Nov/Dec Edition of the Suffolk & Norfolk Golfer Magazine

SUFFOLK & NORFOLK R E F L O G CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE:

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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Southwold Golf Club

WINTER OFFER www.southwoldgolfclub.co.uk

£22 for 18 holes of golf plus full English breakfast Tuesday - Friday only 24 hour advance booking required.

Breakfast available between 9 and 12 a.m. Please phone to check course availability.

MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE Full £480 p.a. and Country £260 p.a.

NO JOINING FEE Phone for details

Tel: 01502 723234 or 01502 723790 Winter offers cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts.

Southwold Golf Club, The Common, Southwold, Suffolk IP18 6TB Valid 1st November 2012 to 22nd March 2013. Offer subject to change.

CHECK IT OUT !

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Due to the many requests we have had from interested parties wanting to be included on our website, we have launched a brand new one that should keep every golfer updated with all they need to know about golf in their own County and that in the rest of the world!

There will be a direct link to BBC Sport for all the updated worldwide news and direct links to the Suffolk County Golf Union, Norfolk County Golf Union and PGA websites, where you can view the latest news, results, tournament details, past and future, download entry forms and contact details of all those who are involved in golf in your County.

Advertisers are very welcome, so please contact us to put your Club, business, restaurant, motors, insurance, golf machinery, villa’s, holidays, or any business that will be of interest to our many thousands of readers.

Introductory offer: 100 words, small logo or pic,

contact details and direct website link for a one-off £65 for a FULL 12 months offer only til February 2013).

CHECK IT OUT! www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

£65 ONE-OFF per

YEAR!

All of us at Suffolk & Norfolk Golfer Magazine would like to take this opportunity to wish everybody a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and a healthy, enjoyable, good golfing 2013!

Continuing their history using the latest technology, Fynn Valley now have a FREE App!

Using the app should provide members and visitors with on the go access to information about the club, its offers, news and events. Push notifications will be used to send out last minute offers and alerts. The club already use posters, a recorded course information telephone service, printed newsletters, email, web site, facebook and twitter. Any extra means of imparting information can only be of benefit to all parties. The app is designed to be simple and intuitive to use, providing all the information needed about Fynn Valley in one place.

Very soon there will be the option of ordering food from the course, which then prints out on the printer in the kitchen, to await your arrival in the Clubhouse to eat it!

Can it get much better than that?

Download for iPhone and iPad from scanning the QR code to the right or search "Fynn Valley" in the App Store

Download for Android devices by scanning the QR code to the right or search "Fynn Valley" in the Google Play Store

If you have a smart phone or tablet, you can download the FREE Fynn Valley Golf Club App

Features Included: • Click to Call • GPS Directions Map • Click to Email • Local Weather • Course and facilities galleries • Dynamic Events Calendar & Fixture List • Push Message Communication • Interactive Loyalty Programme • Interactive Coupons & QR Codes for the best offers • Facebook and Twitter Integration Fan Wall • Local Map with Attractions, Sponsors and The Golf Club Network courses • Dynamic Golf Membership and Golf Society Enquiry Forms • YouTube video • RSS Blog Feed • Newsletter Sign up • Online Shop • QR Scanner

www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

3

RUSHMERE LADIES IN PICTURES

Rushmere Ladies getting ready for the Lady Captain v Past Captain Match

Mrs Barbara Pratt the New Ladies Captain at Rushmere Golf Club Driving In

Rushmere Ladies getting ready for the Lady Captain v Past Captain Match

Captains v Past Captain Match, L to R Denise Martin Lady Vice Captain, Rosalind Leggett, Barbara Pratt Lady Captain Rushmere, Mary Pendle Past Captain.

Mrs Carol Perks receiving the Joan Leggett Bowl from Mrs Joan Leggett, Carol was the Lady Club Champion over 36 holes.

Also pictured is Mrs Mary Pendle, Lady Captain 2011/12

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Mrs Mary Pendle Rushmere Lady Captain 2011/12 presenting gifts to the Rushmere 9 hole ladies, L TO R, Mrs Winnie Brazier, Mrs Margaret Freeman, Mrs Mary Pendle, Mrs Doris Sharman and Mrs Betty Gage.

www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

RECRUITMENT SUCCESS

Each autumn Newton Green Golf Club stages a recruitment drive based on a cut price temporary membership to the end of the year.

This year the offer was based on a progressive discounting deal which encouraged people to come forward in groups to obtain bigger discounts.

Club chairman, Paddy Lockwood, reported: “The idea worked a treat and we have recently signed up three times more people than we did at the same time last year. It is now up to us to integrate the newcomers and get them involved on a long term basis.”

Mr Lockwood explained the idea for progressive discounting meant it was in the interests of unattached golfers to get together and join up.

He continued: “It worked very well, and we had ten members of the local Delphi Golf Society come forward. It is very good to re-establish our contacts with the town’s leading employer because one of our main trophies is the CAV Rose Bowl, which was donated by Delphi’s predecessor.”

Ryston Park Men's Section held their Presentation Evening, when 18 trophies were presented and a large gathering enjoyed an excellent sausage and mash supper. Some of the winners are pictured below, including Richard Allen (centre seated) who off his handicap of 1, won five trophies.

Brett Vale

golf club

Set in the heart of Constable Country where a warm welcome is always guaranteed

WINTER SPECIAL

Monday 22nd October 2012 - 28th March 2013

Coffee/tea & biscuits, 18 holes of Golf, Chef's special only

£25

Make a group booking of 16 or more for the day and the organiser goes free.

Mon - Fri. Subject to availability. Min of 4 Advance booking required.

Fantastic function room available for that special occasion or business meeting or Christmas party

For all enquiries please telephone 01473 310718 'We go that extra mile, why don't you!'?

Noakes Road, Raydon, Near Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 5LR

www.brettvalegolf.co.uk

EXCEPTIONAL DRAINAGE PLAYABLE ALL YEAR

Royal Worlington & Newmarket Golf Club Founded 1893

James Caley achieved his second hole in one at the 6th hole par 3 164 yard at Rushmere Golf Club using a 7 iron, whilst playing in the November Stableford in aid of the Poppy Appeal. His playing partners were Guy Baker and Mike Devaux.

Left to Right Guy Baker, James Caley, Mike Devaux.

Regularly featuring in Golf Monthly's top 100 course rankings for Britain and Ireland

“The finest nine-hole course in this Country”.

“A classic nine-hole course”. “One of the finest nine-hole courses in existence” are just some of the many tributes that have been paid to Royal Worlington Golf Club.

For a unique Clubhouse atmosphere, a relaxed round of golf, on a course with large, firm, contoured greens, excellent fairways that drain well all year round contact the Secretary at secretary@royalworlington.co.uk or by telephoning him on 01638 717787 County Card visitors are accepted as are 3 and 4 balls (at certain times), all visits must be arranged in advance.

www.royalworlington.co.uk

www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

5

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KELVIN VINCE

PGA Professional, Rushmere Golf Club kelvinvince@hotmail.co.uk 01473 728076

Our focus with Stuart so far has been his long game, which is often the case when working with golfers in their early stages of learning, as the initial priority is to get the player around the green in as fewer shots as possible. This is vital for them at this stage as newer golfers are often uneasy about holding up those that they are playing with or other people on the course.

Pic

1

Stuart, 29, from Felixstowe is like many newer golfers, who has been to the driving range and played with family and friends, but has had no formal tuition. We are going to report on our sessions and see how much my advice accelerates Stuarts progress.

Stuart recently had a golfing trip to Portugal which he was pleased with the way that he was hitting the ball, however, when we examined the scores, he was not achieving as well as he could. We traced a lot of wasted strokes back to short chipping and putting, so it made perfect sense to have a session looking at these areas.

On watching Stuarts chipping technique I quickly noticed his tendency to either 'thin' the shots or hit the ground slightly behind the ball. Picture 1 shows Stuarts initial set up from face on. You can see from the picture how Stuarts weight is favouring his right foot and the ball position is opposite the inside of the left heel. This set up position is responsible for much of Stuarts poor chipping as this causes an upward strike on the ball and results in poor shots.

When chipping it is vitally important to strike slightly down on the ball so we can effectively use the loft on the clubface. Setting up to the ball correctly gives us the best chance of making this happen.

What we are looking for is to have around 70% of our weight on the left side with the ball positioned around the centre of our stance, this should allow the club shaft to have a small amount of forwards lean in it and the hands slightly ahead of the ball. It is, however, also important not to overdo this set up as a ball positioned too far behind the centre of the stance can cause an excessive forwards lean in the club shaft, an overly steep angle of attack of the club and result in the club digging into the

ground if our strike is not perfect.

Luckily for us once Stuart got his set up into the correct position the quality of his chip shots immediately improved. His chipping swing was very good and he did not commit the cardinal sin of trying to scoop the ball up into the air, instead he made a smoothly accelerating move into the ball keeping his weight on the left side and his wrists firm. Picture 2 shows Stuart just after the ball has been struck, you can clearly see the left arm and club shaft still forming a line.

I was very impressed with the speed of Stuarts improvement in this area and looked forward to expanding on this part of his game in future sessions.

www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

Pic

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7

Suffolk is home to Britain's greenest golf course

Thorpeness Golf Club lands national honour at STRI Golf Environment Awards

Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club sits on a low lying Suffolk Wildlife Trust and English Nature to ensure plain of the Suffolk Heritage Coast and is a site of the club works in harmony with rather than against Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). the local environment.

Most recently, Thorpeness installed a water It was named winner of the "Overall Environmental recycling system and a variety of nesting boxes for Achievement Award" at the STRI Golf Environment birds and bats, including Blue Tits, Owls and Awards 2012, organised by STRI (Sports Turf Hawks.

Research Institute), a leading industry expert in the English Ryder Cup Player Justin Rose is preparation and maintenance of sports pitches. ambassador for the Golf Environment Awards 2012. Rose said: "It's great that these Awards are Ian Willett, course manager at Thorpeness, said: "This award is beyond all our expectations. We are helping to promote and highlight the work that privileged to work in an area of outstanding natural many golf clubs are performing to improve the environment and support a positive future for golf beauty and to help conserve a rich habitat for a within the UK. variety of flora, fauna, bird and wildlife, from We need to do more to highlight how golf clubs orchids to adders, bats, Woodlarks and Nightjars. can introduce their own environmental projects Contrary to popular belief golf courses do little and shout out about the achievement and success damage to wildlife. In fact, they are an oasis for of current schemes". wildlife within urban and built up areas.

We take our environmental responsibilities In 2003 and 2004, Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club extremely seriously and work hard to ensure our were overall winners in the Golf Environment golf course remains a haven for wildlife."

Awards, then run by BIGGA (British and International Golf Green Keepers Association), and The accolade follows a string of other green in 2005 captured the Suffolk Business Award for awards for Thorpeness. the Environment.

In 2011, it won the regional environmental Thorpeness is the first golf club and hotel to win achievement award for Southern England at the the award twice with the same course manager.

STRI Golf Environment Awards after rejuvenating "We are proud of our track record in environmental heather and gorse habitats and establishing a excellence and aspire to be a model for how to run large scale recycling facility for residents of a sustainable, environmentally friendly golf club.

Thorpeness Village.

Golf courses, especially Thorpeness, are beautiful Only a week before hearing of its win at the 2012 places and it's important that we keep them that Golf Environment Awards, Ian Willett picked up a way," added Willett.

Gold Award from the Suffolk Carbon Charter; an innovative local scheme designed to recognise carbon reductions in SME's with fewer than 250 staff.

The charter is part of a drive to make Suffolk England's greenest county and enables local businesses to become environmental champions. Thorpeness is the first hotel and golf club to achieve Gold Award status and received its award at the end of October.

L to R: Dr Ray Hardinge, Thorpeness member and volunteer Ecologist, Ian Willett and his team work closely Peter Howard, Peter Willett, Nick Staff, Chris Guy, Mark Barber, Andrew Hall, course manager Ian Willett. with the Suffolk Sandlings Project,

www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

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11th November 2012

Suffolk Golf Union WELCOME FROM RON KENT

On this poignant Remembrance Sunday morning, I am just starting work on what will be the 14th Christmas issue of the magazine since its beginning in July 1999.

It is another opportunity for all us in the Suffolk County team to wish all of you a happy Christmas and what contentment you may find during what looks likely to be another cash-strapped year ahead.

Looking back, what a year it has been for County golf here in Suffolk

The juniors won their Anglian League final at Boston West in August, our Men’s Team finished third best County in the English County finals at Beau Desert in September and our seniors were so unlucky not to win the Southern Counties Foursomes final at Sherborne in Dorset in October, finishing runners-up in the final, reduced by poor visibility to 11 holes at the point when, with several games very close, anything might have happened over the closing holes.

Looking ahead, apart from a few monthly medals, the long dark evenings of winter now with us mark the end of the serious golfing year for all but the hardiest of souls. Fortunately, and hopefully not tempting providence too much, so far we have not experienced any hoar frosts and the weather has not hardened although it was reported in the press a few days ago that bookmakers’ satchels have been swollen considerably by cash from hopeful punters betting on a white Christmas. That would really bring the active golfing year to a close for everyone.

Making a resolution at the start of the year to play more golf myself has proved to be yet another which I have spectacularly failed to achieve. The sum total for the year is just thirteen holes! But the rewards of watching our County teams have provided much compensation.

For others, enjoy the open weather as long as it may last and seize what opportunities there may be to get out there and….

Enjoy Your Golf

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

Suffolk Golf Union Current Officers and Members of the Executive Committee

President: Ron Kent (Hintlesham) Tel: 01284 705765; Vice President: Jon Marks (Woodbridge) Tel: 01394 384232; Honorary Secretary: Charlie Wilderspin (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 588028 Treasurer: Geoff Henney (Woodbridge) Tel: 01728 685525 Executive Committee: Ray Baines (Felixstowe Ferry) Tel: 01394 276076; Bill Darling (Stowmarket) Tel: 01449 615854; Alan Eriera (Beccles); Colin Firmin (Ipswich) Tel: 01206 298742; Phil Platten (Woodbridge) Tel: 01394461246; Tony Tyrrell (Fynn Valley) Tel: 01473 785463 Other positions: Chairman Suffolk Junior Golf: Mike Stevenson (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 569765; Team Captains: 1st Team: Mike Rees (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 568941 2nd Team: Andrew Collett (Bury St Edmunds)Tel: 07919 250396; Seniors: John Cullum (Bury St Edmunds) Tel: 01284 735614; Seniors Manager: County Referee: Mike Rees (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 568941 EGU Delegate: Charlie Wilderspin (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 588028; SE Group Delegate: Ron Kent (Hintlesham) Tel: 01284 705765; Chairman Suffolk County Golf Partnership: Colin Firmin Tel: 01206 298742; Ecology Officer: Michael Thomas (Ipswich) Tel: 01394 283973.

EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING: 150 Fronks Road, Dovercourt, Harwich, Essex CO12 4EF Tel: 01255 242141 E-mail: suffolkgolfer@aspects.net Front Cover: www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com Publisher: Linda Basham THORPENESS

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Opinions, comments and reports in Suffolk & Norfolk Golfer Magazine are not necessarily those of the SUFFOLK or NORFOLK COUNTY GOLF UNIONS.

GOLF CLUB

Notebook by Ron Kent

Turning to things Suffolk, it was lovely to return to Sherborne in Dorset recently to watch our seniors perform so well in the Southern Counties Foursomes. It brought back some fond memories for me, not only of One of the great things about golf is the number of the delightful town that Sherborne is but also the few friends you acquire along the golfing years. Some you lose contact with, of course, but it is quite rewarding how visits Jean and I made there many years ago when my son, Paul, after he had finally left the PGA European several manage to keep in touch with each other, albeit Tour, was completing his PGA training under the there may be long gaps between contacts. watchful eye of Stuart Wright, the Sherborne Having said that, how many of you out there remember professional at the time, Memories of the Stuart Goodman? OK, don’t Matthew and Eldridge and Pope Brewery in the town and Stuart Goodman rush – there will be a lot in the highly acclaimed Sherborne Town Band Suffolk and many more beyond came back to mind (Stowmarket members our boundaries who do, I bet. will also remember Stuart Wright I am sure I remember Stuart very well – he was at Stowmarket for a time). because he was the County Incidentally, Paul is expecting a letter from Secretary from whom I took over the Royal and Ancient any day now advising in 1996, when he was due to he has now reverted to amateur status. become John Broad’s ViceHaving long since left the professional ranks President. OK, hands up all behind him, he seems keen to start playing who remember John Broad then? golf again socially – good news.

On and on the old memories and ******* friendships come rushing back.

Finally, I cannot end this piece without John, a former President of the saying how splendid it is to have a County, is still an active golfer in Suffolk, playing at continental flavour to the magazine, referring of course Ipswich where he enjoys a handicap of 3. to the regular sendings from Peter Ballingall. I well However, enough pre-amble. Soon after finishing his remember Peter at Barnham Broom before he went to El Presidency of the Suffolk Golf Union in 1999, Stuart Rompido and I really enjoy his colourful missives back moved to Dereham in Norfolk, nearer to his place of to UK. Keep them going, Peter. employment with the bank in Norwich. Apart from some very occasional news, that was the last real contact And that’s about it for another issue. No doubt, there with him until I heard from my good friend Peter Clarke will be some more contacts and memories arising in the next couple of months to write about next time. recently that he was hoping to serve the Norfolk Golf Union in some capacity, having been a member of Suffolk Golf Union Junior Committee 2012 Dereham Golf Club since his move there. So far I Chairman - Mike Stevenson 485 London Road South, understand that has not quite worked out but almost Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0PD Tel: 01502 569765 Mobile: certainly Stuart, nearing retirement now, will in time 07778 576008 E-mail: mike@marysmithsolicitor.co.uk become a valuable servant of Norfolk, either on the Secretary - Charles Wilderspin 10A Chestnut Avenue, administrative or the playing side.

Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, NR32 3JA Tel: 01502 588028 With his father also working for the bank, Stuart moved Mobile: 07921 102826 around the county as his father was posted to various E-mail: charles.wilderspin632@btinternet.co positions in Suffolk and it quite extraordinary that Managers: Under 18s - Trevor Mason Fells Cottage, 72 Stuart’s name appears on the Honours Boards of several Ferry Road, Felixstowe, IP11 9LU Tel: 01394 274331 clubs in the Suffolk Golf Union. At County level, he E-mail: trevor@mason72.fslife.co.uk was also a valued member of the County teams for several years and his name appears on many of our Under 16s - Tony Watkins 43 Bull Road, Foxgrove County Championship trophies, including the Amateur Gardens, Ipswich IP3 8GN Tel: 01473 713748 Mobile Championship (1984), the Amateur Foursomes (1972, 07710 763091 E-mail: tonywatkins01@hotmail.co.uk 1981, 1982 and 1987), the Open Foursomes (1989) and Under 16s - Ian Woodhead 29 Spire Close, Sudbury the Suffolk Matchplay Championship (1978).

CO10 0PZ Tel: 01787 378733 Mobile: 07818 403020 Now news from Stuart tells me there is a new Goodman E-mail: i.woodhead@virgin.net phenomenon on the scene, his son Matthew having Under 14s - John Morcombe The Old Chapel, Calder clearly inherited his dad’s golfing skills which he is Road, Melton IP12 1TP Tel: 01394 386515 Mobile: putting to good effect at Dereham Golf Club. Matthew 07899 791028 E-mail: jdmorco@msm.com has recently won the Corroless Cup with a staggering gross 58 and, partnered by Dad, recently won a father and Head Coach - Keith Preston Aldeburgh Golf Club, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5PE Tel: 01728 453309 son competition at the club, obviously a combination to E-mail: preston901@btinternet.com be reckoned with in the coming years. Stuart himself still plays off 6 handicap.

County Child Protection Officer - Stuart McCallum *******

Tel: 01473 782780

11

Matchplay News

by Ron Kent

After our last issue went to press, we had two Men’s Finals to resolve, the Hambro Cup, delayed beyond its original date due to the tragic death of Southwold’s Sam Jaggard, Southwold quite understandably being reluctant to play the semi-final on the scheduled date just a few days after Sam’s funeral.

The Hambro Cup final, between Rushmere and Aldeburgh, eventually took place over Southwold’s nine-hole course, the club having won the Cup in 2011.

final against Rookery Park with comfortable home wins in the opening three rounds, defeating Seckford by 13 holes, Felixstowe Ferry by 19 and Haverhill by 27. Their semi-final looked just as comfortable beating Rookery Park by 25 at Bungay & Waveney Valley.

Rushmere received a bye in round 1, won a tricky match at Waldringfield by 5, then, back at home, knocked out holders Southwold in round 3 by 22. Their semi-final took place against Bury St Edmunds at Brett Vale where they had another heavy win, this time by 21, against Bury St Edmunds.

So, onto the final and contesting it over a nine-hole course for the first time was an interesting development. The course was in excellent condition and the welcome and interest shown by the club and several of its members could not have been better.

At lunchtime, the match was all square, Roger Taylor and Lewis Staff winning by six for Aldeburgh, pegged back by Terry Mills and Glen Goldsmith (2 up) and Peter Robinson and Rob Dale (4 up) for Rushmere.

Taylor and Staff continued their winning ways in the afternoon, finishing another 7 up with Aldeburgh’s last pair Ian Kitson and Robert Palmer ending 2up.

However, up front, Mills and Goldsmith again won their match 6 up and the A happy Rushmere team at Southwold changed pairing of James Wright and junior Jordan The day was cold and wet, the rain being near horizontal Bloomfield proved effective with a victory by 4. in the afternoon. Aldeburgh had progressed to the semiRushmere’s 19 shots received on the day had proved too much for a very good Aldeburgh side but the match went to the very last hole where a play-off looked distinctly on the cards. However Kitson and Robson took five on the par 3 to Robinson and Dale’s four and the trophy was back in the Rushmere clubhouse for the 6th time in the club’s history.

Kelvin Vince PGA Professional Rushmere Golf Club

H Golf Tuition for players of all levels The Stenson Shield was delayed due to a clash of dates, Hintlesham winning the right at our Amateur H High speed video analysis at Championship to play in the English Club Championship, no additional cost finishing 18th of the 32 clubs competing at Stoneham in H Gift vouchers available, Hampshire. ideal for Christmas With the only available date for the re-arranged match H Weekly junior group lessons being the 27th October, the day before the clocks were to change, there was considerable anxiety about the light H Floodlit evening tuition towards the end, especially if a play-off were to prove now also available Contact me now to discuss how I can help your game and hear about the current special offers!

12

Tel: 01473 725648/07905 704814 email: kelvinvince@hotmail.co.uk

necessary.

As it happened, the pace of play was pretty good and although a play-off was required, the match was completed without the need to curtail proceedings.

The four morning singles were level, victory for Paul Waring and Mark Fosker (Felixstowe Ferry) in match four countering the win by Jack Cardy and Phil Westley

CAN YOU LIFT ANOTHER PLAYER’S BALL? Michael Thomas writes about another rules situation

With the emphasis on speeding up play, I sometimes come across a situation where a fellow competitor has already marked and lifted my ball on the green because it is interfering with his line of putt and he “wants to get on”.

Although I may feel a little aggrieved, if this occurs without my authority, in a stroke play event, there is no penalty and the ball must be replaced.

It is courteous and takes only a moment to ask “may I mark your ball?” This eliminates any doubts about authority being given.

The situation is different in match play. If your opponent lifts your ball without authority, the ball must be replaced and your opponent receives a One Stroke Penalty. Have a look at pages 76 and 77 in your Rules booklet. (Rule 18-3b and 18-4).

The illustration shows a ball being marked by your opponent as it interferes with his line of putt. Also note that the opponent appears to be leaning on his club to do so. Not a good idea as commented on in our previous issue!

(Hintlesham) up front.

The two middle matches were halved.

President Ron Kent hands the Stenson Shield to Hintlesham team captain Trevor Hellyer

Felixstowe started the afternoon singles with a flurry, Mel Pipe ((7 and 6) and Billy MacLeod (5 and 4) getting them off to a flying start. Jack Cardy continued his fine season with a 7 and 6 victory to get Hintlesham’s show back on the road but the wily Nigel Fosker, brought in for the afternoon, restored the two match lead with a 1 hole victory over Phil Westley. Unfortunately, Felixstowe wobbled in the next three games, won for Hintlesham by Sam Debenham (3 and 1), Ryan Talbot (also 3 and 1) and Team Captain Trevor Hellyer who won his match at the final hole 1 up. It was left to Mark Fosker to set up the play-off with a 4 and 2 win in the last match.

Despite the fading light, a sizeable crowd followed Cardy and Mark Fosker down the first extra hole. It was no new experience for Cardy who got Hintlesham through in the semi-final at Haverhill where he defeated Bury St Edmunds’ Dean Fairweather at the first extra hole. On this occasion, both players were on the green in regulation but Cardy holed his putt and Fosker just missed. After 145 holes, it was as simple and as close as that.

Set in 190 acres of stunning, undulating countryside ...

13

Junior Golf

Chair of Suffolk Junior Golf Mike Stevenson reports

Suffolk boys' Group A coaching squad for 2012-13. From left: Keith Preston (coach), Jack Forgan, Paul Waring, Kyle Proctor, Lewis Staff, Robert Salter, James Biggs, Matt Mann, Trevor Mason (manager).

The playing season was brought to a close with two very encouraging performances from the under16s, followed by our Winter Coaching programme for 2012/13.

The Tom Finn Trophy which was held at Market Harborough. For the first time, the boys stayed overnight and this made a considerable difference to their performance. The loss by 1 point to a strong Leicestershire side could have so easily swung our way in three of the matches on the final greens. So close and yet so far.

14

sees them all moving up to the under 16s next year.

While the B group have varied handicaps the team spirit shown in the first session and willingness to learn was clearly apparent and hopefully this group will make good progress.

The 2012 playing season has been very successful in all age groups and we hope we can build on this in 2013.

Diary of a President

The last match played at Bungay and Waveney Valley was our annual match against Norfolk, won by our Ron Kent continues his travels boys by a score of 71/2 to 21/2. The team’s strength clearly demonstrated the great strides we have made Our journeys in the last issue ended on 2nd September with a trip up to Stoke Rochford where the County first this season team successfully took on Lincolnshire in an Anglian The Suffolk Junior Foursomes were held at Felixstowe League match.

Ferry, and although down on numbers this year, there Monday 3rd September was an exciting finish with a play off between Harry An evening meeting at Ufford Park where the County Burman and Jordon Bloomfield of Rushmere versus have, for several years, enjoyed the generous hospitality Josh Driver and James Briggs of Diss. The Rushmere of Colin Aldous and his staff for its numerous Committee boys took the title after winning the first play-off hole. meetings. This was a meeting of the hard-working junior committee which was a good opportunity to catch Lewis Staff and Matt Mann, the Suffolk Amateur up on all that had gone on in a very busy season and to Foursomes’ champions, were 3rd. learn more about the extensive coaching programme Felixstowe Ferry represented Suffolk in the regional during the coming winter months. final of the Junior Handicap Cup at West Essex and, Sunday 9th September just like Fynn Valley in the other County Junior Off to Felixstowe Ferry for the Tolly Cobbold final knockout at Woodhall Spa, came so close to winning between Thorpeness and Haverhill. Thorpeness take it. It was a single point that prevented them lifting the the lead in the morning and although they switch things cup and going on to the English finals leading to the round a bit for the afternoon matches, Haverhill cannot national finals in Spain. Their team was Mark Fosker, get on terms and Thorpeness go on to record only their Paul Waring, Josh Murton, George Copsey, Jack and second victory in this competition.

Ben Sayers.

Monday 10th September A short trip for me over to Stowmarket for the two The Winter Coaching has just begun. Keith Preston, Seniors' matchplay finals, Woodbridge taking on our head coach has brought together 3 groups in the Rookery Park in the Parks and Ipswich meeting under 16/18 age group, 1 group of 7 boys and 12 and Rookery Park in the Beaumont.

13 respectively in groups 2 and 3. During the 5 Rookery Park, captained by our Past President Mike sessions, if boys excel, they can get promoted to a Rees attempt to win the Parks Trophy for the third year higher group. running but Dick Barton’s team prove the stronger on the day.

In the under 14s, we have 12 boys in the A and B It proves a bad day at the office for Rookery, their groups, and after 1 session Team Manager Ian longer handicap colleagues unable to hold Ipswich.

Woodhead has stated that if the 12 boys achieve their targets of halving their handicaps to single figures, he A few days break and I find I am right up against the

copy date for the September\October magazine.

Somehow, everything gets away to Linda Basham on time and, as my luck would have it, an apparent problem at the printers means I don’t face the run around the 20 clubs or so, delivering the finished articles.

Sunday 16th September An early start for Gorleston, venue for this year’s Suffolk seniors Championship. The entry is a bit disappointing but it still produces an exciting finish with, for the first time under the new rule, a play-off proving necessary. It is pleasing to see a regular supporter of Suffolk Golf, Andy Whittaker, triumphant on the second play-off hole with commiserations to Ron Spore who put in a strong performance to force the play-off.

Monday 17th September An executive Committee meeting, again at Ufford Park, and a review of our Competition rules is agreed for November.

The Suffolk flag flies proudly at Beau Desert

year’s winners Gloucestershire, the team is desperately unlucky when heavy mist curtails the afternoon match against BBO and we lose, albeit the cessation of play at the 11th hole coming at a point where three of the matches could easily have gone our way over the closing holes.

Wednesday 19th September A drive over to Fynn Valley is called off as not enough Saturday 27th October Over to Ipswich for the delayed Stenson Shield final. clubs appear to want to attend the Forum which We are desperately concerned about the light but all England Golf officials are due to attend. credit to two very good sides who get on with it and Sunday 23rd September despite having another play-off to decide, the Another early start this time travelling to Southwold competition is brought to a successful close, for the delayed Hambro Cup final. On a wet day, it Hintlesham’s Jack Cardy’s birdie three down the first is another close encounter, Rushmere just securing extra hole just edging out Felixstowe Ferry’s Mark sixth victory in the competition by one hole over Fosker’s solid enough par to secure victory.

Aldeburgh. Interestingly, Rushmere were the first News that Mike Rees’ wife had badly damaged her ever winners in 1931. ankle causes great concern and Mike has to Tuesday and Wednesday 25th and 26th September relinquish his refereeing duties after lunch to rush Back to Felixstowe Ferry, this time for the South East back to Lowestoft. We wish Sandra a speedy Group Seniors Foursomes. Not for the first time this recovery. year, the weather again beats the organisers and the Friday 2nd November competition is curtailed due to persistent rain in the Half-term week and the Suffolk Junior Foursomes afternoon on the second day. concludes our competition programme at Felixstowe Thursday 27th September Ferry. On a difficult windswept day, play still takes Probably the highlight of the year as we travel up to place at a reasonable pace and the event is Beau Desert in Staffordshire for the English Men’s concluded in good time, despite another play-off.

County Finals. It proves to be three wonderful days This time the Rushmere pair Jordan Bloomfield and with Suffolk finishing third of all the Counties in Harry Barman win at the first extra hole, beating Josh England and my having the luxury of being chaufferDriver and James Biggs from Diss driven by my colleague on the Executive Bill Darling.

The SatNav works well and fascinates me throughout And that really is about it for the year, apart from the odd Committee meetings and a trip to London for the the journey.

South East Group’s AGM, when some interesting Things definitely start to slow down then, or do they? developments could be confirmed.

A window of opportunity presents itself for Jean and I Watch this space. to take a late break up at Sandringham, taking in some of the delights of Suffolk Golf Union President Ron Kent (centre) organises the that area and getting up play-off in the Suffolk Junior Foursomes between (from left) Harry Burman and onto the unspoiled North Jordan Bloomfield of Rushmere and Josh Driver and James Biggs of Diss.

Norfolk coast once again.

Sunday 21st October I set out on the 200 hundred miles or so to Sherborne where our Seniors have qualified for the final of the Southern Counties Foursomes Championship. Having successfully negotiated the semi-final against last

15

Suffolk Men at the English County Finals Suffolk Team and Officials

For the first time in its history, Suffolk reached the English County Finals held at Beau Desert, Staffordshire, played over three days starting on 28th September.

Suffolk had won this right at the South East Regional qualifier in a tournament curtailed by some appaling weather at Crowborough Beacons.

Beau Desert is situated in the towering Cannock Forest on land originally made available by the sixth Marquess of Anglesey back in 2011. The course, designed by Herbert Fowler, a renowned golf course architect of the “Golden Age”, was initially 9 holes but the remaining 9 quickly followed. Fowler designed several courses in this country, including Walton Heath and, in 1922, redesigned the 18th hole at Pebble Beach.

In 1931, the estate was put up for sale and two members were instructed to go to the auction and bid a maximum of £2500 for the parcel of land on which the course was sited. Rumour has it that they over-imbibed somewhat at lunchtime and proceeded to outbid each other at the sale, eventually agreeing to pay £4000! Fortunately, the Marquess took pity and repaid £2000 to the club.

Beau Desert, meaning Beautiful Wilderness, is not long, measuring some 6300 yards but the greens have some wicked borrows and shots finishing beyond the flag give rise to some frightening downhill putts coming back. It has been used for some 17 British Open Qualifiers.

Team Captain Mike Rees had a busy time arranging kit and equipment suitable for the visit to Beau Desert, sponsorship of very smart golf bags for the team being provided by Laurie Cottrell of Pin High in Ipswich.

Three of the team which had won at Crowborough were not available for the final, Sam Forgan having returned to America to continue his studies, Alastair Hall on a prearranged golfing visit to Hong Kong and Phil Westley seeking to turn professional.

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On day one, Suffolk were drawn to take on Lancashire, having some 138 clubs from which to draw their team, compared to Suffolk with 31. Nevertheless, Suffolk gave their mightier opponents a real fright and could easily have won. The format comprises three foursomes matches, followed by six singles. Josh

Cottrell and Patrick Spraggs won their morning match 2 and1, Chris Soanes and Ben Wallis were narrowly beaten by 1 hole.

Josh Cottrell and Jack Cardy won their afternoon singles, Spraggs lost by just one hole. Turn the two narrow losses round the other way and we could have won.

Day 2 saw us up against holders Wiltshire, amazingly with a mere 25 clubs to choose from. We acquitted ourselves well in the three foursomes, winning one (Soanes and Wallis) and halving another (Spraggs and Cottrell). Unfortunately, we were well beaten in the singles, only Jack Cardy, on fire in all his singles matches, managing the lone win.

So the final day saw us playing Worcestershire (36 clubs) for third or fourth place. With bad weather threatening, the order of play was reversed. We duly won the singles by 31/2 through Chris Vince, Wallis and Cardy (by a massive 6 and 5) to 21/2 and then won the foursomes, not actually curtailed in the end, by 21/2 to 1/2.

It had been an outstanding performance by Suffolk and the team received many favourable comments for the way they played and conducted themselves throughout.

For all of us, fortunate enough to be there, it proved an experience to remember and one to be proud of.

Suffolk Seniors in Dorset

Suffolk’s County Seniors ended their season at Sherborne in late October when they competed in the final of the Southern Counties Seniors Foursomes tournament.

The right to be there had come as a result of the team’s success in the Regional Qualifier, beating Bedfordshire, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire at Gog Magog in July.

The team travelled down on the Sunday for a practice round, staying at Wincanton overnight.

The draw for the opening match on Monday saw us up against the 2011 winners, Gloucestershire.

On a dismal day weather wise, Seniors at Sherborne L to R: John Cullum, Roger Taylor, Nick Owles, Chris Ginn, Jon Marks our lead pair Roger Taylor (Captain), the President, Geoff Henney, Chris Whyatt, Dick Barton, Tom Collett and Peter Wood. and Geoff Henney (both Aldeburgh) were in good form and duly delivered a 3 and Marks and Collett were 1 down but on a roll and fighting back from earlier reverses whilst Wood and 2 win. The second pair, Chris Ginn (Woodbridge) and Whyatt were all square.

John Cullum (Bury St Edmunds) and the third pair Nick Owles (Bungay & Waveney Valley) and Dick Barton As it was, the termination of the match came at the (Woodbridge) could not quite match their Gloucestershire point where BB&O were 31/2 to 11/2 and a fine effort by opponents and Suffolk were trailing 1-2.

Suffolk left them disappointed at finishing as runnersHowever, our back pair Peter Wood (Ipswich) and Chris up, nevertheless their best ever finish so far in the tournament.

Whyatt (Bury St Edmunds) were in great form and levelled things with a resounding 7 and 6 victory.

Suffolk’s second place at Sherborne shows how far the Seniors County team has progressed under Jon Marks’ So it was left to the last pair, our fourth, out on the captaincy. Earlier in the season, Suffolk had finished a course to settle the issue. Team Captain Jon Marks close second to Northamptonshire in the newly-formed (Woodbridge) and Tom Collett (Stowmarket) were 2 Seniors Anglian League and with a number of good ahead coming to the par 3 15th but missed the green.

A great chip by Collett and a super putt from the Captain quality players approaching 55, there would appear to be much promise for the future. held the lead.

Collett then drove out of bounds at the 16th and Marks faced a long trudge back to play three off the tee and split the fairway. Gloucestershire’ second missed the green but they still looked likely to win the hole. Collett had other ideas and hit an immaculate approach to the green. Gloucestershire chipped on and two putted for a five whilst, for the second hole running Marks hit his putt dead in the middle and the hole was halved.

The 17th was also halved and the Suffolk pair’s neversay-die attitude had earned a 2 and 1 win and the match for Suffolk.

The final after lunch, against Berks, Bucks and Oxon, encountered ever-increasing mist and there was little point in trying to follow the matches. By Incoming mid-afternoon, the Seniors Captain visibility was so poor John that the Southern Cullum Counties officials had no alternative but to call a halt to proceedings after the 11th hole.

At that stage the match could have gone either way had it been possible to complete the seven remaining holes.

Taylor and Henney were 1 hole down, Cullum and Ginn were 1 up, Owles and Barton were 3 down,

Jon recently announced his retirement as Seniors Captain and John Cullum has taken up the reins.

John was a regular County player in our Men’s team some years ago and has also chaired the Suffolk Junior Committee in the 1990s.

HUGE END OF YEAR SALE NOW ON

Full Memberships

Under 12’s - £30 per year

Junior Under 16’s - £50 per year Under 18’s - £75 per year

Adult

18-24 - £115 per year 25-34 - £250 per year 35-59 - £325 per year 60+ - £250 per year

Memberships (apart from Juniors) subject to EGU affiliation fee and joining fee of £25.

Email: suffolk.golf@unicombox.co.uk Tel: 01473 830694 www.bramfordgc.co.uk

17

Know Your Pro

This month we feature Tim Cooper, Head Professional at Newton Green Golf Club

most talented of youngsters.

Like that, there is something to fall back on if need be.

His best hole in Suffolk would be the 4th at Hintlesham, a Tim Cooper remembers little of his birthplace, the delightful New Forest in Hampshire, having left there regular answer to this at the age of 2 when the family moved to Suffolk. question. His He has lived here ever since. view was Apart from playing football and hockey at school, Tim based on the was a very good tennis player too but it was his penalty of grandfather, one Reverend Desmond Colin, a missing the member at Newton Green way back when it was a 9- green left or hole course, who really got him interested in golf. right. His choice was no doubt also influenced by recalling that he scored two birdies there in the 1996 Keen to progress, Tim took lessons from Kevin Lovelock, then the professional at Stoke by Nayland, PGA Championship! and, like many other youngsters, started to help in Tim has been closely involved in running the junior the professional’s shop there. section at the club, along with Junior Organiser Ian At 16, it was time to embark on a course of further education and Tim enrolled for courses in photography and graphics design at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds. He was never to start the courses. Kevin had a vacancy for an assistant and Tim’s parents agreed he should set out on that career path instead of the College.

That was in 1987 and, by hard work and practice, Tim had got his handicap down to 3.

Kevin also covered Newton Green at that time and Tim soon found himself holding the fort there. Tim qualified as a PGA professional at the age of 21 and then worked more or less full-time at Newton. In 1994, he became the Head Professional, three years before it became an 18-hole course in 1997.

Tim has been the professional there ever since, his first and only post to date as Head Professional.

On the playing front, Tim realised that he would not make it on tour but played regularly in East Region and Suffolk PGA events and has been a regular at the Suffolk Open Championship over the years. In 1992, he won the Suffolk Assistants Championship and, in 1996, became Suffolk Stroke Play Champion.

In the Suffolk Open, he has regularly performed well and was the leading pro in the event a few years back. Tim has stayed nearer home in the last three years, having ceased to appear in East Region events.

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I asked him for his top tip and he advised hard work on all aspects of the short game. Also, for those keen on turning pro, he strongly advocated getting the necessary PGA qualifications as a successful playing career often proves out of reach for even the

Woodhead, and has seen it grow from just 6 juniors in 1994 to the present 50 today. With Ian due to stand down as JO soon, Tim will be taking over this task and all that it entails.

The Reverend Colin would be delighted that Tim has been spreading the gospel around surrounding schools and he got particular pleasure from his work at the Special Needs School at Hillside. In the little time at his disposal, he recently raised funds for coaching by getting sponsorship for a 10K run in September and the recent Sudbury 5K run.

Tim has been astute enough to recognise the benefits of internet selling and through his www.TopDrawGolfClothing.co.uk website regularly exports to America and Europe. The website has been voted the No 1 website in its class by the National Club Golfer magazine, a tremendous accolade.

Tim lives nearby with his wife Sara and four children.

Boys Patrick (15) and James (12) are getting into golf themselves but there was no mention that daughters Lottie (7) and Alex (5) had been smitten yet.

The family prefer to take their holidays up on the North Norfolk coast, shunning the need to negotiate crowded airports for trips abroad. That is a sentiment and a location which I heartily share and, quite by chance, I recall meeting up with Tim at the delightful Georgian town of Holt a couple of years ago.

With Newton Green Golf Club making progress in these difficult times for golf generally, Tim clearly shows a refreshing enthusiasm and clearly enjoys his work. I look forward to meeting up with him again soon.

Suffolk Schools

by

Adrian Pitts, SSGA Western Area Organiser Suffolk Schools’ Golf Association held their final competition of the year at Purdis Heath when 53 invited players from 21 schools took part in the Final Championships. There was some fine golf played on a course that was in excellent condition. The eventual winner in the Boys’ competition was Lewis Whiting, from Samuel Ward School, with a gross score of 71 from a handicap of 4, runner-up was Matt Mann , Copleston High, with a gross 72 (h/c 2).

The Girls’ winner was Eloise Aldous, KEUS, with a gross 80 (h/c 8), with runner-up Lily Kent, Thurston, gross 84 (h/c 4). Matthew O’Doherty achieved a hole-in-one on the 187 yard 6th.

Lewis and Eloise also won the U16’s competition and as such are entered into the National U16 Finals next year. These take place at Bolton Old Links GC, Lancashire on 22nd July.

Suffolk Schools’ Golf Association organise 5 competitions each year, starting with the Schools’ Team Championships in March, followed by the Northern, Southern & Western Area competitions in July and finishing with the Championship Finals in October. This year nearly 150 pupils from 35 schools have taken part in the various competitions. We enter individuals in the South-East Counties Schools’ Championships.

The winners of the Team competition go forward to represent Suffolk at the National Schools’ Team Championships, which are now held annually at Woodhall Spa GC in Lincolnshire.

These will take place on Wednesday July 10th 2013. The top individuals from the SE Counties go forward to the National Finals at Hollinwell GC Nottinghamshire on June 24th. It is at these Finals the England team to play matches against Wales and Scotland is selected. This year Suffolk was very pleased to be represented in the match against Wales by Mark Fosker (Suffolk New College) and Jack Nicholson (KEUS).

We would like to thank the various golf clubs that allow us use of their courses to hold our competitions. This year it has been Fynn Valley, Halesworth, Haverhill, Hintlesham, Purdis Heath and Bury St Edmunds. Dates and venues for 2013 are currently being organised.

Finally, but most importantly, SSGA express their gratitude to Ransome/Jacobsen and EzeGo for the continuing sponsorship they give to enable these competitions to take place.

Rookery’s new professional is Gary Kitley, who first played golf when, at 12, he visited a seaside putting green.

He had never held a golf club before but it fired an interest and, when returning home, he and a friend joined Bury Golf Club as juniors.

Another friend had a brother who played off a one handicap and they all spent endless hours on the golf course together.

Eventually, he attended Farnborough College to study Leisure Management. The course, however, failed to really interest him and when Bury professional, Mark Jillings, offered him a post as an assistant he immediately curtailed his studies and accepted the offer. During the three years that followed he undertook PGA training and was delighted to be selected as one of the top 15 assistants to be offered a Titleist sponsorship.

In 1992 he became the golf professional at East Dereham.

By coincidence his two Rookery predecessors, Martin Elsworthy and Steve Beckham were both once the professionals at East Dereham GC. After three years in the post Gary Kitley became professional at Thetford GC and remained there until his move to Rookery.

He once qualified to play in a final Open Championship qualifying round on a course in Kilmarnock, which was close to Turnberry, where the Championship, eventually won

by Nick Price, was due to be held.

As a late replacement for Jim Payne, he had to travel up to Scotland through the night in order to tee off early the following morning.

Shattered and half asleep he was astonished to begin with a chip-in birdie. Tiredness then took over and he had one of his worst ever rounds.

Knowing that he could not qualify but duty bound to play the second round the next day, he decided not to waste money on a hotel, so he slept in his car. Next morning he arrived on the tee with a stiff neck, aching back only to be soaked by heavy rain. He said it was a worse experience than having to watch his beloved Ipswich Town play football this season.

The new professional enjoys teaching and, with his new assistant, 18-year-old Ed Garrod, he wants to start an academy to attract and teach youngsters.

He plans to live locally and become involved in all of the club’s activities. The professional’s shop, he believes, should be a hub of golfing interest and activity. In welcoming him to Rookery members all wish him well.

His assistant, Ed Garrod, joined the West Suffolk Golf Centre ten years ago. A former Thetford junior he won the under 14, 16 and 18 Norfolk Championships. After completing his PGA qualifications he hopes to become a club professional. He is looking forward to helping Rookery’s juniors.

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by Michael Thomas

Chalara fraxinea (die back of Ash)

There has been much comment lately about the problems affecting Ash trees. It will be a great loss if many of our Ash trees succumb to this disease. For centuries, the Ash has been an important and much loved feature of woodland and the countryside as a whole.

But as Corporal Jones (the recently lamented Clive Dunn) would have said, “don’t panic!”.

The Forestry Commission has an excellent website setting out the facts, the latest developments and a short video showing how to identify the symptoms.

The COBR committee brought together a variety of experts and there was an acceptance that the disease was here, but measures

could be taken to slow its progress and priority would be given to finding resistant strains. Landowners and the general public had an important role to play.

The immediate plan for action includes: • Tracing and destroying newly-planted diseased trees and diseased trees in nurseries. (imports have already been stopped) • Prioritising research , particularly to find resistant strains.

• Seeking notification of all outbreaks.

• Leaving mature trees.

These are less vulnerable and some might even be resistant. The infection does not spread directly between trees.

There is in fact a window of opportunity as the disease only spreads during the summer.

So please look at the FC video and if you think you have seen symptoms on your course, or anywhere else, phone the helpline 08459 33 55 77.

IPSWICH GOLF CLUB JUNIOR EVENTS

back row - Molly Newson, Morgan Brumpton, Amy Davies, Charlie Woodage, Gabbie Kenworthy, Lily Kent; front row - Grace Evans, Holly Davies

Results of two Junior events at Purdis during the autumn half-term week. The Suffolk Girls held their Autumn Meeting at Purdis. There were competitions for all abilities on both the 18 and 9 hole course.

18 hole course Medal 1st Lily Kent, Ipswich 75 - 4 = 71 (handicap cut to 3) 18 hole course Stableford 1st Holly Davies, Stowmarket 37 points on countback 2nd Molly Newson, Thorpeness 37 points 18 hole stableford on 9 hole course 1st Morgan Brumpton, Ipswich 30 points 9 hole stableford on 9 hole course 1st Amy Davies, Stowmarket Putting competition: For 18 hole course players 25 putts Charlie Woodage, Bramford 1st 2nd Gabbie Kenworthy, Ipswich 26 putts For 9 hole course players 1st Morgan Brumpton, Ipswich 26 putts Winners for a stableford for Junior members were: 1st Habeb Islam - 41 points; 2nd Lily Kent - 40 points

Mid Amateur Golf Tour

Established in 2011, Mid Amateur Golf caters for male golfers aged 35 years or over who want to play at quality venues with like-minded players.

Events are held at courses such as Hunstanton, West Lancashire, Chart Hills, Sunningdale, Hankley Common, Old Fold Manor, Hollinwell, Royal St Davids and even Doonbeg and Lahinch.

There is a dedicated web site and a year-long Order of Merit, details of which can we found at www.midamgolf.co.uk. There are generally prizes for scratch and handicap and all players have an active CONGU handicap. All results are fed directly into the CDH system for handicapping purposes too with a CSS for every event.

“We are very different from the many so called tours that have sprung up in recent years. The people that play in our events are real golf enthusiasts who want to play at excellent venues with people of a similar age and our winners do not come in with net scores in the low 60’s!” commented Jason Morris, Director of Golf at Mid Amateur Golf.

www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

Lily Kent

GOLF CLUB DISS ROUND UP

Club Captain, Archie Moore held his re-arranged Captains day. Golfers competed in an individual stableford from a shotgun start. This time the weather was excellent, with glorious sunshine for the whole round. Winner on the day was Daniel Warbey with 39pts from Jimmy Edwards and Capt Archie Moore himself on 38pts. Nearest the pin on the 15th was Adrian Richardson and the “on the green” challenge on the 4th was won by Anthony Baxter who won a round of golf for 4 people at the prestigious Gog Magog course in Cambridge. Over £600 was raised for Archie’s chosen charity Help for Heroes.

Diss Seniors were represented in the Suffolk Seniors Open at Gorleston Golf Club by Nick Owles and Bob Allison. Both players shot excellent rounds of gross 77 to finish in a tie for 4th place only 2 shots off the lead. Bob Allison (right) was also the winner of the 70+ category, a great achievement, well done Bob.

Mrs Joy Walker MBE organised the annual Golden Girls challenge, where the over 65 ladies take on the youngsters of the ladies section. 8 singles matches were played and this year the Golden Girls were victorious with a 5-3 victory.

A putting competition was also arranged, so some of the older guests could participate. The oldest present, Agnes Crerar aged 96, showed she still has a deft touch on the putting green. Mrs Walker provided superb prizes including champagne and a fine after match meal was enjoyed.

Diss GC Seniors' hosted Ipswich GC Seniors' in a keenly fought match that went right to the wire. The Diss pairs got off to a great start, with a win in the first match by Dave King (Captain) & Graz Lembo - 6 & 5, parity was resumed as Ipswich won the second match, but then a run of wins from Geoff Honour & Phil Robinson - 2 & 1, Roger Greenacre & Peter Montgomery - 2 & 1, John Piper & John Gallen - 5 & 3 put Diss well ahead. With Diss needing only a half to secure the match, Ipswich started a fight back with two wins, so it all came down to the last match on the last hole, however Chris Castle & Brian Hicks were unable to secure the 1/2 needed losing - 1 down, the final result a respectable 4/4 draw.

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A trip to Stowmarket GC is usually a day to look forward to for Diss GC Seniors' however this year the hosts were in no mood for leniency. The first match was won by Stowmarket in emphatic style - 7 & 6 and although the Diss pairs tried hard with all remaining pairs going to at least the 17th, not a half was to be obtained, meaning a 8-0 whitewash.

HAVERHILL ROUND-UP

Haverhill Ladies and Juniors played their annual match over 10 holes as four ball better ball format. All the matches were close and the result could have gone either way, however the Juniors managed to claim an impressive 41/2 - 11/2 victory. Following the match both teams had afternoon tea and prize giving.

Junior Captain Liam Merritt thanked the Lady Captain, Doreen Darbey and the Ladies Section for organising the event which was enjoyed by everyone taking part.

The Juniors contested the Autumn Shield, in all 14 competitors took part, 13 playing in a medal format and 1 playing stableford format. The overall winner with a magnificent round of 73-10-63 was Daniel Bentley, cutting his handicap by 2 shots to 8 in the process. In 2nd place on count back was Ollie Stevenson with 77-12-65, reducing his handicap by a shot to 11. In third place was Lewis Whiting with the lowest gross score 70-5-65, reducing his handicap by a shot to 4. James Iron, playing the stableford competition, also had an excellent score of 43pts, cutting his handicap by 3 shots to 27.

Haverhill Ladies hosted a match against the Gog Magog Golf Club. Lady Captain Doreen Darbey reported a successful day for Haverhill, winning overall by 3-1.

Junior Captain Liam Merritt with the trophy and members of the Junior Team

NEWTON GREEN SENIORS FLUSHED WITH SUCCESS

A much coveted piece of glazed chinaware has been won back by the male seniors’ section of Newton Green Golf Club. Each year the ladies of the club take on the seniors for the prestigious Water Closet Trophy, with each side taking it in turns to host the event. Despite being in the chair, the ladies lost their grip on the trophy in a 36-a-side greensomes format match, which saw the ladies unusually winning only one of the 18 games.

However, four games were halved, giving a final 15-3 victory to the seniors. It meant the seat on the trophy must stay up for the next 12 months in the club’s trophy cabinet, as opposed to being in the down position when the ladies have possession of the piece of porcelain.

Seniors vice captain Bill Havers was presented with the trophy by lady captain Di Cunningham.

www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

Peter Ballingall

LETTER FROM SPAIN

@

It is said that Golf is a game of Confidence, that it is "all in the Mind". Many books have been written on the subject and psychologists are to be found in every arena of sport, also in business, training the Brain to "see" things differently.

There is no doubt that a strong, healthy, mental outlook is important and that "what you see on your mental movie-screen is what you get" and I, over the years, have always introduced a strong psychological approach into my own teaching of clients. But having witnessed, albeit from afar, the amazing exploits of our sportsmen and women during The Olympics and Paralympics in many events, on the road in The Tour de France, on the tennis court and on the golf course with our "Major Champions" and, recently in Medinah, it occurred to me that there was something far greater than just a "strong mind" that produced such results.

The truth of the matter is that GREAT COACHING led, and will continue to lead, to GREAT RESULTS.

If you were to ask me what was the most important; TECHNIQUE, FITNESS or MENTAL STRENGTH? I would have to reply; 1. FITNESS, 2. TECHNIQUE then 3. MENTAL STRENGTH!

Increased performance is impossible without a strong body. An improvement in technique is nigh on impossible without a strong and healthy body to support it.

raise the adrenaline flow of the players to amazing levels helping them to achieve things that might have been "unimaginable".

Where all of this leaves you and I is another matter! We play golf for fun, as a hobby.

We are getting older and many of us are less flexible, less athletic so that we lose distance etc.

We are less inclined to go to the gym or exercise our stiffening muscles and joints and, I suppose, and speaking for myself [!], are prepared to change our dietary habits, cut out the alcohol and/or cigars so that our bodies can perform better - but we can, at least, work with our "technical coach" [the Pro] on a regular basis in a quest to maintain our quality of contact and control of the ball.

We are all creatures of habit. The "psychologist" in me says not to worry about the old, bad, habits - but just begin a NEW ONE. Ah well! The words are always easy to say.

Now I have to leave you. It is time for my first glass of Rioja and a cigar, to sit on my terrace and enjoy the view - and to dream of hitting the ball further again!!!

I am reminded of my own words told often to clients:

"Show me a man who knows where he is going and I show you a man who gets there.

Show me a man who sits and wishes - and I show you a DREAMER!!"

Who teaches the Teacher? Dream on PB! At the highest level of all sports the Fitness Trainer is Enjoy! the No.1 Coach. He or she is the one who supervises the correct and appropriate diet, the P.S. It was good to see Colin & Liz Wigg at El Rompido physical training in the gym that prepares the body for once again looking good and playing well. I was a bit the "technical coaching" that comes later. shocked to hear of the problems at Thetford GC. Hope all goes well. It is It is only when the body is in best possible condition such a good Club and can it respond to the "techniques" that will enable an golf course. athlete to run faster, jump further, move around the court faster, cycle for five hours at an average speed Contact me, Peter Ballingall of 40+mph, hit a golf ball further ‌ or whatever.

The mental strength comes from knowing that the body is in great shape and that the "technical coach" knows his or her stuff that is evidenced in a better level of performance. It comes also from the level of involvement of the spectators, the public, that can

at: Apartado de Correos 101 21450 Cartaya (Huelva) ESPAĂ‘A PHONE: (0034) 959 02 42 42 or E-mail: pballingall@golfelrompido.es Website: www.peterballingall.com

Suffolk Ladies County Golf Association Current Officers:

President: Mrs Pippa Beak Tel: 01449 781261; Captain: Mrs Sheila Jarvis Tel: 01394 448537; Hon Secretary: Mrs Jeanette Longman Tel 01394 450939; Hon Treasurer: Miss Hermione Scrope Tel 01359 232618; EWGA Representative: Mrs Anne Archer Tel 01728 685315; Handicap Adviser/Chairman of Governing Body: Ms Ann Graves Tel 01394 411020; Contact for Junior Golf: Mrs Judy Hamshere Tel 01284 386207; Senior Organiser: Mrs Liz Robinson, Tel: 01284 752818. Scratch Score Assessor: Mrs Sue Cook Tel 01728 688406. All other personnel may be found on the County website at www.suffolkladiesgolf.org.uk.

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Suffolk Ladies Trophy finals for 2012

by Julie Latimer-Jones

As the summer headed towards autumn, the players The Trophy Match went out first as usual. Ipswich fielded hoping to capture the County trophies lined up for the a supremely strong team comprising Vanessa Bell, Wendy final flourish of 2012.

Day, Sarah Saggers, Lily Kent and Lottie Whyman, in other words, half the Suffolk 1st Team. For her part, fiveFirst up was the Haskell final which featured a titanic handicap Lottie is the recent winner of the Anglian Junior struggle between Aldeburgh’s Lotti Edmunds and Blaize Championship and was a strong participant in the Junior Esmond, the holders of the trophy for the last two years Inter-County matches played at South Herts in August and Felixstowe’s tried and tested duo of Sharon Luckman and Amanda Norman who have won this event many The golf was of a high standard generally and the matches times before and were intent on wrestling the cup back were quite closely fought though some players found the from their opponents. The battle raged on beyond the going harder than others. Blaize Esmond’s match against scheduled 36-holes as the teams could not be separated. Vanessa Bell went all the way to eighteen but, once Vanessa reached two up after sixteen, she wasn’t going to It was a day of extraordinary heat, not really the day you’d let go. The sixteenth was also crucial for the choose to play a thirty-six hole match over one of the Day/Edmunds game where Lotti ran out of holes and county’s toughest courses. Purdis Heath was in fine Wendy took the point 3/2. condition and the golf measured up to its demands.

Aldeburgh’s Rachel Trotman had a difficult day on the Aldeburgh had a one-hole edge at lunch time and the greens which eased the path for Sarah Saggers. Playing score remained tight throughout the afternoon until Aldeburgh drew ahead around twelve and thirteen. They her usual tidy game, she put the third and winning point on the board for Ipswich. At the tail, Venetia Lebus and Lily had a chance to go three up at fourteen but the Kent were allowed to halve their match with Venetia opportunity went begging. Another missed putt at fifteen didn’t help their cause and Felixstowe squared the match showing stern resistance against the young lady’s selfassured performance and superior length. again at sixteen. Seventeen was a scramble but Lotti Edmunds held her nerve to putt out and take Aldeburgh to The last word is left for Kirsty Wybar, Aldeburgh’s eleven the eighteenth tee (36th) one hole to the good. handicapper, who has enjoyed an unbeaten Weston Felixstowe made the most of their opponents’ difficulties in season. Two under par at the turn, four up and three the rough on the right, taking the match into extra time. under after eleven, Kirsty piled on the pressure with a Sadly Aldeburgh three putted for a five which was a gobbler across thirteen for another birdie. At four under shame after all their sterling work, but Felixstowe earned par, she ran out the winner by 6/4. Her proud, but their victory with a cast-iron par to get their hands on the somewhat astounded, father was on the bag but spare trophy for 2012. sympathetic thought for Lottie who was on the receiving end of this colossal barrage and probably couldn’t help but admire it.

The Weston Plate matched Flempton and Newton Green.

Newton Green fielded three very competent junior golfers in their side and all of them brought home a point for the club.

Felixstowe's Sharon Luckman and Amanda Norman, with Blaize Esmond and Lotti Edmunds (Aldeburgh)

An Indian Summer day dawned for the finals of the Weston Trophy and the Weston Plate being played at Bury St Edmunds. Ipswich beat Aldeburgh by 3.5 - 1.5 to take the Trophy, while Newton Green took Flempton to the cleaners, winning by four matches to one... The Weston matches are played off scratch so handicaps are unimportant except that the team has to go out in handicap order, but they do get a mention here and there because everyone likes to know who is doing what in the golfing world

Thirteen-year-old Alice Barlow who plays for the Suffolk Girls’ team and has enjoyed a remarkable golfing season, was out first for Newton Green, playing Nicky McMahon (Flempton). Nicky’s golf has been somewhat curtailed recently but she nevertheless gave a good account of herself, taking Alice to the sixteenth before conceding the point (3/2). Eloise Aldous, another member of the Suffolk Junior team, used her elegant swing to great effect against Flempton’s Captain, Suzanne Mason. One up going to the eighteenth tee, Eloise almost slipped up when she over hit a delicate downhill chip to the pin, but she managed to secure a half and the point for Newton Green.

Playing at number three for Newton Green, Emily Penfold proved too strong for Pauline Hawes, securing a comfortable 5/3 victory and denying Flempton the chance to make any sort of come back.

by Julie Latimer-Jones

Flempton’s Claudia Long, the Weston Organiser, was playing Sally Cade at number four and Claudia, Flempton’s sole winner, happily prevented a whitewash. Behind her, the second Aldous sister, Claire, took the point from Sarah Brownie.

The weather smiled on the two teams competing in the final of the Cranworth Trophy over the beautiful Purdis Heath course where a happy and excited Halesworth team won their first ever County trophy, beating Stowmarket by 27.5 points to 17.5.

Halesworth, the winning Cranworth Trophy team: Carolyn Emeny, Liz Avery, Carol Hume, Mary-Anne Miles, Val Smith, Sue Hellman In front (seated) Captain, Stowmarket were in the Eileen Whiting, proudly shows off the Trophy. ascendancy at

lunchtime but with 30 points being up for grabs in the afternoon singles, their four point lead was not enough to allow for any complacency.

Halesworth seized the initiative early on when Val Smith clobbered Stowmarket’s Elaine Anderson by four points to one. Everyone will recall the odd scoring system still in force this year in the Cranworth where there are five points at stake for every game, one for each nine holes and three for the overall match.

Sue Hellman did even better, garnering the ‘full five’ as did Carol Hume. Sue Knights (Stowmarket) fought hard but secured just one point against Mary-Anne Miles, by which time Halesworth had passed the 23 point mark that they needed for victory. The four points added thereafter by Carol Emeny constituted a bonus.

Well done, Halesworth! Stowmarket last won the Cranworth Trophy in 2006 so no doubt they’ll be back for more next year.

Diss (Lorna Burroughs and Margaret Hayward) playing in match number two, had the honour at eighteen where Sheila Jarvis and Wendy Wootton made a jumble, but still reached the club house with a one-hole advantage. Bringing up the tail, Margie Harrall and Pam Evans (Felixstowe) calmly set about their opponents. Two up after fourteen, they stepped on the gas and were five to the good against Valerie Mendham and Di Randall by lunchtime.

The heavens opened as the players set out again but, nevertheless, Felixstowe’s first pair made steady progress.

They were three up after eight, four up after twelve and, despite an excellent Diss recovery shot from a bunker at the next, they found themselves dormie five down. A mis-hit second from Felixstowe at the downhill fourteenth effectively cost them the hole but, despite some stern resistance from the Izod/Bedwell partnership, and as the skies cleared promising a fine evening, Sue Bowler and Ann Maskell ran out the winners on sixteen. Final score 3/2.

The third match continued to go Felixstowe’s way with Margie Harrall and Pam Evans never letting up. They finished six up with four to play, taking the trophy for Felixstowe.

However, that wasn’t the end of the story as there was consolation for Diss in match two. Although the Felixstowe pairing of Jarvis and Wootton were two up after four in the afternoon, things went wrong for them when Diss moved from two down to two up in the space of the next four holes.

The Felixstowe putt for a half failed to drop on thirteen extending the Diss lead and, one way and another, they clung on to that margin until Felixstowe ran out of holes on sixteen (3/2).

So, despite the iffy weather conditions, there was plenty of good golf played and a small band of interested spectators enjoyed the spectacle. Congratulations, Felixstowe, and well played, Diss! It was good to see some new faces in the final and there’s always 2013.

The last County title match of the year was the Stearn Trophy Final and as the teams from Felixstowe and Diss gathered to play, the fine weather gods had deserted this year’s deciding matches. It dawned very wet though Felixstowe, prolific winners of County trophies, went out to play with their usual confidence. Diss, who have had an excellent golfing season this year, appearing in the semifinals of the Cranworth as well as reaching this stage of the Stearn, also looked to be enjoying themselves.

As the battle wound its way around Woodbridge, the rain eased off and, in the quite balmy conditions, the weather did not really become an issue. By lunchtime the scoreline in the front two matches of three was close. Felixstowe’s Sue Bowler and Ann Maskell secured a steady par 4 at eighteen which their opponents, Jane Izod and Judith Bedwell, just failed to match, so went in for their sandwiches with the comfort of a one-hole lead.

Felixstowe's winning Stearn Trophy team: Back row (left to right): Margie Harrall, Ann Maskell, Anita Dobbs (Ladies Captain), Pam Evans. Front Row: Sue Bowler, Wendy Wootton, Sheila Jarvis.

NATIONAL SENIORS COMPETITION

In the finals of this year's tournaments, played in wonderful autumn sunshine at Staverton Park, in Daventry, Northants. The winners of Doctor Golf is here to answer any minor or major questions or queries, the Seniors Club Classic were TEST VALLEY, who beat Ripon City in the final by if you have something to ask, please send to 21/2 - 11/2. Test Valley had beaten King's Hill Stuart Robertson Head PGA Golf Professional in the semi-finals whilst Ripon City had mail@doctorgolf.co.uk or ring 01394 383480 fought to a 19th hole victory over last year's Ufford Park Hotel Golf & Spa, Woodbridge IP2 1QW champions, Stock Brook Manor.

In the Classic Plate Ufford Park marched to victory over Bishopswood by 21/2 - 11/2. In the semi-finals Ufford Park had seen off the The one comment we tend to hear more than any other as a challenge from Rudding Park, whilst teacher of golf is; “I wish I could be more consistent”. Most Bishopswood had been taken to a play-off by golfers at one time or another have hit a perfect shot. The one Barkway Park. where the ball explodes off the club following the exact arc that you saw in your mind to then finish nestled right next to the flag! In the final of the National Seniors Pairs The argument is that if you have been able to achieve it once Championship Messrs Housley and Kewley then it should be able to reproduce it at will whenever we need from Disley GC beat Messrs Moir and Morris it. On the face of it this is true, but we may need to look a bit from Tenterden. The semi-finals the day deeper to find out how. before saw Housley/Kewley defeat Messrs The way to become more consistent with your golf shots would Penfold and Head from Willingdon on the last be to produce a consistent pre-shot routine that will help to hole. Moir and Morris' semi-final victory over reduce any unnecessary compensatory actions that make the Roy and Stanton (Overstone Park) was even general flow of the club from backswing to follow-through more closer, the match being decided by the last difficult. putt on the 18th green.

Provided that we stand in exactly the same position, with our The Pairs Plate Final was won by Messrs hands positioned on the grip in exactly the same place, with our Dunn/Cox (Greenmount), beating feet exactly the same width apart and exactly the same Davies/Chick (Langdon Hills). The semidistance away from the ball, and our posture (same amount of finals had seen Dunn and Cox edge the match bend in knees and spine angle) exactly the same, then we over Messrs Samain/Easton (Ufford Park); have a chance! whilst Davis/Chick needed a 19th hole to get From this consistent set up position the backswing needs to be the better of Messrs Thompson/Benson synchronised between how we turn our shoulders around our (Haywards Heath). spinal angle, fold our right arm in and hinge our wrists. If each • FYNN VALLEY HOLES IN element is achieved to a 90-degree angle - the club should point at the intended target. From here we would now endeavour to ONE ON THE 6TH • reproduce the same positioning (in reverse) to that which we David Gallon had at the top of the backswing - allowing the momentum of the First hole in one, using a 9 iron and club to bring our body up and through to see the flight of the playing with Alan Stanhope. ball, maintaining full balance at the end of the movement!!

There are countless tools, gadgets, videos and apps available Mark Jackson which can help you to improve an aspect of your positioning or Playing social golf with Sam Ward and swing, we have a few that we use from time to time. However, Ted Hill. once the student understands the core principles of how to Rushmere’s Bob Barnes (right) achieved produce a consistent repetitive movement the time spent practising can become much more productive in producing more his 2nd hole in one this year at the par 3, 6th hole, 164 yards using a 5 wood, his consistent results. playing partner was Bill Morris (left) and a The difficulty to overcome is that once you can hit all the good fairways you will want to hit the best side of the fairway – once drink you can hit the green you will want to hit to within one-putt was had range. by all in During this quest the player has to become happier in the the bar afterknowledge that “by heading down the path in the pursuit of wards. consistency they will never truly find it!!”

For any of you needing help speak to your local PGA golf pro or contact me, my details are at the top of this column.

Becoming more consistent

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New Suffolk business puts the sparkle back into golf

Cleaning your golf clubs can be a real downer after a bracing walk and exciting game on the fairway, but over the past couple of months a new business from Haverhill has been making life easier for golfers.

Clear Swing Ultrasonic Golf Club Cleaning Services is a mobile valet service which uses a combination of technology and a personal finish to restore a whole set of golf clubs including the grips, to pristine condition in under ten minutes.

The business is based in Haverhill, and has received considerable support from Haverhill Golf Club, which was the first venue they visited. Since then, the friendly couple have appeared at many golf clubs for corporate, society and charity days, cleaning clubs and also donating a percentage of each day’s proceeds to the event’s charity or club charity.

Clear Swing can attend a golf club for any regular member’s day, corporate or charity event, or club competition, and clubs can be cleaned before or after a round, whilst the golfer warms up for their game or relaxes in the club house afterwards.

Considering a set of clubs can often cost the same as a second-hand car, many golfers are initially often fearful about damaging their set of pride and joys; however ultrasonic technology is a gentle yet thorough deep clean for both club heads and grips. The process is entirely nonabrasive – in fact at a recent golf day, Clear Swing ultrasonically cleaned a valuable set of gold-plated clubs to the delight of the satisfied owner who was reluctant to clean them himself!

So how does it work? The machine is filled with warm water and a small dose of mild ultrasonic detergent added. The whole set of clubs go into the bath, grips down to start with as the first cycle is around 20 seconds, then the clubs are turned upside down and the heads go onto a one and a half minute cycle.

Ultrasonics has been used for many years in the medical and electronic industries to clean equipment safely and efficiently. You can even put jewellery in there, in fact a set of wedding and engagement rings will come up like new after a blast of these ultrasonically induced minuscule bubbles. When the machine is on, millions of these little bubbles are created in the water, and implode on contact with any surface, no matter how tiny and seemingly impossible to get at with any manual method such as brushing. This removes dirt and contamination immediately, even deep down into the grips which is where a lot of residual sweat and grime molecules exist.

Once the two cycles are finished, the clubs are removed one by one, the grips dried by hand with a soft towel and any remaining stubborn dirt on the heads brushed easily away with a brass golf club brush, dried and replaced in the golfer's bag, good as new and ready for the next round.

Golfers have found that the main benefit of having their clubs ultrasonically cleaned is this rejuvenation of the club grips, which become as sticky as when they were new and improve the golfer’s ability to manage their swing, as well as extending the life of the grips.

At £5 a clean for a whole set and averaging about 10 minutes for the full treatment, it's no wonder golfers who have tried the service are more than keen to save themselves an evening of laborious scrubbing by hand – not to mention the hygiene implications of getting rid of all manner of fairway muck which would otherwise be

transferred to the golfer's car - or even bed!

So far the company has donated proceeds from their cleans to charities including The Royal British Legion, Marie Curie, Arthur Rank Hospice, East Anglia Children’s Hospices, The Theatre Royal, Bury, Herts Young Homeless and of course Haverhill GC’s Juniors and Captain’s Funds.

For further Lisa Jackson or Darren Higham, 07768 216007 / 07702 415187 L: 01440 420157 Email: clearswing@hotmail.co.uk www.clearswing.co.uk

News from St Audrys

It’s the time of year when the Cups and Shields are dragged out and cleaned ready to be presented and there are more rounds in the bar than on the course.

It is also a time for reflecting on the past year.

There is at St Audrys, as in many Clubs, an ever present challenge to increase income and limit spending.

Fortunately their needs are less than many clubs as they are debt free, own their course and clubhouse, and have always had members prepared to help with some of the practical aspects of maintenance.

Over the past two years they have promoted the Club within a tighter budget but amazingly increased the level of Green Fees, which has helped keep them solvent.

There have been more Social events which have raised useful amounts throughout this year, run by members notably Murray and Sallie Staines and Val Hooper to whom many thanks are due.

The final Seniors Away day was held at Bungay and was won by Tony Benneworth (seen above receiving his prize form Seniors Captain Doug Devonshire) Runner up was Tony Ramsey.

The Ladies Captain’s Charity “Help for Heroes” will receive £1000 as a result of various events throughout the year and a charge for entering the bunkers on the 9th (It’s always one club more than you take!).

The Seniors will again present EACH with a substantial cheque raised from their Charity Day and raffles at home matches.

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NEWS FROM FLEMPTON

Pic by Sarah Club Brownie Representative.

Flempton Ladies said a huge thank you to the And it’s not only outgoing Ladies Captain Suzanne Mason at their golf! Off the 2012 Trophy Presentation held at the Clubhouse. course and Suzanne congratulated all the lady members and undeterred by delighted in the teams who competed in the Suffolk 2012’s long wet County’s 2012 matches. Flempton Ladies made a Summer, the robust charge in the early rounds of the Weston Plate Ladies Section beating Diss and Haverhill, only to be halted by organised a Plant losing to Newton Green at the final which was played and Cake Sale, at Bury St Edmunds.

Bridge Raffle and For a relatively small Golfing Club, Flempton a Charity Day, all continues to make its contribution to golf in the in all raising approximately £4,000 for Riding for the County with no few than four of its members taking Disabled (RDA) their chosen charity of the year. an active part in County matters. Pippa Beak as At the recent AGM Suzanne Mason presented the County President, Hermoine Scrope as Treasurer for new 2013 Ladies Captain, Pauline Hawes with the the Governing Body; Claudia Long has taken on the pearl studded pin knowing that golf at Flempton will Weston Organiser’s job and Lynne Quayle is FGC’s continue to be fun!

AT HOME FOR NEWTON GREEN'S NEWCOMERS

Newton Green Golf Club invited 60 new members, that have joined the organisation in the current year, to an ‘At Home’ exercise, aimed at ensuring they have been able to integrate into the club.

Committee members led individual teams in a social, nine-hole Texas Scramble, with the leading team winning lessons with club professional Tim Cooper.

The results were: 31.8 points Steve Clarke, Tibby Mimpress, James Walter and Scott Ledieu, 32.2 Dave Lavelle, Jan Doe and Roger Hayward, 33.7 Carol Durston, Craig Cairn and Rosie Jackson.

NEXT ISSUE JAN/FEB 2013 Deadline 10th Jan CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE!

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Chadd and James head for HowDidiDo finals in Portugal!

The Gorleston Golf Club pairing of James Chadd (right) and David James (left) are preparing for an all-expenses trip to Portugal in February after qualifying for the Grand Finals of the HowDidiDo National Pairs Championship. In the four rounds of area knockout matches that preceded the Regional Final, two home matches against Martin Butcher & Jamie Marsh from Costessey Park (1 up) and Steve Coften & Nathan Wilkinson from Rookery Park (4 & 3) were followed by two away ties against Adam Garford & Chris Bamfield from Middleton Hall (4 & 3) and Shawn Vance & Craig Wallis of St Clements (4 & 3). The final victory meant a long journey to Hill Valley Golf Club near Chester in October for the Regional event, with the top two pairs on the day qualifying for Portugal. A very rain softened course faced the players, and with 43 points James and David achieved second place in the fourball better ball Stableford, beaten only on countback by a pair from Wrexham. Second was good enough and they will join two pairs each from the Scottish and Southern Regional events at the Dom Pedro Golf Resort in Vilamoura on the Algarve from 2nd - 9th February 2013 to contest the Grand Finals. Five courses are being used for the week - Old Course, Laguna, Millennium, Victoria and O’Connor, with each pair playing the others once on a different course each day in better ball matchplay before the Champions are crowned after the week of round robin matches.

Remembrance Sunday

One of the Junior Members of Ufford Park Golf Club did everyone proud as he performed the Last Post on Remembrance Sunday. George Fricker had his Suffolk Under 14’s County trial at the golf club Sunday morning when he rushed out at 10.55 and down to the 1st Tee to perform the Last Post on his trumpet. Golfers and visitors stopped at 11am in silence for 2 minutes before George, 11, from Melton, broke the silence with a crisp rendition commemorating those who had been killed in war.

He’d been rehearsing the song for the past couple of months and knew it off by heart, but he had his younger sister Grace hold the notes for him just in case. He then went back off to finish his County trial having done his Golf Club proud.

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Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds Pro Am Golf Day at Stowmarket Golf Club With the beautiful Stowmarket course in great condition following an over night downpour, 17 Teams turned out on a dry Autumn day to help raise funds to support the Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal's community and education programme. Some of of the current inform PGA Professionals found the Par 69 course well protected by some devilish pin placements.

a television production company that was originally started by the late David Croft, and is now lead by Ann Croft, a most valued member of the Theatre Royal Development Board and to whom we are all very grateful for her support.

Thanks must also go to the Suffolk PGA & Norfolk PGA and Golf Clubs across East Anglia.

It was the Norfolk Raiders that took the first three places This will be an annual event held around a similar date in the Professional competition. in 2013. If anyone is interested in supporting future Norfolk Open Champion and leader of the Norfolk PGA event either playing or sponsoring please email: Order of Merit Ian Ellis, of Costessey Park Golf Club Ian@club-noticeboard.co.uk won the Professional prize with a one under par 68, in second place with a level par round 69, was Alex Beckett of Barnham Broom Golf Club, and third place went to Danny Chapman from Weston Park Golf. The leading Suffolk Professional was Paul Connell from Hintlesham Golf Club with a 74 and Stowmarket Professional Jon Markham with a 75.

The Team Prize was taken by the home team Jon Markham, Geoff Scott, Kenton Jameson and David Walker with a score of 81 points (best two score out of four). David Walker, with a great birdie two at the last, waited for all the other teams to come through before his nearest the pin on 18th was eventually beaten by the 14th team, out representing the event organisers ClubNoticeboard, fellow Stowmarket member Kevin Francis who won the Mercedes provided by Robinsons Mercedes for a weekend.

Second team prize went to the team from Halesworth, Paul Wright, Steven Bloss and Sean Clements Supported

by Barnham Brooms Alex Beckett. with 80 points.

And the third team prize went to the Baker Tilly team, Stephen Duffety, Graham Sykes, Jeff Van Oevelen and Pro Ian Ellis with 79 points.

Longest Drive went to James Tyler, who won a years subscription to the East Anglian Daily Times. Nearest pin in two went to Paul Barnes from King's Lynn, who won a gift voucher Cabana Boutique in Bury St Edmunds.

The Theatre Royal Chief Executive Simon Daykin presented the Professional prizes and thanked the Stowmarket Golf Club, event organiser Club Noticeboard Managing Director Ian Duncan, Professionals, teams and sponsors for supporting the event which was able to raise a large amount for the Theatre.

Thanks go to Ipswich Town Legends, Mick Mills, Bryan Hamilton and Ian Collard for their attendance.

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The main sponsor for the day was Worldwide Theatrix,

Winner Ian Ellis with the team from Baker Tilly

Alex Beckett with the team from Halesworth Nearest the Pin for Kevin (right) with Ian Duncan (left)

Playing with Ipswich legend Mick Mills is The Ashton KCJ Team

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Keith Preston wins SPGA match play

Keith Preston of Aldeburgh, a Fellow of the PGA and head coach to Suffolk men, ladies and boys, won the Suffolk PGA match play title for the first time in windy conditions at Thorpeness.

The 48-year-old Preston played some of the best golf of his career to overcome Tony Dobson (Stonham Barns) in the first round and then holder Chris Smith of Fynn Valley in the quarter-finals. Smith had won the Ransomes Cup twice in the last three years.

In the semi-final Preston claimed the scalp of former Scottish amateur international Peter Latimer who is a first year trainee at Felixstowe Ferry. Preston closed out a 3 and 2 victory with a tee shot to within five feet at the 206-yard par three 16th hole. He birdied three of the final five holes of a match that had been nip and tuck up to the 12th.

In the final Preston went ahead with a birdie at the first against former England amateur international Lawrence Dodd (Bury Golf Range) and never looked back. Dodd, with PGA European Tour and Challenge Tour experience, has completed his first year of PGA training.

Preston went four up at the turn with a slice of luck. Both players were in ferns to the left of the fairway with their second shots. Preston found his ball. Dodd did not.

A birdie at the par-three 10th put Preston five up. He lost the 13th when Dodd had a birdie and Preston was in trouble to the left of the green but it was all over after the par-five 14th. Dodd’s prodigious second shot flew through the back of the green Preston chipped to eight feet and sunk the birdie putt. Dodd’s third, from lush grass, was 12 feet short of the pin. He missed the slippery downhill birdie putt.

Preston was accurate off the tee, played some tremendous approach shots and putted well on the excellent Thorpeness greens. He started as the outsider when faced with the holder in the quarter-final and then two former amateur internationals on the second day. He maintained his concentration and, once ahead, was tenacious and in no mood to let Dodd back into the match.

In the other semi-final Dodd had swept away the challenge of Alex Lucas, the head professional from Waldringfield, by a 5 and 4 margin.

by Tony Garnett

(Stonham Barns) 3 and 2. Both players were striking the ball well.

Dobson held a narrow lead for a while and played some stunning approach shots. In the end his putting let him down.

Robin Mann (Southwold) beat Ollie Rush (Haverhill) one up. Beware the injured golfer! Mann, allowed a buggie for medical reasons, was taken all the way by Rush who lost on the last after having to take three off the tee. Rush played well and was unlucky to lose.

Alex Lucas (Waldringfield beat Rob Joyce (Felixstowe Ferry) 2 and 1. Lucas was ahead most of the time but Joyce, a good putter, kept in touch until the 17th green when his challenge ended.

Richard Beadles (Royal Worlington) beat Paul Connell (Hintlesham) 5 and 3. This was a repeat of the 2010 final with the same outcome. The margin of victory flattered Beadles who twice chipped in. On the ninth both players had birdies. Beadles chipped in from some distance after Connell had played a memorable approach shot leaving his putt a formality.

Quarter-finals. Weather: Wind became stronger but still sunny.

Peter Latimer (Felixstowe Ferry) beat Ransome 6 and 5. Latimer, who had a bye in the first round, was too steady for Ransome who won the sixth to be only one down. Then holes started to slip away from the Seckford player.

Preston beat Smith one up. This was the closest of the quarter-finals which was in the balance until the very end. Preston drew level on the 16th and went on to victory.

Lawrence Dodd (Bury Golf Range) beat Mann 2 and 1. Four down midway through the round, with Dodd striking the ball splendidly, it says much for Mann’s dogged spirit that the match was taken to the 17th green. Mann chipped in from a greenside bunker at the 15th to keep his slender hopes alive.

Lucas beat Beadles 3 and 2. The 2010 winner made a slow start. Lucas usually has a strong long game but this time it was his short game that won the day. Beadles can play devastating golf but not on this occasion apart First round. from holing a 45Weather: Sunny with a chill in the air. foot putt on the Matt Ransome (Seckford) beat Paul Bate (Brett Vale) 5 and 4. Ransome held a slender lead at the seventh hole 12th to reduce the but pulled away to a notable victory over a former winner arrears. of the Ransomes Cup. For a player whose competitive Keith Preston golfing opportunities are limited but who has established (left) shakes a good reputation as a coach, Ransome must feel hands with a pleased with this success. vanquished Chris Smith (Fynn Valley) beat Simon Reeve Lawrence Dodd (Aldeburgh) two up. Reeve looked likely to surprise a after his 5 and 4 player who finished 18th in the PGA East Region order victory in the final of merit. He was two up with six holes to play but then of the Suffolk errors crept and his chances slipped away.

PGA Matchplay Keith Preston (Aldeburgh) beat Tony Dobson Championship.

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Fynn Valley’s new Lady Captain, Linda Cresswell

Due to her heritage, for her Drive In a Scottish theme was decided, complete with tartan clad ladies, an adorned buggy and an authentic piper.

Linda was a founder member of Fynn Valley 22 years ago, along with her husband Keith, who is himself a past Club Captain and now competitions chairman. All the management and members of Fynn Valley wish Linda a great year and thank her and Keith for their loyalty to - and support of - the club.

Linda’s chosen charity for the year is EACH.

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New practice area opens at Purdis A new short-game practice area built to USGA standards was officially opened in front of over 200 members at Ipswich Golf Club recently. The development of the new area, one of the most complete in Suffolk, is part of the clubs ongoing development programme to ensure it remains one of the premier clubs in East Anglia

Performing the opening ceremony at Purdis Heath were club captain, Brian Laws, and immediate past president, Henry Lambon.

The project had been planned and constructed during Henry’s term in office.

Henry said he was delighted that the new facility Immediate Past President, Henry Lambon & Club Captain, Brian Laws cutting the ribbon had exceeded expectations and he thanked Marc Westenborg, of golf course architects, Hawtree Ltd., for his excellent design work and contractors, Grassform Ltd., for completing the work exactly as planned, on time and within budget.

Pics by: Moira Ellice ARPS

Club Professional, Kevin Lovelock with European Tour Professional, Jamie Moul

Moul, gave a demonstration of short-game practice techniques.

The new practice area, half an acre in size is next to the ninehole course and comprises a putting green, chipping green and pitching area with three greens. The putting green will be available for use by ninehole “pay and play” visitors, with all three facilities available to members and main-course visitors.

Graham Brumpton New Course Manager

The practice area has been named in honour of Norman Fenwick, the club’s course manager who died recently, and who had done so much to ensure the success of the project. Brian Laws was delighted to announce the appointment of deputy course manager, Graham Brumpton, as Norman’s successor. Graham had been mentored by Norman for the past 13 years and he will ensure that Norman’s legacy of continuous course improvements will not be lost.

Following the ribbon-cutting to mark the official opening of the new facilities, Ipswich Golf Club professional, Kevin Lovelock, and European Tour professional, Jamie

Suffolk Ladies Past & Present Captains' Golfing Society

After two years at the helm Margaret Bryant will be handing over to Carol Cooke, a Past Captain of Thorpeness Golf Club, at the end of 2012. The Society held a very successful Annual Golf Day at Bury St. Edmunds. Ninety two members enjoyed a lovely sunny day on an immaculate golf course with much camaraderie.

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I

NORFOLK COUNTY GOLF UNION

am writing this at the end of October but by the time you read it another year will be nearly over. Where does the time go to ?

Championships will all have been decided, trophies won or lost and Prize Presentation evenings recognising the winners mostly over.

At most clubs annual maintenance will be finished and just the routine work being carried out to keep the course going over the winter months. Temporary greens have been prepared to cater for winter golf although some clubs make no changes to their summer conditions.

At others the summer tees are rested with a spiking and over dressing operation preparing them for the new season in April giving them a chance to recover. All in all a rather dead time of year although some clubs have a winter programme of golf and social events to keep their members fully occupied. Whatever the case at your club enjoy your winter activities.

In talking of the end of the year, good wishes for the forthcoming festive season and may father Christmas bring you the new driver or set of clubs that you feel will improve your game to perfection.

COUNTY NEWS

AROUND AND ABOUT

r e k c a H with

Vice President Designate

Mr.Doug Gilchrist of Weston Park has accepted the nomination for the office of Vice President for 20132014. He is an active member of his club as well as a regular player in the County Senior’s side.

His appointment is subject to the approval of the club’s representatives at the County Union Annual General Meeting in April next year.

Honorary County Treasurer

Following interviews at the end of October Mr. Richard Betts of the Great Yarmouth & Caister Club has been Junior Section selected to fill the post of Honorary Treasurer on the Chris Pearson is standing down from his recent retirement of Peter Clarke next April at the County appointment as Junior Delegate due to changes in family Annual General Meeting. Richard is a fully qualified and club commitments. The post will be merged with accountant and will safely look after county funds. that of Junior Secretary and Norman Blanch will be Again this appointment has to be ratified at the next responsible.

County Union A. G. M.

NCGU CONTACTS

34

President: Frank Myers, Thetford Golf Club; Vice President: Alan Winstanley, Sheringham Golf Club; Imm. Past President: W. G. ( Bill ) Neill, Swaffham 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 : Peter Clarke, Royal Norwich Golf Club. 01603 452340 peter.clarke470@ntlworld.com County Captain: Iain Yule, Kings Lynn Golf Club iain.yule@btinternet.com; 2nd Team Captain: Steve Tidy, Costessey Park Golf Club tidygolf6@yahoo.co.uk; Seniors Captain: David Pattrick of Royal Cromer Golf Club; Seniors Administrator: Malcolm Carr of Sheringham Golf Club Email: malcolm.carr@tiscali.co.uk; Junior Secretary: Norman Blanch, 10, Hillside Crescent, Wicklewood, Norwich. NR18 9QD Tel: 01953 604394 Email: suenormski@yahoo.co.uk; Lead Coach: Craig Graver Tel: 01508 470696 Mob: 07887 877381 email: craiggraverpga@yahoo.com; Under 14 Manager: Andrew Cullington 01603 898311 ajcully@btinternet.com; Under 16 Manager: Gary Davis 01603 610006 Email: davis393609@aol.com; Under 18 Manager: Mike Green 01362 860041 Email: mikejuniors@btinternet.com ; PGA Secretary: John Paling, ‘Squirrels Reach’, Folgate Lane, Old Costessey, Norwich NR8 5EF Tel: 01603 741301 Email: jandjpaling@uwclub.net; Norfolk Schools: Margo Horsburgh, 5 Bishops Croft, Barningham, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 1BZ 01359 221281 Email: dandmhorsburgh@talktalk.net; Girls Organiser: Carol Delf , Gt Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club

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England Golf

England Golf has proposed what they call a harmonising level of Affiliation Fees for Men and Women for the year 2014 of £ 7.25. Subsequently I expect to see Fees increase for both.

In the case of the Women there will still be an Ladies Golf Union Fee to be paid separately. There is no information yet as to the level of Men’s County Fees for 2014 although it is anticipated there could be a small increase required. The first one for 3 years.

In 2014 the merged organisations now known as England Golf have asked for the collection of Fees from clubs to be carried out by either the Mens County Union or the Women’s Association where the Men and Women have not merged at County level which is the case in Norfolk rather than each collecting their own dues.

England Golf wanted this arrangement to be in force for January 2013 if possible. The Norfolk Women turned down this proposal, considering it impractical and too difficult at this stage.

Discussions on this arrangement have still to take place between the Norfolk Men and Women but a meeting is unlikely until the election of the new Women’s County Treasurer and Secretary in November.

Norfolk Club Membership Figures

The male membership numbers of clubs in Norfolk was forecast as decreasing by over 21/2 % in 2012, following the trend of the previous six years. At the time of writing the figures show there to be a modest reduction of just over 1% despite the closure of The Norfolk Club at the end of 2011 who declared a membership of around 280 male members when they closed.

At most clubs the membership levels show relatively minor variations over past years. At the others it varies from 2% upwards although two or three have had substantial losses of up to 20%. Fortunately these losses to some extent have been picked up by larger clubs nearby.

County Knockout Competitions

There has been widespread discussion concerning the Myhill and Cullington trophy competitions with some clubs looking for radical changes to the format. There is a feeling that with the changes to the Stroke Difference Allowances for Foursomes, from 3/8 of the difference to the Stroke Difference, much of the competitive nature has been taken away.

The County Union view is that the format of these competitions should not be amended since they are there for all the county’s clubs to enter and at least stand some chance of progressing into subsequent rounds.

Features which will change are that the semi-finals and finals will be played on neutral venues and the maximum handicap to be used by any participating player will be Category 2 ( Max. 12 )

Scratch League

The County Union has for some time been looking for a Premier Inter-club Scratch Competition. The Scratch League has endeavoured to fulfil that requirement but the lack of commitment to complete the fixtures by some clubs and dropping out of the various divisions has created difficulties for the League Secretary.

Whilst the League format involved in playing no more than six matches, three home and three away, clubs had problems keeping to the fixture dates and finding the five players to make up the teams.

It is planned for 2013 to run the competition on a straight forward knockout basis with clubs being permitted to enter up to two teams with the proviso that players cannot be interchangeable between the two teams. Details have been sent to all clubs by Steve Locke the Scratch League Secretary.

Course Standard Scratch Scores

Following the merger between the Men and the Women’s organisations England Golf are discussing Standard Scratch Score Assessment Systems to find a mutually agreeable way forward. The Men have previously had their own system which was revised in 2008 with some improvements to their earlier method whereas the Women have used the USGA “Slope System” for some time.

Agreement is hoped to be reached by the end of the year. If as generally expected the USGA System is adopted County Assessors will need to be retrained and teams formed to re-rate all the county’s courses. The Women have already virtually completed re-assessing all the clubs from the red tees to ensure the Standard Scratch Scores are up to date with any changes made to the courses since the last assessment.

Should the USGA System be adopted universally then the Men will have to assess every course from the White, Yellow and whatever other coloured tees that exist.

Quite a major undertaking when one considers that to do each course probably takes up to five or sometimes six hours to do thoroughly and depending where the course is, up to an hours travelling from Norwich on top of that.. A whole day taken up !!

I know from experience because as a Lead Assessor for the Men it has taken my team two and a half years to do all the White and Yellow tee assessments finishing earlier this year.

Who knows we may have joint teams with the Ladies helping out as all their courses will have been done.

Anyway these assessments cannot be undertaken until April when the grass is growing to show definition between rough, first cut and the fairway and the trees are in leaf so that the relevant difficulty factors can be properly assessed.

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www.kingslynngc.co.uk

The Society of Norfolk Golf Captains

Ian Alderton, Secretary reports the Society held their annual Presidents day at King's Lynn golf club.

This year it was incorporated with the annual Society Dinner and 16 guests from surrounding counties, joined with the Norfolk members, to play golf and enjoy a dinner in the evening. The Society President Mike Bell commenced the evening by presenting a cheque for £760 to the EAST ANGLIAN AIR AMBULANCE, this sum was raised by the members at events during the year and an anonymous donation by one of the members, of £200.

After an excellent meal the President presented the prizes: In first place for the under sixty-fives with 37 points was Eric Warnes and in first place for the over sixty-fives was Kings Lynn golfer Michael Collison with 39 points. Second place for under 65's Andy Baden 36 points and third John Aspland also with 36points.

Second place for over 65's Pat Holman 36 points and third Fred Margrove 34 points. A great day was had by all and everyone was looking forward to next years calendar of events.

Anyone wishing to know more about the Society should contact Ian Alderton, Hon. Secretary: 07747811028 or sec.sngc@gmail.com

Around the Clubs

Links Country Park 2012 Norfolk Senior 9’s

Invitations were sent out to all the 9 hole Clubs in Norfolk to take part in the annual Norfolk Senior 9’s trophy held at The Links Country Park Golf Club. This was the fifth year of this popular competition to be held at The Links and sixty eight players from Feltwell, The Links, Mattishall, Mundesley, RAF Marham and Ryston Park took part. This is a stableford competition for senior golfers comprising of teams of six, with the best 5 scores to count. A great day was had by all with everyone enthusiastic about the condition of the course and the improvements being made by the owners. After the golf, there followed a two course meal and presentation of the prizes in the hotel. Old friends were reunited and new friends made – with promises to meet up again next year.

Winning Team Links ‘A’ 175 pts Runners up RAF Marham 162 pts Third Links ‘C’ 157 pts Individual John Lake (Links ‘A’) 42 pts Runner up Dave West (Links ‘C’)38 pts ocb Third Eric Savage (RAF Marham) 38 pts ocb Best Front 9 Roger Townsend (Mattishall) 17 pts 20 pts Best Back 9 Pat Holman (Ryston Park) Nearest the Pin 3rd /12th Peter Noble (Mattishall) 7th/16th John Assheton (Mundesley) Nearest the Pin with 2nd shot 9th/18th Ron Kent (Mattishall)

Links A - David Cooke holding the trophy, along with team members, Martin Davies, John Lake, Ivor Collett, Ian Kidger and Dave Brooks

Royal Norwich

Congratulations to Sammy Martin who carded a hole in one at the 3rd hole with a 4 iron at Royal St. Georges.

The feat is the first recorded hole in one by a lady in the 125 years of the course. She also unofficially recorded a gross score of 71(par of 70) which again is one of the lowest scores by a lady golfer, especially since it was recorded in not too good conditions weatherwise. Her prize is a stay at the Belfrey - much deserved. The club plan to record her feat on a plaque in the Royal St Georges clubhouse.

The Women’s Young Cup, where a Junior girl plays with an adult, was won by 14 years old Jasmine Campbell playing with Scratch Norfolk County player Sammy Martin.

Bawburgh

Mention must be made of eleven years old Amy Taylor of the Bawburgh club. She has reduced her handicap to 11 which at 11 years old is very much out of the ordinary. Club General Manager Ian Ladbrooke tells me that she has also been selected for England Junior Coaching. Special Congratulations !!!

Thetford

I read in the Club’s Newsletter No. 25, dated October, that Club Secretary Diane Hopkins has left the club .

Her leaving is part of the cost reduction programme brought in by the club following the financial review of their affairs. Assistant Secretary Vicky Lucas remains to take over the relevant duties and keep the club’s organisation in running order.

Similarly PGA Professional Gary Kitley has left the club as a result of this financial review and joins Rookery Park with effect from the 1st November.

The club is looking for Teaching Professionals to join the club on a freelance basis and have advertised this vacancy. They have also signed a limited license with

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37

"Programme", it just needed the club’s support. Typical of their progressive attitude the General Committee backed the proposals 100%.

Phil said "the programme had been born out of our need to grow our next generation of young golfers. Not only have we nearly 50 new juniors but there are a number of parents who have also joined the club. Neil has decided Caldecott Hall after many years of being one of the region’s top players that he is going to focus more on his love for coaching.

Myhill Cup 2012: He believes this is a way of him giving something back Caldecott Hall played in the final of the Myhill Cup. This match was contested over 36 holes against Dunston to the game."

Hall. Royal Norwich hosted the day and the Course With over forty years experience as PGA Professionals was presented in excellent condition. The first 18 holes between them, Phil and Neil decided that whilst it was were very tight with the score all square at lunch. In the vital that the children learn how to play golf afternoon Dunston Hall proved too strong and won by proficiently....it was also vital that they enjoy themselves six holes. along the way. With the youngsters having been at Team: Aaron Bullock, Daron Bullock, Matty Banyard, school all week, the last thing they wanted was to come Lee Myton, Chris Lambert, Harrison Leivers, Stuart along and be lectured. When they are young, children Powles and David Taylor. are very visual so the emphasis is to show them what to Also the Golf Medal Finals Day took place at the club do and make things fun. This certainly seems to be and was won with a fine net 69 by Gary Aldis with working as ongoing attendances are virtually 100%.....

Roger Rice finishing one stroke behind.

The "Scholarship Programme" is not just another series of junior golf lessons. It was recognised that there are Swaffham many reasons for young children and their families not Fullers Pride Steward/Stewardess of the Year to take up golf or at least not to carry on after the initial Competition trial period. Things like coaching costs, somewhere to Samantha Hudson from Swaffham won the South East play, the cost of clubs and people to play with are all Region award in this year’s competition just losing out reasons recognised by Neil and Phil as to why golf is not to Yvonne James of Rugby the overall winner in the as popular as it should be.

Final. In company with the Swaffham Club Chairman Phil says "there are lots of reasons why people don't get and Captain she attended a celebratory luncheon into golf....so we just attacked them. We have put ceremony at the Counting House in London to see the together a Scholarship Programme that is all awards presented. positive...you could say "all inclusive"....for £120 the children get a new half-set of clubs, one year’s Teaching Academies membership of Royal Norwich and 40 hours of coaching Whilst most club Professionals run coaching sessions for with Neil. Each week they get handouts and fun quizzes to ensure its not just about the playing of golf....they their junior members at weekends and school holidays, cover rules and etiquette so the children make a some clubs have taken things further and established seamless transition onto the course....."

Teaching Academies with pro-active programmes to build up the knowledge and ability of not only their own In a time when sport in the UK is feeding from the young golfers, but also to encourage new young people success at the Olympics and then the Ryder Cup it is to come along and try the game. easy to see why this programme has filled up straight I have come across two clubs with specific schemes in away. Word of mouth through the members at Royal or around the Norwich area but do not know of any Norwich and some volunteer work undertaken by the others further afield.

Royal Norwich Professional at the Norfolk Show has helped propel the uptake to its maximum.

One such is Royal Norwich. Following a meeting between the Club and Karen Young from the Norfolk The success of this programme was underwritten by County Golf Partnership concerning their Golf Mark some very generous members at the club who have programme, it became apparent there was the given their assurance they will support the programme opportunity to do much more than just go through the for the next two years so that the Club can run it again motions to keep their accredited status. and hopefully create another group of budding Ian Poulters and Lee Westwoods.

Accordingly General Manager Phil Grice approached Head Teaching Professional Neil Lythgoe and together Another is Wensum Valley who have recently offered a they came up with a new innovative "Junior Scholarship Junior Scholarship Scheme to the neighbouring schools Programme". In Neil’s words "it became apparent we of Taverham High , Hellesdon High, Reepham High and had the capabilities to evolve an unparalleled Ormiston High all of whom were invited to send a team Nevada Bob’s for marketing goods from that supplier as well as getting other benefits from this arrangement.

Chris White the Chairman of the Club Management Committee says “all in all it is good news so get the word out there that Thetford Golf Club is still open and thriving and will still be there in another 100 years time.

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of beginner golfers to try out the scheme. The participants had an hour’s tuition with Club Golf Professional Brad Jordan and 15 lucky recipients we're given a free one year’s membership to the club.

Wensum also held an Inter-school Tournament. All Schools in Norfolk were invited to enter 1 team of 4 students to compete in an individual event to represent their school. The winner has his/her name and the name of the school on the trophy and a year’s free membership!

Dylan Green from Reepham High School was the 2011 winner. This year the winner was 13years old James Lambert, a 24 handicapper from Taverham High School who is already a member of the Wensum Valley club.

CHECK IT OUT !

If you have any news, thoughts, opinions, or something for ‘SMILERS CORNER’ send the details to Peter Clarke who will pass them on to me - HACKER c/o peter.clarke470@ntlworld.com or: suffolkgolfer@aspects.net

I wish everyone a very happy

Christmas and a prosperous 2013.

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39

President’s Diary

said the pleasure is in the participation. Someone has to be the winner but any club reaching these finals deserves a pat on the back.

Oct. 1st Joined the Norfolk Senior squad in their end of season get-together at Sheringham. The afternoon was warm and sunny with only a slight breeze. All seemed to enjoy the game and the meal which Continuing the record of the activities of our followed.

County President in fulfilling what he sees as the It is proposed to hold monthly get-togethers of the responsibilities of the office. To his credit there senior squad to help build and maintain the team does not seem to be a single event or function at spirit which the group has. which he has failed to make an appearance.

Oct. 7th Sept. 6 – 11th.

Travelled to the Junior Bass trophy final at Barnham Managed to take my long suffering wife Gloria away Broom between Costessey Park and Thetford. It was for a few days to stay with old friends in Wales. decided on the last green of the last game with Costessey Park coming out victors and my club Sept. 12th Thetford just losing out. A gritty performance was Attended the Extraordinary General Meeting at shown by the 30 handicap young lady in the last Thetford Golf Club to hear what the future holds. game and deserves special mention. She really Seemingly good news with the Chairman at last played well. doing something positive to drive the club forward.

Well I have to stop now to get these notes to the Sept.14-16th magazine editor so that will be all for the season.

Travelled to Stoneham near Southampton in support Attended the Norfolk CGU Centenary Team Trophy of the Norfolk Champion Club team of Kings Lynn, Competition for the Roger Trower Armada Dish at Paul Holland, Luke Johnson and Paul Reade, in the Hunstanton this year. Whilst a pairing from the Home England Golf Champion Club Tournament. Some team of Hunstanton achieved the highest score of 41 wonderful golf was on display and the field even points their second pair did not score quite well included a team from the Isle of Man which has only enough to take the Dish. For the third time in five 7 courses on the whole of the island. years the team from Middleton Hall came out the winners with an aggregate team score of 77 points Sept. 19th At the end of October I have accepted an invitation Played with Mike Collison of Kings Lynn at John of to attend the Lincolnshire Golf Union Annual Dinner Gaunt against a pair from Cambridgeshire Past to be held at the Woodhall Spa National Golf Centre Captains. Achieved an honorable half. and will get the chance to play the Hotchin Course again. Perhaps I shall do better this time.

Sept. 21st-23rd Also at the end of the month I shall be chairing a Travelled to Woodhall Spa to support the various selection panel to select a new Hon. Treasurer to Norfolk players in the England Golf Champion of take the place of Peter Clarke when he retires at the Champions tournament. Norfolk representatives 2013 County Union A. G. M. were; Junior Champion Tom Gomer of Royal After that there are only two more Executive Cromer, County Champion Kit Holmes of Meetings and One Council Meeting before my year Hunstanton and Senior’s Champion David Pattrick of as County President ends.

Royal Cromer. Again some high quality golf on My thanks to all those golfers I have met both in display with one Junior equalling the course record. Norfolk and elsewhere, players, officials and He will no doubt remember the day despite not supporters. All of you have played a part in making winning the competition. my year something special and an enjoyable experience.

26th Sept.

Finally I hope that all readers keep swinging Attended the County Union Council Meeting at throughout the winter, ready to reduce your Eaton Golf Club in the evening. Nothing highly handicaps in the spring, but even if you don’t, just contentious so a relatively short meeting. enjoy the participation.

40

Sept. 30th Myhill and Cullington finals at Royal Norwich. Both finals played in excellent spirit. As I have constantly

Frank Myers

County President, Norfolk County Golf Union

Norfolk Seniors

by Bernie Peet

Norfolk Seniors wound up their 2012 season with a squad get together at Sheringham, it was a lovely day for golf with the course in good condition. After some good scores, home player Roger Marson won the stableford competition with David Pattrick second and John Chapman third.

At the meeting afterwards Senior Captain Tony Lount reported that 14 representative matches had been played with 3 of these in the new East Anglian Seniors League. Thirty four players from 12 different clubs have represented Norfolk Seniors this year, so the net is spreading and this is making team selection more competitive which can only be a good thing and hopefully results will improve because of this. Although Norfolk finished bottom of the new league the results were very close and with the prospects of Lincolnshire and Leicestershire joining the league next year 2013 could be a very interesting season.

Tony Lount’s 2 years as captain has now finished and David Pattrick was elected the new Norfolk Seniors captain for the next two years, with Terry Norman his vice captain. All the squad members would like to thank Tony for all his work over the last 2 years and hopefully he will be able to make the squad next year and play in a more relaxed manner!

David Pattrick will bring some new ideas to the table so the 2013 season could see some changes and hopefully make Norfolk Seniors more competitive as a result.

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KING’S LYNN PRESENTATION EVENING

As the main competitions are all completed the Club held its presentation evening in the clubhouse with 72 trophies to present!.

The Club Captain, Derek Stringer, welcomed members to the evening and congratulated all those who won the various competitions throughout the year and also those who had won County competitions. It was also good to see the junior members winning not only their own trophies but some of the more senior ones, which bears well for the future of the Club.

The prize winners were announced by the Club President, Nigh Tollit, and presented to the winners by the Club Captain and Ladies Captain, Jonnie Worfolk.

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NCGU Juniors

by Secretary,

On a cold wet day, the last competition of the Junior season was played at Costessey Park. The winners were Tom Gomer (Royal Cromer) and Jack Yule (Kings Lynn) their score of 71 (1 over) was 8 shots clear of the field.

Jack, now in his last year as a junior, finished on a high by winning this trophy 3 times in a row.

Norman Blanch

The Junior am-am competition was played at Ryston Park golf club on a dull and cold day. The format was 3/4 handicap stableford with best 3 scores counting.

The winners were Kings Lynn with an impressive 112 points. Second place Costessey Park with 107 points, third place Royal Norwich with 105 points.

In the picture left to right Kevin Playford, Michael Playford, Ben Reed, and Matthew Bowman.

Also Fran Johnson of Ryston Park scored her first hole in on on the 13th par 3 153 yards.

TEAM MANAGERS for JUNIORS (VOLUNTARY POST x 3)

Applications are invited for the above positions from people who are willing to give time and commitment to manage boys within allocated squads

Knowledge of Golf, good organisational skills and some computer skills would be required.

Expressions of interest or a request for more information, should be forwarded to the Junior Secretary, Norman Blanch at the above address.

Applicants will be required to attend an interview with the County President, Junior Secretary and County Captain at a date to be confirmed.

All appointments are subject to CRB checks. Junior Secretary, Norman Blanch, 10 Hillside Cresent, Wicklewood, Norfolk NR18 9QD • Tel 01953 604394 • E-Mail: suenormski@yahoo.co.uk

CAPTAINS TEAM v JUNIORS at RYSTON PARK

During the school half term holiday the Captain, Derek Stringer, invited the junior members in the club to play a match against his team.

Although it was a chilly day the match was played in good spirits and resulted in a draw.

After the match all the players sat down for a meal in the clubhouse.

Ryston Park Golf Club Ladies Presentation Evening

42

Lady Captain Janet Coles said she was pleased so many lady members were present and was delighted to congratulate the Scratch Team and the League Team for attaining first place in their divisions which meant they would both be playing in a higher league next year. Lady President Ruth Mountain presented cups and trophies to the winners of the 2012 competition season. The ladies then enjoyed supper subsidised by the Ladies Section and complimentary Pimms in celebration of the County Teams success.

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Dereham Golf Club Junior Section Dereham Juniors finished their season in fine style on an overcast but dry day by playing for the Alarming UK Ltd salvers, with good scores in all competitions.

In the 18 holes competition Sian Fenn-Green lead the field with net 65 (81-16-65).

Above: winners, Captain John Chaney (4th right at back), Karen Close behind was George Bedwell (75-9-66), third Young (3rd right at back) and the GolfMark committee Will Dewing (94-27-67) and fourth Liam Sewell (9323-70). Sian received the Alarming UK Ltd salver Partnership attended the presentation and reported and the top four received vouchers for the pro’ shop. on Dereham’s success in being awarded GolfMark High Achiever at the first attempt. She congratulated The 9 holes competition saw 9 youngsters battling the GolfMark committee on their hard work and away with the eventual winner being Freya Biles (net presented GMC Chairman Stuart Bizley with the 35). Immy Leeder was a very close second (net 36) Club’s GolfMark High Achiever plaque. and Charlotte Chisholm was third (net 37). Freya was presented with the 9 holes salver and all the Junior members will now look forward to their annual girls received vouchers for the pro’ shop. In the 5 Christmas party at Strikes in December. holes competition, the Autumn Cup was won by Katie Egle who also received a pro’ shop voucher.

Following this final qualifier, Captain John Chaney and some of our sponsors made the annual presentation of cups and trophies (see photo). End of year awards went to Will Cross (18 holes summer eclectic), Harry Bush (9 holes eclectic) and Georgia Cuddihy and Katie Egle shared the ‘best 5 holes’ trophy. Alisha Margerum won this year’s summer knockout and was presented with the Andrew Stringer Trophy by Elizabeth Bench. The Watts Trophy, the recipient of which is chosen by the junior committee, went to George Bedwell. A packed clubhouse of dignitaries, parents and grandparents heard a report on the events of the year from junior organiser Jane Bizley, followed by the announcement that the new Junior Captain would be George Bedwell and his Vice Captain would be Liam Sewell. Ryan Thorogood, the outgoing Junior Captain, and George Bedwell presented Jane with flowers and a voucher. Ryan also presented George & Liam with their captains and vice captains polo shirts. Team manager Colin Tucker who is retiring from the junior committee was presented with half a case of wine and some golf balls. The Captain congratulated all the juniors on their excellent achievements this season and thanked the junior committee for their hard work and dedication.

Karen Young from the Norfolk County Golf

DEREHAM GOLF CLUB

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Must be pre-booked by calling the Pro Shop on 01362 695631 or the Office on 01362 695900 office@derehamgolfclub.com www.derehamgolfclub.com

QUEBEC ROAD, DEREHAM, NORFOLK NR19 2DS

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Norfolk Ladies County Golf Association by Margaret Watson A year

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of triumph for Norfolk Junior Girls

The end of a triumphant year to junior girls’ golfing achievement, came to its conclusion with the celebration of the Autumn Shield Stableford competition held this year at Richmond Park Golf Club.

Conditions were difficult, but the girls took all in their stride and came up with some high quality performances. The Shield was won by Megan Mann from Eaton with a score of 45 points, with Jasmine Campbell from Royal Norwich coming in as Runner Up with another significant score of 40 points.

In addition to the competition, the victories and achievement throughout the year are recognised, and awards presented. Amber Ratcliffe, Junior Captain in 2012, achieved great success with her performances on the national front, earning her place in the England junior and full squad during the year, as well as retaining her title as Norfolk Ladies County Champion, and Norfolk Junior Champion. Amber was awarded the Junior Order of Merit for 2012, with a total of 1343 points. Amelia Williamson from Royal Cromer was Runner Up with 893 points Amy Taylor from Bawburgh was the winner of the Norfolk Order of Merit, for competitions played in the County. Amy, along with Amelia Williamson and Chloe Rowswell (Eaton) has been selected for England Birdie‚ squad training in 2013, with Chloe also winning the title of Abraham Regional Champion. Carol Delf, Junior Organiser said “ I am delighted and tremendously proud of all the girls’ achievements this year. We have a young squad of players who are beginning to develop their skills, and rising to the challenges that are set for them. Our grass roots squad has worked hard this year too, and some of the girls have now obtained their full handicap during the year - a good sign for the future, but I would also like to thank all those adults in the background who give their time and efforts into supporting the youngsters’ success, it would not be possible without them”.

Nickie Clarke, County President, presented the awards and prizes, and congratulated Carol on her work during the year. Amber Ratcliffe closed the day by presenting Juliet Fenton (Kings Lynn) with her badge of office as Junior County Captain for 2013.

Results: Autumn Shield Competition 1st Megan Mann (Eaton) 45 pts 2nd Jasmine Campbell (Royal Norwich) 40 pts 3rd Juliet Fenton (Kings Lynn) 37 pts ocb 4th Abigail O‚Riordan (Thetford) 37 pts 9 Hole Greensomes 1st Charlotte Chisholm & Heather Clements (Dereham) 22 pts ocb 2nd Rebekka Vansittart & Kevin Bloomfield (R’mond Park) 22 pts 3rd Imogen Leeder & Jill Trudgill (Dereham) 21 pts 4th Hannah Whinnet & Sam Martin (Royal Norwich) 20 pts Brancaster Shield (Junior Order of Merit) 1st Amber Ratcliffe (Royal Cromer) 1343 pts 2nd Amelia Williamson (Royal Cromer) 893 pts Norfolk Shield (Junior Order of Merit ˆNorfolk) 1st Amy Taylor (Bawburgh) 411 pts 2nd Jasmine Campbell (Royal Norwich) 375 pts

Junior Girls - Young Cup

The Young Cup was presented to Norfolk Junior girls by Karen Young -a past Lady Captain. The competition is a matchplay knockout for a junior girl and lady partner and runs over the summer months. This year’s entry saw twenty keen and enthusiastic pairs vying to become the winners in the Centenary year.

The final took place at Eaton golf club and was between Sam Martin & Jasmine Campbell of Royal Norwich and Tracey & Amelia Williamson, the strong mother and daughter pair from Royal Cromer.

Sam & Jasmine (right) emerged as the winners on the day, having played a strong game together.

Gillieson Trophy

The Gillieson Trophy is one of the Association’s prestigious competitions, keenly fought for each year by

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Gillieson Final

a team of 6 players from each Club, in a matchplay knockout format. This years final was played at Great Yarmouth & Caister between Dunston Hall and Bawburgh, on a very dismal day with high winds from the coast challenging the players.

4 by the 12th. On the 13th, after finding their ball in very deep rough, Sammy & Rebecca decided that it would be better to take 3 off the tee. Barnham Broom bogeyed the hole but still managed to win it, to go back to 5 up.

The par 3 16th proved to be the winning hole. Jo & Rebecca teed off, Rebecca was at the back of the green and Jo was on the green. Sammy chipped on and Alex putted up. Rebecca putting for the par, missed, but Jo putted in for the par and the match. Alex Cowie & Jo Ashmore of Barnham Broom beat Sammy Martin & Rebecca Heeles of Royal Norwich 6/4.

Carrick Cup

The final of the Carrick Cup was played at Hunstanton Golf Club between Barnham Broom’s Jo Ashmore & Alex Cowie and the Royal Norwich pair of Sam Martin & Rebecca Heeles. The Cup was originally presented to Norfolk Ladies County Golf Association by Peggy Carrick, a former stalwart of the Association back in its early days, and who still retains a keen interest.

It was definitely Barnham Broom's day! They took a very early lead and at the turn they were 5 up, despite Winners, Alex Cowie (Barnham Broom), Nickie Clarke the very windy conditions. They then won the 10th to go (County President) Jo Ashmore (Barnham Broom) 6up. Royal Norwich managed to bring the game back to

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45

Myhill Trophy & Cullington Cup Finals 2012

by Mike Devlin

The Finals for the County Knock-Outs (Myhill Trophy and The Cullington Cup) were held at Royal Norwich Golf Club.

The Myhill Trophy & Cullington Cup inter-club knock-outs were finally bought to a close for 2012 on a bright and blustery day at Royal Norwich. All matches were played in the very best spirit of the game with the final outcomes always in doubt.

Myhill Trophy Winners, Dunston Hall The Myhill Trophy finalists were Dunston Hall and Caldecott Hall with the morning matches unable to separate the teams and they finished all square at 7 holes each. The afternoon matches also were a close run thing but Dunston Hall eventually prevailed 6 and 1/2 to a half. This gave Dunston Hall the title by 6 Holes.

The Cullington Cup was contested between Costessey Park and Barnham Broom. Barnham Broom were quickly out of the blocks establishing a lead of 11 holes by close of the morning matches.

The afternoon started brightly for Costessey Park pulling back seemingly in every match but by the later stages of the day Barnham Broom did manage to put a brake on Costessey Park's progress. The afternoon matches finished 3 holes to 2 in favour of Costessey Park. Unfortunately not enough so Barnham Broom finally took the title by 10 holes overall.

Roger Trower Armada Dish

Cullington Cup Winners, Barnham Broom

The final County event of the year was held at a blustery Hunstanton.

The course was, as ever, in magnificent condition and the golf was no less spectacular.

Scoring was better ball stableford with teams of four playing in pairs. The aggregate of the scores of each pair to count.

Eighteen teams competed. It was a rainy start with a brisk wind but as the matches got underway the rain eased and all settled in for a good days golf.

Hunstanton came in second with a creditable 75 whilst Middleton Hall came in as the Champions with a resounding 77, John Burton & Luke Stannard carding a 38 and Chris Bamfield and Barry Fox returning a 39.

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Picture of the winning team Captain John Burton receiving the Armada Dish from County President Frank Myers. (Chris Bamfeld, Barry Fox, John Burton, Frank Myers, Luke Stannard).

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