County Golfer Magazine 2016 Spring

Cover Photo: Sherwood Forest 7th green

County

Golfer Spring 2016

No.1

Derbyshire &

ire’s

Nottinghamsh

e

Golf Magazin

REVIEWED... SHERWOOD FOREST // TRENT LOCK PLAYING IN THE DARK // 2016 GEAR REVEALED KENT SPECIAL... ROYAL ST. GEORGE’S // TUDOR PARK PLUS LOADS MORE

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It’s only a field with holes!

Chatting to a golf course owner about the ups and downs of courses, I was completely thrown when my playing companion came out with “well after all it’s only a field with holes”.

I wasn’t quite sure where to go from there. It seemed to be a conversation staller. Driving home, the conversation turned to describing the game of golf and let’s be fair, it all possibly started with folks hitting a pebble round sand dunes on the East coast of Scotland in the 15th Century. One huge bunker, a rabbit hole and no grass. Now you try charging someone £500 a year for that!

History records that King Charles the First was on the course in 1641 when he received news of the Irish rebellion. So golf has always been surrounded by hiccups and so it continues down to today.You try moving a bunker that’s been there for 25 years, move a tee three yards to the left, charge an extra pound for chips, have to play on wet grass in winter and there’s an uprising in the clubhouse. We aren’t a happy bunch. Trying to hit a rabbit hole from 50 yards through soggy sand in 1641was a lot harder I’ll bet. Scotland also had to defend itself from the marauding English,which is a bit like members fending off visitors!

Standing on the first tee of a club I was visiting many years ago I politely asked the guy teeing

County

Golfer

off in front of me “have you any suggestions on playing the course?” “Yes” he replied “clear off and play somewhere else” (I’ve cleaned that reply up!). We are quite territorial creatures aren’t we? What’s ours is our own and nobody else’s.

Some club members explained the frustration when they get too many visitors who take up tee times thereby making it difficult for them to get a tee time. Winter also certainly tightens things up with shorter days.

We live in times when, to get all the comforts and luxuries from the golf course we want, also needs extra revenue and that comes from many areas including the paying visitor. I take my hat off to those who own and run golf courses and try their best to make our rounds a time of enjoyment. We’re fortunate at County Golfer to visit lots of courses. We go round saying “ I like that hole, bunker, dogleg, pint of bitter etc.

They say variety, it’s the spice of life.

We visited a course recently where a dogleg right was turned into a dogleg left and do you know, we never noticed. Well we wouldn’t would we. We just played away and went with the out of bounds markers. It’s a case of “you mow it, we’ll follow it (loosely)”!

We are happier as the sun starts to peep out from behind the clouds and golfing days get longer. We get more positive and happy (that may be stretching a point), So, it’s chins up lads and lasses, summers coming yippee.

Garry and all at County Golfer

Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Independent & FREE

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Unit 5, Keys Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 7FQ Tel: 01773 830344 www.countygolfer.co.uk Email: garry@countygolfer.co.uk, Editor: Garry Plant. Editorial contributions: Lefty, Newby, YT, James Whatley, Typeset and designed by Alistair Plant & Katie Jobling and printed by Buxton Press.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written consent is strictly prohibited. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any views expressed, or statements made, in signed contributions or in those reproduced from any other source. No responsibility is borne for any errors made in any advertisement, or for claims made by any advertiser which are incorrect. The publishers reserve the right to refuse advertising for any reason deemed unsuitable. All material submitted is done so at the owner’s own risk and no responsibility is accepted by the publishers for its return.

Copyright County Golfer Magazine, Images Publishing Ltd, Origination by Images Publishing Ltd Unit 5, Keys Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7FQ 01773 830344

4 www.countygolfer.co.uk

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SIVLTD.COM www.countygolfer.co.uk 5

In this issue 10

Sherwood Forest

16

News from Brierley Forest

20

Night Golf at Breadsall Priory

22

Golfing in Kent 30

Trent Lock GC

6 www.countygolfer.co.uk

36

Our local Pro James Whatley

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Erewash Valley Golf Club is your chance to sample being a golf club member at a true parkland course

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www.countygolfer.co.uk 7

8 www.countygolfer.co.uk

100 acres of picturesque parkland providing a variety of breathtaking views over some of the Midlands delightful counties.

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www.countygolfer.co.uk 9

Sherwood Forest one of the best!

You’ll notice something about all promotional images of golf courses, they all contain three key elements; 1. A beautiful green golf course, 2. A bright blue sky, 3. Blazing sunshine. There’s a reason for that, and it’s because golf is a game to be played in the sunshine. Yes I’m aware golf originates from Scotland, a country which has its fair share of overcast days and rain, but as a golfer I can tell you that golf in the sunshine is 100 times better than in the pouring rain.

One week on from our journey down to Kent where, after being battered by the rain and wind, and at one point having to leave the golf course due to hail stones, it was with a huge smile on my face that I set out to play Sherwood Forest Golf Course. One of the reasons I’m smiling is because I played Sherwood a few years ago and remembered what a fantastic challenge it was, and the beautiful condition it was in. Secondly, it was the blue sky and blazing sunshine, definitely the best day of the year so far.

10 www.countygolfer.co.uk

I’d sent my understudy Lefty off to play at Trent Lock Golf course (cheeky beggar!

Lefty) so my playing partner was Nathan, a friend who I’ve played with a couple of times before and who plays off the same handicap as me, so we were looking forward to the challenge. With a beautiful day, an outstanding course and a great challenge ahead, we set out to play this very well respected golf course.

On reaching the course we met Stuart Betteridge in the pro shop, who was in

the middle of taking lessons at their Performance Centre. Opened in April last year they have the very latest Foresight Sports GC 2 simulator, which the club use to teach and for hi specification club fittings, a rather impressive set up to say the least.

You may recall that last year a mini tornado had hit the course and taken down a number of trees damaging many more. What we didn’t appreciate was quite how many trees it had affected, a reserved

www.countygolfer.co.uk 11

estimate puts this figure at over 2,200 trees! What was the impact on the course?

We were intrigued to see. They had long term plans to take the trees out, which was suddenly accelerated due to the incident.

They are also now working on plans to install a driving range to add to their practice range. It’s certainly a exciting time for members as the club seems to be driving forward all areas of its facilities. Already one of the outstanding courses in the area, they certainly aren’t resting on their laurels.

Standing on the first tee you instantly get sight of what the course is all about. The 1st fairway rises majestically in front of you, but over to the right you can also see the 3rdand 4th tee, the 5th teeing apron and the 18th fairway and green. A glorious spectacle on a

Sherwood Forest

glorious spring day.

We had deliberately waited until after 11 o’clock to tee off, the overnight rain meant that a few of the holes were playing on temporary greens. No one likes a temporary green, but it’s these decisions, carefully made by green keepers that keep courses like these at the high standard we have come to expect. And we wanted to play this course at its very best.

The first is a steady par 4, 315 yards uphill with a fairly forgiving fairway, bunkers 250 yards up the fairway pose a hazard for a big hitter, but for the mid to high handicap it’s a rather safe forgiving hole. That is of course, if you’re playing the time of year we were.

The heather has been cut right back, so missing the fairway you’ve a tricky second shot, but we found with an average lye,

you could still hit a decent 6 iron back down the fairway. A luxury that I’m sure won’t be available if you play in the middle of summer when the heather is in full bloom. Your ball is going to take some finding let alone hitting!

In fact for a mid to high handicap player this could add numerous shots to your round.

Accuracy off the tee becomes more and more important as the heather grows.

When the heather is in full bloom though, the course looks absolutely stunning; it’s a sight to behold! After not playing through the winter most people would expect to have forgotten some of their technique, not me, I had clearly forgotten all my bad habits, which was a massive surprise and bonus! I hit the ground running with a par on the first, despite just missing the fairway from the tee.

The 3rd is an outstanding hole, a blind tee shot over the brow with bunkers that at 230 yards catch anything that’s big. Myself and Nathan split the way, I went left just missing the bunker, leaving myself a tricky shot in, however this soft and beautiful green meant you could really attack the pin with your approach, 2 pars in the opening 3 holes, a better than expected start! Nathan however was matching me shot for shot. A tight game was definitely on the cards.

The 5th is the first par 5, a rising fairway in front of you and measuring 500yards it yells out to be hit. But beware, the clubhouse behind you will no doubt be full of onlookers, get it wrong and you can virtually hear the sniggers behind you. With carefully placed bunkers at 260 yards from the tee and 90 yards from the green, it’s not without its dangers, but again with forgiving rough you can still give it a good hit without the worry of an unplayable next shot.

The 8th is another par 5, this time with the added challenge of needing a big carry over the heather to reach the fairway, it’s not that you can’t carry it, but it plays on your mind like playing over water. Once over that hurdle, your approach needs to be well placed as again very www.countygolfer.co.uk 13

well placed bunkers guard the green. The 14th is my favorite hole on the course, a 410yard par 4 with a dogleg left. There’s a large bunker on the inside of the corner, the aim is to go over if you hit big (very big!) or miss just to the right if not. Or, like me, you could just be plain lucky and skirt the left side of the bunker and finish with a nicely laid up 2nd shot. A decent 3 or 5 wood is still needed to carry the final bunker into the green.

We won’t discuss the 17th, all I can remember is that it was good bunker practice for me! Clearly an area I need to work on. I’ll also not mention Nathan bottling his final putt on the 18th that would have drawn the game !! A draw would have been a fairer result as the scores had see-sawed the whole round, but who was I to pass up a claim for victory, Nathan will get many victories of his own over the summer.

As the course dried out over the first 5 holes it gradually became quicker, but they were so true and consistent that putting became a joy. In the summer I could see them being as quick as anything around.

Sherwood started the day as one of my favorite courses, and only managed to cement its place there. Every aspect is right from the top draw, from the course to the pro shop to the chips after! Bring on the summer and bring on the heather!!

Sherwood Forest 14 www.countygolfer.co.uk

Sherwood Forest Golf Club

“a premier heathland golf experience”

Eakring Road, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG18 3EW www.sherwoodforestgolfclub.co.uk Tel: 01623 626689

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE

I

t’s fair to say that up until a few years ago Brierly Forest Golf Club didn’t come high on our list to play. I know that may sound unfair and the long time members may rise up in arms and invade Derbyshire in protest. But, wait a minute, if I was to ask you members “Are the tees, fairways, greens, clubhouse and facilities better? I defy you to say no. So, put away your sabres, unsaddle the horses, have another glass of IPA and ponder the vast improvements that owner, Andrew Fantom and the team have made in the past eight years.

When property developer Andrew Fantom bought the 100 acre course in 2008 he put into action a fiver year plan to bring the course into line with modern golfers needs and in his own words “ It’s taken eight”. Andrew is very passionate about Brierley Forest GC, it’s his baby. Like me his first love is football, sport is high on his agenda, so it’s no surprise that he has put heart and soul into putting Brierley Forest onto very competitive plains with other golf clubs in the County.

It’s taken some doing and work is still in progress but they are at the stage now of, as Andrew put it, “Doing the pretty, pretty”. Golf courses need constant care, and the greens team accompanied by local volunteers, led by Head Greenkeeper Lee McLachlan, are non stop, in keeping the work on stream. The greens are now of a high standard, the fairways opened up with careful tree lopping and reduction in rough. The hedgerows are being cut to the proper manageable height (they had become more like trees) allowing air through and also, more importantly, the sun to reach the course. This latter work is just part of the “prettying up” that is taking 16 www.countygolfer.co.uk

place. This summer the bunkers will receive major attention.

The recently completed Par 3 course is quite unique as it will also be used for Footgolf and the holes will be the same size. Now, you may think “that’s a big hole to aim for in golf!” This is the idea of Kirsty McDonald the New PGA coach at Brierley Forest.

The thought process behind this, is to bring in younger members of the community and introduce them to golf. Kirsty’s responsibility lies in the development of the Ladies and Junior section. She joins Brierley with a good pedigree, having had a spell on the European Tour to become a fully qualified PGA trainer. Taking up the post of PGA trainer at Branston Golf Club, following which she had a short break to bring up her children. Her CV, which she randomly dropped off at Brierley Forest impressed Andrew and led to her being appointed to the post. Who says speculation doesn’t pay off!

Kirsty also serves as the chairperson of the WPGA. It is also in-line with Andrews policy of Brierley Forest being a part of the community, which they certainly are.

Brierley Forest GC owner Andrew Fantom

THE CLUBHOUSE

Gone is the green hut and members now enjoy a light airy clubhouse which used be the White Lion public house. This was a great move and worked well both for Andrew and local businessman Jamie O’Hagan (an early days member) who has the offices upstairs and also is the general manger of the club, looking after day to day things. Teamwork here is the key. Work is still in progress at the clubhouse and the day I met Andrew he had just brought in skirting board for the new 40 seater restaurant. As you may guess Andrew is very hands-on and he had got his work all planned for the day we met. Food is very reasonably priced with full breakfast at only £4.00 which will be available all day from April. The clubhouse also features Sky and BT Sports.

New Brierley Forest GC PGA coach Kirsty McDonald

BACK TO GOLF

Membership has grown steadily over the years from the original 140 and now boasts around 425 with more on the way. They have a deliberately ‘low price’ policy making now a good time to join as this

The greens are now of a high standard, the fairways opened up. www.countygolfer.co.uk 17

Head Greenkeeper Lee McLachlan

Volunteer Bill Bainbridge getting stuck into the mulching. There’s a few weeks work ahead!

Members Gary Halam and Alan Cook

18 www.countygolfer.co.uk

is a course that will keep on improving with a solid carefully projected expansion plan.

As I walked around the course with Andrew he pointed out work in progress, work planned, work already done etc. It’s a number of years since I played golf here and I was pleasantly surprised how things had improved, especially the quality of the greens.

So, you members, what started as a possible negative has turned into commendation and the Derbyshire invasion is off. Lefty and Newby are actually on schedule to play here before the next edition of County Golfer so look out for them. I’m coming nowhere near!! (only kidding) My thanks to all at Brierley for their hospitality and making me most welcome. Keep up the good work, I look forward to a round in summer.

Garry.

Come and play the new course layout

Brierley Forest Golf Club Hidden away in beautiful parkland on the borders of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire with superb views of the countryside and Hardwick Hall overlooking us in the background.

Brierley Forest offers an excellent and testing round of golf for all abilities.

With a warm and friendly atmosphere and breathtaking views, we are the perfect course for a leisurely round of golf, a society day out or a competition.

PAR 3 COURSE NOW OPEN £7 adults and £5 under 18s for 18 holes The club is delighted to confirm the Appointment of Kirsty McDonald as PGA Professional at Brierley Forest Golf Club. Kirsty is the current Chairman of the WPGA and is an ex-Member of the Ladies European Tour.

FOOTGOLF ACADEMY NOW OPEN £7 adults and £5 under 18s for 18 holes Bookings now being taken for Par 3 Course and FootGolf on 01623-550761 or email andrewfantom1963@msn.com.

Party Bookings for FootGolf also now available.

160 Main Street • Huthwaite • Nottinghamshire • NG17 2LG • Phone: 01623 550761

Night

Golf

at Breadsall Priory My first impression when we walked out to the course was that it was a lot darker than I thought it would be. I’m not sure why but I imagined that we would be walking down floodlit fairways. Not so. What we actually did was a lot more fun.

The fairways were marked, not lit, by glowing LED lights – approximately 4 or 5 spaced out along the centre of the fairway.

This engaged the imagination about what dangers were out there beyond the line of trees, especially as I wasn’t too familiar with the course in daytime conditions anyway. Bunkers and greens were also marked similarly. The ball glowed for a few minutes after it was struck – so don’t lose it for too long.

One of the best aspects of night golf for me was the amount of concentration I had to use when teeing off. Don’t wimp out and use an iron. Take the driver, line the shot up in your head, keep your eye on the ball and go for it. Surprisingly the added concentration seemed to improve my scoring from what it would have been during daylight hours.

It certainly made me analyse / picture my swing in my mind, as that was the only place I could see it. One or two players had head torches which were a great idea, and kept you from tripping up when walking to your ball. The torch fixed to your head was certainly a good indicator of how much you moved during your swing. Quite worrying for some!

Night

Golf

at Breadsall Priory

I didn’t try and use GPS (too serious) and couldn’t see the course markers, so I think placing the fairway markers at 50 yard intervals back from the green would be helpful, but mainly, being able to see the lit up flagpole was just about all we needed for a target on most holes.

Overall it was great fun, and stretched my golfing skills to a new and unusual level. I can’t wait to have another go, and winning 3rd prize certainly made it even more enjoyable. Don’t forget to look around when you’re playing. It’s great fun watching all the glowing golf balls zipping around the course. Watch out for any heading your way!

Mark G The County Golfer team..... I think!

A Golfer’s Paradise in the ‘Garden of England’ …

The county of Kent’s rich tradition and history of golf, dates back to over a century ago. The ‘Garden of England’ is home to over 100 courses which boast magnificent views of the county’s picturesque landscape, whilst its coastal courses offer dramatic, panoramic seascapes over the English Channel and the celebrated white chalk cliffs of Kent.

Natural clusters of golf courses can be found around Kent’s main towns, all set against a backdrop of rich and varied culture, buildings of historic interest, bustling seaside towns and magnificent, inspiring gardens.

As the oldest county in England, Kent boasts a plethora of visitor attractions from the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, founded in AD 597, to Dover Castle where you can experience life from Roman times to World War II. Other historic castles include Hever, Deal, Walmer and Rochester, whilst the stunning gardens at Sissinghurst are world-famous.

Kent’s coastline is ideal for walking and cycling.

Featuring seaside towns like Broadstairs, Charles Dickens’ favourite resort, and Margate, home to the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery.

Testament to the quality of the golf courses in Kent, the county has over the years hosted 17 British Open Championships, 1894 at Royal St George’s, marking the first time that the Major had been played outside Scotland.

Recognised as one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments, The Open Championship has since returned to Royal St George’s 13 times. Now it was time for The County Golfer team, Newby, Spence and the Yorkshire Terrier (who for the benefit of this article will be known as YT) and myself Lefty to stay and play Royal St George’s rated the Number 1 golf course in England. Next stop at Tudor Park Marriot Hotel to play their course, designed by Donald Steel and set in more than 200 acres of ancient deer parkland.

22 www.countygolfer.co.uk

DAY 1: DERBYSHIRE TO ROYAL St GEORGE

A 5am start on a rainy Tuesday in March for our 4 hour journey from Derbyshire. Tee off time was 11am so plenty of time to arrive early and have a good look around.

You reach RSG by driving through an industrial estate and then majestically into the very picturesque village of Sandwich, down a country road from which a brown sign points you in the direction of a private drive. No big billboards or flags flapping, the whole entrance is very understated.

Who needs big signs and flags when you’re the number one golf course in England!

After falling out of our tightly packed car we headed all suited and booted to the clubhouse. At the front door we found a sign saying “Non members please ring for attention” I rang it twice thinking that it didn’t work, it does, so don’t ring twice! The secretary came and said “You do not need to wear a jacket and tie until after 11am”. I could feel eyes burning in my back as I had made the lads wear them for 4 hours in the car!

The first thing that hits you in the clubhouse is the smell of polished mahogany, always a sign of a prestigious clubhouse. As well as the history, golfing memorabilia hangs on the walls and in glass cabinets. Everywhere you look there’s a story to tell.

The large changing rooms have some of the best showers I have seen, complete with plenty of towels all neatly stacked.

The clubhouse retains much of its original charm and ambiance, with portraits of past captains lining the corridors, to give you a feeling of stepping back in time. You could imagine Ian Fleming sitting there while dreaming up the classic match between Goldfinger and James Bond. This is the course where it took place in his book.

The Pro shop is as you would expect well stocked, and has plenty of RSG merchandise. A nice touch, I thought, is that they give away complementary tees.

Our round.

We were supposed to tee off in front of the Caddy Master Alan but, as there was gale force wind and driving rain, he wasn’t daft, he was in the pro shop keeping warm! He pointed to the first tee and shouted “keep it down the left of the fairway but not too far” I think he said that, or it could have been “You’re all mad!”

The 1st - Par 4, 399Yrds

With the rain stinging my eyes I thought “just hit it straight and hope for the best” which seemed to work. The fairway gave the illusion of being flat. It wasn’t. As Spence was taking his second shot all I could see was the top of his head! The bunkers on this hole sweep across the front of the green and, as you know, on links courses most bunkers need a ladder to get in and out of. The greens were running true and in good condition but this didn’t stop us all walking away with a six. Spence and myself were taking on Newby and YT so the banter, like the rain,

was relentless.

3rd - Par 3 180Yrds This is the only par 3 on an Open Championship course without a bunker, but it doesn’t make it any easier, as statistically it’s one of the most tricky Open holes, the difficulty being the two tiered green which, was fast even on the day we played, so you can imagine it on a hot, dry, summers day. Needless to say no one got a par, the best was a 5, 1 up to Newby and YT.

4th - 415Yrds Par 4

One of the great championship holes, the fourth, is an intimidating prospect. A towering bunker, perhaps the tallest in Britain, faces you off the tee.

The shot is to the left of this and even then it’s a long way to the green, which is a dog leg left, with various pot hole bunkers to catch you out. No wonder it’s stroke index 1. I found every hazard!

Spence tried to hold off Newby but the best he could card was a 7 to Newbys 6. Two up to them.

5th - 406Yrds Par 4

This is my favourite hole on the course, as the elevated tee gives the first sight of the sea. It took ages to work out the dogleg left because we couldn’t see the flag. It’s a straight drive, then a shot between two mounds onto a hidden green. I got a par but unfortunately so did YT.

6th - 142yrd par 3

The Maiden, named after the shape of the towering dunes surrounding it. The long two-tiered green can be a real card wrecker, but first you have to reach it! Not one of us hit the green because the headwind was so strong the ball was almost coming back to where we teed off. Spence managed to land at the front of the green and get a well deserved par, so it was back to one up to them.

At this point we took shelter in a thatched roof hut to check the score and to get out of the wind.

Newby, who was marking the card, had to admit that even the scorecard had given up and was starting to disintegrate in the wet.

More sips of whisky from my hip flask and we were away again. You now find the first of two par fives. “Time to pull one back” said Spence. For this hole you need a big drive, which gives you a chance of an Eagle, as the hole turns slightly left. If you’re brave you can go for the green. All of the eagles achieved during open championships at RSG are made here. We gave it a go, but the best we could manage was a par. YT did, so three up to them.

YT for some reason seemed to like the conditions and he went on to win the next hole, 4 up and they were pulling away.

www.countygolfer.co.uk 23

A Golfer’s Paradise in the ‘Garden of England’ …

After the 9th you start making your way back to the sea dunes proudly shaping the fairways as you go.

The wind and rain started to ease allowing Spence, who is a fair weather golfer, to start playing. He produced the shot of the day on the 13th hole a par 4 420 yards long.

This fairway is dotted with pot bunkers and you need to be accurate with your driver. Spence’s drive was massive, he still had a shot of about 160 yards to the green with a couple of pot bunkers protecting it, left and right. I was on the edge of the green for 3 and up to this point I had been carrying Spence, which I kept letting him know. This is what probably fueled his second shot, as he hit it as sweet as a nut.

It sailed majestically through the air onto the green and in the hole for an Eagle! What a shot, I tried to convince Newby and YT that, that, has to be worth at least three points but they were having none of it.

Spence on the other hand, didn’t care what anyone thought, as he had just got an Eagle on the 13th at Royal St Georges. He’s still smiling as you read this article.

14th - 507 yrds par 5

A long straight hole with OOB all the way down the right. I laughed at the lads and said at last a Lefty hole, then hit my drive straight onto Prince’s adjacent fairway! Needless to say it was OOB.

point did I step in a puddle or on to a squelchy green as it was in excellent condition. As the sun spread shadows over the course you could see the contours of the fairways and the dunes which stood proudly framing most of the holes.

Back in the clubhouse, sinking a nice pint of Shepherds Neame from a sliver tankard, we all agreed even on a sunny day this course will give you a challenge, it’s a beautiful beast that punishes wayward drives, but rewards a good shot. It’s a true links course, characterised by humps and swales, dunes and wild rough, fast running fairways and deep bunkers.

This has to be on your “courses to play list,” it’s the number one course in England for a reason.

Our thanks has to go to the club steward David Peregrine for making us feel most welcome, it’s not every day you meet someone in a painting! Also to the catering staff, who very kindly waited for us to get back into the clubhouse to warm us up with a nice hot beef sandwich.

DAY 2 TUDOR PARK MARRIOT HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB

Stroke index one warning! Standing on the tee you wonder why it’s stroke index 1. Well, it’s the clever placement of the bunkers - 5 waiting for you midway up the fairway. If you drive over these you still need a long iron to hit the green, which, yes you’ve guessed it, is protected by 3 pothole bunkers that stand guard at the front. I got a bogey on this hole and walked off like I had got a birdie, it was tough.

We chose to stay at Tudor Park Marriott Hotel which was about an hours drive from Royal St George’s as it’s a great central location to reach other courses and takes an hour off your journey back to the East Midlands. Like most Marriott Hotels you have a spa, gym and more importantly a bar called “The Mezzanine” which we found a relaxing place to continue thawing! The hotel is benefiting from a 5 million pound modernisation programme so it’s a good time to pay a visit to the nice new modern rooms.

Needless to say Newby and YT beat us in the end but, as we made our way down the 18th fairway, the rain stopped and the sun made an appearance.

Even though the waterproofs had given up a long time ago a big smile came across our faces. Why? Because we had just played somewhere special.

Whilst the course took a beating that day, at no

Nestling in a 200-acre ancestral deer park, deep in the Garden of England, Tudor Park, a Marriott Hotel & Country Club, offers tranquility and invigoration in equal measure. The Tudor Park Course was designed in 1988 by Donald Steel, one of Britain’s finest course architects. 6085 yards of beautifully varied holes, accompanied by delightful views over this

15th - 435yrd par 4

24 www.countygolfer.co.uk

picturesque corner of Kent.

As at many of Steel’s courses, there is an enticing mix of long and short holes, many featuring tight fairways bordered by beautiful, mature pines and other woodland areas. The best of the bunch are arguably the par-3 4th, the par-5 8th and the par-4 16th. But every hole at Tudor Park has its own personality – some friendly and relaxing, some that will test your skill and accuracy.

In recent years, Tudor Park has hosted prestigious events including the EuroPro Tour on three occasions, the Kent PGA Pro-Am and, in 2010, the English PGA Championship (South) qualifier.

After a first class buffet breakfast I put on my wet waterproofs again and headed to the 1st, the rain at least had stopped. We even had a bit of sunshine but this was false hope.

Spence and myself took on Newby and YT trying to seek some revenge. At the tee a very friendly starter gave us some tips on the 1st hole. We all teed off well. I say teed off, more of a scuff and roll, not one of us got away clean, to which the starter said with a smile on his face “have a good game lads”. What I’m sure he would have really liked to say was “have you played golf before?!”

The1st and 2nd holes are wide and forgiving. The 1st to get your eye in sweeps downhill and the 2nd comes back up. Newby and YT won both holes as they came flying out of the traps with 2 pars.

Spence and I had a team talk as we couldn’t let them beat us again. We approached the 3rd hole

300yrd par 4 determined not to lose! On this hole you stand on an elevated tee looking down onto the fairway, which then sweeps left up to an elevated green. Spence hit a massive drive which left him with just a wedge onto the green which he did and sunk it for a birdie, I got a par just to make sure we won the hole. Game on Indeed!

The next hole was a par 3 176yrds, again an elevated tee looking down onto a green with water to the right of the green. Newby hit a sweet shot right onto the middle of the green and then it happened! - The weather turned on us with a vengeance as the wind picked up to gale force and the heavens opened but this time not rain but hail, all four of us knelt down on the floor, sheltering as best we could behind our umbrellas. Even the bench blew over.(Go to our Facebook page to see the video) 10 minutes later it still hadn’t rescinded so we headed back to the clubhouse as Newby’s hand was turning blue. Thoughts of Scott and his team came to mind as Newby said “I’m going for a walk I might be some time”. It was unbelievable and, needless to say the storm shut the course, which was a real shame as the course was just starting to come alive.

We have been invited back which we will do, but in the meantime make sure you book yourself in, the hotel is in a good central position to stay and reach other golf courses in Kent.

Our visit to Kent was most enjoyable. The county boasts a long tradition of golf, three Open venues, majestic parkland and inland courses, and clifftop gems like North Foreland, excellent accommodation for golfers and a plethora of off-course attractions such as Dover Castle.

We would like to thank Sinead from Visit Kent and Helen from Heady PR for arranging the trip for us and the hospitality of Royal St George’s and Tudor Park Hotel and Country Club for showing us Kent is not only the “Garden of England” but a fantastic golf destination, and now known for the place Spence got his Eagle! - Lefty www.golfinkent.co.uk

www.countygolfer.co.uk 25

Kent’s unique golf offering, spans right across the county, with over 100 golf courses to choose from…

ROYAL ST GEORGE’S GOLF CLUB The widely-acclaimed Royal St. George’s has hosted the Open an incredible 14 times as well as a host of major amateur tournaments, whilst the club was forever immortalised by legendary club member, Ian Fleming, in the novel Goldfinge, as the course at which James Bond plays the classic match against Auric Goldfinger. www.royalstgeorges.com

ROYAL CINQUE PORTS GOLF CLUB Royal Cinque Ports, or Deal as it is more commonly known, opened its first 9 holes in 1892, with a second 9 following that same year. The layout is stark, with only the sandhills and wild dune grasses providing this narrow outand-back layout with any real definition.

NORTH FORELAND GOLF CLUB Established in 1903, North Foreland Golf Club is steeped in history. Designed over a cliff-top terrain, with seascape vistas offering panoramic views from every hole, it provides all-year round golf. North Foreland’s Main Course comprises of 4 par 3, 3 par 5 and 11 par 4 holes.

LITTLESTONE GOLF CLUB Founded in 1888, Littlestone is a unique, atmospheric championship links. Laid out on natural undulating land between Romney Marsh and the English Channel.

Littlestone is a hidden gem, playing across fairly flat links land and its own range of sand dunes. The greens are true and fast making it difficult to hold the ball.

PRINCE’S GOLF CLUB Prince’s offers all that is best in modern golf; with its 27 holes of championship Links golf, 4 ball play every day of the week, extensive practice facilities and a centrally located clubhouse with helpful, attentive staff who understand golfers’ needs. Prince’s boast 3 loops of 9 holes; The Shore, The Dunes and The Himalayas.

www.northforeland.co.uk

www.littlestonegolfclub.org.uk

www.princesgolfclub.co.uk

www.royalcinqueports.com

A Golfer’s Paradise in the ‘Garden of England’ …

TUDOR PARK GOLF CLUB Set amid 200 acres of rolling countryside, Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club is a charming retreat nestled among the historic castles and villages of Kent.

Designed by Donald Steele, Tudor Park’s 18 hole Championship course takes advantage of the natural features of an ancestral deer park. www.marriottgolf.co.uk

HEVER CASTLE GOLF CLUB Hever Castle is not only one of Kent’s most iconic attractions, it is home to a 7,002-yard, par 72 championship parkland course, comprising the Kings and Queens 9-hole courses, as well as the nine-hole Princes Course that are complemented by a Tudor-style clubhouse.

LONDON GOLF CLUB Undoubtedly one of the finest downland courses in Europe, London Golf Club provides an oasis of golfing tranquillity in 700 acres of idyllic Kent countryside, just 40kms from the capital. The Heritage course is a Jack Nicklaus Signature design that bears all the hallmarks of the 18 time Major Champion.

PENTLAND GOLF BOUGHTON Situated between Faversham and Canterbury, the 6,591 yard course laid out over 160 acres of naturally undulating terrain takes full advantage of its picturesque setting, offering fine views over the Kent countryside.

PENTLAND GOLF ETCHINGHILL Opened in 1995, the original 18 hole, par 70 course has since benefitted from the addition of a further 9 holes with 18 separate tees. The course is laid out across 2 distinctly different settings, with 18 holes carved into the hillside overlooking the Elham Valley and the 3rd 9 extending over parkland.

www.londongolf.co.uk

www.pentlandgolf.co.uk

www.pentlandgolf.co.uk

LULLINGSTONE PARK Lullingstone Park is conveniently located in the Darenth Valley, just outside of London, in over 500 acres of the most attractive and picturesque Kentish countryside. The championship-length, Par 72 Castle Course provides even the most committed player with a challenge and a thoroughly enjoyable playing experience. www.lullingstonegolfcourse.co.uk

www.hever.co.uk

S T A Y & P L A Y from only ÂŁ85 per person

Stay & play from only ÂŁ85 per person, including one night's dinner, bed & breakfast and two rounds of golf plus receive 1 in 12 golfers FREE

Nestled in the heart of Kent and only 30 miles from London, Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country is an ideal venue for your next golf event. Our 18 hole Championship golf course provides the perfect challenge for golfers of all abilities, whilst our vibrant bars and luxurious bedrooms provide the perfect space to relax. Call 01622 734 334 or visit Marriottgolf.co.uk for more information.

Not a golfer? Indulge yourself in our relaxing leisure club, with pool, sauna, and steam room, and state of the art gym facilities. We offer a range of health & beauty treatments too, from manicures to massages.

TUDOR PARK MARRIOTT @TUDORPARK Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Ashford Road, Maidstone, Bearsted, Kent, ME14 4NQ 01622 734 334

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online via our web site at www.radcliffeontrentgc.co.uk or phone 0115 933 3000 opt 1 or 2 to book your round and hear offer details.

MIDLANDS REGIONAL FULLERS GOLF CLUB STEWARDS OF THE YEAR 2015

Award winning catering

Radcliffe–on-Trent Golf Club, Dewberry Lane, Cropwell Road, Radcliffe-on-Trent NG12 2JH

Founded 1909

T: 0115 933 3000 www.radcliffeontrentgc.co.uk

Trent Lock GOLF CLUB Teeing off at Trent Lock Golf Club was quite an experience. I made sure my stance was correct, I had the right club, there was a ball at my feet and for once never took my eyes off it. Everything was right for the perfect tee off.

Imagine my horror as the ball bounced off a cannon, straight into Captain Jack Sparrow and landed back at my feet. Aha the curse of the Black Pearl.

When I had arrived at Trent Lock Golf Club the music from Pirates of the Carribean drifted across towards me. It’s a pity the film wasn’t called “Bandits of the Carribean” I thought as we unloaded our clubs. It would have been more fitting. The preceding few frosty days had turned into an absolute beauty for us with the temperature hitting a dizzy 8 degrees and the sun shining brightly. I nearly had to remove a layer of clothing! I’m not sure how you folk go on playing golf during winter but I hate being cluttered with clothing. So, I’m relieved when at 30 www.countygolfer.co.uk

this time of year we get a better climate.

The entrance to the clubhouse at Trent Lock is most impressive, in fact the whole setup is pretty swish. It’s open, light and airy with loads of space. The price for food is very competitive too. We decided to await food until after our round. How controversial is that after complaining last year that I couldn’t get a bacon bap before I teed off. We golfer’s are a fickle bunch.

We were to be accompanied on our round by greenkeeper Luke Johnson, who was being paid to play with us. It’s a hard life isn’t it? We were grateful for his company though as without him we would have got ourselves pretty lost.

A course planner would have helped but then again Lefty, after requesting one from Secretary Ian Cooper, promptly left it in his boot whilst changing into his golf shoes.

Chatting to Secretary Ian Cooper he explained that they were on temporary greens that day, but we were privileged to go on the proper ones as we were writing about the course.

(Visitors keeping the members off the greens Grrrrrr!) Being situated near the River Trent, the name of the club gives it away. A few courses near here suffer when the winters are wet, and this winter has been a pretty wet one. However, we were happy to find that throughout our round the ground was nice and firm with the greens speeding up as the day progressed and the sun shone. We could see that the water levels in the ponds and ditches was reasonably high especially at the 18th but nothing to worry us. It’s nice when people drain the course before we arrive!

We thoroughly enjoyed playing here, even though our standard of golf certainly showed up the poor amount of outings over the winter.

The beauty of it was, that we weren’t under any pressure to perform (thankfully) and could just

enjoy the course for what it was and observe the changes that have, and are being made. Ian pointed out the changes to the 1st hole with the green being brought back10 yards, bringing 2 tiers into play. On the right, posh new fencing (“It cost a fortune” said proprietor Edward McCausland “but it’s of the highest quality”) has gone up to stop the driving range balls coming onto the course. Starting off with a Par 5 stroke index 10 is great I always feel, as there’s time to settle down. At 533 yards it is straight and true with trees to the left and water to the right and should provide a steady par to get you off to a good start. However this course comes with a sting in the tail as the 18th is a 147 yard Par 3 purely over water, no excuses, your 1st shot has to be spot on, which mine wasn’t, with 3 off the tee to my shame. The 1st shot was a swan getter! I missed those too.

The 2nd hole was a dogleg right but, is now a dogleg left which didn’t cheer Lefty up as he www.countygolfer.co.uk 31

observed all the OOB signs down the left of the fairway. Luke just did what he did all the round and played a good tee shot and bent it left and safely onto the fairway. How annoying it must be to play like that! It’s a Par 4 but you can play it as Par 5! Well there are bunkers to hold you up. But this is a great addition to the course and makes it more of a thinking and challenging hole. I like the fact that changes are constant on golf courses. It makes each round more interesting.

...it makes for a very picturesque and interesting days golf...

The bunkers at Trent Lock are there to protect the green but they aren’t at the front they are either side. If you are a straight hitter you’re okay here. Be wayward and you’re in trouble big time. To say how much rain we’ve had and how high the water table is, the bunkers were extremely well to play out of and I should know I went in a few. The sand, specially imported from Cheshire, doesn’t compact as much as some, making it fine and not clingy, so that your club moves through it with ease. See, I told you I’d been in some, well most.

Moving onto holes 3 to 9 we were mindful that the mowers hadn’t been out for a day or so to do the rough, but even so this made playing careful golf essential. The rough actually wasn’t too long and getting out was a case of right club’ right swing. It took me a while to sort that out as I got snagged a few times.

More of a chop than a swing was needed. That’s a new golf term for me by the way ‘chop shot’. Looking at the scorecard after 9 holes the course record was very much intact!

Hole 3, I got a Par. In fact I did well on all the par 3’s except 18th, underlying the fact that I must improve my long game. I was resisting using my driver but decided to give it a try on a couple of holes which caused mirth and merriment for Luke and Lefty.

Hole 9 a very short Par 3 (100 yards) over water, was a hole too short for Lefty as he went into the water twice.

I went one better as the water came into play on the 10th. I made all the right approach shots and ended up needing a chip across the water onto the green. Lining my shot up, I was horrified to see it hit the water 10 yards from where I stood.

I spun round in disgust to look at Lefty who was taking photographs only to hear cries from Luke who was near the green. Lefty was laughing too.

Apparently it’s the best shot Luke has seen! My ball did hit the water, but bounced off and hit the bank, shot onto the green and hit the lip of the hole and stopped six inches away from it. Definite gimme that one, and that’s why I play golf, for the sheer surprise. As the water meanders through the course, the trains trundle along the bridge, the swans waddle around and cyclist go along the footpath to the right of the course, it makes for a very picturesque and interesting days golf. The two par 4 14th on the back 9 take you on a collision course with disaster. Get over the water, off the tee and you are away. Miss and it’s trouble. On the 17th, which again was a hole I was playing well, until I hit the only bunker that had been left in after they had moved the green to make it a dogleg left! Brilliant.You either want to play with me or you don’t as there’s two aspects to my game, entertainment and frustration. I was going to say it’s a bit like watching Forest but that may make coming back into Nottinghamshire tricky. Just look at the trouble Robin Hood had.

Bidding farewell to Luke who had endured the longest round of his life as we played, talked,

Here’s how to play the 10th, watch and learn.

Left to right: 1 Not looking too good. 2 But wait, there’s the bounce. 3 And another onto the bank . 4 It hits the lip of hole and stops six inches from it. Luke is just out of shot laughing.

They don’t teach you this one anymore.

www.countygolfer.co.uk 33

took photographs and generally had a relaxing day with no one following us we headed for the clubhouse and food. As I mentioned, the food is well priced which would suit most golfers. We managed a brief chat to proprietor Eddie who is very keen to keep up the progress and changes at Trent Lock. Trent Lock has definitely matured as a course and our impression of the greens, fairways and clubhouse make it a course we would love to play again come the summer months. I get the feeling that it becomes such a different course when, as most courses do, you can get more run on the fairways, giving you the chance of a lower score.

Our thanks to Eddie, Ian and Luke for a great days golf.

34 www.countygolfer.co.uk

INTRODUCING Our Golf Membership Schemes for 2016

Age

Fee

5-13

£30

14-18

£121

19-21

£199

22-25

£300

 Weekly Competitions & Official CONGU Handicap

26-30

£450

 24hr 7 days a week tee time booking system including tee off times up to 2 weeks in advance

Benefits Of Club Membership  18 Hole Riverside Course & 9 Hole Canal Side Course  Reciprocal FREE Golf with 4 other local Golf Clubs  22 Bay Floodlit Driving Range  Practice Short Game Area & Putting Green

Gents Full Golf Membership Offer

£679

12 Months Membership + 3 Months FREE

Ladies Golf Membership *Promotion 2016 Ladies JOIN NOW for *COMPLIMENTARY 3 MONTH TRIAL With option to join for 12 months at *current fee *Once in a life time promotion option . Limited availability.

For Full Terms and Conditions Visit our website www.trentlock.co.uk or contact our reception team Email

0115 9464398 (option 1)

enquiries@trentlockgolf.com

Lock Lane, Sawley, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG10 2FY www.countygolfer.co.uk 35

On tour with a local pro:

James Whatley

James Whatley, writes for County Golfer, informing us about the life of one of Derbyshire’s top Professionals. James is AA PGA Professional, Head Professional of Morley Hayes and Academy Director of East Midlands Golf Academy.

He is currently the Derbyshire Open Champion , has represented Great Britain and Ireland in the PGA cup against the USA, played for England in the International Team Championships and played on the European Tour. His reputation as a consistent player and a highly regarded coach is recognised by top class amateurs and professionals who regularly seek his advice and knowledge on their own games.

I hope you have wintered well and are ready for the new season. This year I will split my articles into a few parts.

UPDATE ON MY PLAYING NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF GOLF EAST MIDLANDS GOLF ACADEMY AND MORLEY HAYES INSTRUCTION If there is anything you want answering or including in my article please don’t hesitate to email me james@emga.co.uk

2016 PLAYING SEASON I mentioned at the end of last year that 2015 was one of the most enjoyable on the course. I can’t say exactly why but I definitely found peace with my game and when things didn’t go quite as planned, I didn’t make any rash decisions.

36 www.countygolfer.co.uk

The 2016 season is nearly upon us and I have played on a regular basis with the Derby College students. This has kept me competitive and my swing in the groove. I have tried to get in the gym as much as time has allowed, mainly keeping my cardio levels up.

I’ve had visits to Turkey and Spain. I took a trip

of 12 to Belek in Turkey, a very enjoyable week where we played 27 holes of golf every day.

Perhaps a little bit too much and a little bit too much of the Après Golf. Overall a fantastic trip with friends. The same group have all booked for next year, for the first time we will visit Tenerife for a golf trip. For the Spanish trip I accompanied the Derby College students for their annual warm weather training camp. This was another successful trip and very rewarding to see some great golf by some very up and coming players.

The first 3 months of my season are busy and I will update you on my progress in the next article.

I will play 22 rounds throughout April, May and June. There is a combination of local and further field events. I am really looking forward to visiting

Average

Cornwall again and playing the Cornish festival.

The courses we will play are Trevose, St Enodoc and a new one this year, Carlyon Bay. One thing I have done since 2009 is keep all my stats, please see the summary of them below.

Keeping my stats, allows me to analyse where I need to practice and hopefully see where I have improved. I am pretty consistent in the fairways and greens I hit each year. A lot comes down to the short game and how I play from 100 yards and in.

Stat keeping is definitely one thing I would recommend to any player of any standard to look at with their coaches. I try and encourage all my players to at least try it for a few rounds.

8.44

2.82

2.94

65.82%

29.31

50.70%

57.54%

70.93

71.10

-0.17

Fairway

Left

Right

Greens

Tot. Putts

Sand Saves

Up & Down

Score

Par

Under par

2009

7.78

3.06

3.25

64.76%

28.89

52.56%

57.68%

70.70

71.08

-0.38

2010

8.09

3.22

2.84

66.92%

29.33

51.85%

63.95%

70.72

71.06

-0.34

2011

8.32

2.92

2.90

65.54%

29.20

51.61%

51.37%

70.85

70.86

-0.01

2012

9.14

2.30

2.70

65.18%

28.98

48.89%

60.57%

70.63

71.20

-0.57

2013

8.65

2.67

3.07

65.76%

29.51

42.55%

52.08%

71.23

71.12

0.12

2014

8.65

2.74

2.89

66.79%

29.93

56.76%

59.57%

71.48

71.30

0.17

2015

9.10

2.73

2.33

63.89%

29.08

57.78%

61.30%

71.03

71.03

0.00

I must also say a massive thank you to my two sponsors, Total Aggregates and Intercity who are continuing their support of me throughout the 2016 season.

www.countygolfer.co.uk 37

On tour with a local pro:

James Whatley

EAST MIDLANDS GOLF ACADEMY To remind you all what we can offer at EMGA , we have access to:

We also have the SAM Putt lab which measures 29 characteristics of your stroke.

We are one of the only Academies in the Midlands that has multiple PGA Professionals all specialising in coaching.

James Whatley – Head Professional Morley Hayes and Academy Director of EMGA Steve Astle - Head of Coaching and Performance coach Aaron Holtom - Head of Junior Instruction and Senior Instructor James McDowall - Head of Beginners coaching I am always looking at ways to learn and improve my coaching, I attend several CPD courses put on by the PGA Education department. The general message that is put across is, coaching is about results and not necessary how you get them. In the past I have probably fallen into the bracket of teaching the golf swing but as my knowledge and experiences has grown I understand it can be the small things that make the biggest difference. It is so important that you can take anything you learn in a lesson to the course, or at least have a chance to do that. If you have too many things going around your head you have no chance to get the ball from A to B. The biggest thing the last 6 months has taught me is the importance of tempo and timing for a player. I’ve had so many positive results by working on it with certain players. It has fixed technical issues that have been there for a while. The joy of seeing a player improve is so rewarding and is what makes my job so worthwhile.

If you would like to book a lesson to have your game evaluated and let myself or one my colleagues help you get your game in shape for 2016, please email me on james@emga.co.uk

38 www.countygolfer.co.uk

MORLEY HAYES As always everyone is welcome down to Morley Hayes, so if you would like to sign up to the Morley Hayes privilege card, where you can get discounted green fees, tuition offers, please visit www.morleyhayes.com Look out this year for a few course changes, a few extra bunkers in, a few trees out and maybe a few added. One thing I love about Morley Hayes is that they are always looking at ways to improve their product.

THE GOLFING WORLD I hear a lot of talk about how golf is in the decline and how member’s courses are struggling. I can only talk from my experience of talking to clients and my own general conclusions. Unless Golf courses encourage their junior and ladies sections they will struggle. Family dynamics have changed over the years. Gone are the days where the husbands play Saturday and Sunday and don’t see their kids. This still may happen but like I said these are not facts but my own conclusions.

A golf club needs to be a family environment 7 days a week. The clubs that are doing the best are the ones with huge junior sections and are seen to be promoting ladies golf. Last year I taught over 50 ladies on my beginner’s programmes and over 30 of them are regular players at Morley Hayes. I have already sold out my April course on a Saturday. If I was to work out the average spend of each lady at Morley Hayes, on range balls, green fees, coffee, food, equipment, you would easily get to about

MAJOR PREDICTIONS Over the years I’ve been pretty bad at my predictions, so as I always say, please don’t rush out and put money on these players. I’ve seen Oosthuizen recently coming into form and has form around Augusta. Sergio just needs to try less and look like he enjoys a Sunday of a major championship.

£200 per lady. A club should not under estimate the power of encouraging new people to the game and not just current golfers. The buck has to stop with the PGA Professional and I’m seeing more Professionals get out and deliver more coaching which is exactly what needs to happen. We are in this together and for our great game to survive we must push and promote it in a positive way.

I will finish the section with one word that must be put over to new people to the game. FUN. If it’s not fun players will not stick at it. At the end of the day, Golf for the majority is a hobby and shouldn’t been seen to be a chore.

I am very lucky to have been at Morley Hayes for over 12 years now, a venue that is open to the public and always very welcoming to golfers or non golfers. It will be really interesting to see how the next 12 months develop in Derbyshire. One certainty is we at EMGA and Morley Hayes will continue to grow the game and have an open door policy to anyone who wants to play and learn.

THE MASTERS: LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN THE US OPEN: RORY MC ILROY THE OPEN: JORDAN SPEITH THE USPGA: SERGIO GARCIA www.countygolfer.co.uk 39

INSTRUCTION WITH JAMES WHATLEY With hopefully the fairways drying out and winter rules a thing of the past, one thing that is so important is guaranteeing a consistent strike. One thing I see on a daily basis on the lesson tee or at pro ams is a player trying to scoop it up into the air.

The set up is so important in trying to gain a consistent strike. I always try and encourage a player to create a straight line from the clubhead up to the lead shoulder. Doing this will put a little extra weight in the front leg. I know some professionals may argue with me, but my experiences have shown that to get a player to perform under pressure and not just on the range, this works. The picture on the left shows how easy it is to try and flick the ball up in the air. Normally what I see is when a player is faced with a shot over a bunker or a hazard, they revert to wanting the right hand to scoop the ball up in the air.

û

û

The picture on the right really is exaggerated, but the main thing I’m trying to get over is how the angle in the right wrist has been maintained. The main points to remember in gaining a more consistent strike are.

1. A little more weight in the front foot.

2. The top of the club angled slightly forward.

3. Try and keep the angle in the right wrist for as long as possible.

I hope you have enjoyed this article, and I hope that when I write in July, that my football team have won every game and sneaked into the playoff places and won the final. We can dream!!!

Best Regards,

40 www.countygolfer.co.uk

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Contact the Secretary on

Spring golf offers too good to miss Monday special 18 holes 1 course meal £22.50 Sunday: £22 including a coffee & bacon, £25 including a 1 course meal.

Call the pro shop on: 0115 9214139 Wilford Road, Ruddington, Nottingham NG11 6NB www.ruddingtongrange.co.uk | info@ruddingtongrange.co.uk

01773 832070 or 07966 547334

Competitions most weekends in the summer and winter.

16 friendly matches a year against local clubs.

Over Twenty Social Events Per Year.

COURSE BLACK ay at 5850 yards

available to pl without a Par 5

A true test of golf

Green Fees From 1st April 2016

£12 with member £17 without

Monday’s Special Offer

£12.50 for 18 holes and a bacon cob

Societies please call for more information.

Groups of 12 or more £15 each for 18 holes Special deals are available throughout the season. emises.

Fully Licensed Pr

ll stocked bar Food served plus a we your visit We look forward to

ALFRETON GOLF CLUB Affiliated to the

English Golf Union and Derbyshire Union of Golf Clubs

Highfield, Wingfield Road, Oakerthorpe, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 7LH

Telephone: 01773 832070 www.countygolfer.co.uk 41

Chevin Golf Club OPEN COMPETITIONS 2016

ONLINE BOOKING & BUGGIES AVAILABLE JUNIOR OPEN COMPETITION SUNDAY 22ND MAY 2016 £6

MENS OPEN STABLEFORD AM AM SUNDAY 5TH JUNE 2016 £80 PER TEAM

LADIES OPEN STABLEFORD AM AM TUESDAY 12TH JULY 2016 £50 PER TEAM

CHEVIN TROPHIES MIXED AMERICAN FOURSOMES SUNDAY 28TH AUGUST 2016 £25 PER PAIR

MENS SENIOR 4BBB OPEN STABLEFORD MONDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 2016 £30 PER PAIR

MENS 4BBB OPEN STABLEFORD SUNDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2016 £36 PER PAIR

Our new chef Martyn is looking forward to meeting visitors playing in our Open Competitions this year and providing some tasty and delicious food after your round of golf.

Chevin Golf Club Golf Lane Duffield. Derbys DE56 4EE

40 www.countygolfer.co.uk

www.chevingolf.co.uk

Office 01332 841864 Professional 01332 841112 manager@chevingolf.co.uk

OAKMERE PARK GOLF CLUB THE ALL WEATHER HEATHLAnd COURSES “Probably the best membership facilities in the County” 27 holes, floodlit driving range & restaurant

• Regular comps & social / fun games • Meet & make new friends of similar standard

Membership places available • Full 7 day of both courses £495 • 5 day of both courses £350 • Commanders Course only from £200 Monthly d/d options available from only £29 per month

Phone, email or go online for details of membership benefits and application form.

All prices include joining fee and subscription until 01/11/2014 To reserve a place pay a £50 deposit and fill out a membership application form, available online, at the Club or email enquiries@oakmerepark.co.uk No visitors or societies on Admirals Course weekends before 1pm

Oakmere Park Golf Club, Oaks Lane, Oxton, Notts. NG25 0RH. 0115 965 3545 www.oakmerepark.co.uk enquiries@oakmerepark.co.uk

www.countygolfer.co.uk 41

Innovative Aluminium Designs

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Innovative Aluminium Design Visit our Visit our showroom showroomat: at: Old Hall Old Hall Mill Mill Business Business Park, Park,Little LittleEaton, Eaton,Derby DerbyDE21 DE215Ej. 5EJ.

Call 01332 01332 835212 Call 835212 www.architecturalwindows.org.uk www.architecturalwindows.org.uk

Open Monday Weekends by Open Monday –– Friday Friday 9am 9am –– 5pm.

5pm. Evenings Evenings and and Weekends byappointment. appointment.

42 www.countygolfer.co.uk

Do you have questions about your Pension? *How much tax free cash can we have?

Can we now get more from our annuity?

Can we reduce our existing pension charges?

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44 www.countygolfer.co.uk

Stylish living all on one level And for only £149.950 - Available now!

We’re justifiably very proud of our fabulous 2 bedroom bungalows at Newton Fields - they feature an easy living style in a superb location are close to local amenities.

The fantastic specification includes: • Stylish range of kitchens including integrated appliances • Ceramic tiling by Porcelanosa • Quality fitted wardrobes • Ideal Standard sanitary ware

Newton Fields Alfreton Road, Newton DE55 5TA 01773 875 628

Also building at: Howitt Reach, Heanor DE75 7HB Steeple Grange, Chesterfield S41 0HN Hopton Rise, Middleton-by-Wirksworth DE4 4LS

For all enquiries please visit us at

www.wheeldon.co.uk * Help to Buy is subject to availability, terms & conditions apply.

Images for guidance purposes only

01332 388 388

www.countygolfer.co.uk 45

ting our Still bea ors’ t competi thout ns wi quotatio ising on comprom y* qualit

Keeping prices low all year. Beating our competitors quotations even during the sales.

• No silly sales or free fitting gimmicks.

• We can beat any like for like quotation ANY time of the year without using flat pack furniture

WWW.KITCHEN-SOLUTIONS.NET

Telephone 01773 716465

46 www.countygolfer.co.uk

Kitchen Solutions (Langley Mill) Ltd

St Andrews Court, 96 Station Road Langley Mill, Nottingham NG16 4BP

ASDA To Heanor

A610

Open: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm and Sat 10am4pm. Closed: Sunday & Wednesday

To Eastwood

WE ARE HERE

St Andrews Church

www.checkatrade.com/KitchenSolutions

www.countygolfer.co.uk 47

Puts Game Tracking On Your Wrist SkyCaddie’s new top-of-the-range GPS watch, the SkyCaddie® LINX GT, adds an innovative game-tracking element to unmatched GPS accuracy when integrated with the SkyCaddie Mobile GPS App, to produce the world’s most powerful wristmounted golf information system, and an amazing 3-in-1 features set.

“SkyCaddie LINX GT... detects when and where you swing so you never miss a shot” Leveraging the latest in golf technology, the SkyCaddie LINX GT Watch differentiates SkyCaddie from the GPS watch competition, the golf gametracker competition, and the golf app competition, combining all three into one harmonious, ‘best of everything’ solution. The core function of the SkyCaddie LINX GT is to act as a standalone GPS watch. Like all of the brand’s products it features Skycaddie’s best-in-class TrueGound® Course Maps – each exclusively created and regularly updated on foot by trained golf course mappers using professional surveying equipment – to provide you with distances you can trust with complete, shotsaving confidence.

SkyCaddie LINX GT gives quick distances on your wrist to 35,000 preloaded and exclusive golf course maps worldwide. Using golf’s only ground-corrected precision course maps, the SkyCaddie LINX GT provides dynamic distances from wherever your ball lies to the Front, Centre and Back of every green in SkyCaddie’s database, plus quarterly course updates, all for no additional annual fees.

48 www.countygolfer.co.uk

And when you need to see more information than the compact wrist display can provide, the SkyCaddie LINX GT gives you a better view of what’s ahead by pairing wirelessly with the SkyCaddie Mobile GPS App to provide stunning, expanded views on your phone.

On these occasions the SkyCaddie Mobile GPS App uses the SkyCaddie LINX GT’s powerful Truepoint® GPS engine to stay synchronised on the same course, same hole and precise location, delivering the entire hole in stunning HD eagle’s eye graphics on your smart phone with the accuracy of a SkyCaddie. Simply tap the mobile screen to measure to any point on the hole and get critical information you need to layup in front of, or carry, hazards. Or The SkyCaddie LINX GT Gametracker system is currently available for use with Apple iOS apps, with Android options coming soon.

“Spring into Golf” For most of us, it has been an incredibly long, wet winter with very little golf played. If you are one of these people, how aware are you of your current strengths and weaknesses?

We all have a “general” idea about what we are good and poor at but in order to make marked improvements, you ideally need to take a look at your “golfing statistics”.

Most golfers think that hitting the ball further is the answer to reducing scores. There is obviously some element of truth in this, however, the quickest way is to keep the ball on the fairway and improve your short game.

To break this down even further, the most significant factor to good scoring is the number of greens hit in regulation. On your scorecard next to the hole being played, record every time that you hit the green from the fairway and on the par 3’s. Once this becomes a little too simplistic, record the clubs which were used to hit the green. You will soon get a very clear idea which clubs need some work. You can simply put a mark in an empty row on your scorecard when the green is hit and then on the next column, make a note of the club used.

Once you get into the habit of doing this, why not take it a step further and look at the relationship between the number of greens hit and your tee shot. Put a circle around the hole number in which your tee shot leaves you in a position where you are unable to go for the green. You will soon see if you are missing greens due to poor iron/hybrid/fairway wood play or because of poor drives.

The second most important factor is the number of putts (taken on the putting surface only), which can simply be recorded by noting down the total, in a separate column on the scorecard after each hole. It is vital to remember that a bad round can be salvaged by good putting and a good tee to green round can be

ruined with bad putting. Most 3 putts are a result of a bad first putt due to a lack of distance control. As amusing as it may sound, the fastest way to avert 3-putting or improve your putting statistics is to miss more greens in regulation and improve your chipping.

However, I say that very tongue in cheek…

As I am not suggesting for one moment that you go out there with the intention of missing greens in order to improve your putting statistics. Simply put, if you hit more greens and start to get closer to the hole with your approach shots, you will have fewer 3-putts and see a reduction in the total number of putts.

The best female amateur golfers in the country follow this guide to help them with their putting: 6 feet and under: A holing out percentage of at least 88%.

7-15 feet: A holing out percentage of 33% and above.

Hole a minimum of over 65 feet: The total number of feet putted during each round. Therefore, at the bare minimum, these statistics should be recorded.

Look for patterns. It will quickly become apparent what areas need some work. You can then start to make goals for yourself in either of these areas. For example, reduce your putts per round from 36 to 34.

So before the commencement of the monthly medals or weekly friendlies with your friends, why not put your game to the test?

Therefore, with this advice in mind, dust off the clubs, get back “in the swing” and be ready for the Spring…No matter what your golfing ability is, being aware of your golfing statistics can be hugely beneficial.

www.countygolfer.co.uk 49

ENGLAND TRIO PICKED FOR EUROPEAN TEAMS England internationals Meghan MacLaren, Bradley Moore and Ashton Turner will represent Europe in matches against Asia Pacific next week.

MacLaren (Image © Leaderboard Photography) has been selected for the inaugural women’s match for the Patsy Hankins Trophy, which remembers one of New Zealand’s great administrators. The team will be captained by England’s Elaine Ratcliffe, a former Curtis Cup player and the England women’s team captain.

Moore and Turner will help Europe to defend

EXQUISITE GRISMONT GOLF CLUBS COMBINE POWER AND BEAUTY Evoking the magnificence and mystery of ancient Asian sculptures and Arabic architecture, the exquisite 3D-printed Grismont driving irons are new for golfers in 2016.

Hand-crafted to order in Paris, these limitededition golf clubs are the brainchild of 26-year old golf equipment designer Clément PougetOsmont.

Having made custom clubheads for his friends from his Paris apartment, the young businessman embraced his passion for golf by subsequently conducting a thorough 2-year development and testing programme which revealed explosive performance characteristics

the Bonallack Trophy, which has been played biannually since 1998 and won 6 times by Europe. The trophy is named after Sir Michael Bonallack, the exceptional English amateur and former secretary of the R&A. Both matches will take place at the Vidago Palace Golf Club in Portugal from March 16-18 and will follow the same format. The teams will play foursomes and fourballs on each of the first 2 days, followed by 12 singles on the last day. to match the clubs’ haute-couture visuals.

Three exotic models are available in the initial Grismont range: ORI, which takes its visual cues from the Mashrabiya, a traditional Arabic latticework window design which dates from the Middle Ages; CÉS, inspired by ancestral Asian sculptures; and AIR, a stunning seethrough model which reinvents the back of a modern golf club, pushing 3D-printed golf technology to a new limit.

Golfers would be excused for thinking that these extraordinary-looking clubs are blades, but the ornate Grismont clubheads actually contain a game-improvement cavity which adds forgiveness to the power, making them suitable for golfers of all handicaps who prefer the muscular feel and increased control of a driving iron to the more high-flying characteristics of a utility or hybrid club.

ORI and CÉS models are available in a variety of colours including a Classic Metal finish at £1,200 per club, a Copper finish at £1,900 per club, and a Gold finish at £2,300 per club. The AIR is available in a Classic Metal finish only at £1,400 per club. Delivery time from placing an order is roughly 3 weeks, including free delivery in Europe and a 5-year customer care programme.

50 www.countygolfer.co.uk

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT FOR SINFIN

playability into the winter months.

Since 7 Hills Leisure Trust (7HLT) took over Sinfin Golf Course last July, players have seen a number of marked changes to further enhance the playability of the course following a significant £300k investment. Improvements include new equipment, increased staffing and a turf care plan to name a few.

Working closely with Derby Golf Club, 7HLT are also improving opportunities for both new and existing members. Their approach to golf development is simple more players, more members, more often.

Working closely with local schools and organisations, the aim is to positively engage with both children and adults to encourage interest and participation amongst the non golfing community.

With more investment planned for 2016, Sinfin is certainly going to be a course worth playing this Spring and beyond. Plans include renovation and aeration of the greens hence improving root growth and drainage to extend

habits. Value for money and flexibility with the option to spread the cost across the year is standard. Prices start from as little as £10.75 per week for adults and £2.54 per week for under 16s for unlimited play, 7 days a week .

For more information go to www.sivltd.com/golf

7HLT’s strategy to build on the current membership base will offer a range of packages for all abilities and playing

NEW CAPTAINS DRIVE IN AT NORWOOD PARK NEW Club Captains Claire Wilson and Simon Dickens both from Southwell, held their annual Drive In at the club recently raising £460 for Asthma Uk & Notts/ Lincs Air ambulance with many other fundraising events planned throughout the year.

Simon, 46 has been a member of the Club since it opened in 1999 “ It is an honour to be invited to be Club Captain, I used to play on the fields here before it was a golf course

and I have seen it grow into a highly regarded Club within the region, highlighted last year by winning Club of the Year across all sports by Nottinghamshire County Council the first time Golf has been recognised in this way. We have such a friendly atmosphere, still a young club with a real connection from the Juniors to the Senior sections” Claire, 37 only took up the sport 4 years ago, attending the popular Pink Ladies Coaching Groups at the Club, her daughters also play and she hopes more women will follow her footsteps.“ Norwood is a very forward thinking Club, it is modern and well run. I hope more Ladies and Girls will join us, there are so many opportunities here including England Golf & Nottinghamshire Golf Partnership, National initiative GirlsGolfRocks which Norwood is only 1 of 4 Clubs in the County to be selected to run and will start in April”.

Local Minster School Student Tom Squires is the new Junior Captain and Chris Holdrick is the new Senior Captain. www.countygolfer.co.uk 51

GIRLS’ GOLF IS ABOUT TO GET ROCKING IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE! Girls’ golf is about to get rocking in Nottinghamshire with the launch of a campaign to inspire new players.

Girls Golf Rocks is all about attracting beginners to have fun, learn a new sport, get active and play alongside friends – with no pressure. Girl golfers from county squads will act as ambassadors, sharing their enjoyment and encouraging other girls, aged 5 to 18.

The campaign tees off with free taster sessions, supported by the county girls, at the 4 clubs taking part: Norwood Park Golf Centre and The Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club on Saturday, 9 April; and at Rufford Park Golf & Country Club and Trent Lock Golf Centre on Saturday, 16 April.Visit www.getintogolf.org/ notts for more information and to book.

Following the tasters with PGA professionals, the 4 clubs will each offer 4-week structured coaching programmes, with the county girl players mentoring the newcomers. All the girls who complete the coaching programme will be fitted with a free 7 iron to help them continue to play.

The finale will be a fun par 3 competition at Norwood Park in June when new young players can enjoy playing holes with their mentors.

Esme Hamilton of Notts Ladies’ Golf Club is the county girls’ captain and one of the ambassadors.

The 16-year-old said: “I’ve been playing golf since I was 3 when I started in the garden! “I love every minute when I’m practising or playing golf with my friends.

We always have so much fun and it’s great when we hit a good shot near the 52 www.countygolfer.co.uk

flag.” County junior organiser Emma Howie added: “We’re really looking forward to giving girls all over Nottinghamshire the opportunity to try out golf. The girls who currently play in the county, have such a great time when they get together, both on and off the course, we think girls golf rocks!”

Lauren Spray, the England Golf Women & Girls’ Participation Manager, said: “Girls Golf Rocks sets out to focus on the fun, social and friendship aspects of golf, rather than just the playing and coaching side and we’ve had brilliant success. “The ambassadors have been fantastic – they all love golf and they’re sharing their enthusiasm with our new players. They’ve also given us lots of feedback and really helped to give us a presence on Twitter @GirlsGolfRocks1 and on Facebook.”

Girls Golf Rocks has coincided with a growing focus on the women and girls’ game and the launch of the video campaign #ThisGirlGolfs which aims to challenge perceptions and inspire participation. The video features women and girls from all over the country and from different walks of life and backgrounds who are enjoying golf for many reasons and fitting it into their everyday lives.

Some of the Nottinghamshire Ambassadors for Girls Golf Rocks (© Leaderboard Photography)

committee and the club manager.”

Louise added: “The club is very well supported by the members and they come up even when the course is closed.”

The couple are very experienced stewards. Phill spent 25 years as the steward at Newark Golf Club before moving to Radcliffe-on-Trent 2 years ago, where they have the catering franchise, including a halfway house, and run the bar.

They’ve introduced a 15% loyalty/ discount card and started Sunday lunches, which have become hugely popular with members and local residents. They run weddings and birthday parties as well as a full range of social events such as wine tastings and summer barbecues - and their famous ‘Cow Pie’ is a great favourite.

During the time they’ve been at the club Phill and Louise Maxwell. they’ve increased the food turnover by 42% and the bar by 17%.

The Maxwells and the other winners NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COUPLE all received their trophies from England Golf WIN MIDLANDS GOLF Acting Chief Executive, Crag Wagstaff, and from STEWARD OF THE YEAR Earl Baker, Fuller’s Sales Manager (Traditional AWARD Free Trade).

Nottinghamshire’s Phill and Louise Maxwell have been recognised as the Fuller’s London Pride Steward of the Year for England Golf’s Midlands region.

The Maxwells, from Radcliffe-on-Trent Golf Club, received their trophy at the annual presentation lunch at The Counting House in London, when the national and regional winners were celebrated.

The competition to find and recognise England’s top golf club stewards was in its 9th year and attracted hundreds of votes for the nominated stewards.

Phill commented: “We’ve got a great team of people behind us, our staff, the management

The other winners were: national and South East winner, Steve Warren of Eaton Golf Club, Norfolk; South West winner, Fiona Snook of Wareham Golf Club, Dorset; and North winner, Kirsty Glaister of Stamford Golf Club, Cheshire.

They were chosen after a rigorous judging process. The 2014 Stewards of the Year, Samantha Hudson, joined the judges to whittle down the entry to three finalists from each region. Each of these 12 were visited personally before the four regional winners were selected, having been judged on their commitment, innovation and standard of service and presentation, together with that extra special something which sets them apart.

www.countygolfer.co.uk 53

BREADSALL PRIORY MEMBERS RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS POSITIONS IN COUNTY JUNIOR GOLF Breadsall Priory Marriott Hotel and Country Club members Paul Smith and Alice Lowe, have been selected for roles within the Derbyshire Union of Golf Clubs (DUGC) and Derbyshire Ladies County Golf Association (DLCGA) to support the county’s ever growing junior contingent.

Assuming the role of County Junior Delegate within the DUGC is Paul Smith. As current Junior Organiser at Breadsall Priory, Paul is familiar with the workings of a flourishing junior section and hopes to use his experience to benefit his time with the county: “Alice and I are committed to furthering the development of Junior golf in Derbyshire at every level,” commented Paul.

“We hope that this is a ‘journey to excellence’ that will make Derbyshire one of the best Counties in the Midlands and England for junior golf.”

Having spent the past year co-ordinating the Junior Player Pathway Programme and Derbyshire Futures Tour, Alice Lowe takes on the title of Girls Junior Organiser for the DLCGA, and hopes to encourage more girls to develop their golfing talents.

Steve Turner, Director of Golf at Breadsall Priory Marriott Hotel and County Club, is delighted at the news, and wishes the best for the two members during their time with the organisations: “Here at Breadsall, we’re incredibly keen to support and grow our junior section and welcome young players of all ages and abilities.

Paul and Alice have already done a fantastic job with promoting junior golf, both at the club and within the region; hopefully this will continue with great success through their new roles in the DUGC and DLGAC.” Set in over 400 acres of beautiful Derbyshire parkland near to the Peak District National Park, Breadsall Priory offers two contrasting 18-hole championship golf courses.Visitors and members alike can enjoy stunning views from the course, enjoy fine cuisine in the award winning Priory Restaurant, and unwind in the spa facilities of Marriott’s oldest hotel worldwide.

54 www.countygolfer.co.uk

The Residence set to transform Nottinghamshire hotel scene An exclusive new hotel is set to transform the region’s leisure sector when it opens at the beginning of April.

The Residence at the Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club at Cotgrave will open on 1st April. The first phase of the development will see 8 stylish bedrooms open to the public, with a further 10 rooms coming on-line on 1st July making a total of 18 rooms available.

Bill Mackenzie, MD at The Nottinghamshire, said: “The Residence is part of an ongoing development programme at The Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club The stylish bedrooms have been individually designed incorporating unique touches and bespoke furnishings to offer a luxurious stay to our discerning guests. With top quality dining, friendly service and amazing views, guests will enjoy an experience they won’t forget.”

County’s only 36 hole golf & hotel complex.

Bill added: “We have been inundated with requests for accommodation from business, wedding and golfing customers alike for a number of years and have had to work in partnership with local hotels to be able to offer this. Now, with the development of The Residence, we can offer a more rounded experience to all our varying types of guests when they visit The Nottinghamshire. We look forward to welcoming our first guests on April 2nd 2016.”

The Nottinghamshire was voted Number 1 Society venue in the Midlands in a recent poll by over 2,000 local golfers in the region. It will play host to the England Girls Open Strokeplay Championships in July.

Futher information can be found at www.residenceathenottinghamshire.com

Corporate guests will not be disappointed with the luxury accommodation on offer at The Residence. It will offer comfort and convenience just a stone’s throw from Nottingham city centre and Nottingham Railway Station.

The opening of the Residence will make The Nottinghamshire the

www.countygolfer.co.uk 55

EREWASH VALLEY GOLF CLUB Golf Course Road, Stanton by Dale, Ilkeston, Derbyshire. DE7 4QR Tel: 0115 9323258 Ext 5

NEW MEMBER INCENTIVE One of Derbyshire’s premier member owned golf clubs Offering new members on paying their joining fee (£300)

A £50 INCENTIVE VOUCHER (Valid for 3 months to spend in our professional shop)

& £25 ADDED TO YOUR MEMBERS DISCOUNT CARD COMPETITIVE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEES • Full use of driving range and practice facilities • Spacious club house, offering a wide variety of food and refreshments • Generous members discount card • Complimentary hire of our function suites for your special celebrations Please ring 0115 9323258 ext 5, or email golfadmin@erewashvalley.co.uk for further details Or call in and visit our club professional, Lee Sheldon

56 www.countygolfer.co.uk

Golfing

Equipment Golfsupport’s

Spring 2016

TOP PICKS ECCO CAGE

£149.95

As an Ecco golf shoe wearer, I was pretty excited to see what all the fuss was about with the ECCO Cage shoe. After all, the ECCO shoe I currently wear is pretty good. Well, I can tell you after putting this shoe on I am going to be parting with some cash.

A key element of a good golf swing is stability. ECCO have achieved this with the Cage. They have done this by using a revolutionary direct injection PU heel cage which moulds around the heel giving unmatched stability. This design is based on the foot’s natural muscle structure which has allowed ECCO to build a shoe to help maximize freedom to move and flex naturally The shoes are made with a very soft yet hardwearing caldera leather. This combined with the Cage technology means ECCO have made a shoe that gives you power with elegance and stability, with flexibility, allowing golfers to make a balanced and comfortable swing every time After some rigorous testing, hitting some balls on the launch monitor, I noticed that my swing speed increased by a couple of miles per hour giving me an additional 5 yards. I am not saying that everybody will see this increase, but it worked for me. I was concerned that I might lose a certain amount of comfort with the added stability given to me by this shoe, but I’m happy to confirm that ECCO have managed to maintain their excellent level of comfort.

58 www.countygolfer.co.uk

£279.00

TAYLORMADE M2 MAXIMISED DISTANCE AND FORGIVENESS

Another stunning looking, tech filled driver from taylormade.

The most noticeable difference from the M1 is an immovable weight placed to the rear of the sole of the driver, and this makes the M2 drivers more forgiving than previous TaylorMade drivers by making it easier to get the ball airborne. The change improved the M2’s moment of inertia (MOI), even when compared to the M1 460 with its highest-MOI setting. A key selling point is that the M2 looks the same as the M1 from address, but costs £100 less, and is available with the same array of custom shaft options as the M1, with no upcharges for most.

While the M2’s lack of moveable weights removes a golfer’s ability to make adjustments to the CG of the driver head, adjustability is not lost as the loft can be customised using the Loft Sleeve on the hosel, which provides 2 degrees of adjustment, eitherway from the available lofts of 9.5, 10.5 and 12 degrees.

In summary, the majority of average golfers will benefit from the M2, due to its improved forgiveness and added draw bias. M2 will be worth a try for golfers who are looking for more consistency and will assist golfers who tend to fade their drives, as its more rearward weight position not only creates an overall higher ball flight, but more dynamic lofting at impact that generates increased face closure for added draw bias, reducing the severity of slices and fades.

www.countygolfer.co.uk 59

NIKE RZN TOUR PLATINUM BALL

£39.99 Dozen

I am often told “a ball is a ball, it will not make any difference to my game anyway,” this is possibly one of the most incorrect statements in golf. Playing the right ball to suit your game can mean the difference between you being the golfer you want to be or the golfer that wants to throw his/her clubs in the garage and lock the door forever.

Nike have come a long way in the last few years and now have some of the best golfers in the world playing their product. How have they managed to do this? It is all in the technology and with the new Nike RZN Tour Platinum ball they are on to a winner.

A four piece ball featuring RZN 4.0, Speedlock X Core, Speedlock Mantle and Flight Suit Cover which is also available in the RZN Tour Black has enabled Nike to add yardage and create an even softer feel than previous years.

The RZN 4.0 blue centre core, is softer than previous years and 10 percent bigger than previous models. This effectively gives the ball a bigger engine which will increase the ball speed . The core makes use of the Speedlock X technology, which has an X-shaped surface pattern and deeper grooves. This creates 26% more surface area giving better energy transfer through the ball which creates greater distance faster ball speed The Flight suit cover now has 344 dimples and 13.558 micro dimples which helps to stabiliser, improve lift and reduce drag especially at the end of the flight.

Sounds like Nike have the ball to beat this year and if you don’t believe me check out the quote from Rory McIlroy below .

“The ball feels much softer, yet I’ve maintained my ball speed and even picked up a few yards overall,” declares Nike Golf athlete Rory McIlroy. “It’s easily the best combination of distance and feel I’ve ever played.”

60 www.countygolfer.co.uk

£249.00

CALLAWAY XR DRIVER FORGIVENESS MEETS FAST “The next thing you know, they will be getting people who design planes to design golf clubs” a customer we had in store recently at Golfsupport predicted. I then asked him to turn round and check out the latest offering from Callaway.

Callaway Drivers have had the R•MOTO for a few models now, but with the new XR Driver they have really upped their game. They have done this by making the face 19% thinner and also made the body of the club even lighter. With the weight they have saved from the face they have redistributed this weight to enable them to increase the MOI of the golf club.

Already sounds like a great club doesn’t it?l That’s not even the big story.

Remember I was telling you about aeroplane designers? Well Callaway have joined forces with Boeing, whose aerodynamics experts have enabled Callaway to reach a completely new threshold of club head speed. They have done this by making the XR Driver a high head design with low drag. They achieved this by finding the exact size and placement for their re-engineered speed step allowing them to reduce weight and increase speed.

So to summarise, less weight, more stability, more speed, more distance, straighter shots..........sounds like a good club to me!

MIZUNO JPX EZ 2016 IRON THE DISTANCE IRON WITH FEEL

£469.00

Golf clubs today are generally geared up for one thing… distance. What can go missing with this is feel. Well for Mizuno this just isn’t good enough!

Following on from the success of the JPX EZ irons of 2014/2015, Mizuno have developed the new and improved JPX EZ 2016, with dual pocket construction which runs all round the inside cavity and provides improved forgiveness and multi thickness face, making the long and mid irons even easier to hit and launch than previous years.

The long irons might be easier to hit but what about the short irons? Mizuno have got that covered as well with a thicker, uniform face. Adding increased feel and control playing shots into the green has never been so easy The dual pocket cavity has allowed Mizuno to produce its highest measured COR iron at 0.85. The mutli thickness face and reinforced cavity frame makes for a more solid strike and soft feel at impact will make you feel that this club is actually a forged head(its not).

Mizuno have also refused to go with the majority of golf club manufacturers. They do not de-loft their clubs or add length in order to gain more distance. Mizuno insist that their product is all about “tech not spec” to make the golf ball travel greater distances.

£229.95

GALVIN GREEN ACTION JACKET THE PACLITE SUPERSTAR

If you enjoy playing golf in the rain then you are crazy. However, I know that many of you like to get out of the house no matter if the sun is out or if the rain is torrential.

If you are one of the crazy people that enjoy playing in the rain then its imperative that you make sure you buy waterproofs that maximise your enjoyment and more importantly keep you dry With this in mind, Galvin Green’s Action Jacket could be right up your street. This is Galvin Green’s new superstar in their GORE TEX paclite range. With stretch fabric to allow for maximum mobility in the key area around the elbows and back and with no unnecessary material or pockets to enable you to swing freely. Featuring a half zip, water repellent zipper, tab adjustments, fantastic breathability and weighing just 270 grams. Available in 5 different colours Combine this with GORE-TEX paclite technology fabric, and you really do have a jacket that will have you swinging in the rain with a smile on your face.

County

Golfer Club Directory Derbyshire Golf Courses Golf Course

Alfreton Golf Club Allestree Park Ashbourne Golf Club Bakewell Golf Club Barlborough Links Golf Club Birch Hall Golf Club Bondhay Golf & Country Club Brailsford Golf Course Breadsall Priory Golf Club Broughton Heath Golf Course Burton- on-Trent Golf Club Buxton & High Peak Cavendish Golf Club Chapel-En-Le-Frith Chesterfield Golf Club Chevin Golf Club Erewash Valley Golf Club Glossop & District GC Grassmoor Golf Centre Hallowes Golf Club Hope Works Golf Club Horsley Lodge Kedleston Park Matlock Golf Club Maywood Golf Club Mickleover Golf Club Morley Hayes New Mills Golf Club Ormonde Fields Golf Club Pastures Golf Club Renishaw Park Rother Valley Golf Centre Shirland Golf Club Sickleholme Golf Club Sinfin Golf Course Stanedge Golf Club Tapton Park Golf Club 64 www.countygolfer.co.uk

Postcode Phone DE55 7LH DE22 2EU DE6 1NB DE45 1GB S43 4NW S18 4DB S80 3EH DE6 3BU DE7 6DL DE65 5BA DE15 0PS SK17 7EN SK17 6XD SK23 9UH S42 7LA DE56 4EE DE7 4QR SK13 7PU S42 5EA S18 1UR S33 6RP DE21 5BL DE22 5JD DE4 5LZ DE7 3ST DE3 9AD DE7 6DG SK22 4QE DE55 9RG DE3 0UJ S21 3UZ S26 5PQ DE55 6AU S33 OBN DE24 9HD S45 OLW S41 OEQ

01773 832070 01332 550616 01335 342078 01629 812307 01246 813111 01246 291979 01909 724709 01335 360096 01332 832235 01283 521235 01283 568708 01298 26263 01298 79708 01298 812118 01246 279256 01332 841864 0115 932 3258 01457 853117 01246 856044 01246 413734 01433 622282 01332 780838 01332 840035 01629 582191 0115 939 2306 01332 518662 01332 780480 01663 743485 01773 570043 07766 098628 01246 432044 0114 247 3000 01773 834935 01433 651306 01332 766462 01246 566156 01246 239500

Website

alfretongolfclub.co.uk allestreeparkgolfclub.co.uk ashbournegolfclub.co.uk bakewellgolfclub.co.uk

bondhaygolfclub.com brailsfordgolfcourse.co.uk marriott.co.uk broughtonheathgc.co.uk burtonontrentgolfclub.co.uk bhpgc.co.uk cavendishgolfclub.co.uk chapelgolf.co.uk chesterfieldgolfclub.co.uk chevingolf.co.uk erewashvalley.co.uk glossopgolfclub.co.uk grassmoorgolf.co.uk hallowesgolfclub.org hopeworksgolfclub.co.uk horsleylodge.co.uk kedlestonparkgolf.co.uk matlockgolfclub.co.uk maywoodgolfclub.com mickleovergolfclub.com morleyhayes.com newmillsgolfclub.co.uk ormondefieldsgolfclub.co.uk renishawparkgolf.co.uk jackbarker.com shirlandgolfclub.co.uk sickleholme.co.uk derby.gov.uk stanagegolfclub.co.uk taptonparkgolfclub.co.uk

Nottinghamshire Golf Courses Golf Course

Beeston Fields Golf Club Brierley Forest Golf Club Bulwell Forest Golf Club Chilwell Manor Golf Club College Pines Golf Club Coxmoor Golf Club Edwalton Golf Course Kilton Forest Golf Club Leen Valley Golf Club Mansfield Golf Centre Mansfield Woodhouse Golf Club Mapperley Golf Club Newark-on-Trent Golf Club Norwood Park Golf Course Nottingham City Golf Club Notts Golf Club Oakmere Park G.C Radcliffe-on-Trent Golf Club Ramsdale Park Golf Centre Retford Golf Club Riverside Golf Club Ruddington Grange Golf Club Rufford Park Golf Centre Rushcliffe Golf Club Sherwood Forest Golf Club Southwell Golf Club Springwater Golf Club Stanton-on-the-Wolds GC The Nottinghamshire Golf Club The Orchards Golf Course The Serlby Park Golf Club Trent Lock Golf Centre Wollaton Park Golf Club Worksop Golf Club

Postcode Phone

NG9 3DD NG17 2LG NG6 9LQ NG9 5AE S80 3AP NG17 5LF NG12 4 AS S81 0TL NG15 7TA NG18 3PJ NG19 9EU NG3 5RH NG24 2QX NG25 0PF NG6 8LF NG17 7QR NG25 0RH NG12 2JH NG14 6NU DN22 7UA NG7 2SA NG11 6NB NG22 9DG LE7 5RL NG18 3EW NG25 0TS NG14 6FZ NG12 5BH NG12 3HB NG25 0PT DN10 6BA NG10 2FY NG8 1BT S80 2SQ

Website

0115 925 7062 beestonfields.co.uk 01623 550761 brierleyforestgolfclub.com 0115 9763172 0115 925 8958 chilwellmanorgolfclub.co.uk 01909 501 431 collegepinesgolfclub.co.uk 01623 557 359 coxmoorgolfclub.co.uk 0115 923 4775 glendale-golf.com 01909 479 199 bassetlaw.gov.uk 0115 964 2037 leenvalleygolfclub.co.uk 01623 422 764 jackbarker.com 01623 623521 mansfieldgolfclub.co.uk 0115 955 6672 mapperleygolfclub.org 01636 626282 newarkgolfclub.co.uk 01636 816 626 norwoodpark.org.uk 0115 927 2767 nottinghamcitygolfclub.co.uk 01623 753225 nottsgolfclub.co.uk 0115 965 3545 oakmerepark.co.uk 0115 933 3000 radcliffeontrentgc.co.uk 0115 965 5600 ramsdaleparkgc.co.uk 01777 711188 retfordgolfclub.org 0115 986 2179 0115 984 6141 ruddingtongrange.co.uk 01623 825 253 ruffordpark.co.uk 01509 852959 rushcliffegolfclub.co.uk 01623 626 689 sherwoodforestgolfclub.co.uk 01636 813 706 southwellgolfclub.com 0115 965 2129 springwatergolfclub.co.uk 0115 937 4885 stantongolfclub.co.uk 0115 933 3344 thenottinghamshire.com 01636 812257 orchardgolfcourse.co.uk 01777 818 268 selbygolfclub.co.uk 0115 946 4398 trentlock.co.uk 0115 978 7574 wollatonparkgolfclub.com 01909 477731 worksopgolfclub.com

Or download the RoundSeeker mobile phone app for a full directory of golf clubs and their very latest offers from:

www.roundseeker.co.uk www.countygolfer.co.uk 65

BOOK YOUR TEE TIME ON LINE Monday Madness £10 golf all day Summer Sizzler - Coffee, Full English Breakfast & Golf, Tuesday to Friday £20 per person, Weekend £26.50 per person Sundowner - 4pm onwards Tuesday to Friday £10 per person and weekends £15.00 per person Manor Golf Club | Leese Hill | Kingstone | Uttoxeter | ST14 8QT 01889 563234

www.manorgolfclub.net

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