunds Golf Club hosted the Association of Suffolk Golf Club Captains Spring Meeting and AGM. The morning 9-hole competition was played on the splendid 9-hole pay & play course. The course has matured into a real challenge with some great holes and the big greens were in excellent condition. It may have been a challenge for some, but Ray Sargeant from Fynn Valley blew the field away with a superb 23 points. In the afternoon round on the 18-hole course a familiar name retained the trophy. Alan Middle from Seckford had a great 37 points, beating Stowmarket’s Pat Shephard on countback, with 14 points on the last 6 holes. The course was in excellent condition with one temporary green on the 6th hole and it was playing its full length (particularly if you played off the white tees).
RESULTS: AM – 9-Hole individual Stableford 1st Ron Sargeant - Fynn Valley 23pts (pic below) 2nd Ian Ransby - Halesworth 20pts (15 last 6) 3rd Brig Archer - Brett Vale 20 pts (14 last 6) Nigel Parker Salver – 18 hole individual Stableford Alan Middle - Seckford 37pts (last 6 14pts) Pat Shephard - Stowmarket 37 pts (last 6 11) Garry Clarke - Bury St Edmunds 36 pts (last 9 16); Charlie Wilderspin Rookery Park 36pts (last 9 15 last 6 12); James Douglas Hamilton Felixstowe Ferry 36pts (last 9 15 last 6 11); Barry Storey - Bury St Edmunds 35pts (on countback); Past Presidents Cup was won by James Gardiner – Halesworth.
by Ian Duncan
ADVERTISING WORKS! If people forget you’re there - how will they visit your course? THOUSANDS OF POTENTIAL NEW CUSTOMERS ON YOUR DOORSTEP! e: suffolkgolfer@aspects.net
CAPTAIN CADE IS NO AUNT SALLY Newton Green Golf Club ladies’ captain Sally Cade (below) put two of the best rounds of her life together to score an impressive win in the handicap section of the club’s championship day. Competing in the 36-hole event, Cade carded rounds of nett 64 and 66 - a total of eight shots below her handicap – which has now been reduced to 12. Playing for the Emmie Hoare Trophy, her nett score of 130 put her 10 shots ahead of second place Alice Barlow (handicap four), with Cate Fraser (15) third on 145. However, the club’s reigning scratch champion Barlow was not to be outdone during a day which saw 18 ladies, one with a handicap of 36, complete the two-round event. Barlow retained the club championship Ann Tankard Trophy, with a gross score of 148, including a three over par 72 in her second round, matching the ladies’ amateur course record she equalled in lifting the scratch title last season. Barlow’s retention of the club title came within a week of her also winning the Suffolk Ladies’ Championship final. Cade’s gross 160 gave her second place, following by Barlow’s other joint Newton course record holder, Ellie Aldous, who was third, on 164. 23
The Royal Norwich Club Update It's an exciting time at The Royal Norwich Club with the new clubhouse and www.royalnorwichgolf.co.uk golf course plans on show, with the pedigree of the designers involved it, will really put the Golf Club on the map. They have introduced Off Peak and Twilight Green Fees to encourage people to go and sample the course and are investing in making sure both the course and clubhouse are in excellent condition with some exciting changes over the next few months. Our Month Trial Membership starts from £50 a month for a 5 day unlimited golf (£60 for 6 days and £75 for 7 days). This package offers great value for money and includes a free lesson, a guest green fee and £10 behind the bar. It is an amazing opportunity for you to visit the course and clubhouse and become part of an incredibly exciting future.
Royal Norwich Golf Club look forward to welcoming you. Please call Neil, Morgan or Vicki in the Pro Shop for more details
Tel: 01603 429928 Royal Norwich Golf Club Drayton High Road, Norwich, NR6 5AH
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NORFOLK COUNTY GOLF UNION www.norfolkcountygolfunion.co.uk by
Mike Devlin - Hon Secretary
Rain, rain, go away, come back again another day !! - so far the best laid plans have been thwarted by the weather, the County Foursomes lost one of the qualifying rounds, the 1st Order of Merit of the year at Costessey Park was cancelled and our best efforts at the 2nd Order of Merit at Weston Park also took a battering. Continuing the theme of last year which saw record numbers of players enter the Order of Merit event, 49 players signed up to compete. What began as wall to wall sunshine ended with rain, hail, a delay through thunder and lightning and yet more rain after play recommenced. That said, the players, undaunted by this, completed their rounds and so the quest for Order of Merit points, to gain entry into the end of year Match Play Championships, finally got into full gear. As is the usual case at Weston Park, the course was in really good condition and a credit to the greens staff and the clubhouse welcome was, as indeed it always is, second to none. In the Scratch division, James Hill of Sprowston Manor emerged victorious with a gross 74, with no fewer than three other players right on his heels carding gross 75’s, with Matthew Bacon of Costessey Park edging Darren Abbs into third on countback, with Bruce McQuade of Royal Norwich finishing 4th and Jack Cullington of Bawburgh 5th, return a gross 78. The handicap division saw last year’s Order of Merit Handicap Champion, Ben Aldous of Bawburgh start his defence winning in fine style with a Nett 71 closely followed by last years Handicap Match Play Champion Max Jacobs of Swaffham, returning a Nett 72 alongside Graham Cullum of Costessey Park, finishing 3rd with a Nett 73 just pipping County Captain Kevin Webb of Costessey Park on countback. Mike Moore also of Costessey Park, completed the podium places finishing 5th with a Nett 73
Order of Merit points awarded were Handicap Ben Aldous Max Jacobs Darren Abbs Graham Cullum Kevin Webb James Hill Mike Moore Aiden Tanner Sam Lambert Carl Bream Bruce McQuade Scratch James Hill Ben Aldous Matthew Bacon Darren Abbs Bruce McQuade Kevin Webb Max Jacobs Jack Cullington Aiden Tanner Jake Keeley
Bawburgh Swaffham Royal Norwich Costessey Park Costessey Park Sprowston Manor Costessey Park Costessey Park Wensum Valley Costessey Park Royal Norwich Sprowston Manor Bawburgh Costessey Park Royal Norwich Royal Norwich Costessey Park Swaffham Bawburgh Costessey Park Bawburgh
100 77.5 77.5 45 45 45 45 8.75 8.75 8.75 8.75 100 71.66 71.66 71.66 50 40 25 25 7.5 7.5
The next event is the Coronation Salvers where players in any combination of pairings play a stableford foursomes competition under handicap over 18 holes. It is a great social event with many pairs returning year after year. This year the event is to be held at Costessey Park Golf Club. Full details can be found on the County website :
www.norfolkcountygolfunion.co.uk The remaining County Championships are given below: Coronation Salvers
Costessey Park
22nd May
County Amateur C’ship
Gt Yarm & Caister
11th/12th June
County Handicap C’ship Eaton
25th June
Boys’ Championship
Thetford
27th July
Seniors’ Championship
Eaton
11th August
Norfolk Open
Sheringham
8th Sept
Centenary Trophy
The Links
4th Sept
Match Play C’ship
TBA
15th/16th Oct
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The Interclub Knockouts have begun in earnest with all first round matches concluding without any hitches and the next rounds are as below: All matches are to be played by 19th June Myhill Trophy - Round 2 Home Away Bawburgh Richmond Park Barnham Broom w/o to 3rd Rnd Eaton Wensum Valley Thetford Dereham Gt Yar & Caister Sprowston Manor Caldecott Hall Middleton Hall Feltwell Dunston Hall Costessey Park Sheringham
Cullington Cup - Round 2 Home Away Ryston Park Gt Yar & Caister Royal Cromer Bawburgh King’s Lynn Costessey Park Dunston Hall The Links Richmond Park Eaton Thetford Dereham Royal Norwich Swaffham Mattishall Barnham Broom
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Barnard Trophy – Round 2 Home Away The Eagles King’s Lynn The Links Bawburgh Fakenham Barnham Broom Royal Cromer Wensum Valley Swaffham Middleton Hall Sprowston Manor Mundesley Richmond Park Royal Norwich Dunston Hall RAF Marham
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Remaining Orders of Merit The handicap limit is now 18.4 offering a real opportunity for virtually all club golfers to participate with a good chance to reach the Handicap Match Play Championships at the end of the year. Sprowston Manor Saturday 9th July; Royal Norwich Sunday 31st July; Middleton Hall Sunday 28th August; King’s Lynn Sunday 11th September; Eaton Saturday 1st October
Entry Forms and Flyers are displayed on the County Website
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Handicapping Preferred Lies: County Officer Kevin Joy advised all Club Manager’s of the news from England Golf that due to severe weather over the first quarter of 2016 they have agreed to extend the period of Preferred Lies.
The following local rule wording must be used: ’A ball lying on a closely mown area through the green may be lifted without penalty and cleaned. Before lifting the ball, the player must mark its position. Having lifted the ball, he must place it on a spot within 6 inches [150mm] of and not nearer the hole than where it originally lay, that is not in a hazard and not on a putting green. A player may place his ball only once, and it is in play when it has been placed (Rule 20-4). If the ball fails to come to rest on the spot on which it is placed, Rule 20-3d applies. If the ball when placed comes to rest on the spot on which it is placed and it subsequently moves, there is no penalty and the ball must be played as it lies, unless the provisions of any other Rule apply. If the player fails to mark the position of the ball before lifting it or moves the ball in any other manner, such as rolling it with a club, he incurs a penalty of one stroke.` Note: ’Closely Mown Area” means any area of the course, including paths through the rough, cut to fairway height or less. Penalty for breach of Local Rule: Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes If a player incurs the general penalty for a breach of this Local Rule, no additional penalty under the Local Rule is applied‘ Note: Competition Play Conditions will only apply 26
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when the specified area is within six inches (150 mm). See Clause 15.3 Bunkers marked as GUR. This has caused some debate within CONGU as to the impact of Bunkers can have on a competition retaining it qualifying status. CONGU state that when `some bunkers` are out of play due to maintenance, and are marked as GUR an qualifying competition can be played. What counts as some? CONGU have struggled to define this, so England Golf advise that if more than 50% of bunkers are out of play due to maintenance or weather conditions then the competition must be declared as a non-qualifier. CONGU had previously suggested that all bunkers could be out of play but this is likely to have an effect on the SSS/CSS and this also goes against a ruling from the R&A re flooded bunkers ( See below)
Local Rule Providing Relief Without Penalty from Bunker Filled with Casual Water Question: May a Committee make a Local Rule allowing a player to drop out of any bunker filled with casual water, without penalty, contrary to Rule 25-1b(ii)? Answer: No. The Committee may not make a Local Rule providing generally that flooded bunkers are ground under repair through the green, as such a Local Rule waives a penalty imposed by the Rules of Golf, contrary to Rule 33-8b.
However, in exceptional circumstances, where certain specific bunkers are completely flooded and there is no reasonable likelihood of the bunkers drying up during the round, the Committee may introduce a Local Rule providing relief without penalty from specific bunkers. Prior to introducing such a Local Rule, the Committee must be convinced that such exceptional circumstances exist and that providing relief without penalty from specific bunkers is more appropriate than simply applying Rule 25-1b(ii). If the Committee elects to introduce a Local Rule, the following wording is suggested: “The flooded bunker on [insert location of bunker; e.g. left of 5th green]is ground under repair. If a player’s ball lies in that bunker or if that bunker interferes with the player’s stance or the area of his intended swing and the player wishes to take relief, he must take relief outside the bunker, without penalty, in accordance with Rule 25-1b(i). All other bunkers on the course, regardless of whether they contain water, maintain their status as hazards and the Rules apply accordingly.” In a competition played over more than one round, such a Local Rule maybe introduced or rescinded between rounds. Hopefully this will answer some of the questions that your Club Secretary/Managers have to respond to on a regular basis
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from some very good golf. The match was very close and went down to the final singles game, with jack Cullington of Norfolk needing to win both his matches and for Bedfordshire to either lose or half. Jack did win both his games but Bedfordshire beat Leicestershire. Thus giving Bedfordshire 18.5 points and Norfolk 18, Leicestershire 8.5. A really close run thing and a testament to the growing skills of our junior boys. The Norfolk team was: Toby Briggs, Warren Bates, Sonny Williams, Will Howard, Kale Heath, Tom Carding, Max Jacobs, Jack Cullington, Finlay Heywood and Liam Cossey Congratulations to them all, a great match played in great spirit. Coaching. The coaching started at Sprowston Manor in March, and yet again the weather played up, being both wet and very cold. The sessions went well, mainly working on the short game, bunker play and chipping from a variety of lies to give a tournament feel to their practice. The first session with England Coach Paul Ashwell was held at Dunston Hall. Paul is very highly regarded amongst golfing circles as a first class coach and the County Players are clearly benefiting from his experience.
Slow Play
The County AGM held on April 6th where a number of Rule and Regulation amendments were approved Much is said about this topic. Most golfers have a pertaining to the governance of some County view on what causes slow play and how to remedy Competitions. The changes can be viewed on our it and yet it persists. We all see the notices on the website www.norfolkcountygolfunion.co.uk locker room walls, ‘be ready to play’, ‘keep up with Following election, the 2016 County Officials are as the game in front not ahead of the game behind’ etc follows: etc. President Doug Gilchrist Well, England Golf, taking a lead from the Royal & Vice-President Graham Turner Ancient have published their latest Policy to be Honorary Secretary Mike Devlin implemented in all their Championships with the Honorary Treasurer Richards Betts expectation that County and Club Competitions will County Captain Kevin Webb adopt the Policy as their own. County Seniors’ Captain David Pattrick The new element of ‘Random Timings without Junior Manager Norman Blanch Warning’ has been utilised on the Tour and is seeing some results. It is all too clear that these * * * * measures are being successful in major Junior Matters tournaments to combat the pace of play and this will inevitably filter down to all levels of the game. Matches The first County match for the Under 18’s was played at Sheringham Golf Club. The match was the BUT Trophy played between, Bedfordshire, Leicestershire and Norfolk. The day started in warm sunshine but got very cold in the afternoon, but this did not distract
For each competition there is a calculated time allowed for each round. Each hole is given a maximum completion time, primarily based upon its length and difficulty. The maximum time allotted for the completion of 18 holes must be available prior to play. 27
PACE OF PLAY POLICY Definition of “Out of Position” The first group and any group after a starter’s gap will be considered to be “out of position” if, at any time during the round, the group’s cumulative time exceeds the time allowed for the number of holes completed. Any following group will be considered “out of position” if it is more than the starting interval behind the group in front. Procedure when Group is “Out of Position” 1. A Group “Out of Position” and more than their cumulative round time shall be asked by the referee to get back into position within a specified time. Failure to do so may lead to players being individually timed. 2.
A Group “Out of Position” but within their cumulative round time shall either: (a) If their pace of play is not affecting following groups no action shall be taken. (b) If following groups are being ‘held up’ the group shall be asked to improve their pace of play.
If a decision is taken to time a group, each player in the group will be informed the group is out of position. At the referee’s discretion, each or any player will be subject to individual timings. The maximum time allocated per shot is 40 seconds. 10 extra seconds are allowed for the first player to play: i. on a par three hole; ii. an approach shot; and iii. a chip or putt
President Doug Gilchrist, Weston Park Golf Club
Vice President Graham Turner, Mundesley Golf Club
Imm. Past President Alan Winstanley, Sheringham 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 Kevin Webb - Costessey Park Golf Club kevinwebb160575@gmail.com 2nd Team Captain Richard Wilson - Dereham Golf Club prorichard@aol.com Seniors Captain David Pattrick Seniors Administrator Malcolm Carr of Sheringham Golf Club malcolm.carr@tiscali.co.uk
The time will start when the player has had sufficient time to reach his ball, it is his turn to play and he is able to play without interference or distraction.
Junior Secretary - Norman Blanch, 10, Hillside Crescent, Wicklewood, Norwich. NR18 9QD Tel: 01953 604394 normanblanch@btinternet.com
On the putting green, timing will start when the player has had a reasonable amount of time to lift, clean and replace his ball, repair pitch marks and move loose impediments on his line of putt. Time spent looking at the line from beyond the hole and / or behind the ball is included in the time allowed for the stroke.
Team Managers (Juniors): U16 - Andrew Cullington 01603 898311 ajcully@btinternet.com
Timing ceases when a group is back in position. Players will be advised accordingly. PENALTY FOR BREACH OF CONDITION (Note 2 to Rule 6-7 and Note 4 to Rule 32-1b) Stroke Play / Match Play 1 Bad Time : One stroke penalty Loss of hole 2 Bad Times: Warning
Further two strokes penalty Loss of hole & Final
3 Bad Times:
Disqualification
“Random Timings Without Warning” In addition to the above a player without notice may be individually timed (whether “In Position” or not). If their time exceeds 60 seconds the player will incur a warning. Any future bad times will result in penalties being imposed as highlighted above. 28
NCGU CONTACTS
U12/14 - Nick Macartney 07766 805314; nickmarcartneygolf@btinternet.com U18 Manager - Warren Blackwell 07961 823146 email:w.blackwell@hotmail.co.uk PGA Secretary - John Paling ‘Squirrels Reach’, Folgate Lane, Old Costessey, Norwich NR8 5EF Tel: 01603 741301 jandjpaling@uwclub.net Norfolk Schools - Margo Horsburgh 5 Bishops Croft, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 1BZ 01359 221281 dandmhorsburgh326@btinternet.com Girls Organiser - Carol Delf Gt Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club
Dereham Golf Club Junior Section by Jane Bizley Over 20 of Dereham Golf Club’s junior members continued the 2016 season in sunshine and showers on Bank Holiday Monday by playing for the Steve Jack Trophies. The competition saw some good scores at all levels. The Steve Jack Salver (best gross) was won by Max Jacobs with a gross 75; second was Joe Crane gross 89. The Steve Jack Cup (best net) was won by junior captain Immy Leeder with a net 69 (83-1469), second was Tom Smart (99-28-71). In the 9 holes competition Jude Marsden-Mooney won the Steve Jack Trophy for the best gross score whilst the Steve Jack Memorial Trophy for the best net score went to Korie Lelacheur. There was also a 5 holes competition which was won by Sam Rose, with newcomer Arthur Leeder in second place and Jennifer Brown in third. All winners and runners up received pro’ shop vouchers which were presented by the Club’s junior organiser Jane Bizley and Sheila Brightwell. Past Ladies President Sheila Brightwell presented the Winter Tournament trophy to Immy Leeder who is the first girl to win this event and the draw for the summer knockout took place with 16 juniors participating over the coming months.
5 & 9 hole winners and runners up with Jane Bizley
18 hole winners and runners up, including Immy Leeder winner of the Winter Tournament
ACE ARTHUR, 94, HAS A BALL AT DUNSTON HALL TO WIN A GOLF BREAK Sprightly Arthur Ball has added another amazing achievement to his golfing CV after recording his firstever hole-in-one – at the age of 94. The golf veteran, who beat his age for 18 holes around his home club Wellingborough when he scored 89 during a round two years ago, achieved every golfer’s dream on a seniors’ away trip to Dunston Hall in Norwich, on April Fools’ Day! And not only did the Norfolk venue give Arthur a bottle of champagne to celebrate on the day, but Dunston Hall has now invited the great grandfather back with a friend to enjoy a free one-night golf break to help mark his memorable feat further. The 26-handicapper, who has been playing golf for 50 years, stunned playing partners Trevor Sherington and Ian Jolly when he carded the ace on the 169-yard ninth hole at Dunston Hall, and he had double reason to celebrate as his hole-in-one played a key part in helping his three-ball to win the team competition. Arthur said: “It was an amazing day and one that I’ll never forget, especially as it was before 12 o’clock on April Fools’ Day. The club gave me a bottle of champagne on the day to celebrate, and to have now received this extra gift from Dunston Hall is very special. I’m very grateful to everyone. I always aim at the middle of the green, and don’t even think about trying to get it in the hole. My playing partners said it was in the hole, but I told them that it must have rolled off the back of the green. However, when I got to the green it was there in the hole. I’ve been close on several previous occasions, but the ball has never dropped before - you need a bit of luck and I got it this time. I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Dunston Hall. Everyone in the pro shop was as excited as I was at what happened and I’m looking forward to going back later this year.” John Angus, group director of golf for QHotels, said: “To be playing golf regularly at the age of 94 is an achievement in itself, so to get a hole-in-one is a remarkable feat and one which Arthur should be very proud of.” 29
NORFOLK SCHOOLS GOLF ASSOCIATION (Affiliated to the English Schools Golf Association) By Hon Secretary - Margo Horsburgh, 5 Bishops Croft, Barningham, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP31 1BZ (Tel: 01359 221281) Email: dandmhorsburgh326@btinternet.com
GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS 2016
having 19 girls taking part. The NLCGA is to be highly commended for all the work they do with emerging players.
Results:
Winners On a wet and windy day the 21st Norfolk Schools’ Championships were held at a very impressive Swaffham Golf Club. Despite the weather there was excellent scoring especially from the winners. Toby Briggs, representing Thorpe St Andrew School and Ellie Brown of Easton & Otley College were this year’s individual champions, Toby with a 66, five under par, which included six birdies and eleven pars, successfully defended his 2015 title and Ellie with a 75 were excellent winners. The Handicap Champions were Elliott Daniels of Litcham High with a 66 and Hope Neild of Thorpe St Andrew with a 64. The U14 Boys’ Championship was won by Ben Cowles of Wymondham High with a nett 70 off 28 handicap and Eve Neild kept it in the family by winning the U14 Girls’ Championship with a nett 62 off 34 handicap.
Under 14 Champion - Boys Ben Cowles Wymondham High Royal Norwich 98-28=70 Under 14 Champion - Girls Eve Neild Hillside Avenue Primary Royal Norwich 96-34=62 School Team Champions – Thorpe St Andrew 133 Toby Briggs 69; Hope Neild 64 Girls’ Handicap Champion 1. Hope Neild Thorpe St Andrew Royal Norwich 82-18=64 2. Lily Farrelly Northgate High Dereham 86-20=66 Girls’ Champion 1. Ellie Brown Easton & Otley College Barnham Broom 75 ocb 2. Jasmine Campbell Aylsham High Royal Norwich 75 Boys’ Handicap 1. Elliott Daniells Litcham High Dereham 89-23=66 2. Harry Bradfield Wymondham High Barnham Broom 79- 9=70 3. Jonathan Storey Thetford Grammar Thetford 89-17=72 Boys’ Champion 1. Toby Briggs Thorpe St Andrew Dunston Hall 66 2. Tom Carding Easton & Otley College Gt Y & Caister 74 3. Warren Bates Smithdon High Heacham Manor 77
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Thorpe St Andrew successfully defended their title in The teams to represent Norfolk in the South East of the Team Champions with an amazing 133, six shots England Schools’ Championships will be announced shortly. There will also be some individual entries as better than last year and only one more than the a result of the high standard of play. The squads are 2010 record by Taverham High of 132. They will go boxed below, with team selection from them:forward to defend their title in the National Final at Woodhall Spa Golf Club in Boys Girls July, despite their third team Toby Briggs – Thorpe St Andrew Ellie Brown – Easton & Otley College member being unavailable Tom Carding – Easton & Otley College Jasmine Campbell – Aylsham High as with two out of three to Amy Taylor – Wymondham College Warran Bates – Smithdon High count he wasn’t missed and Max Jacobs – Litcham High Amelia Williamson – Norwich School for Girls Ashley Johnson – Easton & Otley College Megan Mann – Wymondham High he will be available for the Abigail O’Riordan – Wayland Academy James Greatbanks – Thetford Grammar Final. Harry Bradfield – Wymondham High
The trophies were presented jointly by Doug Gilchrist, President of the Norfolk County Golf Union, Jo Ashmore, President of the Norfolk Ladies’ County Golf Association, and the Ladies’ Captain of Swaffham Golf Club Ann Curtis. Again Norfolk definitely went against the trend by
Chloe Rowswell – Hobart High
A good Championship with 56 players taking part and Swaffham Golf Club are to be thanked for presenting the course in good condition. We received a very warm welcome from all the staff and the catering was first-rate.
King Arthur
The winning team were Paul Burt Steve Bullent Mark Seabrook and Nigel Drewery who can be seen with Club Captain and the King Arthurs cane
Great Yarmouth and Caister golf club members were out in force, playing in a Texas Scramble event to commemorate one of its former Centurions, Arthur England. The event, traditionally the curtain raiser to the summer golfing season, saw 22 teams of four playing in the long overdue Spring sunshine. There was an element of fun bolted on to the competition with prizes for nearest the pins on Caister Par threes. The competition, open to everyone, was again subjected to some incredible scoring. As usual there were some hard luck stories of missed putts here and there, lips out and all the hard luck stories that are told over a pint in the club house. The Arthur England event has been hosted every year since the original centenary event back in 1990. The winning team is presented with the boxed and mounted Arthur England silver tipped walking cane, which Arthur used and which was presented to the club after his death in 1994. The cane is displayed proudly in the clubs trophy room.
Martyn Tanner, Costessey Club Captain of 2015, presents a cheque for the money raised during his year as Captain to Opening Doors, a locally based charity, who wish to thank everybody and every business who generously contributed to the magnificent sum of ÂŁ9001.00
Costessey Park hosted the Costessey Cup and Jerninghams Trophy for ladies from all over Norfolk, in glorious sunshine. Lady Captains, Vice Captains and immediate past Captains from fifteen Norfolk clubs played for the Costessey Cup. Past Captains and guests played for the Jerninghams Trophy. Liz Hewett from The Links won the Jerninghams Trophy, with Jill Daly from Costessey Park coming second. The Costessey Cup was won by Lady Captain Sue Fage of Costessey Park for the first time since 2005, with the runner up Anita Coteman from Sprowston Manor on count back from Caroline Richardson from Hunstanton. Below: 2015 Lady Captain of Costessey Park, Carol Wilson (L) presenting the Costessey Cup to 2016 Lady Captain of Costessey Park, Sue Fage (R).
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The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Benefits from Heacham Manor Captains Day Heacham Manor Annual Captains Day welcomed in the new captains and raised money for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. After being postponed from the original date due to torrential rain and wind, the rearranged date was sunny and warm despite the ever present Norfolk coast wind which increased through the day. 36 golfers competed in an enjoyable social day. The main event format was a combined team event, with the best 3 scores out of 4 on each hole counting. An individual stableford competition was also held in conjunction with the team event. Nine teams competed with Aaron Daly (Mens Captain), Rachel Hodkinson (Ladies Captain) off first with solid drives in-front of the cheering members. The captains showed the members how it was done in the team 32
competition, with the captains Aaron and Rachel, with their team mates Martin Heath and John Elsden taking victory with an impressive 124 team score. The runners up on 121 were Craig Drewery, Warren Bates, Jamie Brown and Allan Frazer. The individual tournament was won by Paul McAllister with a superb 43 stableford point, Craig Drewery took the runners up place on 37 points. Ladies Captain Rachel Hodgkinson took the win in the ladies with 36 points, beating junior Ella Mason into 2nd on 34 points. A raffle with a superb prize table along with golfing fines, purchased mulligans & entry fees, helped raise nearly £570. The charity auction helped raise a further £1095. The total amount raised for the Captains Charity was £1665. Left: Aaron and Rachel
Searles Holds Successful Free Junior Golf Day During the Easter Holidays Searles Resort Golf Club in Hunstanton held another one of their FREE junior golf days. The day was open to all local schools within the cluster group along with any juniors that wanted to take part. There were many opportunities for juniors to get involved and enjoy the day. 1. Free group tuition given to all age groups all day 2. Free rounds of golf 3. Free putting competition 4. Free golf range balls 30 juniors took up the tuition offer with Searles PGA Professional Ray Stocker, there was a great buzz about the place despite the weather conditions and the day was a total success. A special thanks must go to the golf team, including Searles Golf Club Captain Rob Hills for helping on the day. The putting competition winners on the day were Dylan McKenna and Lewis Jarmin. The junior coaching at Searles is very pleased to say, that over the last few years there have been a lot of young golfing talents produced from days similar to this, with several of the clubs juniors now playing at county level and two of them now playing for England. One of those juniors is Ella Mason (pictured right) and her golfing journey started at a junior group lesson at Searles Leisure Resort at the age of 8. From there she progressed to their Elite squad which took her from the range, to the course and into junior competitions. It was not long into playing these tournaments that Ella found winning ways. Through playing competitive golf and practicing with her dad, she improved rapidly and has since joined Ely City, Girton and Heacham Manor Golf Clubs as well as Searles. It was 2014 where things really kicked off for Ella, she was made Captain of the Searles Junior Elite Squad and also became involved with the Ely squad. There was numerous tournament wins throughout the year too with victories at Middleton, Burleigh, John O’ Gaunt, Northampton and Ely in junior events and also became Ladies Club Champion at Heacham Manor. 2015 started with being introduced to the Cambridgeshire County Girls
1st team and yet again numerous victories followed as did a good result in the Ian Poulter Invitational, held at Woburn Golf Club. Throughout this incredible journey Ella’s handicap has been continually reduced and her target for 2016 is to break into single figures. This is aided by the motivation of recently being selected for the Girls England squad. To further encourage more juniors to join and play at Searles & Heacham Manor, Searles are offering free membership to juniors with every full adult membership. For juniors to be able to play they must be under 18 and the son / daughter of a paying member. Please speak to the Golf manager for more information. Alongside successful junior days Searles also host ‘Get Into Golf’ sessions for adults, starting at just £20 for 4 weeks tuition. For any more information regarding junior golf days, events and adult tuition please contact PGA Golf Professional Ray Stocker on Tel: 07850 330022.
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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
Sheringham Pro Am There was a stiff wind as the competitors set out on the annual visit from the counties PGA teams, on what is always a challenging course. One of the early starters was Ian Ellis (Great Yarmouth & Caister) and he thought that his round of 73 would be beaten and one other player tied his score, but it was Bawburgh Golf Club’s Alex Beckett who came in, winning by some score with a level par 70. Ian did achieve a winning position with his team with a score of 130, which is 10 under par and pipping Tim Lond-Caulke’s (Diss Driving Range) score by one shot. Third team in was James Yemc (Hunstanton) and James was the professional who tied for second place with Ian. Nearest the pin was Neil Jary and the longest drive was won by Thain Hacon. Teams. 1st 131 Ian Ellis with Thain Hacon, Colin Norris and Dean Ashton. 132 Tim Lond-Caulke with James Wright, Guy Baker & Ross Bailey. 134 James Yemc with Neil Jary, Paul Godfrey & Edward Peggs. 135 Matthew Gardner with Shaun Friend, Andy Banks & Steve Lamb. Professional. 1st 70 Alex Beckett. 73 Ian Ellis & James Yemc. 74 Matthew Gardner. 75 Tim LondCaulke & Lee Patterson (Royal Cromer).
Swaffham Pro Am The very first ProAm by the county’s professional association was held at Swaffham golf club and it was an excellent day with 22 teams of four competing. The course has shown great improvements over the past few years and it is a little gem worth the visit. The men’s par is 71 and only one golfer achieved that, so it demonstrated that the course has to be taken seriously, because some of the stars in our county struggled on some of the testing holes. Even the host trainee (Nic Cains) had problems on the front nine, but did come back in three under par for a score of 73 which gave him second place and he pipped Caroline Grady (Dunston Hall) and Colin Williams (Fakenham) by one shot. However the winner and establishing himself as an early order of merit leader, was Jason Groat (Denver Golf Centre) who returned a level par 71. The winning team was brought in by Tom Clements (Eaton) with a score of 13 under par. Nearest the pin was Darren Masters and longest drive was Harry Bailey. 34
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
Team. 1st 129 Tom Clements with David Thomas, Phil Sayers & Mark Taylor. 131 Alex Beckett (Bawburgh) with Harry Bradfield, Scott Grev-Hardy & Darren Reeve. 134 Ryan Pudney (Mundesley) with Paul Ellis, Donald Stuart & Dave Crosby. 134 Sam Cubitt (Dunston Hall) with Scott Seally, John Pearce & Ashley Hornt. Professionals. 1st 71 Jason Groat. 73 Nic Cains. 74 Caroline Grady & Colin Williams. 75 Mark Spooner (Bawburgh), Duncan Abbott (Gorleston) & Tom Clements (Eaton).
Order of Merit 2016 After 4 Events Professional Jason Groat
Golf Club Denver Golf Centre
Points 27
Ian Ellis
Great Yarmouth & Caister
17
Alex Beckett
Bawburgh Family Golf
10
Chase Davis
Marriott Sprowston
9
James Yemc
Hunstanton
9
Mark Spooner
Bawburgh Family Golf
9
Nic Cains
Swaffham
8
Colin Williams
Fakenham
6
James Weight
Kings Lynn
6
Matthew Gardner Barnham Broom
4
Lee Patterson
Royal Cromer
3
Tom Clements
Eaton
3
Draw for the Matchplay Knock-Out. 1st Round Morgan Thompson v Matthew Gardner, Sam Cubitt v Ryan Pudney, Mark Spooner v Charlie Bright & Mark Allen v Alan Wright. The four winners will then join the 16 byes into the second round.
WOMEN APPOINTED IN OFFICE 2016 saw a change in tradition at Ryston Park Golf Club when after 84 years (where men have previously been in charge of the club), Pam Taylor was appointed as their Club Captain, to become the FIRST WOMAN IN NORFOLK to be a Club Captain. Pam joined Ryston Park in January 2007 and was Ladies Captain 2013/14 and Club Treasurer 2013-2015.
Visitor Incentives at Bawburgh Bawburgh Golf Club have just introduced a new scheme to encourage visitors, that aren’t quite ready for that commitment of membership, a small incentive to continue to visit this wonderful course. Much like gathering loyalty stamps at your favourite coffee shop, Bawburgh have introduced a ‘Visitor Loyalty Card’ for rounds of golf. It is applicable on both the 9 and 18 hole courses, and visitors are issued with loyalty cards and given them a stamp on each visit/green fee paid. On their sixth stamp they will receive A FREE ROUND OF GOLF as a thank you for choosing the course again and again. The cards have a 1 year shelf life from the start date, so even for the most fair weather golfers, there should be more than enough time to squeeze in 6 rounds! This scheme hopes to encourage all visiting golfers to look ahead and book their next round, to get their next stamp, keeping them keen to play again and engaged in the sport with an end target of that free round of golf! A great day was had by all 4 Captains and club members at Costessey Park for the Captains drive in. A shot gun start was preceded by a supposedly home brew dram, from Club Captain Paul Hendrey, although some tought the only thing home brewed was the label! After the raffle and prize giving it was back out onto the course for the Drive In by Sue Fage, Ladies Captain and Paul, Club Captain and despite using an old hickory shafted club both managed to get it off the tee. Paul's shot ended in the pond which he claims "was to show the ducks where to go" in the proceeding duck race but this is no duck pond. The day raised over £600 for the captains two chosen charities, The Nook Appeal and Pabulum which is part of Age UK Norfolk. This is the last drive in on the existing course, as the course is being extended with 3 new holes, which the members are eagerly awaiting the new course configuration, opening in the summer. 35
Day at Mundesley Jimmy Hawicks Centenary Great The ladies of Mundesely Golf Club got together for a
100 not out may sound like a great cricket score but on this occasion it was the celebration of Great Yarmouth and Caister golf clubs oldest member Jimmy Hawick. 100 golfers played in a better ball match in weather conditions that people on the Costas were envious off. There were many pairs of coloured shorts on the links as the first layer of the season’s sun tan cream was applied. It was heaven sent. The scoring for the day was superb and four teams returned scores of 91 points. The eventual winners on the count back system with a back nine of 50 points were John Deonysion, Mike Cutter, Kevin Twose and Steve Curtis. Team captain Kevin Twose thanked everyone and paid tribute to Jimmy on his day. Club Manager Tim Starbuck described the day as the nicest he had encountered at Caister and said the Jimmy Hawick Trophy would become a regular feature in the club’s calendar. He added there must be something about playing golf and longevity as Jimmy is the club’s third centurion following Arthur England and the infamous Jack Chase. He recommended that more people need to be taking up the sport.
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coffee morning fund raising event, buying baskets of goodies, raffle tickets, home made cakes, flowers and plants, and a chance on the tombola along with other games such as the human fruit machine and best putting competition. There was also a silent Auction of donated prizes from individuals, the golf club and Dunston Hall. The club was pleased to be supported by a visit from ex Norwich football player Jeremy Goss, who along with his colleague Donna Minto were representing the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind. This is the current year captains charity.
Left to right Donna Minto (NNAB) Ruth Epton (Ladies Captain) Jeremy Goss (NNAB)
Norfolk Seniors Norfolk Seniors final warm-up match for the season ahead, was against Norfolk Juniors. On a warm spring day the annual match of the Norfolk Seniors versus the up and coming junior boys (14 and under) and girls (18 and under) was held at Sheringham. The match was arranged by Alan Winstanley, the Sheringham club captain, who officiated on the first tee and saw all the players off. The match was played on a handicap basis in a triangular foursomes format with a pair from each team making up a six-person match. So in each group there were three separate matches being played: Seniors vs Boys, Seniors vs Girls and Boys vs Girls. Many of the junior boys and girls displayed considerable ability, finesse and an undoubted competitiveness. All matches were played in an excellent friendly yet competitive spirit and all the boys and girls are to be commended on their conduct, etiquette and familiarity with competitive golf. Match 1: Doug Gilchrist and Graham Turner beat Joe Crane and William Kibblar and halved with Jasmine Campbell and Chloe Gibbs. Joe Crane and William Kibblar beat Jasmine Campbell and Chloe Gibbs Match 2: David Pattrick and Mike Horley lost to Charlie Green and Jacob Jeary and lost to Abigail O'Riordan and Hope Neild Abigail O'Riordan and Hope Neild beat Charlie Green and Jacob Jeary Match 3: Ian Hogg and Mark Allbrook beat Jamie Fox and Alfie Edgson and beat Nicola Dalziel and Freya Biels Nicola Dalziel and Freya Biels beat Jamie Fox and Alfie Edgson Match 4: Bob Pateman and Tony Lount beat Charlie Woodward and George Sommerville and beat Imogen Leeder and Hannah Thomson Charlie Woodward and George Sommerville beat Imogen Leeder and Hannah Thomson The first inter county match of the season was a friendly against Bedfordshire at the Bedford Golf Club which meant an early start and was not helped by the weather, which was very cold, windy and wet - not a good combination! None of the Norfolk team had played the course before which was reflected in the morning greensomes score being 51/2 to 1/2 in Bedfordshire's favour, which left a huge mountain to climb if Norfolk were going to win the match. This sadly didn't happen but a great effort by the team in the afternoon 4 balls saw them win 31/2 to 21/2 with Bedfordshire winning overall 8 to 4. Making their Norfolk debuts were Tony Ralton
by Bernie Peet
(Sheringham) and Robert Webb (Bawburgh) with Ralton securing the only 1/2 pt in the morning with partner Tony Gurney-Read (Royal Cromer) and Webb gaining a point in the afternoon with partner David Hudson (Hunstanton). Captain David Pattrick was pleased with the team's fighting spirit in the afternoon matches but again this result shows that a practice round needs to be played if matches are to be won, particularly league fixtures. The rest of the team was Chris Taylor, Simon Telbrook, David Pattrick (capt), Mike Horley, Ian Hogg, John Taverner, Harvey Scott and Roger Finney. On a personal note I was asked to help at the County Foursomes at my club, Royal Cromer, with some on course marshalling. Sadly the event was spoilt again by persistent rain which flooded the greens leaving no choice but to abandon the afternoon round. This isn't the first time that bad weather has ruined this competition, which is one of the most popular county events held, this year again was oversubscribed with several pairs missing out. Perhaps it is time to consider changing the date to later in the season when hopefully the weather would be better and everyone can enjoy it.
DEREHAM GOLF CLUB
SUMMER SPECIAL £27.50 (£22.50pp if 4 Ball or more) 18 holes of golf and a one course meal. (Vegetarian alternative available)
TWILIGHT GOLF
from 1600 hours from £12 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 37
“A WORD”
from your Norfolk Golf County Development Officer
GIRLS GOLF IS ROCKING IN NORFOLK!
golfers. However, what has been key is the 4 P’s Partnership working, Planning, Promotion and the Currently, national figures show that only 1% of golf People involved. It wasn’t left club members are girls, with an average of just two to any one individual to do it all, girls per club! but instead a co-ordinated Following a successful trial in Essex last year it was approach was used involving England Golf, the Golf decided to roll out the Girls Golf Rocks initiative to Foundation, the Norfolk Golf Development Group, another eight other counties, which for 2016 I am the Norfolk Ladies County Golf Association and pleased to say included Norfolk! Active Norfolk, the local County Sports Partnership, With only 105 girls playing golf across Norfolk this along with our host clubs. was a great opportunity for us to grow girl’s For me this has been a great start to the summer participation and membership and we also used it as an opportunity to engage our County Junior Girls season and I’m looking forward to seeing all of the squad who acted as Ambassadors and role models girls again at the fun competition at Dereham. for any new girls coming into the game through the We very much hope to replicate the programme again next year and would be interested to hear Norfolk Girls Golf Rocks programme. from any club that would like to be involved. Based on their location, facilities, environment and Likewise, I’d also be happy to hear from any club current junior offer, 4 clubs (Barnham Broom, that is running or thinking about running their own Dereham, Royal Norwich and Marriott Sprowston similar initiative and might like some support. Manor), were selected to be host clubs. These host clubs then ran a 6 week introductory programme to With the sun shining as I write this article, I’m certainly looking forward to getting out on the attract new girls which included taster sessions, 4 course more over the coming weeks, particularly week follow on coaching, a fun competition and now there’s the opportunity to get in those midthen an affordable exit route into their Junior week after work 9 holes, but more about that in my Programme / Academy and membership. next article! Kicking off over the Easter period, over 45 girls new to golf (aged between 7 and 14) attended the series Happy summer golfing. of taster sessions run by the 4 host clubs. Blessed E-mail- k.woodrow@englandgolf.org by fine weather, the girls and their families received Mob- 07736 880922 a warm welcome from the clubs and had the Twitter- @NorfolkCGP opportunity to try out the game through a series of Website- www.norfolkgolfpartnership.org fun and engaging skills challenges and time on the
Karen
driving range. The sessions were run by the club’s PGA Professionals and supported by members of the club and also some of the County Junior Girls squad as mentioned. I’m pleased to report, that out of the 45 girls who attended the taster sessions, 31 signed up for further follow-on coaching so my thanks go out to all the professionals, club members and ambassadors who’ve been involved to make the initiative a great success. The retention percentage is particularly pleasing and the challenge will now be to keep the enthusiasm going and integrate the new girls into the clubs junior programs and membership. The project model used for Girls Golf Rocks is not rocket science and something that could be replicated by any club looking to attract more girl
Middleton Hall Golf Club Ladies Captain Elaine Calvert presented Truda Foster with the Valentine Cup for winning the Stableford Competition. Winner of Division 2 was Kirsten Kerry.