The County Zone Golf Magazine

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South East Edition

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The County

ISSUE 14

WESTY chasing a Masters victory at Woburn

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News

The County

McIlroy given exemption to play Tour final series

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ory McIlroy has been handed a special exemption by the European Tour to enable him to play in the season-ending Final Series and compete in fewer events than other players.

The world No 1 missed several of his scheduled appearances, including the Scottish Open and the Open Championship, after rupturing his ankle ligaments, meaning he has featured just nine times on the Race to Dubai this season.

Although the criteria is for players to compete in 13 tournaments per season to remain in the Race to Dubai, an agreement reached between McIlroy and the European Tour’s chief executive Keith Pelley means the Northern Irishman will only need to appear in 12 events in total.

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“These are exceptional circumstances and I have taken this situation and the resulting decision very seriously,” Pelley said.

“After reviewing and discussing all the medical reports and recommendations, while at the same time recognising that Rory is a world golfer with global commitments, I am convinced that he could not commit to any further tournament participation without risking further injury and persistent weakness to the ankle in the future.

“Therefore, after lengthy discussions, I have given him approval to play a minimum of 12 European Tour events this year.”

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Stars excited for Woburn return

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uke Donald and Lee Westwood have confirmed they will join tournament host Ian Poulter in the field at Woburn Golf Club when the British Masters makes its much anticipated return.

The English pair, both of whom have held the honour of being World Number One, believe the event’s inclusion on the 2015 Race to Dubai is positive news for British golf and for fans of the sport in their home country.

Since its return was announced in March, the tournament has proved a big hit with the British public, with the opening round of the £3million tournament a complete ‘sell out’ following the

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‘Sky Sports Thursday’ promotion, which offered 15,000 free tickets as part of the event’s aim to attract a new and existing audience to golf.

With tickets still on sale for the final three rounds, Donald and Westwood feature alongside Poulter on the event’s striking new promotional image, which was launched on Friday at key advertising sites in the London area as part Clear Channel’s campaign as Official Media Partner of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports.

And both players are looking forward to being part of the tournament, which was last played in 2008.

Westwood finished runner up that year, losing a thrilling playoff to Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño at The Belfry, narrowly missing

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out on a successfully defending the title he won the previous year, when he finished five shots clear of Poulter.

“It is always great to play in England and I’m delighted that we have finally got the British Masters back on the European Tour schedule,” said Westwood, who also finished in the top ten in the British Masters at Woburn Golf Club in 1999 and 2001.

“Woburn has always been one of my favourite courses and I’ve got a good record round there, so hopefully I can do well again. It looks like it is going to be a very good field supporting the event on its return and I’m sure the British public will support it too, so it should be a great occasion.”

Meanwhile, Donald will be seeking to add the title to the three European Tour victories

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ISSUE 14

he has already achieved on British soil, in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club in 2011 and 2012, and the 2011 Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Links.

The 37 year old, who finished tied 12th in The Open Championship at St Andrews, is hoping the British public will continue to get behind the event, with tickets still on sale for the final three rounds via www. europeantourtickets.com and http://tickets.sky.com/ Golf/British-Masters.

He said: “I think most of the British players on Tour have been hoping to get more big events at home for a number of years, so to have the British Masters back on our schedule is really positive news and it’s a tournament that I will be very proud to be associated with.

“It’s going to tick a lot of boxes; we are playing at one of the great courses

in England at Woburn, we have a strong prize fund and we have the support of Sky Sports, so it’s shaping up to be a really good week. I think having the top British players involved as tournament hosts is a cool idea as well. We are seeing more of that on The European Tour with Rory in Ireland and Paul Lawrie with his own match play event in Scotland, and it seems to be working really well.”

Discounted advance tickets are now on general sale for the final three rounds of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports.

Any one day tickets, which can be used from Friday October 9 to Sunday October 11, cost £25 (£15 concession) before October 4. The full gate price is £30.

Adult season tickets (Friday – Sunday) cost £65 (£35 concession) before October 4. The full gate price for a season ticket is £75.

Tickets for the British Masters supported by Sky Sports can be purchased online via www.europeantourtickets. com or http://tickets.sky.com/Golf/British-Masters or via the European Tour ticket hotline 0800 023 2557.

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News

Historic Hever links with Golf in Kent

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he golf courses and historic estate of Hever Castle is the latest golf property to link up with Golf in Kent to further enhance the county as an all-round golfing destination.

Hever Castle is not only one of Kent’s most iconic historic attractions but it is also home to a 7,002-yard, par-72 parkland championship course, comprising the Kings and Queens nine-hole courses, as well as the ninehole Princes course that are complemented by a Tudorstyle clubhouse.

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Golf was first introduced at Hever in the 1920s when a private nine-hole course was built north of the Hever lakes where today’s championship course now lies. It was created for the personal enjoyment of the then owners, the Astor family, and to entertain friends and business contacts.

The championship course now boasts an array of stunning holes with the 644yard, par-5 17th regarded as its standout hole. The short 6th and 8th holes on the front nine are both played over water whilst a tough stretch of holes from the 11th to the 13th - Hever's

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very own "Amen Corner" – offers carries over water and onto tricky, slick greens that require careful negotiation.

Testament to the quality of the championship course is the fact that the Kent Open and Kent PGA Championships have been staged at Hever in recent times and the course was also showcased on Sky Sports TV when Hever hosted a PGA EuroPro Tour event in 2010.

The Hever estate also offers golfers the chance to experience an overnight stay in two of its historic buildings, either in its’ fiveThe County Zone SOUTH EAST

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News

Express Golf comes to Hever Castle Hever Castle GC has introduced an ‘Express Golf Course’ featuring over-sized holes and a shorter course which the Edenbridge club hope will prove popular with those who are just starting out in golf or who are looking for a quick, fun round with friends.

star luxury B&B in the Astor Wing and the Anne Boleyn Wing, an Edwardian wing attached to the Castle, or in its five-star, gold-rated cottage, Medley Court, which is ideal for a group or families.

Hever Castle itself offers visitors a rich and fascinating past, with the oldest parts of the castle dating back to the 13th century. Later in the 1500s, it was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and it was here that Henry VIII first courted the young Anne, establishing the property’s royal connection.

Later in its history, Henry’s fourth wife Anne of Cleves was the proud owner of Hever.

In 1903 it was purchased

by William Waldorf Astor, one of the richest men in America at the time, who invested time, money and imagination into restoring the castle and building the ISSUE 14

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incredible Italian gardens and the ‘Tudor Village’ which is now known as the Astor Wing.

“We are very excited to partner the Visit Kent Golf Programme as we offer a unique golfing experience that combines good quality golf set against the backdrop of an incredibly historic setting that appeals to both local and international golfers,” said Jon Wittenberg, general manager at Hever Castle Golf Club.

The new nine-hole course plays over a shorter length of 769 yards and takes less than one hour to complete.

Each hole is around three times the diameter of a regular hole making it easier to putt the ball.

“The new accommodation at the castle provides a luxurious and atmospheric experience and our courses and the historic estate receive fantastic feedback from golfers and non-golfers alike, from those in the UK and from all around the world.”

“The Express Course gives us the opportunity to introduce the game to a wider public,” says the club professional Peter Parks.

“It’s ideal for anyone who wants to have a go in a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere, even if they have never played golf before.” The Express Course provides newcomers to the game with an early introduction to the golf course (a vital part of learning the game) as opposed to just spending time on a driving range.

The Express Golf Course costs only £5 per round and must pre-booked. The fee includes equipment hire.

More information on golf at Hever Castle can be found at www.hever.co.uk

To find out more visit the club website at www.hever. co.uk or ring 01732 700771.

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ISSUE 14

News

Danton bags another victory on countback

‘Fantastic’ North Foreland hosts KGT

anterbury Golf Club champion Dean Danton added another trophy to his collection when he won the annual bogey competition, the Winch Bowl, after coming out best in a countback with Micky Pilbeam.

North Foreland Golf Club played host to sixth event on the new Kent Golf Tour series.

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One-handicap Danton, winner of the prestigious George Cup in July, finished on four-up against the course, the same score as Pilbeam, but a better back nine fell in the 25-year-old’s favour.

Pilbeam, who plays off five, had been chasing his fourth trophy of the campaign and, ironically, his successes in the Brooke Rose Bowl and Henry Knight Salver in May were both achieved courtesy of countbacks. But it was not to be on this occasion.

Danton, a 10th tee starter, was well off the pace at the halfway stage as Pilbeam and playing partner Dan O’Donoghue took advantage of the more favourable firsttee start to reach the turn on plus four.

Pilbeam had three birdies – at the first, second and fifth – and one bogey while nine-handicap Irishman ISSUE 14

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KGT Events Director Gemma Woodcock said: “This fantastic downland course, with stunning views of the English Channel and its quirky layout, provided an interesting challenge for the players.

O’Donoghue birdied the first and ninth but picked up a bogey in between.

At that stage, Danton was three holes adrift after seven pars and two birdies, at the 13th and 14th, saw him complete his first nine oneup.

Coming home, O’Donoghue had three bogeys and noscores at the 10th and 18th to drop back to plus-three.

But Pilbeam made birdie at the 14th and, despite two losses in his last three holes, he closed the back nine all square for a plus-four total.

However, out on the far end of the course, Danton, who had birdied the second, produced a birdie-par-birdie finish and that was just enough for him to deny Pilbeam.

“With glorious sunshine all day and a gentle breeze, it was a perfect day for a round of golf especially as the course was in such fantastic condition.”

The winner on the day was Dave Cloake (Etchinghill) with 42 points on countback from Michael Jones (Sittingbourne & Milton Regis), with Kipp Popert (Wildernesse) third on 41.

There are two more KGT competitions in September, at Faversham GC on September 11 and at Dale Hill Hotel & GC on September 25, before the season-ending Tour Championship at The London Club on October 16. For more details go to: www.uniquegolfevents. com

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News

The Marriott Mancini Trophy winners, the Tudor Park ladies’ team of Christine McFarlane, Marie Bell and Elaine Pentley with celebrity footballer Paul Jones (far left) and Sir Trevor Brooking, who presented the team with their prizes.

Tudor Park ladies take Marriott Mancini Trophy

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t’s been a busy summer at Marriott Tudor Park hosting high profile events such as the Marriott Mancini Trophy and the regional final of the Trilby Tour.

For the Marriott Mancini Trophy the club played host to 21 ex-professional footballers headed by former West Ham and England legend Sir Trevor Brooking.

And victory went to the ladies-only team of Tudor Park members, Christine McFarlane, Marie Bell

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and Elaine Pentley who were playing with former Southampton and Liverpool goalkeeper Paul Jones.

The event also saw European Tour professional and Bearsted resident Matt Ford challenge the celebrity footballers to a `Beat the Pro’ at the 4th hole which was won by former Aston Villa player winger Lee Hendrie.

Then, two days later, the Trilby Tour final was played out in front of a crowd of spectators and also the Sky Sports TV cameras. From 7am 140 players, all wearing

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trilby hats, took to the fairways in glorious sunshine and it needed a four-man play-off to decide the winner, whose name cannot be disclosed until after the event is screened by Sky Sports in the autumn.

James Ibbetson, Director of Golf atMarriott Tudor Park added: “It was an amazing week. We witnessed some great golf and the chance to meeting some footballing legends like Sir Trevor Brroking was a real highlight for staff and guests here at Tudor Park.”

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News

Cricket legends new event Kent cricketers past and present are to have their own golf tournament later this year.

Left to right: Robert Kirk, Phil Haynes, Nathan Kirk

Fitting tribute to Jamie at Faversham GC

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aversham Golf Club have held their annual Jamie Haynes Memorial Trophy.

The competition, now in its ninth year, is staged in memory of Jamie Haynes who died in 2006 at the age of 18.

This year’s event was won by 15-year-old Robert Kirk with his brother Nathan, aged 17, taking second place!

Jamie’s dad Phil, who organises the competition, said: “Jamie loved his golf and Faversham Golf Club was his second home during school holidays and weekends, so the Memorial Trophy seemed a fitting tribute to his short time with us at Faversham.” Faversham GC, which is Golf Mark accredited, has a thriving junior section.

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The club arrange a full programme of competitions for youngsters of all ages and abilities from March to October. For more details go to www.favershamgolf.co.uk Meanwhle it’s been a busy period for the senior members of the club. In superb conditions the Mick & Jean Money Trophy was closely contested over two weekends with victory going to Glen Burden (10h) with a nett 138 on countback from David Lockitt (h11). Third was Mick Carroll (h9) with 139. Then followed the Scratch Cup which was also held over 36 holes in very warm conditions and produced some excellent scores.

Victory went to Matt Bushell with 142, one shot in front of Fred Holleand, with Mark Beale third on 144.

The inaugural Legends of Kent Cricket Golf Championship is being staged at Canterbury Golf Club on Tuesday, September 29 and golfing/cricket fans have the opportunity of participating in the event.

Twenty-five current and former Kent cricketers will each be drawn into a team of three golfers, among those who have already entered are Mark Ealham, Paul Farbrace, John Shepherd, David Fulton, Steve Marsh and Min Patel.

A maximum of 75 places are available and entries are being taken for individuals or teams at a cost of £40 for Canterbury club members and £60 for non-members. Any profits will go to the charity Catching Lives, which offers support and advice for local homeless people.

For further details or to enter, contact the golf club office on 01227 453532.

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News

Frankish wins English U16 title Kent’s Cloe Frankish won the English U16 girls’ championship at Royal Cromer GC by a massive 12-shot margin.

And her success completed a title double for the 16-year-old from Chart Hills who the previous week had lifted Scottish Ladies’ Junior Open Strokeplay Championship at Drumpellier GC. “This means a lot,” said Frankish after leading from start to finish at Royal Cromer. “I didn’t really think about having a lead, I just played it shot at a time.”

At the halfway stage she was one-under par and five shots ahead.

Then, after the third round, when she scored two-under 72, she was 10 clear. She closed with a one-over 75 for a twounder-par total of 294. Her closest rival was Ashley Croft (Stock Brook Manor) on 10-over.

It’s been a great year so far for Cloe. She was second in the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters, tied ninth in the English women’s amateur championship.

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Steve Mitchell & Ali Ord.

Alford comes out on top at London Club

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li Ord of Boughton Golf Club won the Regional Final of The Old Mutual Wealth Golf Challenge on The International Course at London Golf Club with a Nett score of 70.

27 year old Ali who plays off 8 is extremely excited and delighted to have won and put it down to the practice round the day before with her golf coach Steve Mitchell, Head PGA professional at Etchinghill Golf Club, and good course management.

Ord started off at the age of 13 as a junior member at Boughton Golf Club which along with Etchinghill and Pedham Place is part of Pentland Golf and she has

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been there ever since and is the club’s current Lady Club Champion. At a recent annual golf competition between Pentland staff and Boughton Golf Club, Johnathan Callister CEO of Pentland Golf stated that ‘Ali had played extremely well at the London Club on Monday and we wish her all the best for the Grand Final at the Old Head Golf Links in Ireland’.

For winning the Regional Final Ali receives two nights including flights and two rounds of golf on the iconic links course in County Kinsale, Cork Ireland in September competing against the other lady Regional Winners.

The Old Mutual Wealth Golf Challenge is in association with The Daily Telegraph.”

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News

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News

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News

Ablett in top form at PGA Surrey Open

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ames Ablett (Leeon-the-Solent) shot an impressive 11-under-par total of 133 over two rounds to win the PGA Surrey Open championship by three shots at Kingswood GC. Ablett has been in top form this season with 10 wins so far and his victory at Kingswood earned him another winner’s cheque, this time for £2,000.

Trailing in his wake was runner-up James Sharp (Waterhall) who picked up a cheque for £1,500 after shooting a 136 total.

Ablett opened with a 67, but it took an eagle at the fifth to get things going, as he explained, “I’d birdied the first and given it straight back at the next hole, but the eagle gave me a boost and more birdies came

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at the eighth and ninth to reach four-under. Two more at the 11th and 12th improved my prospects even more, but a bogey at the 14th and pars on the rest left me on 67 in second spot behind James (Sharp) at the halfway point.”

The second round inspired even lower scoring, especially from defending champion Chris Gane (LeftHandedGolf@ silvermere) whose first round had been an uninspiring one-over-par 73 to make the cut on the mark. On the final Friday his front nine comprised two pars and seven birdies to reach six-under for the tournament. Bogeying the 10th, Gane made another five birdies to reach -11 for the round with two holes to go, but a bogey followed by a triple bogey finish ended Gane’s run, albeit with the satisfaction of a new course

record round the James Braid layout.

After his first round of 66, Sharp was right in the zone as well, notching up four birdies and an eagle despite a bogey at the sixth to reach -11 at the turn to lead the championship. He bogeyed the par five 11th but bounced back with a birdie at the 13th, and then undid all the good work by making a bogey at the 15th and a double at the last to finish on 70 for second place on 136.

With all the fireworks going on in front, Ablett was calmly getting on with the job in hand and, despite a bogey on the short third, was out in 33 and eight-under-par for the tournament. Three more birdies at the 13th, 15th and 18th ensured a card of 65 and his first PGA South Order of Merit victory since 2007.

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News

Jordan gets first pro win at Chart Hills

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ordan Smith (Bowood Golf & Country Club) shot a six-under-par final-round 66 to finish on a -14 total of 202 and claim his first professional title in the HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour’s PDC Open at Chart Hills Golf Club.

The 2013 Walker Cup player’s amateur highlight was success at the Brabazon Trophy in the same year and he moved over to the paid ranks last October.

Paul Howard (Southport & Ainsdale), Laurie Canter (Cumberwell Park) and Alex Wrigley (Hartlepool).

By his own admission Smith, from Wiltshire, had found the transition from the amateur game tough but he proved he had overcome those initial difficulties with a fine performance over 54 holes at Chart Hills to collect the £10,000 first prize.

He finished three clear of

Three local players took part in the event. Chart Hills head pro Nick Olson, who lives in Biddenden, failed to qualify for the second round despite a fine four-underpar second round 68.

But two former Charts Hills junior members did make the cut. Maidstone resident Tom Sherreard finished on seven-under-par 209 while Connor Fletcher, who also lives in Biddenden, finished two shots further back.

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Feature

Leeds Castle Golf Club

Bucking the trend at Leeds Castle F alling golf club membership numbers may be a worrying trend for the sport but that’s not the case where Leeds Castle GC is concerned.

The nine-hole par-34 2,843yard course situated seven miles east of Maidstone has enjoyed an increase in its membership this year while the numbers for visitors’ green fees and total rounds played are also “up” on the 18

2014 figures despite the recent traffic problems caused by “Operation Stack” on the M20.

£395) season ticket deals, for example, which are very good value because of the ‘extras’ they offer.

So why is Leeds Castle bucking the downward trend? Steve Purves, the long-serving head professional, believes it is due to the various imaginative membership schemes that the club has come up with.

“They give you 14-day advance booking rights, a free 30-minute coaching session, free coffee when playing, guest days and Pro Shop promotions, plus free entrance to the Castle and grounds to run concurrently with the season ticket.

He said: “Take our five-day midweek (adults £295) and seven-day full (adults

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“But we also realise that buying a season ticket won’t The County Zone SOUTH EAST

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Feature

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be a realistic option for plenty of busy young adults and so we have introduced the One Under Card initiative.

Barham (PGolf/Coaching@ Pedham) and James Jones from Tonbridge Golf Centre with a one-underpar score of 33.

“The card allows you to buy seven rounds for the price of six and is available in five-day midweek (adults £78) and seven-day full (adults £96) formats.”

standards, whether in groups or individuals, in the picturesque scenic setting that Leeds Castle and its grounds provides.

Jones also won the team competition along with his amateur partner Steve Kirkham with a better ball score of three-under-par 31.

The card can be purchased from the Pro Shop or online at www.leeds-castle.com/ golf and the prices are valid until March 2016.

Steve added: “A lot of hard work and investment has gone into improving the course over the past 18 months and it’s now starting to pay off in areas like better all-year round greens. “People are now talking about the club, which is helping to raise our profile on the Kentish golfing map.”

A half hour lesson costs £22.50 and for one hour it’s £40, and Steve is also currently offering two special deals: you can block book four half hour sessions for £40 and six half hour lessons for £110.

The condition of the course also received many favourable comments from the professionals who took part in the club’s Pro Am competition recently, which was sponsored by Guy Salmon JLR Maidstone.

The joint winners of the Professionals’ individual competition were former European Tour pro Benn

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Steve, who has more than 30 years’ PGA qualified teaching and playing expertise, still enjoys coaching golfers of all

The fee for a nine-hole playing game and half hour short game lesson is £60 while for £110 you can book three half hour coaching sessions and a nine-hole playing game.

Ring Steve in the Pro Shop to book on 01622 767828 or email stevepurves@ leeds-castle.co.uk

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Feature

England beat Wales in boys U16 match A strong finish gave England a two-point victory in the annual under 16 boys’ international against Wales at Radyr Golf Club.

England won the final singles session 4½ to 3½ to seal an 11 to 9 win against a strong Welsh side.

England team manager Nick Over remarked, “It is worthy of note that 15 of the 20 matches went to the 17th or 18th hole which reflected the closeness of the match.

Overall, I was extremely pleased with the way the boys battled to the end to eventually overcome a spirited Welsh team in a match that could have gone either way.”

England team members were: Harvey Byers (Walton Heath), Angus Flanagan (St George’s Hill), Harry Goddard (Hanbury Manor), Luke Kelly (Ashton-underLyne), Thomas Plumb (Sherborne), George Saunders (Meon Valley), Taylor Stote (Burnham & Berrow), and James Wilson (Tyneside).

The autumn under 16 series continues with a match against Scotland at Dalmahoy on 26 and 27 September and a match against Ireland follows a fortnight later on the weekend of 10 and 11 October at Templepatrick.

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Wycombe Heights combats slow play

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ycombe Heights Golf Centre, in High Wycombe, is combating slow play by rewarding those members and visitors that play the main 18hole course in less than four hours.

Throughout May and June, those that finished their round in less than three hours, thirty minutes were offered a free pint of beer (or non-alcoholic equivalent) on completion.

Thanks to the success of this initial campaign, the Centre has developed a new scheme, entering every golfer that finishes under four hours on weekends into a monthly prize draw to win their very own exclusive golf day

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package to be enjoyed with three friends, worth over £400.

The ‘Exclusive Day Package’ prize includes breakfast and coffee on arrival, driving range warm up with a 30 minute professional lesson, 18 holes of golf, buggies and lunch post-round.

Graham Rolland, general manager at Wycombe Heights stated, “Slow play is golf ’s primary issue.

People simply don’t want to take five or six hours out of their weekends, so we’ve taken the lead and tackled the problem head on. The feedback from members and visitors alike has been hugely positive. We’ve noticed a real difference in average speed of play since we began the rewards scheme, which is very pleasing indeed.”

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ISSUE 14

Ladies go head to head for Inter Club titles

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ussex County Ladies Golf Association held the Interclub Championship Finals at the Dyke and Royal Ashdown Forest golf clubs on Friday 28th August.

This prestigious event in usually played at just one location, but host club the Dyke secured a place in the Finals, so the Division 1 Final was played at a neutral course.

team of many county players, Worthing lifted the trophy for the 13th time in the 115 year history of the event, beating the Dyke.

Thirty six different clubs competed in Division 2.

The final saw Haywards Heath retain the title beating West Sussex, winning for the 8th time in the event’s 92 year history.

The final between Crowborough Beacon and Chichester was very close, with the last match going down the 19th hole to secure victory 4-3 for the Crowborough team. In its seventh year, Division 4 is played in teams of five playing off handicap rather than scratch. 2015 saw newcomers West Hove battle it out against Lewes to secure the title.

The winners of Division 1 were last year’s losing finalists Worthing.

Fielding a very strong

The draw for the 2016 Championships will be announced at the Sussex Ladies AGM in November.

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Worthing: Penny Brown, Paula Carver, Karen Sykes, Sam Morfee, Megan Edwards, Suzanne Harmsworth and Anya Olsen, pictured with Team Captain Emma Bullock and County Captain, Sue Todd.

Haywards Heath: Fiona Spencer, Sheila Williams, Rachel Addison, Chris Kernohan, Haley McCartney, Tracy Turner, Aisling Cloonan, pictured with Kath Honeysett their Lady Captain, County President Mel Boyse and Vice Captain Sandra Holman

Division 3 was the biggest draw with thirty seven clubs competing.

The Finals are the culmination of six months competition for golfers of all handicaps representing over forty Sussex clubs.

Divisions are organised by handicap ranges, with Divisions 1-3 competing off scratch. Clubs are drawn in a round robin, with the winners then going on to compete in three rounds of knock-out matches.

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LADIES ZONE

Crowborough: Ruby Wooley, Mandy Monk, Diana Sheppard, Barbro Furneaux, Ezzie Massey, Sylvia Billcliff and Linds Weatherley pictured with Dorothy Turton Team Captain, County President Mel Boyse and County Vice Captain Sandra Holman

West Hove: Sue Gleeson (Lady Captain) Jill Corbett, Jan Seabrook, Julie James and Rita Hedderman. www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk

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News LADIES ZONE

Five new caps for women’s title defence Five news caps have been selected for the England team to defend the Ladies’ Home International title at Royal Wimbledon Golf Club, Surrey.

They are Sammy Fuller of Surrey, Sammie Giles of Cornwall, Sophie Keech of Dorset, Sophie Lamb of Lancashire and Inci Mehmet of Surrey.

They will join established internationals Gemma Clews of Cheshire, Hollie Muse of Lancashire and Bethan Popel of Gloucestershire, who all played a part in last year’s nail-biting victory.

The reserves are Eloise Healey (West Lancashire) and Lianna Bailey (Kirby Muxloe).

McCann finishes in fourth place Fiona McCann (North Foreland GC) finished fourth in the English Girls’ Amateur Championship at Sheringham GC in Norfolk - the best performance by a Kent player in the championship for several years.

Fiona shot rounds of 78 and 77 to make the cut and was then a superb one under par for the final 36 holes with scores of 73 and 72 .

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Pro Jemma’s getting lots more women into golf

O

ne wellproven way to increase female participation in golf is to set up lady beginners’ group classes and events.

And one Kent club who have a lady PGA professional on their staff is Chelsfield Lakes Golf Centre, where Jemma Aldridge is going the extra mile to get more women into golf. Encouraged by her Head Professional Matthew Barber, Jemma is taking a very proactive role in encouraging more women to get involved with the club’s beginners’ programme.

Jemma organised her first lady beginners’ Fun Day in July when no less than 37 female golfers took part, with ages ranging from 14 to 75 years old.

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And, despite the rain, the ladies played in a special competition set up for them on Chelsfield Lakes’ Par 3 Vista Course. Aldridge reflected about the day saying, “It was a great success. I’m so proud of everyone for fighting through the rain and playing some really great golf. It’s great to see so many more women getting involved in the game.” Following on from the success of this event, Aldridge has organised another Fun Day on September 20 which will comprise some coaching, a nine-hole competition, lunch and prizes.

Interested lady golfers, beginners and budding lady golfers should contact 01689 896 266 (option 1) or www. retail@chelsfieldlakes.co.uk for entry forms and more information.

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LADIES ZONE

Absent Alison clinches Order of Merit title

A

lison Nicholas MBE has won this year’s WPGA Order of Merit title - but was in the USA when she heard the news.

The former European Tour and Solheim Cup star has made a successful return to the sport after a break following health problems.

Midlander Nicholas played in the WPGA One Day Series in a bid to build up form for the US Seniors Tour. And her victories in the opening rounds at Little Aston in Birmingham and Derby’s Kedleston Park earned her enough points to take the Order of Merit crown.

Nicholas, of Hagley Golf Club, did not compete in the final round of the series ISSUE 14

The County Zone SOUTH EAST

at Three Rivers Golf Club in Essex as she was already in the States.

The event was won by 15-year-old England Golf player Rebecca Earl from Bishop’s Stortford, with level par 74, who also won the previous event at South Herts Golf Club.

But Nicholas had already done enough to win overall despite challenges from Chase Golf Club’s Katrina Holford and Sian Evans of Kings Hill Golf Club.

Speaking from Kentucky where she is preparing for a tournament, Nicholas said: “I was quite surprised to win the Order of Merit. I really just wanted to get back to playing again after a break from the game and wanted to see if I could play decent golf this year before playing in the US.

“I was happy enough to win the two events although I know I didn’t play well at Dunham Forest.

“So I did what I set out to do with the added bonus of winning the Order of Merit which I didn’t expect.”

Nicholas has just released her autobiography entitled Walking Tall which is available from online outlets.

“It’s the story of my golfing life,” she explained. The book’s only just come out so I hope people will read it and enjoy it.”

Nicholas is a former Open and US Open champion and won 12 events on the Ladies European Tour. She also competed in six European Solheim Cup teams as well as being captain in 2009 and 2011.

www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk

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LADIES ZONE

Captain Carin takes her pick E

uropean Captain Carin Koch has made her four picks for this year’s Solheim Cup matches in Germany, naming Caroline Hedwall, Karine Icher, Caroline Masson and Catriona Matthew to complete her 12-woman team.

All four players enjoyed a record 18-10 victory representing Europe in the 2013 match at Colorado Golf Club in the United States of America.

They are now heading to Golf Club St.Leon-Rot near Heidelberg for the 2015 matches on 18-20 September where they will

24

face Juli Inkster’s United States team.

Hedwall, a star of two winning sides in 2011 and 2013, rewrote the history books at Colorado Golf Club when she became the first player to win five out of five matches – and by winning the 14th point she retained The Cup for Europe.

The 26-year-old Swede is thrilled to be representing Europe for a third time and said: “I’m just really excited about it. After my last two tournaments I wasn’t expecting anything and when Carin called I was really happy because I love The Solheim Cup and I’m really pumped to get to Germany and play.

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I love that team and I’m really excited to get back to Europe. When I played in the Ladies European Tour event in Germany the crowds were really good and comparable with those in Sweden. I’m hoping for big crowds and that a lot of people will come out and cheer for us. A lot of my friends will drive from Sweden because it’s not that far, so I’m hoping people will come from all over Europe to support the team.”

Icher, 36, from France, will make her first Solheim Cup appearance on European soil having played on the 2002 and 2013 teams in the United States previously. She said: “It was really nice to be selected as I’m sure there The County Zone SOUTH EAST

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LADIES ZONE

Team Europe celebrate winning back in 2013

were quite a few players on the list. I know that some people will be disappointed so I’m very proud to be on the team representing Europe and we’ll do our best to win the Cup.” Masson, who earned 2 ½ points as a Solheim Cup rookie in 2013, will defend The Solheim Cup in her home country. The 26-yearold said: “It’s been a huge goal to make the team for the last two years and I have been waiting for that call, to see what decision Carin would make.

When she told me I was a pick I was super happy and I can’t wait to tee up in Germany in front of my friends and family. It’s going to be a huge event and I feel so happy and fortunate to be a part of it.”

Matthew, who gained the winning point at Barsebäck in Sweden in ISSUE 14

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2003 and secured the half that won The Cup outright in Colorado, is the most experienced player in the team, along with Suzann Pettersen.

The 46-year-old from Scotland said: “Obviously I was delighted and very excited when Carin gave me the phone call and I can’t wait to play in The Solheim Cup. It has always been my favourite event and to play as part of a team is so good!

Since winning in Colorado my main aim has been to get in the team. As you get older, it gets harder to qualify but this will be my eighth one so it will be great to play at home and defend it hopefully.”

Carin Koch, who will lead Europe for the first time, commented: “We’ve got a great mixture of youth and experience which really excites me as Captain. Each

of our players has a role to play and I have a team of stars. Now the team is finalised we can all have full focus for the week in Germany and I can’t wait to see the players together at Golf Club St Leon-Rot.” All 24 members of the European and United States teams will play in the Evian Championship in France before travelling directly to Germany for The Solheim Cup. The European team: Carlota Ciganda, Spain Sandra Gal, Germany Caroline Hedwall, Sweden Charley Hull, England Karine Icher, France Caroline Masson, Germany Catriona Matthew, Scotland Azahara Muñoz, Spain Gwladys Nocera, France Anna Nordqvist, Sweden Suzann Pettersen, Norway Melissa Reid, England

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LADIES ZONE

Get into Golf with Felicity Dunderdale

This month, guest columnist Felicity Dunderdale, founder of FORE! Women, banishes the myths that are preventing ladies from taking up golf.

A

t the time of writing this column, I have just returned from an England Golf conference about how to grow the game of golf for women and girls.

England Golf carried out research that showed women have five perceptions – or I should say misconceptions about the game of golf.

Firstly, ladies think the game takes all day to play. Actually, it can take as little or as long as you like. Clubs offering weekly roll up sessions and facilities such as a driving range, and short 9-hole and 18-hole courses are perfect for time-pressed women.

A short 9-hole course can take just an hour to play – no more than the average Zumba class – and there’s nothing stopping ladies popping in to the driving range for a half hour session to hit a bucket of balls.

The second misconception is golf clubs can be “stuffy”. Yes, some are, but organisations like FORE!Women actively

encourage clubs to relax their rules, such as dress codes, in order to make themselves more appealing to the fairer sex. And ladies, there is a lot you can learn from a golf club’s website. If there are no pictures of women playing golf (but lots of the male club captain) and the rules seem overly strict, then it might not be for you.

The third myth is that it is a game for men. In reality, it is women who are growing the game of golf. Of the enquiries to the `Get into Golf’ website, half are from women. And the more progressive clubs have around 30% female membership. Golf won’t keep you fit is the fourth myth. My friends, once you begin playing a round of golf you will burn up to 900 calories each time and make a huge contribution to the NHS 10,000 steps per day challenge. Exercise and golf is a conversation for a future Ladies Zone column, but I discovered at the

conference that England Golf is encouraging golf clubs to give out pedometers to prove the point.

And finally the fifth perception is golf is expensive. I encourage golf clubs to offer competitive packages to attract new members and the more progressive ones offer free ladies-only taster sessions.

But if you want to try golf for the first time with a group of friends, then use your powers of persuasion. Forwardthinking club managers and golf coaches will realise today’s free trial could lead to tomorrow’s new members.

And yes, you can go crazy buying top brand equipment, but I have long since relied on the power of social media to ask if anyone has unused golf clubs in their garage they don’t want. A quick look at eBay just now spotted a set of ladies’ golf clubs going for a starting price of £20.

So, now I’ve dispelled the myths, let’s get on and play.”

*Felicity Dunderdale, a PGA level 1 coach, has helped introduce more that 65 women to golf in the past year by organising taster sessions with progressive golf clubs. For more information, or to become part of the female golf community visit the FORE!Women website www.forewomen.co.uk Follow on Twitter @Fore_Women like the Fore!Women Facebook page or email info@forewomen.co.uk

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LADIES ZONE

Picture: Leaderboard Photography

> NEWS IN BRIEF

Steph crowned English Womens Medal Champ

K

ent’s Steph Marshall played six below her handicap at Frilford Heath GC in Oxfordshire to become England’s Champion Woman Medal Player.

The five-handicapper from Birchwood Park GC scored a net 67 to win the women’s Grand Medal Final, finishing two shots clear of the youngest competitor, 12-year-old Hannah Golding from Staffordshire. Third place went to Yorkshire’s Karen Jobling, a four-handicapper who returned a net 70.

“I am over the moon,” said Steph who played Frilford’s Red course in 72, one-under par gross, having never seen it before. “I didn’t have a practice round so I got myself a course book and took it one step at a time.”

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The County Zone SOUTH EAST

It proved a very successful approach as she notched up four birdies, two of them in the last three holes. “I felt I positioned the ball well with my driving and I put it close on the greens, although I had to hole a couple of downhill left-to-right putts.

But they all went in, everything was going well.”

Steph, 20, has been playing golf for seven years after first seeing the sport on television. She’s been on good form this season since making a small swing adjustment, after receiving a chance tip, and added: “I’ve been hitting the ball straight ever since!” The Grand Medal Final was contested by the cream of England’s club medal players.

Each finalist had returned the four best medal scores at their club during 2014.

• Fiona McCann (North Foreland GC) finished fourth in the English Girls’ Amateur Championship at Sheringham GC in Norfolk - the best performance by a Kent player in the championship for several years.

Fiona shot rounds of 78 and 77 to make the cut and was then a superb one under par for the final 36 holes with scores of 73 and 72 .

• The Ladies of Broome Park GC played a 27-hole medal competition for the Miki Elliott Salver, a trophy donated to the club in memory of the second Lady Captain of Broome Park back in l983.

The overall winner was Anne Fido with a net 108.5. Playing off a handicap of 23, Anne had a superb four-under-par net 69 on the first 18 holes, and afterwards was pleased to have her handicap reduced by two shots.

But it was a close run thing for second and third places, with Annabel beating Krystyna McCorkell on countback after both players recorded net 109.

ITS YOUR SHOUT! Send us your news

czkenteditor@gmail.com czsurreyeditor@gmail.com czsussexeditor@gmail.com

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27

Competition

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FIVE rounds for EVERY visitor + Women & Kids go free!* The London Golf Show is designed to provide a truly interactive experience for golfers of all ages, with informed technical advice, PGA tuition and education, guest interviews, a huge indoor driving range, custom fitting, club testing, golf simulators and the latest golf gadgets.

The show’s focus will be on helping you to get the most from the game.

The London Golf Show this year offers superb value as visitors are able to claim FIVE rounds of golf for free when they come to the show. Local golf operators, the Pentland Group are giving away rounds at Pedham Place, Etchinghill, and Boughton Golf Clubs to anyone who attends.

Advance tickets to the London Golf Show cost £10 for adults, £18 for two, or £48 for six. For more details visit www.londongolfshow.com, or call 0844 858 6749 for tickets. *Under 14’s go free when accompanied by an Adult Ticket Holder

WIN ONE OF TEN PAIRS OF TICKETS TO THE LONDON GOLF SHOW How rounds of golf are the London Golf Show giving away with every ticket?

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Please complete this form and post to: The County Zone, 5 Tangle Oak, Felbridge, Surrey, RH19 2PG Competition runs unti Sept 28th, 2015.

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ISSUE 14

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Equipment

Return

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OBRA Golf has announced the return of KING to their product line with the launch of the new KING LTD Driver.

The new COBRA driver has been created with the help of research in space. The KING LTD features a innovative SpacePort design that allowed the brand’s R&D team to strategically position the Centre of Gravity (CG) and make COBRA Golf’s key internal speed and stability technologies visible for the first time.

The SpacePort system consists of a 16-gram Aerospace grade Aluminum dual-purpose weight and translucent port system that allows golfers to view the internal driver technologies.

The KING LTD driver is available in five lofts – 9°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°, and 12° and three draw settings – 9.5°D, 10.5°D and 11.5°D. The KING LTD PRO is also available in five lofts – 7.0°, 7.5°, 8.5°, 9.5°, and 10° and three fade settings: 7.5°F, 8.5°F, 9.5°F.

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Through key structural component weight reduction and critical placement of the discretionary weight COBRA Golf created the lowest CG on the driver market today.

Availability for KING LTD and KING LTD PRO begins in the UK on October 15th.

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The County Zone SOUTH EAST

ISSUE 14

ISSUE 14

The County Zone SOUTH EAST

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