February 2016

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Langdon Hills Golf Club

www.essexgolfer.com ESSEX GOLFER MAGAZINE – SERVING THE GOLFERS OF ESSEX SINCE 1996

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England County Activity Creates More Players and More Members

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ver 92,000 people have tried golf and almost 7500 have joined clubs as a result of England Golf ’s county activity in the six months to September 2015.

The figures are highlighted in the latest County Impact Report and reflect the work going on to fulfil the aim to create more players, more members and stronger clubs.

During 2015, the capacity of the network of County Development Officers was increased to provide even more support to golf clubs and county action plans were introduced.These promote collaborative working between all the key organisations involved in golf in each county.

The county activity has also contributed to the positive results in the latest Active People Survey.

These were released by Sport England earlier this month and indicated that golf participation is continuing to stabilise after a long period of decline.

Claire Hodgson, England Golf ’s Head of Participation, said: “These results are very encouraging and, with our county network now up to full strength, we expect to build on these in 2016.We will be offering improved and targeted

support for golf clubs, new campaigns to attract attention to golf, an increased focus on women, juniors and families, more opportunities for disabled people and a refresh of Get into golf to attract even more golfers and members.”

THE IMPACT REPORT SHOWS: • Over 92,000 people tried golf during the six months. Over 36,000 took part in structured coaching courses of at least four weeks (up 29% on the same period on 2014.) Of these, over 14,500 people now play golf weekly.

• Over 7400 people became club members after taking part in county activity (up 57% on the same period in 2014) The national Get into golf campaign has continued to inspire adults to take up golf and play more often, with coaching from PGA professionals.

During the six months, 18,600 people took courses; 3800 took up some form of membership; and, encouragingly, 41% of participants are female.

During 2015 almost 770 clubs took advantage of the opportunity to upload their beginner activity onto the Get into golf website.

England Golf has been working with targeted clubs in five counties to attract more women. Since the project began in July, 550 have taken structured courses and almost 130 have taken up memberships. Almost 700 women have been involved in activity across other counties.

Work with the Golf Foundation to encourage juniors and young people continues to be positive and has resulted in 58,400 youngsters experiencing golf; 9600 taking structured coaching and almost 1600 new memberships.

England Golf County activity creates more players (© Leaderboard Photography).

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www.getintogolf.org www.englandgolf.org

(NOT to be confused with Hartswood)

‘Come and play the course everyone is talking about’

2016 MEMBERSHIPS Our Membership Year begins 1st May 2016 Pay a Deposit of £100 and begin playing 1st March 2016, we then deduct the £100 from your annual bill on 1st May, meaning you get 2 MONTHS FREE Members get 10% Discount of Food & Drinks, £5 Discount on Buggy Hire amongst other things *

Full 7 Day Membership (Unlimited Golf) - £1,100.00 5 Day Membership (Unlimited Golf Monday to Friday) - £825.00 SENIOR Membership (5 Days 60+) (Unlimited Golf Monday to Friday) - £715.00 These are just an example of range of Memberships, please call Russell for more details of other Memberships available

Senior Wednesday

18 Hol

fee l & Tea or Cof es + Bacon Rol

£15.00 per person

th uary* *Until 29 Febr

W IN T E R

Available from

1pm

2016 GOLF On Arrival –

SOCIETY SP EC PACKAGE

IAL

A Bacon Rolls w ith unlimited Tea & Coffee 18 Holes Followed By either: Ham, Egg & Chips ~o r~ Sausages & ~or~ Steak Pi e with Potato Mash Price per Pers es & Peas on - £33 (Mon da y to Friday) or £40 (Saturda y & Sunday) PACKAGE B On Arrival – Full English Br eakfast with un limited Tea & Coffee Price per Pers 18 Holes on - £30 (Mon day to Friday or £37 (Saturda ) y & Sunday) Saturday & Su nday First Tee OT H E R PA CK Time Available AG E S AVA IL 11 .45am AB L E, CA LL RU S S EL L FO R A QU OT E

ENuaryFEES E R G R E T IN W Available to 29th Febr

Monday to F riday £10 Saturday & S unday £15

riday £15 Monday to F unday £20 Saturday & S

A l l T E E T I M E S M u S T b E b o o k E d I N A d vA N c E

coxtie Green Road, South Weald, brentwood, Essex cM14 5RJ

01277 375 101

Email: russell@brentwoodgolfclub.co.uk - 3 - - 3 -Web: www.brentwoodgolfclub.co.uk

7c Perry Road, Witham, Essex CM8 3UD Telephone: 01621 815 577 Mobile: 07967 651613 Email: info@essexgolfer.com

www.essexgolfer.com @EssexGolfer1 EDITOR Tony Hawkins

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WINTER Special

16

18 Holes of Golf & Curry and Rice

ÂŁ25

Monday to Friday Please call 01245 441

Langdon Hills Golf Club

www.essexgolfer.com

to reserve your tee time

ESSEX GOLFER MAGAZINE – SERVING THE GOLFERS OF ESSEX SINCE 1996

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Essex Golfer Magazine is available free of charge both in print* or as a digital document. To recieve your free copy apply online at www.essexgolfer.com or email us at info@essexgolfer.com. *(ONLY AVAILABLE TO UK POSTCODES).

The opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers.

Copyright.

No part of this publication may be scanned, digitised, reproduced or photocopied, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted, in any way or means, either by recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publishers in writing.

Advertisements created by Essex Golfer remain the property of the company and may not be reproduced in any other publication without prior permission.

Channels, Belsteads Farm Lane Little Waltham, Chelmsford CM3 3PT www.channelsestate.co.uk E: michelle@channelsestate.co.uk -4-

February Green Fee Offer

Pay a full green fee and receive a dozen Titleist DT Solo balls worth £18.00

FREE

GOLF • CLUB

Terms & Conditions: Visitors must contact the golf club in order to book a tee time (01277 631171). Offer ends February 29th 2016.

Please bring this advert with you.

Visitors Welcome Twilight from 1.00pm Monday - Friday £18 Saturday - Sunday £22

Contact pro shop for tee time reservations For further information on membership please contact Chris Nunn Director of Golf

01277 631 171

on chris.nunn@thebursteadgolfclub.com Tye Common Road, Little Burstead, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9SS info@thebursteadgolfclub.com

w w w. t h e b u r s t e a d g o l f c l u b . c o m

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COLCHESTER

Happy New Year to you all.

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his year our business has taken a very big step in giving you even better service to help you improve and enjoy your game.

We have invested in the Skytrak club selector (details on the next page) which to date has seen a 60% increase in club sales, an 80% conversion rate with those that have used the system and numerous customers coming back in and telling us what an improvement their new custom clubs have made to their game.

This together with our very experienced staff who have always offered what is suitable for your game, makes it a must visit to our store this year.

Added to this a whole host of new products (Including the return of Nike clothing and shoes) are arriving daily. We will be offering a great selection of products in all areas of the store.

Ladies clothing will be packed again in it’s own area on our mezzanine floor, more space has been given to electric trolleys and with Nike back and the addition of ‘Sketchers’ and ‘Stubert’ as well as Footjoy, Callaway, Ecco, Adidas shoes our range is the biggest for a long time.

If you are a regular visitor then you won't be disappointed with the new seasons ranges. If you haven’t visited before or for a while I'm sure you will be delighted with our stock, prices and service.

Look forward to seeing you this year and we guarantee you'll enjoy the ‘Skytrak experience.’

Phil

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C L U B

S E L E C T O R

n At last an accurate launch monitor that can show you exactly how your current clubs perform against the new technology. n Clubs from Callaway, Cobra, Lynx, Ping, Taylormade, Titleist, Srixon and Wilson can be compared to find the most suitable ones for you. n Whether your looking for more length, greater accuracy, higher launch, shaft suitability for your swing or filling those missing wedge gaps, Skytrak and the team at Nevada Bobs Colchester can help. n All the information is projected on a 42 inch TV screen so you can see exactly what is happening in real time and 3D! n Suitable for Woods, Hybrids, Irons and Wedges (right and left handed).

THIS SYSTEM CAN ALSO BE PURCHASED FOR HOME USE. ASK IN STORE FOR DETAILS.

NEVADA BOB’S COLCHESTER 75 LONDON ROAD, COPFORD, COLCHESTER, ESSEX CO6 1LG TEL: 01206 212 752 EMAIL: info@nbcolchester.go-plus.net Hours of Opening: Monday to Friday 9am to 6.30pm, Saturday 9am to 5.30pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm.

Directions: Store is only 15 minutes from Chelmsford just before Colchester. Come up the A12, turn off at the A120 junction, keep right and go over the A12, take the 1st exit into London Road. Store is 1 mile down this road on the right hand side.

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COLCHESTER

A12

COPFORD

B408 J25

NEVADA BOB’S

MARKS TEY

Langdon Hills Golf Club’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations THURSDAY 26TH MAY 2016 – LADIES OPEN Team of 3 - best 2 scores count - entry fee £32.00 per person It includes coffee on arrival and a 2 course carvery lunch and a free momento of the day.

Plus prizes.

TUESDAY 31ST MAY 2016 – MIXED OPEN 18 Betterball stableford Entry Fee £64 per pair It includes coffee on arrival and a 2 course carvery lunch and a free momento of the day.

Plus prizes.

FRIDAY 3RD JUNE 2016 – JUNIOR OPEN 18 Hole Stableford Entry Fee £15 person U12, U14, U18 Girls and Boys prizes It includes Lunch and a free momento of the day. .

Entry forms can be obtained by emailing Josie.williams@btinternet.com but they will be sent out to all clubs in Essex during this month.

For the past 3 years, the Captains of Langdon Hills Golf Club have supported a local charity "Kids First," they are based C/O Thurrock & District Cerebral palsy Society in Lampits Hill, Corringham, where they do amazing work in assisting children with Cerebral Palsy at pre-school age to acquire a better quality of life prior to moving on to full time education.

Our fund raising year started with my Drive The charity relies totally on donations to in on the 5th November when all the Ladies help fund the running of the school which is Section took part in a 18 hole stableford based at the rear of the charity shop and so far competition but the main event of the day was the funds raised have been spent as follows: the effort that went into all the ladies dressing n Specialist Conductor Costs, as a Harry Potter character which was n Domestic running costs of the school wonderful to see. I personally was to play the n Specialist equipment. part of Hermoine Granger. On this day, we n Grants for speech therapy raised over £200.00. n Grants for Physiotherapy after pupil We have since increased our fund raising pot operations to £650.00 by raffling Christmas hampers n Electric hoist for the school room kindly donated by the lady's section and n Various outings for the pupils and their raffling a Christmas cake made by one of the families. ladies. www.golflangdon.co.uk -8-

Fed up with your current golf club?

Take advantage of an incredible offer... ;d`eo \kbb c[cX[hi^_f e\ J^[ MWhh[d =eb\ 9ekdjho 9bkX \hec dem kdj_b )&j^ 7fh_b (&'- \eh `kij '&&& Completed in 2015

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J[hci YedZ_j_edi Wffbo$ <[[i ckij X[ fW_Z _d \kbb Wj Yecc[dY[c[dj e\ oekh c[cX[hi^_f$ <hec 'ij CWo (&'- oekh \[[ m_bb h[l[hj je j^[ \kbb c[cX[hi^_f \[[ Wj j^Wj j_c[$ E\\[h ef[d kdj_b )&j^ 7fh_b (&',$ E\\[h edbo WlW_bWXb[ je f[hiedi m^e ^Wl[ dej X[[d W c[cX[h e\ J^[ MWhh[d m_j^_d j^[ bWij ) c[cX[hi^_f o[Whi$

Call now on 01245 223258 or email sales@thewarrenestate.co.uk The Warren Golf & Country Club, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6RW

www.thewarrenestate.co.uk

THE GARY PIKE GOLF ACADEMY Top teaching professional Gary Pike PGA.AP (advanced professional) invites you to his golf academy at Forrester Park Golf Club near Maldon. Gary has over 31 years of coaching experience and is a David Leadbetter trained instructor. He has published over 150 articles on the golf swing. Gary is coach to Walker Cup player Dale Whitnell and was the Essex County Senior Coach from 1998 to 2012 Contact the golf academy on 07801 428 174 or visit www.garypikegolf.com

A New Year a New Challenge I

n these days of instant gratification where you can buy a golf club from the local store, purchasing the latest technology in club design, one would think that golfers should be playing so much better, and the game become so much easier. If that was the case, then I wonder why it is that the average handicap has not dropped. I think I’m right in saying it hasn’t nor has it improved over the last 50 years!

Throughout my career as a coach and as a player, I always firmly believed in my ability to be technically competent with my swing, and always had huge enjoyment working on it. Generally, the world’s best players swing the club well. Over the next few months, I invite you to join me in working on your swing in the way I say it, in bite-sized chunks.

In my world, I see only three areas to improve in the golf swing. Pivot (how the body works), plane (how the club works in balance throughout the swing) and finally leverage (how we are able to magnify the clubhead speed to create power).

These three areas combine in a golf swing ecosystem, working together to create power, accuracy and repeatability, which incidentally is all you require to hit the ball well.

This month we are going to start with the centre of the golf swing eco-system … the pivot.

Before we even think of turning the body, we

1

must simply set up the body (or pivot) to aim at the ball.

We are all different shapes and sizes as humans but one thing for sure whichever shape you are the ball sits on the ground in front of us, so we have to aim our body in such a way that it faces the ball.

Pictures 1, 2 and 3 show an easy step by step sequence that will place you in the correct posture.

Picture 1: Stand completely upright, notice how you are balanced and the weight is neither forward on your toes or back towards your heels, but somewhere under your arches of your feet.

Picture 2: Push back your belt buckle so that your seat goes backwards and your chest is facing towards the ball, but still retaining the weight below the arches of your feet.

Picture 3: Now a slight flex of the knees forward to allow for an athletic motion.

Try to practice this in the mirror and take it to the course this month. Next month, we are going to start to move the pivot effectively now that you have the correct posture.

Why not join me personally on this journey at Forrester Park: Call me on: 07801 428 174.

Special rate for first session to Essex Golfer readers. I look forward to meeting you.

2

Gary 3

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PGA Makes £50k Donation to Golf Foundation

(From left) Brendon Pyle (Golf Foundation chief executive), Nicky Lumb (PGA captain), Paul Lawrie & Charles Harrison (Golf Foundation chairman) (Image courtesy of Tom Dulat/Getty Images).

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he PGA has delivered a big boost to the Golf Foundation with a £50,000 donation to help the leading golf charity continue to grow the game at grass roots level.

Among the projects run by the Foundation as part of its HSBC Golf Roots programme are Street Golf, Golf Xtreme and Tri-Golf sessions in the community and local schools.

And many PGA Professionals work closely with the Foundation helping to deliver a wide range of initiatives in the community.

The Foundation has been instrumental in breaking down barriers in golf and making the sport more accessible for juniors to help boost participation rates.

Among its successes is the Junior Golf Passport scheme which has proved popular with pros and is aimed at enhancing the experience of youngsters and helping clubs attract new golfers to the game.

PGA chief executive Sandy Jones said: “The Golf Foundation and PGA Professionals play a vital part in encouraging the next generation of golfers into the sport and every day, their energy and enthusiasm makes a real difference and we are delighted to support their fantastic work.”

Brendon Pyle, chief executive of the Golf Foundation, and the Foundation’s chairman, Charles Harrison were presented with the cheque at The PGA’s annual fundraising lunch in London at the Grosvenor House Hotel.

“The Golf Foundation is delighted to receive this funding from the PGA, which is one of this charity’s greatest supporters,” said Pyle. “The PGA’s members all understand the vital importance of encouraging the next generation of young people into golf and this money will be invested wisely.

“The purpose of this charity is to make golf and its benefits available to any young person and to help them ‘Start, Learn and Stay’ in the sport.

“PGA Professionals play a key role in all of our HSBC Golf Roots projects, which created more than 3,600 new junior members in clubs in England alone last year.

“By 2018 we aim to annually generate 5,000 new members per year, 10,000 new regular players and introduce 25,000 new young people to regular coaching.We cannot achieve this ambitious growth without the help and work of the PGA’s members.” www.pga.info www.golf-foundation.org - 12 -

SW WIING INTO SP P PRING PRI G FRE EE BAC ACON RO OLL with ith allll midw id eek k green n fe ees b beffo ore 12pm

Monday – Friday before 12.00pm only Offer runs between 1st March – 31st March 2016 (excludes 25th March & 28th March 2016)

belhusparkgolfclu ub.co.uk

THIS EASTER

Belhus Park Golf and Country Club | Belhus Park | South Ockendon | Essex RM15 4PX | (01708) 854260 Charity number: Thurrock Community Leisure 1080186

KIDS PLAY FREE Weekday: Adult £15 per round Weekend: Adult £18 per round

Offer runs every day from 28th March to 8th April.

One free child under 18 with every full paying adult.

belhusparkgolfclub.co.uk Belhus Park Golf and Country Club Belhus Park | South Ockendon | Essex RM15 4PX | (01708) 854260 Charity number: Thurrock Community Leisure 1080186

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VETERANS OPEN DAY WEDNESDAY 15th JUNE 2016 Competition commencing at 9am – Entrants in pairs will be drawn together.

Donations to Charity Open to men aged 55 and over on the day of the competition Handicap Limit 24 18 Holes Individual Stableford Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Best front 9, Best back 9 Nearest the Pin and Nearest the Line

Closing date Friday 27th May 2016 Entry Fee £34.00 per person Includes Coffee and Bacon Rolls on Arrival, 2 Course Buffet, Tea and Coffee.

Please send completed entry form and fee to: Orsett Golf Club, Brentwood Road, Orsett, Essex RM16 3DS Tel: 01375 891 352 Cheques made payable to: Orsett Golf Club PLAYER A Name:

Surname:

Address: Postcode:

Tel. No.:

Email:

Club:

Handicap:

CDH No:

Special Dietary Requirements: PLAYER B Name:

Surname:

Address: Postcode:

Tel. No.:

Email:

Club:

Handicap:

CDH No:

Special Dietary Requirements:

PLEASE RETAIN THIS SECTION FOR YOUR REFERENCE 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Draw will be made week commencing 31 May 2015 on a first come first served basis.

For successful applicants, cheques will be cashed after the draw has taken place.

Starting times and tee allocations will be posted to first named entrant immediately after the draw.

Refunds for cancellations can only be given if notification received by 1st June 2015.

Dress code for lunch will be jacket and tie. Shorts with short white sport socks may be worn for golf.

THIS COMPETITION IS NOT OPEN TO ORSETT MEMBERS. Please Note: Refunds for cancellations can only be given if notification received by 1st June 2015.

Cheques will not be processed before 24th April 2015.

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Hi^g <hfi^mbmbhgl bg +)*/ 15/03 - Men’s Senior Open Spring 29/03 - Adult Junior 4Ball Betterball 30/03 - Laddie Lucas Spoon – 8-13 year olds 17/04 - Spring Cup - Mixed Open 01/05 - Committee Cup and Princes of Wales Challenge – Men’s Open 27/07 - Summer Junior Open 07/08 - Prince’s Famous Open Week Week 24/09 - Shingle End - Mixed Festival 25/09 - Silver Salvers - Mixed Festival 01/10 - Douglas Jer vis Silver Salver – Open Foursomes Matchplay closes 04/10 - Men’s Seniors Autumn Open

Please contact the Pro Shop for fur ther details or an entr y form

T: 01304 695569 E: proshop@pr incesgolfclub.co.uk W: www.pr www.pr incesgolfclub.co.uk Ikbg\^ l @he_ <en[% Sandwich Bay, Bay, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9QB

/princesgolfclub @Princesgolfclub

ion tit pe Com Pr iz e

DOES THIS GREAT ESSEX GOLF HOLE

look familiar?

Name the course and have the chance of winning A FOURBALL ON THE MYSTERY COURSE 12 SRIXON TRISPEED GOLF BALLS, courtesy of COLCHESTER plus 2 of each VEGAS BALL MARKERS, Golf Rules Quick Reference Book and the Trouble Shots and Quick Fix Guide Please email your answer to info@essexgolfer.com All correct answers will be entered into a draw for the prize Winner will be notified by email. Answer will be published next edition.

Only 1 entry per person. No cash equivalent.

ON ITI R T PE NE M O C WIN

Last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner was Mark Porter who recognised the 11th hole at Hartswood Golf Club.

To play at Hartswood Golf Club Call 01277 218 850 www.hartswoodgolfclub.co.uk - 16 -

A friendly welcome awaits you at

Gosfield Lake Golf Club BOOK NOW FOR YOUR 2016 SOCIETY DAY WINTER SOCIETIES AVAILABLE UNTIL 25TH MARCH 2016

Spring & Summer Societies 2016 Prices from £24 for lunch and golf Days tailor made to your requirements Choices available from coffee, bacon rolls, full English breakfast, lunches and dinners 18 or 27 holes of golf

Spring & Summer Specials 2016 Breakfast or Lunch and Green Fee Lakes Course £25 Meadows Course £20

Twilight Golf Contact Pro shop for tee times and best prices

Membership Opportunities Quality Golf at Affordable Prices

Family Golf Special Introductory Rates for Parents and Children

For further details please telephone:

Office 01787 474 747 Pro-Shop 01787 474 488 Email: gosfieldlakegc@btconnect.com Or visit our website: www.gosfield-lake-golf-club.co.uk Hall Drive, Gosfield, Halstead, Essex CO9 1SE

West Essex Golf Club,Chingford, Essex Plays Host to the Inaugural London Open Golf Championships

T

he London Open Golf Championships will be held at the fantastic West Essex Golf Course between 15th – 17th June 2016.

It will attract the region’s leading professionals and some top names such as Simon Khan, Raymond Russell, Robert Coles, Mark Davis, Lloyd Kennedy, Steve Cipa, Jason Levermore to name just a few. Everybody is welcome to come and watch and enjoy our hospitality.

The field of 110 players will play a 2 day event with the top 40-50 qualifying to play the Pro Am on the 17th June.

The field will also welcome the leading Junior Amateur Golfer from the Junior London Open Championship which will also be held at West Essex on the 1st April. “This is a unique opportunity for a young up and coming star to mix his/her skills with the top pros. We are such a junior friendly club and looking at the talent coming through we thought it would add a nice spin to this wonderful event” said Chris Baron FPGA Head Golf Professional, West Essex Golf Club.

To host such an event this year will see the club going from strength to strength. The West Essex club has so many strong attributes, including a great golf course and a wonderful friendly membership, it really is the number one choice for memberships in Essex.

Close to the M25 but in a world of tranquillity...

There’s no need to travel the length of the country to find golfing tranquillity. You don’t have to drive miles from London to play in the middle of an ancient forest.You can have all of that and more at West Essex in Chingford, London E4.

Ten miles from the centre of London, but in the middle of Epping Forest, West Essex is a 115-yearold, James Braid-designed course and has been voted in the Top 5 Golf Courses in Essex.

There are spectacular views in all directions including Canary Wharf, the City, the Olympic and Wembley stadium. In its lower areas you are surrounded by the beauty of the forest.

Everywhere you are provided with peacefulness and tranquillity.

The course has two distinct nines. The front nine requires accuracy and precision. The back nine is longer and provides the opportunity to open your shoulders on some long par 4s. Together they provide a 6,300-yard challenge for players of all levels.

Just five minutes from J26 of the M25 and minutes away from the M11 the facility is conveniently located and easily accessed.

The escape from reality really is closer than you might think.

For Further enquiries on the London Open Golf Championships please contact: James Levick 020 8529 7559 ext 4 james@westessexgolfclub.co.uk - 18 -

t o s t pply d e f a ’s a r a a k &C pg Bre er T : U sh olf EE gli x G FR ll En sse fu te E uo

Q

Society, Corporate & Charity Golf Days 1st April 2016 – 31st March 2017 HEVER CASTLE 18

HEVER CASTLE 27

£47 £68 per person

per person

Coffee/Bacon Roll

Coffee & Bacon Roll 9 holes Princes Course Light Golfers Lunch 18 holes Championship Course 1 Course Meal

18 holes Championship Course Light Golfers Lunch

GOLF DAY BENEFITS FREE place with every 21*

FREE buggy with every 8* 20% discount on 2nd golf day* 50% prebooking range balls Preview round for every player*

*Prices based on 12+ players, off Peak months and Monday to Thursday (excl Bank Holidays) Contact us: Call Claire: 01732 701003 Email: golfdays@hever.co.uk www.hever.co.uk Hever Castle Golf Club, Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NP - 19 -

Amber Heath BSc (Hons) ION, ITEC Diploma in Nutrition and Diet Theory.

Amber is a fully qualified Nutritionist working for Bodysense UK Ltd. Amber also works with England Golf and Essex County Cricket Club, with over 15 years’ experience in both Nutrition to aid Sports Performance, and private clients wishing to improve health and wellbeing through Nutritional Management.

Tel: 07801 813 687 / 01245 381 181

H

BROCCOLI – an all-round immune boosting and bodybuilding food.

ow was your dry January? Bravo if you managed the entire month. “Clean” is the way forward if you want to trim down and optimise mental alertness during the coming months, ready for teeing off and starting this year with an improved handicap.

But there’s more to it, temperatures have been plummeting during January, necessitating power foods to prevent January/February snuffles and brain fog due to cold and flu viruses.

Andrea Moss, of Moss Wellness in New York has compiled a superb list of what to eat to stave off hostile colds and flu bugs.

HALF A GRAPEFRUIT – (not with statins, asthma pumps or blood pressure medicine though) – to reduce the severity of cold symptoms.

SPRINKLE OF CINNAMON – sprinkle on coffee or porridge for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal effects. Circulation will also be enhanced too!

SLICE OF WATERMELON – packed full of vitamins C and A, plus lycopene – life building elements.

GARLIC full of allium, a sulphuric compound, creating immune boosting effects.

YOGHURT probiotic (live) variety. 70 to 80% of your immunity resides in your gut so make this a regular part of breakfast.

CHICKEN SOUP (bone broths) dense in magnesium, phosphorus and sulphur, lysine, arginine and proline acting as an antiinflammatory for the entire body.

SPINACH – immune fighting and full of folic acid, to repair cells, coupled with vitamin C.

www.bodysenseukltd.co.uk

OYSTERS – for their high zinc content to be used for immunity and testosterone!

Finally… MUSHROOMS – humans actually share the same pathogens, bacteria and viruses as mushrooms. They are an all-round super star in the intestines world, so add to salad, pasta dishes and pizza to develop your own natural antibiotic.

Check out www.wholefoods.com for more healthy living nutrients.

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FORRESTER PARK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB WINTER GOLF OFFERS THREE-MONTH TRIAL FULL MEMBERSHIP £150 for three months All the rights of a full member ~ Gain a handicap ~ Play in club competitions ~ Clubhouse discount card 7 days advanced booking ~ £150 off your sub (15 months for the price of 12 - Ts & Cs apply)

WINTER WARMER 1: ENGLISH BREAKFAST & 18 HOLES £20.99 (Mon-Fri any time, Sun after 11am) ~ £25.99 (Sat after 9.30am)

WINTER WARMER 2: BACON SANDWICH, 18 HOLES, CHEF’S SPECIAL LUNCH £25.99 (Mon-Fri after 8.30am, Sun after 11 .30am) ~ £29.99 (Sat after 9.30am)

THIRSTY THURSDAY: 18 HOLES & PINT, SOUP OR SOFT DRINK (MIN 2 PEOPLE) £30 for 2 people; £45 for 3; £60 for 4 (any time on a Thursday) “GOLF IS LIKE CHASING A QUININE PILL AROUND A COW PASTURE”, WINSTON CHURCHILL

01621 891 406

FORRESTER PARK, BECKINGHAM ROAD, GREAT TOTHAM, NR MALDON, ESSEX, CM9 8EA 1502A_THGC_Essex_Golfer_Ad_Layout 1 .02/09/2015 Page 1 .CO.UK INFO@FORRESTER-PARK CO.UK / WWW13:23 .FORRESTER -PARK

SPOT THE THORPENESS WINTER GOLFER

Is your golf course an unplayable lie in winter?

Take relief at Thorpeness Golf Club & Hotel on Suffolk’s beautiful coast.

Flexible unit based winter golf memberships available.

For more information call 01728 454926 or email proshop@thorpeness.co.uk | www.thorpeness.co.uk - 21 -

Matt Stables is a PGA Advanced Professional based at North Weald Golf Club near Epping. Matt played collegiate golf in the USA and today competes in regional and national pro tournaments. As a teacher, Matt is a published author and is qualified in club making, golf fitness, the mental side of golf & Aimpoint green reading. As a golf coach, Matt believes in good fundamentals, including an on plane swing, an understanding of each individual’s strengths and weaknesses, plus an effective short game.

Golf tuition is available from Matt call 01992 522 118 mobile 07808 003 619, or www.MattStablesGolf.com

How Much GOLF Did You Want To Play This YEAR? 1 23

45

W

ith life seemingly becoming more hectic and more pressure on our time, it is interesting to ask yourself ‘How many times would you like to play this year?’ Also, how many times can I realistically play this year considering work, family, etc.? The average golfer only plays 24 times a year which is a number much lower than I would have expected when I first heard it ... If you can work out a number that you are happy with and can achieve it, you are more likely to end the year happier with your golfing year ... The good news as well is that you should be able to improve your game if you are playing 30 times or more and practicing twice a month, if you are working on the correct parts of your game ... I hope this sounds much more achievable to you, and you can get the time you want on the golf course this year ...

Lore

MAY

m Lore

m Lore

m Lore

m

F R E E G O L F G A M E C O N S U LTAT I O N

A

re there some golfing goals you would like to achieve in 2016? I will am offering a free 45-minute consultation to all Essex Golfer readers to discuss how I may be able to help you improve your golf, achieve your goals and enjoy your game more. Please get in contact to book your consultation ... Offer expires 15th March.

- 22 -

HARWICH & DOVERCOURT GOLF CLUB MEMBERSHIP OFFERS

15 MONTHS FOR THE PRICE OF 12 MONTHS AND

UP TO 15% DISCOUNT ON 2015 PRICES

APPLIES ACROSS ALL CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP (These offers will not be repeated any time soon!)

18

1. PAY IN FULL ON JOINING AND RECEIVE A 15% DISCOUNT

i.e. Take up our 4 Day Membership at £495 (£420 with discount) and play unlimited golf on a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & Thursday until 30th April 2017 – at less than £6.50 a week!!!

beautiful holes of golf

Set in over 300 acres of undulating parkland, with stunning views of the Essex countryside.

7 Day Membership at less than £9 per week!!!!

2. PAY MONTHLY AND GET A 10% DISCOUNT

Societies welcome (Monday - Friday)

3. PLAY NOW, PAY LATER – JOIN NOW, PAY MONTHLY FROM MAY AND GET A 5% DISCOUNT

Additional par 3 practice course

Limited membership available

4. FREE LESSONS WILL BE AVAILABLE

5. SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR JUNIORS

Channels, Pratts Farm Lane East Little Waltham, Chelmsford CM3 3PT T: 01245 440 005 E: info@channelsce.co.uk

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS AT:

www.harwichanddovercourtgolfclub.com

or Phone: 01255 503616 or e-mail: secretary@harwichanddovercourtgolfclub.com

www.cliffordsestate.co.uk - 23 -

Vicki Cumberworth has been in the fitness industry coming up to 10 years, working with golfers since 2007 after completing a challenging course in California to become a golf Biomechanic. Vicki has worked with numerous golfers including European Tour Player Dale Whitnell, Gary Carter, Golf Pro at Crowne Plaza Five Lakes and Will Boniface to name but a few. Vicki advises clients on how to improve their golf swing and eradicate faults through flexibility/core/posture while also working on strength and conditioning.

Vicki is based at Crowne Plaza Five Lakes and can be contacted by email on vickipt@hotmail.co.uk or Tel 07921 075 212 web www.vickipt.com

The Importance of Functional Movement T

here are a lot of golfers using the gym now and less not ... this is great, however, mostly I see them doing the wrong things! Enormous amounts of cardio, biceps curls and machine based chest press!

I have some really simple rules when training golfers and these are the following; n Focus on functional movements; Squat, Lunge, Bend, Pull, Push, Twist, Gait. As long as all functional movements are included in your weekly workouts then you are doing your golf good. n Use a swiss ball, if a swiss ball is used in your workouts then you are using your core and improving it! Try Balancing on your swiss ball to improve proprioception, balance and lower tummy muscles. n With every movement focus on your butt working ... the butt is where power comes from, a strong functioning butt can work wonders on how far you hit the ball and much more! Try adding hip thrusts to your weekly training schedule.

- 24 -

n Long duration cardio is an absolute waste of time, interval training is much more effective at achieving fitness, however, functional carryover to golf is walking ... long distance walking is essential so I would advise in the winter trying to still do some long distance walks to keep up that type of fitness but in the summer interval training only.

Functional training is not just fantastic for your golf game but has some huge benefits to everyday life. Back pain can be eradicated, other injuries can improve, any labour intense jobs can become easier and generally the body will just be a much more strong stable system.

- 24 -

WINTER SOCIETY OFFER COFFEE AND BACON BAPS 18 HOLES OF GOLF ONE COURSE MEAL

Call the Pro shop now on

MONDAY-THURSDAY £20 p.p FRIDAY £25 p.p OFFER ENDS ON 31ST MARCH 2016 MINIMUM 8 GOLFERS

01277 200441

- 25 -

The World’s Most Famous Golf Portrait Sells at Bonhams

B

onhams sold one of the most famous golfing paintings in the world for £722,500.

Lemuel Francis Abbott’s The Portrait of Henry Callender standing in a landscape, in the red coat of Captain General of the Blackheath Golf Club and holding a putter is now the most valuable portrait of golf ever sold at auction.

Also in the Old Master Paintings sale at Bonhams London was an extremely rare iron headed putter from around 1780, almost certainly the same club featured in the portrait, which sold for £62,500. Both lots went to the same buyer in the packed saleroom.

Painted between 1790 and 1798, Henry Callender’s portrait is one of the earliest golf paintings of an identified sitter. Prints were made of the work in 1812 after Callender’s death and copies have hung in golf clubs and private collections worldwide for centuries. The original painting has hung at the Royal Blackheath Golf Club for more than 150 years, watching over the famous ‘Wee Dinners’ in the clubhouse.

Traditionally, guests enjoyed haggis, neeps and tatties before hitting golf balls out of the window onto the 18th green from the dining room table. The Royal Blackheath has sold the painting to raise funds for the Club’s acquisition of the freehold of its course and clubhouse from The Crown Estate – a one-off opportunity to ensure its future.

“Working with this painting has taken our department on a fascinating journey through British cultural history,” said Andrew McKenzie, Bonhams Director of Old Master Paintings. “A Scottish expatriate, Henry Callender was both connoisseur and sociable bon viveur and his charisma shines through this charming painting.

The sale marked an incredibly exciting opportunity for golfing enthusiasts all over the world.”

Lemuel Francis Abbott, ‘The Portrait of Henry Callender standing in a landscape, in the red coat of Captain General of the Blackheath Golf Club and holding a putter’ sold for £722,500.

- 26 -

The Burstead golf club is a proprietary owned club that carries the values of a traditional members club where visitors and guests are made welcome.

Tye Common Road, Little Burstead, Billericay, Essex CM12 9SS info@thebursteadgolfclub.com

7 Day Annual Membership Now Only

ÂŁ995 Limited available first 25 avoid ÂŁ150 joining fee.

For further information on membership please contact Chris Nunn Director of Golf on

01277 631 171 chris.nunn@thebursteadgolfclub.com

w w w. t h e b u r s t e a d g o l f c l u b . c o m - 27 -

GOLF ETIQUETTE Some people may be asking, “Why would I need a book about correct conduct? I know how to behave myself.” Although integrity and fairness are an excellent basis, good manners alone are not enough in golf.

A certain amount of specific knowledge is essential, especially in the light of the dangers involved in sport.

Furthermore, golf also involves social conventions that are not based directly on accepted behaviour patterns. The etiquette is just as important as the rules of play and it ensures that all players can enjoy their game as much as possible.

This book does not claim to cover every single issue but it does contain everything you need to know in order to be welcomed at virtually every course in the world. However, please bear in mind that the etiquette may very slightly from club to club. Therefore find out about the Local Rules in advance, follow all the instructions and heed the information on the notice boards.You will then be a welcome guest and playing partner on any course – irrespective of your ability level.

Order now on online at www.essexgolfer.com - 28 -

Burnham-on-Crouch Golf Club Private Members Club for All Abilities

DAYS LOST TO WEATHER THIS YEAR TO DATE = ONE! No Temporary Tees – No Temporary Greens.

Are we the Driest Course in Essex?

NEW SEASONS MEMBERSHIPS UP TO 15 MONTHS FOR THE PRICE OF 12 ST JANUARY 2016 TO THE 31ST ST MARCH 2017 1ST

7 DAY MEMBERSHIP – 7 DAY PM MEMBERSHIP – 5 DAY MEMBERSHIP –

£825 £450 £665

-ON-CR

BU

N

M HA

£76 PER FOURBALL OU

CH

R

GREEN FEE OFFER FOR FEBRUARY.

GO

LF CLUB

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A MEMBERS GOLF CLUB IN A TRANQUIL SETTING LOOK NO FURTHER

*For further information call 01621 782 Visit www.burnhamgolfclub.co.uk

282

W INTER PACKAGE IN WINTER ALDEBURGH PLAYS AS WELL AS ANY COURSE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. Built on sandy heathland the quick draining characteristics ensure that there are no temporary greens, no temporary tees, no mats and in fact no preferred lies.

18 HOLES ON OUR MAIN COURSE – 2 BALL GOLF ONLY Followed by soup and sandwiches

Playing Singles (Two’s) £35.00 per player Playing Foursomes £30.00 per player (Bacon sandwiches and coffee optional on arrival £4.50 per player) Available all week, including weekends, after 10.00am (after 11.30am on Tuesdays) till 31 March 2016 Please book in advance by calling the Professional on 01728 453 309 or email at keith.preston@foremostgolf.com BOOKING IS E SSE NTIA L Overnight stays are available at local hotels.

- 29 -

Its FREE to advertise anything in Golf Mart, Tel: 01621 815 577 E-Mail:- info@essexgolfer.com Visit our live up to date golf mart page at www.essexgolfer.com

FOR SALE: Driver - Cobra S9-1 F speed 10.5 degree mens Aldila DVS - HL shaft 55 g mid kick.

Grip 9/10, Shaft 10/10, Head 8/10 Head cover 10/10.

- Hainault - £45.00.

FOR SALE: Driver - Cobra 400SZ, 10.5 Aldila 60g shaft mens, grip 6/10, shaft 8/10, head 6/10 - Hainault - £30.00.

FOR SALE: Taylor made 3 Wood V Steel, mens regular graphite shaft, Grip 8/10, Shaft 8/10, Head 6/10 - Hainault - £35.00.

FOR SALE: Taylor made 5 wood V steel, mens regular graphite shaft, Grip 8/10, Shaft 8/10, Head 6/10 - Hainault - £35.00.

FOR SALE: Cleveland wedge 60 degree low bounce, Tour action 900 steel shaft. - Hainault £25.00.

FOR SALE: Taylor Made rescue wood, Rescue mid 22 degree, Ladies L flex graphite shaft, Grip 8/10, shaft 7/10 head 6/10 - Hainault - £30.00 t: 07946 381831 E: fineganjulie@aol.com FOR SALE: Big Bertha Irons, with Graphite Shafts S/W to 4 Iron – £80.00 t: 01268 523274 FOR SALE: Titleist FD 910 3 Wood adjustable, regular shaft, hardly used - Frinton on sea - £60.00.

FOR SALE: Titleist adjustable 910 rescue wood 19 degree - Frinton on sea - £40.00.

FOR SALE: Taylormade mini driver 12 degree Brand new, never used - Frinton on sea - £90.00.

FOR SALE: Ping G10 3 wood draw bias, 5 wood and rescue wood 21 degree . All 3 will separate Frinton on sea - £75.00.

FOR SALE: Taylormade RBZ 3 wood Hardly used - Frinton on sea - £50.00.

FOR SALE: King Cobra F/speed Hardly used Frinton on sea - £40.00.

FOR SALE: Titleist 910 H adjustable rescue wood 19 degree - Frinton on sea - £40.00 t: 01255 676172 E: patricia.hodge@sky.com

FOR SALE: Nike cart bag, 14 dividers and plenty of pockets. Excellent condition. - Hockley - £25.00 t: 01702 202004 E: bill_luck@live.co.uk FOR SALE: Motorcaddy s1 lite push trolly in good condition comes with cover but cover has a paint spill on it - hullbridge ss5 6pw - £55.00 ono.

FOR SALE: Taylormade sldr mini driver in good condition with head cover - Hullbridge, Essex £80.00 ono t: 07812 017129 E: stuart.wild1@btinternet.com FOR SALE: Golf on the Costa Del Sol, one stop shop for all your golfing requirements from Malaga to Estapona. villas to apartments, car rental, golf club hire. Complete golf holiday packages for all sizes. - £100.00 spaint: 07815 323265 E: jluczyniec@gmail.com FOR SALE: Ladies King Cobre Irons: 5,6,7,8,9,L,S & P Taylor Made Woods: 3,5,7 Taylor Made Rescue Wood: 5 Calloway Driver Fusion Technology FT1 Navigator v Northwesten Putter (used twice) Ram Golf Bag & Hood, grey and pink - Southend-on-Sea £380.00 (Please leave message on answerphone) t: 01702 714428 E: cast_lyn@yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: Full Set of MacGregor Tourney Forged Irons 3 - SW. Plus 60 degree Lob Wedge. All recently Re-gripped with Mid Size Lamkins. Excellent condition. To include MacGregor Black & Silver Bag Coggeshall - £100.00 t: 01376 564305 E: sheilahannan@hotmail.com FOR SALE: Titleist AP1 irons for sale. Right handed, Regular shaft, Standard length, Lie and Lift.

4,5,6,7,8,9,PW, GW. Lovely clubs in good condition. Brentwood - £260.00 t: 07754 393382 E: garyfrakes07@hotmail.co.uk

- 30 -

Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club 1880

A GREAT OFFER TILL 31st

MARCH 2016

MARTELLO COURSE (The 5th Oldest Club in England)

18 HOLES OF GOLF WITH COOKED BREAKFAST OR FISH & CHIPS (VEGETARIAN OPTION AVAILABLE)

£32.00

pp

PLEASE NOTE: SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL (48 HOURS MINIMUM NOTICE) MONDAY/FRIDAY (NOT BANK HOLIDAYS) PLEASE BOOK WITH THE GENERAL OFFICE – 01394 286

834

CHRISTMAS EXCLUSIVE GOLF BUGGIES MAY BE AVAILABLE FOR HIRE, BUT ARE SUBJECT TO COURSE CONDITIONS

www.felixstowegolf.co.uk

3 Months Trial Membership Unlimited golf on both courses Free golf lesson with PGA professional sional al Free guest greenfee voucher

*5 day ay trial trial mem members membership bership bers hip

20% discount on food and drink Price includes £25 credit on

*6 day trial membership

members card for food and drink

*7 day trial membership

£99 £125 £149

Contact Kevin on 01277 Email: kevin@warleypark.co.uk

200441 for more details

Warley Park Golf Club, Magpie Lane, Little Warley, Essex, CM13 3DX www.warleyparkgc.co.uk - 31 -

STAPLEFORD ABBOTTS GOLF CLUB 2016 LADIES OPEN WEDNESDAY 27TH JULY 2016 HORSEMAN SIDE, TYSEA HILL, STAPLEFORD ABBOTTS, ESSEX RM4 1JU

• 18 Holes Stableford – Full Handicap • Teams of 3, Best 2 Scores Count • Starting Times from 8.30am

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: END OF JUNE 2016

ENTRY FEE £34.00 PER PERSON

Includes light breakfast on Arrival. Refreshments on the course.

Lunch of Pan Fried Chicken Breast Topped with a wild mushroom & smoked bacon sauce served with Dauphinoise potatoes with Eton Mess for dessert followed by Tea/Coffee & Presentation of Prizes (PLEASE ADVISE ANY SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS)

Please complete the entry form below and send with payment (cheques made payable to SAGC Ladies Section) and SAE to:- Barbara Dennis, 36 Kettlebury Way, Ongar, Essex CM5 9EX If you have any queries please contact Barbara on 01992 610722 or email barbnbrian@hotmail.com A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE IS REQUIRED FOR DETAILS OF YOUR TEAM’S START TIME

Player One:

Address:

(NAME)

Post Code: Telephone: Email: Player Two:

Golf Club: Handicap: Address:

(NAME)

Post Code: Telephone: Email: Player Three:

Golf Club: Handicap: Address:

(NAME)

Post Code: Telephone:

Golf Club:

Email:

Handicap: - 32 -

Clacton-on-Sea Golf Club

Play Golf at Clacton on Mondays and Thursdays Golf + Ham Egg & Chips

The perfect place to practice

£25pp

Contact 01255

If you hit two buckets of balls a week Have you considered our practice membership

421919

Clacton-on-Sea Golf Club West Road, Clacton-on-Sea Essex CO15 1AJ

www.clactongolfclub.com

NEW TO LITTLE CHANNELS • Range Membership • • £325 per year including VAT • • Unlimited range balls •

KEEN Gardener?

Want free golf?

• Use of putting green • • Use of chipping area • • Use of grass practice area •

We are currently looking for the following skilled individuals to join our team 2 x Artisan Gardeners.

If you have the skills and would like to join us, ARTISAN members will benefit from access to the course and facilities 7 days per week, provision for handicaps and admission to all competitions.

Please contact Stuart on

• Swipe card giving a 10% discount on food and drink •

Little Channels, Pratts Farm Lane West Little Waltham, Chelmsford CM3 3PR Please call Michelle 01245 441 056

01277 224 891

Email: michelle@channelsestate.co.uk For further information

Warley Park Golf Club, Magpie Lane, Little Warley, CM13 3DX

www.channelsestate.co.uk - 33 -

Essex Golfer Oli Fisher Cements Relationship with Centurion Club

C

enturion Club has cemented its relationship with PGA European Tour player, Oliver Fisher, who will showcase Centurion’s crest on his bag, and play and practice out of the club.

Oli was the second-youngest Briton to win a place on the European Tour at the 2006 Qualifying School Final Stage, after which he turned professional. In 2011 he claimed victory in the Czech Open and has secured a number of runnerup and top 10 finishes throughout his professional career thus far. As an amateur he won Sir Nick Faldo’s Junior Series in 2003, 2004 and 2005 and wrote himself into the record books by becoming the youngest player to play in the Walker Cup in 2005.

“Oli is a talented and exciting golfer and we are delighted that he will be representing Centurion Club across the globe,” said Scott Evans, managing director Centurion Club. “We’re looking forward to following his progress on Tour and spending time with him at the club.”

“Centurion is a great course that will test any golfer, and the greens are some of the best I have played on anywhere in the world,” said Oli Fisher.

“It’s a course that is maturing and developing into something very special.”

Located a few miles west of St Albans, and just a short drive from central London, Centurion Club is one of Europe’s finest private clubs, offering a complete, members’ only five-star golfing experience while remaining refreshingly convivial and relaxed.

The 18-hole championship course is fun for golfers of all abilities, with its forward tees offering a playable 6,555 yards, while the championship yardage of 7,195 yards ensures the par-72 layout offers a serious test for top players. Prepared to tournament specifications, it offers all-year-round playability, with some of the best putting surfaces to be found anywhere in the country.

Centurion has established a golf club for the 21st Century, one that understands today’s fast paced lifestyle, and has adapted its product offering to attract a membership that is looking for a club that rivals and goes beyond the very best for its quality and ambience hello@centurionclub.co.uk or visit www.centurionclub.co.uk - 34 -

)ULQWRQ *ROI &OXE

$ FO X E IR U D OO D J H V

WINTER GOLFING EXPERIENCE WITH A DIFFERENCE Play at Frinton-on-Sea the only “links type” course in Essex on probably the best winter greens in the re r gion

18 holes to include the chef’s special lunch at £25 per player £30 at weekend Telephone the pro shop to book your tee time 01255 682456 Or email petertaggart@frintongolfclub.com Offer available now until 31st March 201

)ULQWRQ *ROI &OXE

$ FO X E IR U D OO D J H V

1 The Esplanade, Frinton-on-Sea CO13 9EP www.frintongolfclub.com • Telephone: Telephone: 01255 674618

GOLF IN FRANCE

METROPOLE GOLF BREAKS Hardelot • Le Touquet • Wimereux • St Omer • Belle Dune • Dunkirk & Nampont St.Martin

MARCH OFFER 2016 pp

£185

2 NIGHTS DINNER B&B - 3 ROUNDS OF GOLF - TUNNEL

Wimereux - Belle Dune - Le Touquet Forest HOTEL METROPOLE

SEASONAL OFFER

n Ideal for golf societies n Late Bar & English TV n Snooker, Pool, Darts & Football table

(May – September)

£259pp TUNNEL - 2 NGTS DINNER B&B 3 ROUNDS OF GOLF AT THE SAME COMPLEX

€50 BAR VOUCHER 1 per group of min 8 pers for a stay between 20th July and 20th August 2016. T&C’s apply.

Le Touquet or Hardelot

METROPOLE GOLF BREAKS Call Rosemary 0787 2067 406 Email: rosemary@metropolegolfbreaks.com Website: www.hotel-metropole.co.uk Conditions apply. Offers include 2 nights DInner B&B, Golf, Tunnel - Car + 4 persons and based on twin rooms mid week.

Golf Monday - Thursday. Supplements for weekend Golf.

- 35 -

The Dorset Golf Resort Builds its 14th 5 Star House!

W

e are pleased to announce the latest addition to The Dorset Golf Resort’s 5 star accommodation, the greatly anticipated Oakland Cottage.

The Dorset Resort has been busy renovating and rebuilding this newly acquired house ensuring it is completed to the highest standard.

The cottage has been finished to the same high specification as the award winning 5 star Scandinavian style log homes and has the benefit of a 4th bedroom all en-suite.

Inside Oakland Cottage can be found the same levels of luxury that guests have become familiar with in the resorts other very popular Scandinavian log homes with facilities including a built-in sauna and fully equipped kitchen. It has an open plan kitchen/dining room making for great ambiance and a beautifully furnished lounge with DVD player, video and Sky Freeview channels.

This imposing four-bedroom house is positioned within the resort village enjoying all of the great surroundings of the woodlands and wildlife as well as its own private garden an ideal place to enjoy those sunny evenings.

This latest addition when combined with 27 holes of championship golf, a huge air-conditioned clubhouse, delicious home cooked cuisine and friendly service it becomes clearer why the resort boasts around a 65% repeat business each year.

The championship golf course at the resort have recently been included in the top 150 courses within the UK and this honour is well deserved.

Over the last few years a lot of work has taken place improving irrigation, building additional pathways, planting tree’s and numerous cosmetic enhancements taking the courses to a whole new level.This work has helped ensure the courses can stay open during even the coldest and wettest spells in the winter, the great grass coverage on the tees also ensured no mats were used again at any point last winter.

This lovely golf course just gets better every year with its superb large greens and clover shaped bunkers which makes playing golf a real pleasure.

A must to stay and play!

Why not come down and sample “The Dorset Experience” for yourselves, we promise you a wonderful holiday. www.dorsetgolfresort.com

- 36 -

Win a 3 Day Golf Break for Two People at The Dorset Golf Resort

T

he prize includes a 2 night stay for two people including a three course evening meal each night in the Fairways Restaurant and the Dorset Buffet breakfast each morning.

Each day of your stay you will get 18 holes of golf FREE around on one of the Championship golf courses.That includes arrival and departure days, 3 rounds in total! *Prize to be taken on a Sunday – Thursday golf break.

heathland with an abundance of wildlife including herds of deer. Being surrounded by S.S.S.I land means the courses are not bordered by any busy roadways, houses or anything that could be considered an eye sore.

Hawtree is renowned for his tricky clover shaped bunkers and large undulating greens which is what you’ll find at The Dorset.The main 18 holes features sees well positioned lakes all over the course and with greens up to 40 yards from front to back

THE DORSET GOLF RESORT The 5 Star Scandinavian-style houses are the main attraction at the Dorset Resort and are made entirely from trees grown in the Nordic forests of Finland, these houses create a unique healthy living environment because the wood “breathes” whilst at the same time being a better insulator than brick.

The homes combine simplicity with luxury, the natural oiled pine floors, walls and ceilings create a remarkably relaxed living space and all the furniture and fittings are of very high quality.

All the houses are set in a quiet woodland glade surrounded by stunning fir trees and wonderful wildlife, birds, butterfly’s and animals abound in this forest setting.

Are you up to the challenge of our 27 championship golf holes?

The Dorset Golf & Country Club hosts some of the most challenging golf in Dorset and is recognized as one of the golfing gems of the South of England.

The 27 holes of golf we’re designed by Martin Hawtree, who is certainly considered as one of the best designers in the world today.The whole course is surrounded by the Purbeck Hills and rolling

club selection becomes very important. Playing like a links in summer Hawtree purposely designed the greens to have run ins and run offs requiring a different approach to play successfully.The championship tee’s measure over 7000 yards! Justin Rose held the course record here briefly shooting a gross 69 from the back tees which he shot playing in a MasterCard Tour event.

All in all probably one of the best golf holidays in the South of England!

YOU COULD WIN A 3 DAY GOLF BREAK FOR TWO PEOPLE AT THE DORSET GOLF RESORT BY ANSWERING THIS QUESTION ...

What is the name of the new 5 star cottage the Dorset Golf Resort?

A. B. C.

OAKLAND COTTAGE WHITES COTTAGE ROSE COTTAGE

So visit www.dorsetgolfresort.com, find the answer.To enter please send you answer to info@essexgolfer.com for your chance to win this truly fantastic prize!

- 37 -

The Disabled Golf Association

T

he Disabled Golf Association has unveiled an exciting event line-up for 2016 at some top venues around the country.

We are very excited to announce the inaugural NORTH OF ENGLAND OPEN to be played at Wychwood, Cheshire on Friday 8th July.

We will be returning to The Shire London for the GOLF TRUST OPEN on Monday 22nd August.

The Auld Enemies Cup will be played at Roxburghe, 20th-22nd September in the Scottish Borders, we are looking forward to a competitive battle against the Scottish team from SDGP (qualification for TEAM ENGLAND will be through the Order of Merit).

We will be also be 'locking horns' with the Welsh for the OLDFIELD TROPHY on 16/17th October (qualification may vary from above, to be decided).

The ‘Race to Burhill’ will be returning next year, we are playing at 7 BGL venues and the first 3 in the Stableford competition will qualify for the final at the prestigious Burhill Golf Club in October.

We are delighted to have Mark James as our Patron.

Graeme Robertson, events co-ordinator “Our main focus is on golf as a therapy and for rehabilitation, but that's not to say there isn't some

stiff competition. We had a very successful 2015, our sincere thanks have to go for the support from Captains Charities around the country, so we can carry out providing an opportunity for all kinds of disabled people to enjoy golf for competition, and the all important 19th hole

Stan Bembenek, CEO for DGA who lost a leg to bone cancer.

We only play at disabled friendly courses/facilities, going to clubs who are genuinely interested in what we do makes a world of difference. We will be running an order of merit with places up for grabs for Team England to play for The Auld Enemies Cup in September and the Oldfield Trophy against Wales at The Vale in October.”

Patron Mark James with group of disabled golfers at Rudding Park in Yorkshire.

Thanks for your support.

- 38 -

Well Done Andy A

fter a very successful year Crondon Park Golf Club Captain for 2015, Andy Simmonds raised ÂŁ6000 for his chosen charity Farleigh Hospice - Andy is seen here presenting a cheque for ÂŁ6000 to Farleigh Hospice Fundraising Manager Debbie DeBolts - A massive thanks go to all Crondon Park members for their fantastic support and generosity.

- 39 -

Lee Porter, the PGA Professional attached to Hylands Golf Complex in Chelmsford, has been voted Clubmaker of the Year by the Golf Clubmakers Association in the UK. Lee now ranks in the top ten custom-fit clubmakers throughout Europe.

No wonder he counts 8 touring golf pros as customers, including the ever popular local Pro, Robbie Coles.

6

My Top Frequently Asked Questions I thought I would start the New Year by answering a few questions that I get asked on a regular basis. I think these questions arise from the ‘myths’ that exist within golf and many years of misunderstanding golf equipment. So, here we go: Do golf shafts wear out?

In my opinion generally no. I think if you could put a golf shaft in some form of mechanical device that repeatedly flexed the shaft day and night then I think the shafts integrity would break down and then the shaft would snap. In general play I think any deterioration would result in a shaft breakage. Graphite driver shafts that break a few inches above the hosel (the bit the shaft is glued into) is normally where the shaft has rubbed on the bag and become weak.

Do the heads of my irons ‘move’ over a period of time?

Yes they can but generally not as much as you think. If you we’re to practice with your favourite club pretty much every time you go to the driving range then potentially it may move up a degree in both loft and lie. Any more than this is rare but does happen from time to time. Heads that are damaged accidentally can move much more (eg shutting the head in the boot of the car) and would need to be checked as soon as possible.

If you find yourself with inconsistent distance

gaps between your irons then get you loft and lies checked. Generally it’s a good idea to get this done once a year.

Do driver faces go ‘soft’?

I think this is very similar to what I said about golf shafts. If the face is intact and there are no rattles in the club head then I can’t see how the face could lose ball speed. Any visible cracks or rattles are a good indication you need to replace your driver.Also, if the ball starts to dip after it has taken off it’s worth getting it checked.

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Do I lose spin when the grooves wear out on my wedges?

One of the most misunderstood areas of golf is what the actual role the groove has within a shot.

Grooves are only there to remove debris between ball and face during impact which in turn allows more friction to take place. Normally when grooves wear out the real reason you don’t get so much spin is because the face has become less abrasive through wear, therefore reducing spin.

This is why when you look at many modern wedges they will have some kind of milling or roughness on the face.That being said the more use a wedge has it’s performance will drop from a spin perspective.

Will new grips make me play better?

Potentially yes. Now this may sound a bit of a

bold statement but if you think about it the grip is the only contact you have with the golf club. A good golf grip promotes a light grip pressure and worn grips generally require more tension in the hands to hold onto the club. Most grip manufacturers now advise to change your grips every six months to ensure performance, I think once a year is perfect.

As I get older should I play more flexible golf shafts?

Not necessarily as it depends on the golf shafts you currently play and if your club head speed as dropped. I have written before about shafts should not be measured on swing speed alone and if anyone tells you that you should play a softer shaft without measuring your swing speed then do not believe them.

I hope that dispels some of the ‘grey areas’ of the game but if you do have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me through my website www.leeportergolfsolutions.com or via telephone on 01277 356016.

Newton Green Appoints New Manager

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he new manager of Newton Green Golf Club will be 27-year-old Ben Tawell. A six handicap golfer, he has performed a number of

Ben Tawell.

administrative roles at Rushmere Golf Club, Ipswich, where he has played in the Stenson and Hambro teams.

His father Bob is club manager at Rushmere, and Ben takes up his place at Newton in the New Year. He succeeds the retired Carole List.

Ben has been at Rushmere for nine years, after gaining A levels at Copleston High School, and his move to Newton means he will have to give up his part-time role as a coach at the Ipswich Town Youth Academy.

With his partner Rachel, he has two young children, and has recently been looking to develop his career by attending golf management training.

He said: “At Rushmere I have been able to achieve a solid grounding in all roles of the sport, from working with the green keepers, bar management and administration.

“Newton Green is a club which has been moving forward impressively in recent years and the appointment gives me the chance to help the club continue on that path.”

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Let’s All Work Together to Stop the ‘Leaky Bucket’ O

ften when we talk about increasing membership, the tendency is that the conversation focuses solely on recruitment initiatives. Whilst recruitment is vital to keep bringing in new people to our game, increase accessibility and grow participation, retention of existing members already in our clubs is also very important and this has never been more challenging for clubs than it is now.

According to the England Golf Club Questionnaire results from 2014, on average a golf club recruits 77 new members over a two year period. However, on average, a club also then loses 85 members in the same two year period.

So how can we stop the ‘leaky bucket’?

There are many reasons why golfers might move out of membership, some of which may simply be unavoidable but it’s important that golf clubs try to understand any obvious trends so they can act accordingly and promptly to address them.

Conducting an exit survey is a good way to find out why someone has left membership of a club and try to gain some honest feedback. Whilst this is useful and certainly good practice, it could however be argued it is too late at this stage as they have already made the decision to leave and more needs to be done before this.

In order to retain members effectively, it is imperative clubs understand what their customers

want. Regular membership surveys are a great way for clubs to start to look at what they do well and what could be improved and understand general satisfaction levels of the membership with various aspects of the club. I recommend doing this at least once a year and then using the information to inform future plans based on facts rather than any anecdotal evidence.

As a member with a vested interest in a club I’m sure we all want to feel valued and would like the chance to voice our opinions and be consulted with regularly. If this is done anonymously then clubs can gain some really honest, valuable feedback to consider. As with any business, it is vital to try and fully understand your customer and their motivations if you are going to be able to truly provide the service they want and therefore retain them at your facility. Regular membership surveys can help clubs identify those demographics of member who might be ‘at risk’

To find a session near you go to getintogolf.org/essex or call 0800 118 2766 - 42 -

of leaving. This will hopefully then lead to actions being implemented to address the issue before it is too late.

Membership surveys can also help clubs to understand why people join as a member in the first place and it could help highlight the Unique Selling Point (USP) of that particular club. It is very useful to know a club’s USP as it then allows them to understand and recognise their place in the market and target their specific audience as effectively as possible.

Research suggests there are many reasons why members stay at a club, these include:

n n n n n n n n n n n

Good facilities Regular communication from the club Appropriate price Varied social events Benefits discounts General ethos/welcome Reciprocal arrangements Regular, varied competitions Friendly, professional staff Flexible memberships to suit all lifestyles Appropriate coaching opportunities (including as a group)

How does your club match up to these areas? Is your club promoting the benefit of membership as well as it could do to existing and potential members?

It’s also worth remembering that happy, satisfied members will promote their club to many others and are often the best marketing tool we have.

One last point, research also suggests that the majority of people that leave golf club membership do so within the first 18 months.

Some of the reasons listed include; not becoming integrated and made to feel part of the club and not being made to feel welcome by existing members and having no one to play with. As golf club members, we also have a big part to play in this and should take some responsibility for ensuring to maintain that our clubs are friendly, welcoming and enjoyable places to be for everyone. Oh, and, if your club ask you to complete a membership survey, please do it openly and honestly but also in the right and proper way!

If your club would like more information or support on retention of members or any other area, please do get in contact and I’ll be only too happy to help.

What Better Way to Spend the Holidays!

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ates for the Lee Westwood Golf Camps have now been published and spaces are filling up fast. Whether your child is a beginner to the game or an experienced golfer our camps are geared for boys and girls aged 7-16, of all skill levels, wishing to have a fantastic experience playing golf during the school holidays. Camp dates range from February to October and are available over 3 days, 5 days or a 2-week option.

In an environment that is fun, competitive and nurturing the camps offer a wide range of activities including putting, chipping, pitching, sand shots, full swing, course management and much more. The use of Trackman, ZEPP, GASP and V1 swing analysis will allow the students to learn new skills, structure their practice sessions and advance their future progress.

The Camps are held at the Lee Westwood Golf School Essex, the Lee Westwood Golf School Cheshire and our Altrincham Golf Academy in Greater Manchester.

Residential options are available whilst attending the Golf School in Essex or Cheshire.

The Essex location is based at the Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa which is set within 300 acres of rolling countryside in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It has 80 contemporary hotel rooms, two 18-hole championship golf courses, a 2 AA Rosette restaurant, a stunning indoor pool, state of the art gym and a spa. The Cheshire location based at the Macdonald Portal Hotel is set in beautiful countryside amidst rolling hills providing some of the finest luxury accommodation in the Cheshire area. Enjoy the views, have a relaxing swim and indulge in a delicious meal in the award-winning Scottish Steakhouse.

For further information and to book please visit our website www.leewestwoodgolfcamps.com

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Future Golfing Events & Competitions 26 April 2016 Senior Ladies Team Open @ Theydon Bois Golf Club. £120 per team (4) Includes coffee and Danish on arrival and meal after golf.

Annie Sydenham: 01992 813 054 colinjones@theydonboisgolfclub.co.uk www.theydongolf.co.uk 19 May 2016

Ladies Team Open @ Bentley Golf Club. £140 per team.

Includes tea/coffee & Danish pastry on arrival, halfway house & 2-course meal after golf. Alex Holmes: 01277 373 179 info@bentleygolfclub.com www.bentleygolfclub.com

22 May 2016

Mixed Pairs Open @ Chelmsford Golf Club. £85 per couple.

Includes tea/coffee & sandwiches on arrival, Pimms at halfway and extensive buffet luncheon after golf. Iain Wallace: 01245 254 900 iain@chelmsfordgc.co.uk www.chelmsfordgc.co.uk

14 June 2016

Ladies Pairs Open @ Chelmsford Golf Club £70 per pair Includes coffee and Danish on arrival and extensive buffet luncheon after golf.

Iain Wallace: 01245 254 900 iain@chelmsfordgc.co.uk www.chelmsfordgc.co.uk

Attention! Club Secretaries and Competition Organisers: Please forward any info on Future Open Competitions, Golf related Events or Charity days at Essex Golf Clubs to info@essexgolfer.com Visit our live up to date events page at www.essexgolfer.com

For the best deals on Golf in Essex

www.essexgolfer.com Go to www.essexgolfer.com to see the latest deals on golf in and around Essex this month. Click on golfing offers to see the latest deals being offered which can be twilights, discounted 4 balls, plus many more.

The new website will also be a live hub for our Golf Mart, Holiday Golf and the very popular Events Page; details will be added live to the website and then published in the magazine at the end of the month. Up to date world golf news is available and will be joined with a live Essex golf feed later in the year. You can also subscribe to the magazine digitally or by post and view past electronic issues.

F I N D D I S C O U N T E D G R E E N F E E S I N YO U R A R E A

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Essex County News

by Neil Silver, Press Officer, Essex Golf Union www.essexgolfunion.org email: info@essexgolfer.com

We are off and running into 2016, please keep a close eye on the website for details of future competitions, all the 2016 dates are now on the Fixtures page.

NEW COUNTY SECRETARY Nick McEvoy has been appointed as the new County Secretary, with effect from 4th January 2016.

Nick is 54 years old, and hails from the north west of England where he was a member of Golf Clubs in Liverpool and Manchester before moving south in 1987. He has been Honorary Secretary at Channels Golf Club for the past two years and has 16 years of experience in Club committee roles including Club Captain in 2011.

As a player Nick has represented Channels in both Thornton Cup, Leslie F Wood Championship, and has a current handicap of 6.

Nick was previously employed as a Finance Controller with BAE Systems where he worked for 24 years, most recently managing long term customer support contracts with the RAF in the East of England.

Nick joins James Gurry, Assistant County Secretary, working from the County Union office in Witham, Essex, and is looking forward to building on the progress and achievements the County Union has made in recent years, and building closer relationships with all the Golf Clubs in Essex and the wider golfing community.

Nick McEvoy.

A SAD LOSS FOR THE COUNTY On a less pleasant note, it is with great sadness that we report on the death of John McInerney, John, a member of Upminster had been involved with the Union for many years, in most recent years as Seniors Team Captain, he will be greatly missed.

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The

Jubilee Cup Update from Jubilee Cup Committee, sponsored by Seabrook Warehousing, and reported by Chairman Phil Redhead

Happy New Year from The Jubilee Cup Committee!

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elcome to the 2016 competition, and especially to our forty-four competing clubs who will be battling it out this year to become our Champions in September.

It was very nearly 45 competing clubs, however, Thorpe Hall actually become our first entry into the 2017 competition!

Very much a hearty welcome back to Essex/Hertfordshire border club Manor of Groves who rejoins us this year after a short absence from the competition.

I am also very pleased to provide a very special welcome to a brand new joiner to the Jubilee Cup this year, with Terry McConnellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team from Clacton on Sea Golf Club entering the 2016 competition in Division 6. Good luck Terry after being drawn against Harwich, Wanstead, Rochford Hundred and Burnham in the League phase.

The 2016 draw was completed in December 2015, with our 44 teams being distributed between 8 divisions in our League phase, with first round matches needing to be played by 10th April. Round 4 matches will then need to be completed by 3rd July when only 8 teams will move forward to the knock-out phase of the competition.

Round 1

10th April 2016

Round 3

5th June 2016

Round 2

8th May 2016

Round 4

3rd July 2016

The Committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thanks must go to the Seabrook Warehousing Limited, and especially Mike Seabrook, who continues to support the competition and provides us with a firm footing to be able to continue organising the competition for the growing benefit of Essex golf clubs. Many thanks Mike and team: www.seabrookwarehousing.com The full set of Divisions making up the 2016 competition, and all the individual matches drawn are detailed on the Jubilee Cup website for you perusal. Here you can click down to each of the four rounds www.jubileecup.com/ matches2016/draw2016.html

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The Committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thanks must go to the Seabrook Warehousing Limited, and especially Mike Seabrook, 1st Round Matches to be played by 10th of April 2016 Div A

Crondon Park

v

Benton Hall

Div A

Notleys (The)

v

West Essex

Div A

South Essex

v

Ilford

Div B

Chigwell

v

Stoke by Nayland

Div B

Top Meadow

v

Three Rivers

Div B

Mardyke Valley

v

Abridge

Div C

Brentwood

v

Woolston Manor

Div C

Epping

v

Playgolf Colchester

Div C

Gosfield Lakes

v

Channels

Div D

Stock Brook Manor

v

Colne Valley

Div D

Stapleford Abbotts

v

North Weald Golf

Div D

Garon Park

v

Royal Epping Forest

Div E

Five Lakes

v

Warley Park

Div E

Rayleigh Club (The)

v

Warren (The)

Div F

Wanstead

v

Rochford Hundred

Div F

Burnham On Crouch

v

Clacton on Sea

Div G

Regiment Way

v

Colchester

Div G

Burstead (The)

v

Forrester Park

Div H

Bentley

v

Essex (The)

Div H

Loughton

v

Manor of Groves

On 27th September, at Colne Valley Golf Club, the 2015 Final was won by the Bentley who will be returning in 2016 to seek to win two years in a row. They will be joined by forty-three other clubs to compete for the much coveted Jubilee Cup. Who will win through to become 2016 Jubilee Cup Champions!?

The Committee would like to thank all 2016 competing clubs, and also a special mention to Tony and the Essex Golfer team who support us wholeheartedly and present to you all of our news from the competition.

I would ask that 2016 team Captains and Organisers check out our competition rules, especially around eligibility of players, in preparation for next year. We will be holding our Annual General Meeting in February to confirm the full rules for the competition and discuss with team captains the way forward.

All the best for the Season, and looking forward to a great Jubilee Cup in 2016.

Best regards Phil - 47 -

Wilson Staff Launches New ‘Crossover’ C200™ Irons

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Pinnacle introduces New Rush and Soft Golf Balls for Powerful Distance

T

he new Pinnacle golf balls, engineered with proprietary core technologies, deliver category-leading performance with the extraordinary distance of new Pinnacle Rush and the incredibly soft feel of new Pinnacle Soft.

New Pinnacle Rush helps golfers hit the ball further with every club. Rush utilises highenergy core technology to deliver high initial velocity for powerful distance and an advanced icosahedral dimple design for a penetrating, consistent ball flight.

The softest Pinnacle ever, new Pinnacle Soft combines a high-energy, very low compression core with an incredibly soft ionomer cover to provide an extremely soft feel with low spin for long distance.

All Pinnacle golf balls are designed, tested and manufactured by Acushnet Company’s worldclass R&D and Operations teams – representing more than 20,000 years of golf ball-making expertise – in the company’s own state-of-the-art research, testing and manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts. The result is best-in-class quality, consistency and performance, shot after shot and ball after ball. www.pinnaclegolf.com

ilson Staff, the brand with more Major victories with its irons than any other (61), has launched a new range of C200™ irons designed to dramatically improve distance and accuracy for the mid-to-high handicap player.

The clubs have been developed within a Feel, Crossover and Distance (F-C-D) system to meet the scoring needs of every type of golfer. Wilson Staff defines players under these three categories so that club features and benefits can be matched with individual playing styles and abilities.

The new C200™ irons have been engineered for the Crossover player, identified as a mid-tohigh handicapper seeking greater distance and accuracy with a midsize head.

At the core of the C200™ innovation is the FLX Face™ Technology, which minimises the contact points between the inner clubhead and its thin face. To maximise face flex upon impact, Wilson Staff say more than two-thirds (76%) of the thin face is free from the body of the iron. To fill this gap, Power Holes have been created that go completely through the clubhead and provide space for the face to flex. The space is then filled with a TE031 Urethane material to provide the feel and extra distance required for the committed game improvement player.

“The result is an iron that looks and plays like no other club. Its proven capacity for enhancing distance, forgiveness and feel has exceeded our expectations, while feedback from tests – conducted by amateur players as well as our Wilson Advisory Staff professionals – has confirmed its exceptional performance. www.wilson.com

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Callaway Golf Announces New XR 16 Line Of Woods

C

Perfect Putting with Poulter

F

ans of the Ian Poulter CS2 Putting Aid can now get ready for the new season in the comfort of their own home with the Ian Poulter CS2 Putting Matt which is being sold under licence by Golftech/BIG MAX. As well as an indoor putting surface, the new incarnation of CS2 includes a variety of practice features that will enable golfers to perfect their putting stroke. The CS2 is extremely versatile and, just like its predecessor, focuses on the fundamentals of putting – consistent stroke path and a square face at impact.

Incorporating the CS2 and the 30 minute routine devised by Ian Poulter and his designers into a golfers practice will deliver improvements to these two primary putting fundamentals. The easily adjustable rails through which the putter passes can be set for a straight through or an arced putting stroke, honing a consistent stroke and delivery of a square face at impact. The adjustable gates that sit in front of the putt then offer immediate feedback on the direction of the putt and if it has started on the desired line.

There is also the option to use string alignment, which is a useful sight line that helps you stay over the ball and understand the break of a putt. To add to this feature, the set comes with foam inserts which can be used to change the camber of the matt and mimic breaking putts. As Ian himself says, “A great putter knows that every putt is a straight putt, it is your pace that will determine whether or not you make the putt.”

Each aspect of the CS2 is adjustable so its training of the fundamentals of putting is applicable at every level of golf and as golfers become more consistent with their stroke they can test themselves on more difficult settings. office@golftech.eu

allaway Golf Company has officially announced its new line of XR 16 woods.

Available at retail across Europe from January 29, 2016, the new products include the XR 16 Driver, XR Pro 16 Driver, XR 16 Fairway Wood and XR Pro 16 Fairway Wood.

For the XR 16 Driver, Callaway R&D worked with aerodynamics experts at Boeing to redefine what is possible with clubhead speed and aerodynamics in a golf club. Callaway engineered its most forgiving head shape ever, and the specialists at Boeing made it fast with a reengineered Speed Step.

In addition to delivering our most forgiving shape, a high speed head, and low drag in the crown, the XR 16 Driver also features a next generation R*MOTO Face that is lighter and up to 19 percent thinner. The XR 16 Driver is available in 9°, 10.5° and 13.5° HT lofts. The XR Pro 16 Driver will be available in 9° and 10.5° lofts.

The XR 16 Fairway Wood builds on the category-defining Face Cup Technology and features a design that is bigger, hotter, and more forgiving with our lightest crown for even more ball speed and distance. The XR 16 Fairway Wood will be available in a 3+, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 11 Wood. The XR Pro 16 Fairway Wood will be available in 14°, 16° and 18° lofts. www.callawaygolf.com/xr16

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Sarah Bennett Golf PGA Fellow Professional

Come and visit Sarah at Three Rivers Golf & Country Club and learn from a Ladies European Tour & PGA Fellow Professional. Sarah has over 20 years of experience in the industry, a former +4 hcp player, one of the lowest handicap’s achieved in the UK. Sarah was one of a select few British players to win the Moria Smyth Salver (low amateur Women’s British Open).

A certified TPI Junior L2 Fitness Instructor and Jim Hardy Plane Truth Certified Instructor Sarah coaches players new to the game, through to County and the Professional ranks. She is delighted to pass on her first-hand experience to guide and assist her clients with course management techniques incorporating the mental side with her specific qualification.

Individual and group lessons available with Sarah: 07719 617 349 W: sarahbennettgolf.co.uk E: SarahBennettGolf@gmail.com Why not sign up for my blog and newsletter? sarahbennettgolf.co.uk

Follow me on Facebook: SarahBennettGolf Twitter: @sbennettgolf

TICK K C O T W

ith the winter now officially here, it is the time for me to provide you with a very useful indoor putting tip. I find this a very versatile tip as with many people now owning a smart phone it is easy to access and is FREE. The concept can be used with any level of player from a new golfer to the more established golfer with the advantage... you can now practice your new indoor putting tip now so no more excuses!

To become a consistently good putter there are many elements which need to be understood a few of which I have listed • Aim • Tempo • Speed • Green reading • Stroke direction

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INDOOR PUTTING TIP However if we can concentrate solely on trying to achieve a consistent tempo during the stroke this will be extremely beneficial helping with our distance control. This is where the "Metronome" app can really help with your indoor putting practice whilst keeping warm!

I personally set the Metronome app to 73 but it is important to find your own tempo which will vary from player to player. Once the app has been set listen to the beat for a while, when comfortable take the putter back on one of the beats striking the ball on the returning beat.

If you can set aside a few minutes each evening concentrating on your tempo and rhythm you will be amazed at the difference, hopefully this will enable you to reduce the technical thoughts when playing.

Just before you play a match why not remind yourself of the beat on your phone, but remember you can't remind yourself on the course in the rules of golf!

Sarah Bennett

THE ULTIMATE GAME CHANGER

2016 New Package Guaranteed Improvement Your chance to commit to the ultimate chance to work with a former Ladies European Tour Coach & England U18 East Region Head Coach This an exclusive offer with a limited numberavailable and will be on a first come first served basis.

“I have been having lessons with Sarah for two years now with all areas improving dramatically.

Her enthusiasm and team focal point isinfectious, I would ecommend Sarah instantly” Kate M

• • • • • • • •

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

1.5 hrs Coaching a month Free 1hour Assessment Personalised Programme Cutting edge coach knowledge Latest coaching technology Communication platform Voice overs, videos, notes Free SBG Towel (first 5 clients)

This is a very specific 6 month player programme which I wouldonly recommend if you are able to allocate 2 hrs a week of work.

Sarah is delighted to announce a full schedule of 2016 Events and activities for GolfingGirl the longest running Ladies Academy designed and delivered by a former Ladies European Tour player and England Regional Coach.

Sarah’s newly launched Junior Jubilees Academy compliments the successful Coaching on offer

by Sarah PGA Fellow Professional and Head Professional at Three Rivers Golf Club.

She is only one of two Fellow Professionals in Essex who hold the Junior L2 TPI qualification assuring she is at the forefront of the development of Junior Golf in Essex. Her successful Golfing Generations Event for Juniors will be taking place again in 2016 so watch out for registration

PGA FELLOW PROFESSIONAL Head Professional Three Rivers Golf Club

SARAH BENNETT

W: SarahBennettGolf.co.uk E: SarahBennettGolf@Gmail.com M: 07719 617 349 T: @SBennettGolf FB: SarahBennettGolf

Please contact Sarah: SarahBennettGolf.Co.uk M: 07719617349 - 51 -

Faldo Series Announces UK Dates For 20th Season

T

he Faldo Series has announced its UK schedule for 2016 with Moortown Golf Club returning to the line-up after a one year absence and East Sussex National becoming new hosts in the 20th year of Faldo Series events. Each tournament will comprise of 54-holes and count towards the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

“Young golfers in the UK have benefitted from the experience of playing in the Faldo Series now for two decades”, said Sir Nick Faldo. “Following its successful introduction two years ago, we have continued to hold 54-hole championships across the UK allowing players the opportunity to gain even more tournament experience and to compete for World Amateur Golf Ranking points.”

Faldo added: “I thank The R&A, The European Tour, The PGA Tour and the PGA of America for their on-going support which allows us to bring opportunity to thousands of talented young golfers worldwide every year.”

“2016 will mark a significant milestone of R&A support towards the Faldo Series since its launch in 1996,” commented Alison White, Assistant Director of Golf Development at The R&A. “Along with Sir Nick, a three-time Open Champion, The R&A is proud to support an impressive global record of golf development. The expansion of the Faldo Series over twenty years illustrates how our vision along with Sir Nick’s commitment to golf development can make a positive impact on the

Reigning Faldo Series Grand Final – Boys’ Under-21 Champion Jack Yule (centre) with Alison White, Assistant Director of Golf Development at The R&A (left) and Sir Nick Faldo (right) - 52 -

future generation.”

The 2016 UK schedule features seven championships across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For an entry fee of £60, boys and girls aged 12 to 21 will play one practice round and three tournament rounds at their chosen venue. The five age-group winners at each tournament – three boys and two girls – will join six-time Major winner Faldo at the 20th Faldo Series Grand Final.

The entry deadline for each event will take be 30 days prior to the start of the competition.

The Faldo Series Wales Championship is the first UK event. Players will tee off at Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club (Bridgend) on April 11-13. The second event will be held at Lough Erne Resort (County Fermanagh) in Northern Ireland on April 12-13.

The Ireland Championship will remain a 36-hole competition.

Old Fold Manor (Barnet) hosts the first of two England South Championships on July 4-6.

Moortown Golf Club (Leeds) will return to the Faldo Series schedule on July 18-20 for the England North Championship. After Moortown the focus shifts to Scotland where competitors will play The Dukes, St Andrews on July 25-27.

Trentham Golf Club (Stoke-On-Trent) hosts the England Midlands Championship on August 1-3.

The last UK event of the season will be held at a new venue for the Faldo Series, East Sussex National (Uckfield) where players will be welcomed on August 22-24.

The 2015 Faldo Series Europe schedule featured 15 tournaments in 12 countries including three in England plus others in Abu Dhabi, Ireland, Wales, Brazil, Scotland, Czech Republic, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Poland and Slovakia. A full European schedule for 2016 will be announced in the coming weeks.

Recognised as the only global amateur series for boys and girls, the Faldo Series was established in 1996, expanding to Asia in 2006.

Today, 40 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 30-plus countries worldwide, touching more than 7,000 golfers each year. Past winners include Major Champions Tseng Ya-ni and Rory McIlroy, who took his tally of professional Major titles to four with his wins at the 2014 Open Championship and US PGA Championship.

Golfers born in 1995 or later wishing to enter a 2016 Faldo Series UK Championship should email fsentries@nickfaldo.com

Good Sense at Clacton

Holding the cheque is past Captain Julia Hewett on the left and Ruth Andoh-Baxter on the right, surrounded by the Ladies of the Clacton Club.

F

ollowing a good morning’s golf, the Ladies of Clacton-on-Sea Golf Club settled in for a well-earned lunch, It was then time for the immediate past Captain Julia Hewett to introduce Ruth Andoh-Baxter, who is the Community Fundraising Manager for past Captain Julia’s charity SENSE. Ruth Andoh-Baxter then explained that SENSE is a charity that has been working with Deafblind children and their families for the past 60 years, Ruth Andoh-Baxter also explained that with recent bad publicity directed at charities, at SENSE 81% of all donations goes into their immensely challenging work with Deafblind children. Following a very interesting talk on the work of SENSE, Past Captain Julia Hewett said how pleased she was that the Ladies of Clacton Golf Club had raised £2174.50p for her charity.

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Colchester Junior Section J

was included in the Junior Christmas Fun Day in which there were prizes galore. The winners of the main competition were Sam Jackson and Arian Masud, this time returning the more manageable score of 35 points in this greensomes competition. In second place were David Barnes and Charlie Allison and third were Ollie Allison and James Wright.

Using all the facilities the club offers the juniors had their longest drives and nearest the pin competitions in the Swing Studio.

Ollie Allison cracked out an amazing 271 yards in the over thirteen age group to win the longest drive and Joe Jackson won nearest the pin Nearest the pin in the under thirteen age group was Guy Haines with Nico Barnes taking the honours in the longest drive.

In a day organized by Lorrie Austin, the whole section had a great time and in his plan for the coming year Austin said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We now have a good core group of juniors who enjoy all the benefits that golf has to offer.

Arian Masud winner of the End of Season with Lorrie Austin the We will hold many competitions during the Junior Organiser. coming year, and we aim to have an Open Competition during April to which all are Included in his net score were two nett eagles welcome.â&#x20AC;? on par threes, the fourth and the thirteenth, Having a group of strong juniors is important which in themselves added four points each to his to every golf club with Colchester Golf Club score and the total round justifiably earned him a being no exception. Should anyone wish to join cut to 22 in his handicap. their local golf club or wishes to know more Second place was Dan Nicholls who plays off about the game please contact the Club Office on six with a solid 35 points and Ollie Allison (01206) 853396 or check out the website playing off fifteen who returned 34 www.colchestergolfclub.com points to take third place.

The Xmas Cup competition ust prior to Christmas, the school holidays was an ideal opportunity for the Junior Section at Colchester Golf Club to finish their season when they held their End of Year Trophy.

It was Arian Masud, who despite the strong winds and conditions which were wet underfoot, wrapped up this trophy with an amazing 44 points.

Some of the competitiors in the Junior Christmas Fun Day. - 54 -

Five Lakes - New Year Competitions

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o start the New Year, Five Lakes held both the ‘Hangover Cup’ played traditionally on the 1st January followed by the ‘Presidents New Year Cup’ played on the first Sunday of the New Year.

HANGOVER CUP – 18 HOLE STABLEFORD QUALIFIER Many of the golfers playing in this 18 hole stableford were obviously affected by the previous days’ celebrations. However, three golfers scrambled 33 points, Ian Cottee, Alan Garnett and Barry Boniface.Third place was taken by 3 handicapper Jack Garnett with 35 points; second slot went to Ben Grant (26) with 38 points; however, winner of the Hangover Cup Frank Taylor receiving the 2016 was Frank Hangover Cup from club Taylor (18).

Captain Nigel Popper.

Charlie Powell receiving the Presidents New Year Cup from club President Barry Boniface.

PRESIDENTS NEW YEAR CUP – 18 HOLE STROKE PLAY. The Presidents Cup kicks of the New Year with the medal play competition of the year and traditionally attracts the keener golfers at the club.

Two players returned nett 72’s, Malcolm Pook (6) who also won the scratch prize with the lowest gross score and Dave Chignell (12).

Third place went to Frank Taylor (18) with a nett 71, second prize went to Ben Grant (26) with a nett 69; however, winner and holder of the Presidents Cup for 2016 was Charlie Powell (15) with an outstanding nett 65.

Stoke by Nayland Golf Club Seniors’ American Greensomes

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n difficult weather conditions the Stoke by Nayland green staff did well to prepare the Constable Course for the Seniors’ American Greensomes competition, which was played all on main greens.

The SBN Committee has sanctioned the use of a ‘Divotend’ in competitions to aid play in winter conditions and to prevent damage to the course.

The greenkeepers have noticed a real difference on both courses with less divots.

The winners were Roger Davies and Alan Line with a creditable 34 points. In second place were Roger Fleuty and Tony Reeves with 33 points, on count back, from Alan Austin and Keith Oxborrow.

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A Double for Colchester Golf Club G

olf in Essex now has an opportunity to march on in unison with both the President of the Essex Ladies’ County Golf Association and the President of the Essex Golf Union both having their home club as Colchester Golf Club.

Philippa Deman was voted in as the County President at the recent AGM of the ELCGA, and she now joins Mike Hart, who is now into his second year in the role of County President of the EGU. It is a particular and unique honour for Colchester Golf Club to have two of its longstanding and much valued members at the helm of the two bodies that run golf in the County,

and almost 50 years since the last occasion the two Presidents came from the same club. It can only bode well for the closer co-operation of the organizations as they develop and move on into 2016.

Presidents see their roles in the development of Club Golf in Essex and with their experience have the ideal base to do so.

Philippa Deman was the Ladies County Captain in the mid 90’s and through that she has a unique insight into county golf, whilst Mike Hart has had fifteen years on the EGU Committee with a particular speciality in Grass Roots and Player Development with a track record to be applauded.

Club Captain Vic Pomphrett with Philippa Deman and Mike Hart, Colchester’s Presidents.

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Thorpeness Appoints First Female Golf Professional in Club’s 93 Year History

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horpeness Golf Club and Hotel has Suffolk Ladies County Team. appointed Christine Langford as its new In recent years, Christine has run residential Senior Golf Professional, the first female golf coaching schools and clinics at Thorpeness professional in the club’s 93-year history.

Golf Club and Hotel.

A five time winner on the Ladies European Her new role will see her develop golf Tour, Christine succeeds veteran PGA coaching and residential schools at the James Professional Frank Hill, 71, who retired in Braid heathland course and 36-bedroom golf October 2015. hotel.

Christine, 58, said: “I am delighted to make “I am looking forward to getting to know history as Thorpeness’ first woman professional and am honored to follow in Frank’s footsteps.

Suffolk is a wonderful place to live and Thorpeness has a special and lasting appeal to local people, day visitors and holidaymakers. I feel enormously privileged to be asked to take on this role.”

This is not the first time that Christine has made history in a golfing career spanning over three decades.

In 2005, she was the first woman professional to be made an Advanced Fellow of the PGA (Professional Golfer’s Association). As a touring professional, Christine was a Christine Langford at Thorpeness Golf Club and Hotel. founder member of the LET (Ladies European Tour) and went on to everyone at the club and using my experience to serve as its Chair. further develop the exceptional golfing She is one of only a handful of women to serve experience Thorpeness offers its members and on the board of The PGA of Great Britain and visitors,” said Christine.

Ireland.

For more about Christine has worked as national coach to the Thorpeness Golf Club and Hotel: www.thorpeness.co.uk Golf Union of Wales Ladies team and coached - 57 -

GOLF TIPS FOR AROUND THE COURSE As every golfer knows, if the ball doesn’t land on the fairway your problems are only just beginning.

Your ball could be on a slope, in tall grass or bushes, on the lip of a bunker, on stony ground etc. etc In his new compact guide, best-selling author Yves Ton-That (“Golf Rules Quick Reference”, more than 1 million copies sold) gives the reader tips for every seemingly hopeless situation – short and concise, illustrated and easy-to-understand. Thanks to the structure with sections from tee to green, golfers can find the information they need in an instant. A quick fix guide for eliminating mistakes makes the practical ring-bound water-repellent booklet the ideal accompaniment on the course.

The tips are based on many years of competition experience by leading golf professionals. We’d be willing to bet that “Golf Trouble Shots and Quick Fix Guide” will help you save a number of strokes on your next round.

Order now on online at www.essexgolfer.com - 58 -

For your FREE advert in Holiday Golf, E-mail no more than 50 words with your details to info@essexgolfer.com For more listings go to www.essexgolfer.com FOR RENT: For Sale: Large detached golf villa, 3 double bedroom, 2 baths, massive basement, in excellent 9 hole golf course. Nice views. 15 minutes to San Javier Airport and Mar Menor Sea. Near shops, bars, restaurants, supermarkets. Great community. Bargain buy. - Sierra Golf Resort, Balsicas, Murcia – €125000.00. Poh Foong T: 07957 861887 E: pcfoong@aol.com.

FOR RENT: Overlooking Bernard Langer designed course from front & back terraces, this 2 bed apartment offers the ideal location to explore the peaceful Spanish area of the Costa Azahar, between Barcelona and Valencia.

Offers great value for money, with all mod cons – Spain – £200.00 Per Week (From) Nige,l T: 07711 470146 E: nigelmartin2006@hotmail.co.uk

FOR RENT: Costa del Sol Golf holidays. for all your golfing requirements from 2 to 20 people, offering accommodation (various, hotels - villas), club and car hire available and all the best courses in southern spain to choose from. www.royale-golf.com. costa del sol – £100.00 exclusive offers available. Jason Luczyniec, T: 07815323265 E: jluczyniec@gmail.com.

FOR RENT: At Four Seasons Fairways within Quinta do Lago golf course and the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom villa with private pool. Sleeps 8. Available for one week only – Thursday 28th April – 5th May 2016. – Algarve, Portugal – £750.00 Per Week. Malcolm Wehmeyer, T: 07749 705 968 E: malcolm.wehmeyer@yahoo.co.uk

FOR RENT: Week 26 (25/6/16) spacious 2 bed apartment, which overlooks 18th fairway – valley course, Unlimited golf available to all residents on a choice of two 18 hole championship courses. It also includes use of hotel pool and fitness centre. Barnham Broom, Norwich - £600.00 ono. Graham Podd, T: 07882 700497 E: podds@blueyonder.co.uk FOR RENT: Beautiful 2 bedroom villa with communal pool in Ciudad Quesada, Costa Blanca. Sleeps 4. Free wi-fi. 5 Championship golf courses within easy reach, walking distance to bars, restaurants and supermarket, beaches within 20min drive. Ciudad Quesada, Costa Blanca – £250.00 (from) Elaine, E: tennis.brimson@btinternet FOR RENT: Stunning 3 bedroom villa with communal pool in Villamartin, Costa Blanca. Sleeps 6. Free wi-fi. 5 Championship golf courses within easy reach, walking distance to bars & restaurants, beaches within 15min drive. – Costa Blanca – £300.00 (from) Elaine, E: tennis.brimson@btinternet

FOR RENT: Golf Resort Hacienda Riquelme Resort – Murcia – Spain – 2 Bedroom Apartment sleeps 4-6, part of the Jack Nicklaus golf trail, secure gated community, great course, amenities on site, beaches nearby, 15 min drive to airport, cheap flights available – Murcia – Spain - £250.00 FROM Lee, E: lee_hibell@hotmail.com FOR SALE: Large single story Lodge for sale 1 weeks timeshare ownership at the prestigious resort in Cornwall, week 31. Maintenance fee includes two rounds golf daily. in excellent, very peaceful location. Two large double bedrooms and a pull down double bed – ST MELLION – £2000.00 Per Week.

Jakie, E: Jackie@jsoilleux.fsnet.co FOR SALE: 5 Bed Semi-Detached Villa 3 Double, 2 Single, Fully Furnished, Air con, Solar Panels, Communal Swimming pools, Own Garden and Parking space.

Great rental potential It is across the road from Cornelia Golf Course and close to many others. Quick sale - Belek Antalya Turkey - £65.00 ONO. E: imck@btinternet.com

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FOR RENT: Beautiful 2 bed, both ensuite, villa in the Palm Springs area, Southern California. Situated on a 27 hole champion golf course. Private pool and spa. Gated community with club house, pro shop, tennis courts, fitness centre, bar and dining room – Southern California – £400.00 Per Week. Elaine, E: elainemcgilvray@yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: 1 Week Timeshare (week 48) Nov/Dec Manor Court Moretonhampstead Devon in grounds of Bovey Castle. One bedroon cottage sleeps 4 includes 2 free rounds of golf for 2 further rounds at favourable discount. Other courses nearby. £403 yearly maintenance paid – Devon – £POA. Bill, T: 01277 821 052 E: billnorrispip@gmail.com FOR RENT: 15 minutes to airport and the sea. Located in a Golf Resort with onsite bars and pool and a golfer’s paradise. 2 beds. It is possible to LIVE THERE FOR FREE subject to personal Costa Calida – €500.00 inclusive of council tax, building and contents insurance. E: 126@pcmlap.com FOR RENT: Large modern 2 bed 2 bath apartment with 2 pools sea views in Western Algarve Luz short walk to blue flag beach many superb restaurants .Great golf courses Boavista, Penina, Palmares all close. The beautiful historic town of Lagos a10 minute drive. Western Algarve Luz - £POA. Keith Clissold T: 07710 959 479 E: keith.clissold@btconnect FOR SALE: Star Island Resort one week 3 bedroom suit, time share.sleeps 8 deeded (week 11) 2nd week in March.

Will exchange for 2 weeks in a 2 bedroom worldwide. 4 miles from Disney 2 miles from Falcons Fire Golf course. See star-island.com – Orlando Florida – Call for details. David T: 01277 899222 Mob: 07984 146 658.

Junior Golf Project at Three Rivers Golf Club S

arah Bennett PGA Fellow Head Teaching Professional at Three Rivers Golf Club started to lay the foundation work six months ago with the objective of developing the current junior section at Three Rivers Golf Club along with an introductory pathway for new players.

The Golf Foundation has kindly provided their support for the project, and I am delighted that much of the groundwork is now in place for 2016 and beyond. I look forward to demonstrating the benefits of such a programme with improved opportunities for new players.

Sarah introduced a loyalty card scheme a few months ago started a Pro- active junior committee which now has a report slot in the monthly newsletter among other new and exciting events, which are all detailed in a comprehensive 2016 Junior specific calendar.

Her latest inclusion was the introduction of the Junior Jubilees for those children new to the game; she designed their own logo along with working on their own calendar detailing all the 2016 events for both sections.

A welcome cap is provided to each Junior Jubilee member upon signing up to the new Passport scheme which is modified using Sarah’s vast experience and her TPI L2 Junior Coaching qualification.

Christmas Riviera was the brainchild of Sarah, and Nick Fisk, father of one of Sarah’s pupils who has just been selected for the inclusion of County participation. The event is a step up to the Christmas Event Sarah has been running for the past five years at the club. Nick and Jack both said” It is a great chance to play with golfers you would not normally play with, plus a good team competition for the juniors” It is fantastic to have the support and financial backing of another parent of Ivy Neary whose daughter recently won the Mighty Masters event in her age group. This was the first junior event

Ivy had played also making the Regional finals of the past National Skills Challenge. Ivy participated in the Essex Girls beginners and improver's division finishing runner up, this has provided Ivy with the opportunity to mix with other girls her age, including the girls at the club with Sarah’s coaching and personal guidance.

The Christmas Riviera brought together current junior members with those who played a shortened course along with Sarah’s Junior Jubilees! It was a tall order for Sarah, but all worked fantastically with the membership already looking forward to the Spring version.

Leila said about the day”It was fantastic seeing so many of the youngsters enjoying their golf. It was an opportunity for parents and members to encourage the juniors and lovely to see so many players taking part covering all ages and levels of golf ” “It was superb to integrate three levels of playing experience in one day all playing to their level of ability, the additional Festive extras such as

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Secret Santa always add to the occasion. I would like to thank all the volunteers on the day for their assistance with registration and for the members for supporting the day so close to Christmas. To make a “project” like this be a success, we need everyone’s support and input which I am confident as a club we certainly have."

The facilities at Three Rivers are ideal for the growth of Junior golf with our 4 top holes absolutely ideal for all aspects of the short game promoting creativity. The nature of the holes provides me with the coaching opportunity to introduce the course environment for the new player and junior like at an early stage, which is not always possible at a driving range.

I am looking forward to growing on the start of an exciting journey during 2016 and will be heavily involved with Girls Golf Rocks programme which again has a platform for the GolfingGirl groups I run to advance to. This is in addition to the second year’s event of the family GolfingGenerations which Sarah set up last year attracting some 52 players even externally from the County.

For further information on the range of Junior Coaching and Events Sarah runs at Three Rivers please visit: www.sarahbennettgolf.co.uk or contact her using the contact form page on the website.

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HYBRID PUTTER COMPETITION WINNER! Congratulations go out to James Rowe from Felstead, Essex who is the lucky winner of a Hybrid Putter.

In our November 2015 issue we asked the following question: What year did Darren Clarke win the British Open Golf Championship?

James answered correctly with 2011.

Tributes Pour in forLate Ryder Cup Hero Christy O’Connor Jnr

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hristy O’Connor Jnr, a former Ryder Cup hero, European Tour and Senior Tour veteran, and pioneer of golf in Ireland, has died aged 67. The Galway native passed away in his sleep while on holiday in Tenerife. He is survived by his wife Ann, daughter Ann and son Nigel.

O’Connor Jnr is best known for hitting one of the most famous shots in Ryder Cup history – a two-iron approach to the 18th green at The Belfry in 1989 which came to rest four feet from the hole, helping Tony Jacklin’s team retain the cup courtesy of a 14-14 tie.

That was the first of two appearances in the world’s most famous team golf event, having also represented Great Britain and Ireland in 1975 following the most successful of his 28 seasons playing on The European Tour, spanning three decades.

The nephew of another famous Irish golfer, Christy O’Connor, two of his four European Tour victories came that season, the second of which was a glorious homecoming at the Irish Open, and he later added two more titles – the latter in the 1992 British Masters.

From The European Tour’s inception in 1972, he did not finish outside the top 100 in the Order of Merit in his first 21 seasons, and that class and longevity extended into his Senior Tour career.

In his maiden campaign in the over-50s ranks, O’Connor Jnr stormed to a three-shot victory in the 1999 Senior Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club, before returning to Northern Ireland a year later to successfully defend the title at Royal County Down.

He also lifted two titles on the Champions Tour in America in 1999, and his success did not halt after hanging up his clubs.

O’Connor Jnr latterly forged an extremely successful career as a golf course designer, with Shane Lowry’s home golf course Esker Hills, former Irish Open venue Fota Island and recent host of the Challenge Tour’s Irish Challenge, Mount Wolseley – where he played in the Pro-Am last October – among the lay-outs in his portfolio.

TRIBUTE: George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour from 2004-2015, said: “It is a very sad day for the O’Connor family and for Ireland as a whole.

“Christy Jnr was a legendary figure and his immense legacy is far more than purely his playing record. He was a universally popular player and always enhanced every tournament he played, no matter the occasion. His infectious charm will be sorely missed.” www.europeantour.com - 62 -