SUFFOLK & NORFOLK R E F L O G SEASONS GREETINGS TO ALL OUR READERS
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
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LADIES RAISE MONEY FOR EACH Outgoing Lady Captain, Linda Cresswell presented a cheque to Vanessa Bell from EACH at the Fynn Valley ladies’ AGM. During Linda’s year of office the ladies’ section raised £2104.90 for the charity through a series of competitions, raffles, supper evenings, cake sales, craft fayres and more. Vanessa Bell spoke about the work done by EACH to support the families of children with terminal illness as well as those children themselves, and said how the hospices rely on the efforts of groups such as our ladies to raise the necessary funds to pay for the provision of these services. Fynn Valley welcome Christine Lynch-Bates (left) as the new lady captain for 2013-14. Chris commenced her year in traditional Fynn Valley fashion with a theme for her Drive In of "Accidents"! Apparently Chris is a little accident prone, so her chauffeur driven golf buggy was decorated with the contents of a first aid kit and she was bandaged up appropriately. Once Chris had been transported to the first tee on her buggy, the ladies sang her a specially worded version of "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life". The first two tee shots of her drive in were a little unusual - the first ball exploded and the second was somewhat wobbly! Her subsequent official drive measured 109 yards and Sue Gunton won the draw. This Captaincy year the ladies are raising funds for the Ipswich Hospital Breast Cancer Unit and to buy a Defibrillator for the Club.
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Suffolk Golf Union WELCOME FROM Ron Kent, President of the Suffolk Golf Union This latest issue should reach clubs around the end of the month, as we approach our fifteenth Christmas issue. It provides me, and our publisher Linda Basham, with an opportunity once again to thank all the subscribers and advertisers who have supported our efforts over several years. Your interest and participation is much appreciated and I hope we have served you well with news and a few views about golf in our wonderful County of Suffolk, not forgetting our friends in Norfolk too, of course. It is timely to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a year of peace and good golf ahead, even if, as we are constantly being told, the prosperity bit still seems some way off! It has been another difficult year for golf clubs generally, with no-one coming through the doors for several days at the turn of the year when we suffered a very harsh winter. Notwithstanding, clubs here in Suffolk bucked the trend for downward membership which damaged the profit and loss account for numerous clubs elsewhere but now, even here, the downward trend has gathered pace. With the scare-mongering tabloid press promising some of the deepest snowfalls this winter for many, many years, the weeks ahead may look chilling. We did not die off in our thousands as a result of bird flu, another scare to take the headlines a couple of years ago. Hope springs eternal so let’s hope they have got their latest message of gloom and doom wrong too - I’m tempting fate I know having only reached the 11th November as I write. Temperatures have dropped noticeably since the clocks changed but the weather is still open although conditions underfoot are soggy. Whatever the future holds, let us hope there still seems time to go and . . . . . . ENJOY YOUR GOLF!
Anyone wishing to submit articles or comment about golf matters generally should write to Ron Kent, 77 Bennett Avenue, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3JJ. e-mail: golfsgu@btinternet.com
Suffolk Golf Union Current Officers and Members of the Executive Committee President: Ron Kent (Hintlesham) Tel: 01284 705765; Vice President: Phil Platten (Woodbridge) Tele: 01394 461246; Honorary Secretary: Charlie Wilderspin (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 588028 Treasurer: Geoff Henney (Woodbridge) Tel: 01728 685525 Executive Committee: Ray Baines (Felixstowe Ferry) Tel: 01394 276076; Bill Darling (Stowmarket) Tel: 01449 615854; Colin Firmin (Ipswich) Tel: 01206 298742; Phil Platten (Woodbridge) Tel: 01394 461246; Tony Tyrrell (Fynn Valley) Tel: 01473 785463 Other positions: Chairman Suffolk Junior Golf: Mike Stevenson (Thorpeness) Tel: 01728 6-3521; Team Captains: 1st Team: Nathan Overton Tel: 07979 366874; 2nd Team: Neil Meadows Tel: 01394 766104; Seniors: John Cullum (Bury St Edmunds) Tel: 01284 735614; Seniors Manager: County Referee: Mike Rees (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 568941 EGU Delegate: Charlie Wilderspin (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 588028; SE Group Delegate: Mike Rees (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 568941; Chairman Suffolk County Golf Partnership: Crawford Gillan Tel: 01473 254753; Ecology Officer: Michael Thomas (Ipswich) Tel: 01394 283973.
EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING: 150 Fronks Road, Dovercourt, Harwich, Essex CO12 4EF Tel: 01255 242141 E-mail: suffolkgolfer@aspects.net Front Cover: www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com Publisher: Linda Basham Royal Norwich Opinions, comments and reports in Suffolk & Norfolk Golfer Magazine are not necessarily those of the SUFFOLK or NORFOLK COUNTY GOLF UNIONS.
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Golf Club
NOTEBOOK By Ron Kent
Interesting characters A nice thing about golf is the number of places you go to and the people you meet, which you would not otherwise. One such for me was when the Seniors’ team travelled over to the Isle of Wight for the Southern Counties Foursomes final at Sandown. We played Kent in the morning and I was kindly offered a lift on a buggy, by one of the Kent officials. He turned out to be one of their best senior golfers in recent years, sidelined on this occasion by a knee problem. It was Dave Jessop, whose name will be familiar to motor-cycle enthusiasts everywhere. Since his retirement from competitive motor-cycling, Dave has devoted himself to golf and has been a regular member of the highly successful Kent Seniors team in recent years. He regularly goes down to South Africa in the winter and plays on the “Seniors Tour” there.
Dave Jessop tends the flag
To his credit, he did not set out to bore me with details of his motor-cycling career, but I was intrigued to find out a bit about him when I got back to Bury St Edmunds. Born in Ipswich, he had a glittering career, perhaps reaching the pinnacle in 1980 when he finished runner-up in the World Speedway Championship at Goteborg, Sweden and won the British and Commonwealth Championships in the same year. On three occasions he was a member of the World Team Cup winners.
Dave rode for a number of clubs including King’s Lynn Stars in 1979-81 and Mildenhall Fen Tigers in 1986-87 in East Anglia. As one would expect, Dave is strongly competitive about his golf and, although unable to play, was much in evidence at the Seniors Foursomes event where I enjoyed his company. Surprising where golf sometimes takes you.
Foursomes Golf It was disappointing as much for County officials as it was for the small number of pairs which entered, that the County Junior Foursomes had to be cancelled through lack of support. It should have taken place during the recent half-term holiday but with just 17 pairs, the time and expense could not be justified. The event has struggled for several years despite valiant attempts to keep it going. The reasons why it bit the dust could be twofold at least. 1. Once the bastion of inter-County golf, few golfers play foursomes golf these days. Why is that? Well, I would suggest it has much to do with television’s pursuit of individual performance in national and international events, showing leaderboards several shots under par. Except for Ryder Cup matches, foursomes golf is never shown and, in truth, there are few, if any, foursomes championships at top level to show anyway. Another reason may be the number of individual stroke play competitions available these days to junior golfers. Looking at the junior fixture list for 2014, it is extensive and exhausting and, maybe, there is neither the time nor the energy to play foursomes as well.
Technology takes off Finally, I noticed a piece in our local freebie newspaper about a new initiative by Ian Duncan, former Captain at Stowmarket, who set-up clubnoticeboard.co.uk, the basis for several of the club websites here in Suffolk and beyond. It reports that Ian, with Fairway Flyovers, has developed aerial photography of golf courses for clubs to use on their websites. Ian’s partners have invested in a remote controlled “quadcopter” to provide the filming for inclusion on club websites, the theory being that “stunning imagery is the way forward for golf club websites”. Anyone interested should contact Ian direct on 01359 244537. 5
HEADLINES Recent Headline news from www.suffolkgolfunion.co.uk
Club Tournament. In a field which contained several English internationals, Haverhill found the going tough and finished tied in 33rd place. The team was Jack Bligh, Michael Perrett and Chris Vince.
ENGLAND GOLF CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TOURNAMENTS Suffolk golfers won through their respective County Championships to earn a trip to Woodhall Spa for the SUFFOLK ARE EAST ANGLIAN SENIORS GOLF National LEAGUE CHAMPIONS Championships. This records the victory of our Seniors in the Seniors In the Men’s Anglian League competition, which involves four other Championship, Counties. Suffolk only just missed out on the title on Patrick Spraggs goal difference to Northamptonshire in its inaugural (Stowmarket) year in 2012. finished 11th. Andy Whittaker ROBERT SALTER WINS THE SUFFOLK ORDER (right) (Woodbridge) OF MERIT came 21st in the Still a junior until the end of this year, Robert Salter Seniors event and (Hintlesham) completed a busy and consistent season James Biggs (Diss) by winning the Men’s Suffolk Order of Merit Challenge, ended 14th in the Juniors Championship. scoring 37 points. He finished ahead of Luke Thompson (Rookery Park) with 30.5 and incoming FELIXSTOWE FERRY WIN THE STENSON Men’s County Captain, Nathan Overton (Woodbridge) SHIELD with 27.5. Salter also finished third in the Junior Order An exciting and keenly-fought contest saw Felixstowe of Merit competition Ferry win the Stenson Shield for the third time in the competition’s 28-year history, previous wins being in 1985 and 2004. Opponents Newton Green put up a great fight in attempting to win the Shield for first time in the club’s history. County Secretary, Charlie Wilderspin, regularly updates the County Golf Union’s website which is a mine of information about golf in Suffolk. We reproduce here a selection from the most recent postings.
SECKFORD WIN THE BEAUMONT TROPHY It was a proud day for Seckford, beating Bury St Edmunds to win its first ever County Team title at Ipswich. Founder Ray Beaumont was on hand to make the presentations. Below: A joyous Seckford team
Robert Salter (R) with Josh Robertson (centre) and Mike Stevenson, Chair of Suffolk Junior Golf
TAIT WINS SUFFOLK CATEGORY 2 CHAMPIONSHIP As reported elsewhere in this issue, Graham Tait (Seckford) won the inaugural Handicap Category 2 Championship at Woodbridge in September. ENGLAND CHAMPION CLUB TOURNAMENTS By winning the team Shield at this year’s Suffolk Amateur Championship, Haverhill duly travelled to Dudsbury in Dorset for the English Champion 6
WOODBRIDGE ARE HAMBRO CUP WINNERS Woodbridge won the Hambro Cup beating Ipswich at Rushmere in September. It was the club’s 13th win since the competition began in 1931. It was the club’s first win since 1994 and enabled it to draw level with their opponents, Ipswich, who have also won 13 times before, including a four-year run starting in 1947. BURY ST EDMUNDS WIN TOLLY COBBOLD CUP Bury St Edmunds triumphed over Ipswich by the narrow margin of four holes at Thorpeness. It was Bury’s second win in the competition’s history since it began in 1969. Bury’s other win was in 1997. FELIXSTOWE FERRY WIN PARKS TROPHY Felixstowe Ferry captured the highly-prized Seniors matchplay competition for the first time ever, beating Ufford Park on a blistering hot day at Woodbridge. It was the first ever appearance in the Parks Trophy final for both teams. For further details of the above events and many other facts about Suffolk County golf, go to www.suffolkgolfunion.co.uk. It’s well worth a visit.
With the Seniors By Ron Kent Our Seniors are playing an ever-growing part in interCounty golf and it was a great achievement for the team to reach, for the second year running, the final stages of the Southern Counties Foursomes competition. The team only narrowly lost in the final play-off at Sherborne in Dorset last year, when fog reduced the match to 11 holes, with the Suffolk team rapidly turning round a small deficit over the opening holes. Having overcome Norfolk and Cambridgeshire in this year’s qualifying round, played at Sheringham in May, hopes were high we could go one better at this year’s final at the interesting venue of Shanklin and Sandown on the Isle of Wight. Our Team Captain John Cullum had to deal with an eleventh hour call-off, but persuaded Giles Oates to sacrifice a planned Sunday lunch with his family and join the team. It meant some late unscrambling of work commitments for Giles and for the Captain a lot of juggling of the pairings. Our opening game was against Kent. Kent is one of the strongest teams in the country, having won the English Seniors County Championship four times
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previously. (Kent eventually went on to win the competition for a fifth time, at Surrey’s Royal Automobile Country Club a week later, so we perhaps played our part in warming them up for that!). Suffolk put up a brave fight but were destined to contest third place against Gloucestershire, winners in 2011 and a team we beat at Sherborne last year. It was not to be and the team finished a long day’s golf in fourth spot. Nevertheless, the team continues to go from strength to strength and played some excellent golf to win the East Anglian Seniors League, comprising ourselves, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, last year’s inaugural winners beating us on “goal difference”! The Shield was donated by The East Anglian Daily Times and Editor Terry Hunt came along to Bury St Edmunds recently to formally present the Shield to John Cullum.
Diary of a President By Ron Kent Things certainly quietened down somewhat after the Stenson final on 14th September. Nevertheless, there remained several enjoyable and keenly contested events to come before the County’s competitive season ended. 22nd September First up was the new Handicap Category 2 County Championship, played over 18 holes at Woodbridge, the course being in excellent condition, as one has come to expect. This competition was one which I had suggested to the Executive Committee, my reason being to extend County activities beyond the low category golfers, by encouraging a wider participation in County golf, thereby giving the higher handicap players something beyond the matchplay competitions for their affiliation fees and at the same time giving the Committee the opportunity to spread its gospel. The Executive readily agreed that it should go ahead and it proved a most successful event to which, I have suggested, should be added a Handicap Category 3 Championship next year, running in tandem with the Category 2 event.
29th September With our Seniors reaching the final of the Southern Counties Seniors Foursomes for the second year running, the team left Ipswich Golf Club at 8am on Sunday morning headed for Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club on the Isle of Wight. John Cullum (L) receives the Anglian Shield from EADT Editor Terry Hunt We Having taken travelled in over from Jon Marks, who did so much to drive Mick Seniors county golf forward in its formative years, John has continued with the excellent work. He has Dabbs a feeling that the Seniors Captain should only do two luxurious years which would take him to the end of 2014. I 16-seater hope we can persuade him to go on beyond that. Mercedes With the growing fixture list he certainly needs some minibus, help with the admin side of things and anyone who complete could be interested should speak with John to get with trailer more information.
(right)
Meanwhile, I feel confident we shall make further progress next year as the number of golfers available for selection, continues to grow.
loaded with golf clubs, trolleys, overnight bags etc, all in the care of the genial Mick himself. The journey was pleasant enough and the crossing was smooth. Plenty of banter along the way and at dinner that evening.
NEXT ISSUE - JAN/FEB 2014
WINTER SPECIAL? Golf deals ARE sourced from Suffolk & Norfolk Golfer online at www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com 8
Although results did not go our way, we all got back to our respective homes around midnight on Monday night, tired but not downhearted. 6th October Jean and I rediscovered our caravan for the first time since October last year and went up to West Runton, near Sheringham. We tend to eat quite often in the West Runton Golf Club there, being within staggering
distance of the van, and were amazed to find that the clubhouse had been completely refurbished. It seems to have been carried out by the hotel across the way and is Below: West Runton's refurbished clubhouse very swish.
17th October We assembled at Fynn Valley for a presentation by the new England Golf Chief Executive, David Joy, who talked us through his new Strategic Plan. The poor attendance by clubs was hugely disappointing. 6th November My next engagement was at Seckford, Seniors Captain Tony Mahoney having invited me to attend a Seniors lunch and take with me the Beaumont Trophy which the club had won at Purdis in September.
An enjoyable lunch (above) was well-attended by over 70 senior golfers, demonstrating the powerful and valuable force which seniors represent in amateur golf these days. The following evening, I was able to go along to my old club Bury St Edmunds and take with me the Tolly Cobbold Cup. Several photos of the team members, proudly holding the Cup, were taken. As I write, apart from a few Committee meetings between now and next March, I have just one more golf engagement which is the celebratory evening planned by Newton Green. I am looking forward to it will tell you more about that in the next issue.
www.ipswichgolfclub.com The Purdis Heath and Bixley Courses at Ipswich Golf Club offer superb golfing conditions on 27 holes available for play all year round without use of temporary tees or greens
WINTER OFFERS AVAILABLE Please contact the General Manager T: 01473 728941 email neill@ipswichgolfclub.com 9
Suffolk's Under 18s Squad for 2014
JUNIOR REPORT 2013 By Mike Stevenson (Chair of Suffolk Junior Golf) The playing season has ended in 3 victories for our younger age groups. The under 16’s won the Tom Finn Trophy for the first time, a 10 singles competition between three counties, and although the match was close, we came out on top with 14 points ahead of Leicestershire, who had 13 points. Two boys made their under 16 debuts, Gregor Tait and Sam Byford, both of whom scored maximum points. We also included a14 year old and a 13 year
old in the team. The under 12’s had victories against Cambridgeshire, who seem to be in disarray with their Junior County golf, and a notable victory against Essex with 7 of our boys from the team of 12 achieving better than their handicaps. This demonstrates the progress we have made in this age group. The winter assessments have been completed and the winter coaching commenced on 10th November. There are 2 groups (with 13 and 11 boys) for the under 18/16’s . Our head coach feels that there is not enough quality to be able to make an elite group, although the handicaps of our best 6 at the moment add up to 9. The goal for this group in 2014 is to improve on their performance over previous years in the South East Group 6 man team event and we will be preparing for this as major priority. We are also back in the South East Group Foursomes next year which will be held at Felixstowe Ferry and we intend to make full use of our home advantage. The under 14’s will have 2 groups (12 in each) with 10 in the under 12’s. In the past, these groups have produced excellent players for the under 16 group. Ufford Park represented the County in the inter club regional final at West Herts but just missed out qualifying. They finished 2nd in the competition reduced to 9 holes due to the bad weather. It was disappointing that we had to cancel the Suffolk Foursomes with only 17 pairs entered and the Championship Secretary and Junior Committee will need to evaluate this event for future years. We can look back and feel we had a reasonable 2013 playing season, notably with the younger groups. This shows we have quality in each group, which puts us in good heart for the future. Of course, the events would not go ahead without the time and effort of our team managers and helpers, and also the help of the Executive Committee members. Also the many parents who made themselves available to transport their siblings to matches and support them on course. My grateful thanks to everyone go to everyone.
The Triumvirate - where it all really began? Part One By Ron Kent In previous issues, we have included articles, suggesting who have been the greatest golfers of all time. It is often said that it is wrong to judge our contemporaries and I took a step back in time to look at the contributions of some great players many, many years ago. A lot has been written about the Triumvirate, three golfers who dominated the golfing scene going back to the early 1900s. They were, of course, James Braid, John Henry Taylor and Harry Vardon, who competed for supremacy over each other again and again at the turn of the 19th century. Braid and Vardon were both born in 1870, Taylor just one year later in 1871. Their playing careers were similar and intertwined on the Championship scene and, as golf course designers after the passing of their Championship activities. James Braid was born in Fife, between the Musselburgh and St Andrews courses. A joiner by trade in his youth, he played golf whenever he could and quickly established himself as a more than competent player, reaching a handicap of scratch by the age of 16, a remarkable achievement in those days. At the age of 23 he moved South, when he was offered a job as a club-maker at the Army and Navy stores in London. His new environment enabled him to compete successfully against some top professionals, most notably squaring a match against a future regular rival, J.H. Taylor, the then reigning Open Champion, at West Drayton in 1894. Braid turned professional at the age of 26 and, due to his growing reputation as a player was immediately appointed as professional at Romford in Essex. He subsequently moved to Walton Heath in 1904, becoming the club’s first professional. The secure base and income enabled him to pursue his playing ambitions and he was to win the British Open on five future occasions. In 1901 at Muirfield, he broke the domination by Taylor and Vardon, to win his first. He followed up with back to back victories in 1905 (St Andrews) and 1906 (Muirfield again) and secured two more victories at Prestwick in 1908 and St Andrews in 1910. Along the way, he added the PGA Matchplay Championship and French Open. Despite these notable successes, Braid is perhaps
James Braid
best remembered for the number of courses which he either designed or helped to update. They included the iconic Gleneagles, Troon and Ballybunnion. Here in East Anglia his skills were brought to bear at Colchester, Ipswich, Woodbridge, Thorpeness and Newton Green.
His hallmark was to use the natural contours of the land. Interestingly, he designed Sandown and Shanklin, on the Isle of Wight, where our Seniors team recently contested the Southern Counties Foursomes Final. Standing over 6ft in height, Braid was tall, using a strong grip which produced a draw. His prowess on the greens was well-known although it was to become his weakness in later years. Braid played regularly against members at Walton Heath until he died in 1950 at the age of 80, his scores still often beating his age. In future issues, we will look at the careers of the two other members of the Triumvirate, John Henry Taylor and Harry Vardon.
Suffolk Golf Union Junior Committee 2013 Chairman - Mike Stevenson Tel: 01728 603521 Mobile: 07778 576008 E-mail: mikeandmarystevenson@live.co.uk Secretary - Charles Wilderspin 10A Chestnut Avenue, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, NR32 3JA Tel: 01502 588028 Mobile: 07921 102826 E-mail: charles.wilderspin632@btinternet.com Managers: Under 18s - Trevor Mason (below) Fells Cottage, 72 Ferry Road, Felixstowe, IP11 9LU Tel: 01394 274331 E-mail: trevor@mason72.fslife.co.uk Under 16s - Tony Watkins 43 Bull Road, Foxgrove Gardens, Ipswich IP3 8GN Tel: 01473 713748 Mobile 07710 763091 E-mail: tonywatkins01@hotmail.co.uk Under 16s - Ian Woodhead 29 Spire Close, Sudbury CO10 0PZ Tel: 01787 378733 Mobile: 07818 403020 E-mail: i.woodhead@virgin.net Under 14s - John Morcombe The Old Chapel, Calder Road, Melton IP12 1TP Tel: 01394 386515 Mobile: 07899 791028 E-mail: jdmorco@msm.com Head Coach - Keith Preston Aldeburgh Golf Club, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5PE Tel: 01728 453309 E-mail: preston901@btinternet.com County Child Protection Officer - Stuart McCallum Tel: 01473 782780 11
Championship News Graham Tait (Seckford) wins the inaugural Category 2 Handicap Championship The inaugural Suffolk Handicap Category 2 Championship was held at Woodbridge Golf Club. The event was organised at the suggestion of the County President, Ron Kent, to cater for players with handicaps of 6 to 12, whose handicaps were too high to enable them to gain entry into the Suffolk Amateur Championship. The inaugural event, played off scratch over 18 holes, was well received and attracted a field of 60 competitors and thanks must go the our Championship Secretary and current VicePresident Phil Platten, for securing Woodbridge. As one has come to expect, the course was in excellent condition and provided a good test of golf for the competitors. It was encouraging that players from 16 of the 31 clubs affiliated to the Suffolk Golf Union
were represented with a full range of eligible handicaps up to the maximum handicaps of 12 taking part. Scratch prizes went to (3rd) Ricky D'zeirozynski (Woodbridge) 75, (2nd) Ben Sayers Champion Graham (Felixstowe Tait (Seckford) Ferry) 74, the with the President Handicap Category 2 Champion being Graham Tait (Seckford) who recorded an excellent 72. Graham also recorded the lowest nett score of 66. With competitors restricted to one prize only, handicap prizes went to (3rd) Brian Smy (Bungay & Waveney Valley) 76-6 nett 70, (2nd) Chris Whyatt ( Bury St Edmunds) 75-6 nett 69, and the winner (on countback), Garry Robinson (Woodbridge) also 75-6 nett 69. The competition was considered a great success and will be repeated in 2014, possibly with age group prizes being added. An invitation to the County’s President’s Day competition in 2014, held on the day of the Annual General Meeting, is also a highly likely. The success of the competition has led to a further suggestion by the President that the County should run a Handicap Category 3 Championship alongside the category 2 Championship in 2014, thereby giving an opportunity for more golfers to compete in the County’s Championship scene which might not otherwise be available to them. 13
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2013 Theatre Royal PRO-AM ... a Great Success at Haverhill Haverhill Golf Club hosted the 2nd Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal Pro/Celebrity Golf Day and it proved to be an all round success!
(right) Dave Blackmore, Kevin There were 23 teams, with 12 Professionals competing Prince, John for a generous prize fund. Haverhill General Manager Dornan & Mike Kettle Karen Wilby was delighted to have 92 players at with 80 Haverhill on a blustery Thursday. points The course was in excellent condition and the support followed by given to the organisers of the event by Karen and her the team with Club Professional Paul Wilby was superb. Haverhill Past The oldest theatrical Golfing Society, The Stage was represented by West End Actor, Jonathan Whalley, TV Presidents Winning team from Colchester team of Spencer Presenter & Tennis player Dan Lobb, Father Ted and Tatum, Malcolm Klingle, Bob & Theresa Spittle with Fastshow actor Jeff Harding, and Royal Ballet’s Wayne 79 points. Eagling. Also supporting the event was Ipswich Town Longest Drive of the day was won by Stowmarket legend Mick Lambert. member Chris Daniel and Nearest the pin, winning a Robinson’s Mercedes and Leading website designers Mercedes SLK for the weekend provided by Robinsons Club-Noticeboard were the main sponsors of the event Mercedes Bury St Edmunds was Haverhill’s Mark which raised close to £2000 for the Theatre Firman. Community Education programme. Club-Noticeboard Managing Director and event organiser Ian Duncan said, “As I hoped when we originally launched the event, it is getting bigger and better each year. Everyone was so impressed with the help from the Haverhill management team that we have already booked next year’s event with them for Thursday, October 9th 2014. As a member of the Theatre Development Board, on their behalf, I would like to thank everyone who helped make this such an enjoyable and unforgettable day”. In the tough windy, some said brutal conditions, the Professional event was won by last year’s winner, Norfolk Star, Ian Ellis with a level par round of 70, closely followed by, new boy on the block and recently turned Pro, Sam Forgan and Lawrence Dodds sharing second place with 1 over par 71’s. The Team event was won by the Team Colchester ,
For further details or to enter a team for next year’s event please email Ian@club-noticeboard.co.uk
Royal Worlington & Newmarket Golf Club Founded 1893
An outstanding winter course! Why not come and play a terrific winter course which is built on sandy soil and drains well during those wet winter months. The course does not use temporary greens or tees and rarely closes, unless it’s covered in snow! For a unique Clubhouse atmosphere, and a relaxed round of golf, contact the Secretary at
secretary@royalworlington.co.uk or by telephoning him on 01638 717787 County Card visitors are accepted as are 3 and 4 balls (at certain times), all visits must be arranged in advance. Winning Pro Ian Ellis flanked by Haverhill Captain Gordon Price and Organiser Ian Duncan
www.royalworlington.co.uk 15
James Cook Wins for Third Time at Stonham Junior Event
Prize Winners l-r: Charlotte Smith, Lewis Maskell, Alex Watkins (U12 winner), Tony Dobson (Organiser & PGA Pro), James Cook (U15 Winner), Lewis Leggett (U10 Winner), Thomas Laight and Jack Harris.
James Cook, a 14 year old member of Thorpness Golf Club, won the latest Junior Tournament at Stonham Barns with an excellent score of 35 (6 over par) on a day of strong winds. This was James's third win this year at Stonham Barns and his consistent play has helped him reduce his handicap to 16. In 2nd place was a first time player in the junior tournaments, Harry Fawkner, a 13 year old from Stonham Barns. Thankfully the day stayed dry, but the winds were For more information visit the website starting to pick up, as this was the day before the big www.stonhambarnsgolf.co.uk or call 01449 711545 storm which caused tremendous damage and left many thousands without electricity. Fynn Valley lady In the Age categories the Under 12’s was won by 12 member, Danuta year old Alex Watkins from Hintlesham Golf Club. The Aldous, shot a Under 10 Age Group was won by Stonham Barns hole in one on the player, 9 year old Lewis Leggett and the Under 8’s was 141 yard 8th hole, using a driver. won by 7 year old Henry Meadows from Fynn Valley Danuta was Golf Club. playing Mandy The last junior event of the year at Stonham Barns will Bouttell in the be the Stonham Players Championship which will be Ladies’ Matchplay played on Sunday 24th November. All juniors that have and she did go on played in at least one event this year at Stonham will be to win the match! invited to play in this event.
XMAS GIFT IDEA LET HIM CHOOSE HIS OWN! Vouchers make the ideal Christmas gift. A refreshers lesson? Balls? A new jumper? New shoes?
Kelvin Vince PGA Professional, Rushmere Golf Club Expert Tuition for Golfers of all abilities and ages. Individual lessons, video analysis, coaching through to on-course sessions.
Contact 01473 728076 or by email at kelvinvince@hotmail.co.uk 16
Peter Ballingall
LETTER FROM SPAIN
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called in to say Hello to everyone at the Club recently. We laughed as we remembered my first days The seasons roll one into another and time passes at El Rompido and when I, too, ever more quickly. We had cold winds from the had to register for residency. We north the other day that forced us to wear sweaters stood outside the Immigration Buildings where he for the first time since February and although the temperatures were in the low 20's we, nonetheless, and I were the only Caucasian faces in a sea of felt the cold. Is it really only two months ago that we Africans and other dark-skinned nationals waiting to enter. There were as many as 300 people queuing were complaining of the heat?! to get in. Fortunately he had the presence of mind The Spanish are still keeping their heads below the to go straight to the front of the queue and slam my turrets as the economy continues to suffer and passport against a window that gained us immediate because unemployment is still so high many are access. Happy days! Without his help it would have seeking employment in other countries. The young been impossible and I might still have been standing people in particular seek work in South American there! countries that are Spanish speaking, whilst I know of several who have moved to the UK. Those who do Christmas is fast approaching and this will be our tenth spent in Spain. We will spend it quietly as have work here and those who do have money are living more frugally, protecting what they have rather always with a few friends. than spend. I wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with peace and joy; This is not to say that everyone is downcast or good bounces, low scores and miserable, they are just being ultra cautious about other things that make you happy. what they spend. Young people however are still getting married and they have massive parties and celebrations that continue through the night until daybreak. I often wondered how the parents managed to afford such things until it was explained to me that everyone, all the family and friends, contribute to the expense. This seems to be a most sensible way of dealing with things. Down here in El Rompido, we have no membership and we rely on the hotel guests for our custom, so we see the Spanish only at holiday times at Christmas, Easter and August - so I get little opportunity to advance my own Spanish as the majority of my clients are English speaking. This is a shame as I really enjoy speaking the language although still struggling with the Andalucía accent. It is rather like someone from southern England living in the Gorbals of Glasgow, and speaking with the locals!! Difficult!! Mrs. B. is preparing herself for the nightmare of renewing her residency papers. You might remember from an earlier Letter from Spain how it took four months to secure an appointment but she will be well prepared this time taking numerous photocopies of her passport, birth certificate etc. and not forgetting the 10¤ to pay at the bank!!! Goodness knows how many copies the authorities already have on their computer files but they have an insatiable appetite for such things … and the system does keep many people employed!! Alonso, who was our Bar Manager in the early days,
Contact me, Peter Ballingall at: Apartado de Correos 101 21450 Cartaya (Huelva) ESPAÑA PHONE: (0034) 959 02 42 42 or E-mail: pballingall@golfelrompido.es Website: www.peterballingall.com
Stowmarket Beats the Storm EAST Anglia was once of the worst affected areas from the storm St Jude that hit Britain recently. Winds of up to 70mph battered Suffolk and Norfolk, and Stowmarket Golf Club did not get off lightly. The Club was without power for three days, no internet, bar or catering facilities. Being a natural parkland course, the 3.5 miles of greens and fairways are surrounded by trees, which meant the green staff had quite a job on their hands. They had to cut down and move up to 12 large limbs from fallen trees, as well as small ones that were scattered around. The clear up was hindered because the green staff were unable to pump diesel for the machinery because there was no power to the diesel tank pump. Despite the tough challenge, the course was playable and back to its high standard after three days because of the superb efforts of the green staff. Well done them! 17
Ipswich Town swap football for golf
Ufford Park Golf Club welcomed several members of Ipswich Town’s playing and coaching staff as their annual Golf Day took centre stage at the Suffolk course. The 18-hole event, which was headlined by Blues boss Mick McCarthy and assistant manager Terry Connor, attracted 69 competitors as a large Town contingent took a break from their hectic Sky Bet Championship
schedule. Former England captain Mick Mills and exTown manager George Burley were the standout names from yesteryear and were joined by a litany of other legends including Jason Dozzell, Bryan Hamilton, Allan Hunter and Mick Lambert. The first team was also well represented, with the likes of Paul Anderson, Aaron Cresswell and Tommy Smith attempting to showcase their prowess on the fairways, rather than the football pitch. It was McCarthy, however, who managed to outperform his fellow staff and team members as he shot a remarkable one-under par back nine to win the ‘ITFC Champion Golfer’ prize with 37 stableford points; one more than fellow coach Bryan Klug. In the team event, Ian Couling, Steve Parnell, Stuart Turner and Robert Wood blitzed the field with 90 points, while Blues midfielder Jay Tabb collected the yellow-ball competition prize alongside playing partners Mark Barwell, Dale Brennan and John Gumble.
Hintlesham Golf Club member, Russ Cunningham (handicap 5) scored a hole in one. He was playing in the Winter Foursomes qualifier and had his hole in one on the 6th hole (156yards). He played the shot with a 5 iron, into the wind and the pair went on to qualify for the knock out stages. Needless to say that the 19th hole was a merry place to be with plenty of whisky going round thanks to Russ!
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Suffolk PGA By Tony Garnett Neil Mitchell is Suffolk PGA Matchplay Champion Andrew Robinson loses final 4 and 3 in sunshine at Thorpeness Neil Mitchell of Bury Golf Range, a former amateur champion of Cumbria, won the Suffolk PGA match play championship at Thorpeness in impressive style. He beat Andrew Robinson (Stowmarket) 4 and 3 in a final in which he took control in the early stages and never let his grip loosen. The two-day tournament was played in glorious autumn weather, a contrast to the storm the previous day. In the semi-final Mitchell scored a surprisingly easy 5 and 3 victory over an out-of-sorts Chris Smith (Fynn Valley) who had won the trophy in 2009 and 2011. The other semi-final was a cliff hanger in which Robinson overcame Andrew Collison (Bungay and Waveney Valley), a former European Tour player with three Challenge Tour victories in the nineties, at the first play-off hole. Robinson was two up with three to play before Collison won his first hole of the round at the 16th and birdied the 17th to draw level. The 18th was halved. Collison’s drive found a fairway bunker at the first extra hole. His ball was right under the lip and he knew he had to go for the green. Two shots later he was still in the bunker and the match was lost. The first day produced surprises when Lawrence Dodd (Bury Golf Range) and Peter Latimer (Felixstowe Ferry), two of the Suffolk team which won the inaugural PGA England and Wales County Championship at The Belfry, were both knocked out. Dodd lost to Stuart Robertson (Ufford Park) who birdied the first extra hole. Latimer was five down to Collison midway through the round before losing 4 and 3. Robertson then gave Mitchell his toughest match of the event losing 3 and 1. Mitchell, though, must have been relieved not to face a second round tie against Dodd. The holder, Keith Preston (Aldeburgh), was also a first round victim in another match that was settled on the first extra hole after his tee shot found trouble on the right. James Peasey (Woodbridge), whose driving was impressive, met Robinson in the second round. He was one down on the final tee when his drive found rough on the right as it was growing dark. The ball was lost and Peasey conceded.
Neil Mitchell (left), the Suffolk PGA match play champion, and Andrew Robinson.
Results - First round: Stuart Robertson (Ufford Park) beat Lawrence Dodd (Bury Golf Range) at 19th, Neil Mitchell ) Bury Golf Range) beat Frank Hill (Thorpeness) 6 and 5, Chris Smith (Fynn Valley) beat Ian Scott (Bungay) 7 and 6, Ben Kerr (West Suffolk Golf Centre) beat Brad Wilkins (Fynn Valley) 3 and 2, Richard Beadles (Royal Worlington) beat Daniel Skriabin 3 and 1, Andrew Collison (Bungay) beat Peter Latimer (Felixstowe Ferry) 4 and 3, Andrew Robinson (Stowmarket) beat Chris Oldrey (Thorpeness) 3 and 2, James Peasey (Woodbridge) beat Keith Preston (Aldeburgh holder) at 19th. Quarter-finals: Mitchell beat Robertson 3 and 1, Smith beat Kerr 4 and 3, Collison beat Beadles 6 and 5, Robinson beat Peasey two up. Semi-finals: Mitchell beat Smith 5 and 3, Robinson beat Collison at 19th. Final: Mitchell beat Robinson 4 and 3.
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System-Matic Silverware Success for Fricker Just six days after triumphing in the Adult/Junior Greensomes with Paul Jordan, Harry Fricker capitalised on a final-hole capitulation by Marc Worne to prevail in the annual System-Matic Cup at Ufford Park Golf Club. The 13-year-old looked set to finish runner-up alongside Stewart Reeve with a nett 71, before Worne posted a disastrous quadruple bogey on the par-five 18th, to tie all three players at the top of the leaderboard. Ultimately, a superior back-nine by Harry proved the difference and handed the four handicapper victory to further underline his billing as ‘the future of Ufford Park’. The invite-only event, which was open to 2013 monthly competitions winners, the top-ten of the Club Championships and the top-three of the Handicap Cup, featured a 15-strong field as several players fought for internal bragging rights and the title of undisputed champion. A three-over par front-nine, by 11 handicapper Worne, put him in a commanding position at the halfway stage, as John Rochester, Harry and Reeve struggled to stay in contention amid blustery conditions. But while Rochester’s challenge wilted with three
double bogeys and a triple during an inconsistent back-nine, the three remaining contenders continued to intersperse pars with bogeys as Worne took a three-shot lead heading into the final hole. However, two uncharacteristic shots into the water saw Worne’s advantage evaporate in heart-breaking fashion and ensured Harry would triumph on countback by the narrowest of margins. System-Matic Cup Scores: Harry Fricker: 75-4 = 71 nett (won on count-back); Stewart Reeve: 82-11 = 71 nett; Marc Worne: 82-11 = 71 nett; Paul Jordan: 81-8 = 73 nett; John Rochester: 86-12 = 74 nett Luke Cleland: 86-10 = 76 nett; Steve Fair: 87-10 = 77 nett Simon Talbot-Hurn: 96-19 = 77 nett; Steve Law: 92-13 = 79 nett; Graham Campbell: 96-16 = 80 nett; George Fricker: 93-13 = 80 nett; Joshua Robertson: 84-2 = 82 nett; Mervyn Ruffles: 98-16 = 82 nett; Terry Noble: 91-8 = 83 nett; Jonathan Law: NR
Stowmarket Golf Club Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays - 1st Dec 2013 to 28th March 2014
Winter Special 2013 / 2014
Includes Includes -- 18 18 Holes Holes Plus Plus choice choice of: of: Full Full English English Breakfast Breakfast or or Lamb Lamb Stew and Mashed Potatoes or Battered Cod Stew and Mashed Potatoes or Battered Cod and and Chips Chips or or Sweet Sweet ‘n ‘n Sour Sour Chicken Chicken with with Rice Rice
All All for for only only
£15.00
Minimum 4 players
Must be booked 48 hours in advance through the office
Tel: 01449 736473
Please note that winter greens and a trolley ban may be in operation. Please ring 01449 737222 for information on the day.
Stowmarket Golf Club, Lower Road, Onehouse, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 3DA 20
RUSHMERE NEW LADY CAPTAIN Denise Martin Driving In as Lady Captain. The Theme for the day was purple! Her Charity for the year will be Parkinsons UK. BELOW is Denise Martin taking over from Barbara Pratt as Lady Captain at Rushmere.
November 2013 saw the start of Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club’s new Captains years of office Brian Kemp, the Club Captain, Ann Spencer, Ladies Captain and George Copsey, Junior Captain will be working hard for another great year. The Club has had an exceptionally successful 2013 with each section of the Club winning a County Competition the men winning both the Parks Trophy and the Stenson Shield, the Ladies winning the Stearn Trophy and the Juniors winning the County Junior Championship. The Captains Drive In was extremely well supported, starting with a Shot Gun Start, Greensomes Stableford competition with 130 members taking part. The winners were T.Burn and T. Spurling with 42 points, second were M.D.Price and M.J. Price with 41 points ((on c/b) and third were D. Rusby and J. Rusby with 41 points. The winning ladies were Mo Pearson and Pat Cofield with 30 points (on c/b).
NEVER MISS A COPY Suffolk & Norfolk Golfer can be read online at www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com
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Brett Vale
Golf Club Doctor Golf is here to answer any minor or major questions or queries, if you have something to ask, please send to: mail@doctorgolf.co.uk or ring 01394 383480
Set in t he h eart of Const able Countr y w here a w arm w elc ome i s al w ays gua rantee d
WINTER SPECIAL
Although the serious golfers do not welcome the winter period, there are many changes we can make in readiness for the following season or keep things going during the colder months.
21st Oct 2013 - 28th March 2014
My recommendations would be: Invest in a good set of breathable waterproofs some that you could play a whole round in if required (this will save taking them off when it gets warmer and then putting them back on when the temperature falls)
Or an upgrade to Full English Breakfast and Coffee, then 18 holes of golf only £27
Carry your bag around the course - you may be surprised how much shorter the trip is when you don’t have to wheel that trolley around the greens, tees and other roped off areas (some courses will ban trolleys in the winter)
Coffee/tea & biscuits, 18 holes of Golf, one course Chef's special only £25
Make a group booking of 16 or more for the day and the organiser goes free. Mon - Fri. Subject to availability. Min of 4 Advance booking req.
Fantastic function room available for that special occasion or business meeting or Christmas party
'We go that extra mile, why don't you!'? EXCEPTIONAL DRAINAGE PLAYABLE ALL YEAR
For all enquiries please telephone
01473 310718 www.brettvalegolf.co.uk Noakes Road, Raydon, Nr Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 5LR 22
Preparing for Winter Golf
Drop a few clubs - Do you really need all 14 clubs? Perhaps 8 – 10 may be sufficient? I urge you to try it – I would be surprised if your score is not a great deal different (and in some cases it may be better!) Play “Ready Golf” - Be ready to play when it is your turn to play -10 minutes per hole should be possible for a fourball, provided they hit the ball where they can easily find it! Invest in some coaching - This may help achieve the note above! This can also help golfers become more confident of their planning and execution of the shots. Focus on the process - this is an ideal time to incorporate :a) a warm up routine, b) a new pre-shot routine, c) consistent eating/drinking habits (after every 3rd hole), d) smiling after every shot (irrespective of result!) Experiment with New Equipment - This could be either trying a hybrid club if you have never done so before or being custom fit for a new Driver, Putter or set of irons. The right equipment, tailored to your swing, will make a big difference to the shots that you play. I hope that you will take on board at least one of these new ideas over the next few months and I will look forward to hearing about the successes!
A charming and most reliable President by Julie Latimer-Jones Pippa Beak completes her term of office as President of the Suffolk Ladies County Golf Association this coming January and she will leave with the grateful thanks of a group of people for whom she has been a delightful and active figurehead during the last two years. Pippa has been, and still is, a most consistent golfer with a repetitive and rhythmical golf swing that rarely lets her down. She is a popular golfing partner, both for that reliable method and for the even-tempered and sunny disposition that she brings to the golf course. She has been fully supportive of the County Officers, the Committees and all the players whom she has travelled many miles to see on all sorts of occasions, which she has graced with ready humour, not to mention the fact that she does wonders for the County uniform! Pippa will be missed, but her successor, Ann Graves, is equally enthusiastic and has been thoroughly involved in County golfing affairs for some years. We will look forward to the AGM when she will receive the President’s badge and embarks on her two years in office.
The 2013 Suffolk County team seemingly doing 'their own thing'! Back row left to right: Eloise Aldous, Amanda Norman, Vicki Inglis, Liz Laflin, Lils James. Front row left to right: Sarah Saggers, Laura Lowe (Captain), Pippa Beak (President), Sharon Luckman
Suffolk Ladies County Golf Association Current Officers: President: Mrs Pippa Beak Tel: 01449 781261; Captain: Mrs Laura Lowe: Tel 01206 263298 Hon Secretary: Mrs Jeanette Longman: Tel 01394 450939; Hon Treasurer: Miss Hermione Scrope Tel 01359 232618; England Golf Representative: Mrs Anne Archer: Tel 01728 685315; Handicap Adviser: Ms Ann Graves Tel 01394 411020; Contact for Junior Golf: Mrs Judy Hamshere Tel 01284 386207; Senior Organiser: Mrs Liz Robinson, Tel: 01284 752818. Scratch Score Assessor: Mrs Sue Cook Tel 01728 688406. All other personnel may be found on the County website at www.suffolkladiesgolf.org.uk
FLEMPTON GOLF CLUB WINTER PACKAGE £29.00 per person 1st Nov - 31st Mar 2014 18 HOLES GOLF WITH BREAKFAST or LUNCH AVAILABLE MON, WED, FRI (after 11.00) MAX PLAYERS 16
CONTACT THE STEWARD: FLEMPTON GOLF CLUB, FLEMPTON, BURY ST EDMUNDS, SUFFOLK.
01284 728291 23
NORFOLK COUNTY GOLF UNION NCGU CONTACTS President Alan Winstanley, Sheringham Golf Club
Vice President Doug Gilchrist, Weston Park Golf Club
Imm. Past President Frank Myers, Thetford Golf Club
Hon. County Secretary Mike Devlin, Acacia House, The Street, Tibenham. Norfolk. NR16 1QA Great Yarmouth & Caister Golf club niblick@btinternet.com 01379 674516
Hon. County Treasurer Richard Betts, Gt Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club 01603 720957 email: richardbetts@btinternet.com County Captain Iain Yule, ings Lynn Golf Club iain.yule@btinternet.com 2nd Team Captain Steve Tidy, Costessey Park Golf Club tidygolf6@yahoo.co.uk Seniors Captain David Pattrick, Royal Cromer Golf Club Seniors Administrator Malcolm Carr of Sheringham Golf Club Email: malcolm.carr@tiscali.co.uk Junior Secretary - Norman Blanch, 10, Hillside Crescent, Wicklewood, Norwich. NR18 9QD Tel; 01953 604394 Email: normanblanch@btinternet.com Team Managers: Andrew Cullington 01603 898311 ajcully@btinternet.com Gary Davis 01603 610006 Email: davis393609@aol.com Preston Jones PGA Secretary - John Paling ‘Squirrels Reach’, Folgate Lane, Old Costessey, Norwich NR8 5EF Tel: 01603 741301 Email: jandjpaling@uwclub.net Norfolk Schools - Margo Horsburgh 5 Bishops Croft, Barningham, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 1BZ 01359 221281 Email: dandmhorsburgh@talktalk.net Girls Organiser - Carol Delf Gt Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club 24
OBITUARY - PETER CLARKE As we go to press, it is with very great sadness that we have to report the death of Peter Clarke. We will pay Peter further tribute in our next issue.
Peter Clarke and the Norfolk County Golf Union by Mike Devlin Peter joined the Royal Norwich Golf Club at the start of 1974. Peter was elected Vice Captain of Royal Norwich in the Club’s Centenary year of 1993 and Captain the following year 1994. He became Vice-President in 2011 and finally President earlier this year. When joining Royal Norwich some 40 years ago, he was almost immediately invited by Wilfred Cullington, the then County Secretary, to assist him with the running of County Competitions and Championships. That relationship was maintained until Wilfred’s retirement in March 1983, when he was invited by the new County Secretary, Roger Trower, to continue in those duties and be his assistant. 2002 saw Peter achieve the highest office the County can bestow by becoming its President and in 2003 he accepted the office of Honorary County Treasurer, an office he filled with strength and integrity and one he continued to enjoy until this year. A wonderful summary for a truly extra-ordinary gentleman. He was a beacon of dazzling brightness and an example to us all. Always available, willing and able to share his vast knowledge of all things golf. A man deserving of our gratitude for a lifetime of unswerving dedication to a sport he loved. He will be sadly missed.
BAWBURGH NEWS & RESULTS Bawburgh’s Tim Sims and Phil Rank have reached the regional finals of the Nike Pairs Matchplay and, if successful, will compete in a tournament in Portugal for a week in November. Hosting the 2013 Norfolk Golfing Mixed Pairs Open, the winning team was Bawburgh (right with Club Captain Roger Brooks) with 153 pts, Barnham Broom were runners up with 143 pts and Sprowston Manor third with 141 pts. Bawburgh’s Ben Rawsthorne is
Weston Park’s Scratch Knock Out Champion having beaten Andrew Curson in the semi-final and then Sean Brady in the final 8 & 7. The winner of the Junior Championship of both the gross and net competitions was Chris Gladwell, the club’s Junior Captain, who is pictured here with the trophies presented to him by Club Captain, Roger Brooks. Kieran Fuller came second in the net competition and Amy Taylor in the gross. Two youngsters with a combined age of 23 had a good weekend recently in their Ladies’ Club Championship. Amy Taylor and Hannah Thomson won the scratch and nett respectively. Hannah's handicap was reduced by six over the weekend and Amy's went down to 8. Amy's wonderful run of form culminated in an eagle on the par 5 eighteenth hole.L-r: Amy with Ladies’ Captain, Annie Langstaff and Hannah Thompson.
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.EW 9EAR -EMBERSHIP 3PECIAL 'REAT MEMBERSHIP DEALS AVAILABLE THIS WINTER 9OUTH 3TUDENT -EMBERSHIP &ROM a &OUR MONTH 4RIAL MEMBERSHIP ONLY a %NJOY GREAT GOLF ALL WINTER AT (EACHAM -ANOR %XCELLENT GOLF SOCIETY PACKAGES AVAILABLE
3UPERB @3TAY 0LAY DEALS
,UXURY HOTEL WITH AWARD WINNING RESTAURANT
/PEN TO ALL GOLFERS
Ryston Park Ladies Section held their Presentation Supper when the Cup Winners were presented with their trophies Adocock Cup: Liz Tyler, Amy Goddard: Angela Kiddell, Joan Burall Cup: Ann Fletcher, Brownlow Bowl: Tiffany Mills, Doris Ball. Rose Bowl: Angela Kiddell, Grannies Trophy: Val Mellish, Halliday Cup: Pam Saxby, Irene Mott Trophy: Tracy Russell. Lee Bennett Cup: Tiffany Mills Silver Ladies Cup: Fran Johnson, Most Improved Golfer: Angela Kiddell Ping 4 Ball Betterball 1st: Pam Saxby & Janet Rice, Runners Up: Patsy Parker & Susan Filby Birdie Tree: Tiffany Mills. Supper was served in the clubhouse. The Ladies Captain Pam Saxby thanked everyone for coming, particularly the ones who were not cup winners but still supported the others. Janet Rice announced the winners and Lady President Ruth Mountain presented the trophies. Pictured from left Back Row: Patsy Parker, Liz Tyler, Janet RIce, Val Mellish, Ann Fletcher. Front Row from left: Angela Kiddell, Tracy Russell, Pam Saxby, Tiffany Mills.
Nike Matchplay Winners go to Regional Final Pam Saxby, the Lady Captain of Ryston Park Golf Club and her partner Bennie Van de Berg, of Ely City Golf Club, played 5 individual rounds to reach the Regional Final of the Nike Matchplay Championship (formerly Volvo). Their male opponents in the area final were a 1 handicapper and a 2 handicapper from St Neots & John O Gaunt. The local pair won the match 2/1 losing only 3 holes, winning 5 and halving the rest. Pam & Bennie now go through to the Regional Finals at Frilford Heath, Abingdon, Oxon. Three Pairs from the South Regional final go to Portugal for the Grand Final at Vale de Lobo Golf Club in Portugal for a week’s tournament all inclusive free of charge. 26
Captain Shillings GOSH Charity Day Success
G Shillings, (Captain) C Soanes, R Flook, M Dolan, K Bowler. Front: Staff from Barclays Great Yarmouth.
Kings Lynn Autumn Cup and Closed Meeting The Autumn Cup and the Closed meeting are the last of the big events on the ladies calendar A lovely autumn day saw the ladies play 18 holes in the morning and 9 holes in the afternoon. The Autumn Cup was won by Sue Clarke with the best nett score over 18 holes. Her score of nett 71 was below her handicap The Closed Meeting saw the following ladies win the prizes: Div. 1. Sue Clarke gross 80 and Div. 2 Anita Goddard gross 106, winners of the Coates Salvers.
Rookery Park Captain Graham Shillings, held his Captain’s Charity Day AM-AM in aid of the Great Ormond Street Hospital. The weather was kind to the 12 teams that took part, although the windy conditions made scoring quite tricky. Three teams tied on 101 pts, with the ‘Bar Boys’ team of Ray Flook, Karl Bowler, Chris Soanes, and Micky Dolan taking 1st prize on a count back. Runners up were the Roundhouse team of Martin Rolf, Andy Coleman, Kevin Snowling, and Steve Crosby (Gorleston GC). In third place on 101 pts was the AM Paving team of Tony Molloy, Stephen Cocca, Gerry Hardiman, and Paul Taylor. A fantastic total of £1987 was raised on the day through entry fees, auction, and a raffle which has been generously matched by Barclays Bank Great Yarmouth, raising the total to £3974. Shillings was delighted with the support from members on the day and, also the support from Barclays Bank Great Yarmouth branch for their generosity in matching the amount raised on the day.
Division 1: Handicap 0-26 1. Ann Lawman nett 74; 2, Maura Narborough nett 76 ocb; 3. Sue Griffin nett 76; Division 2: Handicap 27-36; 1. Fiona Nurse nett 75; 2. Margaret Doubleday nett 78; 3. Jacquie Reeks nett 80 Nearest the pin on 16th, Linda Purdy. Afternoon 9 hole Greensomes. Off the 1st: 1. Jane Back & Pat Arnold 19pts; 2. Irene Flynn & Maggie Clarkson 18pts. Off the 10th: 1. Jacquie Reeks & Jo Skoulding 19pts; 2. Anne Lawman & Joy Thomas 16pts ocb. L-r: Ladies Captain Anne Lawman and Sue Clarke 27
NORFOLK COUNTY GOLF UNION NEWS by Mike Devlin - Hon Secretary Another season over and time to reflect on a very memorable one. All the major winners are no doubt too looking back on their season and eyeing their trophies with a modicum of satisfaction. Many congratulations are due and I offer below an honours board for the year. The finals of the Myhill Trophy and Cullington Cup took place at Weston Park Golf Club where the reception was great, the course excellent, the food superb and the weather a delight. The Myhill saw Great Yarmouth & Caister secure a victory over Middleton Hall in a closely fought encounter. In the Cullington Cup, Costessey Park ran out winners over King’s Lynn played in a fantastic spirit befitting the tradition of this wonderful game. Many congratulations to both winning teams on a fitting conclusion to their season and commiserations to the losers who have the consolation of at least making the finals. The Barnard Trophy saw Wensum Valley victorious over Ryston Park in an exciting match played over the links at Great Yarmouth and once again congratulations to both for making the final. We then moved on to the final Order of Merit event at King’s Lynn Golf Club. Again great hospitality and an excellent course but weather definitely not the best. The scratch event saw young Jack Yule of King’s Lynn crowned Scratch Order of Merit winner for 2013 and Kevin Webb of Costessey Park crowned handicap Order of Merit winner for 2013. Final tables are as follows. Scratch Jack Yule Kevin Webb Matthew Bacon Alex Carter Bruce McQuade Luke Johnson Iain Yule Alex Fellas Aaron Bullock James Ollington Richard Wilson Mark Williamson
Handicap 597.50 424.16 285.00 280.00 265.00 185.00 159.16 155.00 150.00 147.50 135.00 130.00
Kevin Webb Jack Yule Iain Yule Bruce McQuade James Ollington Harrison Leivers Mark Coleman William Howard Adam Lewarne Alex Carter Paul Savage Chris Hills
446.25 288.75 186.25 165.00 163.75 153.75 150.00 145.00 140.00 130.00 121.25 105.00
A special thanks to all the Clubs for hosting and assisting in all the County events for 2013. Some notable events through the year: Course Records: Jack Yule at Great Yarmouth & Caister GC -64 Alex Fellas at Great Yarmouth & Caister GC -63 Luke Johnson at Barnham Broom - 64 Aaron Bullock at Middleton Hall - 67
There are many more who have done well and everyone is to be congratulated in what has been, overall, a successful season. May you all enjoy the winter and what golf you manage to play and return in fine fettle for 2014. 28
Left: Kevin Webb, Right: Jack Yule
Dereham Golf Club Junior Section by Jane Bizley - Junior Organiser Managing to miss the rain and storm, Dereham Juniors finished their season in fine style by playing for the Alarming UK Ltd salvers, with good scores in all competitions. In the 18 holes competition James Buck lead the field and won his first competition with a fantastic net 63 (91-28-63). Close behind was George Bedwell (72-7-65), third Sam Naughnane (76-8-68), fourth Alisha Margerum (78-1068) and fifth Liam Kevern (93-24-69). James received the Alarming UK Ltd salver and all five received pro’ shop vouchers.
All winners with Captain Kevin Joy
Chisholm and Georgia Cuddihy presented Jane Bizley with flowers and a voucher. Incoming junior captain Liam gave his speech encouraging all juniors to work hard at their golf through the winter months so they would hit the ground running when the new season begins. He The 9 holes competition saw six youngsters battling presented George with a club tie and a gift away with the eventual winner being birthday girl Lily commemorating his year as junior captain. Captain Kevin Farrell (net 40). Tom Smart was a close second whilst Patrick Rimmer took third place. Lily was presented with Joy congratulated all the juniors on their excellent achievements this season and thanked the junior the 9 holes salver and a voucher for a lesson with the committee for their hard work and dedication. professional; the boys received vouchers for the pro’ shop. In the 5 holes competition, the Autumn Cup was won by Joe Crane who received a voucher for a lesson with the professional, second was Sean Ballingall who received a pro’ shop voucher. Both boys were delighted to do so well as it was their first competition having both joined the Club earlier this month. marriot_light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '"€ marriot_light_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" €
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Following this final qualifier, the Captain and some of our sponsors made the annual presentation of cups and trophies (see photo). End of year awards went to Frazer Chettleburgh & Alisha Margerum joint winners of the 18 holes summer eclectic, Patrick Rimmer (9 holes eclectic) and Tom Moss-Hobbs (best 5 holes trophy). Sian Fenn-Green won this year’s summer knockout and was presented with the Andrew Stringer Trophy by Elizabeth Bench. The Watts Trophy, the recipient of which is chosen by the junior committee, went to Immy Leeder. A packed clubhouse of dignitaries, parents and grandparents heard a report on the events of the year from junior organiser Jane Bizley, followed by the announcement that the new Junior Captain would be Liam Sewell and his Vice Captain would be Frazer Chettleburgh. Thank you gifts were presented by outgoing junior captain George Bedwell to the Captain, Peter Brightwell (junior match organiser) and Bill Sargent. George also presented Liam and Frazer with their captains and vice captains polo shirts. Charlotte
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Juniors EDP foursomes by Tarro Giannesi Team Manger for the Norfolk County Golf Union under 18's
First place went to Will Farley & Jamie Black with a net score of 68.5 on c/b Scratch
Results: Most improved player of the year shield was awarded to Toby Lane
Net score Third place went to Sam Skerritt & Michael Playford with a net score of 69
Second place went to Liam Cossey & George Bradfield with a net score of 68.5 on C/B
Third place went to Harry Judd & Aaron Tillett with a gross score of 76 on C/B Second place went to Will Howard & Toby Lane with a gross score of 76 on C/B First place and the tittle of Junior EDP Foursomes champions 2013 went to James Greatbanks & Giles Evans with a gross score of 74
NORFOLK PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS' ASSOCIATION by Secretary, John Paling ‘Squirrels Reach’, Folgate Lane, Old Costessey, Norwich NR8 5EF Tel: 01603 741301 Email: jandjpaling@uwclub.net
Pro Am Marriott Sprowston Manor For late October the Manor championship course played well but long with slick greens. It was a two horse race with both Ian Ellis (Costessey Park) & Lee Patterson (Royal Cromer) finishing on two under par 69’s with their nearest challenger Neil Mitchell (Bury Driving Range) on one over par. Playing his last event before a major operation on his back, it was trainee Joe Lambert (Norfolk Premier Golf) who brought in the leading team on eleven under par and two ahead of the teams of Lee Patterson and host senior professional, Guy Ireson. The longest drive and nearest the pin were both won
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
by Giles Evans, a member of Alex Beckett’s (Barnham Broom) team. A special thanks to Simon Marzell, Insight Financial Associates Director, for he confirmed that Insight will continue sponsoring N.P.G.A. next year. Teams. 1st 131 Joe Lambert with Tom Chapman, Sonney Williams & George Bradfield. 133 Guy Ireson with Terry Smith, Steven Bonner & Julien Watson. 133 Lee Patterson with Antony Gravestock, Nigel Norton & Ivan Ransome. 135 Caroline Grady (Dunston DeVere) with David Harrison, Jack Norton & Graham Baker.136 Alex Beckett with Giles Evans, Harris Bradfield & Joe Sicari. Best Trainee 75 Joe Lambert & Alex Beckett Professionals 1st 69 Ian Ellis & Lee Patterson. 72 Neil Mitchell. 73 Craig Graver (Marriott Sprowston) & Jason Groat (Denver Golf C’tre).
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