SUFFOLK & NORFOLK R E F L GO SEASONS GREETINGS TO ALL OUR READERS
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
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Suffolk’s longest serving Golf Professional retires Championships and English Seniors Golf Championships. We’d like to express our sincerest gratitude and Suffolk’s longest serving golf professional, Frank Hill, has retired after a career spanning five decades, six golf considerable thanks as well as wishing him a wonderful clubs and four counties. retirement, where he can He played in four Open Championships and on the spend time on the fairways European Seniors Tour, won national honours and without temptation to fix his captained the PGA (Professional Golfer’s Association) in partner’s swing or posture.” two English regions. Frank is being succeeded at Frank, 71, has been Head Professional at Thorpeness Thorpeness by Christine Golf Club for the past 20 years. He is the current Langford, a founder member Captain of the Suffolk PGA (Professional Golfer’s of The Ladies European Tour and one of the UK’s best Association) and a former Captain of the PGA East known and most successful female golf professionals. Region. Christine, 58, is the first woman professional in the 93 Frank retired last month and said: “I wouldn’t change a year history of Thorpeness Golf Club. For the past 18 thing about my career and time spent at Thorpeness. months, Christine has been running residential golf I’ve met some fantastic people, made good friends and coaching schools at Thorpeness. She lives in Suffolk, been lucky enough to play golf at some of the best has coached the Suffolk Ladies County Team and knows courses. My only regret would be not holing more putts the area extremely well. and perhaps not retiring sooner.” Frank Hill will continue to play a role in golfing life at Frank, who is originally from Derbyshire, started his Thorpeness and will shortly be launching a special golf career as an assistant professional at Sherwood Forest coaching masterclass for couples in partnership with Golf Club before qualifying and taking Head Professional Christine Langford. roles at golf clubs in Surrey and East Anglia. “I’ll stay involved in golf and will keep on playing and He finally settled on the Suffolk Coast at Thorpeness hopefully improving, it’s never too late to get better. I’ll be Golf Club with its James Braid designed heathland doing some private coaching at Thorpeness and would course, member’s club and 36-bedroom golfer’s hotel. love to get involved in some golf course design work, it’s something that has always fascinated me,” said Frank. In a long and distinguished playing career Frank won
Thorpeness Head Professional Frank Hill has retired after 53 years working in golf
five professional events, including The Essex Open, Essex Professional Championship, The East Anglian Open Championship and the PGA Super Seniors Championship in 2006. Frank’s contribution to Thorpeness Golf Club was recognised at an event held in his honour in September by TA Hotel Collection, owners of the golf course and hotel, at its Dolphin Inn in Thorpeness. Tim Rowan-Robinson, chairman of TA Hotel Collection, said: “Frank has been a wonderful servant to Thorpeness Golf Club and its members during the two decades he’s spent with us. He’s done everything, from running the golf shop, taking green fees and coaching new starters to presenting golf tips on the club’s video blog in recent times. He has worked tirelessly as an ambassador for Thorpeness, helping raise the profile of the course and club and attracting major events including The PGA Super 60’s 3
ACE
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Thetford Golf Club manager, Malcolm Grubb, recorded his firstever hole-in-one at the 17th hole at Royal Cromer - but he did not know much about it! Playing in the Golf Club Managers' Association Autumn Meeting, he ended a 45-year wait when his pitching wedge found the hole at the 114-yard hole, where most of the green is obscured by gorse. It was only when playing partner Alan Brown - Thetford's vice-captain - checked the hole that the ball was Ufford Park held their found to end a search of the annual Men’s Invitation Day, bunkers and rough around the with members inviting their green. friends along to play Unfortunately he was denied a at one of the best courses memento at the next hole when he in Suffolk. hit the ball in question to the right of The scores were very the 18th green, never to be seen close at the top of the again. leaderboard, with the top Malcolm Grubb, who recorded his three places all within 3 first hole in one after 45 years of golf points of each other. The pairing of Andrew Peck and Carl Dooley managed to produce the best score of the day with an exceptional total of 44 points. Not only did they win the overall prize, Andrew Peck won the nearest the pin prize with his outstanding hole-in-one on the par 3, 16th hole. With 151 yards to the pin, Andrew took out his 7 iron and managed to pitch the ball on the very edge of the cup, forcing the ball through the grass and directly into the hole. Following up closely in second place, were the partnership of Iain Manson and Tim Lennard-Jones totting up an impressive score of 41 points. Finally in third place, with a respectable score of 40 points, was the pairing of Adam Green and Joe Harvey. Joe, not only came in third place with his partner, but also won the longest drive down the par 5,18th hole. Overall, it was a good day had by all and with dinner after the round and a free drink, courtesy of Andrew’s hole-in-one, everybody was left delighted!
Men’s Invitation Day 2015
SEELEY SEALS IT AGAIN AT NEWTON GREEN An impressive three under par round of 66 has enabled Jed Seeley to retain the junior open championship title at his home club of Newton Green. Seeley, who set a new course record of 63 just over a year ago, registered six birdies and three bogeys - including three putting the final green - as he led home second place Lewis Whiting, of Haverhill. Whiting, who won the competition two years ago, scored 73. It is Seeley’s final year as a junior, and although he could now sign up as a Professional Golfers Association trainee with club professional Tim Cooper, he has decided to spend a year improving his status as an amateur. He plays off a handicap of one, and will continue to work in the club shop at Newton. The open attracted the largest field for the Suffolk series of junior events this year, and the home club also won the Aldous Trophy for the top scoring three player team. Pictured above are winners Harvey Watts, Ellie Aldous and Jed Seeley who totalled 107 Stableford points. Individual scores. Division 1 (medal), 67 Sam Nixon, Stoke, 68 Luke Middleton, Ipswich, 71 Alice Barlow, Newton. Division 2 (Stableford), 35 ocb Will Garland, Ipswich, 35 Harry Palmer, Aldeburgh, 34 Kieran Sorrell, Newton. Division 3 (Stableford), 41 Georgia Parker, Bury St Edmunds, 36 Teddy Hall, West Suffolk, 35 Kieran Heard, Newton.
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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 (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: Philip Graham (Bury St Edmunds) 07968-263531 Other positions: Chairman Suffolk Junior Golf: Mike Stevenson (Thorpeness) Tel: 01728 603521; 1st Team Captain: Nathan Overton (Woodbridge) Tel: 07979 366874; 2nd Team Captain: Neil Meadows (Felixstowe Ferry) Tel: 01394 766104; Seniors Captain: Geoff Henney (Aldeburgh) Tele: 01728 685525; County Referee: Mike Rees (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 568941 EGU Delegate: Charlie Wilderspin (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 588028; SE Group Delegate: Mike Rees (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 568941; Ecology Officer: Michael Thomas (Ipswich) Tel: 01394 283973. Chairman Suffolk County Golf Partnership: Crawford Gillan (Ipswich) Tel: 01473 254753; Suffolk Junior Golf Committee: Chairman: Mike Stevenson (Thorpeness) Tel: 01728 603521: Secretary: Charlie Wilderspin (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 588028: Managers: Under 18s: Trevor Mason (Felixstowe Ferry) Tel: 01394 274331: Under 16s: Tony Watkins (Ipswich) Tel: 01473 713748: Under 14s: David Ashworth (Hintlesham) Tele: 01787 377752: Head Coach: Keith Preston (Aldeburgh) Tel: 01728453309: County Child Protection Officer: Stuart McCallum (Ipswich) Tel: 01473 782780. 6
www.suffolkgolfunion.com Welcome from the President of the Suffolk Golf Union
Phil Platten We are blessed with four distinct seasons in England and all of which we gain much enjoyment from. It is sometimes taken for granted but something that many living in other countries envy. To enjoy such diversity there are not many better places than on a golf course and through the Autumn the colours can be amazing, enhancing the enjoyment of our sport. Top this up with the camaraderie, the exercise and a nice cup of tea back at the clubhouse, what more can one wish for? Although it is still early as I put pen to paper, we at the SGU have concluded the planning for 2016. The Fixtures Secretary, Bill Darling, has already completed the programme for next year and it will soon appear on our website. Our Head Coach Keith Preston (Aldeburgh) has assessed and selected the Under 18’s and U16’s groups for coaching for the winter programmes. Stuart Robertson (Ufford Park) with the support of Kelvin Vince (Rushmere) and Ed Garrod (Rookery Park), have done the same with the U14’s and U12’s. These selected are judged upon to ‘have the potential’ to reach certain standards of competence within two years. These up and coming young golfers will receive the very best coaching, building on their existing talents and helping them to fulfil that potential, whilst always respecting their development as individuals. I am very pleased that Jack Cardy has accepted the invitation to become Suffolk County Captain and Calvin Sherwood as County 2nd Team. They are both excellent golfers in their own right and I am confident they will serve Suffolk well. Sadly Philip Graham (Championship Secretary) has decided to step down because of business commitments and I take this opportunity to thank him for his hard work during 2015. As this is the last issue of the Suffolk and Norfolk Golfer for 2015, I would like to, on behalf of the Suffolk Golf Union, send Christmas greetings and best wishes for the New Year to all our readers in Suffolk and to our good friends in Norfolk.
Anyone wishing to submit articles or comments should email suffolkgolfer@aspects.net
by Charlie Wilderspin, Honorary Secretary JACKSON IS SENIORS CHAMPION Mark Jackson, a 5 handicapper from Woodbridge, gained victory in the Suffolk Senior Championship held at Brett Vale Golf Club, with a one over par round of 71. He was closely pursued by Trevor Hellyer, Stowmarket, who shot 72 and Garry Robinson and Stephen Whymark, both of Woodbridge who had 73's. Robinson edging out Whymark for third place on countback. Pictured is Mark Jackson receiving the Geoffrey Barnard Bowl from Suffolk County President, Phil Platten.
The Team competition for the Michael Thomas Trophy was won by the Woodbridge trio of Jackson, Robinson and Whymark with a total score of 217. Individual Age Group prizes were awarded as follows- 55-61- Won by Giles Oates, Stowmarket, with a net 71 from Alan Garrett, Bury St Edmunds,with 72. 62-69 - won by home player Owen Norman, a 10 handicapper, with a superb gross 75 nett 65 from David Matter, Bury St Edmunds, with a nett 71 and 70+ won by Jon Marks, Woodbridge with a nett 73 from Colin Firmin 74.
SUFFOLK ORDER OF MERIT 2015 With all competitions now completed the winner of the Junior Order of Merit for 2015 is Habebul Islam. Ipswich, with a total of 35.5 points. Other scores- Sam Byford, Ipswich, 28.5, Jack Cuthbert, Thorpeness, 28, Gregor Tait, Ipswich, 27 and Jed Seeley, Newton Green, 20.5 The County Order of Merit (Dick Berendt Salver) was won by Robert Salter, Woodbridge, with 36
points followed by James Biggs, Diss, on 28 and Danny Western, Gorleston, on 27
Under16/18 Coaching Squads 2015-16 Assessments have now been completed with the two groups for the 2015-16 season made up as followsGroup 1- Sam Byford (Ipswich), Jack Cuthbert (Thorpeness), Josh Driver (Diss), Tom Fowler (Ipswich), Harry Fricker (Ufford Park), Habebul Islam (Ipswich), Will Morcombe (Aldeburgh) and Lewis Whiting (Haverhill) Coaching will take place on 6th December, 24th January 2016 and 21st February. Group 2 - Max Adams (Bury St Edmunds), Thomas Auchterionie (Woodbridge), Jake Bailey and Conal Downing (Rookery Park), Kasey Bailey (Gorleston), Sam Bingham and Liam Hansey (Bungay & Waveney Valley), James Cooper, Oliver Page, Ben Uttridge and Harvey Watts (all Newton Green) Luke Tyler (Waldringfield), Reegan Marshall, Brandon Spencer and Jai Gayle (Fynn Valley), Angus Edmond (Ipswich), Jude Everitt and Alfie Halil (Flempton),Louis Martin and Freddie Leonard (West Suffolk) Coaching dates are 13th December, 31st January 2016, 28th February and a joint session on the 13th March.
Suffolk Under 12's-14's Coaching Squads 2015-16 Assessments have now been carried out at Ufford Park to select coaching squads for 2015-16. The Under 12 squad is Dominic Rudd, Henry Meadows, Callum Hughes, Thomas Clark, Fraser Johnson, Oliver King. Josh Hambling, Harry Brinded, Callum Brown, Dougie Jennings, Enzo Johnson, Harry Tibble, George Jackson, Harry Haste, Alfie West and Teddy Hall. The Under 14 squad is- George Fricker, Max Weaver, Jack Rutter, James Iron, Josh Hulyer, Will Garland, Ryan Goodarzi, Josh Goulton, Matty Pearson, Sam Cundy, Tyler Weaver, Ben Newman, Luke Green, Rory Edmond and Ben Hambling. Coaching will be held at Ufford Park Golf Club on Sunday 6th December, Sunday 7th February, Sunday 13th March, Sunday 24th April, Sunday 15th May and Sunday 26th June with skills tests for both the under 12's and 14's.
EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING: Froghoppers, Lower Marine Parade, CO12 3SR Tel: 01255 242141 E-mail: suffolkgolfer@aspects.net Front Cover: www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com Publisher: Linda Basham Opinions, comments and reports in Suffolk & Norfolk Golfer Magazine are not necessarily those of the SUFFOLK or NORFOLK COUNTY GOLF UNIONS.
GILMOUR PIPER
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Junior Team Handicap Final The final of the Suffolk Junior Team Handicap between Newton Green and Ufford Park was played at Hintlesham Golf Club. Newton Green ran out winners by 4-2 and will now represent Suffolk at the Home Nations Tournament which is to be played at Warley Park Golf Club. Match results- Jed Seeley beat Harry Fricker 2 & 1, Harvey Watts lost to George Fricker 1 down, James Cooper beat Alex Tripp 5 & 4, Kieran Sorrell beat Oliver Robertson 1 up, Oli Page beat Mat McGreal 2 & 1, Alex Iverson lost to Will Smith 2 & 1; Newton Green 4 Ufford Park 2.
A grey, wet and very foggy Sunday morning saw the official start of the three new Captains years of duties at Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club. A “Gun Shot” start competition had to be abandoned after playing one hole due to thick fog but the Drive In’s for both the Club Captain, Allan Wells and the Ladies Captain Pam Evans did take place. Pam is the first Lady Captain of the club who was actually born at Felixstowe Ferry. Both Allan (left) and Pam (middle) are very enthusiastic about their year in office and are already making plans for next year. The Junior Captain Charlie Harris (right) had his Drive In a little earlier and made an impressive Drive measuring 261 yards.
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To all SENIOR Golfers
GEOFF HENNEY, the SGU Seniors Captain would like to invite all eligible players (see below) interested in representing Suffolk Golf Union in 2016 to attend one or more of the winter squad meetings. (See eligibility and contact details below) The full fixture list for 2016 is:
Eligibility and Contact details: English Golf Union If you have an up-to19th/20th July South East Group Seniors Qualifier Littlestone date handicap (and have 12th July Southern Counties Foursomes Qualifier Ely, Cambs or will have at least 20th/21st Sept South East Counties Seniors Championship The Warren three qualifying rounds 27th September Southern Counties Foursomes Finals Haverhill, Suffolk in the year ending 31st 4th/5th/6th October English Seniors County Team Finals Chipping Sodbury March 2016) of 7 or less, are 55 years or Suffolk Golf Union older on the day of the 28th January Squad Trial Meeting Bungay fixture and would like to 22nd February Squad Trial Meeting Flempton be considered for the 13th March Squad Trial Meeting Woodbridge county team, please 7th April Friendly v Kent Littlestone contact me on 01284 17th April Friendly v Suffolk U 16s Aldeburgh 735654 or 28th April Friendly v Essex Ipswich alan.garrett@which.net . 5th May East Anglian League v Northants Stowmarket 24th May East Anglian League v Norfolk Royal Cromer We look forward to 13th June Friendly v Suffolk County Ladies Seniors Royal Worlington hearing from you. 27th June East Anglian League v Lincs South Kyme Yours sincerely, 6th July East Anglian League v Cambs Felixstowe Ferry 18th August Friendly v Cambridgeshire & Norfolk Bury St Edmunds Alan Garrett 8th September SGU Seniors Championship Stowmarket SGU Seniors Organiser
Duncan Masters The Duncan Masters, a Suffolk Order of Merit event, was held at Fynn Valley Golf Club, attracting a field of 29 competitors. The winner was Suffolk Captain Nathan Overton, 2 handicap from Woodbridge, with rounds of 77 and 70 for a total of 147. This is Nathan's 3rd success in this event following wins in 2010 and 2013. Jack Cuthbert 3 handicap from Thorpeness, who won the Junior Open held at Fynn Valley last month, was 2nd with 72 and 76 for a 148 total and 3rd with rounds of 76 and 75 for 151 was James Biggs, a scratch handicapper from Diss. The Fynn Valley nett winner with 85 (75) and 82 (72) for a nett total of 147 was 10 handicapper George Bolton from Lewis Rowlands, 10 handicap, on 150 and Gary Hignett, 11 handicap, on 152, pictured above right, with Tony Tyrell (left).
NEXT ISSUE JAN/FEB 2016 LAST CHANCE FOR WINTER SPECIALS suffolkgolfer@aspects.net 9
Fantastic year for Suffolk juniors by Mike Stevenson It’s been a record breaking year for the county juniors at all ages, winning 4 Trophies and 2 individual championships. Head Coach Keith Preston and County President Phil Pattern, praised the Time and Dedication the members of the Junior Committee and clubs have put in to achieve these results .
Suffolk Junior Championship and Match Play The Suffolk Junior Championship. A field of 34 competitors took part, which included 8 boys under the age of 14 with handicaps of 10+ playing only 18 holes. Gregor Tait – Suffolk Gregor Junior Champion Tait, Ipswich, retained his title with rounds of 69 and 72 leaving him one under par for the day. Tait was two shots ahead of Sam Byford (Ipswich) and three ahead of Jed Seeley (Newton Green) and Jack Phillips (Ipswich). Byford carded a second round of 71 for a total of 142, where he was joined by 14 year old Habebul Islam (Ipswich), who added a 2 under par 69 to his opening round of 73. Habebul's morning round of 73 took the Under 14 gross prize. The Suffolk Junior Team Shield was won by the Ipswich Trio of Gregor Tait, Habebul Islam and Sam Byford with 425 Category Winners- Under 14 Handicap- Tyler Weaver (West Suffolk)- Under 15 Handicap - Harvey Watts (Newton Green)-Under 16 Handicap - Ben Aves (Bury St Edmunds)-Under 18 Handicap - Jack Phillips (Ipswich) Under 15 Gross- Harry Fricker (Ufford Park)-Under 16 Gross- Jack Cuthbert (Thorpeness) Gregor Tait achieved the double, winning the individual county junior championship and also the match play. It was an impressive performance from Gregor beating into 2nd place Sam Byford in the match play.
Under 18
England Golf South east group Under 18 League Trophy winners. Left to right: Harry Fricker, Wil Morcombe, Sam Byford, Gregor Tait, Jack Cuthbert, Lewis Whiting Josh Driver and Jack Phillips
at The Dyke Golf Club, Brighton. Suffolk had overcome Norfolk and Bedfordshire in the Northern Section, Hertfordshire had won the Central Section and Sussex had won the Southern Section. All matches in the league have been 8 singles over 18 holes in a triangular format. Final scores: Suffolk 10.5, Hertfordshire 9, Sussex 4.5. Team Manager, Trevor Mason, said "I am delighted with the team who were very much underdogs, against two counties with twice as many clubs and players to chose from. The boys did Suffolk proud and received compliments on their play, and the manner in which they conducted themselves. To be the first winners of a prestigious new competition is a fantastic achievement. With only Tait and Phillips from the team leaving the junior ranks next season, the Under 16 team winning the Skevington trophy and the Under 14 team winning the Keith Bass Trophy and beating Essex in the Anglian Shield, there is every reason to be optimistic about junior golf in Suffolk for the next few years. Gregor Tait, set the tone for the final by winning both his matches by 3 and 1, being 5 under par but it was a team performance. Will Morcombe produced an amazing comeback in his matches. After 12 holes he was 4 down and 3 down, but he then started to hole some crucial putts and recovered to win one match and half the other. Although 15 year old Jack Cuthbert had six birdies in his round, he dropped shots on most of the other holes and lost both his games. He was, however, up against two older boys with lower handicaps. Harry Fricker, also aged 15 and representing the Under 18 team for the first time, was the last match left on the course and he scored the vital one and a half points to ensure that Suffolk got over the line for a memorable victory.
South East Foursomes Suffolk will be the first name on the new England Suffolk Boys finished a very creditable 3rd out of 8 Golf South East Group Under 18 League trophy after counties in the England Golf South East Group the team beat Sussex and Hertfordshire in the final Junior Foursomes at Crondon Park, Essex. Sussex 10
won the event, Norfolk finished 4th and Essex 7th. To use a football cliché, it was ‘a game of two halves’ for the Suffolk team. After the first round the three Suffolk pairs were collectively 28 over par, but in the second round they improved dramatically by dropping just 7 shots to finish 35 over. Scores: Driver and Whiting 150 (77 – 73), Tait and Phillips 153 (79 – 74) Seeley and Talbot 164 (88 – 76). Sussex 448 Hampshire 461 Suffolk 467 Norfolk 476
Under 16 Ipswich Golf Club hosted the annual Skevington Trophy competition, which is competed for by Under 16 boys representing Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Essex. Format is 9 holes in the morning and 18 in the afternoon. The Skevington Trophy is awarded to the boy achieving the lowest gross score over the 27 holes. In addition the Counties are competing for the Bob Bagshaw Cup which is awarded to the team which achieves the lowest score taking 3 Harry Fricker – gross and 3 nett scores. Skevington Trophy winner Harry Fricker, Ufford Park, played superb golf to win both the Skevington Trophy and the Handicap prize. He recorded a 9 hole score of 36 and added an afternoon 2 under par round of 69 for a total of 105 (Nett 100.5) which secured him the title by 1 shot from Aaron EdwardsHill, Essex who followed his morning round of 38 with a 3 under par round of 68 in the afternoon for a total of 106. In the team competition (the Bob Bagshaw Trophy) Suffolk's final player, Liam Hansey of Bungay & Waveney Valley returned an afternoon round of 76 to see Suffolk victorious, for the first time, by a slim margin
Under 14 Colne Valley Golf Club (Essex) hosted the annual Keith Bass Trophy event, which is competed for by Under 14 lads representing Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Essex. The Keith Bass Trophy is awarded to the lad with the lowest gross score over 27 holes and this year it was won by Suffolk’s Habebul Islam with a score of 109. Additionally there is a team prize
and the four counties compete for the ‘Team Championship Shield’ and this is awarded to the county which achieves the lowest score which includes the 3 lowest gross and 3 lowest nett scores. This year it was Keith Bass winner Habebul Islam presented by Essex President Mike Hart won by Suffolk for the first time. Suffolk travelled to Harwich & Dovercourt Golf Club, with a very young team, to take on Essex in their annual match for the Anglia Shield. The morning foursomes saw Suffolk establish a 4-1 lead. They maintained their advantage in the afternoon singles winning 5.5 to 4.5 to achieve an overall victory by 9.5 to 5.5. This was the 21st playing of this event and only the 5th time Suffolk have tasted victory. Credit for these under 14 results must go to Dave Ashworth and his professional coaches Ben Kerr Kelvin Vince and the development work done by Stuart Robertson with the talented under 12s squad.
Generally
Newton Green did us proud in the England Golf Junior Club Tournament, competing against 32 other counties. This 6 man national event was played at Frilford Heath where they finished a creditable 4th The SGU Junior Order Of Merit is coming to a close with 3 events to go and the leader is Habebul Islam followed by Jack Cuthbert. Junior organisers and clubs have made a great effort this year to make the junior open events a success. These events give us the opportunity to see potential junior county players, of all ages, and handicaps (both boys and girls), and they are great fun. Finally, as you can see, we are on the crest of a wave and this voluntary work is very satisfying, if you would like to participate in this, please call Mike Stevenson on Tel: 01728 603521 there could be a role for you! Keith Bass Trophy – team winners 11
Aldeburgh Junior Open Aldeburgh Golf Club held their Junior Open, a Suffolk Junior Order of Merit event, which attracted 24 competitors. The lowest gross score was carded by 6 handicapper, Arthur Patten, with a 69. He also recorded the lowest nett score with a 63. Harry Fricker, a 2 handicapper from Ufford Park, had a gross 70 whilst home player Will Morcombe, handicap 3, shot 72 and Jack Cuthbert, also 3 handicap from Thorpeness a 73 Nett scores- Patten 63, Fricker 68, Morcombe 69, Cuthbert 70, Ben Newman, handicap 17-71 and Jake Swinburn, handicap 17- 71
England Golf Champion Club The England Golf Champion Club tournament took place at Brancepeth Castle. Ipswich were Suffolk's representatives having qualified from the Amateur Championship. On day one, Ipswich had a team score of 236, 26 over par, which left them in 28th place from 33 teams. They fared little better on day 2 adding 235 for a total of 471 which saw them finish in 27th place. The event was won by Birstall from Leicestershire
with a total of 431 on countback from City of Newcastle who were the leaders after round 1. Individual Ipswich scores- Sam Byford 79-77-156, Gregor Tait 76-76-152, Tom Fowler 81-82-163
Fund Raising Day for Junior Development Fund Suffolk Golf Union Junior Committee organised a fund raising day for their Junior Development Fund. The fund provides financial assistance for the families of the best junior golfers in the county to enable them to compete in national events, when they have to be away from home for several days with all the associated costs of travel and accommodation. By competing in these events, it not only provides top level competition for the boys but also raises the profile of Suffolk Junior Golf. The event was held at Ipswich Golf Club and 96 players took part from all around the county, as well as teams representing Essex Golf Union and Norfolk Golf Union. The competition was played in teams of four with the two best stableford scores to count on par 4s and par 5s and the best three scores to count on par 3s. The winning team was Harvey MacIntyre, Janette Holyoak, Peter Haig-Thomas and Keith Tarrant, who scored 97 points. In second place with 93 points were Laurie Cottrell, Josh Cottrell, Nathan Overton and Steve Coonan. Nearest the pin on the
10th was won by Peter Miller and on the 15th by Tim Cooper, the PGA professional at Newton Green who missed a hole in one by no more than two inches. After the golf and a meal there was a raffle for which all the prizes had been donated, many by those playing on the day, and an auction for rounds of golf donated by 18 clubs throughout Suffolk and golf lessons from PGA professionals Keith Preston (Aldeburgh), Robert Joyce (Felixstowe Ferry) and Ryan Parfett (Fynn Valley). A hospitality box at Goodson Park for the match between Everton and Norwich City was generously donated by Dairy Crest Plc and was bought for £1500 to swell the coffers. Over £4,500 was raised for the Junior Development Fund. Junior Chairman, Mike Stevenson, said “We are overwhelmed by the fantastic support from clubs and players for this event which raised far more money than we had anticipated and will provide support for the families of our top junior golfers throughout the 2016 golfing season and beyond”.
Bungay & Waveney Valley Junior Open Bungay & Waveney Valley Golf Club held their Junior Open, a Suffolk Junior Order of Merit event. Warren Bates, a 4 handicapper from Heacham Manor, took the Geoffrey Watts Trophy with a round of 72. Liam Hansey, 6 handicap from the home club, also shot 72 as did Tom Carding. Habebul Islam, Ipswich, and Jack Cuthbert, Thorpeness, both carded 73's The lowest nett score was recorded by Oliver Underhill Smith who shot 76 off 18 handicap for a nett 58. Other scores- Division 1 (handicaps 1-14) Sam Bingham (Bungay) 75-9-66, Liam Hansey (Bungay) 72-6-66 Luke Tyler (Waldringfield) 79-13-66; Division 2- (15 +) - Thomas Payne 83-18-65, Govind Sandhu 86-19-67, Ben Newman 85-17-68.
The first Winter League event of the season at Thetford Golf Club, saw Ian Farnham and Andrew Horsburgh lead the way with an impressive 40pts in the foursomes format. They finished four points clear of Craig Estlea and Daniel Franklin. There are five more events over the winter, with the best four scores counting for the overall Winter League prize.
Hybrid putter is heaven sent A putter invented by a golf pro, is creating a storm of interest before it has gone into full scale production. Stuart Smith, a PGA Professional from East Anglia, has designed a putter based on his best-selling Heavenly Hybrid range of clubs. The putter known as HH1 features the head used in the Heavenly Hybrid range and has a loft of 3°. As a result the club is significantly lighter than conventional putters and boasts a much bigger sweet spot. Explaining how he came up with the idea, Smith said: “I looked at putters on the market and felt they were all very heavy. What’s more, I wasn’t sure how forgiving they were. Using a hybrid head, as opposed to one made from a solid chunk of metal, means mine is much lighter. As a result the ball comes off the head a lot faster and a shorter stroke is needed, Because it’s got the hybrid head, the sweet spot is huge. It’s probably the most forgiving putter there is, which is great for people who don’t hit the ball in the middle. Retails around £79. 13
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A SAD, SAD TALE
Report on ‘Operation Turtle Dove’ by Paul Gowen
Titan with his transmitter. Photo by John Mallord, RSPB
In the spring, golfers at clubs in Suffolk were asked to look out for Turtle Doves on their courses as part of the survey work for Operation Turtle Dove, a national effort, driven by the RSPB, to establish the whereabouts and to protect the ever diminishing Turtle Dove. As feared, despite many pairs of eyes and many ears, no birds were recorded as seen or heard on our Suffolk courses. One male dove did, however, nearly adorn a course in the East of the county as a bird dubbed Titan, and satellite-tagged, arrived back from Mali in West Africa on 22 June, near where he was tagged in 2014. He began holding territory on the edge of RSPB Aldringham Walks which is midway between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness Golf Clubs. Sadly it appears that Titan was unable to find a mate before he began his journey back to Africa, a trip made hazardous by the indiscriminate illegal killing of migrating birds in some Mediterranean countries, the increasing size of the Sahara desert, making the journey over the desert several miles further each year, and the loss of suitable habitat right along their migratory route, from their UK breeding grounds to West Africa, making it harder for them to leave fighting fit and refuel along the way. Thankfully however, we’re pleased to say Titan has managed to make it back safely to West Africa, with a transmission from his tag on the 9th October in Mauritania. While it is good news for Titan, it is not so for Turtle Doves as a species, with the latest update of the IUCN Global Red List upgrading them to “Vulnerable” status. This means that Turtle Doves are amongst the most threatened species in the world, with a risk of extinction now on a par with African Elephants and Lions - all very sad! It is not always what is seen that is important in conservation terms but when a once common species starts to disappear, this information becomes just as valuable. I could not visit all courses during the summer months but was able to talk with a number of golfers who were aware of the survey. Thanks go to all who looked and listened on behalf of this year’s survey. 15
WALL OF FAME FOR TEMPLATE SETTING CLUB A new wall of fame has been created at Newton Green Golf Club to recognise its outstanding success in recent seasons. In its last half a dozen years the club has registered more success at county level than in its previous 100 years. Its new photographic display of winners was unveiled at the club’s third annual celebration night in a row, following a year in which the Suffolk Hambro Cup was retained and the club’s juniors cleaned up nearly all the major junior titles available. Mike Stevenson, Suffolk Golf Union junior golf chairman, attended the evening, and said: “What has been happening at Newton Green is a template for exactly what we are trying to achieve with clubs across Suffolk. “We are trying to create a pyramid of success through the clubs with players that feed through to such competitions as the Hambro Cup and into our county teams. “Newton players are already taking significant roles in our under 18, 16 and 14 sides that have achieved an outstanding level of success this year at regional level.” During his speech, Mr Stevenson also praised the club’s retiring manager Carole List, for her cooperation in supporting the work of the County. In front of the new Wall of Fame is Men’s Captain Bill The evening heard juniors had contributed Havers (left) and Suffolk Junior Golf Chairman, Mike significantly to the success of the Hambro winning Stevenson side, while the Club had won both the county junior Stableford and handicap team titles, and gone on to represented Suffolk nationally. On the girls’ front, Ellie Aldous had been county Look for your Golf Membership deals, captain and Alice Barlow won both the match play Special offers, Winter Warmers at and stroke play titles, in addition to being Suffolk schools champion. Both also represented the county www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com at adult level.
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PHIL GETS SHORTER? SGU President, Phil Platten, appears a little vertically challenged against the team that gradually got taller! He created a great deal of amusement when he found his solution. At the presentations of the individual trophies to the Felixstowe Ferry team after they won the Stenson Shield recently, he found a way of equalling out the heights when presenting the trophy to the tallest player in the Felixstowe Ferry team, Graham Wardley. 16
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Spanish Escuriola proves Stoke by Nayland’s queen of cool Natalia Escuriola kept her nerves in check, and game together, to ensure the WPGA International Challenge ended in a coronation and not a calamity, at the 3 day LET Access Championship, held at the family owned Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa resort. The Spaniard’s wire to wire victory not only earned her 4,800 euros, but also fired her up to second place in the LET Access Series and ensured she will compete on the main Ladies European Tour next year. There were moments in the final round of the tournament at Stoke by Nayland however, when what appeared to be a canter to victory for the 21-year-old, looked set to end in tears. Not least during the first four holes when Olivia Cowan, who pipped Escuriola for pole position in the LET Access Series Order of Merit, threatened to take the Gainsborough Course at the Suffolk resort apart. Cowan, a teenager with a British father, Scottish sounding name and BBC accent who represents Germany, as a result of spending her 19 years there, began birdie, birdie, birdie, eagle. All of which meant
Winner Natalia Escuriola with SbN Directors Tamara Unwin and Susanna Rendall
the meaty five stroke lead Escuriola enjoyed at the start of play, was reduced to an anorexic one. But in the end Cowan shared third place with France’s Ariane Provot after a two-under-par round of 70, and Raastad finished second on six-under. The top five Let Access Order of Merit professionals were also awarded their Tour cards, which qualify them to join the main Ladies European Tour for the 2016 season; namely Escuriola, Cowan, Gutavsson, Gabsa and Bakker. The 3 day event kicked off as usual with a Pro Am tournament, featuring some well known faces such as National Broadcaster Naga Munchetty, who is a spokesperson for the national “thisgirlgolfs” campaign, and who conducted a live interview with the BBC Look East studio just before the Pro Am Gala Dinner. BBC’s Stewart White and musical personality, Neil Innes also participated in the Pro Am, and dinner guests and players were entertained with a string of amazing magic feats by internationally renowned magician, David Redfearn. After play on the 2nd day the Spanish Professionals, including eventual winner Natalia, took some time out to enjoy a tour of the SbN family’s award-winning Peake Fruit orchards and cold stores nearby, with Farms Director Robert England and were very interested in tasting the different varieties of English apples on offer. On the final day Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk County girls squads of all ages, were treated to some golf clinics by Head Professional Roly Hitchcock and 3 of the Ladies European Tour professionals. Leading scores: 1 Natalia Escuriola (Spain) -8; 2 Rachel Raastad (Norway) -6; 3 Ariane Provot (France), Olivia Cowan (Germany) -5; 5 Noemi Jimenez (Spain), Georgia Hall (England) -4; 7 Johanna Gustavsson (Sweden) -3; 8 Valdis Thora Jonsdottir (Iceland), Bethan Popel (A) (England) -1
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A busy autumn for SLCGA golfers…
Cranworth Finalists: Fynn Valley in turquoise and Ufford Park in burgundy and green
The Girls’ half term found nine of the lowest handicappers enjoying their Junior Autumn Meeting at Stowmarket. Alice Barlow and Eloise Aldous (Junior Captain) headed the field. Ellie made a fast start with a birdie at the first. Alice birdied ten and eleven and lipped out for the third in a row at twelve. Megan Bailey and Mary Cuthbert, striding down ten in businesslike fashion, both made impressive pars. Mary chipped up neatly to four feet and sank the putt. Megan got up and down from a greenside bunker. Georgia Parker, Rio Everitt, Charlie Smith, Fern McCarthy and Amber Dobinson completed a field of young golfers who all Fiona Edmond (Ipswich) won the Sybil Green Trophy at the Prize winners with the County Captain, Sarah swung confidently through Saggers. Left to right: Eloise Aldous and the ball with fell intent. Fern Division One meeting Alice Barlow (both Newton Green) and Fern was almost running round in (Haverhill). She returned a McCarthy of Stowmarket her enthusiasm and she gross 75 against the par of 71. ended up the winner of the Stableford competition Abbie Symonds was second, one shot behind and, with County Captain Sarah Saggers’ round of 74 nett with an extremely competent 38 points. Suffolk Ladies County Golf Association making up the required trio of scores, the Division Current Officers: Shield went to Ipswich. Fifteen girls enjoyed the lady/junior foursomes on a golden autumn day at Fynn Valley. Fern McCarthy, partnered by Sarah Saggers, came out on top. These two met for the first time on the first tee but Fern was unfazed by the big occasion. Playing with Sheila Playle, Fiona Stokes came second, on her birthday, too! Suffolk Seniors hosted their annual match against Norfolk Seniors at Bungay. It was such a rough day that the match was shortened to ten-holes, the
Latimer-Jones
The Stearn Trophy final was held at Bury St Edmunds. Here Woodbridge and Stowmarket tussled it out over The Stearn Trophy goes to Woodbridge. Left: Rita Bird (Captain) and Julia Payn the thirty-six hole (team captain). continuous foursomes matches. Woodbridge were three up at lunch in one match and all square in another, while Stowmarket were three up in the third. See-sawing scores after lunch culminated in a two-match advantage to Woodbridge, with the third foursomes taking an honourable half.
Julie
weather adding an extra dimension to the battle. Suffolk were very happy to reverse the defeat they suffered in 2014. They won by two-and-a-half matches to a half.
by
Fynn Valley ladies have had a bumper harvest in a golfing sense. Hardly had they got their hands on the Seniors Jubilee Shield, beating Ufford Park at Diss by 10 holes in midSeptember, than they nobbled the Ufford ladies again two weeks later, pocketing the Cranworth Trophy at Seckford with a convincing 7-2 scoreline. Making the presentation to Fynn Valley, Suffolk President, Ann Graves congratulated both teams on their ‘brilliant year’s golf’.
President: Ms Ann Graves Tel: 01394 411020; Captain: Mrs Sarah Saggers Tel: 01394 383583. Vice-Captain: Ms Vanessa Bell Tel 01473 231411; Hon Secretary: Mrs Jeanette Longman: Tel 01394 450939; Hon Treasurer: Miss Hermione Scrope Tel 01359 232618; England Golf Representative: Ms Rebecca Evans Tel 01787 464624; Handicap Adviser: Mrs Eunice Gray Tel 01473 833392; Junior Organiser: Miss Sarah Howe Tel: 07990 110976 ; Seniors Organiser: Mrs Jo Moore Tel: 01502 711155; Scratch Score Assessor: Mrs Sue Cook Tel 01728 688406. All other personnel may be found on the County website at www.suffolkladiesgolf.org.uk. 19
Fynn Valley Raise over £2500 for local charity L’Arche
WEST SUFFOLK GOLF CENTRE Above, Dany Baker from Middlesfield Manor, National Autistic Home at Barton Mills accepts a cheque of £3394.00 from West Suffolk Golf Centre's Lady Captain Adele Pearce. The money was raised from their Captains Charity Day and will go towards sensory equipment for a summer house in their garden.
At the Ladies AGM at Fynn Valley Golf Club, out going Captain Jean Emmerson presented her chosen charity L'Arche with a cheque for £2550. This fantastic amount was raised by the ladies section over the course of Jean’s year in office. All the money will go towards the Ipswich branch of L’Arche, which runs small and vibrant communities where people with and without learning disabilities live and work together. Tony Gibbings, Community Leader of L'Arche in Ipswich, accepted the cheque on behalf of the charity and spoke very movingly to the ladies about their work. Find out more at www.larcheipswich.co.uk.
System-Matic Cup 2015 Joe Harvey won the Ufford Park 2015 System-Matic Cup on count back ahead of Paul Jordan with a Nett 71. Junior Captain Harry Fricker finished in third place with a Nett 72. The System-Matic Cup is an annual invite only trophy for winners of competitions played over the past 12 months, so the competition was stern. Joe who started off as a Junior member at Ufford Park around 20 years ago has only just got back into the game, with golf falling behind work and other interests.
Summer Singles 2015
The Ufford Park Golf team would like to wish Simon Peter Robinson Past Captain of Rushmere Golf Club, Severwright many regular member of the Rushmere Stenson and congratulations on his Summer Hambro Team, achieved his 5th Hole in one at the Singles victory over Sam Ward. par 3 8th hole 134 yards using a pitching wedge, his Sam reached the final after a playing partners were Paul Keen, and Len Goddard. couple of hard fought victories, • • • • • • whilst Simon held off Trefa Michael Coe achieved his first hole in one on at Owen to set up a tight final. the par 3, 8th hole using an 6 iron at With Sam only giving away two Rushmere Golf Club, his playing partners shots, it was an evenly poised match. However, were Peter Smith and Bill Morris. Simon took full advantage of the shots and stormed • • • • • • to a 4&2 victory to take the Summer Singles trophy. Peter Jordan achieved his 8th hole in one at the par 3 192 yards 4th hole using a Rescue Wood, his playing partners were Ken Musgrove, A big congratulations to Tony Boffey on getting his Mark Flory and Martin Janney. first ever hole-in-one at Ufford Park Golf Club, Whilst • • • • • • competing in the Tuesday Club Moyle Cup, he hit his Les Howard as Captain of Rushmere Golf Club shot on the 3rd hole only to see it disappear 2014/15, raised £1450 towards his chosen Charity seconds later to claim the impressive feat. Prostate Cancer UK.
RUSHMERE SNIPPETS
Congratulations!
Golf on the Race Course Par Fours at 2 Furlongs? The Oldest Club in Norfolk played their annual fixture with the Oldest Club in Suffolk on the golf course that is interwoven with the Great Yarmouth Horse Racing Course. Gentlemen from Felixstowe Ferry GC (formed1880) travelled to Norfolk to participate with Great Yarmouth and Caister GC (formed in 1882) in, what must be, one of the oldest annual interclub matches still played in England. The friendly meeting between Clubs is still enjoyed 132 years after its inauguration in 1883. In 1983, on the 100th year anniversary, the event was held on the Felixstowe Ferry Martello course. The photo taken of the participants (recovered from the clubs Archive) shows that one Felixstowe member who played in that event is still a regular playing member of the club. Although none of the 24 competitors, that played back then, played this year. There were 18 players in each of the teams for this year’s event and the match was finely balanced. Not everybody was aware that the match was to be played according to Hambro (Myhill) scoring, and some games did not play the whole 18 holes. The result was therefore uncertain. According to Hambro rules the match was won by one hole by Gt Yarmouth & Caister, whereas, by match-play rules the match was won 5 games to 4, by Felixstowe. The Captains settled on a honourable and enjoyable draw. Peter Munford, the GY&C member, played for Felixstowe, partnering Dougie Pipe in the last group. They gave the visiting team a handsome win. It’s understood Peter may not get his membership renewed next year!
RUNYARD TROPHY 2016
5th Sept 2016 at Thetford Golf Club Next year’s venue has been finalised, so any school in Norfolk or Suffolk wishing to bring a team and compete in this fantastic new event is welcome. The cost conscious entry fee, to cover coffee and bacon roll on arrival, the 18 hole competition green fee, two course buffet and prizes.
Please contact Chris Buisseret on 01284 700518 or 07810 836730 for more details. 21
Peter Ballingall
LETTER FROM SPAIN
@
There is a ‘downside’ to living in this beautiful part of Spain.
It is the Andalucía accent. The locals speak badly being unable to enunciate and very quickly, seldom say the complete word cutting off the last bit that tells you the tense, the gender and the quantity. They often use phrases that are not used in any other part of the country so that even those from the North do not understand them either! Now this might seem okay for someone who is learning the language in the sense that one can be fairly relaxed about the grammar. As we know the main thing about learning another language is to listen, speak and to be understood and that, as with children, the grammar comes later but it frustrates me that after almost twelve years living here I still struggle to understand the locals. Mrs B. and I have recently been obliged to make frequent trips to Seville. Our little ‘four-legged-furry-friend’, Rusty, has been having problems with his eyes and the local Vets advised us to consult with an Ophthalmologist [un Oftamología] as they were insufficiently qualified to deal with his problem. We made an appointment and met with Fernando Herrera and his team. As usual they had very little English and so the conversations were made in Spanish. To be fair their English was not so bad but they complimented us both on our Spanish expressing surprise that, being British, we could speak so well. It is usual for British people, even those living in Spain, to expect the whole world to speak English!! They joked at the fact that our Spanish was better than their English! The point is that they did speak clearly, articulating well that made it easier for us to understand Rusty’s problem and what they were going to do about it. It would have been more fun enjoying our conversation [without having to wave our arms or repeat ourselves] were it not for our concerns about our ‘little friend’. Further visits were necessary to have him operated on, to remove ulcers from both eyes and have temporary lenses fitted and then, later, to have the lenses removed. They were pleased with the success of the operation and inspired great confidence. They knew, and we didn’t, that the week following, Rusty would be uncomfortable and that if we were in any way concerned to phone at any time. “Call me at 10.30pm” [Llámame a las 2230h] Fernandez said. 10.30pm? Wow, what kind of service is that? One night we were thinking that Rusty was going blind, as he kept bumping into things as he was barely able to
open his eyes. Fernando and his associate Cristian were so reassuring, telling us that this was normal after such a major operation and that we should not worry ourselves [no se preocupen ustedes mismos – es absolutamente normal]. We return to Seville as I write to have further inspections and have fingers crossed that he will recover fully soon. We look forward to this and not to have to visit Seville again anytime soon – even to ‘enjoy’ our Spanish conversations!! Ah well! Back to good ol’ El Rompido and the locals! Nice people all. We just wish they would speak better!!
Enjoy! Contact me, Peter Ballingall at: Apartado de Correos 101 21450 Cartaya (Huelva) ESPAÑA Tel: (0034) 959 02 42 42 or E-mail: pballingall@golfelrompido.es Website: www.peterballingall.com
Brett Vale
Golf Club
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
DECEMBER SPECIAL 1st - 31st December (subject to availability) Mon-Friday only
Coffee and mince pie 18 holes • turkey and cranberry baguette
£20
Stonham Junior Golf Tournament The latest event was won by a regular winner at Stonham, Ryan Turnbull, a 13 yr old member of Cretingham Golf Club, with a very good score of 31 (2 over par). Ryan has won many junior events here and will be defending his Stonham Players Championship title soon. In second place was Adam Scott, a 14 year member of the Stonham Junior Academy, who only started playing golf this year. Adam scored a 38, his best score to date which included his first ever birdie on the 8th hole. The Under 10 Age Category was won by 9 year old Charlie Goodridge from Bury St Edmunds Golf Club. Left hander Charlie is an excellent player and he stayed calm after a poor start to score a 39. The Under 8 Age Category was won by 6 year old Imogen Potter with a score of 66. Imogen is a member of the Stonham Barns Junior Academy really loves her golf and has a great attitude.
pp
Must be booked at least 24hrs before play Strictly Mon - Fri. Subject to availability
Fantastic function room available for that special occasion or business meeting
'We go that extra mile, why don't you!'?
Prize Winners (Left to Right) Nicole Olson, Fraser Johnson, Adam Scott, Jake Southgate, Ryan Turnbull (U15 Winner), Charlie Goodridge (U10 Winner) / Photo of Imogen Potter (U8 Winner)
Night Golf held at Bury St Edmunds 9 Hole Course
40 players attended, some in fancy dress, playing in a texas scramble for 9 holes followed by prizes and a sausage & mash supper in the clubhouse. Surplus monies went to the Captains’ Charities – NSPCC & Hillside Animal Trust.
EXCEPTIONAL DRAINAGE PLAYABLE ALL YEAR For all enquiries please telephone
01473 310718 www.brettvalegolf.co.uk Noakes Road, Raydon, Nr Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 5LR
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Winning team Stephen, Carmel, Molly & Graham
JUNIOR PRIZE GIVING 2015 Felixstowe Ferry Golf club held their Junior Prize Giving and the new Club Captain, Allan Wells, was there to present the prizes. Many congratulations must go to Ben Sayers (in his last year as Junior) who won the Junior Championship Scratch competition. Also many congratulations to Bradley Limpkin-Holt who won 5 Trophies for 2015 namely:Blyth Cup; Seven Fours Trophy; Bawdsey Trophy; Rush Cup; Junior Championship Nett winner.
Back Row: Ben Sayers, Allan Wells (Cl. Captain), Bradley LimpkinHolt, Charlie Harris (Junior Captain) Front Row: Hayden Dadswell, Thomas Gibbs, Mackenzie Barkes, Harley Barkes
SENIORS FLUSHED WITH SUCCESS
RUSHMERE DRIVE-IN Above: Denise Martin (Lady Captain 2014), Tricia Laws (Lady Captain 2015), Jennifer Frost (Lady Vice-Captain), and Jackie Thomas (Lady Captain 2016), before the Annual Match of Past Captains v Captains Team. Jackie Thomas became the New Lady Captain for Rushmere Golf Club, her chosen Charity will be Macmillan Cancer Support. Right: Jackie preparing to hit the ball for her drive in, she hit 172 yards.
A record number of 80 players competed for a miniature water closet in a Ladies versus Seniors dual at Newton Green Golf Club. The annual challenge between the two sections continues to attract an ever increasing number of contestants, with the ladies and seniors taking it in turn to host the day. If the men win the match, the seat of the closet is left up for a year, but is closed down if the ladies are victorious. In the latest encounter Seniors captain Mike Barnes (right) led his team to a 12-9 victory, and ladies captain Sheila Barnes did the honours of presenting the trophy.
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e: suffolkgolfer@aspects.net Never miss a copy, read it online
www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com 25
St Audry’s 9 hole event
On a damp afternoon, 12 keen junior golfers played the latest installment of the St Audry's event. This new initiative between Ufford Park Golf Club and St Audry's Golf Club has attracted, Gross 1/2 Nett New H/Cap H/Cap 8 or 9 new Under 10s members to Oliver King 50 21 29 40 St Audry's and Asa Heron 53 22 31 Fraser Johnson 43 12 31 Best Gross a further 6 Joshua Hembling 54 15 39 new members Under 12s to Ufford Park. Grace Fricker 53 18 35 It has also Harry Moore 62 27 35 averaged 15 Harry Tibble 51 15 36 Maddison Ruffles 61 24 37 juniors per Under 15s competition in Jonno Gooding 52 23 29 44 the past three Ava McGreal 56 21 35 months! Nathaniel Langford 54 18 36 Jude Spivey-Green 53
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Joanne Bates - PGA Instructor
The West Suffolk Golf Centre at Beck Row nr Mildenhall has just appointed Joanne Bates as their new Head Golf Professional. Joanne is a local girl from Fordham and started her playing career at Ely at the age of 13. She became a fully qualified member of the PGA of Great Britain & Northern Ireland in 2005 after completing her training at the world renowned, Royal Birkdale Golf Club a regular host club for The Open Championship. In 2010 Joanne was specifically recruited as a female golf instructor in the UAE to raise awareness of ladies golf in the emerging market and was appointed their girls national team coach in 2011 and 2012. With a vast history and background in developing lady golfers of all ages and abilities, Joanne creates the perfect environment for them to feel comfortable learning and progressing their golfing game no matter their experience or level. Until very recently Joanne was the leading female instructor at the largest golf club in the world at Mission Hills Golf Academy in China. Joanne’s experiences have enhanced her teaching providing a structured route to learning the game based around the students lifestyle in order for them to reach their golfing objectives.
NORFOLK COUNTY GOLF UNION Mike Devlin - Hon Secretary NCGU Match-Play Championships 2015 by
The Order of Merit matches have finally come to a close and as is the tradition the leading points scorers in both the Scratch and the Handicap divisions are invited, along with other pre-qualified players, to come along to the Norfolk Match-Play Championships to determine the Match-Play Champions for 2015. This year the Championships were hosted by Eaton Golf Club and what a glorious choice that was. Everyone remarked on the quality of the course and the design changes that the committee and members of the club have undertaken. A real delight. The weather also played its part with sunshine from dawn to dusk. The morning of day one of the Championships saw 16 scratch and 16 handicap golfers take to the fairways. At lunch the field was halved. Top seeds Jack Yule (Middleton Hall and Ben Aldous (Bawburgh) were still standing after two really sterling matches against Joe Robinson (Royal Norwich) and Kelvin Burns (Gt Yarmouth & Caister).
Jack Yule - Match-play Champion with Gavin Sargent
Paul Donaghy (Costessey Park).
So began day two, the matches were played in great style with Jack Yule and Richard Wilson both winning All the Champions - Jack Yule, their matches Ben Aldous & Max Jacobs to set up a terrific final and Ben Aldous having been taken to the 3rd extra hole to get through his match would face Max Jacobs in an equally enthralling match. Both finals saw exchanges of holes in the early stages of the matches, with each player looking to make the breakthrough. Jack Yule finally making it by the 16th hole to win 3 and 2 and become the Scratch Match-Play Champion for 2015 taking this title for the third successive time and Max Jacobs at the 15th hole to record a 4 and 3 victory and with it the title of Handicap Match-Play Champion for 2015. Simply great golf and a pleasure to have been there.
At the end of tournament ceremony that followed, the winners trophies were presented by Vice-Captain of Eaton, On to the afternoon round, with 8 Gavin Sargent. To add to the occasion in each division now battling to Scratch OOM Champion Jack Yule with Gavin also presented Jack Yule with the Eaton Vice-Captain Gavin Sargent get to the semi-finals. Some great 2015 Order of Merit Trophy (Scratch) and golf was being played, not least Ben Aldous with his 2015 Order of Merit of which a hole in one at the 9th Trophy (Handicap). This is a great from Darren Abbs of Royal achievement as several hundred players have Norwich. The end of day one been involved in delivered the semi-finalists. In the Order of the Scratch division, Jack Yule Merit rounds this would play Giles Evans year. The County (Barnham Broom) and Richard is already Wilson (Dereham) would play looking forward Harry Brister (Bawburgh). In the to 2016 hoping Handicap division, Ben Aldous to get even more would play Dominic Arend golfers involved Handicap Match-play Champ (Royal Norwich) and Max in this wonderful Handicap OOM Champion Ben Max Jacobs with Eaton Jacobs (Swaffham) would play Vice-Captain Gavin Sargent game. Aldous with Gavin Sargent
Junior Bass League After another first class, well fought golfing season, the final of the Bass League came to it’s conclusion at Weston Park. Bawburgh GC faced King's Lynn GC in the final and despite the earlier very heavy rain the course dried out quickly and was in great condition. The Bass League Champions for 2015 were Bawburgh GC just squeezing out King's Lynn by 2 &1/2 matches to 1 & 1/2 matches.
2015 NCGU Handicap League
All the clubs and their teams who competed this year, gave of their all and it was a delight to note how much enjoyment had been had by al,l in participating in this new competition. Weston Park Golf Club was a great choice of venue for this, the conclusion of the inaugural Handicap League for 2015. The course was set up well and a real credit to the green staff. The draw for the semifinalists saw Costessey Park drawn against Kings Lynn, and Royal Norwich drawn against Thetford. Each of the teams are to be congratulated for winning their individual brackets and getting to the semi-finals, to make this a memorable first year. After some very exciting golf, Kings Lynn emerged victorious against Costessey Park, whilst Royal Norwich took the honours from Thetford. So the final match of the 2015 season was set. Royal Norwich set an early pace with Liam Cossey and partner Sonny Williams beating Team Captain and Club Vice-Captain Kwai Li and playing partner Players from left to right, Charlie Green, Jack Paul Arnold of King's Lynn 4 and 3 with some Cullington, James Bennett and Hannah Thomson. brilliant golf played on both sides. Next up for Royal Norwich was Darren Abbs and Craig Palin who Junior Am-Am It's one of those years... they just can't stop winning: finished all square with Ashley Johnson and Paul Bawburgh GC represented by John Hamment (Club Barnes of King's Lynn. The King's Lynn duo of Mark Butt and James Edgley made the match all square Captain), Amy Taylor, Jack Cullington and Andrew Cullington took the third title of the year with a team with a 1 hole victory over Royal Norwich pair Chris Mullen and Roger Wood. The last game went the score of 104 points pushing Costessey Park GC, who themselves scored a really creditable 94 points, way of Royal Norwich with Philip Mullen and Miles into second spot . The winners will, as is the tradition Cole taking a 4 and 2 win over Kevin Playford and Alan Dear. So Royal Norwich win the inaugural of this event, host next years final. Norfolk County Golf Union Handicap League and with it the title of Champions for 2015. It was a great match, played in the very best of the traditions of golf. Both teams received their winners and runners up medals from County President Doug Gilchrist with the Team Captain of Royal Norwich, Miles Cole, beaming from ear to ear accepting the winners trophy on behalf of his team and club. County Junior Manager Norman Blanch (left) congratulating Club Captain John Hamment with the rest of the team of Amy Taylor, Jack Cullington and Andrew Cullington
Ryston Park Golf Club Seniors Section L-r: Dick Russell - Winner of 18+ handicaps; Roger March Birdie Winner with 20 throughout the season; Terry Russell Millennium Cup Winner
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Eaton host England Golf event England Golf, South East Group, held the prestigious Southern Counties Senior Foursomes at Eaton GC. Four Counties, Hertfordshire, Sussex, Bedfordshire and Devon made up the semi-finals each with a team of 10 players. Bedfordshire faced Devon whilst Hertfordshire were drawn against Sussex. After some stiff competition, Hertfordshire won through against Sussex and Devon beat Bedfordshire. The final was played in fantastic spirit with some superb golf. In the end the match finished with 21/2 points each but was won on count back by Hertfordshire by virtue of more games won. It really was a thrilling encounter with the final result always in doubt.
2015 NCGU Scratch Knock-Out
The 2015 Scratch Knock-Out semi finals and final, were held at Weston Park GC in glorious sunshine. The course was, as is usual for Weston Park, in great condition making the event all the more enjoyable for the competitors. Sprowston Manor played Royal Norwich A and Bawburgh played Dereham in the semi-finals, with Bawburgh winning 3 games to 2 and Sprowston Manor winning 4 games to 1. Competition had been fierce, but played in the best of spirits and this pattern was followed in the finals. For Bawburgh, Harry Brister halved with Simon Hobbs, Jake Key won 3 and 1 against James Hazel and Ben Aldous managed a 2 hole victory against Josh Halliday. Back came Sprowston Manor with Aaron Stuttard beating Justin Fordham 3 and 2 and Greg Jarvis beating Ross Milligam 7 and 6. This left the match tied at 21/2 to 21/2. A sudden death play-off was the order of the day with each team nominating a player. Ben Aldous was selected for Bawburgh and Aaron Stuttard for Sprowston Manor. Down the 1st they went. Tee shots taken and nothing to choose. Second shots over and still nothing to separate them. Approaches to the flag saw Ben leaving it dead whilst Aaron, having a tricky little number going downhill, left himself a knee-knocker back. The putt, looking for all the world a cert, managed to slip passed, so Ben took the play-off with a four and with it Bawburgh took the Scratch League Title for 2015. A great final worthy of the game. All the teams competing enjoyed a post match meal and the early evening saw the President of The County, Doug Gilchrist, present the winning Trophy to team Captain of Bawburgh Harry Brister and the runners up salver to Team Captain Simon Hobbs of Sprowston Manor.
Eaton Youngster on Top
A full house attended Eaton’s annual presentation evening recently, when trophies were presented by Captain Ted Evans. The highlight was undoubtedly the haul awarded to 13-year-old City of Norwich School student, Ewan Marshall. Ewan had already won nine other competitions, but on the presentation day he also won the Masters Mug, which is Eaton’s “Champion of Champions” finale to the golfing season, played for by all the winners of ladies’ and gentlemen’s competitions Ewan receiving one of the throughout the year. trophies from Eaton Captain Ewan lapped up the Ted Evans. challenge, and beat the field with an excellent nett score of 68. This has been a remarkable season for the teenager, whose best wins had previously been the 2015 County Boys Under 14 Handicap and Eaton’s Nan Holloway Junior Knockout, and his handicap has now tumbled from 22 to 14.6 over the year.
NCGU CONTACTS 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 Wenn - Costesey Park Golf Club kevinwebb160575@gmail.com 2nd Team Captain Richard Wilson - Dereham Golf Club prorichard@aol.com Seniors Captain Terry Norman, Great Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club, terrynorman45@hotmail.co.uk Seniors Administrator Malcolm Carr of Sheringham Golf Club malcolm.carr@tiscali.co.uk Junior Secretary - Norman Blanch, 10, Hillside Crescent, Wicklewood, Norwich. NR18 9QD Tel: 01953 604394 normanblanch@btinternet.com Team Managers (Juniors): Andrew Cullington 01603 898311 ajcully@btinternet.com Nick Macartney - 07766 805314 U18 Manager - Gary Davis - 01603 610006 email: davis393609@aol.com 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, Barningham, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 1BZ 01359 221281 dandmhorsburgh326@btinternet.com Girls Organiser - Carol Delf Gt Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club 29
HANDICAP REPORT
by Kevin Joy - Handicap Authority NCGU As we are now approaching a new handicap year, I thought it would be a good idea to explore the handicap changes which come into effect as of the 1st January 2016. Earlier this year there was talk of CONGU handicaps raising beyond the present maximum of 28 for men and 36 for women. However it seems that at this time they will remain the same although non CONGU Club handicaps will be introduced for clubs who wish to run club events. These may be allocated higher than the 28/36 but CAN ONLY BE USED FOR THOSE EVENTS AND CANNOT BE USED AT OPEN EVENTS. I will show all the agreed changes in full but would like to point out some of the salient points: We have just got used to the handicap year being from 1st March until the end of February the following year. This has been changed back to 1st January to 31st December so some members who believe they have until the end of February 2016 to complete their three cards for this handicap year need to be warned they must be completed by 31st December 2015. The 4 ball better ball handicap allowance will be increased from three quarters to ninety per cent. The other major change is that Supplementary Scores maybe submitted from any club In Great Britain and Ireland of which a player is a member, not just their home club. These scores will also be acceptable over 9 holes (handicap Categories 2 and above). All Changes take effect from 1st January 2015 1. Manual - It was agreed that a shorter booklet containing the principle changes would be produced to be used as an addendum to the existing Manual. This revision would be limited to 2016-2017. The Manual still to be produced electronically including the CSS tables. 2. Calendar year to be adopted – 1 Jan to 31 Dec. 3. Initial Handicaps - to be allocated in line with Annual Handicap Review formula/algorithm. 4. Handicap Category Boundaries – It was agreed that no change would be made to the existing handicap category boundaries. However a new `Club Handicap` will be introduced for clubs who wish to allocate a handicap higher than 28/36 for use in club run events. This handicap will only be valid at the player’s home club and cannot be used in opens etc. 5. Preferred Lies - Each National Union to have discretion to adopt a preferred lie period within their jurisdiction. England Golf will remain as 1st
October to 30th April, preferred lies outside this period must be authorised by your County Union/Association. 6. CSS Calculation for men - to include Cat. 4 players in the same manner as Ladies CSS calculation. 7. Qualifying Nine Hole Scores. a. A score returned better than, or within, BZ will have 18 points added to create an 18 hole score. b. A score returned outside BZ will be doubled c. 9-Hole Scores will be included in the ESR process. 8. Continuous handicap Review – Introduction of a process to flag players with 7 consecutive 0.1 handicap increases so that Handicap Committees can review and apply an immediate handicap increase if required. 9. 4BBB Handicap allowance to be increased from 1/2 to 90%. 10. Competition Status a. Re-allocation of ‘c’ status handicap will require scorecards for 54 holes, in any permutation of 9 and 18-hole scores. b. All Unions/Associations to use ‘c’ Competition Handicap Status from 1 Jan 2016. c. Reactivation of ‘c’ status Handicap after handicap lost – if a player with a ‘c’ Competition Handicap leaves club membership but re-joins within a period of 12 months his handicap will be reinstated as ‘c’. 11. Supplementary Scores a. May be returned at all GB&I clubs of which a player is a member. b. Acceptable over 9-holes (Handicap Categories 2 and above). c. Unlimited for handicaps 28/36 to 54 12. Exceptional Scoring Reductions (ESRs) a. Table has been amended to reduce severity of reductions. b. ESRs will only be applied based on a pair of exceptional scores (ES). Eg. ES1 + ES2 = ERS1, ES3 + ES4 = ESR2 Further detail will be added to the England Golf Website as soon as possible. Please continue to check. The Junior boys and girls at King's Lynn Golf Club recently played for the John Pink Salver. This popular event, sponsored by Helen Marsters, is a stableford competition followed by a meal and presentation. Helen announced the winners and this year the prizes were presented by the Club's new Head Professional, James Weight, who recently joined the Club. The winner was Harry Davis 38pts runners up Josh Simpson 35pts, and Ryan Hudson. 34ptsocb
NORFOLK SENIORS by Bernie Peet Norfolk Seniors went into the final league match of the season away to Lincolnshire at Spalding, still with an outside chance of winning the league for the first time. Captain Terry Norman was able to field what he thought was his strongest team, however Lincolnshire are always a tough nut to crack and sadly Norfolk lost 10-5. The morning foursomes were close with a win from Richard Oakes / David Hudson and halves from Dave Pattrick / Doug Gilchrist and Michael Horley / Harvey Scott to leave the lunch time score 3-2, however the singles did not go so well with wins for only Richard Oakes, Doug Gilchrist and Steve Greatrix. A disappointing result but still a much better effort in the league this year.
Norfolk players out, the format for the match was 4BBB. Back to Norfolk for the next match which was at Sheringham against Leicestershire, the format being 12 holes greensomes followed by 18 holes 4BBB. This is again a match that Norfolk have a very good record in, but things did not go well with only 1 win and 1 half in the morning greensomes, the win coming from the pairing of Dave Pattrick / Tony Richards and the half from Doug Gilchrist / Graham Turner. The afternoon matches were again disappointing with only 1 win coming from Pattrick / Richards and halves from Cave / Tilbrook and Peet / Carr leaving the match score 121/2 to 51/2 in Leicestershires favour.
So a very poor finish to a season that started so well, I feel that until we come in line with most of the other counties and play practice rounds, Norfolk will continue to struggle. With only one match remaining, which is the annual match against the senior ladies, the players Next up was the long trip to Stanton-on the-Wold to play Nottinghamshire, a match that normally goes well would like to thank captain Terry Norman for all his efforts, his two years is now up and the new captain for Norfolk but sadly the match was lost 8-4 with wins only for Richard Oakes / David Hudson and a half from will be Dave Pattrick (Royal Cromer). Harvey Scott / Nick Denny. The course was fantastic Mundesley ladies held their Closed Meeting on what with some of the best greens that I personally have turned out to be a wet and windy day and as a result ever played on, they were running at about 11 to 12 on the competition was reduced to 9 holes. the stimp metre. In hindsight a practise round should The Scratch Winner on the day was J. Smith (gross have been played as the greens caught most of the 42) and the Handicap Winner was S. Craske (nett 36).
FELTWELL GOLF CLUB Thor Avenue, Off Wilton Road, Feltwell, Norfolk IP26 4A
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The Lady Captain, Angie Ellis, presented the George Watts Trophy to B. Howsen, the Sopwith Putter to R. Epton and the Jubilee Foursomes Trophies to B. Nash and M. Moore. R. Epton was also the recipient of the England Golf Medal.
NEW OFFICERS Dereham Golf Club ladies have elected their new officers for the year. Outgoing Ladies President Elizabeth Bench is succeeded by Jill Trudgill, the new Ladies Captain is Ali Atterwell, taking over from Jane Bizley, and Ali’s vice captain is Dianne Wilkinson. The officers were elected at the AGM held in early November, at the end of a successful and enjoyable year for the ladies, which also saw a growth in the numbers playing.
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Outgoing Ladies President Elizabeth Bench, vice captain Dianne Wilkinson, Ladies Captain Ali Atterwell, Ladies President Jill Trudgill, and outgoing Ladies Captain Jane Bizley 31
DEREHAM JUNIOR SEASON ENDS On a breezy afternoon Dereham Juniors finished their season in fine style by playing for the Alarming UK Ltd salvers, with good scores at all levels. In the 18 holes competition, Hakan Tokbay lead the field with an excellent 42 points off a 21 handicap. Close on his tail was Sam Naughnane with 41, third Max Jacobs with 39 points and fourth Tom Smart with 36 points. Hakan received the Alarming UK Ltd salver from the Captain and all four received pro’ shop vouchers. The 9 holes competition saw seven youngsters battling away with the eventual winner being Jacob Hales (net 37). Jude Marsden-Mooney came second (net 45), beating Tom Moss-Hobbs into third place on countback. Jacob was presented with the 9 holes salver and all boys received vouchers for the pro’ shop. The Autumn Cup for the 5 holes competition was won by Dylan Redwood who also received a salver and voucher. Following this final qualifier, Captain Nigel Elmar and some of the sponsors made the annual presentation of cups and trophies. End of year awards went to Elliott Daniells winner of the 18 holes summer eclectic and Jacob Hales winner of 9 holes eclectic. Max Jacobs won this year’s summer knockout to retain the Andrew Stringer Trophy, presented by Ladies President Elizabeth Bench. The Watts Trophy, the recipient of which is chosen by the junior committee, went to Maisie Farrelly. A packed clubhouse of Club and County 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 Immy Leeder, the first girl to be Captain for 8 years, and her vice-captain would be Matthew Goodman.
Golf Union President Doug Gilchrist congratulated Dereham on having such an active and successful junior section. Lastly junior Chairman Simon Chisholm closed the evening with a few words and thanks to Jane Bizley for all her hard work once again this season, whilst combining this with her role as Ladies Captain. She was presented with a bouquet and a voucher for the pro’ shop by Abby Redwood. Junior members will now look forward to their annual Christmas party at Strikes on Saturday 12th December and then start 2016 with their pre-season night on 22nd January. Half term week was celebration time for Derehams juniors, starting with Maisie Farrelly being awarded the Norfolk County Golf Union Picken Trophy. Clubs around the county are asked to nominate who they consider to be their most outstanding junior. Dereham’s junior committee unanimously agreed it should be Maisie. She was presented with her award by County Vice President Graham Turner. The following day many of the County’s girls played in their Autumn Meeting held at Royal Norwich Golf Club. In poor weather conditions 19 girls played for the Autumn Shield which saw 12 year old Lily Farrelly winning with 40 points and her older sister Maisie coming third with 38 points. Maisie, Lily and Charlotte Chisholm were all presented with their county birdie badges for handicap reductions. Maisie and Charlotte for reducing their handicaps to under 20 and Lily for being awarded her CONGU handicap earlier this season. On the back of her latest win Lily has now cut her handicap from 36 to 21 in 6 months.
Thank you gifts were presented by outgoing junior captain Frazer Chettleburgh to Peter Brightwell (junior match organiser) and Bill Sargent (competition secretary). Frazer then gave a brief resume of his year and then presented 2016 junior captain Immy and her Charlotte Chisholm, vice-captain Matthew with their shirts & jumpers. Immy gave an excellent speech, encouraging all juniors to work hard at their golf in the coming year and said she would help them in any way she could to improve their games. She presented Frazer with a club tie and a gift commemorating his year as junior captain. The Captain congratulated all the juniors on their excellent achievements this season and thanked the junior committee for their hard work. He said the junior section was credit to the Club. Norfolk County 32
Lily Farrelly winner of the Autumn Shield & Maisie Farrelly
GETTING CLOSER!
The amended Clubhouse design
Royal Norwich Golf Club have taken another big step forward in their relocation process. At the beginning of November the planning application was submitted to Broadland District Council. One of the most common themes of feedback that came out of the exhibitions for all members, was the Clubhouse design and in particular the transition from the old to the new. As a result of further consultation with the Heritage department at Broadland, Royal Norwich have reviewed this part of the design and subsequently agreed a modification for an amended roof height for the courtyard bar. There is real positivity around the Club now that all the plans are live. It's an incredibly exciting time for members and potential members with the work on the new Club hopefully starting in spring 2016, dependant on the planning application being successful.
Teeing up the gender-free way
the shortest, through to yellow and white. There is a further set of black tees which are rated only for men, on the advice of the ladies’ county association. Secretary/manager Neal Milton said: “It’s been a great success, particularly with our senior gentlemen and higher handicap ladies, who now have the opportunity to play a shorter course.” Milton first had the idea of gender-free tees when he was junior organiser at another club. “We had a young lady who was in England training and who was only allowed to play off the ladies’ forward tees, despite the fact she could hit it further than most of the men. The club insisted on the status quo.” However, when he proposed the idea at Sheringham the club quickly got behind it, while also creating four academy holes for beginners on the practice ground and allowing the use of buggies in competition. “We have increased participation in our competitions and I believe we have better retention of members. We want people to play and to be part of the club for as long as they can,” said Milton.
No sex please, we’re golfers! Golf is going genderfree as a growing number of clubs abandon ladies’ and men’s tees. They’re replacing them with tees which any member can play off to suit their ability and inclination. It’s seen as the perfect way to encourage improving golfers, to retain ageing players and to promote social golf. Golfers who are losing length can move to forward tees; improving players can gain an extra challenge by moving back and social golfers can choose to play together off the same tees. Gender-free tees are common in the USA and the concept is attracting growing attention here. Gemma Hunter, England Golf’s Handicap & Course Rating Manager, said: “It is still very new here but I know of over 30 courses which have rated at least one course for both genders. “This is all about making the best use of your golf course for all your members and for newcomers who want to take up the game. You’re not building new holes or tees, you’re just rating what you already have.” Sheringham Golf Club in Norfolk was among the first to introduce gender-free tees, while Trentham Park Golf Club in Staffordshire is the latest to join the trend. Sheringham took the plunge a couple of years ago when it also introduced a new set of forward tees to create an additional, short course. TWILIGHT GOLF The club now has three November - February sets of tees, all rated for £12 after 12 noon men and women: from blue,
DEREHAM GOLF CLUB
WINTER SPECIAL
18 Holes with 1 course meal £25.00 (£20 if 4 ball or more) Prior bookings required MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE IN ALL CATEGORIES Contact us on 01362 695900 (office) or 01362 695631 (pro shop) office@derehamgolfclub.com www.derehamgolfclub.com 33
“A WORD”
from your Norfolk Golf County Development Officer
Well, where has the summer gone?! This year seems to have flown by and planning for 2016 is now well under way!! However, before I start on any future plans, I always like to reflect on what’s just been achieved, i.e. what went well, the challenges I faced and what can be learnt to improve it next time… My previous articles for Suffolk and Norfolk Golfer have included thoughts on how clubs can grow their membership, through recruitment tools such as Get in to Golf, the importance of a clear beginner player pathway to support the transition of new golfers and exploring ways of attracting more female members. In the last issue I also gave my thoughts about retaining existing members and how vital it is to know your customer and understand their needs. Looking back so far, I’m pleased to report that through our Norfolk Get into Golf programme we’ve seen over 350 new adult golfers introduced to the game through 4 week structured coaching sessions with over 50% being female. It’s also encouraging to see that over 60% of these participants have already participated in follow on activities such as further coaching and playing and membership. Having now introduced all these people to our sport, we must now ensure we understand their needs and be in a position to offer them an appropriate range of opportunities, including introductory and flexible membership options over the winter to support them to become full golf club members next summer and beyond. For me, promotion has been one of the main driving forces to the success of the Get into golf programme. The use of online booking, social media (Facebook and Twitter) and targeted digital advertising, together with the more traditional methods of posters, banners and word of mouth have all contributed to raising the awareness of the programme and promoting golf generally in Norfolk to an extremely wide audience. This promotion is also helping to change the perception of golf and get away from the idea that it’s an expensive, elitist and stuffy sport to play and show people it is FUN and accessible to all. England Golf are keen to work closely with as many clubs as possible and support them with their priorities and so next year will be running Business Growth Forums around the country. The aim of these forums is to bring clubs together to explore and take a fresh look at where opportunities exist to:• Recruit and Retain more players and members • Establish growth priorities to become a strong, sustainable business • Identify goals and support to start making small changes = big impact The Norfolk forum is being held at Barnham Broom Golf Club on 12th January (10.00am to 3.30pm) and
all clubs are invited to attend. Places are limited though so for more information and to book up to 4 places for club representatives, go to www.englandgolf.org and click on the ‘Club Business Growth Forums’ tab. I have now well and truly caught the ‘Golfing Bug’ so will be continuing to play and look to improve my game over the winter months. The waterproofs are packed, the visor has been replaced with a rather fetching Beanie hat and my winter mitts are ready! Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a happy festive season and let’s hope the weather is kind so we can all continue to enjoy our wonderful golf courses with friends and family over Christmas and the New Year. Merry Christmas and Happy Golfing!
E-mail- k.woodrow@englandgolf.org Mob- 07736 880922 Twitter- @NorfolkCGP Website- www.norfolkgolfpartnership.org
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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
SCOTLAND v ENGLAND SCHOOLS’ INTERNATIONAL In the last event in the ESGA Calendar for 2015, Norfolk had two players represent their country – Amelia Williamson of Royal Cromer Golf Club and Norwich High School for Girls and Amy Taylor of Bawburgh Golf Club and Wymondham College. Both girls played extremely well, with Amelia winning her morning foursomes playing with Hannah Screen of Hertfordshire 4&2 whilst Amy, playing with Kitania Hollins of Durham lost by 1 hole. This gave England a lead of 2-1. In the afternoon singles Amelia, playing against Hazel MacGarvie, won 4 & 3 and Amy, playing against Joanne Free, won by 1 hole. This helped England girls’ to halve the afternoon singles, thereby regaining the trophy they lost last year at Southport & Ainsdale. This was an excellent result as the Scottish Girls fielded a very strong team with five out of six having represented their country at the Girls’ Home Internationals.
England Girls' Team for the International against Scotland at Troon Darley Golf Club (pic: Nik Screen)
English Schools’ National Championships Girls’ Champion – Amelia Williamson. Amy Taylor finished in fourth place and secured a place to play in the International against Scotland.
English Schools’ National Team Championships Winners – Thorpe St Andrew School represented by Toby Briggs, Hope Neild and Lewis Unstead.
English Schools’ U16 Championships Girls’ Champion – Amelia Williamson
English Schools’ International v Wales
This rounded off an excellent year for Norfolk in Schools’ Golf and below is a roll of honour.
Amelia Williamson won both morning foursomes and afternoon singles
Norfolk Schools’ Championship
English Schools’ International v Scotland
Boys’ Champion – Toby Briggs Girls’ Champion – Amy Taylor Boys’ Handicap Champion – Toby Lane Girls’ Handicap Champion – Hope Neild Boys’ U14 Champion – Ewan Marshall Girls’ U14 Champion – Chloe Gibbs Team Champions – Thorpe St Andrew (Toby Briggs, Hope Neild & Lewis Unstead
Amelia Williamson and Amy Taylor were instrumental in regaining the girls’ trophy by their performances in this event. Amelia captained the girls’ teams in both internationals the first Norfolk girl to achieve this honour.
South East of England Schools’ Championships Boys’ Champion – Toby Briggs Girls’ Champion – Amelia Williamson Girls’ Team Champions – Amelia Williamson, Amy Taylor and Ellie Brown England Team for the International against Wales at Sherwood Forest Golf Club (pic: Nik Screen)
NORFOLK SCHOOLS’ CHAMPIONSHIPS 2016 The 21st Norfolk Schools’ Championships will be held at Swaffham Golf Club on Monday 4th April so please put this date in your diary. Entry forms will be sent out at the end of February so watch your in-box and Club Junior noticeboard. As always a team for the South East of England Schools’ Championships will be picked from this event and Norfolk are hosting the competition at Eton Golf Club on 2nd and 3rd June.
MISCELLANEOUS We would like to thank all the competitors who have played for us this year and the Norfolk County Golf Union and Norfolk Ladies’ County Golf Association for their support. We would like to think that 2016 will be another good year for Schools’ Golf.
NORFOLK PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS' ASSOCIATION by Secretary, John Paling ‘Squirrels Reach’, Folgate Lane, Old Costessey, Norwich NR8 5EF Tel: 01603 741301 Email: jandjpaling@uwclub.net
N.P.G.A. Pro Am Marriott Sprowston Manor
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
P.G.A. Norfolk Order of Merit 2015 - After 10 Events Professional
Golf Club
Ian Ellis
Gt Yarm’ & Caister
Points
Ian Ellis (Great Yarmouth & Caister) is charging forward to another Order of Merit title and his win Tom Clements Eaton puts him 34 points ahead of his only challenger, Tom Mark Spooner Bawburgh Clements (Eaton) with just four events remaining. Ian was one of two players breaking par and the Mark Allen Eaton other was Alex Beckett who now represents Will Cross Thetford Bawburgh Golf Club. Just one shot behind and on Royal Cromer level par, representing the ladies was Caroline Grady Lee Patterson (Dunston Hall) and it put a smile on Caroline’s face, Gary Potter Richmond Park after a last minute withdrawal at the previous event, when a late evening dash to a specialist Newmarket vet was needed to save her pet dog. Matthew Gardner (Barnham Broom) was the first team in and their score of 14 under 128 won the team competition on count back from Chase Davis’ who’s team were 11 under after 9. For the first time in over 9 years we had joint winners of the longest drive competition, with the course marshall measuring Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays both Mitch Smith & Shaun Larkins’ drives at 180 yards 26th October 2015 to 25th March 2016 from the pin on the 11th which made them drives of 295 yds.
68 38 32 221/2 211/2 19 11
Stowmarket Golf Club at Finborough Park
Winter Special £25.00pp
Team. 1st. 128 Matthew Gardner with Giles Evans, Andy Banks & Les Gardner. 128 Chase Davis with Will Farley, Shaun Larkins & Paul Hunter. 130 Ian Ellis with Mitch Smith, Dean Ashton & Randy Reynolds. Nearest the pin. Guy Baker. Professionals. 1st 67 Ian Ellis. 70 Alex Beckett. 71 Caroline Grady. 72 Tom Clements. 73 Ryan Pudney (Mundesley) & Adam Lewarne (Middleton Hall).
Grannies Trophy
18 Holes of Golf
Plus your choice of: Full English Breakfast • Chicken Curry and Rice • Battered Cod and Chips This offer is for a minimum of four players and bookings should be made at least five days in advance through the office. In extreme weather conditions winter greens
The Grannies Cup is a popular and a trolley ban may be in operation. event at Kings Lynn Golf Club. Please call on the day for further information. This year the cup was won by Jane Back with 36pts. The runners up were Liz Mason and Pat Arnold with 34pts and Stowmarket Golf Club Ltd., Lower Road, Onehouse, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 3DA Irene Flynn with 32pts. www.stowmarketgolfclub.co.uk
Tel: 01449 736473
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Sperrin family triumph at Eaton Eaton Men’s Club Championships took place recently and 130 members battled against difficult conditions on the first day. It turned out to be a truly memorable weekend for the Sperrin family, as father Mark was runner-up to his 18 year-old son Nic in the scratch competition, while Mark’s 22 year-old son Chris won the handicap section! Mark said after the presentation: “When Nic and Chris were drawn in the same group for the second day it could have been a recipe for disaster and the end of their challenge, as they do have a habit of winding one another up - but this time they actually encouraged one another, with great support from their other playing partner Mark Goddard.” Former 8 times winner of the Gt.Yarmouth & Caister club championships, Mark added that he’d have loved to win the Eaton Championship for the first time, but “my disappointment was clearly surpassed by firstly seeing Nic beating his old man but also just as importantly Chris coming home and winning the handicap section - I couldn't have been happier!” In the evening, presentations were made to the winners, including the club’s tenth-time Ladies Champion, Karen Young. Results: 1st Nic Sperrin 75 + 71 = 146; 2nd Mark Sperrin 77 + 72 = 149; 3rd Iain Reid 77 + 73 = 150. Handicap results: 1st Chris Sperrin, net 64 + 68 = 132; 2nd Mark Goddard 66 + 70 = 136; 3rd Philip Defoe 64 + 73 = 137.
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Men on Top The annual battle of the sexes took place at Middleton Hall Golf Club. The format was four ball better ball with the number of holes deciding the winning section and it was a well fought match played in great spirit. The men's section won by fourteen holes. The victorious Men's Captain, Darryl Hazelhurst-Jeavons, with Ladies' Captain, Brenda Boldero.