County
Golfer Winter 2017/18
No.1
Your
e Golf Magazin
DON’T MISS
a rare opportunity to enter the
Yorkshire Challenge! WIN… a round of golf for four at Morley Hayes
PLUS… loads of offers
from local courses!!!
AVAILABLE IN DERBYSHIRE - NOTTINGHAMSHIRE - NORTH LEICESTERSHIRE AND EAST STAFFORDSHIRE
Cover Photo: Lindrick 18th Green
… d e w e i v e R
LINDRICK | NEFYN | ALWOODLEY AND HORSLEY LODGE GOLF CLUB
WINTER GOLF - £25 PER P E R S O N I N C LU D I N G TEA/COFFEE & BACON ROLLS S P E C I A L I S T S I N TA I LO R M A D E S O C I E T Y PA C K A G E S CALL TODAY ON 01332 836 016 MarriottGolf.co.uk Subject to availability. Terms & Conditions Apply. 2 www.countygolfer.co.uk
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County
Golfer
O
Winter 2017/18
ver the winter months, golf clubs have a lot to shout about. There are offers on membership, equipment deals and reduced round rates to name but three. As a golfer it is good to be alert to what’s on offer to ensure that we can enjoy golf at its best every time that we play. In this edition of County Golfer you will find clubs who have plenty to tempt you even if it’s only for a meal while the rain comes down. In this edition we have been delighted to play Lindrick GC, Alwoodley GC and Horsley Lodge GC, and include a report on the Yorkshire Challenge along with a snapshot of a return to Nefyn. We have had some great fun playing golf this year battling through injuries to Newby’s clunking hips, Lefty’s dodgy swing, my ball losses and Spence’s banned socks! During the past 12 months we have had the opportunity to play some great courses and have to thank Fame for her sterling work on the course reports and covering for the sick and lame. We’ve had a great year of golf and our hearty thanks goes to all the clubs that have made our visits a real treat.
Book a course report for 2018 Here at County Golfer we are keen to promote golf in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. If you would like to invite us to play your course, have news about your club or would like to promote it in the magazine please contact us. News: Garry Plant garry@imagespublishing.co.uk Advertising & Course Reports: Scott Burgess. scott@imagespublishing.co.uk
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, James Whatley, Fame Tate Typeset and designed by Alistair Plant & Dave Dykes 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
Most enjoyable course
Most Improved course
Best Breakfast
Ruffford
Breadsall Cavendish
Best Overall
Horsley Lodge
Best Greens
Chevin
Best altitude sickness award
Matlock
Most Progressive
Oakmere
Most improved welcome
Best out of County Course
Alwoodley
Best for corporate
Morley Hayes
Lindrick County Golfer 2017 AWARDS So with no inhibitions, consultations, phone in, email, facebook or public/ private surveys, here is a completely biased view by the County Golfer team of Lefty, Newby, Fame and Spence of the courses we have played in 2017. You may argue if you wish but these are our rules. If you disagree please explain why in full on the back of a postage stamp!
Daftest question of the year at Lindrick: “Did you lose any balls? Strangest experience: Watching drenched people in the pouring rain decide to keep going after 9 holes at Rufford Park GC Unluckiest golfers: Lefty, Newby and Spence for spending another three days getting wet through. Best laugh: Spence being refused entry to Ganton GC by the gatekeeper even before he got out of the car due to wearing shorts and the wrong socks! www.countygolfer.co.uk 5
FROM 1ST NOVEMBER 2017
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Maywood Golf Club,
Rushy Lane, Risley, Derby, DE72 3SW
Tel: 0115 939 2306 or 0115 9490043 (Pro) www.countygolfer.co.uk 7
Living the
Lindrick Ryder Cup Dream 8 www.countygolfer.co.uk
Playing an ex Ryder course is always bound to bring a little extra excitement to a game of golf. Lindrick hosted the Ryder cup in 1957 and so became, if my maths are correct, one of only 18 clubs in Britain to host this prestigious event. If I’m wrong I can only be out by a club or two, which is similar to getting my distances right whilst on the course too!
Gorse, green and manicured fairways, but make sure you are out of the rough.
From start to finish our experience at Lindrick deserves the highest merit. John the professional is probably the most personable pro that you could meet, welcoming and open in his style. And that ran through to Julian Maturi, Paula King (Secretary) and Steven Gee (Greens Chairman) and the bar staff. We couldn’t have wished for a better day out. But did our golf match up to that start? To get any ambiguity out of the way I will say no now! Make no mistake about it this is one tough and enjoyable course. www.countygolfer.co.uk 9
It wasn’t there!
It wasn’t there either! Neither was Lefty’s!
We had the opportunity to sit and relax before the game with Julian, and then after the game with Steve, each time with a beer in hand. That was probably my mistake as I’m sure it affected my game! When we last visited in 2011 we were ushered into a back room to have our drinks as the main clubhouse couldn’t be entered by us lesser souls! Now with the changing of the tide in golf, the clubhouse has been split in two and we could sit looking out at the ninth green in total comfort on the new Chesterfield settees. We even strayed off the mat to buy drinks (an in-house joke there). Julian and Steven both explained how much development is taking place, and that they are two years into a five year plan with award winning course architect Ken Moodie (Creative Golf Design). Dropping out of the worlds top 100 golf courses is bound to hurt, but now is a very exciting time, as after thirty years of only a little investment here and there, large investment and development is taking place which can only make the members happy and bring to them a course that remains challenging and picturesque, whilst it still retain it’s natural appeal. There aren’t many 10 www.countygolfer.co.uk
courses around that can boast “we don’t play off mats in winter, neither do we have temporary greens and, based mostly on limestone, it drains really well”. Put all that together with gorse and wild flowers now popping through after developments have reawakened them, you can’t wish for more. The rough is a bit of a devil though! Whilst most courses have decided to speed up the game by making the rough easy to play out of, thereby getting more people on the course (good or bad I’ll let you judge), Lindrick still has quite a large amount of rough much to Newbys annoyance but, as I pointed out, “If you stay on the fairway it isn’t a problem”. Steve told us that as part of the current plan, this is being addressed over a period of time but in a sympathetic way which will still leave a very challenging course. It would be a shame to take away this element of the course in my view as I enjoyed waking amongst the flowers looking for our balls, due to the most wayward shots, as the excitement got to us when teeing off. Spence made one of his best tee shots at the 15th only to lose it in the ‘mine hole’ to the left. If he had only stayed straight it would just about
The lads keenly fight this one out. It all ended in laughs - I think!
www.countygolfer.co.uk 11
reached the green. So a possible par was ruined.
Our round.
We were supplied with two baskets of balls, course planners, scorecards, buggy and complimentary ball markers before we set out, and so the driving range was our destination. It was here that I played some of my best golf shots, nice and straight with good distance. If only it had lasted for the next four hours. Driving off from the immaculate tee on the first, down onto a sculptured fairway needed extreme concentration as you are in view of everyone who pretends not to be watching( but they are). The same is true on the 18th as people sit drinking, trying to not show they
12 www.countygolfer.co.uk
are glancing sideways at you. We all do it and pretend we don’t care. Anyway , my shot went right and into the rough thereby losing my first ball. I’m sure that triggered the “ball reaper” into action, as we called him for the rest of the round. How come he finds them and we can’t is my question. We had decided to play Stableford and it was neck and neck right up to the 13th, at which point Newby and Lefty edged ahead by a point, and then held onto it and extended their lead. If only Spence had gone straight on the 15th instead of into the ‘mine’! We did pull a point back on the
16th as I had my best drive, fairway, bunker shot, and two puts. That was the story of my round where I found out the work on the new bunkers was going really well. One member complained that he always went into the bunker on one hole (I can’t remember which). Basically it is the bunkers fault! The bunkers are undergoing a makeover, being reshaped and made more visible from the tee.
drive to favour the right, so I went straight. I love these golf reports that tell me that they did as requested, I’m sure they don’t’. I tried right, but went straight and that’s the truth. My ball was in front of the bunker and a 5 iron saw me just right of the fairway, which left a tricky shot to the green which I didn’t make in one but saw a nice chip and two puts give me the deserved 6. I think I peaked too soon here.
I’ll tell you my favourite holes and explain why. The second is a great dogleg left. We were playing off yellows (cowards) so it was 347 yards. At stroke index 6 it was a test early on for us, so I got a 6. The course planner said to play your
The greens were in superb condition and got a high accolade from Spence ,“ The best I’ve played on this year and that includes Canton”. A real feather in Lindricks cap there and I couldn’t agree more. They were quick, accurate and beautifully manicured. The 5th is a tough hole at 424 yards, and again I carded a 6 whilst the lads were busy doing 5’s and 4’s. The harder I tried the worse I got and followed up with three 7’s one of them on a stroke index 16 because of a lost ball. If I could blame the course I would, but I was careless off the tee and just lost confidence for a while. “I don’t think golfs my game” I said to Spence... “Have you only just realised?” He fired back. A bit harsh there I thought but that’s golf. You have to take the honest criticism as well as the praise - if there is any! The stroke index 1 13th is a belter of a hole. Get away well here and you’re onto a winner, if you manage to miss the bunkers nestled to the left, there is a great chance of a birdie. Lefty (who was starting to get things right with shot placement and picking up points), and Newby flew past the bunkers giving them an easy green shot whilst Spence, who was carrying me as well as his bag, went screaming off left somewhere only to lose his ball. Four at the 18th (a Mackenzie inspired hole) was such a relief for me, Newby and Spence got Pars. It was a funny hole because Spence decided he would use his wood and landed on the bank at the back. We all missed the green completely and had to chip on from various angles. Finishing on a Par 3 is quite unusual but it’s not a hole to take for granted as club choice is vital. Spence, who is a single handicap player over-clubbed. I enjoyed that! The club over the past few years has attracted younger members who are keen to see the course develop. We smiled when Julian told us that after ten years he was stillconsidered “new”. Steve’s been there 20 years (his dad was captain in the 60’s ), and Steve’s ‘New’ too. Golf ’s a funny game. We all know our place and I know that Lindrick beat me hands down. Full marks to you. Out thanks to John, Julian, Steven, Paula, the staff and The grim ‘sorry’ Ball reaper for a great day. If you haven’t played Lindrick in the past few years it’s a definite must for your calendar. www.countygolfer.co.uk 13
Horsley Lodge 14 www.countygolfer.co.uk
Course Report: On Wednesday 1st November, I was accompanied by my usual crew of Margaret Miller and Jean Flavell to Horsley Lodge Golf Club, Derby to do my final course report of the year. It was a lovely autumnal day so we were all looking forward to getting out on the course.
Kevin Lock, the head professional was very accommodating booking our round with very little notice. The first thing to impress us about Horsley Lodge was the imposing club house and the impressive fountain as we drove in through the gates. We didn’t have much time when we arrived at the club so we went straight into the professionals shop to register, buy a bobble hat and then swiftly went to the first tee. The 1st hole was a challenging 414 yard par 5 with a fairway sloping right to left all the way to the green. This didn’t prove to be such a problem when we played due to damp conditions however, in summer I bet there would need to www.countygolfer.co.uk 15
be much more consideration regarding the slope. We all got off to a good start and were happy to be out in the fresh air playing golf. The first few holes were all very pleasant, offering a fair but reasonable challenge. The last few holes on the front nine required more thought off the tee with some tricky approaches to the greens. The 7th hole was a 369 yard par 4, dog leg left, where you needed to take aim at a tall marker post in the distance. However, the brave and longer hitters could favour the left side of the fairway. I hit my tee shot straight at the marker post, which left me with an 8 iron to the two tiered green. I was a little bit cautious and went for the centre of the green to avoid the large bunker short right of the green. The 8th hole is a picturesque short par 4, requiring accuracy off the tee, as water runs all the way down the left side of the hole. I played for position off the tee, with a 5 wood, which left me with a good angle into the green. To finish the front nine is a super par 3 to an elevated green, with out of bounds to the left. We all came up short due to under clubbing‌..maybe it was the fear of hitting a ball through the conservatory window of the clubhouse!!!! We had a nice break at the half-way house, where they served us home made soup. However, there was also a wide variety of other hot food available. The 10th hole was a nice start to the back nine with a relatively straight forward 449 yard par 5. However, as we moved onto the 11th tee (firstly investigating the lovely stone weather shelter), things started to look a little more tricky. It was a blind tee shot and because we didn’t realise where we were going, we had no idea that there 16 www.countygolfer.co.uk
www.countygolfer.co.uk 17
was a stream running across the fairway nearer the green. I paid the price and should have kept my driver in the bag off the tee. Needless to say, Margaret and Jean hit great drives over the hill and down the middle of the fairway. From there, they had to lay up, short of the stream before making their approach to the green.
reputation of being one of the hardest holes in Derbyshire and proved a little bit costly for the group. For the higher handicappers it is important not to leave a long approach shot into the green as there is water surrounding the green. Both the 17th and 18th were tough holes to finish.
We then moved on to the short par 3, 12th hole before heading to the 13th hole, which for me was a real risk and reward shot from the tee. I went over the corner of the trees whereas the more sensible play would be to favour the right side of the fairway, avoiding the trees and the pond. Favouring this side of the fairway leaves you with a great angle into the green. The 17th hole is not particularly long in length, 373 yard par 5, stroke index 1, however it has the
18 www.countygolfer.co.uk
All in all, we had a lovely day and thoroughly enjoyed our round. The course provides challenges for all abilities, with some thought required off the tee, despite your length, with some tricky undulating, tiered greens. The course flowed in a seamless fashion, showcasing lovely water features, pampas grass, stone walls, shrubbery and colourful wild flowers. The course was in good condition for the time of the year however, we all commented on how nice it would be to have the opportunity to play it in the summer.
An East Midlands Top 5 Course* *Source Golfshake 2017
STAY & PLAY £40 OFF a room* Nov 1st – Feb 28th *Quoting CGM, 2 sharing
Great Society Rates at Horsley Lodge Golf Club
Look online at Horsleylodge.co.uk
This Winter and Next Spring…
Or call Bev on 01332 780838
Horsley Lodge, Horsley, Derby, DE21 5BL Minutes from M1 and A38
Chevin Golf Club Duffield
New 6 or 7 day members paying subscription in full in January – No more fees due until April 1st 2019
Chevin Open Golf Week
Sat 18th August to Friday 24th August 2018 Chevin Golf Club will be holding an Open Competition every day during the week 18th to 24th August 2018 Individual, Team and Mixed competitions will be held throughout the week. Entry Fees £10 per person per competition All winners will have to provide a C/Hcap certificate Further details and application forms; phone 01332 841864 Email – manager@chevingolf.co.uk Chevin Golf Club Ltd Golf Lane Duffield. Derbys DE56 4EE
20 www.countygolfer.co.uk
www.chevingolf.co.uk
Office 01332 841864 Professional 01332 841112 manager@chevingolf.co.uk
Ruddington Grange Golf Club weddings • golf • corporate events • conferences
WINTER OFFERS Monday: 18 holes & coffee & bacon £17 18 holes & 1 course meal: £21 Tuesday to Friday: 18 holes & coffee & bacon £20 18 holes & 1 course meal £25 Sunday: 18 holes & coffee & bacon £22 18 holes & 1 course meal £26
Call the pro shop on: 0115 9214139 Wilford Road, Ruddington, Nottingham NG11 6NB www.ruddingtongrange.co.uk | info@ruddingtongrange.co.uk
Newark Golf Club E S T A B L I S H E D 1901
1st October 2017 to 31st March 2018 Winter Package
£26.00
Option A
Option B
18 Holes of Golf & All Day Breakfast
18 Holes of Golf &
By Arrangement breakfast may be taken before or after golf Breakfast before 10.30 am can only be provided to groups of 8 or more.
Home-made Chicken & Leek Pie with Creamed Mash or Home Made Chips and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian alternatives are available.
Additional Catering options are available on request. Packages are available all day Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday by arrangement and Tuesday after 11am Please check for availability by contacting Golf Bookings on 01636 626282 Option 1
www.newarkgolfclub.co.uk • Tel: 01636 626282 • manager@newarkgolfclub.co.uk Sleaford Road, Coddington, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 2QX www.countygolfer.co.uk 21
The
Alwoodley Golf Club Variety, natural beauty, risk and reward
The 7th green. 22 www.countygolfer.co.uk
There are not many courses which ‘Spence’ raves about. “Lefty you need to arrange to play Alwoodley for the magazine, I have played it and it’s now in my top 5” he exclaimed. “Alright” I replied, “I’ll get on to it”. Little did Spence know that we had already been invited up to play and see the improvements that Alwoodley have made to both the clubhouse and to the course. But don’t tell Spence that, he thinks I’m a hero for arranging this course report.
www.countygolfer.co.uk 23
Alwoodley, if you didn’t already know is a Dr Alistair Mackenzie course, which means it has the Mackenzie ethos of variety, natural beauty, and risk/reward shot making. Even today, the club has not changed the original layout of the course but what they have managed to do is introduce championship tees which lengthen the course to 6,900 yards which has helped them attract some prestigious competitions such as the R&A Open Regional Qualifying Competition. They have though implemented improvements such as management of the rough and semi rough, reducing the irritation of searching for lost golf balls. Let’s face it, we are not professionals and play most of our golf out of the rough. Course architect Ken Moodie was called in to reinstate several original bunkers which help challenge and improve the spectacle of the course. This, along with the full refurbishment of the stunning club house has put Alwoodley in a very strong position going forward. Needless to say, when Spence found out we were playing Alwoodley he got his name down quickly leaving Newby to cover the office and take out the post! Arriving at Alwoodley you know you are in for something special as the club house has the look of a French Chateau. Food is ordered via a phone on the bar and I would highly recommend the full English. The pro-shop is just to the side of the first tee and is very well stocked. The locker rooms have just been refurbished with the gent’s shower rooms more akin to a Mayfair hotel. Alwoodley limits itself to just over 300 members, so the course does not get worn out and as a member you don’t need tee times, you just turn up and play. Standing on the first was a very excited Spence who could not wait to get going, so I let him go first and he hit a beauty. I did the same, it’s always nice to get a good tee shot away in front of the club house. The overall feel of the course is of a natural moorland with fairway cutting through heather, whins and shrubs, with wellplaced bunkers and large undulating greens which, even on this rainy day, were immaculate and playing fast. There are some great holes on this course as you can imagine. On the front 9 holes, 3 especially stood out; a 489yard par 5 with a long sweeping undulating fairway lined by heather and ‘well placed’ bunkers. It just looks so pleasing to the eye. The 6th is also a 391yard par 4 where you stand on an elevated tee looking down onto the fairway that sweeps to the left in true Mackenzie style and you can see all the hazards up to the green. 24 www.countygolfer.co.uk
Spot the fox......not Lefty!
A great opening hole. www.countygolfer.co.uk 25
The par 3 11th.
Here a good drive will see you with a cracking second shot to the green, that’s if you hit it of course. Unfortunately, Spence found one of these ‘well placed’ bunkers and only on the 3rd shot did he managed to get out! The stroke index 1, the 8th, is a par 5, 499 yards long. This is a true dog leg left and the approach shot to the green is just stunning, very picturesque. For me the next few holes were my favourites, the 9th, 10th and 11th are some of the very best holes I’ve played in a long time, in fact it’s holes like these that set Alwoodley ahead of their neighbours and that’s saying something. Over all we had a great day and even thought our golf was not the best, it did not matter as we had just played the best golf course of our year and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Alwoodley has to be on your ‘to play’ list and despite the prestige that comes with Alwoodley, they really want you to come and play. One of the members caught us in the car park and reflected the same ethos as Julie the Secretary, “they know they have something very special here, but they want others to have the Alwoodley experience too”. There is a reason this course is in Spence’s top 5, in fact I guarantee that after you have played here you will become one of those people, just like Spence, saying “haven’t you played Alwoodley yet?” Well I’ll leave that with you. It’s worth noting that whilst we were there, a journalist from ‘The top 100 golf courses’ was playing the course. As it stands, it’s ranked at No.13 though this may soon change. Personally I believe it deserves to be higher!
Great accuracy required on the 9th 26 www.countygolfer.co.uk
The Trip for Golfing Connoisseurs Two of England's finest inland courses are more accessible than you think and are conveniently less than 1 mile apart in North Leeds. Â www.alwoodley.co.uk
Both courses which were designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie, architect of The August National, have played host to a number of the most prestigious golfing events and provide the perfect setting for a classic golfing break.
www.moortown-gc.co.uk
for golf break packages visit - www.whiterosegolfbreaks.co.uk www.countygolfer.co.uk 27
Be a part of a rich history in the Yorkshire Challenge
Appleyard and Foster hold on to finish a point clear of Lindrick’s Maturi and Gill in the three-day Yorkshire Challenge A BIRDIE on the final hole of the three-day Yorkshire Challenge earned Howley Hall’s James Appleyard and Miles Foster the title of Supreme Champions for 2017. The annual three day event which is one of the biggest competitions for club golfers in the country saw more than 220 pairings compete at the county’s trio of courses that have staged the Ryder Cup. Appleyard and Foster closed with 38pts at Ganton after accumulating 44pts at Moortown followed by 44pts at Lindrick. Yorkshire county player and England U21 international Gill and his part time caddie Maturi did their best to overhaul Appleyard and Foster’s 36-hole advantage with a tally of 40 around their home track but it was just not enough. They did, however, win the Ganton division with 43 42 40. Appleyard and Foster triumphed in the Moortown division (44 44 38) and Bawtry’s Neale House and John Davies won the Lindrick division after carding 44 40 38. The three divisions are named after the course on which the pairings began their pursuit of the overall and series contests with prizes for divisional and daily triumphs. Appleyard and Foster will not have known it, but a no-point return on hole eight, which led to a 17-point outward total on the last day, meant Maturi and Gill – with 20pts after nine – had drawn level. However, Foster had a net eagle at the 13th worth four points and Appleyard birdied the next two and, crucially as it transpired, the very last hole of the 54 at Ganton that proved to be decisive. Maturi and Gill had two birdies on the front nine and two more on the back, but had to settle for runner-up spot in the overall Challenge. Entries for the 2018 Yorkshire Challenge open in December for the event which normally is fully subscribed in a matter of weeks. Further details can be found at http://yorkshirechallenge.co.uk 28 www.countygolfer.co.uk
Yorkshire Challenge Yorkshire Challenge September 2018 5 -57- 7September 2018
Enjoy Three Days Competitive Golf at Three Historic Ryder Enjoy Three Days Competitive Golf
Cup Venues Enjoy Three Days Competitive Golf at Three Historic Ryder Better Ball Format - Leaders out Last on Day Three Cup Venues At Three Historic Ryder For more information and details of how to Cup enter visitVenues
Yorkshire Challenge Better Ball Format - Leaders out Last on Day Three yorkshirechallenge.co.uk
5 - 7 September 2018 Yorkshire Challenge
Better Ball Format - and Leaders out onenter Day visit Three For more information details of Last how to Entries open online 11 December yorkshirechallenge.co.uk 5 7 September Enjoy Three Days Competitive Golf at2018 Three Historic Ryder Ganton Moortown Lindrick One of the leading club golfer events in England Cup Venues Enjoy Three Days Competitive Golf at Three Historic Ryder See the website all the -detail and out how to preon register your pairing Better Ballfor Format Leaders Last Day Three Cup Venues
For more information and details of how toLindrick enter visit Ganton Moortown For more information and details of how to enter visit yorkshirechallenge.co.uk Better Ball Format - Leaders out Last on Day Three
yorkshirechallenge.co.uk
210mm high x 147mm wide
Ganton Moortown Moortown Lindrick Ganton Lindrick
Since August, I have had the pleasure of working on The Derbyshire Golf Project as a community golf coach, due to a grant from Sport England of £10,000 to grow participation and grow the game of golf in the Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire Area. The grant is being used to raise the profile of golf out in the local community, to encourage people to take up the sport and hopefully become golf club members.
FAME TATE
The aim is to take the sport out into local parks, schools, organisations and businesses, with the help of a new inflatable and portable net, which means someone can try swinging a golf club and hitting a ball away from the traditional greens and fairways of a course. The use of the inflatable net has been hugely beneficial for me as I have literally been able to take golf to the community. Two projects where this served as the initial pull were with Ashgate Hospice Care and at the freshers fair, Chesterfield College. At the hospice, staff and volunteers were able to hit some balls and play some games in the lovely gardens. At the freshers fair, I engaged 93 students all of whom hit many balls in the net. The follow up in terms of sustained coaching from these two groups alone has been incredible. I currently have two groups from Ashgate Hospice coming to regular sessions at the driving range at Tapton Park every Tuesday and Wednesday evening. “As employees of Ashgate Hospice Care our mantra has always been ‘living for everyday’ and this encourages us to take up every opportunity that is given to us. We all jumped at the chance to have a few golf lessons but were anxious at the thought of not being very good! It turns out, thanks to Fame, that we aren’t half bad! This golfing opportunity has definitely enriched our lives and we couldn’t be more thankful to the
project.” I also have a group of Sports Students from Chesterfield College coming every Monday morning, who have signed up for an eight week block of coaching. There is also an additional group from the college who have signed up to start in January. The feedback that I have already received from these groups has been amazing and really highlights what a positive initiative this project is. The ladies from Ashgate Hospice have said: “I’d never held a golf club before taking part in this scheme/ initiative and I can’t believe what I’ve been missing. I really look forward to going down to the driving range each week with my colleagues. I’m definitely developing a love for the game.” “Fame is an amazing instructor/coach. She will advise you to make the tiniest tweak/ amendment to your swing - bend your knee / move your feet/shift your weight - then you hit your next ball another 50 yards than before. I don’t know how she does it. It feels like magic.” “I’ve had a couple of hours of group coaching now, and sometimes I hit a great a drive/shot, and sometimes I miss the ball completely. What is guaranteed though is how much fun I’ve had every session.” “I would recommend anyone to take up this opportunity. I’ve been attending the driving range with staff from a different department to me. I knew them professionally before, but now we’ve definitely bonded. I’ve even left my desk at lunchtime and eaten with them in the canteen - the topic of
Left to right: Carla-Louise Hind, Heidi Golden, Aimee Peacock, Lynn Jones, Beth Cole, Josanne Richardson
conversation was of course golf !” Kerrie Robertson, Student Enrichment Coordinator, Chesterfield College: “We are really excited to be working with Fame and the Derbyshire Golf project. Our students have really embraced the sessions and love every minute. The majority have never played golf before so taking them out of their comfort zone and watching them develop over each session is great to see. Our students are learning a new sport, developing new skills and also accessing the fantastic facilities at Tapton.” Unit 1 sports club which is based on Brimington Road, Chesterfield, also signed up to the project. This is a local fitness and martial arts facility, providing a wide range of classes including karate and kickboxing. 23 of its students came to Tapton Park to have a go along with Sensei Dave Cartawick, who said: “This was something totally new to all of us. To say we were out of our comfort zone is an understatement. Fame soon put us at ease and we were soon hitting balls for fun. It was interesting to see how some of our Martial Arts stances and skills were transferable to golf. A few of our team have now carried on with weekly sessions. I must admit, I am now hooked and will be continuing on my personal golfing journey. In conclusion, a great day was had by all.”
Nigel Furniss, Development Officer for the Derbyshire Golf, said: “Our target now is to introduce 800 people to golf and hopefully excite them to want to continue in the game and hopefully join a club, but more importantly become a lifelong participant in a sport which brings so many health and social benefits.” I personally am so thrilled to be working on this project as my passion as a coach is getting more people playing the game. The sessions I have already planned and delivered have been a fantastic success and encouraged a wide variety of people to give golf a go. It is so incredibly satisfying to see people who have never had a go before, hitting the ball great on the driving range. To see their reaction and the enjoyment that they are getting from hitting balls is an absolute pleasure to watch and makes me feel privileged to be a golf coach.” For more information about getting involved with this project, please contact Fame on: 07500931759
Before I finish my article for the year, I just wanted to mention that last month, I had the pleasure of playing with two of the girls that I coach, Eva Myers and Evie McNeil in the Derbyshire Ladies Centenary Salvers at Broughton Heath Golf Club. It was a scramble event over nine holes. We were in the non-congu category, which I can proudly say, we won! I was absolutely thrilled for the girls and it was lovely to step aside from a coaching role and play with them in this event. They have both had great success on The Derbyshire Futures Tour this year. A big thank you to Alice Lowe, for doing such a brilliant job again organising the tour. Well done and good luck for 2018, not just to Eva and Evie but to all the juniors that I coach. The progress that you are all making is incredible and a pleasure to see.
To all of my County Golfer readers ...see you in the Spring! www.countygolfer.co.uk 31
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.
What a Game Golf is
I start this article with the statement ‘What a game of golf is’ because when I sit back and think a little deeper about the game of golf and put it all into context, what a truly fantastic, frustrating but rewarding game it is. This may sound a little deep but there aren’t many other games like it. There are so many different elements to it, so many ups and downs along the way but you will all know that feeling when you hit that one sweet shot out of the middle of the club. It’s that shot that keeps us coming back for more. I can honestly say I love the game of golf, the history of it, what it teaches you about life, the standards and most of all, I have met so many fantastic people through it. It doesn’t seem that long ago that I would happily be up at the club as a junior member and play 36 holes without thinking, sometimes more. I was chasing that swing thought or feeling that may help me master it. It would last for maybe two shots or even a few holes but then it would go again. As I got older it may last for a few rounds but now I am wiser ( still a lot to learn ) we will never master the game, with this in mind we must respect it. When we are playing well, enjoy it whilst it’s there but when it’s not going your way, stay patient because it’s golf and it’s not meant to be easy. My job as a coach is not to see if we can master it, but enjoy it and see if we can keep those good shots there that little bit longer.
My playing season
It’s been a strange year on the course for me, without lighting it up I’ve had a successful year . With missing the first Midland Order of Merit for being in sawgrass, the chances of doing well were slim. I managed to finish 17th with the highlight being a 7th in the last event, the Midland PGA Championships.
Normally I can say I had the same swing thought for most of the season, putted the same throughout the year but this year I can’t do that. Physically I haven’t been great since breaking my ribs, I decided I would just play golf and see how I felt on the day as to how I would swing it. Now this may seem like I’m going against what I would tell my clients, but it was fascinating to see the results. It all started after a bad round at the Glazerite trophy in July. I was struggling with my back and couldn’t get through it so in the 2nd round I decided to stand 45 degrees open with my feet and just hit a big fade. 65 shots later I thought I was on to something. The next day I shot the same, 7 under 65. Wowwwww I thought. This thought process lasted about 2 weeks. The magic started to wear off so I went back to hitting a draw. Great, a few more success’ and I was honestly loving the chance to play golf how it felt best on that day.
When I write this down, it would seem crazy to be doing anything other than I was doing, making myself swing the club against my body’s will if you like. When it came to my putting, something that I have prided myself on over numerous years I decided from 5ft and in I was going to look at the hole. It was good enough for Jordan Speith, it was good enough for me. I started striking the putts a little firmer than usual and the results were great. Sometimes from further out I would look at the hole, but this may seem strange, right until the last second of pulling the putter back I didn’t know if I was going to look at the ball or the hole. I just went with what felt right. All this for someone who likes routines, doesn’t like change, and was an absolute revelation for me. It probably seems like I’ve been on some strange drugs, but I promise I haven’t. All I have done is play golf how it felt best on that particular shot or day. I have kept my stats for the 9th consecutive year and here are the results. You will see there is a consistent pattern in most areas. The green boxes are my best years. I had a lot of PB’s last year but I was closer with a few this year. It was pleasing to see me hit the most amount of fairways this year, especially since I switched to the new Cobra Driver.
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Questions and answers
I do a lot of corporate events and get asked a lot of different questions when I am doing the after dinner speaking, so I thought I would share some of the questions and replies.
Q. Who is the best player I have ever seen hit a ball? I was lucky enough to go to watch the World Golf Championship at Valderama in 2000 for my 18th birthday and I walked around with Tiger Woods. Wow.. to see him at his prime was simply amazing. He was so strong at set up, and stable throughout his swing. Q. A.
What is your favourite course? Apart from the obvious, Morley Hayes, it has to be Royal Birkdale for a links course and Sawgrass for a parkland course. From the point of a golfing location, I absolute love St Andrews, what a place. It’s magical!
Q. A.
What advice would you give to any up and coming junior? Enjoy the game and be independent. I see too many kids who look like they are doing it for the wrong reasons. I can honestly say my parents didn’t push me once. They never entered me into one event, I did it all myself because it’s what I wanted. Too many young players have everything done for them.
Q. A.
What shot don’t you like hitting? I love them all. I can’t admit to not liking a shot can I.
Q. A.
What’s your thoughts on slow play? It’s a big problem and could be solved easily. Instead of a marshal going around the course, all scorecards must be handed in after 4 hours, failure to do so would result in a DQ and banned from the next event. Everyone then would play quicker. If only it was that easy.
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.
Congratulations to the GB and Ireland PGA Cup Team
I must mention the fantastic win by the Great Britain and Ireland PGA Cup team against the USA at Foxhills in September. The PGA Cup is a biannual event played in the same format as the Ryder Cup and is for Club Professionals. The GB & I team didn’t just win but won by 6 points. Watching it on Sky recently brought back memories of when I played in 2007. The main picture is me hitting the first tee shot of the event. It went straight down the middle, my face even looks a little surprised at this. A great achievement and I will be doing my best to get into the next team in two years time.
Morley Hayes
With the winter just around the corner, one thing I can promise is that Morley Hayes will be on proper greens and tees this winter. So if your course is closed why don’t you come and have a game. We won’t make you play off winter mats in the fairway (or the rough), we won’t make you tee the ball up in the fairway or move it to the rough, and best of all if you register for a Morley Hayes privilege card you can get cheap greens fees.
Visit www.morleyhayes.com to get your card today. 2018 will be a very exciting year, we will have a teaching and custom fitting bay built, this will give us more privacy when coaching and allow us to offer our clients the chance to purchase fitted clubs from EMGA.
East Midlands Golf Academy 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.
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 You can book your lessons online at www.emga.co.uk
TRACK YOUR DISTANCE, CLUBHEAD SPEED, PATH, FACE ANGLE AND MANY MORE THINGS
SAM PUTT LAB www.countygolfer.co.uk 35
THE NEW MINI 1499 GT The latest special edition to join the MINI UK line-up celebrates the brand’s rich heritage with a nod to one of the best known sporty classic Minis of all time, the 1275 GT. Available to order now, the 1499 GT recalls the entertaining drive, distinctive styling and low running costs of the 1969 original, which was one of the most affordable performance cars of its day. The 1275 GT badging reflected the increased engine capacity over the standard 998cc Mini. The all-new MINI 1499 GT treads a similar path for 2017. With 102 hp on tap and 0-60mph in 10.1 seconds courtesy
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of its lively Twin Power Turbo three-cylinder engine, the 1499 GT is perfect for drivers seeking an entertaining drive and unique vehicle. The 1499 GT will be built in a limited production run of just 1,499 cars between November 2017 and February 2018, and is sure to be in high demand. For the launch of the 1499 GT, MINI Financial Services has launched an enticing new finance offer. MINI Ready Fuel Go* offers one year’s inclusive insurance (subject to terms**) with a £299 customer deposit and £299 monthly payment. On the road pricing starts at £16,990. There will be a choice of two colours, Pepper White or Midnight Black. In Midnight Black, the car gets distinctive gold 1499 GT side stripes. Pepper White models feature the same distinctive graphics, but in black.
Additional exterior features include the MINI John Cooper Works Sport Pack, featuring 17” Track Spoke alloy wheels in Black, dark tinted windows and white indicator lenses. The styling pack includes distinctive John Cooper Works front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a split level spoiler and John Cooper Works door entry plates. Interior features include John Cooper Works Sports seats in Dinamica and leather and JCW badges, a JCW steering wheel in perforated leather with Chilli Red stitching and multifunction controls, cruise control, a Visual Boost radio with MINI Connected smartphone compatibility and Piano Black interior trim, along with Carbon Black interior details and an Anthracite headlining. A sports suspension completes the MINI 1499 GT package, which also includes all of the standard equipment found on the MINI One Hatch. This includes features such as independent rear suspension, a six-speed manual gearbox with sports-car inspired rev matching technology, air conditioning and all-round disc brakes.
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Chilwell Golf Club Report FIVE ROUNDS, 12.5hours; 17 miles, 90 holes; 346 nett score - what an achievement!! The above facts speak for themselves! Our Captain, Phillip Twells first tee'd off at 4.20am supported by his son Martin and son-in-law Simon. Bill Millichip joined the Captain for the first two rounds but fell by the wayside exhausted. Colin Talkes walked the third round with the Captain and video'd his game. We should get some great footage, to be used at an appropriate point in the Captains year, once Colin has downloaded it. Our Vice-Captain Alan, his wife, James Pegg, Frank Carter, Pete Bradley, Nigel Smith and Terry Adam all turned out to assist and support the Captain throughout the remaining final three rounds. He completed his 90th hole at 5.40pm having taken only a 40minute break throughout the day. He chose to refuse the buggy we made available to him and completed all 90 holes on foot. Many members generously contributed charity donations in the clubhouse and the
Walk Derbyshire’ is available through selected outlets around the County for a charge of ONLY £2.99
BOOK 3 ON SALE NOW
HARDWICK HA
LL
‘Hardwick Hall – more a stile, then glass than down a rough she was never wall’, runs making its path the Derbyshire way able to enjoy rhyme. Even tree roots into over ankle jarring its splendours, often remem a small valley though Bess of Hardw bered, Elizab . eth, Count ick as she Climb matriarchal ess of Shrew is more out of founder of the valley sbury, four the Caven path into by a stepp times marrie dish dynas woodland. ed ty, planned d accolade for Hardwick of a lifetim to beThe e’s achiev thewood you ement. are in is called Spenc
13
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er’s Wood, Lady after Duchess of Devonshire,Georgiana fifth Duke. An ancestor wife of the The Ha Princess of of Diana rdwick Wales, she Inn spirited woma was a high Traditional Home Cooke with politics n who involved hersel 7 Days a week of the time, f • Food & Drink d Meals so far as to even going Our Bar Off offer kisses ers 5 Real Ales, s Served All Day as payme to tradesmen nt for their votes Lagers, Spirits & Over the 220 Malt WhiskWines, Whig party. An addict in favour of ed gambl ys er www.Ha rdwickInn Junction 29 .co.uk Tel: 0124 A6175
she gave her and almos husband untold grief, t bankrupted debts. him with her
Walk to the 14 throug end of the wood and ha
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gate into a paddock go front of the in Home Farm buildings. Walk along side the garde Hardwick n wall to Hall, follow right as far ing it to the as the hall return to the car park. and then If time allows the walk can be combined with the hall, finishin an enjoyable tour of block, or Hardwg up in the kitchen ick Inn for and drink. a meal
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Hardwick Hall Old Hall
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Hardwick Lady Spencer’s Inn
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14 More walks with a differ ence - written from Ramblers deep love and in-depth historical knowledge of this inspirational County.
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Colourfully illustrated easy to read maps Currently Available from: • Chatsworth Farm Shop, Pilsley, Derbyshire. • Derby Tourist Information Centre, Derby. • Swadlicote Tourists Information (Sharpes Pottery)
• The Chestnut Centre, Chapel-en-le-Frith. • The Gift Shop, Melbourne Hall Visitors Centre. • Ashbourne Tourist Information. • Crich Tramway Museum • Hassop Station • Images Publishing, Keys Road, Alfreton.
or buy on-line at www.walkderbyshire.co.uk 38 www.countygolfer.co.uk
Issue 3
Fourteen additional carefully selected walks around Derbyshire
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Captain will be collecting the remaining donations from members over the coming few days. The bar has now been set extremely high and our future Captain's, who might be considering challenging this unique record, should firstly be getting medical clearance, spouse permission and psychiatric help!
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Just find the surname of a top 100 golfer in the crossword below and send the name to competitions@imagespublishing.co.uk. Or on a postcard to: Golfer Competition. County Golfer, Unit 5, Office Village, Keys Road, Alfreton, Derbys DE55 7FQ. Entries to reach us by December 20th 2017 First correct entry drawn wins the prize. Terms and conditions apply.
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GOLFER CROSSWORD
WIN A ROUND OF GOLF FOR FOUR at
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Across: 1 Spread quickly 4 Live in the sun 9 Open flower 10 Hang up 12 Tenth part 13 Lack of activity 16 Go home 18 Atom 19 Not out 20 Bisto! 21 Piece of soft material 23 Chamber pot 24 Feeling guilty 27 Worker 28 Not you 29 Leaves 31 Sarcastic 34 Best in gin and tonic! 35 Small incorporation 36 Jury leader 39 Pattern of notes 40 Lettuce 42 Improve 44 Likely to happen 46 Messy 48 Big battle 49 Greek letter 50 Poem Down: 1 Gives in 2 Make remember 3 Tomato/Potato! 4 Award 5 Enough 6 Has experience 7 Venue 8 Child 11 Lasting milk 14 Protects heart 15 Put in 17 Publicly criticizing 20 As 20 across 22 Small 25 Small sore 26 Holy city 29 Spread over 30 Not pretending 32 Vitamin B 33 Impressive 37 Cloth 38 Drink 41 Beans 43 Tap 45 Not new 47 Motorcycle event www.countygolfer.co.uk 39
Fun competition celebrates
The Inaugural Woodthorpe Open! The Woodthorpe Open took place at the Woodthorpe Grange Park pitch and putt course on Sunday 22 October to celebrate the success of the summer’s free Get into Golf opportunities in Nottingham parks. The fun event marked the end of the Get into Golf drop-in sessions, which offered all-comers the chance to try the
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sport with the help of activator Nyle Challinor. Sessions were held across three Nottingham parks – Woodthorpe Grange, Bulwell Hall and Highfields Park – and aimed to show people that golf is a game for all, which is fun, sociable and a great way of keeping fit. Twelve beginners to the game enjoyed an eleven hole pairs
success of golf in the parks Texas scramble around the course, accompanied by breakfast, coffee and prizes for all, organised on the day by Nyle and England Golf ’s Nottinghamshire Club Support Officer, Emily Cheshire. For some, it was their first taste of playing out on a course. Congratulations go to the prize winners on the day – Mark Bertolaso partnered with Alastair Gibbs and Mallory Mercer with Joseph Zulu. Alastair also took home the prize for ‘Nearest the Pin.’ Emily commented “I have thoroughly enjoyed running today for the participants. To see the great standard of golf by all, and for some who hadn’t ever picked up a golf club before May, was great fun. I could see their confidence and enjoyment growing!” One participant said, “Today has been incredible! I didn’t think I’d be able to make it round the pitch and putt but today has given me the confidence to come back on my own and try again! This will definitely help me build up the confidence to go to a driving range and an actual golf club!” New players who enjoyed their golfing experience will now receive information about further opportunities to play and to connect with local golf clubs. This is the second year England Golf and Nottingham City Council have teamed up to take golf into an informal setting as part of the ‘ParkLives’ programme. It is part of England Golf ’s Get into Golf campaign, which offers great value coaching opportunities, and its wider strategy to get more people playing golf more often. Visit www. getintogolf.org for more information. Local golf clubs which are keen to get involved with the project moving into next year and who want to encourage new beginners should contact Emily Cheshire, England Golf ’s Club Support Officer for Nottinghamshire: e.cheshire@englandgolf.org Facebook: @NottsGolf Twitter: @NottsGolf www.nottinghamshiregolf.com
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Countdown to The Open Championship 2020!
H
ere in Kent, the countdown to the staging of The Open Championship 2020 at one of England’s finest links courses, Royal St George’s, has already begun. In fact it’s less than a 1,000 days before the UK’s only major tees off for the 18th time in the county! Don’t leave it too late to come and play a round or two in Kent before the courses get busy as the golfing spotlight turns on the county in the run up to this prestigious tournament. In addition to championship links at Royal St George’s, Royal Cinque Ports, Prince’s (all former Open venues) and Littlestone (a former Open Qualifying course), there are two excellent downland layouts at the London Golf Club, a cliff top gem at North Foreland (also an Open Qualifying venue) and parkland courses with castle backdrops at Hever and Leeds Castles.
Hever Castle Winter Golf Days
Winter Golf & Clubhouse Carvery at Royal Cinque Ports Breakfast on arrival, 18 holes of championship links over a past Open Championship venue and a 2-course carvery in the historic Deal clubhouse for just £100 pp, for a minimum of 12 people, from November 1st until February 28. 01304 374007 www.royalcinqueports.com
The Winter Collection at Prince’s Available Monday to Thursday from November 2017 until March 31st 2018, from just £99 pp, the Winter Collection offers 2 rounds of golf, a 2-course bar evening meal and overnight B&B accommodation for 2 people sharing a twin/ double room (or £130 pp if you’d like to come Friday to Sunday) 01304611118 www.princesgolfclub.co.uk
Littlestone Winter Golf Package
Available from November 1st 2017 until March 31st 2018, Hever Castle is offering groups of 12 or more a golf day for just £39 pp for a coffee and bacon roll on arrival, 18 holes on the Championship Course as well as a Hearty Winter Warmer Meal at the end of the round *Available Monday to Friday and weekends and Bank Holidays on request. 01732 701003 www. hevercastle.co.uk/golf
From November 1st to March 31st 2018, Littlestone is offering 18 holes of championship links, bacon roll and coffee on arrival and a 3-course meal after golf for just £60 pp for a minimum of 10 players, with an additional 18 holes adding just £25 pp to the offer. 01797 363355 www.littlestonegolfclub.org.uk
North Foreland Winter Warmer
Winter Golf at London Golf Club
Available Monday to Friday from November 1st 2017 until February 28th 2018, North Foreland is offering two Winter Warmers; £32.50 pp for one round of golf and a bacon bap and coffee or for £48 pp, one round of golf and a 2-course lunch or evening meal whilst a full English breakfast can also be ordered for just £3 pp! 01843 862140 EXT 1www northforeland.co.uk
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From November 1st 2017 to April 15th 2018, Sunday to Thursday only, London GC is offering 18 holes on its Jack Nicklaus Design International Course, a sausage or bacon muffin and coffee and a 2-course meal post golf as well as a LGC gift, range balls and full use if its practice facilities from £85 pp (must be booked in advance). 01474 879899
& most others
WHITE PEAKS GOLF TROLLEY REPAIRS Quality repairs by authorised service agent using genuine parts Pick-Up & Drop-Off service at the following golf clubs….. • Ormonde Fields Golf Club (workshop) • Cavendish Golf Club • Buxton & High Peak Golf Club • South Chesterfield Golf Club • Sickleholme Golf Club • Erewash Valley Golf Club
JOHN WHITE
01773 528468 | 07970 288992
www.countygolfer.co.uk 43
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27’s heaven at Nefyn!
A recent visit to Wales took me to within a stones throw of Nefyn Golf Club, a course jutting out to sea and the subject of 1000’s of photographs in promotional material around the globe. To a golfer, clubs like Nefyn are like magnets you just can’t go past without having a round and if you don’t have the time, you have to make sure that you go back and play.
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Driving up the lane to the elevated clubhouse and onto the large car park, you are greeted with a fantastic vista. There is a footpath through the course and many people use it purely to enjoy the views that are afforded out on this small peninsula, and to get to the pub that is owned by the National Trust situated on the beach below.
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This is a course that is visited by people from countries too numerous to mention and a must for the serious golfers’ diary. Yes it’s a bit of a trek from the Midlands but then who wouldn’t travel for a round on a course as good as this? The first hole at 446 yards is straight with no sight of a flag anywhere, it’s just over the hill and far away. Whilst putting on the 1st you can hear the sea gently lapping onto the shoreline. A look over your shoulder at the white sands and the expanse of blue reaching out towards Ireland is a must. This place is the stuff of dreams. I am not going to describe every hole, suffice to say the pictures will speak loud enough. It’s up to you to visit and try it for yourself.
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Nefyn is a 27 hole course with a decision to be made after the 11th - whether to play the new or old course. Only a fool wouldn’t play the old course out onto the peninsula ! To say it’s tight on the peninsula is an understatement, but that is mainly in the mind. There is plenty of fairway to aim for, but there is also a lot of water too! A brave person will take the 13th on, and possibly land in the sea! What a hole. Playing the peninsula is a real treat with the sea crashing around you, and on a day with clear blue skies it’s golfing heaven! The great thing about Nefyn is that they are a friendly bunch with visitors from countries far and wide giving an extremely cosmopolitan feel. If you need directions to Nefyn it’s quite simple; drive west from Ambergate until you hit the sea. That should do it. Or just go onto the website and indulge yourself. http://nefyn-golf-club.co.uk
It’s only fair to say that accuracy is quite a good thing here! 50 www.countygolfer.co.uk
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Elegant Doors
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by Elegant Doors Unit 5 Ascot Ind Est, Lenton Street, Sandiacre, Nottingham NG10 5DL Tel: 0115 9399040 www.elegantdoors.co.uk info@elegantdoors.co.uk
54 www.countygolfer.co.uk
Brookfield Joinery
High Class, Bespoke Joinery Manufacturers and Installers.
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Telephone: 07889 237461. Email: info@brookfieldjoinery.co.uk. www.countygolfer.co.uk 55
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
Winter Warmer Weekend Special Offer 18 Holes on the Championship Manor course including a light breakfast or a Pie of the day, chips & peas. ÂŁ29.50 per person Tee times available from 8am 7 days a week Offer available weekends only, valid from 1st November 2017 - 28th Feb 2018. Not available in conjunction with any other Special offer card or voucher. Meals only available on the day of play and are served no later than 5.00pm.
Main Road, Morley, Derbyshire DE7 6DG • Tel: 01332 782000 Web: morleyhayes.com
HOTEL | RESTAURANT | GOLF country golfer A4.indd 1
58 www.countygolfer.co.uk
03/11/2017 13:14
the NOTTINGHAMSHIRE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
“First class golf facilities” “Excellent,*****” “Fantastic for stay & play” Our Latest TripAdvisor Reviews
WINTER WARMERS SOCIETY DAYS FROM ONLY £25 PER PERSON INCLUDING 18 HOLES OF GOLF & LUNCH &
GOLF BREAKS FROM ONLY £99 PER PERSON VISITORS WELCOME 7 DAYS A WEEK *PRICE QUOTED FOR MIDWEEK SOCIETY & SUNDAY DRIVER FROM NOV 2017 - MARCH 2018
“VOTED NO. 1 SOCIETY VENUE IN THE MIDLANDS” For more information on any of our society packages please visit our website at
www.thenottinghamshire.com The Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club Cotgrave, Nottingham, NG12 3HB - 0115 933 3344
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Lifestyle Golf Membership Lifestyle Golf Membership from fromonly only £295.00* £295.00*
Lifestyle Golf Membership Available fromNow! 1st April 2017 Available from only £295.00* ••Affordable pointsbased based Affordable && flexible flexible points membership membership Available from 1st April 2017 OfficialCONGU CONGU handicap handicap ••Official
• Affordable & flexible points based ClubCompetitions Competitions ••Club membership • Online Tee Time Booking system
• Online Tee Time Booking system • Official CONGU handicap
• 18 Hole Championship Manor Course
• 18 Hole Championship Manor Course
• Club•Competitions 5/7 Day memberships
• 5/7 Day memberships
• Online Tee Time Booking systemPackage *Price based on 5 Day Lifestyle Membership *Price based on 5 Day Lifestyle Membership Package
Derbyshire DE7 Manor 6DG • www.morleyhayes.com •Main 18 Road, HoleMorley, Championship Course
Main Road, Morley, Derbyshire DE7 6DG • www.morleyhayes.com Telephone: 01332 | 782000 |
HOTEL RESTAURANT GOLF • 5/7 Day memberships HOTEL | RESTAURANT | GOLF *Price based on 5 Day Lifestyle Membership Package
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