MONTHLY TERN
Green is the word! P2
Course Manager, Matty Smith updates us on the course conditions
Top Tips
Newburgh Pro, Robbie Stewart shares his Top Tips, This month's focus is Putting...
A series of hole in ones at Newburgh!
Newburgh Golf Club is no stranger to some remarkable golfing achievements out on the course, but the recent flurry of hole-in-ones has shocked even the most experienced of golfers.
Since April 1st of this year, the club has seen a handful of its talented golfers claim the elusive prize in official competitions, but the events of October 13th set a new milestone. Not one, but two players aced the same hole on the same day.
The 5th hole at Newburgh - a 201-yard par 3 that challenges players with its downhill slope and bunkers located at the front left and right of the green - saw two unforgettable moments during the Gents Stableford competition. Mr. Patrick Roger and Mr. Kyle MacDonald both sent their tee shots straight into the hole, securing a rare double celebration.
A quick Google search will tell you that the odds of a golfer making a hole-in-one are estimated at around 12.500 to 1 for the average player and
2,500 to 1 for a professional. This helps to give an idea how incredible it is to have two players sink their tee shots on the same hole, on the same day!
The 5th hole at Newburgh, like them all, presents its own challenges. 201 yards downhill with two bunkers that guard the green, it is a real test of any golfer's accuracy. Both golfers rose to the occasion, delivering perfectly struck shots in a competitive setting.
Whilst the achievements of Patrick and Kyle certainly deserve a lot of credit, they are not the only players to achieve this feat since the Hole in One report has started to be tracked. On September 4th, during the Seniors Stableford Competition, Mr. Ian Adie became the first name to be added with a superb shot on the 5th hole. In another club competition, the Gents Medal, Mr. Keith F Watson delivered a stunning ace on the 16th hole. At 160 yards, hole 16 is the shortest on the course, but that does not make it an easy task. The hole presents its own unique challenges, with the beach close to the left hand side and three bunkers protecting the green. These hole-in-ones are registered in the Newburgh
Golf Club hole-in-one report as they were in a club competition, however our member, David Sinclair sank his own hole-in-one this year in a noncompetition format to take the total to five!
The golfers who achieved these hole-in-ones treated their fellow members to a celebratory dram of whiskey in the clubhouse. Spirits were certainly high as members raised their glass to toast to these talented golfers' success.
These moments underscore the beauty and challenge in the game of golf, where focus and skill (and perhaps a little bit of luck!) combine to present you with an unforgettable experience. Congratulations once again to Mr. Patrick Roger, Mr. Kyle MacDonald, Mr. Ian Adie, Mr. Keith F Watson, and Mr. David Sinclair for their spectacular achievements. Here’s hoping this streak of holesin-one continues. L
Seniors Section
Seniors Convenor, Dave Burness, gives all the latest news from the seniors section.
Winter Course Maintenance Update at Newburgh Links
As we enter the winter period at Newburgh Links, the maintenance team has been busy implementing several projects aimed at improving the health and playability of our course.
These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to creating the best possible conditions for both golfers and turf.
Gorse Removal & Rabbit Management
One of our key projects this winter involves the removal of gorse on the 8th hole. This work is being carried out in an effort to control the damage caused by rabbits on the fairway. The removal of gorse helps improve the aesthetic and playability of the hole. We aim to limit the long-term damage that the rabbits can cause to the turf, which is crucial for maintaining a high standard of play.
Tees Aeration, Top Dressing, and Nutrition
Our team has also started coring our tees as part of our ongoing winter maintenance program. This process will be followed by top dressing with sand and the application of essential nutrients. Aerating the tees helps improve soil structure, promotes root development, and ensures better water infiltration. The addition of sand and nutrients will further enhance the quality of the turf, preparing it for the upcoming playing season.
Matty Smith Course Manager
Sand Application
Since June, we have applied 115 tonnes of sand to our greens as part of an ongoing program to improve turf health and soil quality. The sand helps to alleviate compaction, promotes better drainage, and encourages stronger root growth. We will continue this process, as well as carry out smaller aeration activities throughout the winter months. These efforts are crucial to achieving our longterm goal of improving the quality and consistency of our greens.
Greens Testing and Turf Progress
In March, we had our greens tested by Robert from Grassman Turf Solutions, and we recently repeated the testing process last week. The results have shown a dramatic improvement in the quality of the turf and its overall performance. The consistent sand application, aeration, and nutrition have made a significant difference in the health of our greens, and we are excited to continue these practices as we work toward our turf management goals.
Air2G2 Aeration
To further improve the condition of our greens, we brought in Chris Pearson to perform aeration using the Air2G2 machine. This method involves decompacting the soil to a depth of 12 inches, improving drainage, root development, and overall turf health. The Air2G2 is an important tool in our aeration strategy, as it helps address issues of compaction that can restrict water movement and nutrient uptake.
Improvements to the 16th Hole
As many of you will have noticed, we have made some changes to the 16th hole this winter. The primary goal of these modifications is to ensure the hole remains playable for the majority of the winter period, while also preventing golfers from having to walk through muddy, hazardous areas. We hope these improvements will create a safer and more enjoyable experience for players, particularly during wet conditions.
Winter Greens Relocation and Long-Term Planning
In addition to the work on the 16th, we have moved several of the winter greens to new locations. This change is designed to protect not only the main greens but also the surrounds, which we have invested considerable time and effort into improving this season. The relocation will help preserve the integrity of these areas and prevent excessive wear during the winter months.
Looking ahead!
I will be working closely with Robbie and Kenny to discuss further winter projects, as well as explore long-term solutions for some of the problem areas along the back nine near the water. We are committed to maintaining and improving the course to provide the best experience for everyone at Newburgh Links.
As we move through the winter season at Newburgh Links, the team would like to extend a warm welcome to all members and visitors, and we thank you for your continued support and commitment to our community. The dedicated work undertaken here reflects our promise to continuously improve and care for the course, ensuring it remains a top destination for golfers of all levels. From gorse removal to advanced aeration and greens improvements, every project is aimed at creating a safer, more enjoyable playing experience. We look forward to implementing these enhancements, and seeing the results of these efforts in the upcoming season. Thank you for being a part of Newburgh Links, and we wish you a wonderful winter season on the course.
Robbie's Top Tips!
Coaching Tip Month 1 PUTTING
Having now given literally hundreds of putting lessons, I firmly believe that cutting out excess lower body movement is one of the easiest ways to immediately help your putting though improving the consistency and quality of the strike.
If you watch the top players on the TV you will not see any movement with the lower half of the body, from the waist down.
This allows the upper body, especially the shoulders, to rock correctly and create the consistent natural arc that we want the putter head to follow. Most amateur golfers will have some movement with the bottom half - just try looking at your knees when you have a putting stroke and you'll see them move - so cutting out this extra, unnecessary movement can only help.
Practicing your putting stroke with your rear end perched on a chair, as shown in the image, will give you the feeling of a stable lower half as the upper half rocks correctly.
Junior Golf Camp
This 'tattie holidays' Robbie held another successful Junior Golf Camp for the youngsters!
Seven budding young golfers took the course between the 15th and 17th October, to take part in our latest Junior Camp. Even the torrential rain on the 16th, didn't dampen spirits, and Robbie created some fabulous indoor games for them to take part in, as well as making use of the simulator. Here's hoping we have some future members in the making!
This October, we were delighted to welcome guest player, Mr Cobus Clarence from wilbank south Africa. He thought the greens were brilliant
In true Scottish style the weather was terrible be he still managed to birdie 5 holes played off 1.4 �� with my driver and a set of irons that noha used ����
The Greenkeeping Boys New Toy!
Abig thank you to our members! Through various fundraising events we have now taken delivery of our hand mower. The greenkeeping team wasted no time getting it out on the course cutting tees!
Thank You
Grant, Les and all who contributed!
100 Club Winners 100 Club Winners
Kidney Kids Fundraiser
The qualifying competition for the Nationwide Stableford in support of the Kidney Kids Scotland Charity took place on 5 October. The two best scores of 41 points came from D.McKendrick & D.Wallace and C.Parker & M.Hirst (bih). Their names go into the national draw for the chance to win a 4 ball at Royal Dornoch or a 4 ball at the Castle course St Andrews. The winners will be announced in November
Thanks to all who participated and donated we raised £345 to a worthy cause.
Newburgh
Links Ladies
As autumn has crept up on us and winter is just around the corner, our ladies section have decided to hold a 9 Hole Noncounting Competition on Sundays over the closed season.
The format will be 9 hole stableford over the front nine holes. However should the temptation be there to carry on and play the full course then that’s ok, but only the front 9 score will count for the competition. Playing from the red tees, each player’s best 8 scores over the winter months will be added together, the highest cumulative totals will give us our winners. The competitions will be entered on the computer and it will do the maths! Technically the more rounds you play the better your chances should be, but most of us regular golfers know that isn’t necessarily the case!!
In view of the shorter daylight hours over the next few months it is suggested that tee times be booked between 12-12.30, therefore not encroaching on the daylight hours for those wishing to play 18 holes.
All for a £10 entry fee
Any non-member ladies who fancy taking part are welcome to take out a winter membership and come and join us.
Don’t be shy, a warm welcome awaits.
Newburgh Links Annual Prizegiving 2024
The summer golfing season came to an end with the annual prize giving on Saturday 19th October in the clubhouse.
We started the day with a Texas Scramble competition to compete for the ’Greenkeeper’s Trophy’ and were extremely fortunate to have glorious weather.
Despite the hype beforehand (and bringing in a ringer in the form of our own Robbie M) the Greenkeeper’s performance did not match their chat and they were unable to get their hands on their own trophy. The trophy was won by Bill Dowie, Brian O’Neill, Graham Lowe and Dave Burness with an impressive gross score of 60 ( nett 56.2)
After soup and sandwiches we then moved on to the presentation of the prizes by Robbie Stewart. Les Simpson was the MC for the day and proved to be as good at talking as he is at extracting money from people.
Special thanks to Sam Boyle and Paul Marshall for organising the trophies, Vicky Mitchell for making sure that the sandwiches were tasty and plentiful and Les and Robbie for conducting the ceremony.
Feedback from the day has been very positive and it was great to have a busy clubhouse.
Thanks toall who supported the event.
Robbie Stewart, D.Burness, B.O’Neill, G.Lowe, B.Dowie
Summer round up...
Our Summer golf season has now drawn to a close and all competitions have been completed.
In my previous Tern article I reported that Dave Philip held a narrow lead going into the final round of our Stableford championship. Dave proudly held on for the win although it was a very tight affair winning on countback from John Stewart, both on 140 points for their 4 rounds. Well done Dave.
Seniors Open – Thursday 14 November
A reminder that play will be restricted due to daylight hours.
At the time of going to print there is only 1 complete tee time (11:18) and a couple of singles slots near 12 noon. Another great turnout and further evidence of our growing reputation as a great golf course to play.
Our Treasurer is beside himself as he awaits the influx of further cash from our ever popular raffle.
Bookings are now open for our 2nd winter Open on 27 February 2025….book early to avoid disappointment seems to be the mantra.
As before, booking is via the club Website (Golf Opens/VISITORS) or by phoning the Pro Shop on 01358 789058 option 1.
Seniors AGM –
Monday
18 November
It continues to be a busy time….
Our annual AGM is proving popular. Must be the free food and refreshments on offer. ��
We have almost 40 members confirmed for the AGM. There is of course our traditional 9-hole Stableford prior to the AGM and already I can see that I’m going to have to get “creative” as 9 holes with 3 players/hole only totals 27!!!. Rest assured I’ll come up with a solution.
Look out for the draw for this 9-hole Stableford, which, I’ll post by email on/around 15 November.
As mentioned in last month’s Tern article our Buchan Seniors representative, Bobby McClymont, will be stepping down from his role shortly. The hope is that a successor will step forward at the AGM.
Seniors Prizegiving
Thursday 5 December
Plans are well under way for our end of Season presentation of prizes.
Look out for emails enclosing the menu (2 courses) and asking for names of those attending, to include their guests.
Trophies have been labelled ready for transport to our engraver and I’d like to thank John Turnbull for taking them to/from the engraver on our behalf. Thanks John, much appreciated
And finally….
And finally, it’s been rather hectic recently as I wrestled with completion of the Seniors Winter calendar whilst also preparing for the Summer Season ahead. Thanks go to Sam Boyle and Brian Thomson for their invaluable support in this my first period as Seniors Convener.
Depending on the outcome of the aforementioned AGM…..this may well be my final Tern contribution.
Seniors Winter Calendar
Starters
Brian Cumming
#LetItSoar
New Seasons Stock now available!
L Snoods
L Insulated Mitts
L Waterproof Gloves
L HandWarmers
L Hats
L Plus much more!
Just for Fun
Across
1 Infertile (6)
4 Stopped briefly (6)
8 Wrathful (5)
9 Dried seedless grape (7)
10 Pet rodent (7)
11 Greenfly (5)
12 Retaliation (3,3,3)
17 Offspring (5)
19 Generally (2,1,4)
21 Opportunities (7)
22 Midday meal (5)
23 14-line poem (6)
24 Petition to a deity (6)
1 Shining (6)
Down
2 Let in again (7)
3 Upright (5)
5 Side by side (7)
6 Stow (5)
7 Hate intensely (6)
9 NCOs (9)
13 Thick sweet substance (7)
14 Unauthorised absence from school (7)
15 Twelfth sign of the zodiac (6)
16 Lower (6)
18 Killed (5)
20 More competent (5)
