County Golfer Magazine 2017 Spring

Cover Photo: Breadsall, Moorland

County

Golfer SPRING 2017

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‘The times, they are a changin’ Bob Dylan sang

“Come mothers and fathers, Throughout the land And don’t criticize, What you can’t understand”

I

feel like him at the minute! Can you remember all the rules of golf ? When someone tells you a new rule which replaces the old rule they just told you about, which one do you remember? I always default to the old rule wishing they hadn’t told me it in the first place. Just give me the new rule and off I will go. Plus you arrive at a course and get a list of rules, don’t play here or there, cross over there, wait for them to go, wear plus fours, must have cash, no food after two, be here in 2 hours 45 mins, do not pass go - at which point I’m even more confused. I’ve even been to courses where the first tee has now become the 11th so I stood no chance there. No wonder members go round their course in ten minutes flat. Now it’s time for more changes to come and I intend to be ready.

Clean conscience matters!

How many are honest if they move the ball accidentally when preparing to hit out of the rough? Now they can have a clean conscience knowing they won’t lose a shot and at last can win. They must have some sleepless nights!

New Rules that are to come into play in 2019: Three minutes to find your ball.

If it’s three minutes to find my ball, then I will take three, or just give up after I’ve seen it fly into the ‘never never’ hoping that it finds a good home somewhere. I have played with many golfers who never lose a ball. The ball generally appears, ‘as if by magic’, somewhere near their feet, so I’m hoping this rule will catapult a little more honesty into their game due to the fact that we will be watching them more carefully over a shorter period of time.

Question 1: Does this three minutes include rummaging in your bag to find one to drop quickly before anyone notices you can’t find your original?

I’ve always found sticking to the fairway is the best way not to lose a ball but it’s a pity my ball never has the same idea.

Question 2: Would it speed things up if there were cameras everywhere to track my ball like they do at The Open? They don’t lose balls.

Question 3: Why haven’t they changed the one shot penalty, if you lose your ball in the rough and have to go back to “Go” and get another penalty?

Question 4: Could this new rule cure unemployment at a stroke by bringing in ball spotters on every course?

Speeding up play: This will cheer the seniors up who play at lightning speed now and, not having five minutes to find their ball, will make them even quicker. However the 40 second rule for taking a shot may slow them down a bit! Strangely I have landed in the seniors bracket myself so I’m now having a go at myself.

Although I do like to crack on with the game.

40 second shots: I’ve seen a few slow backswings over my time in golf but 40 seconds is a bit too slow in my book so I agree with this new rule! Quasimodo would have been faster than some folks. Watching some shape up on the tee is painful - back, forward, sideways, bent knees, address the ball practice swing address it again swing - MISS. It’s worse than watching Ronaldo take a penalty.

Shoulder height drop: Not having to drop the ball from shoulder height is a definite advantage to those who drop them down their trouser leg, plus it speeds the game up for those with frozen shoulder!

However, you are now allowed to drop it from an inch, but that’s no help for anyone with lumbago.

Well, I can’t wait for 2019, I’ll be first on the tee that day.

County

Golfer

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.

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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

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Cavendish Golf Club BUXTON

If I met Dr Alister MacKenzie.........

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If I met Dr Alister MacKenzie, which is unlikely, since he sadly died in 1934, I would buy him a pint of beer and tell him that I played golf like him!

MacKenzie was self-described as a “good putter, but a mediocre ball striker”, the latter bit I know my golfing partners will argue with because on a bad day I can be rubbish. On the greens however I’m happy just like MacKenzie.

Now, following in the footsteps of MacKenzie at the only original MacKenzie course left untouched in the world, Cavendish Golf Club Buxton, I would go as far as to say I would add a wee dram or two to the aforementioned beer.

As we set out for Buxton the sun shone brilliantly on a March day. The temperature dropped slowly as we approached Buxton and then rose steadily to be the most glorious day with blue sky, moving white clouds and a brisk wind gusting at times. A perfect golfing day for us.

We were greeted, and given our scorecards, by Rachel a very chirpy person indeed who bemoaned the fact she hadn’t had her hair done for us coming. Fortunately as it was a windy day ours didn’t look great! So she beat us hands down.

I have to say that the all round welcome we received was an improvement from my last visit more than ten years ago.

That may sound a bit critical but attitudes have had to change in the world of golf due to economic pressure and the rise in people who play on a more ad hoc basis. Clubs have to be more open to visitors and view them as a lifeline to financial 8 www.countygolfer.co.uk

stability. Membership at Buxton though still provides great value for money for the weekly golfer.

Secretary Mike Watson and club Professional Simon Townend were the perfect hosts and we sat together enjoying breakfast, discussing the course which they are rightly proud of.

Cavendish Golf Club have got together with nine other imaginatively designed MacKenzie courses all within easy reach of Buxton to form an ‘alliance’, so that you are encouraged to play them all. The first to play is naturally Buxton as it is the most authentic MacKenzie course to survive and MacKenzie’s inspiration for Augusta, which, among other courses, has altered beyond recognition to accommodate the modern game and TV thereby losing it’s complete authenticity, I would be so bold to say. When Ford stopped producing the Cortina and introduced the Sierra to keep up with modern demands the Cortina was dead and buried. If you change a golf course to accommodate current trends the ‘Old Course’ has sadly gone. I can now put the soap box back in the cupboard!

We smiled as Mike showed us a book that he had been reading about a MacKenzie golf course in Ireland, which I will not name here, whose members thought the MacKenzie course wasn’t hard enough so changed it all round. So much for history Eh? I read with interest the Cavendish Golf Club’s web page before we arrived. It states “Cavendish is thought by some

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‘Cavendish ‘The most authentic MacKenzie-designed course in the world’.

to be Dr MacKenzie’s most accomplished work in the UK and quite possibly the best layout in the world under 6000 yards. It illustrates how skilfully and creatively he blended the layout of the golf course into the surrounding landscape.

Nothing jars the eye, nor distracts from the beauty of the natural setting. Those outstanding course design skills, which brought Alister MacKenzie international acclaim when he created the magnificent Augusta National course, in association with Bobby Jones, were developed and honed during his formative years in Great Britain. Cavendish exemplifies MacKenzie’s belief that “length has nothing to do with the quality of a hole”. I couldn’t beat that description so I won’t try because I agreed with it all even on a March day.

With all this rattling in my brain Simon, Lefty and myself headed out onto the course. We were a man down as Newby hurt his back chopping a tree down on Sunday and then attempted to play the Brabazon two days later and did more damage, so I decided to play along with Simon and Lefty, whilst I took photographs and wrote about my experience.

Not the ideal way to concentrate on your next shot but nothing could take away the classy style of this course. I think MacKenzie was a typical Yorkshire man (we could be invaded soon!) “give nowt away” and this course doesn’t. Bunkers are placed to deceive the eye. You think they protect the green only to find the green another fifty yards or so further on. I considered withdrawing my offer of the wee dram at times... but it still stands.

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The Clubhouse is light and airy but Mike said that a revamp is long overdue, so it is due for a complete overhaul. The plans are on display as you walk into the Mackintosh style entrance. Budgets have been set and work was due to commence two days after our departure. From what we saw it will be a great improvement.

I read one report recently on Cavendish which said it was a bit wet underfoot! It’s Buxton we are talking about here, you get what you get. I lived in Buxton fifty years ago and you accept that it has it’ own climate. Even a Derbyshire Cricket Club match was abandoned here in 1975 due to a heavy snow storm. Some say it was only hail but I was putting a tent up in a friend’s garden in Fairfield that day and I say it was snow as the pictures taken can prove!

TIME FOR GOLF At 5721 yards off the yellows this isn’t the longest course you will play but then MacKenzie didn’t worry about that as his idea was to give the golfer a challenge and Cavendish certainly does. He used the natural contours of the land, no earth-movers, just hard hand labour to make a course that blends in and weaves through the countryside. Nothing is forced it’s just natural, but really tricky to play.

We all got away nicely on the first hole including me! Simon, who has been the Professional here for 18 years went a bit to the left which surprised me! Not really, he was a great sport

Top left. A happy smile on arrival from Rachel.

Middle: Members John and Rod enjoying their round.

Bottom. Club Secretary Mike and Lefty display the MacKenzie Trail brochure Above: Newby and Club Professional Simon Townend.

showing me and Lefty the way and having lots of banter all the way round. The first is a nice par four that slopes a little right to left. Avoiding the trees to the right is important.

It was great to go round with the professional pointing out the features of the course and advising on shots. He got us chipping onto the green at the 15th to see if any of us, including himself, could get near the hole from the back of the green. Even on a green that was a bit wet we couldn’t stop the ball rolling away. He was pointing out the importance of getting the tee shot right on this hole to give you a chance of a decent score. MacKenzie was sadistic!

Take the 122 yard par 3 4th for instance. The pin looks miles away, somewhere down there over the small stream. Simon, annoyingly, hit the green, Lefty went right into a bush and I completely over-hit and went across the road into a ditch.

On the plus side I missed the stream, lake, bunkers and bush!

122 yards, that’s putting distance nearly.

The sloping third green is great, especially if you end up topside of the hole. I went into the bunker - great! If you put the ball to the right of the green - that’s so wrong. Stay left and the putt will be easy on the very quick level green. I think this was my best hole, I went a bit downhill from there!

I loved the 8th. We rounded the corner from the 7th and the sun shone down beautifully as the wind just hit us in the face.

Simon’s tee shot held up in the air and dropped nicely on the fairway. A big hit but the wind affected distance. My tee

shot went off left down the slope leaving a very tricky ‘back up the hill’ shot. The rewards of approaching the green are the most amazing views of the Derbyshire countryside and you become master of all you survey. I do have to admit that one of the attractions of golf for me is the chance to be in the countryside. Perhaps that is why I don’t play too well as I am easily distracted by a beautiful view. I just can’t help admiring what I see. While some rush to the next shot I want to take in where I am. On the 10th it is vital to get the first shot right, making the second over the plateau below and small stream, and up to the green a massive chance of getting a par. This should be the signature hole I feel.

During the winter some of the self planted trees have been cleared, opening up views to the clubhouse and allowing the wind and sun to dry out the course naturally. The 14th is the only par 5 shot on the course and being stroke index 7 is quite a challenge, in contrast the 5th is stroke index one. But then again that’s an uphill haul and presents a real challenge not just in hitting the ball but getting your breath!

Playing the 18th through the tunnel of trees provided the final challenge of getting across the ravine onto the plateau beyond after which it’s a good run to the green. Lefty and I both failed and so Simon said “try that again”. I told you he was fun at the start of this article didn’t I? We did as we were told and hit our shots high and long landing on the fairway, perfectly positioned for our second shot. (If you believe that twaddle you’ve had far too many pints of Thwaites bitter).

My balls are still down there. I’ll be pleased if you find them because it means you’re down there too. Two can play this sadistic game. www.countygolfer.co.uk 11

Simon has been the `professional at Buxton for eighteen years and despite other job offers from this country and Europe, has stayed put, and I can see why. Lets face it, he’s quite unique being one in seventy two worldwide as there are only seventy two MacKenzie clubs left and Buxton is an original. As he went off happily to give a lesson to someone he said “anytime you fancy teeing off early this summer lads, give me a call and I’d love to play another round with you”. That’s an offer we will definitely take up as long as he plays off yellows this time!

Play the Cavendish MacKenzie Trail The Cavendish MacKenzie Trail as an example of marketing cooperation of non-competing clubs, with a shared MacKenzie heritage.

“It’s a simple idea”says Mike Watson, “play Cavendish and stay at one of the hotels in Buxton and travel around to play the rest. Four are within 20 miles radius of Buxton, two 45 miles and three 65 miles. Our aim is to encourage golfers to try these MacKenzie heritage courses on the Cavendish MacKenzie Trail”. Green Fees for a round vary from £20 to £45. A card is available to help you keep track of the ones you’ve played and when all nine have been played you will get a certificate.

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THE

BELFRY

Back in May 2014 yours truly Lefty, Newby and Spence were invited to the relaunch of The Belfry and when I say relaunch I mean 22 million pounds of investment to turn this once tired hotel and course back to the prestigious place it used to be, in fact the paint on the walls was still drying and the smell of fresh carpets filled the air.

Did this investment pay off? Have the businessmen returned to impress their clients? Have the golfers returned to once again do battle with the Brabazon?

Well we decided it was time to return to see for ourselves, if these questions had been answered.

As you would expect from this huge investment the hotel interior looks stunning, in fact they have gone for a ‘Great Gatsby’ feel in the lobby; sweeping into the breakfast lounge, which was full of business people on sofas with laptops on tables, creating a buzz in the air. The pro shop has also benefited from the investment. The changing rooms feel that you have arrived somewhere special. It beats the time we came here 7 years ago when myself, Newby and two putt Plant were literally the only 3 people staying in the 200 plus room hotel!

We though were here today for the golf. The Belfry has three courses, the PGA, The Derby and the one we all want to play - The Brabazon.

This too has benefited from the revamp, a course that was, back in 2010, looking tired and to be honest scruffy, has been brought back to its former glory befitting a course that held the Ryder Cup more than any other venue in the world.

The welcome we got on the first tee from the starter put us all at ease. The first is a relatively easy hole with an open fairway to forgive a wayward shot. Both Spence and I got away clean, Newby on the other hand decide he would take the pictures as he had pulled his back the night before at his Zumba class!

The one thing you cannot stop thinking about is the golfing legends who have walked these fairways. You start to think about Seve’s drive onto the 10th green, Sam Torrance’s famous putt that won the 1985 Ryder www.countygolfer.co.uk 15

“

...the hotel and course has brought back the glamour and prestige...

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I sank the putt!! Where are all the cameras when you need them? It would have made great television.

One hole on the course that people love is the 10th as you can attack with your driver or lay up short for the shot over the water.

Walking onto this green can send shivers down your spine, so take your time and enjoy it. cup match or Christy O’Connor Jnr with the most brilliant shot on the 18th hole using his trusty 2 iron.

This does heighten your playing experience, the course itself despite the very damp winter we have had, played well and the greens were playing true. I played steady golf on the first 5 holes and even got a couple of pars but then came the 6th and 7th - on these holes you will find the large expanse of water comes into play. Basically you are teeing over it. I must have lost 6 balls and at one point I had taken a drop then managed to hit it straight back in the water only 3 feet away!

But my moment of glory followed shortly after these two holes, strangely enough on a stroke index 1.

The 8th is 409 yards par 4 with the water running down the left side of the fairway. What makes this hole tough is that the fairway is narrow and the front of the green is protected by a water filled ditch. I managed to avoid all of these hazards and got on the green for 3, but I was still 26 feet from the hole and NOW my moment had arrived as

Even though the course is primarily flat you really appreciate the different undulations you get on the greens. It was an enjoyable change not to do the 3 putt walk of shame!

We must mention the par 3’s on the course. There are three of them, one on the front nine the other two on the back. These are a real challenge and my favourite was the 12th.

The green keepers were working on the yellow and white tees so we had to play off the blues.

Now we were playing Ryder Cup style which took the hole from a respectable 179 yards to a “which club do I use?” 226 yards. Just to make it extra hard the whole front of the green is protected by a large pond.

I shouted over to the green staff “You really don’t like us do you” to which they replied “You will be fine, Seve always hit the green from there!” Thanks for that!

Newby risking his dodgy back went first with a wood, and came up short straight into the water, www.countygolfer.co.uk 17

Spence did the same, I don’t have a wood in my bag so I opted for my driver which turned out to be the right choice as it sailed over the water and landed about 6 foot from the hole! A clap from the green staff, a bow from me, and some mumbled words from Spence and Newby which we can’t print here.

I got a solid par.

Spence was still waiting for his ‘moment’. He waited, I would say, until one of the greatest finishing holes you can play - the 418 yard par 4 18th. ‘A daunting drive followed by a daunting approach,’ is how this hole has been described and I would agree with that. As you stand on the tee you are looking at a dogleg left over water. Once you have negotiated this you have another long shot over more water to an elevated green that slopes towards you. If you don’t get a tee shot with just the right amount of draw and distance, your second shot will have to be the shot of your life as you will still be miles away from the green with the water coming very much

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in play. In fact you will have to re-enact the brilliant shot from Christy O’Connor Jnr, on the 18th hole.

Spence played this like a pro - a great tee shot with just the right amount of draw and a second that landed on the green, he missed the birdie but got a respectable par on this potential card wrecker.

That hole really made his day. That’s the beauty of the Brabazon, when you sink a par or even a birdie you almost find yourself waving at an invisible crowd pretending that you are playing in the Ryder Cup. The investment that has been made to the hotel and course has brought back the glamour and prestige it once held. The Belfry is once again living up to its name and the expectation you would associate with a place that calls itself the ‘spiritual home of the Ryder Cup’.

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BREADSALL PRIORY

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MOORLAND COURSE

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The Moorland course at Breadsall Priory was designed by architect Donald Steele back in 1991 and is viewed by many as the Priory’s little brother course. However, to the members this has always been the course of choice.

Why so? Well, there’s no doubt that visually the Priory is an outstanding golf course and a photographers dream, with its big green rolling fairways, huge undulations, beautiful water features and mature trees, it really does look spectacular. However, in the words of the Moorland creator, Donald Steele;

In short then, how spectacular a golf course looks comes second to how it actually plays. And that is where the Moorland course wins with its members.

We had chosen the best day of the year so far, blazing sunshine and blue skies met us on our arrival. As this was our first round of the year, we were keen to see if we had lost any of our sharpness from the previous year.

“Making courses impossible is easy.

Spectacular holes undoubtedly lift Test number one; we arrived at 10:30 and our any course but enjoyment is the tee time was 10:50, could we squeeze in a bacon cob, watchword and golfers find little a Starbucks coffee, get our golf clubs together, our enjoyment in losing balls attempting shoes on and be on the tee in time for our tee slot?

Absolutely! Last year we had virtually turned this into long carries over water or in knee an art form, so it was nice to know that we hadn’t lost any of our sharpness. high rough. Too much modern architecture is the slave to colour, Test number two; actually playing golf! irrigation, power and the lob wedge”

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As I mentioned, we had chosen the most beautifully sunny day, it was perfect for golf. We’d had quite a bit of rain in the previous few days, but as the Moorland course is based on sandstone, the drainage is excellent and keeps it from getting boggy. This is one of the reasons this course gets played a lot more than the Priory, especially during the winter months. With this in mind, I was expecting the course to look a little bit tired and well played. But this simply wasn’t the case. The course looked fresh and well manicured throughout, with the greens in especially good condition.

You start with a short par-3 which in fairness was not all that inspiring, however, when you cross the road to the second hole the course really opens up in front of you and you start to see why it’s held in such high esteem.

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After a dodgy start by myself and Lefty on the first, the ground staff did us a real favour. As they’re currently finishing work on the second tee, this hole had been shortened to about 300 yards. A great opportunity for some pars and a birdie, but at its full 452 yards, it’s a real challenge so early on in the round.

Onto the third fairway; firstly it drops away in front of you, then rises up over a brow, then drops away again, and then rises back up to the green! This makes it look great, however, none of it should really come into play.

A good drive on a dry day will leave you on the fringe of the green. I landed just a couple of yards short and the Badger landed just to the right. A simple chip onto the two tiered green should leave you with a steady par.

The 4th tee gives you a great view across this city of Derby. As we stood in our short sleeve shirts and shorts looking at the city we took a minute to appreciate that there are far worse places we could have been on a Monday morning. Maybe this is how all Mondays should start!

Myself and the Badger were pretty much trading blows for the first nine holes going out in 6 and 7 over respectively. The wide dry fairways really lending themselves to good drives, it’s amazing the extra carry you get on a dry well cut fairway, and the difference it makes to your approach shot.

The sixth hole is a beautiful little par 3, at just 118 yards it’s only a wedge, but with bunkers either side and rough behind you have to be accurate. The tall

trees wrap around the green and frame it beautifully.

3 shots on to the green, three pars, golf can be such a simple game sometimes!

One of the big changes we noticed since our last visit was the reduction of the rough, if you miss the fairway you will still find your ball, but your next shot will be a challenge. Again this goes back to the philosophy of Donald Steele, golf is all about enjoyment, not about loosing 10 balls a round. This course punishes you for a slightly wayward drive, but it doesn’t completely destroy you. It’s a great balance .

The back nine follow the flowing, lightly undulating nature of the first nine. It’s a very open course, which means you can see many of the holes from the elevated tees, and on a busy day many golfers too. But lines of

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BREADSALL PRIORY

trees, bushes and stonewalls keep you on your toes. Venture too far off the fairway and you will be struggling to get to the green with a chance of a respectable score.

The Moorland course isn’t the greatest challenge of golf, it’s nowhere near as challenging as the Priory, but it’s incredibly enjoyable to play, it’s in great condition, you will most likely (but you can’t hold me to this!) make one of your better scores here. I don’t know about you, but I play golf as a hobby, to help me relax, to enjoy myself, and you can’t help but enjoy yourself on the Moorland.

In the end I shot my best score for a long time but it wasn’t quite enough to beat the Badger, who beat me by just the single shot....but it was a great tussle throughout. And as for Lefty…… well let’s just say he took some great photos!

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MOORLAND COURSE

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Why a Pre-Shot Routine is so Important As a player growing up, one of my female role models was Annika Sorenstam. I was fascinated by the work she did with Pia Nillson and the ideas behind VISION54, which presents a clear and defined path that allows each golfer to identify and reach their full potential, learning the skills you need to play better on the golf course.

One key element to this is having a consistent pre-shot routine. Annika’s pre-shot routine took precisely 24 seconds from the start of her routine to the end of her follow through.

Incredibly, in her 14 years of professional golf, her pre-shot routine remained within 1 second of the 24 seconds.

I have been lucky enough during my playing career both as an amateur and a professional to work with some of the UK’s leading sports psychologists so the importance of having a preshot routine was enforced quite early on. I always struggled a bit with “first tee nerves” and having a solid pre-shot routine certainly helped me.

FAME TATE

Quite simply, I remember the “play box” and the “preparation area” in which there was an imaginary line on the ground between the two. You could NOT step over the line and into the “play box” until you were absolutely certain that you were ready to execute the shot.

In the preparation area, you would consider things like, the distance to the target, the lie of the ball, wind direction, the type of shot you wanted to play and the club you were going to use. Finally you would visualise or mentally rehearse the shot you are about to play, followed by a practice swing or two.

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You could then and ONLY then cross over the line into the “play box” and hit the shot, with no more thoughts as to what needed to be done.

I know that this is a very simplistic version of a pre-shot routine but if you have never used one before, this is an excellent starting point and one which can be easily incorporated into your practice time and play.

If you do not like this routine, try and develop your own and one which you feel comfortable and confident with. Everyone is different and specifically everyone has a different pace of how they swing the club and the speed at which they play. Try and match your routine to these factors.

If you hit balls on the driving range, try this out on every shot, changing your desired target and as a consequence the type of shot you wish to play and the club being used.

On the course, make a note of how many shots you go through in your pre-shot routine correctly from START to FINISH…you may be surprised with the results!

On the rare occasion that I do play now, I always go through my pre-shot routine.

If the best players in the world use a pre-shot routine and you don’t…then I would recommend you start to implement one in your game. If you do have one…do you practice it?

It does not matter what standard of golf you play, having a pre-shot routine can only be extremely beneficial.

If you think consistently on the golf course, it can only make you play more consistently and lower your scores! www.countygolfer.co.uk 33

A belated Happy New Year…….

I hope the winter months have been kind to you and you have still managed to get out on the course for a few holes. This week has signalled a warmer few days, I always know spring is around the corner when I don’t have to wear the woolly hat, mittens and put on the thermal trousers.

JAMES WHATLEY James Whatley, writes for County Golfer, informing us about the life of one of Derbyshire’s top Professionals.

James is A AA PGA Professional, Head Professional of Morley Hayes and Academy Director of East Midlands Golf Academy.

James has been ranked in the top 10 in the Midlands 7 out of the last 8 years. He 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 whom regularly seek his advice and knowledge on their own games.

34 www.countygolfer.co.uk

The last few months have been a test for myself and my family. Three weeks ago my dad, David passed away following a 22 month battle with stomach cancer. He was a brave man right until the end. He was my best friend, my best man at my wedding, a coach, a mentor and a fantastic role model. I spent many happy times on the golf course with him. There were many frustrating times also, but now I have my own children I totally understand that my dad had my best interests at heart. All he ever wanted was the best for me. I know how proud my dad was of my achievements, seeing him in America when I represented Great Britain was brilliant. I can still hear his voice in my ear when I hit a good drive down the middle. When I played the BMW at Wentworth in 2013, he was always in the best position to watch my next shot. He was definitely my biggest fan.

My dad will never leave my memories but I know I have to crack on to achieve more things, be there for my family and carry on the way he would have most definitely wanted me to.

2017 will be Quality not Quantity After a very consistent 2016, I am very much looking forward to the forthcoming season. My initial focus is my trip to Sawgrass to play the Pro Am tours event from 13th -22nd May. We will also get to see the last day of the TCP Players Championship on the PGA Tour.

Three weeks after I return from the USA I will be heading out to Ireland to compete in the British Club Professional Championships. Having finished in the top 20 last year, it means I have been exempt and will not have to go through regional qualifying. My overall focus this year as always is to do well in the Midland PGA Order of Merit. Unfortunately, the first event, the Midland Open has been moved to whilst I am in America. As frustrating as this is, I will just have to do very well in the remaining events.

This year will see a very strong Derbyshire PGA Schedule. There will be Pro Ams at Morley Hayes, Chesterfield, Burton, Chevin and Erewash. The Pros Championship will be played over 36 holes at Matlock.

I have been very lucky to have had two trips abroad this winter. I went on my annual trip with clients and this year we left Turkey alone and visited Tenerife. The picture at the start of the article is me teeing off on the 3rd hole Costa Adeja. The weather was fantastic, although my golf wasn’t that good, it kept me sharp whilst the weather back home wasn’t very nice.

We then went away with the College students to Roda Golf Resort in Murcia. This was our 8th year of going and says so much about the venue that we keep going back. I love it so much that I have booked my group of clients a trip there for next March.

It’s always nice to have trips planned, especially when the weather can be so cold in the country in the winter.

I signalled at the end of last year that I needed to improve my pitching and I feel with the help of my coach Graham Walker I am starting to dial in better from 80 yards and in. I have kept myself fit in the gym and feel like I am in very good shape going in to the season. I am very fortunate that Total Aggregates will be supporting me again for the forthcoming year. This makes my playing schedule possible and I am very grateful.

East Midlands Golf Academy

www.countygolfer.co.uk 35

A hello and good bye!!

The end of this month will signal the changing of two professionals. James McDowall, who joined me from Chevin in September 2014 will be leaving and relocating to Switzerland to take up a teaching position at a beautiful location.

His replacement will be Dean Hibbert from Horsley Lodge. For me this is great to have Dean join the team. Back in 2008 Dean was in the first intake on the Performance Golf programme when he was 16 years old. To see him go through his PGA foundation degree programme and now join us as one of the EMGA coaches, it shows what we are doing is working, creating careers and opportunities.

I must state on record that James McDowall has been tremendous for EMGA and Morley Hayes. He has created a great client base and has been very well liked amongst them. I wish him all the very best, and hopefully we will get out to see him. I may need to learn to ski though if I visit in the winter months.

To remind you all what we can offer at EMGA , we have access to; • Flightscope, track your distance, clubhead speed, path, face angle and many more things.

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.

TRACK YOUR DISTANCE, CLUBHEAD SPEED, PATH, FACE ANGLE AND MANY MORE THINGS 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 Dean Hibbert- Head of Beginners coaching 36 www.countygolfer.co.uk

SAM PUTT LAB

Membership at Morley Hayes I said back in September there was some exciting things happening at Morley Hayes. I am really glad and proud to say that from 1st April, Morley Hayes is offering membership for the first time. It is called a lifestyle membership and will be based on a points system. Many of my clients are really excited about this, as there will be no big outlay, no joining fee and the chance to hold a congu handicap and play in competitions.

Pulling this together has been a surprise to me, with so many things that need to be covered. The Golf Manager Daniel Delany has done a tremendous job from start to finish. I am looking forward to meeting all the new member’s in April For me one of the biggest attractions of playing Morley Hayes for 12 months a year is, there are no temporary greens, no winter mats, no teeing up in the rough. Every course is different and has different aspirations, but I am really excited to see and be part of the future at 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

The Majors My predictions over the last 6 years have been poor to say the least, but with the US Masters only three weeks away, here are my predictions for 2017 I really do hope Rory gets his green jackets, and rids the demons of 2011!!!

US Masters Rory McIlroy Us Open: Dustin Johnson The Open: Sergio Garcia USPGA : Lee Westwood www.countygolfer.co.uk 37

38 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?

www.countygolfer.co.uk 39

News from Chevin Golf Club Following the large investment made by the club in new greens equipment last year, the green staff have been busy making big improvements to the course throughout the winter. Under the guidance of our General Manager and Head Green Keeper several areas of the course have been cleared of bracken and shrubs. Drainage improvements have been made and work is now being carried out on the greens so that they will be in tip top condition for the start of the season.

Following the Board’s decision to revamp the age categories and subscriptions, we have already welcomed a number of new members to the club this year.

We will be holding 3 Open Days in April and May this year to showcase our course and to welcome prospective new members. There are categories of membership to suit all levels of golfer from those who enjoy playing in regular

40 www.countygolfer.co.uk

competitions through to beginner memberships for those considering taking up the game. See our advertisement for dates.

In addition to our busy golf diary, we have a social programme that includes mixed social golf and a variety of non-golf events. Also, at the start of this year we increased the number of reciprocal arrangements we have by linking up with another 10-12 golf clubs around the country which were founded in the same year as Chevin.

Play Offs

The club were pleased to hear that Melissa Reid won her sixth Ladies European Tour title in February at the Oates Vic Open in Australia. After the regulation 72 holes Melissa and German opponent, Sandra Gal were both tied on 16 under and so the tournament had to be settled by a sudden death play-off. After both made pars on their first three attempts at the 18th, Melissa finally broke the deadlock on their 4th attempt when she parred after Sandra bogeyed.

We were also delighted to hear that Melissa has now gained her card on the LPGA tour in USA. Her first tournament of the year was the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic in which she finished tied 13th.

All in all, a very good start to the year and we wish her well for the rest of the 2017 season which hopefully will see her qualify for the European Solheim Cup team for the third time. Melissa started her golf as a Junior member at Chevin Golf Club

Chevin Golf Club Duffield

Would you like to join a friendly and welcoming Golf Club that offers a superb Golf Course, wonderful views with a full competitive and social golf programme throughout the year? ➣ ➣ ➣ ➣ ➣ ➣ ➣ ➣ ➣ ➣ ➣

Full Member 7 Day Full Member 6 Day Intermediate aged 31 - 35 Intermediate aged 26 - 30 Intermediate aged 22 - 25 Intermediate aged 16 - 21 In Full Time education aged 14 & above Junior aged up to 14 Sunday Only Beginner (incl 6 lessons) Social

£1030 £880 £540 £375 £250 £90 £90 £60 £320 £85 £48

NO JOINING FEE AT PRESENT CONTACT OUR OFFICE OR VISIT US AT ONE OF OUR OPEN DAYS Friday 28th April 11am – 3.00pm Saturday 29th April 10.30am – 3.00pm Monday 8th May 4.00pm – 8.00pm

Chevin Golf Club Ltd Golf Lane Duffield. Derbys DE56 4EE

www.chevingolf.co.uk

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

www.countygolfer.co.uk 41

Ruddington Grange Golf Club weddings • golf • corporate events • conferences

Alfreton Golf Club

Join a welcoming, friendly Private Parkland Golf Club 1/2 mile from the A38

Ladies & Gentlemen Membership Available Junior Section Membership Available Monthly Payment of £57.20 guaranteed not to rise for two years. Immediate membership available* *Subject to application

SUMMER OFFERS Monday: £18.00 per person until 4.30pm Tuesday to Friday: £23.00 per person until 4.30pm.

Saturday: £20 per person after 3pm (after club competition) Sunday: £28.00 per person until 3pm. £20 per person 3pm - 6pm.

Pre-Twilight: 4.30pm- 6pm £15 per person Twilight: 6pm £10 per person.

Monday Summer Special 18 holes of golf PLUS Coffee & Bacon £20 18 holes of golf PLUS 1 Course Meal: £22.50

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

ote County Golfer Prom Local Golf Courses!

Contact the Secretary on

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

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

ell stocked bar Food served plus a wto your visit We look forward

ALFRETON GOLF CLUB Affiliated to the

lude your course in We would love to inc n. Call us now on itio our Summer 2017 ed it us at 01773 830344 or vis co.uk er. olf tyg un co w. ww

42 www.countygolfer.co.uk

English Golf Union and Derbyshire Union of Golf Clubs

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

Telephone: 01773 832070

Our claim that Trent Lock Golf and Country Club is the ideal venue for Golf Society Days is not an idle boast. Together with excellent facilities we offer a range of packages to suit all, each one tailored to provide a great day out.

The Riverside and Canal Side Courses will test the regular golfer and yet still be relatively gentle on those new to society golfing. Our experienced staff will be on hand to provide you and your guests with the level of service that you would expect from a prestigious golf venue.

A Golf Society day at Trent Lock Golf and Country Club is a treat for all who take part, a statement borne out by the fact that many of our bookings are repeat business.

Picture of the 17th Green on the Riverside Course

Society Golf Packages start from only £20 per person*

View our Society Golf Brochure @ www.trentlock.co.uk/society-golf/

The 18 hole Riverside Course has been designed to embrace a number of water features in a tranquil setting adjacent to the River Trent. Traditional features add to the attraction of the par 70 course which measures some 6042 yards in length from the white tees. Each of the 18 holes test the skill and nerve of players at all levels, providing a challenging yet satisfying round of golf .

Summer Golf Special 2017 Book a 4 ball Monday to Friday between 9 am and 6 pm on the 18 Hole Riverside Course and enjoy a Full English Breakfast before your round, alternatively you can enjoy Ham, Eggs and Chips after your round served in the elegant setting of Locks Bar. Book your Summer Golf Special by calling Golf Reception 01159464398 opt. 1

Summer Golf Special—price only £80 per 4 Ball*

• • • • • • • •

Membership for the 9 Hole Canal Side Course Cost is £75 per person for 12 Months Membership Obtain an Official CONGU Handicap Monthly 9 Hole Competitions 2 Week booking window for tee times ( Visitors 1 week) Reduced Rates to play the 9 Hole Canal Side Course - Weekdays £5.50, Weekends £7.00 Reduced Green Fee rates to play the 18 Hole Riverside Course.

Members uplift rates on the Driving Range when purchasing Range Balls using a Trent Lock Digi Card

Trent Lock Golf and Country Club, Lock Lane, Sawley, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 2FY Tel. 01159464398 option 1 or email: enquiries@trentlockgolf.com

The Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club are delighted to announce the arrival of Peter Lockley, as their new Academy Director Peter brings with him a wealth of experience being High Performance Director to the Irish Ladies Golf Union and Lead County Coach for Nottinghamshire.

Having previously coached the Belgium Girls squad and written the coaching program for the Lee Westwood Academy, he has knowledge of the key elements of high performance and the creation of effective development programs. Being held in high regard by fellow coaches and players, he has a proven track record in helping golfers improve, and his strong work ethic and amicable personality has seen him achieve notable results with players of all abilities.

Peter has been reviewing the current coaching structure offered at The Nottinghamshire Academy and assisted by top local coaches Will Davies, Liam Taylor and Adam

Woolley, will be adding modern and innovative ways to learn and improve the game, in packages to suit all budgets.

“The facilities here at The Nottinghamshire, are second to none” Peter commented, “combined with a warm and welcoming environment, makes it a fantastic place to improve your golf.”

Peter and his team would be delighted to hear from anyone wishing to start or improve their golf, especially from people who’ve wondered about trying the game and are unsure how to get into it. The Academy offers an exciting route for beginners to progress from their very first swings, seamlessly into Club membership.

Contact Peter at The Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club near Nottingham on 01159 333344 or via email at peter.lockley@thenottinghamshire.com

Introducing the new state of the art, CG Golf Studio at Radcliffe on Trent 6 weeks of hard work building and renovating an old trolley shed and a passageway from the car park to an indoor golfers paradise. Within the studio, we have the facilities for individual lessons, custom fitting, putting green and the most popular, our simulation play. With 5 courses available, on a cold Monday morning we can transport you to an accurate mapping of Abu Dhabi or even Hazeltine National.

44 www.countygolfer.co.uk

With 4 TV’s projecting images such as Sky Sports, Apple TV or Screen mirroring from the GC2, allows an experience like no other. We will be opening late until 9pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, pre- booking is essential. We are an authorised custom fit facility for Ping, Callaway, Mizuno and Taylor Made. This is now the perfect venue to improve your golf from coaching, club fitting, gap testing to self analysis practice from only £10.00 .

For more information please contact Craig George Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club craiggeorge.co.uk craig.george@foremostgolf.com

Lindrick opens its new course but discovers MacKenzie’s historic influence The fences are down, new sand raked and turf meticulously manicured as the new Lindrick course opens for business. During the past two winters the greens staff at Lindrick with the cooperation of Ken Moodie of Creative Golf Design, have been busy enhancing various features on the classic course. New Championship tees, the introduction of strategic fairway bunkers and the reshaping and remodeling of numerous greenside bunkers has resulted in changes to eleven holes in total.

Greens Chairman Stevan Gee said “the changes are really exciting. We were very proud of the eighteen as it was but things can always be improved and we believe we’ve been able to freshen up the course without losing the traditional characteristics that have contributed to making it such a

classic track, only now it’s even more challenging! There has been lots of interest and advance bookings so now we’re just eager to hear what the customers think of the new Lindrick.”

Course design has featured heavily at Lindrick this year as it was discovered that one of the sport’s most famous course architects Alister MacKenzie, was involved in the construction of the 126 year old course. Lindrick historian Graham Mann reports that MacKenzie would probably have approved of the latest contribution which includes work on ‘his’ par 3, eighteenth hole.

MacKenzie worked on the course during 1912-13, designing five of the existing holes including the iconic 18th which features as one of the world greatest 500 holes. He also prepared a 16 page handwritten report on the course and many of his proposals were subsequently actioned. Alister MacKenzie joins a relative “Who’s Who” of designers who have been involved at Lindrick in their first 50 year history which include Old Tom Morris, Buff Wilson, Tom Dunn, Willie Park Jnr and Fowler and Simpson. Lindrick is now a member of the Alister MacKenzie Society of GB & I. Lindrick on the Notts/Yorkshire border is the venue for the English Women’s Amateur Championship in July, to add to an impressive list of professional and amateur tournaments it has hosted that includes amongst many others the iconic Ryder Cup and the Curtis Cup. The image attached shows the 18th green with the newly sculptured bunkers and the clubhouse in the background.

Details announced of new Lifestyle Golf Membership at Morley Hayes Morley Hayes are excited to announce the details of their new and exclusive Lifestyle Membership! Unlike traditional golf club memberships Lifestyle Membership is a flexible points-based system which enables golfers to become a lifestyle member for an affordable initial joining fee.

This initial fee will entitle members to set a number of points to get them started. Points will be deducted for each round of golf played - the number of points used will depend on what day and time of day they play.

Once you’ve used up all your points, you’ll be able to top-up by buying bundles of new points, enabling you to spread the cost and budget for your year’s golf. It will also give you the opportunity to get an official CONGU golf handicap and play in official competitions.

A 5-Day Weekday Only Membership, which runs from 1 April 2017 - 31 March 2018 will cost £295 and give you 240 points.

A Seasonal Membership costs £395 and comes with 340 points. Seasonal Members can play the Manor Course 7 days a week from 1 April 2017 – 30 September 2017 and can play the Manor Course weekdays only from 1 October

2017 – 31 March 2018.

Anyone looking for a fully-flexible solution, can sign up for the 7-Day Membership which allows members to play 7 days a week for the entire period from 1 April 2017 – 31 March 2018. This will cost £495 for 440 points.

Lifestyle Golf Members will have access to all Morley Hayes golf facilities, including the 18-hole Championship Manor Course, 9-hole Tower Course, 17 Bay Floodlit Driving Range, Practice Putting Green, Official CONGU Golf handicap and participation in official competitions.

Lifestyle Golf Members can also enjoy exclusive discounts and offers, including: • Discount on Golf Buggies and Golf Lessons with Academy Director James Whatley.

• 10% discount in the Golf Shop (clothing and footwear only) and Derbyshire Union Membership which provides discounted rates at other courses.

• Lifestyle Members will also have access to an Online Tee Time Booking System and 21 day advance booking (this is normally just 14 days).

For more information, visit www.morleyhayes.com/page/golf-membership.html www.countygolfer.co.uk 45

Oakmere Park Golf Club.

Admirals Golf course competition results

Oakmere Park Golf Club.

Admirals Golf course competition results

Oakmere Park Golf Club.

Admirals Golf course competition results

20 March 2017 Seniors Medal 1st Terry Craggs 14pts, 2nd John Wilson 20pts

18 Feb 2017 Saturday Golfer of the Winter Round 6 Aggregate Stableford 1st Paul McIntyre (16) & Fraser Youens (23) score 84pts 2nd Paul Stoker (9) & Michael ONeill score 77pts 3rd Darron Broughton (10) & Craig Pearce (12) score 76pts (B9) 4th Darryl Coleman(11) & Geoff Coleman (14) score 76pts

27 February 2017 Seniors Winter Eclectic Stableford Div 1: 1st Neil Goodwin 37pts Div 2: 1st Terry Craggs 47pts

19 February 2017 Sunday Golfer of the Winter Rd 6 Aggregate Medal 1st Alan Seddon (11) & Tony Eaton (13) score 146 2nd Kieron Marriott (13) & Alan Robinson (20) score 148 (B9) 3rd Sean Keay (10) & Crawford Hunter (11) score 148 (B9) 4th Dave Cope (13) & Alex Morrell (19) score 148

25 February 2017 Medal QR & Winter Eclectic Div 1: 1st Jason Davies net 68, 2nd Michael O’Neil net 71, 3rd Chris Briggs net 74 Div 2: 1st Tom McCann net 67, 2nd David White net 77, 3rd Tyler Allsopp net 77 Div 3: 1st Fraser Youens net 68, 2ndAlanRobison net 77, 3rd Robert Youens net 77

19th March 2017 Medal QR & Winter Eclectic Div 1: James Proctor 63score, 2nd Crawford Hunter 71score Div 2: Bryan Hardy 68score, 2nd David White 68 score Div 3: 1st Lee Maddock 67score, 2nd Alex Smith 68score 18th March 2017 Stableford QR Div 1: Crawford Hunter 39pts, Joshua Hall 38pts Div 2: Tony Eaton 40pts, 2nd Tyler Allsopp 37pts Div 3: 1st Fraser Youens 45pts, 2nd Kev Brooks 37pts

Oakmere Park Golf Club.

Commanders Golf course competition results 19th March 2017 Grimes Trophy Div 1: 1st David Abbott score 69, 2nd Graham Atkinson score 70 3rd Raph Richards score 70 Div 2: 1st Stephen Shaw score 66, 2nd Mark Neale score 67, 3rd Gordon Taylor score 69 17th March 2017 Senior Stableford Div 1: 1st Raph Richards 42pts, 2nd Jim Taylor 41pts, 3rd Peter Bourne 39pts Div 2: 1st Bob Waterhouse 40pts, 2nd Dennis Wilkinson 39pts, 3rd Harold Jordan 37pts

20 February Seniors Stableford Div 1: 1st Robert Lakin 39pts, 2nd Neil Goodwin 39pts Div 2: 1st James Newton 38pts, 2nd Rob Armstrong 38pts

Oakmere Park Golf Club Commanders Golf course competition results 14 Feb 2017 Tuesday Stableford Div 1: 1st P Ross 40pts, 2nd O Tucker 39[ts 3rd L Yates 39pts Div 2: 1st G Taylor 39pts, 2nd M Lee 38pts, 3rd M Ansell 38pts 17 Feb 2017 Senior Stableford Div 1: 1st C Davies 42pts, 2nd G Jarvis 41pts, 3rd G Atkinson 38pts Div 2: 1st J Lawrence 39[ts, 2nd J Matthews 38pts, 3rd M Ansell 38pts 19 Feb 20176 Winter Trophy Div 1: 1st O Tucker score 66, 2nd M Hanbury core 66 3rd I Keasley score 676 Div 2: 1st W Williams score 65, 2nd M Botts score 67, 3rd P Stone score 69

46 www.countygolfer.co.uk

26 February 2017 Betterball Stableford 1st Alan Seddon & Tony Eaton 48pts 2nd Paul Stoker & Russ Clay 46pts 3rd Scott Warren & Mark Croft 43pts

Oakmere Park Golf Club.

Commanders Golf course competition results 24 February 2017 Seniors Bogey Div 1: 1st Peter Hayes +4 (18), 2nd Jim Taylor +4 (20) 3rd Russ Burch +3 (19) Div 2: 1st Alan Cheetham +3 (37), 2nd Peter Bourne +2 (24), 3rd Peter Rogers -1 (28) 21 February 2017 Tuesday Stableford Div 1: 1st Russ Burch 40pts, 2nd Eugene Murphy 39pts, 3rd Chris Davies 38pts Div 2: 1st Harold Jordan 41pts, 2nd Harry Ford 37pts, 3rd Harry Wood 35pts

WALK3 14 More walks with a diff erence - written from Ramblers deep love and in-depth historical knowledge of this inspirati onal County.

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WALK AROUND

HARDWICK HA

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a stile, then down a roug making its h path way over ankle jarrin tree roots into a sma g ll valley.

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An ancestor wife of the Princess of of Diana Wales, she spirited wom was an who invol a high with politics ved herse of the time, lf so far as to even going offer kisse s to tradesmen as payment for the Whig party their votes in favou r of . An addic ted gambler

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gate into a paddock go front of the in Home Farm buildings .

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www.countygolfer.co.uk 47

Erewash Valley Golf Club tees off on its new £200,000 driving range project A Derbyshire golf club has started work on a brand new covered 12-bay driving range, which it plans to open up to local schools and members of the public to encourage more people to take up the sport. Erewash Valley Golf Club, in Stanton-by-Dale, Ilkeston is investing £200,000 in the project, which is being built on the club’s practice area and is due to open in summer 2019. The club, which was established in 1905, currently has a membership of 750 people and last year was the runner up in the national competition to earn Golf England’s prestigious Golf Club Golf Mark Award. Local contractors Johnson Aggregates moved onto the site last month and are currently hard at work developing the land, installing target areas and a drainage system. The task is expected to take 18 months, with construction on the bays due to start over the winter in 2018/19. The facility will also include car parking for up to 24 vehicles, while the club will also be planting trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the range to help it blend in with the rest of the course and surrounding area.

Club Chairman Paul Thomas said that the range is vital to the future of the club because it offers members an extra practice facility, will help to raise extra revenue and will encourage more people to play golf, which could help the club to attract new members. He said: “It has taken us six years to get to this stage, which has included getting the plans approved by Derbyshire County Council following a rigorous planning procedure, so we are all extremely excited to see work finally getting underway. “It will be 48 www.countygolfer.co.uk

wonderful for the membership and to be able to offer local schools, groups and individuals who are not members and who have maybe never picked up a club before, the opportunity to come down and have a go. “It is fitting that we have started work on this driving range so soon after being awarded a Golf Mark. The award is given to clubs which demonstrate their commitment to the continuing development and sustainability of the game of golf and that is precisely what the driving range will do for us.”

Erewash Valley Golf Club operates a full 18-hole course and a busy club house and has a range of membership fees, including a taster one-month membership deal for £65 and a number of other attractive offers for the beginner and experienced golfer. Last year was one of the most successful years in the club’s history and included the launch of a brand new elite singles competition, the Erewash Kestrel Open. A complete sell-out, the competition also featured the Quarry Challenge, where golfers had to complete two par-three holes in the course’s famous 90ft-deep quarry feature in just four strokes or fewer.

For more information, visit www.erewashvalley.co.uk and for an artist’s impression of what the driving range will look like visit https://youtu.be/UKuDkDQnPgg Enter online: go to Visitors > Erewash Kestrel 2016 Pictures show: From left, Paul Thomas, Erewash Valley Golf Club Chairman; Jan Lathbury, Ladies Captain; Karl Darby, Club Captain and Louis Willey, Junior Captain, in the club’s practice area, where work on the club’s new driving range has already begun.

SkyCaddie Welcomes Proposed Rule Changes HADDENHAM, BUCKS, UK – SkyCaddie has issued a statement following this week’s announcement by the R&A and USGA that major changes are being proposed to the Rules Of Golf for 2019 onwards.

One of the proposed changes will allow Distance Measuring Devices such as SkyCaddies to be used in all play, except where prohibited by a Local Rule. This effectively reverses the current situation, which states that DMDs can only be used in competition under a Local Rule.

Jacqui Surman, Senior Vice-President International Sales & Marketing for SkyGolf, said: “As the original pioneers of the golf GPS market, SkyCaddie welcomed the 2006 announcement that the Rules Of Golf were to change to allow the use of DMDs under Local Rule.

“This led to an explosion of interest in DMDs, and SkyCaddie was in the vanguard of the innovation and creative product design which followed. These days golfers have access to a wealth of digital information while on the golf course, with SkyCaddies and similar devices now a common sight on golf courses around the world.

“Our commitment to mapping courses with ever-increasing accuracy has never been stronger, and this week’s announcement is further proof that the game’s governing bodies recognise the benefits which Distance Measuring Devices bring to the sport, whether as regards pace of play, or for better golf, or for pure enjoyment.

“Many in the game believe that GPS devices in particular help to speed up play, and SkyCaddie unequivocally supports the R&A and USGA’s call for golfers to be ready to play their shot at all times.

“Since the sport began, golfers have always sought help with distance-measurement – whether from sprinkler heads, yardage books or marker posts – and because of this we have always felt that the use of electronic DMDs is consistent with the principles of the game. This week’s announcement, and the accompanying guidance notes, show that the sport’s rulesmakers agree.

“In summary we wholeheartedly welcome this week’s news, and congratulate the R&A and USGA for adapting their thinking for the demands of the modern game so comprehensively – not only as regards DMDs of course, but also across the whole Rules Of Golf.

We look forward to the finalisation of these proposals in 2018.”

See www.skycaddie.co.uk for the 2017 range of SkyCaddie Distance Measuring Devices.

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Equipment from ÂŁ119

NIKE LUNAR CONTROL VAPOR GOLF SHOE

Lights. Camera. Traction. That is what the Lunar Control Vapor shoe is all about. Not only does this shoe look very sleek with its refined tonal swoosh on the toe, the visible flywire on the mid foot and the classic Nike lines we all know and love but it has taken the world of traction to a completely new level that many people, including Rory McIlroy did not expect.

The Lunar Control Vapor was developed in a rather unique environment. Rory and team of R & D boffins took themselves off to a retreat for 5 days to test all sorts of combinations until they settled on this upper, these materials and this sole. The sole was inspired by the exceptional traction provided by snow mobiles. A series of strategically placed teeth on the sole help to provide incredible traction and increase the efficiency that a golfer can move through the ball. This shoe effectively lets the heel move independently of the lateral foot letting the golfer unleash as much power as possible through the strike.

The track is also very green friendly and this has been rigorously tested by Nike under all weather conditions. This shoe also has a 2 year waterproof warranty, which is just the icing on a perfectly flavoured cake.

50 www.countygolfer.co.uk

UNDER ARMOUR SPIETH ONE GOLF SHOE

from ÂŁ145

Under Armour are a fairly new name to the golf industry but they have been steadily growing year on year. 2017 sees the arrival of the Spieth One golf shoe, designed in conjunction with current PGA Tour high flier Jordan Spieth.

The first thing you will notice when wearing this shoe is the extreme comfort levels when walking, this is thanks for the UA approach to Outsole Flexibility which gives extraordinary stability both when moving between shots and during the swing. There is a new spike arrangement on these shoes as well, designed to maximise torque from the ground up.

The Spieth one is covered by a one year warranty backed by UAStorm Waterproofing system means your feet will stay nice and dry throughout the full round in any conditions.

Available in a wide range of colours these shoes are sure to catch the eye of any golfer and they perform just as well as they look.

www.countygolfer.co.uk 51

MIZUNO JPX 900 DRIVER

from ÂŁ349

We all know how good Mizuno irons and wedges are but little has been known about the driver performance. This is all poised to change with the introduction of the Mizuno JPX 900 driver.

This a serious bit of kit with striking looks and outstanding performance to back it up. In terms of adjustability there are few drivers that can offer the adjustability of the JPX 900 and fewer still that can influence the shot shape by so much (20/30 yards according to Mizuno).

Mizuno have used a multi – thickness face on this driver, which has enabled the engineers to stabilise the face in key areas and increase ball speed across the entirety. This driver boasts a 440CC head shape which will maximise workability but the shape of this driver is not daunting at all, if anything it looks rather friendly.

There are two tracks on the bottom of the JPX 900. One influences shape; draw, fade and neutral while the other influences height; high to low. These tracks work independently of each other so you can really fine tune your needs to maximise your performance.

As with all Mizuno products there is a huge range of shafts and grips available on these metals so once again, you can really get fitted for perfection.

from ÂŁ549

COBRA ONE LENGTH IRONS

This is the one. An entirely new way of thinking about irons from Cobra. Designed in conjunction with part physicist part golfer Bryson DeChambeau these irons will revolutionise the game for so many players.

First of all, the King F7 irons is fantastic in its own right. A new casting process called TECHFLO and the PWRSHELL Face means these irons are very soft feeling, very consistent, look great and are very, VERY long. Now it gets very exciting. All of the irons in this set are the same length as a 7 iron, from the 4 iron to the gap wedge. This means some very simple things; your set up never needs to change, your swing never needs to change, the club always bottoms out at the same point and you will hit the ball more consistently.

The irons are developed with very specific head weights that allows lofts to remain traditional and your distances to be evenly gapped throughout the bag. The golfing world has been blown away by these irons, as we have been at Golfsupport to the extent that Cobra have had to reorder heads within weeks of launch!

One swing. Long irons flying more consistently. Tighter dispersion. Short game improvements. What is not to like? This truly is a simpler, easier way to play.

from £349

POWAKADDY FW3i

The new 2017 PowaKaddy FW3i incorporates the best aspects of the hugely successful PowaKaddy Freeway range. It features a new wide screen display making the trolley even easier to use. The powerful lightweight lithium battery is the thinnest on the market and now comes with a 5 year full warranty.

Complete with a powerful 200 Watt motor and low profile sports quick release wheels, the FW3i is for those seeking unbeatable performance and reliability complete with a 2 year warranty.

The Fw3i has been awarded the Quiet Mark which is an international approved award programme. It recognises technology that has been designed to reduce noise within the design of an everyday machines and appliance. Powakaddy electric trolleys are the first electric trolley to receive this award.

FW3i Features include

• Unique Plug ‘n’ Play™ battery system

• New wide screen display

• High performance low profile PowaFrame Chassis

• Thinnest lithium battery on the market

• Cutting-edge technology ensures your battery discharges less during each round of golf

• Powerful whisper quiet 200w Motor PRO V1 / V1X

from £41.95 per dozen

The New 2017 Pro V1 & V1X are multi-component golf balls that are engineered precisely to provide total performance for players of every ability and delivers unmatched quality and consistency shot after shot.

Pro V1 features a new generation 2.0Zg Process Core which produces longer distance on all shots by lower long game spin and producing fast ball speed. The new spherically tiled 352 tetrahedral dimple pattern provides an even more consistence ball flight on a slight lower penetrating flight than previous Pro V1 models Pro V1X features the original ZG Process Core which produces extraordinary distance on all shots The New spherically tiled 328 tetrahedral dimple pattern again provides the Pro V1x with the most consistent flight ever The main Pro V1 & Pro V1x performance difference: Flight Pro V1 Flies lower than Pro V1x Spin Pro V1 spins less than Pro V1x on iron and short game shots Feel Pro V1 feels softer than Pro V1x 54 www.countygolfer.co.uk

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 Chatsworth Golf Course Chesterfield Golf Club Chevin Golf Club Erewash Valley Golf Club Glossop & District GC 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 South Chesterfield Golf Club Stanedge Golf Club Tapton Park Golf Club 56 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 DE4 5PJ S42 7LA DE56 4EE DE7 4QR SK13 7PU 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 S42 5EA 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 263330 01246 279256 01332 841864 0115 932 3258 01457 853117 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 856044 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 chatsworthgolfclub.org chesterfieldgolfclub.co.uk chevingolf.co.uk erewashvalley.co.uk glossopgolfclub.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 rothervalleygolfcentre.co.uk shirlandgolfclub.co.uk sickleholme.co.uk derby.gov.uk southchesterfieldgolf.co.uk stanagegolfclub.co.uk taptonparkgolfclub.co.uk

County

Golfer Club Directory 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 & Country Club 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 bulwellforestgolfclub.co.uk 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 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

www.countygolfer.co.uk 57

Erewash Valley Golf Club Welcomes New Members

A Golf Club owned and run BY the MEMBERS, FOR the MEMBERS. Construction of our New Driving Range is Underway.

Male, Female, Intermediate and Junior Memberships available to suit all ages and abilities, including Trial to Full 7 Day. Call 0115 9323258 extension 2/4 or 5, or visit www.erewashvalley.co.uk for further details of our exciting Membership Offers, and all the other benefits of membership at

Erewash Valley Golf Club

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Lifestyle Golf Membership Lifestyle Membership from onlyGolf £295.00*

from only Lifestyle Golf£295.00* Membership Available from 1st April 2017 from only £295.00* Available from 1st April 2017 • Affordable & flexible points based •membership Affordable & flexible points based Available from 1st April 2017 membership

• Official CONGU handicap

• Official • Affordable & CONGU flexible handicap points based • Club Competitions membership • Club Competitions

••Online Tee Booking system Online Tee Time Time Booking system • Official CONGU handicap • 18 Hole Championship Manor Course

18 Hole Championship Manor Course • Club•Competitions

••5/7 5/7Day Daymemberships memberships

• Online Tee Time Booking system *Pricebased basedon on55Day Day Lifestyle Lifestyle Membership *Price MembershipPackage Package

• 18 Hole Championship Manor Course Main Road,Morley, Morley,Derbyshire Derbyshire DE7 DE7 6DG Main Road, 6DG ••www.morleyhayes.com www.morleyhayes.com

• 5/7 Day memberships HOTEL || RESTAURANT RESTAURANT || GOLF HOTEL GOLF *Price based on 5 Day Lifestyle Membership Package

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