Northern Golfer magazine #69 - November 2018

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NOVEMBER 2018

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EDITOR Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk John Harrison Matfen Hall EVENTS Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk ADVERTISING MANAGER Doug Brolls 07721 031 482 doug@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson & Nicky Rogerson info@kgphotography.co.uk

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Publishers: Jane Pikett & Gary Ramsay Address: Offstone Publishing Unit 1, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield Northumberland, NE43 7AL Tel: 01661 844 115 E: enquiries@offstonepublishing.co.uk Twitter: @offstonepublish Facebook: /offstonepublishing

WELCOME&CONTENTS A lot has changed in the five weeks since our last edition went off to print at the end of September.

The Ryder Cup at Le Golf National produced the international golfing highlight of the year, packed with drama, tension and plenty of fist pumps from Ian Poulter. The European team showed a fighting spirit far greater than their American counterparts, and with a home crowd and golf course far more suited to their style of play proved too much for Jim Furyk’s team. With the Cup now back in Europe, I must apologise to Sergio Garcia and Henrik Stenson, whom I couldn’t believe were picked ahead of the match, and then combined to pick up six points from a possible seven. Doh! Closer to home, an American topped the leaderboard at our Men’s Champion of Champions event at Ramside Hall. Congratulations to James Glenn on his win and a huge thank you to Helen Roseberry and the team at Ramside for their support in the second year of our Champion of Champions events. We look forward to heading back to Ramside in 2019.

The culmination of the season has brought with it success for many of our region’s top players. Our ladies and junior champions Jess Baker and Rosie Belsham starred in England’s win against Ireland, while on the other side of the world Callum Tarren produced a fine performance to top the PGA Tour Series-China Order of Merit and earn his card for the Web.com Tour.

The last Northern Golfer event of the season produced a fine final as Durham City’s Gary Atkinson and Stephen Carter lifted the Match Play Pairs trophy at Close House - read about their journey to the title on pages 24-26. A huge thank you to Close House for hosting this year’s finals and to Kevin Batty of GolfingHolidays.org for providing the fantastic prize.

A final congratulations to Chris and Keri Paisley on the arrival of their daughter, Ella Rose. I know all our readers will be wishing them the best.

This is my first edition as editor and it has been an incredibly busy month for golf in our region - from the elite level to club level. Let’s hope the mild conditions continue well into this month and that success continues to fill our pages in the months ahead.

Until December, happy golfing.

Dean Bailey, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

04-05 TEEING OFF

Meet our Men’s Champion of Champions plus our ladies and junior champs star for England

06-19 TEEING OFF Tarren top in China, Junior masters, Rabbits success, champion clubs and more

21 TOUR LIFE

Chris Paisley on the birth of his daughter, Ella Rose

23 NEW RULES

The biggest changes to The Rules of Golf ahead of Jan 1

35 WINTER PRACTICE

It’s time to hit the driving range or head into one our region’s best golf studios - try these

FRONT COVER

Durham City’s Gary Atkinson and Stephen Carter are our Match Play Pairs champions

41 TRAVEL

What makes a golf resort great?

Pages 24-26 When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it ©Offstone Publishing 2018. All rights reserved.

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28 LINDEN HALL COURSE PROFILE

31 THE LATEST GEAR NEWS

42 TIPS

Maximising power with John Harrison

44 PROMOTIONS

Win golf for four at Longhirst Hall, Wynyard and Goswick

46 BUNKER

Golfing tales from our readers NORTHERN GOLFER 03

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Top scholars

Zara Naughton with NUFC goalkeeper Karl Darlow Five Northumberland golf clubs are supporting the first schools golf series.

Five competitions have been organised to develop competitive golf within schools and the series kicked off at Longhirst Hall Golf Club in October with 62 competitors from 23 schools.

Ponteland Middle School’s Zara Naughton was the overall girls gross winner while Ponteland High School’s Sophie Auld won the overall nett prize.

The key stage four and five gross winner was Alex Buchanan (QEHS) while the key stage three nett prize went to Daniel Wilson (Cramlington Learning Village).

In the key stage two category the gross winner was Jas Lee (Cullercoats Primary School) and the nett winner was Charlotte Naughton (Ponteland Middle).

The series is supported by Longhirst Hall Golf Club, Matfen Hall Golf Club, Hexham Golf Club, Ponteland Golf Club, Bedlingtonshire Golf Club and Northumberland County Ladies.

The next event is at Matfen Hall in February 2019 - contact victoria.naughton@ga.newcastle. sch.uk for further details and to enter.

James Glenn

James reigns at Ramside

J

ames Glenn produced a record-breaking performance to win the Northern Golfer Men’s Champion of Champions title at Ramside Hall.

James, representing Bishop Auckland Golf Club, posted a one under-par round of 71 on the Cathedral Course to lead the elite field of club champions from clubs across the North East, Cumbria and Yorkshire, and break the course record from the blue tees by one.

He said: “I’m very proud to have been able to get the job done on a tough golf course and be named the Champion of Champions.

“The Cathedral Course is a tough test and you have to respect it. I played patiently, tried to limit my mental errors as much as possible and take the birdie opportunities when they came.”

James posted birdies at the first and second holes to get off to a fast start before making bogey at the par five 11th to drop back to one under-

par. He got back to two under-par with a birdie at the 16th before handing that shot back at 17 with an error from the tee. A regulation par on the par three 18th sealed the win and a place among some of the North East’s best golfers stretching back to 1968.

“Winning capped off the best season I’ve ever had,” added James.

“Since then I’ve had time to reflect, set some new goals for 2019 including a run at the EuroPro Tour, and I’m excited to play university golf before heading into the 2019 season.”

This year’s Champions of Champions events, which included Ladies and Junior events won by Gosforth Park Ladies’ Jess Baker and Whitley Bay’s Rosie Belsham respectively, were supported for a second year by Ramside Hall and hosted over the Prince Bishops and Cathedral courses at the Co Durham resort.

Ramside Hall director of golf

Helen Roseberry said: “The whole Ramside team would like to congratulate James, Jess and Rosie on being crowned the champions of champions for 2018 having come through some of the strongest fields assembled in the region this season.

“These events are real highlights in our busy calendar at Ramside Hall and we’re proud to team up with Northern Golfer to welcome so many of our region’s best golfers to Ramside and test them over our two courses, both of which were beautifully presented again this year

by Roger Shaw and his team.

“We look forward to welcoming this year’s champions back to Ramside in 2019 along with many more of the region’s best juniors, men and women golfers.”

The dates for the 2019 Champion of Champions events will be announced in the New Year. For full results from the 2018 events go to www.northerngolfer.co.uk/ champion-of-champions-2018

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04 NORTHERN GOLFER

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Champions team up

N

orthern Golfer Champions of Champions Jess Baker and Rosie Belsham teamed up with England’s best youngsters to beat Ireland at Limerick Golf Club.

England U16s were represented by a team of six girls and six boys, which also featured Carus Green’s Caitlin Whitehead, and dominated Saturday’s foursomes and fourball betterball sessions - winning both 5-1 before Ireland rallied to win Sunday’s singles 6.5-5.5 as England captured a decisive 15.5-8.5 victory.

Jess and Rosie combined to claim 3.5 points from a possible six, winning their foursomes matches alongside Daisy Kennedy and Caitlin Whitehead respectively before teaming up to get a half point in their fourball match.

Rosie then claimed a 3&2 win over Emma Flemming as Jess was beaten 2dn by Lucia Masding in Sunday’s singles session.

Stars support Cancer Trust

Alan Shearer

Rosie Belsham and Jess Baker Rosie said: “It was a little bit different playing away at such a different course but I loved every minute of it.

“I played well in all three matches despite not having my A game - my putting definitely kept me in the matches.”

Jess added: “Being back with the team in Ireland was a fantastic experience on and off the course.

“I was happy with how I performed on a really tough course - there’s not a lot I could do when my opponent had five birdies to finish her round in the singles, despite halving a few of the holes!

“I’ve got some work to do this winter and I’m looking forward to playing some new tournaments next year and hopefully winning some more England caps.”

Newcastle United hero Alan Shearer and Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis played in a charity golf event at Rockliffe Hall to help raise £7,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The 19-team tournament and dinner raised a total of £4,000 on the day, adding to the £3,000 already raised by Rockliffe Hall’s chief executive Eamonn Elliott and his close friend Paul Graham following an epic Wales end-to-end cycling challenge, cycling more than 250 miles and including climbs of more than 21,000ft.

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Junior masters

Seniors success

E

Geoff Wilkinson with Clyde Camp Lancashire edged a close Northern Counties Seniors Championship at Delamere Forest - but Durham and Northumberland didn’t come away empty-handed.

The team championship went to Lancashire with a team score of 741 as Northumberland won the best nett team prize with a total of 730.

Durham’s Geoff Wilkinson pick up the prize for the best first round score following his 72.

aglescliffe Golf Club’s Solomon Canning lifted the 2018 Lookers Junior Masters title at Close House – leading an elite field of qualifiers from across the north of England.

Solomon, competing in the U12 boys category, posted a nett score of 71 in cold conditions on the Colt Course as juniors from across the north collected prizes in their categories. 2017 winner Henry Joynson (Close House) led the U15 boys while George Mason (Wath) won the boys U18 title.

In the girls’ events, Wearside’s Millie Hixon won the U12 event, Faye Wheatley (Gosforth Park Ladies) won the U15 title and Libby Kilbride (Dore and Totley) won the U18 title.

Close House managing director Jonathan Lupton said: “Congratulations to all our

Solomon Canning with Jonathan Lupton

winners this year, thank you for competing on a tough day and producing such superb golf.

“Our aim at Close House is to nurture golfers from beginners through to the highest level and thanks to our sponsors Lookers and PING, the Junior Masters has become a key part in that progression for juniors of all ages.

“This event was the idea of our attached professional Lee Westwood as part of the British Masters in 2017 and thanks to the support of Lookers and PING, we look forward to welcoming more talented youngsters back to Close House for the event in the future.”

Qualifying events for this year’s Junior Masters were held at Carlisle, Durham City, Close House (Filly), Middlesbrough, Bradford and Worksop with 60 juniors competing for the title at Close House.

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06 NORTHERN GOLFER

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Rabbits champs crowned

New role

T

he North East Rabbits Golf Association’s Rabbits and Inter club and individual champions have been crowned for 2018 following their respective Finals Days at Ramside Hall.

Malton & Norton Golf Club’s Inter team followed up their 2017 success by defending their title, posting a score of 217 (best seven stableford scores from a team of eight) as Dinsdale Spa finished second with a score of 214 points.

In the Rabbits Finals Day, South Moor Golf Club came out on top with a team score of 219 as Thirsk & Northallerton finished seven points behind in second place.

In the individual championships, Bishop Auckland’s Iain Campbell scored 34 points on finals day to win the Inter Individual Championship as Blackwell

Mark Watkins

Rabbits champions South Moor Grange’s Jon Bradley finished second. Meanwhile, Houghtonle-Spring’s Ken Kharia won the Rabbits Individual Championship with 41 points as Billingham’s Steve Appleyard finished second with 39 points.

With events hosted by clubs throughout the 2018 season, more than 1,000 players competed in the Rabbits (16-28 handicaps) and

Inter (8-15 handicaps) leagues this season, representing 34 rabbits clubs and 27 inter clubs.

In the Rabbits, which is split into four zones, South Moor, Darlington, Roseberry Grange and Malton & Norton led their groups. In the Inter league, which is split into three zones, Malton & Norton, Wearside and Billingham led the way.

For the latest visit www.nerga.herokuapp.com and to register interest in joining the NERGA contact Mike Walke, email Mikewalke88@hotmail.com or tel 07887 520 467

PGA professional Mark Watkins has been appointed manager of Hobson Golf Club and will be combining the new role with his duties as the club’s professional.

Based at Hobson for the last five years following 15 years at Parklands, Mark will be splitting his time between managing the club and his teaching and custom fitting commitments.

He said: “It’s an exciting time for Hobson and I’m delighted to be getting more involved going forward. Mixing the club commitments with teaching is a great mix for me and I’m looking froward to supporting the club’s growth.”

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Warm welcome

China in his hands

C

Durham City Golf Club has welcomed three young men with autism into golf as part of its pledge to be an inclusive club.

The club is working with the North East Autism Society, based at Chester-le-Street, and three new players – Steve, Lewis and Mark – have been taking golf lessons.

The successful venture has been part-funded by England Golf after Durham City signed up to its Inclusive Club Pledge.

As a result, the club will receive support to improve the experience of disabled people, bring inclusive thinking into the planning of further activities and build further links within their community.

Steve (pictured), Lewis and Mark have all been encouraged by head professional Tom Cranfield to develop their skills on the practice area, putting green and out on the course.

Clubs which would like to sign up to the pledge, and show their commitment to including disabled people and making golf a game for all, should contact inclusiveclub@englandgolf.org

allum Tarren produced one of the finest performances of his PGA Tour Series-China career to post a closing round of 62, secure his fourth runner-up finish of the season and capture the tour’s Order of Merit, Player of the Year honours and an exemption into every 2019 Web.com Tour tournament.

Rockliffe Hall-based Callum led the tour by just RMB 2,376 (approx. £264) from second placed Charlie Saxon following the season-ending Clearwater Bay Open.

Callum said: “I’m over the moon.

I honestly didn’t have one clue what I needed to pip Charlie. I just thought I would try to win the golf

tournament. For me to go out and shoot an eight under-par 62 in the final round is very special. It sounds crazy, but if I perform like that at any level and keep coming second, you’re going to do well. Hopefully there’s a win around the corner on the Web.com Tour.”

Although Callum is winless on the PGA Tour Series-China, he has been remarkably consistent in recording four runner-up finishes and nine top-10s while not missing a cut in his 15 starts this season. His second-place performances came in the season-opening Chengdu Championship, a playoff loss at the Kunming Championship, a one-shot loss at the Qingdao Championship

and at the Clearwater Bay Open.

The 2019 Web.com Tour season, the 30th in its history, begins in mid-January at The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic at Sandals Emerald Bay (January 13-16) before The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club (January 20-23).

In 2013 the Web.com Tour became The Path to the PGA Tour by awarding 50 membership cards to Web.com Tour players for the following PGA Tour season. Players can initially qualify for the Web. com Tour through the Qualifying Tournament or by securing top-five Order of Merit finishes in China, on the PGA Tour Latinoamérica and on the Mackenzie Tour in Canada.

Callum Tarren (centre) with his fellow PGA Tour Series-China graduates

PGA honour Close House attached professional Lee Westwood will receive the PGA Recognition Award for his outstanding contribution to the game of golf during The PGA’s annual fundraising lunch in December.

Westwood, a seven-time Ryder Cup winner, will be the guest of honour at this year’s event. One of only a handful of players to have won tournaments on five continents, former world number one Westwood was awarded an OBE for his services to golf in 2012.

08 NORTHERN GOLFER

Yorkies dominate North Open Yorkshire players dominated the North of England Open at Alwoodley as Charlie Thornton produced a superb third round of 65 en-route to the title.

Fulford-based Charlie, Lindrick’s Sam Rook and James Cooper (Cumberwell Park) were joint leaders after opening rounds of 71. A solid round of 73 on day two saw Charlie top the leaderboard, followed

by Rook on 145 and Arron

Edwards-Hill, Reece Samson and Ben Firth all on 146.

Scoring was much better in round three with Charlie’s 65 the pick of the bunch while Barclay Brown showed some of his Carris Trophy winning form with a 68.

While Thornton’s lead slowly started to ebb away on the final day, he showed great determination on the back nine to post a three over-par 74 for a winning total of 283, two

Charlie Thornton receiving the trophy from John and Gill Shaw shots clear of Rook who almost managed to chase him down with a round of 69.

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Trip of a lifetime

Close House-based professional Andrew Scrimshaw and Morpeth’s Martyn Jobling are gearing up to host a Ryder Cup Anniversary Pro Am at Le Golf National in 2019.

Taking place in October 2019, the event will take in the stunning Albatross Course at Le Golf National, host venue of Europe’s 2018 Ryder Cup victory.

For more information and to book your place contact Andy and Martin, email albatrossevents@mail.com

Futures Squad members Charlotte Naughton and Jasmine Lee

Bright futures

T

he North of England Futures Squad, which has produced some of the region’s most talented girls in recent years including England internationals Jess Baker and Rosie Belsham, has

been announced for 2018/19.

This year, 10 girls make up the training squad and they will be coached by England Regional Squad coach JJ Vallely and managed by England Regional Squad manager Bryan Ross.

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JJ, who meets with the girls one day per month throughout the winter, said: “We held our first session in October and the girls all showed a fantastic commitment to working on their game and improving. This year’s Futures squad is the largest we’ve ever had and there is a great mix of girls at different stages, from the ages of 8-17.

“This is an exciting time for the programme as it goes into its fifth year while six Futures graduates make up the England Regional Squad and two more Futures girls have made it into the full England squad – all of which is tremendous recognition for the work the girls put in as part of the programme and in their own time.”

The Futures Squad has seen a number of players progress through to the England Regional Squad looked after by JJ and Bryan. This year’s regional squad includes Futures graduates Maggie Whitehead, Zara Naughton, Faye Wheatley, Libby Bell, Abbie Roper and Harriet Barker.

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YOU’RE IN

SAFE HANDS

WITH US Brad Robinson (third from right) with the Bears team

Brad leads Bears with second win

B

rad Robinson returned to the winner’s circle in the US as he led his college side to victory in the Donald Ross Intercollegiate Championship.

Based at Westerhope Golf Club when he’s at home, 21-year-old Brad was in great form at Mimosa Hills Golf Club in North Carolina - shooting rounds 69, 69 and 67 to win his second individual collegiate tournament and lead the LenoirRhyne University team to the Donald Ross Intercollegiate title with a team score of 842.

Brad was backed up by teammate Matthew Raybould (71-72-66) just four shots behind him while two more Bears - Carlos Lasso de la Vega Jessen and Georg Hartmann finished in the top 25 to help seal the team’s victory.

“It’s been a while since I’ve won,” said Brad, “This is definitely the biggest tournament I have won, and it’s the best feeling in the world to win both the individual and team titles. We need to keep believing in ourselves. We’ve proved we can do it and we just need to keep playing well.”

Brad, who represents Close House and Westerhope when he’s at home, is in his final year at college. A proven winner, he has two victories over the Old Course at St Andrews while his first college win came at the Richard Rendleman Men’s Golf Invitational at Salisbury Country Club - where he shot a four underpar total of 138.

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Charity champions Sixteen teams made up of local businesses and charity supporters took to the fairways in the St Cuthbert’s Hospice annual charity golf day at Ramside Hall.

Played over the Prince Bishop’s course, the event included a number of side games along with a lunch and raffle back in the clubhouse - raising a total of more than £8,000.

Jade McArdle, senior community

and events fundraiser at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, said: ”We look forward to the St Cuthbert’s Hospice Golf Day each September. It’s a great way for community-minded business leaders to get together for a good cause. It’s great to see all the different businesses come out to support St Cuthbert’s.

“We’re so grateful to all who came along to take part in the friendly competition.”

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12 NORTHERN GOLFER

outh Moor’s Mark Ridley capped his remarkable year with victory in the Pro Series event at Hartlepool Golf Club to top the NE/NW PGA’s Order of Merit.

Mark won the Northumberland and Durham Open and the NE/ NW PGA Championship this year en-route to topping the standings.

He has collected four other wins on the local PGA circuit, played all four rounds in the Senior British Open Championship at St Andrews and the PGA Seniors Championship at the London Club, and narrowly lost out in a playoff for the British Seniors Championship at Foxhills.

Meanwhile, Brampton’s Philip Waugh won the NE/NW PGA Tour Championship at Matfen Hall with a five under-par 67. Phil led the field at the final major of the local PGA season as Ross Crowe (Blyth) shot 68 to finish in second place.

In the British Masters

Anniversary Pro Am over Close House’s Colt Course, Mark tied for top spot with Ken Ferrie as both posted two under-par rounds of 69. Four players tied for third place as the team of Colin Wilson, Peter Davidson, Franco Graziani and professional Andrew Scrimshaw won the team prize.

In the two-day Archerfield Autumn Pro Am, Northern Golfer tips pro John Harrison overcame strong winds to win the event with a one over-par score. Craig Goodfellow (Carlisle Golf Centre) was second, five shots behind.

Craig did however continue his winning form at the Alnmouth Pro Series event and the Bishop Auckland Pro Am – shooting rounds of 64 and 66 respectively to lead both fields. At Alnmouth, George Cowan (Westerhope) was a single shot back in second place while four players tied for second spot at Bishop Auckland.

For full results from the NE/NW PGA go to www.nenwpga.co.uk

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Heworth’s winning Clark Cup team (l-r) Nigel Ralph, Peter Cherry (vice captain), Dave Moralee, Neil Corbett (captain), Mark McAllister, Aaron Scott and Jason McGuire

Heworth’s year

M

embers of Heworth Golf Club will be able to look back on 2018 as a stellar golfing year, in which they picked up a number of county titles.

The club achieved victories in Durham’s County Foursomes, Mixed Foursomes, Matchplay Championship, Clubs Championship Qualifier and Clark Cup in 2018.

Will Marshall, 19, was at the heart of much of the club’s success - partnering Aaron Scott to the Durham County Foursomes Trophy at Westerhope before narrowly missing out on the inter-county crown. He went on to win the Matchplay Championship, edging out Tyneside’s James Wilson 1up in the final at Durham City

before partnering 12-year-old Zara Naughton to win the Mixed Foursomes at Consett, where they comprehensively defeated Beamish Park’s Tom Skelton and Gabrielle Dickinson 7&6 in the final.

An integral part of the Heworth team which won the Clubs Championship Qualifier at Ravensworth, he also played his part in the club reaching the final of the Clark Cup. Though Will missed the final against Wynyard at Castle Eden, the team of Nigel Ralph, Dave Moralee, Mark McAllister, Aaron Scott and Jason McGuire won a thriller 3-2 to lift the trophy.

The club will be looking to maintain the success in 2019 as it prepares to host the English Boys Strokeplay Championship in 2020.

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Parklands Golf Club duo Vicky Corner and Lilian Allison finished third as Northamptonshire’s Ann Lester and Christina Hancock won the Coronation Foursomes Grand Final in St Andrews.

The North East pair posted 34 points over the Eden course in the 65th anniversary of one of the largest domestic golf participation events.

NORTHERN GOLFER 13

TEEINGOFF Captain David Tweddle (front) with (l-r) Jeff Willey, Owen Thomas, Wayne Melles, Ally Baird, James Glenn and David Thomas (inset) Martin Fulbrook

In a league of their own

B

rancepeth Castle Golf Club’s men’s team capped off a remarkable year for the club by winning the Dixon Cup at Saltburn by the Sea Golf Club.

Bringing together the winners of the five North East leagues, the Dixon Cup saw Brancepeth, winners of the North Durham League, come out on top with a team score

of 437 (six scores from a team of seven counting), including the best score on the day by Jeff Willey.

North Northumberland League champions Alnmouth Golf Club and Teesside champions Wynyard finished in a share for second place just a single shot behind on 438. Hadrian League winners Close House finished in fourth place as

Newcastle & District League winners City of Newcastle were fifth with a score of 448.

Brancepth Castle Golf Club captain David Tweddle said: “To win the league then go on to become the top club in the North East is a very special achievement.

“The Dixon Cup is really the icing on the cake for our incredibly talented squad of players, who have put in tremendous effort throughout the season.

“To win the North Durham League title for the first time in 32 years was very special, particularly having only been promoted into the top division last season. Being able to share our achievements with our loyal members and supporters has made this season even more special.”

The Brancepeth team featured James Glenn, Wayne Melles, Ally Baird, Martin Fulbrook, Owen Thomas, David Thomas and Jeff Willey.

Castle Eden Golf Club 18 Hole picturesque parkland course

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14 NORTHERN GOLFER

TEEINGOFF

McCarthy sails to Tour Championship

On course

N

ick McCarthy carded rounds of 67, 64, and 68 to win the Andalusian PGA EuroPro Tour Championship at Desert Springs Golf Club, Spain and book his place on the Challenge Tour for 2019.

Based at Moortown Golf Club, Nick started the week 24th in the Order of Merit needing a win to secure his card for the 2019 season on the Challenge Tour.

A second round 64 put him in the driving seat before five birdies in his opening seven holes of the final round saw him open a three-shot lead over the field. The birdie train derailed at the ninth before he fell back to a share for the lead with a bogey at the 11th. He pulled ahead again with a birdie at the 12th before making his final birdie of the day on the 17th giving him a four-shot cushion on the final hole. He would make bogey at the final hole to seal the win.

Neil Smith and Slaley Hall head of golf Jonny Mould

Nick McCarthy “To go out leading and to now be standing here with this trophy is the best feeling ever,” said Nick.

“I felt the pressure, and there were a few things running through my head, whether I should attack it or not, but I just tried to play as I did in the first two rounds.

“I relished being in the final group

Wynyard Golf Club

with two quality players beside me, I felt we pushed each other along as there were a lot of birdies out there.

“It’s great to finally get my hands on a bit of silverware.

I’ve had some chances over the years and not quite got the win so to be standing here with this trophy is great.”

Neil Smith has joined Slaley Hall as course manager following positions at The Belfry and Oulton Hall.

Neil, 44, leads a team of nine greenkeepers in his new role having spent 14 years at The Belfry and the last six years at Oulton Hall in Leeds.

Neil said: “I am looking forward to working closely with the team as we put our ambitious plans to work. We have two stunning championship courses with unrivalled views to maintain – I’m very excited for the changes and challenges ahead.”

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NORTHERN GOLFER 15

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Masters moment

Caitlin Whitehead with her British Masters teammates Carus Green’s Caitlin Whitehead teamed up with two more of the UK’s best juniors to win the junior pro am event at the British Masters.

Fifteen-year-old Caitlin, who plays off a handicap of plus-two, was invited to play by the R&A and joined professional golfer Paul Waring for a pre-British Masters match at Walton Heath in Surrey.

Caitlin was also joined by 15-year-old Ffion Tynan, who plays for Wales, and 11-year-old Rosie Bee Kim who plays for Buckinghamshire as the team posted a 28 under-par total to win the event.

It’s been a fine season for Caitlin, who won both the individual and team events at the Asia-Pacific Junior Golf Championship at Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club in Hong Kong in August. She also won the U16 European Young Masters in Norway in July and won all three of her matches in tricky conditions in the Ireland versus England mixed U16 international tournament at Limerick.

County launches coaching hub at Longhirst Hall

T

he Northumberland Union of Golf Clubs has launched its junior academy at Longhirst Hall Golf Club.

Making full use of the facilities at Longhirst, including the floodlit driving range and improved short game practice facilities, the union will use the club as a base for its junior development pathway for boys from across the county.

County captain David Gilroy, who has played a key role in creating the link

NUGC juniors in action at Longhirst

with Longhirst, said: “The opening of the academy, and the wider programme of junior development within Northumberland, has been needed for a number of years and it is really exciting to get this project off the ground.

“Thanks to the support of Longhirst we now have a place to bring together our most talented players on a regular basis. This will create a great atmosphere for player development and provide a route for talented players to progress through the junior

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squads and on into the men’s squad in the future.

“The county executive and junior committee can’t thank Tommy Dawson and Graham Chambers at Longhirst enough for their support. They’ve given great support to the initiative already and made the whole thing possible.”

Longhirst director of golf Graham Chambers added: “We’ve developed a fantastic relationship with the county union in the last few years and this academy is a further extension of that relationship.

“This is another feather in our cap and we’re excited to welcome the best young players in our area to use our facilities and to see them grow into the county’s best players in the coming years.”

The academy will host the county’s U12, U14 and U16 squads for monthly sessions led by a team of the region’s best coaches.

The U12 squad, which will be brought together in January, will work with Tynemouth’s John McKenna and Longhirst’s Carl Nicholls; Carl and Arcot Hall’s Kris Bengtsson will coach the U14 squad; and Westerhope’s George Cowan and Michael Nesbit will coach the U16 squad.

The launch event welcomed the county’s best youngsters along with former England U18 captain Matty Lamb, England Golf president Desmond Duffy and threetime European Tour winner Ken Ferrie.

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TEEINGOFF Jack Atkinson James Lusk and Neve Pearson

Durham’s best

T

wo of Durham’s best young players picked up titles to end their 2018 seasons as James Lusk won the Mizuno Race2Rockliffe and Jack Atkinson won the Durham County Junior Champion of Champions title.

Chester-le-Street’s James lifted the Mizuno Race2Rockliffe gross title at Rockliffe Hall as Whitburn’s Neve Pearson won the nett prize.

Coached by Northern Golfer’s Doug Brolls at Cocken Lodge, James’ progression has been remarkable since choosing to concentrate on his golf in the summer of 2017. Since then he has gone from finishing in last place in the U13 Junior Golf Tour event at Seaton Carew to winning the Race2Rockliffe title – reducing his handicap from 28 to 6.3 in just 18 months.

He said: “The Race2Rockliffe was definitely

the highlight of my season and I’m really proud to have won the event. My goal this year was to get my handicap down to nine, so I’ve smashed that and want to reduce it further next season.

“I couldn’t have improved this much as quickly without the support of my coach Doug, all the guys at Cocken Lodge and United Carlton.”

Meanwhile, Darlington Golf Club-based Jack lifted the Durham County champions title at Brancepeth Castle Golf Club with a score of 74 as South Moor’s Josh Hogarth finished second a shot further back. James took third place with his round of 79.

Jack said: “Winning the champions event was a really good experience to finish off a successful year. This year I’ve also won my first major at Darlington, the 36-hole Blaylock Cup with scores of 67 and 66, and reduced my handicap from 14.8 to 5.6.

Next year I want to get into the Durham junior team and reduce my handicap even further.”

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18 NORTHERN GOLFER

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TOURLIFE

Chris Paisley Close House has lined up a selection of gifts for the golfer in your life this Christmas. With a range of options to choose from, players of any age and handicap can benefit from one-to-one tuition to either begin their golfing career or refine all aspects of their game.

Call us on 01661 85 22 55 to purchase or for further details.

TOUR LIFE

HELLO ELLA ROSE PAISLEY October was a special month for us. My wife Keri was induced on October 18 at about 9:30am, because of high blood pressure, and the following morning, at 5:06 am, she gave birth to Ella Rose Paisley.

She is in perfect health and we couldn’t be happier. Throughout the pregnancy people had told us that the feelings you go through are indescribable. I tried to imagine what it was going to be like to finally meet her but everyone was right, you really cannot put it into words.

You feel an emotion that you didn’t know existed. With that, and the fact that I am not a particularly good writer or orator, I won’t even try. Many of you have been through it so you know what I am talking about.

As I write, I am on my way to Turkey to start the European Tour Final Series. From Turkey I’ll head to the Nedbank in Sun City, South Africa.

Finally, it will be the Race to Dubai finale - as long I stay inside the top 60 on the order of merit. Here’s hoping I finish the season like I started it!

Ella seems to be a really chilled out baby and has been sleeping really well so I’ve managed to get a good amount of practice and preparation in for this last run of the season. I am comfortable with my swing at the moment, so it has just been a case of trying to get the performance side of things firing on all cylinders. I’ve been trying to get plenty of games in with the other pros in the area to get sharp - you can’t beat playing for a bit of money against good players!

Ella has definitely made it harder to leave home, but I also feel a higher sense of responsibility and motivation. It’s not a negative pressure, just a desire to do my best for my family. It’s no longer just about my own goals and me.

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CHESTER-LE-STREET GOLF CLUB

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RULES

New rules The Rules of Golf are getting a major update in January 2019 and there are a lot of changes you need to be aware of – here are some of the most important ones…

• It is no longer a penalty for accidentally moving ball during search or moving ball or ball-marker on the green - just replace the ball/marker.

• It is no longer a penalty for a ball in motion accidentally hitting you, your caddie, the person attending the flag or the attended or removed flag • It is no longer a penalty for a double hit • The time allowed for searching for your ball has reduced to three minutes (previously five minutes) • When taking a drop, drop the ball from knee height (previously shoulder height) • You can now take relief from a ball embedded in its own pitchmark anywhere in the ‘general area’ – the new term for ‘through the green’ (Previously relief was only allowed in the fairway or on the green) • When a ball has been lifted and replaced on the green then moves for no clear reason, it must be replaced (previously the cause for the movement effected whether the ball should be replaced) • You can now repair almost any damage (including spike

• •

• •

•

marks and animal damage but not including natural imperfections) on the green It is no longer a penalty if a ball played from the putting green (or anywhere else) hits the unattended flagstick in the hole It is no longer a penalty if you touch the ground with your hand or club or ground the club in a ‘penalty area’ (the expanded term previously used for water hazards) It is no longer a penalty for moving or touching a loose impediment in a bunker or penalty area It is no longer a penalty for touching sand in a bunker with your hand or a club (though you cannot touch the sand: with your hand or club to test the conditions of the bunker; while making a practice swing; with the club in the area right behind or in front of the ball or in making the backswing for the stroke) A player may now take relief outside the bunker back on the line from the hole through where ball was at rest for 2 penalty strokes (Previously there was no relief outside the bunker other than in playing from where the last stroke was made)

Image: © The R&A

These are just some of the many changes to the Rules of Golf which come into effect on January 1, 2019. For more information on the changes to the Rules refer to the Player’s Edition of the Rules of Golf (available in all clubs) or go to www.randa.org

©The R&A NORTHERN GOLFER 23

CHAMPIONS

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

CHAMPIONS

No match

Durham City’s Gary Atkinson and Stephen Carter outlast pairs from across the North East and Yorkshire to win the Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs tournament

A

fter a tense final over Close House’s Colt Course, Durham City Golf Club’s Gary Atkinson and Stephen Carter were crowned 2018 Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs champions.

Having progressed through seven months of matches against pairs from across the region, 15-handicapper Gary and 13-handicapper Stephen overcame Newbiggin Golf Club’s Carl Brydon and Tynemouth Golf Club’s James Ogden 1up in a close, and at times nervy, final to win the trophy and a trip to Spain in February for the North East & North West PGA’s Spain Pro Am courtesy of Kevin Batty and GolfingHolidays.org.

“Despite all the pressure of playing in the final, we managed to pull through right at the end,” said Stephen after holing the winning putt on the 18th.

“Playing against much lower handicappers, we knew we would have to use our shots, which we managed to capitalise on a number of times despite not being in many of the holes together.”

“I loved every minute of the final,” added Gary.

“The nerves were jangling a bit on the first tee and we knew we were up against it when James and Carl hit great long tee shots down the first. But we always knew we had the shots and that would

give us opportunities throughout the round. I was delighted when Stephen rolled it the putt on the last having gone through all the nerves of extra holes in the semi-finals.”

As well as securing their place on the flight to Spain in February, which we’ll have a full report on in our April edition, Gary and Stephen became the 16th winners of our Match Play Pairs event, which began in 2002.

Stephen added: “We’ve loved meeting other pairs and playing new courses all around the region – all for a £25 entry fee.

“The highlight for me has to be the putts to win the semi-final and the final. In the semi-final, I wasn’t expecting to get it close never mind hole out across the full length of the green.

“In the final, to be faced with a similar short putt to the one I had just missed on the 17th was pretty daunting. It’s incredible how much nerves can affect you but I managed to keep it together and hole the important one right at the end of seven months of golf.”

“The camaraderie at every stage has been one of the big highlights for me,” added Gary.

“There has been a great atmosphere at each game and we would recommend the event to

NORTHERN GOLFER 25

CHAMPIONS

everybody – it’s fantastic value for money. In the final, the highlight for me was the bunker shot on the 12th. That was a huge moment. I thought we would need an up and down to get the half but to win that hole was a massive boost.”

In a close final, which never reached more than a 2up advantage, Gary and Stephen got off to a slow start, scraping nett bogeys to tie the first before losing the tricky second to a nett birdie by James. James and Carl failed to take advantage of their extra length from the tee at the third before Gary and Stephen produced the most one-sided spell of the match, winning the fourth, fifth and sixth holes to go 2up.

James would answer back at the par five seventh with a superb birdie before a pair of nett pars saw the eighth and ninth holes halved – Gary and Stephen taking a 1up advantage into the turn.

At the uphill par five 10th, Stephen made use of his shot to win the hole with a nett birdie before James answered straight back with a nett birdie of his own to win the par four 11th.

One of the biggest moments of the match followed at the par three 12th. With James and Carl lying close to the flag with birdie putts, Gary played his shot from the front left bunker to within 1ft of the hole for a nett birdie before James and Carl both failed to convert good chances for twos of their own.

Gary and Stephen relied on their shots to 26 NORTHERN GOLFER

Stephen Carter and Gary Atkinson

maintain their advantage at the 13th, while excellent tee shots from Stephen and James saw the 14th halved in par threes.

James and Carl then gave themselves a chance with two of the best shots of the match setting up Carl’s par at the stroke index one 15th hole, which was enough to get the Northumberland-based pair back to 1dn with three to play. Both then found trees from the tee at the 16th as Stephen again made use of his shot with a nett par to win the hole.

Carl and James still weren’t done however with both going for the par five 17th in two.

Despite failing to take full advantage, nerves got the better of Stephen from close range to gift James and Carl a late reprieve – winning the hole with a bogey six to send the match to the last.

With Carl driving into a fairway bunker while Gary and Stephen laid up short of the green in two, James failed to capitalise from the best position in the fairway as his ball clipped the wall short of the green and ended up beyond the putting surface. Following some nervy shots around the green the final putt fell to Stephen - who managed to overcome his short miss on 17 to hole his 4ft putt for the half and secure the 1up win.

Gary and Stephen teamed up for the first time for the 2018 event having played with different partners in 2017. They progressed

through two home matches and away games at City of Newcastle and Eaglescliffe en-route to the semi-final and final at Close House.

Northern Golfer editor and tournament organiser Dean Bailey said: “The Match Play Pairs is our oldest event and this season’s tournament produced some excellent golf.

“Congratulations to Gary and Stephen, I am sure they will enjoy the prize provided

by Kevin Batty from GolfingHolidays.org. A huge thank you to Kevin and the PGA; and to Jonathan Lupton and the team at Close House for hosting this year’s semi-finals and final with both courses in excellent condition.

“We look forward to welcoming more pairs into next year’s event and to adding to the long list of champions from across the region.”

In this year’s semi-finals, staged over the Filly Course at Close House, Gary and Stephen overcame Chester-le-Street’s Jason Emmerson and Gary Davies at the third extra hole – Stephen holing a putt across the full length of the third green to win the match.

Meanwhile, Carl and James overcame 2017 champions David Wainman and Matt Sibley of Eaglescliffe 1up in another tense match.

Entries for the 2019 Match Play Pairs event will open next month with full details in the December/January edition of Northern Golfer.

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COURSEPROFILE

In love with Linden

Dean Bailey makes the journey north to experience one of Northumberland’s best resort courses

W

hen you walk through the ancient woods around Linden Hall, passing streams and lakes while taking in views of The Cheviots and Northumberland countryside, its no surprise Linden Hall remains a fine example of golf in Northumberland.

Jonathan Gaunt’s 6,846-yard design makes fantastic use of the landscape, weaving through the woodland in four loops returning to the hotel – each capturing the views across the course and beyond while demanding a combination of driving distance and accuracy to navigate complex fairway bunkering before heading to well-defended greens which, while generous, require accurate approaches.

The opening stretch heads uphill to later reveal some of the finest views on the course. At the 417yard par four first, favour the right side to avoid the single fairway bunker and hazard bordering the left side of the hole. An uphill approach must navigate three large bunkers circling the green as well as steep mounding - a recurring theme of the green complexes here - to find a small green.

28 NORTHERN GOLFER

The uphill second, measuring 397 yards from the back tee, requires accuracy from the tee – water again looms left while a stream crosses the fairway some 130 yards from the green, which features a deep bunker front right and another hidden just beyond it on the right side.

At the par five third, left is best. Play between the fairway bunkers before laying up to the left side of the fairway to avoid a huge fairway bunker to the right side and leave an unobstructed pitch to a long green which slopes back to front with no bunkers. Any approaches from the right side must navigate a tall tree in the fairway – turning a simple approach into a much trickier prospect.

Each of the par threes here could take the title of signature hole and the fourth is a fine short hole of 159 yards played over a pond to a large green surrounded by woodland.

The 423-yard fifth follows with water again in play on the right side of a generous fairway at this left to right dogleg. The green features two distinct sections at the front and back with two bunkers cut below the surface at the front edge and another to the left side of the green.

At the 440-yard sixth, the tee shot must reach the middle of the left to right dogleg and avoid the hazard on the left side to leave an unobstructed route to the green with a long iron. The green is one of the finest here with a bunker some 10 yards short on the left side, a deep bunker to the right side and fantastic mounding circling the putting surface, which is wider in the back half.

Another stunning par three, the seventh got our pick for signature hole (see fact file).

Heading toward the turn, the short uphill par four eighth measures 289 yards and is a great birdie chance should you avoid the three fairway bunkers and three greenside bunkers en-route to the putting surface. The ninth can stretch to 516 yards and this par five requires a long drive to a generous fairway flanked with a pair of fairway bunkers. Finding the fairway is key to be able to play your second shot into the widest part of the fairway to leave an unobstructed view of the green.

Any approaches which are short or too far right will be blocked out by the trees.

The dogleg par four 10th requires a confident drive to the corner with bunkers on the left and

COURSEPROFILE The MacDonald Linden Hall resort is a great place to relax with a spa, swimming pool, steam room, sauna and fitness room on-site. The 18th Century manor house is also home to The Dobson Restaurant while The Linden Tree Pub is the perfect spot to unwind after your round.

FACT FILE

right sides of the dogleg in play from the tee.

From here, the green sits slightly above the fairway with thick woods flanking a green complex which features more mounding and two deep bunkers.

Solid driving is key in this section of the golf course with large bunkers and thick woods flanking the fairways of the 398-yard 11th, 388-yard 12th and 556-yard par five 13th, which is the pick of the stretch with a tricky tee shot between two deep bunkers leaving an approach to the left of a copse of trees before a short iron must find one of the smallest greens on the course, with a water hazard circling the front, left and right sides of the green.

The final loop at Linden opens with a long left to right dogleg. Play to the left side of the fairway here to leave a view straight up the gap between two banks of trees to a small green guarded by a single bunker on the left side.

Another stunning par three, surrounded by woodland with water at the front edge, follows at the 15th before the 530-yard par five 16th – a real three-shotter with seven bunkers and an uphill approach to the green.

The 176-yard 17th completes the set of spectacular short holes. Played uphill, a stream weaves in front of a wide green while two bunkers on the right side sits above a green which slopes back to front.

The last is more than 400 yards from the back tee and strategy is key. Play to the left side, away from the lake on the right, to leave an approach to the green. Anything on the right side of the fairway must be played over two tall trees to a small green with two front bunkers.

CONTACT MacDonald Linden Hall Golf & Country Club Longhorsley, nr Morpeth Northumberland, NE65 8XF Tel 01670 500 000 www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/ourhotels/macdonald-linden-hall-golfcountry-club GREEN FEES Please see website for details on green fees, society bookings and membership TOTAL DISTANCE Blue tees – 6,846 yards White tees – 6,502 yards Yellow tees – 6,117 yards Red tees – 5,530 yards FEATURES Driving range and short game practice facility Putting green Pro shop Pub, restaurant and spa on-site CADDY’S TIP Course management is key to scoring at Linden Hall, reaching the corners of doglegs and avoiding the fairway bunkers will allow you to access the greens from the best angles.

SIGNATURE HOLE The seventh may seem simple enough at just 165 yards but this downhill par three requires a well struck approach to find a narrow green beyond a lake with a steep slope to the right side. There are no bunkers here but there is also no miss – the green is the only safe spot!

OUR VERDICT A fine example of parkland golf with woodland, lakes and great views, Linden is always a pleasure to play.

NORTHERN GOLFER 29

This Winter Mix Business & Pleasure Our Sweet Spot Package 1st October 2018 - 31st March 2019 Warm up on the driving range Tea, coffee & bacon roll on arrival 18 holes on either course 2 course clubhouse meal Nearest the pin & longest driver markers Minimum of 12 players required

£35

From Monday - Thursday

£40

From Friday - Sunday

Flexi Golf Membership Membership Includes Play 2 championship courses Use points to invite friends to play The option to play in club competitions Great discounts in our Proshop & Clubhouse

Annual Flexi Golf membership only

£325

For more information please contact our sales team on 0191 3753089 or email golfsales@ramsidehallhotel.co.uk

GOLFERGEAR

Winter warmers The summer season may be over but there’s plenty of new gear to get to grips with this month with new putters from PING and new waterproof bags from Golfstream, plus apparel and footwear releases from FootJoy, Mizuno and Oscar Jacobson

MODERN STYLE

Oscar Jacobson AW18 apparel RRP: various, www.oscarjacobson.com Oscar Jacobson’s new autumn/winter collection combines modern style with ultimate performance thanks to 114 years of tailoring experience and cutting-edge technology.

Highlights of the range include the Carson hybrid jacket, offering warmth without adding bulk in a stylish use of PrimaLoft - an ultralight yet warm padding material, alongside the Caleb PrimaLoft sleeveless vest. The collection also features a number of garments designed with Oscar Jacobson’s ZIP-IN technology including the four-way stretch Lawrie Pro waterproof shell jacket and the lightweight Jamie jacket. PrimaLoft insulation also features in the new Gary trousers.

The range is designed to be worn on and off the golf course in three colour themes – Performance, which is all about function and expressing an active lifestyle; Urban, which draws on Oscar Jacobson’s heritage in fashion tailoring; and Dynamic, which is aimed at those looking to stand out.

PUTT FOR DOUGH

PING Sigma 2 putters RRP: £200, ping.com PING has introduced its latest series of putters – Sigma 2 – featuring multi-layer face technology along with new adjustable-length shaft technology. Available in 10 head options including the new Fetch model that is designed with a golf-ball-pickup feature, the new putters feature an innovative dual-durometer PEBAX face material, which brings together a softer front layer ensuring the precision necessary for shorter, delicate must-makes with a firmer back layer for solid feedback and distance control. Touch and pace are further improved with PING’s TR face pattern, which varies in depth and pitch to speed up off-centre impacts for consistent ball speeds. The new line also features an adjustable shaft, which can be customised to lengths between 32-36ins in ¼ins increments. Head options include Anser, the model with the most wins in PGA Tour history, among the 10 blade, mid-mallet and mallet options.

NORTHERN GOLFER 31

GOLFERGEAR JAPANESE STYLE

IN THE BAG with Xander Schauffele

© masuti / Shutterstock.com

Mizuno AW18 apparel and Nexlite BOA 005 shoes RRP: Apparel – various. Shoes £130 golf.mizunoeurope.com Mizuno has launched its latest apparel collection in Europe along with a new shoe for 2018. The new apparel collection is underpinned by the heatgenerating Breath Thermo yarn technology as well as Tech Shield and Move Tech technologies.

Meanwhile, the Nexlite BOA 005 shoes feature Kuraray synthetic leather uppers to create an ultralight, high-performance golf shoe which is among the lightest BOA spiked shoes.

STAY DRY

Golfstream Waterproof Cart Bag RRP: £169 www.golfstream.co.uk Golfstream has unveiled a new lightweight waterproof cart bag just in time for the British winter. Weighing in at just 2.1kg, the new bag feature 14 full-length dividers along with an anti-twist lock designed to be compatible with a number of trolley brands.

Xander Schauffele won his third PGA Tour title and first WGC at the WGC HSBC Champions in China in October.

The American beat Tony Finau in a playoff on the first extra hole having made birdies his final two holes in regulation.

The 25-year-old mostly used a full bag of Callaway clubs en-route to the title but has added the TaylorMade M3 driver this year. Here’s what was in his bag...

Driver: TaylorMade M3 9.5º Fairway woods: Callaway Rogue Sub Zero 15º & 18º 3 iron: Callaway Epic Pro Irons: Callaway Forged Prototype Wedges: Mack Daddy 4 52º and Titleist Vokey SM6 57º & 61º

BEST FOOT FORWARD

FootJoy Pro/SL shoes RRP: from £140, www.footjoy.co.uk FootJoy has introduced the latest version of its Pro/ SL shoes - currently the market-leading model across the UK & Ireland and on the majority of worldwide professional tours.

The shoes combine a soft, comfortable, waterproof leather upper with a midsole/outsole system that features three distinct layers for comfort, perimeter stability and traction in all conditions. The latest version of the Pro/SL design is available in Grey/White and all black colourways from November 15, as well as through the MyJoy customisation platform.

32 NORTHERN GOLFER

Putter: Odyssey O-Works Red #7

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EX PE R I E N C E O U R N E W BAL L TRAC K IN G SYST E M

PRACT I C E WIT H PU RPOS E The PGA Academy at Close House is now home to the world-renowned Toptracer - The Most Advanced Shot Tracking Technology in Golf.

• Track all of your shots in any bay on the driving range and get feedback on total distance, carry, ball speed, height and lots more • Get instant feedback on the individual touchscreen TV in each bay and select what you want to do during your session • Play Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive or Skills Challenges • Play a virtual round at some of the world’s most famous courses • Play a full 18 holes without ever leaving the bay - no walking, no lost balls and no waiting!

• Track and compare your sessions Close House is the only venue in the North East to offer Toptracer, so whether you’re a member or not, the PGA Academy’s floodlit driving range is the place to improve your golf.

NEW CALLAWAY BALLS NOW IN USE Choose your experience on the touchscreen TV

Detailed feedback on all shots

Play rounds at the world’s best courses

CLOSE HOUSE, HEDDON ON THE WALL, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, NE15 0HT TEL: 01661 85 22 55, EMAIL: enquiries@closehouse.co.uk, WWW.CLOSEHOUSE.COM

WINTERPRACTICE

Home on the range It may be cold, dark and feel miles away from the golf season, but our region is home to some fantastic practice facilities to help keep your swing in shape, improve your game through the winter months, and even enjoy a round when the weather gets in the way

CLOSE HOUSE The PGA Academy at Close House is the North East’s only PGA-certified academy, it’s also the only driving range featuring Toptracer – the innovative technology which tracks balls from each of the 10 bays.

Toptracer allows players to tap into a range of data including carry distance, ball speed and dispersion while giving groups the chance to compete in nearest the pin and longest drive challenges. There is also the option to play courses from around the world, including Pebble Beach, without ever leaving your bay. The experience at Close House is unlike any other - a hybrid of the best parts of range practice and on-course play which everyone should experience.

Along with Toptracer, the PGA Academy makes use of new Callaway range balls and is home to two custom fitting and teaching bays, a world-class short game practice facility, a SAM Puttlab indoor studio, four PGA professionals and the Green Café which serves a top-notch hot chocolate and shows Sky Sports. www.closehouse.com

FACILITIES • 10 covered, floodlit bays with Toptracer • Two custom fitting/teaching suites with FlightScope • SAM Puttlab • Short game practice facilities • Putting green • Four PGA professionals • Green Café

NORTHERN GOLFER 35

WINTERPRACTICE GEORGE WASHINGTON

FACILITIES

The Golf Academy at George Washington is a real all-rounder – allowing you to work on all aspects of your game. The 16 heated bays in the floodlit driving range include six bays with power tees and a teaching bay.

Inside you’ll find another teaching bay with FlightScope. There is also a practice putting green, short game area and five-hole par three course on offer to keep all aspects of your game sharp this winter. www.georgewashington.co.uk/golf

HOBSON GOLF CLUB

• 16 covered, floodlit bays (six with power tees) • Teaching suite • Indoor custom fitting/ teaching suite with FlightScope • Short game practice area • Putting green • Five-hole par three course • PGA professional tuition

FACILITIES

The Driving Range at Hobson offers an ideal facility to stay sharp with access to 14 covered, floodlit bays as well as two teaching/custom fitting bays. High quality Srixon balls and range mats make this a great spot to work on all aspects of your long game while the latest LED lighting means you can practice on the darkest of nights.www.thehobsongolfclub.co.uk

• 14 covered, floodlit bays • Two custom fitting/ teaching suites • PGA professional tuition

Cocken Lodge Golf Course Everyone’s talking about the newly revamped driving range at Cocken lodge driving range, Leamside DH4 6QP New driving range balls (90 compression) • New range memberships available • New mats and tee’s Coming soon - Our brand new golf studio - (Early/mid december) Lessons available from our Golf Professionals Doug Brolls and Phil Maitland Please ring 0191 584 1053 for further information Opening hours: Mon-thurs 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-7pm, Sat & sun 9am-5pm

For further information contact

0191 584 1053

Cocken Lodge Golf Course, Leamside, County Durham, DH4 6QP

36 NORTHERN GOLFER

WINTERPRACTICE COCKEN LODGE

TOP TIP

The recently refurbished range at Cocken Lodge is at the heart of this all-round practice facility. With 14 covered, LED floodlit bays and new range balls alongside a teaching/ custom fitting suite fitted with GCQuad technology allowing players to work with precise data or play a number of courses around the world. There is also a superb, testing nine-hole course measuring 1,486 yards with two par fours and seven par threes allowing you to get out on the grass and keep every aspect of your game sharp. www.cockenlodge.co.uk

FACILITIES • 14 covered, floodlit bays • Custom fitting/teaching suite with GCQuad (opening December) • Nine-hole, 1,486-yard golf course • Two PGA professionals • Clubhouse/Café • Membership available

Take a look Pace yourself If you find yourself aimlessly beating balls, try placing your basket at the back of the range, which makes you pause between shots as you go to collect another ball.

If you’re working on something specific, take the opportunity to record your swing on your phone and take a closer look. Always set up your phone at waist height from directly behind or square on.

NORTHERN GOLFER 37

WINTERPRACTICE

WHITLEY BAY GOLF CLUB The indoor Golf Studio at Whitley Bay Golf Club features three practice bays, including one with Foresight GC2 technology, which allows golfers to practice using a huge amount of data as well as play some of the best courses in the world – from Turnberry to The Belfry and Troon. As well as practising or playing a round, golfers can also book lessons with PGA professional David Twizell. www.whitleybaygolfclub.co.uk

CUSTOM FIT GOLF/ SOUTH MOOR GOLF CLUB The indoor studio at South Moor is available daily to members and visitors to sharpen your game with FlightScope technology.

Fitting and tuition is also available with PGA professionals Shaun Cowell and Mark Ridley. www.southmoorgc.co.uk

FACILITIES • Three bays •Foresight GC2 technology • PGA professional tuition • Custom fitting

FACILITIES • One bay with FlightScope • Two PGA professionals • Custom fitting

GEORGE WASHINGTON GOLF CLUB

40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 2018 DRIVING RANGE Keep your Golf red hot this winter - Visit our State of the Art Driving Range at GWGC Experience our : • 16 HEATED Floodlit Bays • 6 Power Tees • Indoor HEATED teaching Bay with our PGA Professional, Ryan Ingram , providing 1 to 1, group and academy coaching and FREE Custom Fitting service using Flightscope. visit his website www.RLIGolf.co.uk for more details and services.

• Relax with a Coffee in our heated Cafe area • Range Open 9am till 9pm every day • Discounted Loyalty Cards and Range tickets available in the Golf Shop 9am till 6pm or use cash at the Range (accepts £2, £1 , 50p coins)

For more details contact the Golf Shop on 0191 417 8346 or e-mail gsd@georgewashington.co.uk

38 NORTHERN GOLFER

WYNYARD GOLF CLUB The Golf Performance Studio at Wynyard is a place to relax with friends while playing a great golf course, working on your game, or trying the latest equipment. Foresight GC2 technology allows you to play one of hundreds of courses while relaxing with access to your own bar, or fine tune your clubs with access to a wide range of club data on every shot. There is also a four-bay, covered driving range with TaylorMade balls as well as excellent short game facilities and a large grassed teeing area on-site. www.wynyardgolfclub.co.uk

FACILITIES • One bay with Foresight GC2 • Three PGA professionals • Custom fitting • Four-bay driving range

WINTERPRACTICE

TOP TIP Change it up Random or variable practice is a great way to change things up and gets you out of hitting the same shot to the same target.

Try switching clubs and targets every second or third shot to better replicate the rhythm of a round of golf.

Focus on the basics Pick a target and ensure your alignment is correct – this is the biggest cause of the classic ‘I can’t take my range game to the course’ as on the range you’re not compensating to hit it where you think you’re aiming.

THE HOBSON DRIVING RANGE Our on site driving range is 14 Bays with a further two coaching & custom fitting bays.

We use Srixon Range Balls & High Quality Mats, as well as the latest LED technology Floodlighting so you can practice all year round.

WINTER OPENING HOURS: Monday – 8.00am – 8.00pm Tuesday – 8.00am – 8.00pm Wednesday – 8.00am – 8.00pm Thursday – 8.00am – 8.00pm Friday – 8.00am – 7.00pm Saturday – 7.00am – 5.00pm Sunday – 7.00am – 5.00pm

TEL: 01207 271605 • EMAIL: HOBSONGOLFSTORE@HOTMAIL.CO.UK NORTHERN GOLFER 39

LIMITED TIME OFFER

FREE TOUR BAG WORTH £199 WITH EACH SET

These clubs have a deep centre of gravity for a higher launch angle and have perimeter weighting to increase their forgiveness away from the centre of the club. Contains our new sole design and each set comes with free headcovers.

Playable from any lie with our new sole design.

The high performance graphite shafts help increase the clubhead speed for extra distance and contain a softer tip to help maximise launch.

FREE TOUR BAG WORTH £199 WITH EACH PURCHASE

www.justgolfonline.co.uk

GOLFERTRAVEL

Stuart Ridley, Golf Escapes

What makes a golf resort great?

There are thousands of golf resorts out there, offering a variety of experiences.

To help you pick the best resort for you, here’s the Golf Escapes guide to what makes a great golf resort

W

e all want our holidays to be relaxing and our resorts to keep everything simple, don’t we? With that in mind, La Manga Club in Murcia, Spain is a must pick on our list.

The resort brings together a great hotel with a top golf course, the chance to have a nice dip in the hotel pool in the afternoon and it’s within walking distance of local bars and restaurants.

Just 25 mins from Murcia airport, or 90 mins from Alicante airport, the resort is easily accessed from most UK airports. La Manga Club Resort is really its own town with the beautiful fivestar Principe Felipe Hotel at its heart. Two courses are set out around the hotel (North and South) and a third course (West) is a five-minute shuttle drive away. If the luxury hotel isn’t your thing, you can also experience the four-star Las Lomas apartments and luxurious spa just a 10-minute shuttle from the hotel. The resort focuses on making everything as stress-free as possible with a constant shuttle service running all day to take you wherever you want to go. Whether you’re heading to the tennis courts, spa, football pitches, golf courses or heading down to La Manga’s bars and restaurants, the shuttle is just a phone call away. Both the hotel and apartments have bars and restaurants to walk out to with great food while the Irish bar is a must-visit.

Keeping things even simpler by bringing together everything you need within the grounds of one hotel, which is no easy task, is the Precise Resort El Rompido on the Costa de la Luz,

Spain. The hotel here is a fantastic hub for a week with an atmosphere to keep guests entertained throughout the day and evening. This has been achieved through two fantastic golf courses (North and South), which provide a challenge to every level of golfer; a stunning five-star hotel; a great pool in the middle of the horseshoe-shaped hotel; and a little treat called semi all-inclusive – which is every golfer’s dream and includes breakfast and dinner plus drinks in the evening (5pm-midnight) in all three of the hotel’s bars. This all helps create a brilliant atmosphere with guests coming together to turn the bars into social hot spots.

The final resort on our list is included for the golf it can offer… and its stunning five-star boutique hotel. Evolutee Royal Obidos Hotel & Spa in Portugal is an hour’s drive north of Lisbon airport and you’ll find the fantastic Royal Obidos Golf Course on site.

Flashy in every sense, the course features huge lakes, undulating fairways, immaculate greens and outstanding practice facilities.

With three of Portugal’s best courses within a 10-minute drive, Obidos is one of the best golf destinations in Europe. Bom Sucesso (a European Tour property), Praia d’el Rey (one of the most famous courses in Portugal) and the new West Cliffs Golf Links (a future host of many big tournaments) surround Royal Obidos, and a free shuttle service runs from the hotel doors to the courses. Add in the hotel, which is a thing of beauty with its quirky, modern style and you’ve got the third of our great golf resorts.

Golf Escapes specialises in golf holidays run by golf enthusiasts and players. The team, including Stuart, tailor golf breaks for thousands of players every year. Contact the team for free advice and more information via www.golf-escapes.com

NORTHERN GOLFER 41

GOLFERTIPS

John n Hteal 01r66r1i8s86o400 om tfenhall.c www.ma

MAXIMISING POWER I’ve seen plenty of players over the years who can achieve a faster clubhead speed than I ever could, yet they struggle to match the distance I can hit the driver. Why is this?

The main cause is the amount of backspin they impart on the ball, making the shot inefficient. To reduce spin with the driver, and maximise distance, try this drill‌ Setup to the ball as you normally would with the driver but instead of starting with the club directly behind the ball, move it back 6-9ins.

Start your swing from here. This will make your shoulders close slightly, which helps you swing the club a little more from the inside.

This also helps you make a better rotation in the backswing, creating a shallower angle back into the ball which will produce less backspin and a more efficient shot.

42 NORTHERN GOLFER

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GOLFERPROMOTIONS

win Northern Golfer competitions are also listed on our website www.northerngolfer.co.uk/ competitions Alternatively, you can post your entry to: Competitions, Northern Golfer, Unit One, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL

Please include your contact details and telephone number. Closing date Thursday November 29, 2018. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT LONGHIRST HALL GOLF CLUB Longhirst Hall Golf Club is home to two beautiful but different courses, The Lakes Course and The Dawson Course, offering the challenge of the American-style lakeland golf coupled with the stunning surroundings of the Northumberland countryside. Both courses have hosted the PGA EuroPro Tour and present stern tests.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Which course will host the 2019 Solheim Cup?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT WYNYARD GOLF CLUB

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT GOSWICK GOLF CLUB

Set in more than 200 acres of mature parkland on the exclusive Wynyard Estate near Teesside, The Wellington Course at Wynyard Golf Club stretches to 7,000 yards and is a true championship golf course.

Goswick, a championship golf course in every sense of the word, is situated six miles south of the beautiful and historic town of Berwick upon Tweed and measures 6,803 yards from the medal tees.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Who won the 2018 Women’s British Open?

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Who will host the 2019 British Masters?

Congratulations to last month’s competition winners: Castle Eden - Jaimie Self of Bellingham • Arcot Hall - Richard Hutchinson of Northallerton • Linden Hall - Barry Robinson of Sunderland

Exclusive Northern Golfer reader offer from Golf Escapes Kaya Belek

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www.golf-escapes.com/book-package/?id=28437 44 NORTHERN GOLFER

WIN YOUR CHANCE TO

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from the

bunker

Welcome to your reader feedback page. We want to hear your likes, dislikes and funny golfing stories, and if you’d like to make suggestions about Northern Golfer, let us know. We want to hear from you!

The European and US teams on the first tee at South Moor A team of golfers from South Moor Golf Club achieved what Jim Furyk could not by lifting the Ryder Cup for Team USA in September.

Members of the Stanley club battled it out for their version of the trophy over Ryder Cup weekend with the Americans emerging victorious over Team Europe by just two points. The Europeans, led by club captain Paul Soulsby, took a 4-3 advantage into Sunday’s singles following Saturday’s fourballs and greensomes before the US team, led by South Moor vice captain Nick Stowers fought back in the 12 singles matches to emerge 11.5-9.5 winners.

Congratulations Paul and the US team.

This month we’ve received a lot of positive feedback from readers. First, David Partridge emailed to say: “Just a quick thank you to the Northern Golfer team. I won a fourball at Romanby in April but due to injury I couldn’t get down any sooner. However, now fit, three friends and I went down and played. It’s a really nice course and we really enjoyed ourselves - we hope to play again next year. Thanks again!”

We’ve also received a number of comments following Dean Bailey’s October column on the need to rethink the way club golf is divided between men and women. As well as receiving a number of comments while visiting clubs, Leigh Mullen wrote on Facebook: “So true and not before time… change definitely needed! Makes total sense!”

Meanwhile, John James Vallely wrote on Facebook: “Well said Dean. What worked 30-40 years ago doesn’t now work but trying to get ‘change’ at certain clubs is met with stiff opposition. Golf ultimately is suffering.

Change scares people. #evolveordissolve” Thank you for taking the time to write, email, tweet and comment – we really appreciate hearing from readers every month. If you’d like to have your say email editor@northerngolfer.co.uk or find us on Facebook @northerngolferuk, Twitter @negolfer or Instagram @northerngolferuk 46 NORTHERN GOLFER

Adam Davies has also been in touch to share this picture following his first hole-in-one.

Witton Gilbert-based Adam used an eight iron at the 177-yard fifth hole at Roseberry Grange Golf Club to achieve his first ace.

Well done Adam. We love hearing your hole-inone stories too - email them along with a picture to editor@northerngolfer.co.uk to grab a spot in From the Bunker.

The Ryder Cup proved an inspiring event for golfers across our region, including youngsters at Oulton Hall who recruited their parents for their own Ryder Cup-style FUEL Golf foursomes event.

Thirty pairs – made up of an adult and junior – were split into two teams representing Europe and the US with Europe triumphing by the narrow margin of 425.5423.5. Individual prizes on the day were won by: Eddie (7) and Pete Claughton, who took first prize in the nine-hole competition with a nett 31.5, one-and-a-half points ahead of second-placed Louie (14) and Martin Parker. Oliver (11) and Phil Hobbs were third after shooting a nett score of 36. The five-hole competition was won by Max (9) and Simon Carrington while Jayden (9) and Chris Gray just pipped Izzy (9) and Barry Rankin to second place. A further prize was awarded to 10-year-old Finn Roberts Green who won the best-dressed award with a spectacular Europe-themed outfit.

Congratulations to all the winners, and to team Europe for keeping the blue side on top at Oulton Hall.

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Leave A1 (m) at junction 63 Chester-le-Street and follow B693 to Stanley, turn left onto B6532 (Asda roundabout), follow road to end and turn right, pass Blomfomtein School and follow sign to South Moor Golf Club

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