Suffolk & Norfolk Golfer Jul/Aug 2013

SUFFOLK & NORFOLK R E F L GO JULY/AUGUST 2013

www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

The All New IS has arrived at Lexus Ipswich

NEWTON’S ELLIE ALDOUS MAKES SUFFOLK DEBUT

Newton Green’s Ellie Aldous became the first club member in living memory to represent Suffolk at inter county tournament level, when she made her debut in the Eastern Region County Week.

She came through with flying colours, winning one of her two singles matches to put a marker down for regular selection in the not too distant future.

The five-day tournament was held at The Bedfordshire course, with Suffolk competing with Essex, Norfolk, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hunts.

Ellie, 15, had originally been named as non travelling reserve, but was called into the squad for the final three days. However, she sat out her first day, being given extra time to recover from a weekend football ankle injury (she plays in goal for Suffolk Under 16 girls).

She was then selected for the singles to play against Herts, who inflicted a 7.5 to 1.5 margin defeat on Suffolk, with Ellie losing at four holes down with three to play against Lucinda Milcham.

However, she turned the tables the next day, ensuring a similar margin win over Bethoney Healey, as Suffolk bt Bedfordshire 6-3.

Like Ellie, Newton’s other England Girls’ training squad member, Alice Barlow, had been named to travel with Suffolk, but school exams forced her to pull out and miss the chance of a Suffolk debut.

Stowmarket Golf Club

Lower Road, Onehouse, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 3DA Tel: 01449 736473 (Office) 01449 736392 (Pro Shop)

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Purdis Heath remains the connoisseurs' choice in Suffolk Ipswich Golf Club welcomed its 66th Category One golfer to membership in June

SUMMER OFFER 4 Ball Green Fee ÂŁ110 IGC STROKEPLAY CHAMPION

From 2.00pm Monday to Thursday (subject to prior booking)

It took a play off to decide this year's Strokeplay Championship at Ipswich Golf Club. Victorious was 17 year old 2 handicapper, Paul Waring, who defeated Joshua Cottrell, who plays off +1.

Their total 2 round scores of 141 over the par 71 Purdis Heath Course had beaten off the challenge of 40 other category one players.

Paul also shot the best net score of 137.

Paul Waring receives the Strokeplay Championship Cup (gross) and the J. Ross Mashie (net) from Club Captain, Chris Lee

Contact the General Manager for membership enquiries and visitor bookings on 01473 728941 or email: neill@ipswichgolfclub.com

www.ipswichgolfclub.com

The official Launch of the JB Amateur Tour

The official Launch of the JB Amateur Tour will take place on 19th of August at Ipswich Golf Club with golfing stars such as Ross McFarlane, Scott Drummond, 2004 BMW winner, Holly Clyburn, Dutch Open winner on ladies European Tour, DJ Spoony, self confessed Golf addict, Charlie Douglass from Ladies European tour, and several more pro and celebrities attending.

Ross McFarlane says "Purdis Heath is one of the UK's hidden gems with a layout that would grace many better known courses, I love playing there"

DJ Spoony says "Purdis is a course I always try and play when I am near its the Sunningdale of East Anglia with amazing greens and a challenge to all levels of golfer"

The first Tour event will be at Ipswich Golf Club on 28th April 2014. This will be the first of 6 events which will lead to the top players on the Order of Merit qualifying to play in the Jude Brady Cup at Archerfield. This is a Ryder Cup Style event where the amateur team will take on a select Pro Team for a ÂŁ10,000.00 donation to their chosen good cause.

NEW CHAIRMAN FOR GOLF PARTNERSHIP A former newspaper editor has been elected new chairman of the Suffolk Golf Partnership.

Crawford Gillan (pictured) has taken over from Colin Firmin who held the voluntary post since the partnership was established four years ago – to encourage more people to take up the sport, enabling them to enjoy the health, fitness and social benefits of playing golf.

England Golf has pledged £153,000 to support the Suffolk partnership over the next four years as part of its £13million national investment in the sport.

Crawford, a member of Ipswich Golf Club, has recently retired from editing a series of community magazines. Previously, he edited the Evening Star in Ipswich and the Essex County Standard in Colchester.

He also worked for The Guardian and the Daily Express and was manager of the Suffolk ProHelp group (Business in the Community), an associate lecturer at the Open University Business School and updated a book on the use of English in the media.

He said: “Golf is a wonderful game but, unfortunately, it has sometimes suffered from seeming to be rather inaccessible to some people, for a variety of reasons. Part of my new role will be to help remove such barriers – real or imagined – and to persuade people to try golf and to discover what a really great game it can be, whether you are aged eight or 80!

“The partnership’s stated aim is to introduce more people to golf, regardless of age, gender and background. What is perhaps not widely known is that golf is one of the top five sports for people with a limiting disability and the partnership is committed to ensuring that its programmes are inclusive and provide opportunities for everyone.”

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THEY’VE DONE IT! THE ALLIE FACTOR IN FINAL Schoolgirl golfing hot shots Alice Barlow and Ellie Aldous have sensationally rocketed Newton Green into the final of the Suffolk Ladies’ Haskell Trophy.

The England junior training squad duo have taken on and beaten yet another pair of Suffolk’s top women.

Newton is now into the final for the first time, and face either Aldeburgh or Hintlesham on August 18 on neutral ground.

Alice and Ellie – the “Allie Factor” – proved in the semi-final that their earlier victories, including beating Haskell holders Felixstowe in the quarter finals, were no one-day wonders. Taking advantage of the third home tie on the trot, the pair held their nerve to the very last hole of the scratch foursomes contest, edging out Ipswich Ladies’ Vicky Inglis and Sarah Saggers, who play off one and four.

Both are experienced county players, but Alice, aged 14, and Ellie, 15, with handicaps of five and six, won one-up – just escaping the need to go down extra holes to decide the tie.

In the morning round the Newton girls raced into a four-hole lead after 14 holes, but they lost the next three to go into lunch one up.

It seemed the more experienced Ipswich pair was getting the measure of the home youngsters, taking the lead on the 27th hole, but three holes later Newton had returned to one up, with four to play.

The next two holes were halved, and the home duo nearly settled it on the 35th (17th hole), but the putt of Aldous shaved the hole to extend the match to the par three 18th - with Ipswich needing a win to force extra holes.

Inglis, however, who had holed out convincingly all day, missed her short putt. A half in four was good enough to give Newton their passage into the final.

Ellie Aldous finished eighth in the English Schools Girls' Under 16 golf championship held in Lancashire at Bolton Old Links.

The Newton Green junior, who attends King Edward School, Bury St Edmunds, was fourth after the morning round but, like many of the competitors, found conditions difficult, shooting a gross 90 after a respectable seven over par 80 in the morning.

With a handicap of six, she was in contention for a first three spot when the afternoon started, but faded, finishing on 170. Scratch handicap player Eloise Healey, of West Lancashire Golf Club, left the field in her wake, with a winning total of 151, five over par.

Amelia Williamson, of Royal Cromer, with 151, finished fourth,11 over par.

Royal Worlington & Newmarket Golf Club Founded 1893

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.

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7

by

KELVIN VINCE

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

In our most recent session Stuart and I focussed on getting the best results out of the different clubs. Often this can be neglected in golf coaching, where the quest to find a technically correct and effective swing, can lead to lots of shots being hit in a row with the same club. Step onto the golf course and we rarely use the same club twice in succession, so it is essential that we understand what is required to hit great shots with the shorter and longer irons, as well as driving with the woods.

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In my opinion the simplest way to achieve this is by altering the ball position in relation to your feet. In picture 1 Stuart is set up perfectly to play a short iron shot with his hands ahead of the ball and the ball centrally placed between his two feet. This gives him a good opportunity to hit the ball with a descending blow, which is vital for creating both strike and spin. From a swing perspective, due to the shorter length of the club and the subsequent extra forward tilt in the spine at address, the club should Pic travel in a steeper, more vertical direction

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.

around the body. This also assists the downward strike on the ball and should get the best out of the short irons.

As we move into a longer iron, we are still looking for a downward strike on the ball but just less pronounced. For this reason the ball position is now moved slightly further forwards.

Stuart demonstrates this in picture 2. Because the club shaft is longer we are able to stand a little taller and this should lead to a slightly more rounded direction of swing. It is always worth remembering though, that any golf shot hit without a tee peg will require the club to make some sort of contact with the ground otherwise the correct strike cannot be attained.

Pic

2

Pic

3

Finally we move up to the driver, which due to the clubs limited loft and long shaft is the most difficult to play.

With the ball teed up, this gives us the opportunity to hit the ball with a more sweeping action. To encourage this we aim to play the ball from opposite the inside of the left heel, which Stuart demonstrates in picture 3.

Couple this with a more upright spine angle, created by using a longer club shaft, and we should produce a more rounded shape of swing, ideal for great driving. It was always thought that every top player hit significantly up on the ball with the driver but in recent years data collected from ball and swing analysers, such as Flightscope and Trackman, have told us that this is not quite the case. Some tour players actually hit down on the ball with a driver, although this does cost them distance. Significantly Rory McIlroy hits up on the driver by 6 degrees, one of the most 'upward hitters' on tour, and he is also one of the longest hitters.

Importantly for us, Stuart got some good results on the practice ground putting these set up changes into action, especially hitting some great drivers. It will be interesting to hear how he gets on in his next round of golf.

throughout the day, Haverhill Junior Ollie Stevenson & Peter McLennan were selected for the play off against Fynn Valley’s Dominic Etheridge & Andy Dobrucki .

The Haverhill pair managed to hold their nerve to win the first extra hole with a bogey, as the visitors struggled under the pressure when one of them mis-struck their approach shot to the green.

Haverhill is now through to the semi finals against Ipswich Golf Club (Purdis Heath) on Sunday 18th August.

£99

Tolly Team and their caddies

Haverhill’s Tolly Team was drawn against Fynn Valley at home in the quarter finals of this County event. The hosts got off to a great start in the morning matches and were lying 5 up at lunch time.

The results of the morning matches were (Haverhill players first): Andy Gage & Mark Barrett were 3 down against Dominic Etheridge & Andy Dobrucki, Kim Ward & Derek Thomas were 5 up against Andy Southall & Dave Hornsby, Ollie Stevenson & Pete McLennan were 4 up against Kim Double & Gary Hignett, Scott Turner & Dave Mayers were 1 down against Steve Byford & Dave Murray.

In the afternoon the visitors fought back and the first pair brought the match back to all square. Fynn Valley continued their surge forward to be 3 up, however Haverhill’s last pairing of Scott Turner and Dave Mayers managed to dig deep to win both the 17th and 18th in order to get the match overall back to all square and force a play off.

The afternoon results were: Terms and conditions apply Andy Gage & Mark Barrett lost 5 down against Dominic Etheridge & Andy Dobrucki, Kim Ward & Derek Thomas MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE IN ALL CATEGORIES lost 3 down against Andy Southall & Dave Hornsby.

SOCIETIES WELCOME SO DON'T DELAY BOOK TODAY! Ollie Stevenson & Pete McLennan won 3 up against Kim Double & Gary Hignett, Scott Turner & Dave Mayers finished all square against Steve Byford & Dave Murray.

Team Captain Andy Fish commented that following their excellent play in the matches

TRIAL 3 MONTH MEMBERSHIP

Suffolk Golf Union

WELCOME FROM Ron Kent, President of the Suffolk Golf Union

It’s 21st July and another copy date is just 24 hours away. It will mark the 14th anniversary of the first issue of Suffolk Golfer as it was at the outset, before Norfolk asked to join in, a request we accommodated with pleasure, coming as it did from our neighbours and good friends across the county boundary.

Being somewhat out on a limb here in East Anglia, “we Southern folk” have always had the best of relationships with the “Northern folk”, involving many enjoyable matches and no small amount of badinage after and long may it continue. ****** Greenkeepers, those long-suffering guardians of any club’s most important asset, are often unfairly criticised for their efforts and once again they must be on their guard for more unreasonable comment as they battle with the recent shortage of rain.

Watering tees and greens needs to be carried out with considerable thought and great care, whilst clubs lucky enough to have fairway watering cannot use it without careful consideration of the cost.

For those of you who play the game (my clubs are still somewhere in the garage, undisturbed since last October!) infuriating bounces and some pretty wild rough (see Muirfield 2013) can shorten fuses as you also contend with some unusually high temperatures. But it would be unfair to “shoot the messenger”.

As Tony Jacklin, Open Champion in 1969, advised this year’s players in the Open, you must be patient and that is what must be shown by us ordinary mortals to our-hard pressed green staff.

All we need to ensure we get some heavy rain is for a hose-pipe ban to be declared so that, as last year, it will without doubt signal the start of daily deluges in true St Swithens style.

In the meantime,

Enjoy the barbecues (they were a long time coming) and above all ...

... Enjoy your golf!

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

Suffolk Golf Union Current Officers and Members of the Executive Committee

President: Ron Kent (Hintlesham) Tel: 01284 705765; Vice President: Phil Platten (Woodbridge) Tele: 01394 461246; Honorary Secretary: Charlie Wilderspin (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 588028 Treasurer: Geoff Henney (Woodbridge) Tel: 01728 685525 Executive Committee: Ray Baines (Felixstowe Ferry) Tel: 01394 276076; Bill Darling (Stowmarket) Tel: 01449 615854; Colin Firmin (Ipswich) Tel: 01206 298742; Phil Platten (Woodbridge) Tel: 01394 461246; Tony Tyrrell (Fynn Valley) Tel: 01473 785463 Other positions: Chairman Suffolk Junior Golf: Mike Stevenson (Thorpeness) Tel: 01728 603521; 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: Mike Rees (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 568941; 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

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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.

LEXUS

NOTEBOOK

By Ron Kent

With the copy date just one day away, I delayed this article and watched the closing stages of the Open Golf Championship, hoping that Lee Westwood would confirm his overnight third day position and finish the competition in pole position.

Unfortunately it was not to be. Mind you, if Lee could not quite come through, I could not have been happier to see Phil Mickelson, a favourite golfer of mine and one of the great players on the current scene in my opinion, (as well as appearing to be a thoroughly nice bloke, kind to his caddie he’s used since becoming a pro and, Phil Mickelson refreshingly, a very happy family man), lift the famous claret jug.

In anticipation of a Westwood win, so sadly denied him, I had been reflecting these past few days on the effect of victory by a British player and, in particular (being deeply patriotic!), an English player winning any major sporting event in advancing the participation of the public in that particular sport as a consequence.

Whilst I enjoyed, without any such stimulus needed, an eclectic array of sporting activities in my youth, my first real awareness of what such success can bring was probably back in the 1980s when Steve Davis, known as the Ginger Magician, ignited an enthusiasm for snooker with his exploits on the green baize in overcoming the bizarre swivel-bespectacled Dennis Taylor, the often unsteady Hurricane Higgins and the lets-get-this-overwith Jimmy White among numerous others. His first 100 break when TV went coloured probably did the trick, making it easier for avid viewers to differentiate from a well-potted black and an in-off pink. Suddenly, the smoke-filled rooms above most of the Burtons The Tailors retail establishments, were no longer the preserve of the snooker hustlers and new snooker halls opened in big numbers, frequented by young and old, especially including many scooter-riding grandads, armed with snooker cues a la Sir Lancelot mode, exceeding the speed limit to get in the queue for a table on which to cue! As a passing thought, does any reader remember if Burtons was the original Fifty Shilling Tailors? There was such a chain, long since disappeared from the High Street imagine getting a suit for two pounds and fifty shillings now (for those who prefer the metric conversion see Google - converting avoirdupois to metric!?).

More recently, the success of cyclist Bradley Wilkins, sorry - Sir Bradley, at the Olympics and then as the first ever English winner of the Tour de France sent the sale

of bikes soaring, (with the consequent hazard for motorists), as well as, no doubt, sales of the earlier-craze Chris Boardman-style cycling helmets to go with them. I was acutely conscious of this trend on an early morning trek to Great Yarmouth (and Caister) for an Anglian League match when I negotiated (successfully I am relieved to report) cyclists at regular and numerous intervals, clad in the most distracting and fetching of costumes, bent low over their machines, presumably trying to catch up with the one in front. As a further passing thought, it was the knees which did for poor old Wiggo ( if I may be excused a lapse into the vernacular) and his regrettable retirement from the sport, something which many golfers, of no particular claim at all, have also experienced (see NHS Government website NHS/ statistics/knees/replacements/due to too much golf/average waiting time to endure misery so caused – but probably massaged figures and therefore wildly inaccurate statistics!).

Of course, the latest victory of Andy Murray, the first British Men’s Singles tennis winner at Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936, is sure to see an increase in shorts-clad (in the case of the seniors amongst us mostly ill-fitting) hopefuls smashing the yellow spheres with their newlyacquired highly-strung and expensive racquets at each other in the hope of becoming the next British hero. Age immaterial. Whether it will be too evident here, Andy being a Scot, remains to be seen.

But the evidence is endless. Judging by the number of males and females now trudging past my front door as I get the early-morning milk off the doorstep (essential early to thwart marauding blackbirds after the cream and, yes, we are the only household in East Anglia still getting our milk delivered by our local Ernie) means that Mo Farrer’s exploits on the track have not gone unnoticed by those fit enough to try and emulate his amazing lung capacity.

But, as usual, I digress. Quite what sort of boost a victory for Lee Westwood would have done for golf club membership we shall, sadly, never know. The statistics, which government of all colours and their quangos massage to obscure the real truth of the matter, would make them meaningless anyway.

There is no doubt, there are not too many golf clubs around who would not welcome another fifty or so members right now and we must applaud Lee Westwood (and Phil Mickelson too) for a superb display in the Open Championship which, despite England’s Lee just missing out, will hopefully bring in at least another 20 to 25 or so?

Magic!

Stop Press - England beat Australia in the Lords Test – now where did I put that old scooter and even older cricket bat of mine?

11

Suffolk Matchplay Championship

12

By

Tony Garnett

Chris Bartrum of Diss provided an amazing run of successive birdies between the 13th and 15th holes to turn a one-hole deficit into a two hole advantage in a brilliantly contested final of the President’s Mashie, the Suffolk Golf Union match play final, staged at Haverhill.

Chris Vince from the host club, who beat Bartrum in last year’s final at Halesworth, had no answer as Bartrum produced a succession of astonishing shots.

It was level at the turn with both players under par. When Bartrum landed his approach shot into the River Stour to go one down at the 11th Vince was favourite to retain his trophy. Two holes later the drama began.

At the 13th Bartrum’s tee shot landed in the middle of the 14th fairway. From there he cleared high trees to land the ball on the green and sink a 20-foot birdie putt. Vince found a greenside bunker and the match was once again hanging in the balance.

On the 14th Bartrum’s tee shot looked potentially disastrous way out to the left. He was fortunate to find clear ground although a long way from the green with another row of trees to clear. His approach left him on the fairway 25 yards short of the pin.

In the meantime Vince was in the row of trees but in ground under repair. Using the rules to his advantage he ended with a clear view of the green and put his second shot on the right hand fringe. Bartrum then chipped in for birdie to go one up.

On the 15th both players were just off the green in two with the balls lying side by side. Bartrum once again chipped in for birdie to go two up with three to play. It was all over on the par-three 16th after Vince found a bunker.

The first nine saw Vince miss two early birdie opportunities before both players birdied the third.

Bartrum took the lead with a birdie at the fourth only to hand back the advantage with a poor approach into a bunker at the following hole. Generally it needed a birdie to win a hole with Vince going ahead with a 16-foot putt at the eighth and Bartrum drawing level with a birdie at the ninth although a par would, as it turned out, have been good enough.

The semi-finals saw Bartrum trailing by two holes after five against 16-year-old Jasper Johnson of Woodbridge.

On the ninth Johnson’s low tee shot hit a slender silver birch on the left. The ball rebounded back some 40 yards and Johnson’s confidence seemed to drain away as Bartrum took a firm grip on the match.

The tussle between Vince and Nathan Overton of Woodbridge went to the last green. Overton was finding more than his share of bunkers but brought off a succession of splendid sand saves. On the 15th Overton had a three-foot putt to go level and test Vince’s nerve under pressure. The ball lipped out. It was a match of good quality between two Suffolk first team players. On

Finalists Chris Vince and Chris Bartrum (right) with the President

the fourth hole an eagle by Vince beat a birdie by Overton.

On the opening day, when there was a delay for a thunderstorm in the afternoon, there were several surprise results with the scalps of several established county first team players being claimed.

Bartrum had a 5 and 4 victory over Ben Wallis of Rookery Park which must have charged his batteries for the rest of the weekend. He followed up with a win at the 19th hole over 15-year old Lewis Whiting of Haverhill who has made a tremendous impact with his cool demeanour and considerable talent. Bartrum needed a birdie to clinch that victory to propel him into the last four.

Alastair Hall of Halesworth beat Luke Thompson of Rookery Park, losing finalist in 2011, by a 2 and 1 margin.

Hall then went out to 16-year-old Johnson who seems hard to beat once he establishes an advantage.

Josh Cottrell of Ipswich, another Suffolk first team regular, was slightly out of sorts. He edged past Guy Mummery of Rookery Park at the first extra hole but then found Overton in determined mood.

Chris Soanes battled back to beat Paul Waring of Felixstowe Ferry after being three down. Then he met Vince who had beaten him in last year’s semi-final at Halesworth. It was 3 and 1 on that occasion and 2 and 1 on Saturday.

At the presentation Bartrum said he had never played on better greens. The Haverhill course was immaculate.

First round: Lewis Whiting (Haverhill) beat George Copsey (Felixstowe Ferry) 5 and 4, Chris Bartrum (Diss) beat Ben Wallis (Rookery Park) 5 and 4, Jasper Johnson (Woodbridge) beat James Biggs (Diss) 6 and 4, Alastair Hall (Halesworth) beat Luke Thompson (Rookery Park) 2 and 1; Josh Cottrell (Ipswich) beat Guy Mummery (Rookery Park) at 19th, Nathan Overton (Woodbridge) beat Dean Fairweather (Bury St Edmunds) 2 and 1, Chris Soanes (Rookery Park) beat Paul Waring (Felixstowe Ferry) one up, Chris Vince (Haverhill) beat Josh Robertson (Ufford Park) 2 and 1. Quarter-finals: Bartrum beat Whiting at 19th, Johnson beat Hall 2 and 1, Overton beat Cottrell 3 and 1, Vince beat Soanes 2 and 1. Semi-finals: Bartrum beat Johnson 4 and 3, Vince beat Overton one up. Final: Bartrum beat Vince 3 and 2.

1st and 2nd Team News

Still, on a dry, links type of track, Mike Rees would, as they say in football parlance, have taken some positives from the performance.

The teams finish their programmes with a tough match for both teams against Northamptonshire on 4th August at Halesworth (first team) and Cold Ashby Suffolk continued their Anglian League programme (second team) and what on paper looks a slightly with matches against Cambridgeshire, the first team easier match against Leicestershire and Rutland on travelling to Bourn, the second team at Rushmere.

1st September, the firsts at Birstall and the seconds at At Bourn, our morning foursomes results augured Fynn Valley. quite well, going into lunch 11/2 to 21/2. Chris Vince After three games, Northamptonshire firsts are second and Chris Bartrum won their match 4 and 3 and Chris and the seconds top of their league whilst Soanes and Guy Mummery halved their game.

Leicestershire firsts are bottom of the table without a Unfortunately, we struggled for points in the afternoon win so far and the seconds are joint fourth. Both singles, only Chris Soanes producing a win and Suffolk teams are in joint fourth place.

Alastair Hall gaining a half. The end result, 3-9, was On 13th July, the team travelled to South Beds Golf a great disappointment to the team after the morning Club, near Luton, for the 6-man South East Group session.

Qualifier, an event which we were fortunate (and At Rushmere, the second team also took lunch good) enough to win last year, resulting in our firstfollowing a 11/2/21/2 reverse in the morning foursomes. ever appearance in the English County Finals at Beau Jasper Johnson and Paul Waring won their game and Desert where we performed with great credit.

Lewis Staff and Matt Mann halved theirs.

This time, on a blistering hot The first five singles in the afternoon day and with all six scores decided the match in favour of having to count, we were Cambridgeshire, only James Biggs unfortunately disqualified due managing a half. The final three games to a score-card error in one went in Suffolk’s favour, victories by of the morning rounds. The Robert Salter, Jasper Johnson and Dean whole team was distraught Fairweather giving a respectable 5/7 but battled through the look to the score but, unfortunately, afternoon heat although, to proving too little too late. be fair, our performances in The next series of matches took place the matches which did count against Norfolk on 7th July, the first team fell short of what would have travelling to Great Yarmouth and Caister been needed to repeat last and the second team at home at year’s amazing feat.

Stowmarket. Three late call-offs from the first team meant Team Captain Mike Geraint Amos with clubmates Rees having to rush round at the last Kevin Woods (left) and John minute to find replacements, eventually Maddock (right) calling up Calvin Sherwood and James Biggs for their first team debuts and securing the services on Saturday evening Outney Common, Bungay, Suffolk NR35 1DS of long-serving County player Founded 1889 • Course Designed by James Braid (but a long time ago!) Geraint Amos.

Not for the first time, we were at a disadvantage after the morning foursomes, coming in 1/3 down, the two Chris’s After 3pm Mon-Fri Bartrum and Vince proving our only winners. We actually won the singles 41/2/31/2 with victories coming from Chris Soanes, Chris Bartrum, Chris Vince and Alastair Hall. Nathan Overton weighed in with a Tel: (01986) 892337 half but again it was too little too late and the cause was www.club-noticeboard.co.uk/bungay lost narrowly by 51/2/61/2.

Suffolk men continue their programmes

Bungay & Waveney Valley Golf Club

TWIGHLIGHT GOLF

18 Holes only

£20.00

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Suffolk Seniors press on

BY RON KENT

Our seniors travelled to Bourn Golf Club, Cambridge for their 2nd Anglian League match of the season. The team was determined to avenge the narrow home defeat inflicted by Cambridgeshire last year and did just that with an emphatic away victory by eight and a half matches to three and a half. The firm fairways and greens coupled with a strong wind made the Bourn course a tricky prospect, particularly as only one of the Suffolk side had played the course before.

Suffolk hosted the Southern Counties Seniors Foursomes Qualifier at Ipswich Golf Club. The course was in excellent condition and provided the players with a good test throughout the day. The host County were joined by Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk with the winners progressing to the Southern Counties Seniors Final, which this year is to be held at Shanklin and Sandown in late September.

Match details (Suffolk names first) Steven Whymark beat Neil Hughes 4 & 3, Roger Taylor lost to Gerald O'Keane 1 down, Richard Barton beat Chris Brown 7 & 6, Andy Whittaker beat Hamish Fleming 4 & 3, Andy Ball beat John Durman 4 & 3, Geoff Henney halved with Doug Poole, Chris Whyatt lost to Chris Drake 2 down, Jon Marks beat Martin Ibbitt 6 & 4, Adrian Callaby lost to Neil Cook 2 & 1, Andrew Mangeot beat Mick Arthur 5 & 4, Ken McCredie beat Bob Chamberlain 7 & 5 and Chris Ginn beat Dickie New 4 & 3

The morning round saw Suffolk take 4 points from a possible 5 with wins for Richard Barton and Steven Whymark, Andy Whittaker and Adrian Callaby, Roger Taylor and Geoff Henney and Nick Owles and Chris Whyatt, Jon Marks and Chris Ginn going down 4 & 2 to the strong Cambridge pairing of Hughes and Hardisty.

Richard Barton halved with Robin Horseman, Andy Whittaker beat Ray Pauley 3 & 2, Andy Ball lost to Stuart Graves 3 & 2, Geoff Henney beat John Rhea 4 & 3, Peter Wood beat Rod Bell 7 & 5, Chris Ginn beat Peter Retcliffe 3 & 2, Jon Marks beat Wayne Wallace 2 & 1, Nick Owles beat Graham Hunter 5 & 4, George Irvine lost to Les Brumpton 2 & 1, Brian Smy beat James Wiggins 5 & 3

And finally, Suffolk knew they would face a severe test when they travelled to Peterborough, Milton for their final league match against the current title holders, Northamptonshire.This certainly proved to be the case on a scorching hot summer day and on a fast running course, in superb condition, Northamptonshire made the

This was a solid all round performance away from home with some comfortable wins and the three losses being by narrow margins. Suffolk had now won both of their opening league matches and were looking forward to taking on Lincolnshire at Ufford Park.

The President with the successful Suffolk team

Bedfordshire were the lunchtime leaders taking 4.5 from 5 in the morning matches.

Next up was the visit of Lincolnshire for the third league match of the season at Ufford Park Golf Club. The The afternoon draw pitted Suffolk against Bedfordshire Ufford course, which has benefited from the recent wet in all five matches and a win by 3 to 2, or better, would weather, provided a stiff test. see Suffolk qualify for the Finals. In the event all five Suffolk pairings won their respective matches with An extremely good team performance saw Suffolk Suffolk finishing on 9 points followed by achieve a victory by 91/2 to 21/2. A number of Suffolk Cambridgeshire on 5, Bedfordshire 4.5 and Norfolk 1.5. players managed to produce results from matches that were extremely tight after the first 9 holes, with The Suffolk team, ably captained by John Cullum, can comfortable wins by Peter Wood, Nick Owles and Brian now look forward to a trip to Shanklin and Sandown on Smy. the Isle of Wight in late September for the Final, an event in which Suffolk finished as runners-up at Individual Results- (Suffolk names first), Steven Whymark beat Sherborne last year.

Tim Seaton 3 & 2, Roger Taylor beat Alan Anderson 1 up,

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most of home advantage emerging as winners by 8.5 to 3.5.

There were wins for Roger Taylor, Peter Wood and Andy Whittaker, the current Seniors Champion, who has now won all four of his league Andy Whittaker stays unbeaten matches in his debut season as a senior. Andy Ball halved his game.

Suffolk have now completed all of their league matches winning three and losing one. Northamptonshire have won their first three matches and will travel to Lincolnshire in September for a match which will decide the 2013 title. Should Lincolnshire win, the title will be decided on holes won over the season which will place Suffolk in an extremely strong position.

Results as follows: Steven Whymark lost to Richard Cole 2& 1, Roger Taylor beat Gary Cardy 2 & 1, Richard Barton lost to Andrew Mcdonald 2 down, Andy Whittaker beat Alan Linney 2 & 1, Andy Ball halved with Howard May, Nick Owles lost to Ted Dunn 5 & 4, Chris Ginn lost to David Dare 4 & 3, Ricky Ling lost to Brian O'Connell 4 & 3, Peter Wood beat Rodney Haig 2 up, Jon Marks lost to Martin Harris 2 & 1, Brian Smy lost to Peter Waters 3 & 2 and Tom Collett lost to Jim Weston 2 & 1.

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The Seniors play a three-cornered match against Norfolk and Cambridgeshire at Halesworth on 12th August.

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Suffolk Golf Union Junior Committee 2013

Chairman - Mike Stevenson Tel: 01728 603521 Mobile: 07778 576008 E-mail: mikeandmarystevenson@live.co.uk

Secretary - Charles Wilderspin 10A Chestnut Avenue, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, NR32 3JA Tel: 01502 588028 Mobile: 07921 102826 E-mail: charles.wilderspin632@btinternet.com

Managers: Under 18s - Trevor Mason Fells Cottage, 72 Ferry Road, Felixstowe, IP11 9LU Tel: 01394 274331 E-mail: trevor@mason72.fslife.co.uk Under 16s - Tony Watkins 43 Bull Road, Foxgrove Gardens, Ipswich IP3 8GN Tel: 01473 713748 Mobile 07710 763091 E-mail: tonywatkins01@hotmail.co.uk

Under 16s - Ian Woodhead 29 Spire Close, Sudbury CO10 0PZ Tel: 01787 378733 Mobile: 07818 403020 E-mail: i.woodhead@virgin.net

Under 14s - John Morcombe The Old Chapel, Calder Road, Melton IP12 1TP Tel: 01394 386515 Mobile: 07899 791028 E-mail: jdmorco@msm.com Head Coach - Keith Preston Aldeburgh Golf Club, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5PE Tel: 01728 453309 E-mail: preston901@btinternet.com

Kelvin Vince

County Child Protection Officer - Stuart McCallum Tel: 01473 782780

PGA Professional Rushmere Golf Club

Expert Tuition for Golfers of all abilities and ages.

All requirements catered for from individual lessons, video analysis, group coaching through to on-course sessions.

IDEAL GIFT VOUCHER for A couple of starter/taster lessons or refresh lessons

For further information please contact on 01473 728076 or by email at kelvinvince@hotmail.co.uk

15

Around the Counties (and some way beyond) by Ron Kent

From Suffolk

Ron, along with Past Ladies’ Captain Rani Pearson, also reports making a joint presentation to Mrs Janet Oliver of the Motor Neurone Disease Suffolk Fund Raising Group of a cheque for £7921.65. Ron Woodham said that the amount raised was exceptionally high this year as a result of a very successful club 50th site anniversary celebration. He expressed thanks to members and guests for their kind generosity throughout the year. The funds will be used to provide much needed support and equipment to assist sufferers and their families in Suffolk.

Ron Woodham, last year’s Captain and Chairman, and a regular contributor for Stowmarket Golf Club reports that the Club has recently set up a special membership arrangement with Wattisham Airbase to enable their personnel to use the Club’s course and facilities when not on tour duties. Stowmarket held a Press Day to elaborate on this exciting arrangement From Felixstowe Ferry comes news that Brian and provide an update on the Club’s recent and Kemp, the club’s Vice planned investments (totalling over £250,000).

Captain, achieved his first ever 'hole in one' at Seckford Golf Club playing in the Parks Trophy match between the clubs. Brian's ace came on the 135yard 14th hole, using a seven iron. He was generous enough to buy drinks for both teams after the match, which was won by Felixstowe Rani Pearson (left) and Ron Woodham Ferry by one hole.

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Brian Kemp

From Norfolk

I received some news from Thetford Golf Club recently which I was asked to pass on by David Fossey, the new Press officer at the club. Ladies 2013 Captain’s Day was held and the overall winner of the Captain’s Prize was thirteen-year-old junior Abigail O’Riordan, sealing her 13th birthday with a magnificent 43 Stableford points! She finished a clear four ahead of second place Beryl King with 39 points. In third place, close on Beryl's heels, was Julie Arthur with 38 points

And finally, from China!!

Came the news that as part of an anti-corruption drive driven by President Xi Jinping, thousands of state employees must surrender all the VIP memberships gathered as a result of gifts. The benefits include subscriptions across a wide range of items including golf clubs. It is reported that the perks for golf club membership can be worth £250,000 each!

There appears to be panic among some of the reputed 641 golf clubs in China who fear that the President’s measure will be a great success and could deprive them of wealthy members and so ruin their businesses.

NEXT ISSUE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER Out 1st October

WINTER SPECIALS? TWILIGHT GOLF? Abigail with Ladies Captain Molly Izzard

David also reported that a record turnout of 168 golfers from around the region competed for prizes on Captain’s Charity Day at Thetford Golf Club on a scorching hot, beautiful summer’s day.

Club Captain Gary Goodchild stated that in addition to tremendous local business support, golfers and spectators were most generous, raising over £6000 for The Afghan Heroes/True Heroes’ Charity. The Charity deals specifically with members of the British forces and their families that have been affected by the military operations in Afghanistan now and into the future. Players from RAF Honington and The Light Dragoon Guards at Swanton Morley competed, all of whom have recently completed tours in Afghanistan.

The first team prize went to ‘Three Plus One’ from Lincolnshire, but the second and third team prizes were won by local teams; one put together by the Club Chairman, Chris White, and the other, most appropriately, went to a team consisting of players from RAF Honington who have only just returned from Afghanistan. To top the day, Bruno Howe got a ''hole in one'' on the 16th to earn him a special prize – and a hefty bar bill!

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Suffolk Matchplay Competitions Charlie Wilderspin, who carries the responsibility for our Matchplay Competitions, will no doubt have been pleased that round two of all five competitions were completed safely with no disruption caused by the weather, a relief shared by us all.

In the Hambro Cup, only one club defied the advantage of a home draw, Gorleston winning by 12 holes at Seckford and were rewarded with a home draw against Fynn Valley in round three, Fynn having got home narrowly against Aldeburgh.

Eleven hole victories were recorded by Brett Vale against Halesworth and Newton Green against Thorpeness. Waldringfield also recorded double figures over Haverhill whilst margins of seventeen saw Ufford Park beating Hintlesham and Woodbridge overcoming Rookery Park. Despite a brave effort, Flempton proved no match for the powerful Ipswich team, succumbing by 26 holes.

The third round matches were played out on a much cooler day than of late and all games resulted in victories for the home club by comfortable margins.

Ipswich must now be firm favourites to win the Cup after defeating a very good Newton Green squad by 10. Gorleston beat Fynn Valley by 15 holes, Woodbridge won the local derby against Waldringfield by 13 and Ufford Park triumphed over Brett Vale by 20.

In the semi-finals, Ipswich now meet Ufford Park and Gorleston take on Woodbridge, both matches on neutral courses on 18th August.

Ipswich also proved too strong in the Tolly Cobbold Cup, defeating Rookery Park by 27 holes. Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill were also in the twenties against Gorleston (by 24) and Bungay and Waveney Valley (by 25) respectively. Two away wins were recorded by Woodbridge (ten up at Flempton) and Fynn Valley (seven up at Halesworth). Rushmere, Newton Green and Waldringfield all progressed in to round 3.

The tensest match in round 3, was between Haverhill and Fynn Valley, Haverhill making home advantage count but not until the first extra play-off hole. Newton Green travelled to Waldringfield and returned home with victory by 8 holes. Ipswich just got the better of Woodbridge but only by 3 whilst Bury St Edmunds had a thumping victory by 20 holes at home to Rushmere.

In the semi-finals, Haverhill play Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds take on Newton Green, both matches to be played on neutral courses on 18th August.

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Contrary to what most golfers expect, the Stenson Shield, now regarded by many as Suffolk’s premier matchplay competition, produced four away wins.

Fynn Valley won at Waldringfield by 61/2 to 51/2, Newton Green sprang a huge surprise at Bury St Edmunds (91/2 to 21/2), Rushmere overcame a tricky draw at Diss (7-5) and Gorleston triumphed in their local derby by 71/2 to 41/2 at Rookery Park.

Newton Green progress to Tolly Cobbold final

At home, Felixstowe Ferry won the battle of the Titans beating Ipswich 8-4 and other home winners saw Hintlesham overcome Thorpeness ((9-3), The Suffolk triumph over Halesworth (61/2-51/2) and Southwold despatch Aldeburgh (8-4).

The highly popular Parks Trophy for senior golfers progressed to the semi-final stage with Stowmarket due to play Felixstowe Ferry at Diss on 12th August and Ufford Park to play Ipswich at Fynn Valley the following day. In round 3, Felixstowe Ferry and Ufford Park recorded away wins at Bungay and Southwold respectively whilst Stowmarket (against Hintlesham) and Ipswich (against Waldringfield) made their home draws count.

The Beaumont Trophy, for golfers with longer handicaps, also progressed to the semi-final stage with Thorpeness due to take on Seckford at Halesworth on 14th August and Bury St Edmunds set to play Halesworth at Stowmarket on 22nd of August.

Round 3 saw Seckford win a close encounter at Fynn Valley, the match going to the 2nd play off hole. Narrow wins were recorded by Halesworth (3 up against St Clements) and Bury St Edmunds (5 up against local rivals Stowmarket). Thorpeness would appear to have had a more comfortable passage into the semis, beating Waldringfield by 16.

Suffolk Junior News Paul Waring , aged 17, of Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club won the spring tournament of the English Deaf Golf Association with rounds of 76 and 77 at Wychwood Golf Club, Oxfordshire. As a result of this success Paul has been selected to represent England in the European Deaf Golf Open Championship to be held at Kytaja Golf Club, Finland in August.

Paul has a handicap of 2 and has represented Suffolk Boys at under

14, 16 and 18 level and has also played for the Suffolk Men's second team. He is a regular member of the Felixstowe Ferry Stenson Shield and Hambro Cup teams.

Harry Fricker lost to Jamie Bool and Kale Heath 2 & 1, Jude Everett and Jamiee Hurren lost to Warren Bates and Finley Haywood 3 & 1, Ben Uttridge and Tom Fowler beat Sonny Williams and James Lambert 2 & 1 and Alfie The England Golf South East Group Junior Team Halil and Harvey Watts beat Liam Cossey and Harry Qualifying Tournament was played at the Studley Wood Bradfield 5 & 3 Golf Club in Oxfordshire where heavy rain on the Singles Cuthbert lost to Cullington 4 & 3, Gayle lost to previous day and overnight had made conditions very wet Bool 4 & 3, Orris beat Bates 2 & 1, Fricker lost to underfoot with a lot of casual water on the course, but the Haywood 2 down, Everett lost to Heath 4 & 3, Hurren greens were in excellent condition. beat Lambert 8 & 6, Uttridge beat Cossey 3 & 2, Fowler To use a popular footballing clichĂŠ, the performance of beat Fuller 2 & 1, Halil lost to Williams 4 & 3 and Suffolk Boys was 'a game of two halves'. Five of the six Watts beat Bradfield 2 & 1. scores in each of the two rounds count towards the total for each county and in the morning Suffolk amassed a The skill tests for the younger age groups were carried total of 395 leaving them in 10th place of the 11 counties. out at Ufford Park Golf Club. There were 8 disciplines Only James Biggs with a level par 73 and Paul Waring including putting, chipping, driving, pitching and bunker with 76 played anywhere near their potential and the other play. 25 boys took part, split into 3 groups- Under 14 A & players were justifiably disappointed with their scores.

B squads and Under 12's.

There was a transformation in the afternoon when they The A squad produced a tie between Ben Uttridge and posted a combined score of 381 - 14 shots better than the Jamie Hurren on 102 with Uttridge the winner after a morning round and which saw them rise to 8th place. nearest the pin play off. Third was Jack Cuthbert on a Lewis Staff was one over par, but could have been much score of 100. The B squad trophy was won by Habebul better had he not bogeyed the last 3 holes, whilst Matt Islam with the highest of the day score of 108. In second Mann and Robert Salter improved their scores by 11 and place was George Fricker on 96 from Max Weaver on 90.

7 respectively.

The under 12's winner was Tyler Weaver on 71 with The result should be looked at in the context that the second place again having to be decided on a nearest the seven counties to finish above Suffolk have many more pin playoff in which Josh Hulyer beat Max Adams, both clubs and players to choose from and the three that players finishing on 62. finished below them are of a similar size. However, it is Mike Stevenson, Chair of Suffolk Junior Golf, thanked inescapable that had all the boys played as well as they Ufford Park for making their facilities available are capable of in the morning round they would have throughout the year, Stuart Robertson for organising and finished higher. overseeing the coaching and Ian Woodhead and his fellow Waring will have benefited from playing with Harry Ellis Junior Managers for the effort which they put in to make of Hampshire, an England junior international and the the coaching such a success 2012 Men's Amateur Champion, who won the individual prize with a total of 5 under par 141, on countback from The final of the Suffolk Junior Team Championship another England junior international, Marco Penge from was played at Woodbridge Golf Club between Felixstowe Sussex.

Ferry and Thorpeness. After an extremely tight battle Hampshire won the event for the second successive year Felixstowe Ferry emerged as winners by the narrowest of and will go on to represent the South East in the National margins, winning by 99 points to 98.

Team Championship.

Felixstowe Ferry will now represent Suffolk in the Scores: - Hampshire-743 BB and O-745 Essex-750 Sussex-753 English Junior Club Tournament which is to be held at Hertfordshire-760 Kent-761 Surrey-773 Suffolk-776 BedfordshireWoodhall Spa on the 10/11 August 2013.

778 Middlesex-790 Norfolk-800 Suffolk Boys scores - James Biggs 73 - 76 - 149, Paul Waring 76 - 78 - 154, Lewis Staff 82 - 74 - 156, Jasper Johnson 80 - 78 - 158, Robert Salter 84 - 77 - 161, Matt Mann 87 - 76 - 163.

Suffolk under-14s entertained Norfolk at Diss and suffered a shock defeat yet again after a poor performance in the morning foursomes. The lower handicapped players suffered unexpected defeats, both in the foursomes and singles, and despite the efforts of their less experienced team members Suffolk were beaten by 8 points to 7. This is the first time that Suffolk have lost to their neighbours on home soil for many years.

Foursomes Jack Cuthbert and Jai Gayle lost to Jack Cullington and Matty Fuller 3 & 2, Jack Orris and

Vice President Phil Platten with the Felixstowe Ferry winning team (l to r) George Copsey, Charlie Harris and Joshua Murton

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Diary of a President

Another busy schedule unfolds

17th to 19th May, Seacroft, Lincolnshire The annual trip for the Eastern Inter-Counties Foursomes makes for a tiring few days for everyone.

We did not play too well, suffering a 5-0 defeat at the hands of neighbours Norfolk, but the team hit back strongly on the final day to avoid the dreaded Wooden Spoon. I was grateful to our Fixtures Secretary Bill Darling who drove me there and Phil Platten who delivered me safely back to Bury St Edmunds.

21st May, Woodbridge, Suffolk I watched our seniors take on Norfolk and record a very good 10-2 win in their opening Anglian League match of the season.

30th May, Studley Wood, Oxfordshire After a few days break my daughter Sue drove me down to Studley Wood where our juniors were playing. As Sue dropped me there and then departed for a day in Oxford itself, I realised that I had forgotten to get my golf shoes out of the car before she disappeared down the drive. With very wet conditions underfoot, a new pair was essential and it proved an expensive day for me, leaving my credit card ÂŁ79.99 worse off!

31st May, Felixstowe, Suffolk Time for the family with Lily defending her Suffolk

Girls Strokeplay title at Felixstowe Ferry. She had a tough battle with her playing partner Lottie Whyman but some great saves on the back nine saw her retain the title by three shots.

2nd June, Bourn, Cambridgeshire The second Anglian League Match for our men was at Bourn in Cambridge. The satnav took me to the middle of the village but it took enquiries off a local lady to direct me to the club less than a mile away.

Cambridgeshire are a strong side these days and we succumbed 9-3 3rd June, Woodbridge, Suffolk Our next Executive Committee meeting took place at Ufford Park. The County continues to be most grateful to Colin Aldous who continues to make his facilities at the hotel available to us for our meetings.

9th June, Haverhill, Suffolk The most important amateur event in the County’s programme, the Suffolk Amateur Championship, was played out over two rounds at Haverhill. What a

One of the new bridges

superb course this has become with some outstanding greens and two delightful bridges constructed on the course adding to the ambiance. Bill Darling chauffeured me once again.

13th June, Bourn, Cambridgeshire - again Our seniors played another Anglian League match against Cambridgeshire and overcame very strong winds on their way to a convincing victory. Things were going well for our seniors under their new captain, John Cullum.

15th and 16th June, Haverhill, Suffolk Back to that friendliest of clubs for the Suffolk Matchplay Championship, played over two days. The final was a close run thing until Chris Bartrum unleashed a barrage of birdies to defeat local player Chris Vince. A great weekend.

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20th to 26th June, Arran, Scotland A good break followed Haverhill with the chance of a brief and, these days, an all too rare holiday for Jean and me on this most

Suffolk Amateur Championship

Arran beckons

By Tony Garnett

picturesque island off the Ayrshire coast. Chance to meet up with granddaughter Rebecca who popped over from Glasgow for a couple of days. As always on this trip we indulged in a bit of first class travel on the East Coast line enjoying some excellent service whilst passing through some delightful scenery on the way up to Edinburgh.

Patrick Spraggs of Stowmarket became Suffolk Amateur Champion for the second time in his career after winning the first play-off hole against 15-yearold Lewis Whiting at Haverhill.

Spraggs, who is considering turning professional later this year, had two rounds of one under par 69 on the immaculate Haverhill course that received massive praise all round for the speed and quality of their greens that earned tributes for head greenkeeper Glen Norris.

28th June, Bedford, Bedfordshire Family matters again as I travelled with daughter Debbie to watch the final day of Ladies County Week at the Bedfordshire Golf Club. Lily played foursomes with Vicki Inglis, the pair winning all five matches but Lily came up against a string of birdies in the singles match on the final day and suffered a heavy defeat without playing badly herself. All good experience.

1st July, London I travelled to London where Lily was due to apply for her US visa. It meant I had to miss Suffolk PGA President Dell Bower’s most excellent lunch which he always hosts on the day of the Suffolk Assistant’s Competition. The first time I have missed the occasion for years.

7th July, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk Our third men’s Anglian league match of the season against Norfolk. Again the satnav took me to the middle of a nearby spot on the A12 and I then spent best part of an hour trying to find the entrance to the club. Two locals proved of no real help! We almost shared the points but it was not to be and we returned home after a narrow 51/2/61/2 defeat.

8th July, Ipswich, Suffolk Suffolk hosted the Southern Counties Senior Foursomes qualifier, our team putting in a very special performance which will take them to the final for the second year running, this time on the Isle of Wight at the end of September.

13th July, Luton, Bedfordshire Once again, Bill Darling acted as chauffeur for the Men’s South East Group qualifier, an event we won last year. Unfortunately, we were unable to do so again.

So another couple of hectic months had passed with probably just as many ahead until the end of September.

Patrick Spraggs receives the Championship Trophy from the President

Spraggs led by one shot after the opening round with Paul Waring of Felixstowe Ferry and Nathan Overton of Woodbridge, champion in 2011, one shot behind.

Yet it was young Whiting who emerged as the star of the afternoon. His round of four under par 66 equalled the amateur course record set by former Suffolk captain David Quinney in 2011. Whiting was in the club house at two under par for the tournament.

Even then it looked as though Spraggs would be adding to his 2010 success. He was four under par for the tournament with two holes to play.

He dropped a shot at the 17th after his tee shot ended in a poor lie in the rough on the right blocked out by a willow tree. He was on the green in regulation at the 18th but his three-foot par putt

www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

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corkscrewed round the hole and lipped out.

The 17th and 18th holes were nominated for the play-off.

Spraggs won the draw for the honour but it was three-handicap Whiting who produced marginally the better drive. Spraggs was just in semi-rough on the right while Whiting was a few yards ahead on the fairway.

Then Spraggs, with so much experience of top-level amateur golf, planted his second shot in the middle of the green. Whiting, whose calm demeanour suggests an impressive future, was faced with an approach shot of the sort he must have played successfully countless times Haverhill's winning team (l to r) Lewis Whiting, Chris Vince and Jack Bligh before. On this occasion, with the nerves jangling, it all went horribly wrong.

Forgan’s opening round of 73 included a costly nine His ball ended deep in a thicket to the right of the at the 475-yard par five fourth hole. He needed green. Had it been found in the nettles in the hazard something special in the afternoon but it did not he would have had a penalty drop. In the event there happen. was no certainty that the ball was in the hazard. It Spraggs and Whiting were five shots clear of Vince was therefore a lost ball so he had to go back down and Nathan Overton of Woodbridge, runner-up and the fairway to play his fourth shot which ended in a winners of the 2011 championship held at greenside bunker.

Hintlesham. Two-handicap James Biggs, a Suffolk Whiting played a quality shot from the sand to within junior from Diss, won the handicap voucher for his a couple of feet but it was all too late. Spraggs fifth place finish with rounds of 73 and 71. completed his par to add more silverware to what With Spraggs and Sam Forgan leaving the amateur has been a glittering amateur career that included ranks Suffolk selectors will be relieved that so many playing against the Americans in the Palmer Cup at of their junior players are starting to emerge thanks Royal Portrush in 2010. Whiting won the John Doe to the county coaching programme. All in all this was Salver as runner-up. one of the most successful Suffolk events in recent Haverhill won the team shield and will be years and Haverhill Golf Club can feel proud of their representing Suffolk in the English Champion Club contribution. tournament at Ferndown Golf Club in Dorset on September 21 and 22. Whiting was supported by Suffolk Amateur Championship leading scores: county first team scratch player Chris Vince and five- 138: L Whiting (Haverhill) 72 66; P Spraggs (Stowmarket) 69 71.

(Spraggs won play-off at first hole).143: C Vince (Haverhill) 72 71, handicap Jack Bligh whose second round of 74 N Overton (Woodbridge) 70 73.144: J Biggs (Diss) 73 71; A Hall proved crucial.

(Halesworth) 71 73.146: S Forgan (Stowmarket) 73 73; M Rea Sam Forgan of Stowmarket, last year’s Suffolk (Flempton) 73 73; G Mummery (Rookery Park) 73 73; J Cardy champion, has completed his studies successfully in (Ipswich) 72 74. 147: C Soanes (Rookery Park) 76 71; B Wallis (Rookery Park) 74 73; C Bartrum (Diss) 73 74; P Waring (Felixstowe the United States. He will be turning professional Ferry) 70 77.148: J Cottrell (Ipswich) 76 72; R Talbot (Newton next month after competing in the British Amateur Green) 73 75.149: W Wright (Aldeburgh) 75 74.150: D Fairweather Championship at Royal Cinque Ports and Prince’s (Bury St Edmunds) 79 71; L Thompson (Rookery Park) 78 72; J Johnson (Woodbridge) 77 73; J Robertson (Ufford Park) 76 74. between June 17 and 21.

Peter Ballingall

@

LETTER FROM SPAIN

recent winners of "Majors".

Where are they now? And what has happened to Luke Donald who two years ago topped the Are the Sponsors and Order of Merit on both The PGA Management and European Tours? He, like the others, is struggling to retain the form that took him to such Companies to blame? heights. Our expectations of them, of course, are How wonderful that Justin Rose won The US Open immense and this cannot help.

Championship and so add his name to the list of It must be true that flaws are appearing in their other recent Major winners of The European Tour.

Like the others he has a special talent who, like the techniques but, perhaps, there is another reason. others, has worked hard on all aspects of his game Could it be that such are the demands placed upon and fitness - but, do you know something? I worry them and their time by sponsors; corporate days, hospitality and promotional events, demonstration about him! Will he suffer the "burn-out" that, I days etc. that they spend less of their time working suspect, has affected other winners of majors in on their "day job"? All these successful players recent years. have Managers whose business it is to promote Every "icon" in sport suffers a loss of form from and exploit their "charges", to ensure and secure time to time. Often their "loss of form" is measured even more financial rewards for them, but is this in fractions. getting in the way of their "work ethic" on the practice grounds? I don't know - but, maybe!

Sometimes, in team games, a player may have a bad day without affecting in a major way the overall To reach the "top" takes dedication, self-denial, result but, in individual sports the athlete is out tunnel vision and determination. We know this but there on his, or her, own and in full view of the to stay at the top is harder. We cannot imagine cameras and spectators. Nowhere to hide! how difficult it must be to strike the proper balance between players' commitment to their sponsors and A downward cycle of performance can be due to their own personal progress. It seems to me that over-trying or to a loss of confidence where doubts the more successful the player becomes, the and fears of repeating a previous poor greater is the problem!! performances over-rides the "internal computer" that usually programmes good results. Things that Anyway I take my hat off to all of them. I hope they came naturally and easily get "lost" resulting in the all come back soon. player applying more conscious thought to the As you read this another Open Championship will actions. This mental tension creates, as we all have come and gone. Let us hope Justin, or one know, physical tension which is doomed to further of the others, has done well in a Major again. failure, disappointment and frustration.

Enjoy!

To say that the player with the strongest mind usually wins is, in my view, only partly true because often dips in performance are due to flaws in technique that either suddenly manifest themselves or appear gradually over a period of time.

Sometimes, of course, and because in individual pursuits others are raising their own bars of skill, the other person simply plays better and wins on the day.

But what of Tiger Woods, and Rory, G-Mac, Harrington, Darren Clarke and Martin Kaymer - all

Contact me, Peter Ballingall 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

www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

23

HOLE-IN-ONE

Geoff Brock achieved a hole-in-one on the par 3, 8th hole, 145 yards, playing in the Centenary Cup at Rushmere Golf Club. His playing partners were John Keeble and Steve Southgate.

L to R - Steve Southgate, Geoff Brock and John Keeble

BARRY THANKS NEWTON LADIES FOR FUND RAISING EFFORT

NEWTON’S WESTON WONDERS TAKE TITLE

It’s one trophy on the shelf and watch this space for any more as the men, women and juniors of Newton Green Golf Club continue to show encouraging prospects.

A convincing 4 – 1 victory over Bungay, their nearest rivals, saw the club’s women lift the Weston Trophy Division Two title, and ensure a place at the top table of Suffolk team golf next season.

Newton, which had expected to be in division one in the current season, but surprisingly lost out because of a competition re-jig by county officials, have re-stated their case in commanding circumstances by winning every match in division two.

The competition consists of five players in a team, playing 18hole singles off scratch, and during the matches the club has called on eight players to perform across the games.

Previous victories were against Rookery Park, Felixstowe and Flempton, and Newton’s commanding win at home to Bungay left them well clear of the field.

Being able to field single handicap juniors Alice Barlow and Ellie Aldous in three of the games, put opposition teams under pressure, but in the one match in which they were absent, victory was also achieved.

24

Barry James was on hand to welcome 17 lady golfers back to his local course after they had raised more than £1,000 in memory of this late wife.

Golfer Yvonne James recently lost her fight against cancer, and members of Newton Green, where she played, decided to commemorate her passing by taking part in the recent cancer fundraising Race for Life at Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds.

Barry, who lived with his wife in a home overlooking the course, attended a lunch at the golfer’s club house to pay tribute to those that had walked the five kilometre course.

TA Hotel Collection tees up golf drive with new Director appointment Experienced commercial director and sports marketer Paul Clouting to grow UK golf venue TA Hotel Collection, owners of five distinctive and independent Suffolk hotels, has appointed Paul Clouting to grow its UK golf breaks business at Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club.

Paul brings more than 20 years’ experience as a commercial director and marketer to his new role as hotel director and will oversee operations at the 36-bedroom golf hotel, 18-hole heathland golf course and private members’ club at Thorpeness on Suffolk’s Heritage Coast.

He will also oversee Aldeburgh Bay Holidays, the self-catering holiday rentals arm of the business, and weddings and functions venue Thorpeness Country Club, which celebrated its centenary in 2012.

Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club specialises in play and stay golf breaks, attracting golf groups, societies and day visitors from across the UK, with a primary focus on Southern England and the Home Counties.

It also maintains a thriving golf club membership of more than 400 Suffolk residents playing golf year round.

Paul, a keen golfer and current vice-captain of Purdis Heath Golf Club in Ipswich, has held senior commercial and operational director in the football world and with major sports equipment manufacturers.

Tim Rowan-Robinson, chairman of TA Hotel Collection, said: “Paul’s appointment heralds an exciting new phase in the growth of our business.

Many of our visitors return year after year as they regard Thorpeness as ‘their’ holiday golf club. I’m joining at a time where there have been a number of improvements to the course as part of a progressive plan to further enhance the outstanding golfing reputation Thorpeness enjoys.

Our challenge now is to attract more golfers to stay and play here and move from being a jealously guarded secret to one of Britain’s best-loved golf hotels,” said Mr. Clouting.

James Braid designed Thorpeness is regarded as one of Suffolk and East Anglia’s best golf courses and can Golf holidays are a resilient but highly competitive officially claim to be the “greenest golf club in market sector in tourism and Paul brings the experience Britain,” after it won the Overall Achievement Award and skills to develop Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club in the 2012 STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute) Golf into Suffolk’s leading play and stay golf break Environment Awards. destination.”

For more information visit: www.thorpeness.co.uk Prior to his career in football, Paul was marketing director for Dunlop Slazenger International Ltd and successfully relaunched iconic golf equipment brands into the UK market, including a 100 per cent brand share (value) increase for Maxfli.

ADVERTISING WORKS!

“I’m delighted to be joining TA Hotel Collection and especially Thorpeness, one of Suffolk’s idyllic holiday villages, designed in the 1920’s as the perfect place to take a break in the country.

If golfers don’t know you’re there, how can they play your course?

Don’t miss out on Society revenue, visitors and new Memberships!

Suffolk Golf during World War II Rushmere, the somewhat forgotten jewel in Suffolk Golf, featured in both world wars.

There was an area on the heath, roughly between the ‘old’ third and tenth holes, which was used for manoeuvre’s in the First World War. As a boy who lived on the edge of the heath, this area was known as the ‘Drill Ground’, where there were a number of shallow trenches. Roughly behind the old third green, my father once pointed out to me old crater’s, which he said were caused by Zeppelin bombs, and although I cannot confirm it, there was indeed a Zeppelin raid on Ipswich, 30th April, 1915, and there may have been others.

Moving forward, I remember World War 2 well, in relation to Rushmere Golf Club. On the 21st September 1940, a mine landed on Camberley Road, Rushmere St. Andrew, and the resulting explosion caused damaged as far as Foxhall Road, possibly effecting local golfers.

I vaguely recall it! I do remember well, an A.E.C. Matador, towing a 3.7mm Anti-aircraft gun along the fifth fairway, (now the second) where it was placed behind the oaks, to the rear of the green, where we used to join the gun crew for tea. The ruts on the fairway, caused by the vehicles, were there for years. We also helped (annoyed) the Home Guard, when they trained on the heath, and also the Fire Brigade who were frequently called to the heath during summer, to put out the gorse fires.

When the U.S.A.A.F took over Martlesham Heath (356th Fighter Group), some of them played golf at Rushmere,

by Terrie E. Gibbons

and us boys willingly caddied for chewing gum and money.

Happy days. I also remember the Flying Fortresses and Liberators flying over the heath to bomb Nazi targets in Europe, and coming back low over the course, badly damaged.

My favourite memory concerns the 1951 Suffolk Amateur Champion, W.J. ‘Bill’ Brooks, my hero. He was my mentor.

I think it was about 1952, when I was 14 years old, Bill was selected to play against Northampton County, at Woodbridge, but had no car. Bill was given a lift, but without his clubs. Anyhow, I hitched my trolley to my cycle, and pedalled from Rushmere to Woodbridge, and back, along the old A12! Unfortunately Bill lost to the Northampton Champion, 3/2, and I won half a crown by making a five up the 18th. Bill paid me with a sleeve of Spalding Kro-Flite golf balls and as much Vimto as I could drink. Imagine it happening now!

I joined Rushmere Golf Club, Boxing Day 1948, aged 10 years and went missing as I played 36 holes in the snow, and was late for dinner. I am now 75 years and remain a Social Member.

To end my story, the professional at that time was Arthur J. Matthews, and his son Roger was the Assistant, who became pro at Shanklin, Isle of Wight where he retired. To end the war saga, as I remember it, he lost two sons in the war, one over Berlin, and one in training, both aircrew.

Out of the 15 clubs of which I have been a member, in my opinion, Rushmere is the best, followed by Gorleston .

RUSHMERE GOLF CLUB

26

A GREAT VENUE FOR WEDDINGS, Ring us PARTIES now with AND any VERY enquiries SPECIAL 01473 725648 OCCASIONS www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

Doctor Golf is here to answer any minor or major questions or queries - please ASK AWAY!

Are you insane?!

I am sure you are aware of the well-known sayings “If you keep doing what you have always done, you will keep getting the same as you always got” or a definition of insanity “Keep doing the same things but expecting different results”.

If you are one of those golfers that works on their game but doesn’t see the handicap reducing, maybe it is time to change the emphasis of what you are practicing.

Can you tell me what your stats for the following are?• Fairways hit with tee shot? What percentage went left/right?

• Greens hit with the approach shot? What percentage finished left/right/short?

• What percentage do you get up and down from within 30 yards?

• What percentage of sand saves do you make?

• How many putts per round? How many putts missed from inside 6 feet?

• How many penalty shots per round?

Until you have some information from the above, it will be difficult to know where your practice time would be better spent. If you want to improve but don’t quite know where to begin, a wise investment would be to book a game with your pro for 9 holes (or offer to play a pro-am with them!) so that they can get a feel for your game, give an objective view and help you with a practice plan that will give you the biggest benefit.

Over the past 20 years I have seen many players spend a lot of time practicing an aspect of their game that may already be 80% successful but neglecting several other areas that may only be 30-40% effective. This can lead to a stagnation of handicap and increased frustration, as there appears to be no benefit from the time invested. I can only refer you to the well-known quotes at the top at this article!

ASK Dr GOLF!

Stuart Robertson Head PGA Golf Professional The Doctorgolf Academy Ufford Park Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1QW Tel 01394 383480 - E mail@doctorgolf.co.uk Tw @doctorgolf247

Suffolk Royal British Legion Golf Day Wednesday 11th September 2013 at

Ufford Park, Woodbridge, Hotel, Golf & Spa, Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk. IP12 1QW

18 hole Stableford (full handicap) Teams of 3 or Individual entries happily accepted to make up team on day.

*

*

*

*

*

£35 per person to include Coffee and bacon rolls on arrival and 2 course dinner.

Prizes to include Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive

Arrival from 9.00am for 10.00am first tee.

DRAW Draw tickets available on the day for which we would be very grateful for any draw prizes. Please contact sbromley@britishlegion.org.uk with any donations or for collection if required.

Proceeds from draw to RBL-Suffolk General Fund Have your Club Cleaned and support the Legion in the process - £5 only Clear Swing Professional Ultrasonic Golf Club Cleaning Services - A Spa For Golf Clubs! Will be present on the day, using ultrasonic technology, a whole set of golf clubs is given a deep yet gentle clean, removing the toughest dirt from club head grooves, and making grips sticky and new again.

Clear Swing adds sparkle to every set of clubs.

The Royal British Legion is currently spending £200,000 per day on welfare for armed forces personnel and their families and has committed a further £50m this year to the Defence Capability Recovery Centres.

ENTRY FORMS FROM: sbromley@britishlegion.org.uk TEL: 01473 784618

NEXT ISSUE - SEPT/OCT

WINTER DEALS - TWILIGHT GOLF - SOCIETY OFFERS Deadline 12th Sept - out 1st Oct

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27

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by Julie Latimer-Jones

Suffolk finish Joint Third at County Match Week The Bedfordshire Golf Club

Once again, the people to beat at the East Region’s County Match Week were Hertfordshire and Essex. It’s no good having a winge about it, but the fact is that these two counties each have far more chimney pots and population than Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambs & Hunts or Bedfordshire and it puts them in an almost unassailable position. ‘Almost’ because actually, in 2012, Suffolk ran Essex very close for the one available place in the County Championship Finals. This time however, Hertfordshire swept all before them to win five matches out of five.

Lily Kent

Vicki Inglis

Suffolk began their campaign facing Suffolk’s ingenuity and strength of purpose to beat Norfolk. They took a firm grip from the outset them. With two points in the bag from the accruing 21/2 points from the foursomes, followed foursomes, Suffolk’s captain put Vanessa Bell out up with four wins and a half from the six singles for a first, keeping Champion Sharon Luckman for a place 7-2 final score. Suffolk Captain Laura Lowe was at number four. more than happy with her players and they moved Vanessa met young Chloe Li, a really talented player on to tackle Essex on Day Two with confidence. who nevertheless couldn’t match Bell’s expertise.

Vicki Inglis and Lily Kent notched up their second Lily Kent met Laura Collin, an experienced golfer on foursomes’ win and were to go on to win all five the amateur circuit. Collin cut loose with some eyepoints during the week which was probably the stand catching play giving Lily no quarter. Amanda out result for the Suffolk players. Essex proved too Norman and Vicki Inglis also found their opponents strong in the singles though Liz Laflin had ‘a day out’ too hot to handle, but Luckman was in imperious with a resounding 6/5 victory over Paige Kemp and form against Vanessa Jay and Eloise Aldous had a Lils James, too, had a golden afternoon beating marvellous game against an equally young Bethany Georgia Gilling by 5/3.

Healey to show everyone what she is capable of now and will be in the future. The Suffolk 6-3 victory On Day 3, Cambs & Hunts, who had a rather trying week on the whole, secured their best result against was a satisfying end and tied them with Bedfordshire Suffolk. They were two matches to one down after in third spot in the final analysis. Essex were the runners-up. Norfolk and Cambs & Hunts tied fourth. the morning foursomes, but put in a strong performance in the singles, losing the one match to Hertfordshire’s fortunes in the County Finals will be Lily Kent who finished with a slender one hole watched with interest. margin against Amy Rae. Final results: Suffolk bt Norfolk 7-2; lost to Essex 3Suffolk had been reinforced with the arrival of ‘fresh 6; lost to Cambs & Hunts 3-6; lost to Hertfordshire legs’ half way through the week in the persons of 11/2 - 71/2 ; bt Bedfordshire 6-3.

Vanessa Bell and Eloise Aldous. Vanessa and Sarah Saggers secured a half point against Suffolk Ladies County Golf Association Current Officers: Hertfordshire in the Thursday match but that hard President: Mrs Pippa Beak Tel: 01449 781261; Captain: won half, when added to the Inglis/Kent whole point Mrs Laura Lowe: Tel 01206 263298 Hon Secretary: Mrs was the total sum of Suffolk success. It should be Jeanette Longman: Tel 01394 450939; Hon Treasurer: Miss Hermione Scrope Tel 01359 232618; England Golf mentioned in passing that Eloise lost her singles but Representative: Mrs Anne Archer: Tel 01728 685315; played extremely well. She hadn’t played the course Handicap Adviser: Ms Ann Graves Tel 01394 411020; before and was making her first team debut.

And so Friday arrived at the end of a long week and with all to play for against Bedfordshire, the host county. What a great match it was! Beds fielded strong and accomplished golfers and it took all

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

www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

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Habebul wins East Anglian Under 12 Junior Championship

The East Anglian Under 12 Junior Championship has been won by Hebebul Islam, (right) a 12 year old member of Ipswich Golf Club. Habebul, who plays off a handicap of 12 and is in the Under 12 Suffolk Coaching Squad, won by 7 shots with an excellent last 9 holes of level par 29. Habebul finished with an 18 hole score of 63 (5 over par).

In 2nd place was the 2011 champion, Ryan Turnbull from Cretingham Golf Club, who scored 70 and in 3rd place was 10 year old Stonham Barns player George Evans, who scored a 72.

In the Age categories the Under 10’s was won by Oliver Underhil-Smith, a 10 year old from Barnham Broom in Norfolk with Joshua Hulyer, a 10 year old from Haverhill in 2nd place and in 3rd place was Mary Cuthbert, a 10 year old from Thorpness Golf Club.

In the Under 8 category the winner was another Stonham Barns player, 8 year old Grace Evans with Henry Meadows, Will Bradfield and Joshua Southgate in equal 2nd place.

This is the 13th playing of this popular junior event which is played on the short 9 hole course at Stonham Barns. Past winners have included players that have gone on to represent England at International level. The players play 18 holes (twice

round the par 29 course).

This year there were players from 13 different Suffolk Golf Clubs with ages from 7 to 12 years old.

There are eight junior events every year at Stonham Barns on their short 9 hole golf course. Usually they are held on the last Sunday of each month from April to November.

For more information visit the website www.stonhambarnsgolf.co.uk or call 01449 711545.

Felixstowe Ferry hosts Chinese Dignitaries

His Excellency Ambassador Liu Xiaoming was joined by his wife, Madam Ambassador Hu Pinghua, Mr Liang Fang, Managing Director Coscon (UK) Limited and club member Tony Ramsey for a round of golf on the Martello Course. Ambassador Liu was in Felixstowe visiting the port and took time from his busy schedule to enjoy England's 5th oldest links course. Speaking after his round, Ambassador Liu said that “The course was in great condition. The prevailing easterly winds made it tough yet thoroughly enjoyable.”

He also said that he would like to visit again but in warmer and calmer conditions. Mr Liang Fang has expressed his thanks to club Chairman Brian Benneworth and Head professional Robert Joyce for the warm welcome received. Special thanks also to Club Captain Jerry Fowler for also attending and extending the warm welcome.

30

Pictured: The Chinese Ambassador and his party before playing Felixstowe’s “Martello” course.

Left to right; Robert Joyce (Head Professional) Tony Ramsey, his Excellency Ambassador Liu Xiaoming, Madam Ambassador Hu Pinghua and Mr Liang Fang, Managing Director Coscon (UK) Limited

www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

HAVERHILL RESULTS

Haverhill Ladies ... ... Played their midweek medal and Lady Captain Sheila Price claimed the victory with an excellent round of 101-31-70, reducing her handicap by a shot to 30. In 2nd place was Sally Price with 9725-72 on count back from 3rd place Jackie Condon with 89-17-72 (lowest gross). The Saturday Medal was played and this time Jackie turned the tables to win with an impressive round of 84-17-67, trimming her handicap by a shot to 16. In 2nd place was Catie Heathfield with 94-24-70 and in 3rd place Gerrie Wheatley with 97-23-74.

drive and Nick Rowley won nearest the pin. The winner of the putting competition was Russell Palmer.

Club and Lady Captain ... ... Husband and wife, Gordon and Sheila Price, hosted their joint Captains’ Day. Despite the event clashing with the Wimbledon Final, and untypically a very hot and sunny day, an impressive field of 149 took part. The format was individual stableford, played off 7/8ths handicap.

There was a very generous prize table divided up into categories for men, ladies and juniors with prizes in each awarded from 1st – 4th place.

The results were as follows: in the men’s category 1st place Dean Cornelius with 41pts on count back, 2nd place Eamonn Bareham with 41pts, 3rd place The Ladies ... ... Also played in a friendly away match against The David Simpkins with 40pts, 4th place Kieron Bailey 39pts.

Gog Magogs on The Wandlebury Course.

For the Ladies: 1st place Doreen Darbey 34pts, The Haverhill Ladies put up a brave fight however 2nd place Carol Day 33pts on count back, 3rd they were up against low handicap golfers and place Theresa Spittle 33pts, 4th place Sally Price were beaten 3-1, with Haverhill’s Judy Farren and 32ps.

Doreen Darbey the only winning pair.

For the Juniors: 1st place James Iron 38pts on The Men’s Midweek Medal ... count back, 2nd place Daniel Bentley 38pts, 3rd ... Tony Weller, a former junior at Haverhill who has place Ollie Stevenson 36pts, 4th place Liam Merritt only recently rejoined, returned an amazing nett 35pts. score of 60 and has slashed his handicap following The golf was followed by a buffet meal, raffle and an exceptional score reduction to 14. auction to raise funds for the Captains’ chosen The full results were: Division One: 1st place Kim charity, Diabetes UK. Ward 78-11-67 on count back, 2nd place Mark Following the prize giving, Haverhill’s Club Captain, Stanton 77-10-67, 3rd place Steve Miller 81-12-69. Gordon Price thanked the greens staff for once Division Two: 1st place Tony Weller 79-19-60, 2nd again presenting the course to a very high standard place Roger Hartley 85-20-65, 3rd place Allen and the bar and catering staff for providing a O’Donoghue 82-15-67. Division Three 1st place wonderful service. Gordon thanked his wife and Graham Hepworth 91-23-68 on count back, 2nd Lady Captain Sheila for all her help with organising place Patrick Bowes 91-23-68, 3rd place Peter the event and finally he thanked everyone for not Knight 92-23-69. only taking part, but for their generous support which raised just under £1000 on the day, making it Haverhill Rovers ... a huge success all round. ... Held their annual golf day, in all 24 teams of four L-R: David Simpkin, Kieron Bailey, Lady Captain took part in the event, which was the best turn out Sheila Price, Club Captain Gordon Price, Doreen in recent years.

Darbey, Lady Vice Captain Theresa Spittle, Carol Day The winners were the team captained by Anthony and James Iron centre front.

Choat with 135pts, in 2nd place was the team captained

by Mick Tokley with 127pts and in 3rd place the team captained

by Jason Lunness with 124pts.

Haverhill Junior Lewis Whiting won longest

www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

31

Women’s international golf event to be staged for the first time in UK at Stoke by Nayland

The Professional Golfers’ Association is increasing its support of the women’s game with the launch of a new tournament on the Ladies European Tour Access Series (LETAS). This exciting development in women’s golf will see The WPGA International Challenge supported by Stoke by Nayland Hotel Golf & Spa added to the LETAS schedule and played at the venue on September 26-28.

The 54-hole tournament, which is the only event on the LETAS schedule to be played in the United Kingdom, will feature an international field of 120 players competing for a share of the £25,000 prize fund.

There will be an opportunity for 20 WPGA members to compete in the event. In addition, with the support of England Golf, 20 elite female amateurs will also compete in the event. The new tournament, which will provide additional playing opportunities for elite WPGA members and leading English female amateurs, has been widely welcomed by all involved in bringing the event to fruition.

Di Barnard, Tour Director LET Access Series said: “We are delighted to announce the addition of the WPGA International Challenge to the 2013 LETAS

schedule. There is a very strong golfing community in the UK and a large representation of players from this region on both the LET and LETAS. We are looking forward to working with the PGA and also the venue, Stoke by Nayland Hotel Golf & Spa, which will offer first class facilities for the players. The LET Access Series was formed to create additional playing opportunities for female golfers and also to provide an important link between elite amateur and professional golf. We are also delighted to have the support of England Golf and will welcome a number of elite English amateurs to compete in the event.”

The PGA’s chief executive, Sandy Jones, commented: "We have been discussing with LET for some time the concept and creation of this event. It therefore gives me much pleasure to now be able to announce the WPGA international challenge on the LETAS Schedule. The event will of course give a high quality playing opportunity to members of the WPGA and this is something that we strive to do. I am also very pleased to say that we are presenting the event at Stoke by Nayland, a venue that is well known to us and has partnered the PGA on many past occasions to stage great golf events. “

The opportunity for England’s leading women amateurs to get valuable experience has been praised

by Nigel Edwards, performance director at England Golf. He said: “England Golf is delighted to be a partner with the LET Access Tour. The Access Tour provides a valuable opportunity for our top players as they progress from their amateur career by providing entry to competitive professional events. Stoke by Nayland will provide a challenging venue and we know the team there will bring experience from their previous support of the European Challenge Tour and Senior Tour and deliver an excellent event for players and spectators alike.”

Situated in a stunning ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ on the Suffolk/Essex border, Stoke by Nayland has the experience of staging worldwide televised European Challenge Tour, European Senior Tour and PGA Europro events, and is looking forward to gracing the international golf stage once more as the only UK destination on the 2013 LETAS schedule.

There will be a Pro Am tournament on Weds 25th September followed by a Gala Dinner and prize giving, and keen amateurs are invited to take a team of 4, which will include one of the lady professionals competing in the 3 day event. For more details about the Pro Am please contact sales@stokebynayland.com or call 01206 265827/265801

Football Golf at Stonham Barns - All Welcome

PGA Professionals Tony Dobson and Joe Cardy are hosting a Football Golf Taster session at Stonham Barns Golf Centre on Sunday 4th August from 3.00pm-5.00pm at the 9 hole course at Stonham Barns and will be solely for Football Golfers! Everyone is welcome, more the merrier on a first come first serve basis at a cost of only ÂŁ10 per head!

After a boom in Europe and the rest of the world, the UK is starting to catch on to the idea of football Golf and Stonham Barns would like to offer you the first opportunity to try it locally.

Football Golf is played the same as a normal round of golf, but the player kicks a football around the course and into a hole which is much larger obviously to allow the ball to fit into the hole. The game is played using pretty much the same rules as golf too and is great fun for everyone.

To learn more about this exciting new sport, go to www.worldfootballgolf.com.

Tony and Joe urge as many people as possible to come along and have a go! For more info or if you have any questions call Joe/Tony on 01449 711545 or email: sales@golf-direct.co.uk.

www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com

NORFOLK COUNTY GOLF UNION

NCGU CONTACTS President

Alan Winstanley, Sheringham Golf Club

Vice President

Doug Gilchrist, Weston Park Golf Club

Imm. Past President

Frank Myers, Thetford Golf Club

Hon. County Secretary

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

Hon. County Treasurer

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

2nd Team Captain Steve Tidy, Costessey Park Golf Club tidygolf6@yahoo.co.uk

Seniors Captain David Pattrick, Royal Cromer Golf Club Seniors Administrator Malcolm Carr of Sheringham Golf Club Email: malcolm.carr@tiscali.co.uk Junior Secretary - Norman Blanch, 10, Hillside Crescent, Wicklewood, Norwich.

NR18 9QD Tel; 01953 604394 Email: normanblanch@btinternet.com

Team Managers: Andrew Cullington 01603 898311 ajcully@btinternet.com Gary Davis 01603 610006 Email: davis393609@aol.com Preston Jones

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

Norfolk Schools - Margo Horsburgh 5 Bishops Croft, Barningham, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 1BZ 01359 221281 Email: dandmhorsburgh@talktalk.net 34

Girls Organiser - Carol Delf Gt Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club

und Aro Hacker & About with

When I sat down to think about items for this month’s issue it was cold, windy and wet and with nothing much coming to mind I put off the job and watched the television. Now three or four weeks later the weather has turned sunny and bright and with the golf course calling I have a dead-line to meet within the next seven days to meet the Editor’s demands and requirements.

Serves me right for not getting on with the writing.

Actually the Editor is a lady and is very kind and considerate as Ron Kent of Suffolk will confirm, as long as she is not upset which I endeavour not to do.

England Golf

Following a meeting of Voting Members at Woodhall Spa at the beginning of July it was decided not to consider a change from the present system of collection of Affiliation Fees until 2015. At that time it is hoped that there will be enough information available to deal with the issue of dual and multiple affiliation fees for both England Golf and County payments.

Whilst it is hoped that the CDH system will highlight dual and multiple memberships, Counties will have to survey their own clubs to ascertain the names of AWAY members and the clubs (and therefore the counties) at which their handicap is held. This exercise is necessary in order for the County Unions to be able to calculate the loss of income as a result of these AWAY members.

It is considered appropriate that Counties only charge members once if they are members of more than one club in their county. However it is expected that if second clubs are in another county a county levy would be applicable in each.

A proposal to change the collection date for affiliation fees into real time has been deferred for further consideration and possible introduction in 2015. However such an arrangement would not change the requirement for all members to pay an affiliation fee.

Payment of both England Golf and County fees is not optional for any person who is a playing member of an Affiliated Club regardless of whether they wish to have a Handicap or not and are not interested in participating in County competitions.

Royal Patronage

Of the eleven existing “centenary” clubs in the County, three have the “Royal” title, Royal Cromer, Royal West Norfolk and Royal Norwich.

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Whilst many people seem to think that the title was awarded because Royalty were members or played on the course of these clubs on a regular basis, this is not the case.

Each of the clubs in question wrote to a member of the Royal Family, asking them to be their patron and with the Royal Acceptance were granted the privilege of the title “Royal” being included in their club’s name.

In 1900 the then Duke of York accepted an invitation to become patron of Hunstanton and continued that patronage upon his accession as King George V in 1910. Later King George Vl, who as the Duke of York played regularly on the course, became patron in 1936 and last played there in 1941.

Whilst Hunstanton could be considered even more deserving to be awarded the “Royal” title, for some reason they never asked for that privilege.

The reason why not is still a mystery to this day.

The present Duke of York has recently acknowledged his continuing patronage of the Royal Norwich Golf Club and his secretary has written to the Club confirming this arrangement.

Sean Terrington Memorial Tournament The first playing of this event in aid of the Brain Tumour Trust and the Targeted Radio Therapy Appeal was played at Royal Norwich, with the winning team receiving a silver salver which they would hold for a year.

It is hoped that this will become an annual event.

Some 25 teams took part in a Texas Scramble format followed by a buffet and auction of many donated items from persons and golf clubs from all over the east and south of England. The leading organisers were a team from Duff Morgan the motor company where Sean was employed until his passing away.

The day was very successful with the sum of £9,520 being raised and the proceeds being split equally between the two causes..

Around the Clubs

There is very little news coming my way although I am sure that many clubs have items of news that could be of interest to all the readers of this magazine.

Thetford Golf Club

The Thetford club has reached the 7th round of the Mail on Sunday Golf Classic. They defeated Lakeside Lodge in the 6th round

Costessey Park

Juniors Zac Chisholm and Dylan Green have won their way through to the Nation Finals of the England

Golf Skills Challenge which has been running throughout the early part of the summer.

Congratulations and well done !!

Roger Cardell, 70 years old member of the club scored his first hole in one in thirty years of playing golf. Playing from a handicap of 23 he used a three iron on the 219 yards long Par 3, 14th hole to achieve this ace. Again congratulations.

Ian Ellis will be hosting fourteen boys aged between 12 and 14 years of age from Framingham Earl school helping them to enjoy an activity week from Monday to Friday at Costessey Park.

In the party there are some boys who wish to start playing golf and some who already play. They will all receive 4 hours instruction daily starting with an introduction to the game and going on to some of the finer points as they improve.

Sounds like a lovely way to make use of a sports grant. I hope that they enjoy their time.

Dunston Hall

Toby Briggs, fourteen years old, Junior member of Dunston Hall played in the England Under 16’s Championship at Seacroft Golf Club, Skegness.

He finished in a creditable 34th position with scores of 72 , 77, 77, and 76 for an 18 over par total of 302.

The course was dry, hard and bumpy and offered a real challenge to the competitors. It’s a great start for Toby. He goes to the Reid Trophy in a couple of weeks. Well done to him !!

Royal Norwich

Playing with his regular swindle group, eighty four years old Russell Brown, went round the course in a gross score of 82 with every putt being holed out.

This is the first time that he has scored gross better than his age.

Former police inspector Russell has played top level golf in the past, when as a younger man he had a handicap of 3 or 4 and played in the England Seniors events.

Having only recently recovered from a tumble down some concrete steps, breaking bones in his neck which required several weeks in hospital in a neck brace, this score is a particularly notable achievement.

Just a reminder that entry forms are available from Royal Norwich for their Order of Merit event on 22nd September. It is the Royal Norwich Open for which the main scratch prize is the Roger Trower Trophy and the best handicap score received the Peter Clarke Salver .

Enter direct to Royal Norwich.

If you have any news, ideas, opinions, or please send them to peter.clarke470@ntlworld.com or: suffolkgolfer@aspects.net

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Fynn Valley Holidays Now Open at Fynn Valley

Three luxury self catering holiday lodges, each one finished to the highest standard, with two super king bedrooms, both with large en-suites, fully fitted kitchen, iPad functionality and each features its own sauna and secluded hot tub.

Get away from it all in the tranquil surroundings of Fynn Valley Golf Club. Explore the beautiful area north of Ipswich including Helmingham Hall gardens, Snape Maltings, Framlingham Castle, Woodbridge, Ipswich's waterfront, and many tucked away villages with picture perfect pastel coloured thatched cottages.

If cooking's not your thing, take advantage of the excellent food offered

by Fynn Valley's catering team or travel further afield to discover why Suffolk has a growing reputation as a ‘foodie’ county.

Now open for holidays and short breaks, visit the Fynn Valley Holidays website for more information and reservations www.fynnvalleyholidays.co.uk

by

Mike Devlin - NCGU Hon. Secretary

The County Handicap Championship was held at Richmond Park Golf Club. The Championship is played over two rounds and open to players with a handicap of 14 or better. The day started a little overcast but the players paid no heed and went on to produce some stunning figures in the opening round, with Joe Robinson of Royal Norwich eventually finishing on Gross 70, with a Nett 66. Hot on his heels were Ian Rafferty of Costessey Park and William Howard of Dunston Hall, both with a Gross of 77 and a Nett of 67, closely followed by Luke Stannard of Middleton Hall a further shot back. After lunch the final round got underway in wonderful sunshine.

The course was in fantastic condition and the players were truly inspired by this and it was reflected in the scoring. Joe was on fire and followed his morning round with a course record equalling Gross 67, resulting in a Nett 63, to add to his impressive morning score, giving an overall total of 129, some 13 shots under par Nett. Such scoring is seldom seen and Joe donned the mantle of Handicap Champion for 2013 with a huge smile.

Paul Whiley of Costessey Park finished runner up on a total of 135 Nett, with William Howard of Dunston finishing third on count back, with a score of 137 from fellow competitor Luke Stannard of Middleton Hall. Making up the final placings was Mike Horley of Thetford finishing a very creditable fifth with a score of 139.

The Team Challenge Shield held concurrently with the Handicap Championship is awarded to the team with the best three man total. Ten teams Wisbech golfer Mark Nixon, a member at Ryston Park Golf Club and playing off 6, scored 34 points off 3/4 handicap at the Area Qualifier for the MERCEDES TROPHY at Burghley Park.

He won the heat for 0-10 handicaps section and now moves on to the Regional Final at Sprowston Manor.

James Smart, with Champion Joe with NCGU Vice President Doug Gilchrist receiving the Team Challenge Shield

competed but the Shield was finally won by the team of Royal Norwich 2, which unsurprisingly included Joe together with his team partners of James Smart and Scott Nichols delivering a total of 417, some 20 shots clear of runners-up team from Costessey Park, Peter Sturman, Ian rafferty and Martin Tidy.

DEREHAM GOLF CLUB

SUMMER SPECIAL

18 Holes with 1 course meal £25.00 (£20 if 4 ball or more)

TWIGHLIGHT GOLF Prior bookings required

Aug-Sept £15 after 3pm and £12 after 4pm

MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE IN ALL CATEGORIES

Contact us on 01362 695900 (office) or 01362 695631 (pro shop) office@derehamgolfclub.com www.derehamgolfclub.com

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37

Costessey Cup

The 15th Annual Ladies Costessey Cup Competition at Costessey Park Golf Club is an event where Lady Captains, Lady Vice Captains, Lady Immediate Past Captains and Guests from other Norfolk Clubs, are invited to play an 18 hole stableford competition with the Lady Captain, Lady Vice Captain and Past Captains of Costessey Park.

This year saw the inauguration of the Jerningham's Trophy, which Guests and Past Captains of Costessey Park are eligible to play for, the trophy being named after the family who owned Costessey Hall prior to its demise and which Costessey Park Golf Clubhouse has taken as its name.

Ladies from 13 Norfolk Clubs took part, with a total of 33 Ladies playing the competition. Luckily it was a bright, sunny, warm day and everyone enjoyed the excellent course and facilities that Costessey Park provided, including coffee and biscuits on arrival, Pimms and refreshments half way round and a two course meal prior to the presentations.

Costessey Park Lady Captain, Christine Green, presented prizes for Nearest the Line on the 13th to Eileen Chard, Lady Captain Richmond Park Golf Club, Nearest the Pin on the 3rd hole to Margaret Broadbent, Immediate Past Captain Richmond Park Golf Club, 3rd Place with 35 points on count back to Debbie Jary, Vice Captain Caldecott Hall Golf Club, 2nd Place with 37 points to Jennifer Aston, Immediate Past Captain Bawburgh Golf Club, with the Costessey Cup being won with 38 points by Liz Vaughan, Lady Vice Captain of Costessey Park Golf Club.

The first winner of the Jerningham's Trophy was Caroline Collett from The Links Country Park Golf Club, with 34 points, who was a Guest for the day.

Well done to all the winners and everyone who played.

It must be noted that in the fifteen years the competition has been running, this is only the second time a Lady from Costessey Park has won the Costessey Cup.

L-r: Christine Green in the centre with Liz Vaughan with the Costessey Cup on her right and Caroline Collett on her left

FIRST DELIVERY FOR M.R.KING & Sons OF VOLVO’S

WORLD FIRST DIESEL ELECTRIC HYBRID

Volvo Car Corporation's most technologically advanced model ever - an electric car, hybrid car and muscle-car all rolled into one, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) was launched in the UK earlier this year with first deliveries to customers now taking place.

Typical of Volvo’s expectations that early adopters will be environmentally conscious and eager to embrace new technologies. Mr Sawyer said “I am pleased to be one of the owners of the new V60 hybrid and look forward to being part of the small group of hybrid owners.”

The car was delivered by Adam Noble, Sales Manager of M.R.King & Sons who commented: "Hybrids make so much sense - With the V60 PHEV customers will enjoy amazing fuel economy and low emissions without sacrificing performance, comfort, practicality or safety."

The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid can be driven according to three entirely different temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power. * In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. If the battery pack has been recharged with electricity from renewable sources, its range is up to 32 miles with no carbon dioxide emissions from the tailpipe. The electric range varies with terrain, climate and driving style. * Hybrid is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The diesel engine and electric motor cooperate to ensure optimal balance between driving pleasure and environmental footprint. CO2 emission (NEDC, mixed driving cycle for certification) is just 48g/km and it has a total range of up to 560 miles * In Power mode the technology is optimised to give the car the maximum possible power. The diesel engine and electric motor have a total power output of 215+70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440+200Nm. The electric motor's lightning-quick torque delivery contributes to the car's acceleration from 0 to 60mph in 5.8 seconds M.R. King & Sons can be found online at www.mrking.co.uk or call 01986 874464.

If you have any news, ideas, opinions, or something of interest for our readers, please send your copy to

suffolkgolfer@aspects.net

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President's Day NORFOLK SENIORS Ladies On a glorious summers day at Kings Lynn Golf Club,

by BERNIE PEET

Norfolk Seniors busy schedule continued with League matches against Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire.

The Northampton match was played at Hunstanton on a breezy and showery day. The format for League games is singles matchplay, off scratch but with all holes being played i.e. Myhill scoring in case of a tie which turned out to be the case against Northampton, with the match tied at 6 games all.

Sadly for Norfolk, Northamptonshire won on holes up by 21 to 27.

Team: David Pattrick, Simon Fuller, John Doe, John Chapman Royal Cromer Alan Hewison Richmond Park Harvey Scott Kings Lynn Chris Taylor Eaton Mark Ramsey Hunstanton Barry Clarke Barnham Broom Malcolm Carr Sheringham Bernie Vaughan Costessey Park Terry Norman Gt Yarmouth & Caister There were wins for Hewison, Scott, Clarke, Fuller, Vaughan and Chapman.

The second match was played at Royal Cromer against Cambridgeshire, the day being overcast but dry, with not much wind. This match resulted in Norfolk’s first league win 7 - 5.

Team: David Pattrick, Simon Fuller, Richard Rouse, John Chapman Royal Cromer Terry Norman Gt Yarmouth & Caister Harvey Scott Kings Lynn Garry Davis Barnham Broom Chris Taylor, Richard Blakey - Eaton Tony Lount, Geoff Paton Sheringham Bernie Vaughan Costessey Park Simon Fuller and Bernie Vaughan carried on with their good form, both recording their second consecutive league wins, there were also wins for Taylor, Blakey, Paton, Rouse and Pattrick.

Cambridge have played all their matches so this win should ensure that Norfolk avoid the wooden spoon position, the league position at time of writing stands as shown: Points Matches played Suffolk 6 2 Northampton 6 2 Lincolnshire 3 1 3 Norfolk 3 Cambridge 0 4 Norfolk’s last league match will be against Lincolnshire at Boston, which will be a very difficult last fixture.

the Ladies President, Judy Curtis, held a competition in which 72 ladies played a stableford competition.

The ladies started play at 8am, until about midday and then returned for the prize giving and tea in the clubhouse with some specially invited guests.

Judy and her husband Charles entertained the ladies for a very welcome drink and refreshments at the halfway house.

The Ladies President's charity, which all entry fees and donations will be given, is Macmillan Cancer Support.

Results: Div.1. Pauline Smith 42pts, 2. Amanda Greenacre 41pts 3. Jane Back 39pts Div. 2.

Rosemary Eayres 39pts, 2, Christine Parnell 38pts 3. Alyson Wise 36pts.

Best front 9 Betty Engledow 20pts Best back 9 Nell Bailey 22pts ocb.

Nearest the pin on the 5th Jane Back - a hole in one. and on the 16th Pauline Smith Pictured is Pauline Smith and Judy Curtis

Thaxton Cup & All Prize Day

With the weather expected to be stormy the stableford competition was reduced to 9 holes. The ladies going out early caught the worst of the weather but those going out later had sunshine all the way.

The ladies returned in the late afternoon, when the Ladies Captain, Anne Lawman, presented the cup to Rosemary Eayres who won with 19points ocb from Liz Mason.

The remaining ladies then were asked up to chose their prize.

Rosemary Eayres on the left with the Ladies Capt.

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Swaffham Ladies Captain's Day

Rainbow Stableford (Red, Yellow and Blue Tees) The Ladies Captain of Swaffham Golf Club, Linda Wagstaff, had the most glorious weather for her Captain's Day. The temperature up in the high twenties!!

Something else to celebrate, was the oldest lady member, Phyl Lewis’ 95th birthday. Phyl was resplendent in a lime green polo shirt, white trousers and lime green laces and trim on her golf shoes. She rode a buggy for the first time, as it was so hot, and received a prize for the best front nine. A big birthday cake was baked

by Sue Pilcher to celebrate.

1st Linda Chestney 2841pts. 2nd Julia Waters 26-40pts. 3rd Julie Proctor 19-37pts.

Best Front Nine Phyl Lewis 34-22pts. Best Back Nine Di Tye 2121pts.

Nearest the Pin 9th Jean Picton. Nearest the pin 16 Linda Holland. 2nd shot nearest the pin on 10th hole Jean Picton.

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Phyl receiving her prize from Linda

HOLE-IN-ONE

At Ryston Park Golf Club, 78 yr old Rex Good achieved his first Hole in One in 35 years of playing golf. Rex hit a 17 degree rescue wood off the white tee in the Qualifying Stableford Competition on the 4th hole. Drinks were on Rex in the clubhouse!

Mixed Open at Ryston Park

The sun shone at Ryston Park when visitors and members played a Mixed Pairs Betterball competition over 18 holes in the annual Mixed Open.

The Club Captain Richard Johnson thanked everyone for entering, thanked Classic Catering for providing the buffet, and the Ryston Staff who organised the day. He then handed over to the Club President Mr Claude Martin, who made a short speech and told an entertaining tale before presenting the prizes.

The Nearest the Pin for Ladies on the 7th/16th was won by Mrs Susan Filby and the Men’s Nearest the Pin was won

by Mr Nigel Wagg.

The Visitors Competition was won by Jonathan & Anna Sisson ( Weston Park/Eaton) with 44 points.

Swaffham Golf Club 2nd place: Mark Dutton and Trish Whittamore of St Ives Golf Club came in with 40 points and 3rd place was taken by Bill & Ladies Section Lydia Brice of King’s Lynn Golf Club with 38 points.

July Medal: Jan Kirman 86-16=70. Meg The Home Prize was won with the highest score of the day by Blake 98-21=77. Jeanette Nash 98-21=77. the Lady Captain Pam Saxby and Club Secretary John Rice Phyl Lewis Trophy: Ann Curtis 25-41pts. with 45 points.

Steph Ashton 20-38 pts.

Photograph shows from the left: Claude Martin (President) Pam Dibley 34-36 pts.

Anna and Jonathan Sisson.

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UNDER 12 & 14 CHAMPIONSHIP

by Norman Blanch

The Championship was played at Dereham Golf Club on a very sunny day with some good golf from the players.

Pictured below, left to right are the following: Under 14 champion (scratch) won by Toby Briggs handicap 3 (Dunston Hall) gross 75. Under 14 handicap champion Liam Cossey handicap 14 (Barnham Broom) gross 76 - 14 = 62.

Under 12 only playing 9 holes Champion (scratch) Charlie Green handicap 36 (Barnham Broom) gross 49. Under 12 handicap champion Jonathan Storey (Feltwell) 14 points (stableford).

Looking at the way some of the players played, Norfolk should have some very good players in the next few years.

L –R Terry Hegerty (Captain Fakenham GC) Dick Johnson (Captain Ryston Park) The picture shows Dick about to commence his second round of the day at Fakenham Golf Club having arrived at Mundesley at first light for the first round of his marathon day.

His next port of call was Dereham Golf Club then Feltwell Golf Club finishing his five club marathon at his home club Ryston Park.

Dick’s aim was to raise money for Royal National Institute for the Blind and MacMillan Nurses.

Invitation day at Middleton Hall On a beautiful day the ladies from Middleton Hall Golf Club welcomed their guests to their annual invitation day. The format for play was for each pair to combine their stableford points. Elaine Calvert and her guest Jayne Playford, from Richmond Park, raced away with 78 points, followed in second place with 73 points by Brenda Boldero and her guest Maura Narborough from King’s Lynn. The two nearest the pins were won by Alison Croose and Soo Khoo.

After a very enjoyable buffet lunch, Chris expressed her thanks to everyone for taking part and for making, what is probably one of the highlights of the golfing year, such a great success.

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PICTURED: The ladies' captain Chris Woolley (centre) is seen here with the winners. Seated are Elaine Calvert and her guest Jayne Playford who came first. The runners up were Brenda Boldero on the right with her guest Maura Narborough second from the left. Nearest the pins were won by Alison Croose left and Soo Khoo right.

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Yules Light the Way

A blustery wind met a strong field for the annual Caister Candelabra at Great Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club.

Some of the Counties best lined up to battle the conditions, ranging from sun to torrential rain, with a stiff off shore wind.

A superb morning round of 71 from home player Christos Fellas (4), led the field until last year’s winner Jack Yule (+2), from Kings Lynn GC, came in with a magnificent 68. The afternoon weather showed little improvement but players took on the challenge. The early leader after 36 holes was Matthew Bacon (1) from Costessey Park, with his second round of 75 giving him a 150 total.

The Ladies Captain, Anne Lawman and Vice Captain Pam Sillis The only ones to challenge this score saw 60 ladies play in their stableford competition. This is were Richard Wilson (2) from Dereham always a popular day with the ladies, and the weather was GC, Kevin Webb (4) from Costessey acceptable! Refreshments were served at the halfway house Park and home player Thaine Hacon (2) before the ladies returned for tea and the prize presentation. all on 151.

Div.1. Christina Bell 41pts, 2. Christine Wright 39pts 3. Monica The penultimate group included Jack Foskett 38ptsocb.

Yule, so all eyes awaited his score. His Div.2. Helen Marsters 36pts, 2. Anita Goddard 33pts, 3 return of 72 put him 10 ahead. However, Rosemary Millikin 32pts. sneaking up in the final group was his Nearest the pin on the 5th Maura Narborough and 16th Pauline dad Iain Yule (3) from Middleton Hall GC Rumbles who went one better than Jack with 71 Best score on all Par 3 holes Maura Narborough. when combined with his morning round, An amount of ÂŁ122 was raised for the Captains' charity. gave him a total of 146 and so Jack L-r: Pam Sillis, Ladies Vice Capt., Christina Bell, Ladies Captain Anne Lawman retained the Gross trophy.

The handicap event proved equally exciting, with the trophy finally being won

by Iain Yule with a net 140 thus completing a family double. Close behind were Josh Brooks (GYCGC) and Kevin Webb on 143, Jack Yule on 144 and Christos Fellas on 145.

The Candelabra trophies and prize vouchers were presented to Jack and Iain by Club Captain Rodney Beckett, who thanked all competitors for supporting this historic event.

Kings Lynn Ladies

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Heacham Manor Retain Ryder Cup for 4th year running Recently the 4th annual Heacham Manor V’s Searles Ryder Cup took place. The competition pits those members of Searles Golf Club against Heacham Manor members. Last year Heacham Manor retained the trophy in a close competition with the scores even, so the Searles team were keen to take victory this year.

The competition was held on Searles course this time and in Ryder Cup tradition will be at Heacham Manor in 2014. The Heacham Manor team was captained by Leon Espley and Searles Team by Barry Smith, both ably backed up by the lady captains, Gill Brown for Heacham Manor and Rachel Hodgkinson for Searles.

With 22 players on each team, players were keen to get going. The captain’s lead the way, other groups following with the lowest handicap teeing off first.

The front nine format being Fourball betterball matchplay, a close competition followed, with a number of teams all square after the 9 holes, however Heacham Manor secured a couple more wins, so at the half way point the scores were Heacham Manor 61/2 to Searles 41/2.

With the back nine format of Foursomes, all was to play for. The first scores coming in showed the Heacham Manor team pushing ahead, with the Heacham Manor Captains securing a win. The gap did not change with the next few teams and when Brian Stockdale

44

and Tina Cribb secured a half giving Heacham Manor 11 points, it meant that they would retain the Cup no matter what happened. However the last three groups returned to the Country Club, with two wins for Heacham Manor and one halved match, the final score was 13.5 to Heacham Manor and 8.5 to Searles.

All competitors enjoyed a Sunday Roast in Searles Golf Club Fountain Restaurant before Leon Espley lead the Heacham Manor team to collect their winners trophies.

Heacham Manor & Searles Golf clubs are open to all and cater for groups, societies and individuals, PGA Professional Ray Stocker coaches on Saturday to Wednesday with lessons and golfing breaks available. Membership to both clubs is available and superb twilight specials are available at Heacham Manor for all golf after 3pm, To find out more contact Searles Country Club on 01485 536010 or Heacham Manor on 01485 536030.

The Heacham Manor Winning team with Captains Leon Espley and Gill Brown (centre with trophy) & Searles Lady Captain Rachel Hodgkinson (In pink)

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Junior Champion Jessica!

by

Margaret Watson NLCGA

On a hot and steamy day at Sheringham Golf Club, home player Jessica Linge held her nerve to put in a sparkling performance and win the Norfolk Junior Girls Golf Championship in style, with a Gross 79. In recent weeks, Jessica has shown great form and has seen her handicap drop as a build up to the Championship, and she came into the competition ready to win. Not content with lifting the major title and trophy, Jessica also won the Handicap trophy for the best Nett score. Ellie Brown from Barnham L-r: Richard Fletcher (Project Manager BAM Nuttall), Broom led the chase in the early Jessica Linge (Junior Champion), Imogen Leeder (Birdie Trophy winner), stages, finally just missing out on Nickie Clarke (Ladies President) taking the crown by one shot!!

Norfolk Junior Champion Jessica Linge - Sheringham GC Gross 79 Competition for all the places was Runner Up& 2nd Scratch Prize Ellie Brown - Barnham Broom G&CC Gross 80 keenly fought for, with Carol Delf, Jessica Linge - Sheringham GC Handicap Salver Winner Nett 67 Junior Organiser, taking the 1st Handicap Prize Tara Davis - Barnham Broom G&CC Nett 72ocb opportunity to gauge form before 2nd Handicap Prize Samantha Darling - Costessey Pk. Nett 72 3rd Handicap Prize Amelia Williamson - Royal Cromer GC Nett74 selecting her team to represent Imogen Leeder - Dereham GC 42 points Norfolk Girls at the Regional Junior Birdie Trophy Winner Runner Up Maisie Farrelly - Dereham GC 41 points County Match days tournament, Nearest the Pin Prize Abigail O’Riordan - Thetford GC being held at Bawburgh Golf Club from 19-21st August.

The day was a great success. This championship saw some keen competition amongst those experienced junior players and those joining in the Birdie Trophy competition for the first time. The Birdie Trophy, a stableford competition, had its largest field of entry to date and was well supported by the girls from Dereham Golf Club. The standard of play across both competitions bodes well for the future of Norfolk junior girls‚ golf. The prizes were presented by Nickie Clarke, County President and Richard Fletcher, Project manager from BAM Nuttall who generously sponsored the championship this year with Hayes & Storr.

The day finished with a farewell to Maisy Turner from Hunstanton, who has represented Norfolk well over the years as a junior, and who is now moving to Ohio, USA on a golf scholarship to continue with her studies, and play golf in the wider arena. Juliet Fenton, Junior County Captain presented Maisy with a memento from her fellow golfers as a reminder of the happy times shared together. Maisy thanked her fellow players and the Norfolk Ladies County Golf Association for giving her the opportunity to play golf and develop her skills through the excellent training programme organised for Junior girls.

Norfolk Junior Girls Training

As part of their training programme during the season, Carol Delf Junior Organiser, arranged for Paul Ashwell a noted Golf professional and Coach, to spend time with a selected group of junior golfers at the Norwich Family Golf Centre, in honing their skills ready for the challenges ahead. Paul focussed on the short game, bunker play, and the mental preparation needed to play good golf. All the girls came away from the session with new things to work on and a determination to succeed.

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Revolution or just Evolution?

For those long standing golfers across the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk the name Royal Norwich represents everything good about golfing tradition....but it had been levelled against the club that it needed to be more progressive to attract the modern golfer.

Two years ago the decision was taken to look forward and become progressive and following the appointment of a new General Manager, Phil Grice, Royal Norwich have introduced a number of new initiatives, restructured internally and worked tirelessly to ensure the overall product is seen as a benchmark.

The list is long...and change has had a positive impact on all areas of the club. Moving to the option for "on line booking" and maximising playing opportunities through removing the two tee start system, has seen the course become more accessible and still an "under four hour" course at the busiest times!

Head Green Keeper Mark Dingle has been responsible for introducing new techniques and regimes that have seen the course flourish and widely accredited for being in its best condition in forty years ... as acknowledged by inclusion in the Top 100 courses.

A new redesigned website keeps members and visitors up to date with all the latest news and what’s going on at the club.

Inside the clubhouse the introduction of new personnel and significant refurbishment has given the the whole place a fresh feel. With the new sports lounge where live sports are often screened, complimented by home cooked daily specials (longer

opening hours has encouraged golfers to partake of a ‘hearty’ breakfast before their game). The refurbished lounges and dining room gives you somewhere to enjoy the daily offerings.

The new Half Way House by the 11th tee offers golfers the opportunity to take in some light refreshment during their round and the introduction of a marquee has proved to be a great success with visiting charities, societies and members alike offering a much larger space to hold events.

On the coaching side the Junior Scholarship, managed by new Head Professional Neil Lythgoe, has grown beyond belief with over 50 youngsters regularly attending weekly and holiday coaching sessions. This conception has led to the introduction of an Adult scholarship which, although newly introduced, is proving to be popular with the slightly older generation keen to ‘get into golf’. Add to this the introduction of one month Trial Membership opportunities and it will be seen that the club is actively trying to encourage new people into golf.