Northern Golfer magazine #35 - August 2015 by Offstone Publishing

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REVIEWED.

GEORGE WASHINGTON & LINDEN HALL TROPHY TRAIL.

WINNERS REVEALED CHARITY CHAMPS.

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golfer NOR THERN

EDITOR Paul Robertson editor@northerngolfer.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk Paul Corney 07521 389 536 pcorney@northerngolfer.co.uk Dean Bailey 07792 608 162 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk David Charlton 07734 697 769 david@sport-excellence.co.uk Daniel Hookway 01228 545 665 dihookway@gmail.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Gillian Corney 01661 845026 / mob: 07903 500 401 gillian@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Peter Skelton www.photo-psp.co.uk

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EDITOR’S NOTE AND CONTENTS With the wind and rain finally giving way to warm weather our beautiful courses are at their best. Excellent conditions have seen some great performances in the various county and club championships with more young guns than ever coming out on top. Our cover story this month features one such young gun, Tom Rowland, who is a step closer to reaching his goal of joining the professional ranks having enjoyed three years at college in the United States. Meanwhile clubs across the North East and Yorkshire are stepping up their efforts to attract the next generation of golfers, many of which are featured within these pages. We also look back on the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship at Close House and forward to some more top class events heading our way as well as the efforts of fundraisers attracting sizeable sums for a number of good causes. Our Matchplay Pairs and Ladies Greensomes competitions are now well underway and you can find out how those from your clubs are doing and where they go next on pages 42 and 43. Congratulations to Pete Newton on achieving master greenkeeper status for his work at Rockliffe Hall. So often, those who work through the early and late hours preparing the courses to be in the best possible condition for play don’t get the recognition they deserve. Two examples of courses in great nick are the feature of our reviews this month - Linden Hall and George Washington - while our pages are full of great offers for members and visitors alike to explore the region’s golfing gems. With so much going on now the season is in full swing, remember to let us know what is going on at your club - the winners, the aces, the initiatives and the quirky - if you have a story please get in touch. You will find the contacts just to the left of this column. You never know, you might feature in our next issue. For now, enjoy your golf and may the sun keep shining, and the tills of our fantastic clubs remain healthy.

Published by:

04-15 TEEING OFF

County champions, Senior moments, COCO success, Jack’s the lad and Rabbits breeding

18-23 TEEING OFF

Pete’s the master, winners galore and Dan Hookway in profile

29 TOUR LIFE

Chris Paisley’s tour diary

30-31 GOLFER NEWS EuroPro Tour latest and Open qualifying round-up

34-37 GOLFER NEWS 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

38 TIPS

Playing out of divots

FRONT COVER

Tom Rowland on life in the States and his hopes for the future Pages 24-26

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it ©Offstone Publishing 2015. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Offstone Publishing cannot accept responsibility for errors of inaccuracies in such information. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Offstone Publishing a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine. All material is sent at your own risk and although every care is taken, neither Offstone Publishing nor it’s employees, agents or subcontractors shall be held liable resulting for loss or damage. Offstone Publishing endeavors to respect the intellectual property of owners of copyrighted material reproduced herein. If you identify yourself as the copyright holder of material we have wrongly attributed, please contact the office. Offstone Publishing do not guarantee the insertion of any particular advertisement on a specified date or at all.

Featuring Greenwatch and Mind Games

Paul Robertson, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

16 GEORGE WASHINGTON

32 LINDEN HALL

40 COMPETITIONS

Win fourballs at Backworth, Ramside Hall and Romanby

42&43 LADIES AND GENTS MATCHPLAY All the latest on our Gents Match Play Pairs and Ladies Greensomes

46 FROM THE BUNKER Readers news and views

NORTHERN GOLFER 03

TEEINGOFF

Logan’s run R

Aisbitt continues his summer of success ichard Aisbitt’s stellar summer continued with a six-shot victory in the English Mid-Amateur Championship at Northumberland Golf Club. It was an impressive tournament for the North East and Yorkshire as Brancepeth’s Aisbitt completed a wire-to-wire win with Northumberland County captain Andrew Minnikin, from the host club, runner-up and Moortown’s Stephen East in third place. Aisbitt followed his first round 67, which equalled the course record, with a 73 on day two and closed with two under-par 70. “I’m delighted, chuffed to bits,” said Aisbitt, who won his third Durham County Championship at South Shields earlier this year and now adds the Logan Trophy to his

list. This is what you want, to have the chance of winning on a Sunday. Andy and I said earlier in the year that the next time we played it would be in the last group at the Logan Trophy and it worked out that way. It’s a great one-two for the North East and we will have to invade the south next year.” The championship will be held at Brokenhurst Manor in Hampshire in 2016 and both players are already planning to make the journey. Aisbitt, who has now won the Durham title three times, was Northern Boys champion twice and a member of England training squads. He had a brief spell in professional ranks before reverting to amateur status. “I’ve been playing quite well for a few years now and I’ve just carried on as I have for the past four or five

Richard Aisbitt with the Logan Trophy years,” said Aisbitt. “I think I have got to be a better player as I’ve gotten older. I have a more mature outlook on my golf than I used to. I’m going down to Woodhall Spa for the English County Champion of Champions. I finished second last year so it would be nice to go one better.”

Meanwhile Boldon’s Gavin Nesbit who moved from 11th to fourth place after a second round score of 72 for a two-over par total finished tied eighth with and there were top 20 finishes for Lindrick’s Jamie Shepherd, Northumberland’s Paul Caldicott, Fulford’s Jamie Miller and Ponteland’s Russell Hayhoe.

Home for Yorkshire County Championships 18-20th August Come and watch some great golf for free Last minute afternoon summer green fee from £47.50 per person– including coffee and bacon roll on arrival Monday – Thursday only Visit our online bookings at www.fulfordgolfclub.co.uk or ring Tom on 01904 413579 ext 4

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TEEINGOFF

Jack leads the pack Young Hermeston is Northumberland champ

ack Hermeston paid tribute to all those who have helped him climb into the England reckoning after his first Northumberland County Championship victory. And a relieved 19-year-old from the City of Newcastle club also paid tribute to the host club’s Tony Waller, his opponent in the final after edging a 3&2 win on the 16th in the second round of the 36-hole final at Morpeth with a three-threethree finish. “It could have gone either way,” said Hermeston. “Tony played superb golf and I’m sure he’ll get his hands on this trophy.” Waller, who knocked out

defending champion Jake Storey at the 19th hole in the semi-finals while Hermeston edged out Kris Wyman by one hole, would not be shaken off until that devastating Hermeston finish. It was Hermeston’s second county win in a week as he was in the City team along with Phil Ridden and Alex Dixon which won the Northumberland First Division title. “It’s nice to get my hands on the trophy after going close in the county strokeplay,” added Hermeston. “I’d like to say that I have a lot of people to thank for where I am today - I could not have done without them.

Jack Hermeston “I played really solid all week but I had some really tough opponents. The final against Tony was really tough. “I’m at the University of Missouri in Kansas City and have been there a year. I’m studying business management and play for the golf team. I’d like to do something in golf but I have an open mind on it

at the moment and we’ll wait and see what happens and see what avenues open up.” Hermeston has enjoyed a stellar rise up the England ranks winning the McGregor Trophy in 2011 and also picking up the German Junior Masters, Italian Junior title and a runners-up spot in the Scottish under-16s event.

Flexi-Golf If you lead a busy life but still love to get out and play, then Flexi-Golf at Ramside, our new flexible points based membership scheme, will enable you to join the club for a lower annual fee and buy points to exchange for rounds whenever you are free to tee off.

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TEEINGOFF

Blackwell set for big changes

Ian Knight has been appointed general manager at Blackwell Grange as part of the Darlington club’s ongoing development plans. “We are in the process of building a new professional’s shop, which will be attached to a newlyrefurbished driving range,” said Knight. “The relocation of the pro shop then gives us the space we need to build new changing rooms for both men and women. “In addition we are refurbishing the clubhouse lounge and bar and also re-designing the balcony area, which offers a fantastic area to relax after a round with great views across the course. The works are well under way and all will be completed by the end of September. “The course is in great shape and we are receiving excellent feedback from both members and visitors. Course improvements are under way and we are also investing in machinery, which will undoubtedly improve standards even further.”

Open season Andrew Atkinson finished second in the English Seniors Men’s Open Amateur Championship at Worplesdon Golf Club and West Hill Golf Clubs in Surrey with a three-round total of 219. Atkinson, who finished eight over-par for the week, was three shots behind Ian Attoe from host club Worplesdon. He said: “The second place puts me in the hunt for an England cap for the home internationals in September.” 06 NORTHERN GOLFER

Peter Fowler Carl Mason

Fowler’s feeling champion Aussie produces great performance to seal ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship at Close House

eter Fowler used local knowledge to his advantage to lift the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship at Close House - beating a charging Gordon Manson and last month’s cover star Carl Mason to the winner’s cheque in the European Senior Tour’s only four-round event outside the senior majors. Fowler, who posted a final round 70 to finish three strokes ahead of Manson on 12 under-par, played the Lee Westwood Colt Course shortly after it opened in 2012 alongside its designer Scott Macpherson and had Newcastle United Golf Club member ‘Geordie’ John Simmons on the bag during the week. On collecting the £41,600 first prize, Fowler said: “I was up there from start to finish and to

play a couple of rounds with Carl Mason on a weekend, you can’t ask for better than that. After nine holes [having double bogeyed the ninth] I thought I could be caught but it was time knuckle down and play golf. “I enjoyed the course. I studied it hard and I knew I had a head start having played it with Scott.” Fowler, who won the previous week at the Acorn Jersey Open, added: “Two wins in a row is something that doesn’t happen very often. There are a lot of years of hard work, almost 15 years, to get to this stage.” What was expected to be a procession to the title for Fowler, having being dominant all week, turned out to be a test of grit and determination as his overnight four shot advantage was wiped out by the turn. The Aussie then produced a flawless back nine with birdies at 13, 15 and 17. Simmons, who has caddied occasionally for the Aussie over the past four years, said: “Peter is a fantastic guy to work for. I’m a golf fanatic and I love caddying for Peter whenever I can get

TEEINGOFF the time off work. “Peter’s playing great at the minute and I’ve learned a lot from watching him play over the last few years. “The relationship all started when my son caddied for Peter for a year and I’ve continued working with him since.” Fowler added, “John loves golf and he’s so enthusiastic; it’s great to share the experience with him.” Manson, who began his career as a PGA assistant at Ganton, secured the best finish of his senior career. Building on his third round six underpar 65 – the lowest round of the week – he was two under-par for the final round at the turn after gains at the third, fourth and eighth, which offset a bogey at seven. He then chipped in at the 10th to grab a share the lead. A birdie at 16 maintained the pressure on Fowler but a bogey on the last brought his title hopes to an end. He said: “Playing on the Senior Tour, it’s always good at the beginning of the season to put in a really good performance. “It gives you a lot of confidence

and I’m a guy who always has to play for his position every year, so that has been a massive boost to me this week.” Mason, who earned £26,820, ended his week in style birdieing the final hole. “I’m very happy. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it’s good to be up among them again,” said the 61-year-old. “The nerve ends are at an end but never mind. I battled on, which was pleasing as I didn’t play that well but I saved my best shot till the last and I like that. I’ll come away with good memories. The course is tricky so my eight underpar score is very pleasing.” Having followed the final group on Sunday, Macpherson said: “It’s a great thrill to see an event of this level played on a course I designed. The course has held up well to some of the world’s best senior tour players and the player who swung the best and putted the best won. “I think Peter’s inside knowledge has helped – having that gave him

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a head start, and the way he putted made it hard for anyone to beat him.” Close House owner Graham Wylie added: “The PGA wanted the course setup so the winner was around 12 under-par and that’s exactly what we got. The best golfers rose to the top and with just eight players under-par it proves this course is tough and can standup to the best golfers in the world.”

Final Scores SCORE

NAME

272 (-12)

Peter Fowler (Aus)

275 (-9)

Gordon Manson (Aut)

276 (-8)

Carl Mason (Eng)

278 (-6)

Miguel Angel Martin (Spa)

279 (-5)

Philip Golding (Eng)

281 (-3)

Tim Thelen (USA)

283 (-1)

Gary Emerson (Eng)

283 (-1)

Jean Pierre Sallat (Fra)

Peter Fowler with the trophy Unit 3 Strand Business Centre, Locomotion Way, Camperdown Industrial Estate, Killingworth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12 5UJ TELEPHONE 0191 2680008 email: phil@philipsgolf.co.uk LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @philipsgolfne

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NORTHERN GOLFER 07

TEEINGOFF

Stars come out for COCO

Celebrities join the Jarrow Arrow for Slaley Hall golf day in aid of COCO

elebrities from across the UK travelled to Northumberland in July for the 12th Steve Cram Celebrity Golf Day at Slaley Hall. Durham cricketers Paul Collingwood, Graham Onions, Scott Borthwick and Phil Mustard joined Newcastle United legends Steve Harper and Steve Howey, FA Cup-winning Sunderland goalkeeper Jim Montgomery, and rugby union’s Roger Uttley and Rory Underwood to support the Jarrow Arrow. Cram, who founded international children’s charity COCO in 2000, said: “This event is great fun and a great way to raise money for the work COCO is doing. Our Schools for Life project is going incredibly well and we’ve got a lot of events coming up in the next few weeks. “My friends and colleagues from the world of sport have been hugely supportive and I am extremely grateful to them and all of the businesses taking part. “My golf is worse than ever. I’ve been working flat out since May and have had little time to practise so this may be another year without placing in my own golf day – but we’ll enjoy it anyway.” 08 NORTHERN GOLFER

COCO has raised more than £3m for projects in remote regions of the developing world that help alleviate the poverty that prevents children’s education. Returning to the event, Durham cricketer Phil Mustard said: “There are a few of the Durham boys here and we’re always happy to support this event and a North East legend like Steve. When you get a day off in the summer it’s great to have the chance to play a great course and such a fun event.” Harper, also returning to the event, added: “We’ve got more great weather for Steve’s event and that always helps. It’s a fantastic cause and one which I’m really proud to support. The Hunting course is tough and my short game needs some work so we’ll see how today goes.” Steve Harmison said: “It’s great to be back supporting a top charity. Steve’s a great man and the North East always looks after its own which you see in the number of people who come back here year after year. I’m playing well at the minute.” The event, which included a dinner with prize presentation and auction, raised more than £18,000.

The Celebrity line up (from top) John Regis, Steve Harper, Don Goodman, Phil Mustard with Fred Howie of Howie White Jeff Brown

TEEINGOFF

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Left to right: Denny Ward, Richard Jackson, Steve Pallister, Scott Dickinson

Longest day

he Macmillan Nurses’ Longest Day Golf Challenge has become one of the UK’s biggest charity golf events, and this year four golfers from Prudhoe Golf Club took up the challenge to play four rounds in a single day. The team of Richard Jackson, club vice captain Denny Ward, Steve Pallister and Scott Dickinson took part in the challenge, which takes place on or as near as possible to the longest day of the year and aims to raise money for the cancer support charity. The Challenge sees teams play for the two best scores on each hole; this is then combined with the money raised and the top teams qualify for the finals at the Boavista Golf Resort on the Algarve. Having started at 4.30am, and taken in some 22 miles, the team finished their day at 6.15pm with a total of 66 under-par for the four rounds. “It’s great that we’ve smashed our original £1,000 target and also scored so well. I have so many people to thank; friends and family have been really supportive as have Prudhoe Golf Club members and our work colleagues from Thompsons of Prudhoe, SCA and the British Army,” said Jackson.

Meanwhile, Burgham captains Paul Barnett and Cora Gray (pictured above) also completed a marathon charity challenge on the longest day of the year. The pair played four courses Warkworth, Dunstanburgh Castle, Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick - a staggering 72 holes starting at 4.45am at Warkworth and finishing at Alnwick at 9pm. The charity challenge was in aid of the Northern Counties Kidney Research Fund. “A big thank you to each of the clubs involved for giving us the courtesy of the course,” said Paul. “It was a long day but we did it, playing the four castle courses in one day and walking every yard! “We’d also like to thank the members and visitors at each course for kindly letting us play through to enable us to get round quickly and thanks to Michael Thompson and Ailsa Birkett for joining us.” Paul is a project manager for Kier Newcastle and Cora is a retired teacher and both have connections to the Northern Counties Kidney Research Fund. One of Paul’s family works with the transplant unit at the Freeman hospital and Cora’s husband had kidney problems which resulted in dialysis and a transplant.

To date, the Prudhoe team has raised more than £1,500. To donate go to www.justgiving.com/stiffshaftsgolf

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NORTHERN GOLFER 09

TEEINGOFF

Aiming for top spot Pro from across the region share the honours in a string of NE/NW PGA pro ams

he region’s best PGA professionals tackled Prudhoe, Maryport and Teesside in pro ams as the NE/NW PGA season moves into a busy summer. Silloth Golf Club’s Jonathan Graham led a packed field at the Prudhoe GC Breast Cancer Pro Am in June with a three under-par round of 66. Graham, who collected the £1,000 winner’s prize, finished one shot clear of Rockliffe Hall’s Jon Stacey at the Northumberland club as four players finished in a tie for fourth place with rounds of 68.

10 NORTHERN GOLFER

The players on 68 were Darren Crowle (Middlesbrough Municipal), Mark Ridley (South Moor), Martyn Jobling (Morpeth) and Graeme Bell (Eaglescliffe). Dave Huggin, Ian MacGurk, Rod Stobo and professional Alex Shaw won the team event with a 119 total. Meanwhile, Westerhope’s Michael Nesbit and Hartlepool’s Alex Wrigley shared the top prize the following day at Maryport after carding three underpar rounds of 67.

Michael Nesbit (©Richard Hannam) Alan Oliver and Mark Ridley finished three shots back, while Martin Forster, Craig Goodfellow, Jonathan Graham and Vincent Guest finished in a tie for fifth place with rounds of 71. Andy In the team event, Maryport Swingers Scrimshaw represented by Jack Wilson, Ross (©Richard Johnston, Nick Pettit and Mathew Webb Hannam) won on countback. The following week, David Clark, David Forster and Craig Goodfellow shared the first prize at the Teesside Pro Am with rounds of 68. Graeme Bell and Shaun Goswami finished in a tie for fourth place with rounds of 69.

TEEINGOFF

Jordan Henderson cuts the ribbon to officially open the new George Washington Academy and Driving Range

In loving memory

Star opens new facilities at George Washington and launches cancer charity

ootball star Jordan Henderson returned to Wearside to launch a major new cancer charity the Eileen Smith Foundation. The Liverpool and England star met fans at the George Washington Golf Club to official open the new £500,000 state-of-the-art driving range and academy and launch a new cancer charity. Jordan’s father, Brian, himself a survivor of cancer, said: “The charity is named after my mother-in-law who died from the illness recently. “The Foundation in her name will not only keep her memory alive, but provide support for cancer patients by offering free transport to hospital for treatment.” Former Sunderland midfielder Jordan was only too happy to be part of the launch at the George Washington Hotel where Sun Fm marked the occasion by broadcasting live from the grounds. Jordan also officially opened and tried out the new driving range with the Mercure George Washington Hotel, Golf & Spa set to donate thousands of pounds to the cause. Jordan said: “It’s a great cause

and I’d like to thank everyone who turned up to offer their support. “Any donation to cancer charities is worthwhile, but I like the fact that this one has a specific area where it plans to help.” As part of the launch, Jordan donated a signed England shirt worn at the Brazil 2014 World Cup, a signed Liverpool FC 2014/2015 season shirt and a Sunderland 2014/2015 season signed shirt by the whole team. More information on the charity can be found on the Foundation’s Facebook page ( facebook.com/ EileensCharity), where donations can also be made. The new range at George Washington comprises 14 luxury heated bays featuring six bays with Power tees, plus both internal and external teaching and custom fit facility, with the latest Flightscope technology. The range and academy is for all ages and abilities and the club is launching junior and ladies group teaching academies to complement the 18-hole championship course, par three course, putting and chipping area and new clubhouse.

George Washington course review – pages 16&17

EAGLESCLIFFE GOLF CLUB Founded 1914

Nestled beside the River Tees with the Cleveland Hills as a backdrop, the course has been described by Golf Monthly magazine as a ‘hidden gem’ of English golf. This 6289 yard James Braid course is both picturesque and demanding due to the nature of the rolling terrain and sloping greens which provides a challenge for both novice and experienced golfers alike. Golf Societies, Corporate Golf Days and Captain’s Away Days..............We will tailor packages to your requirements.

Membership available from £350 Check our website for reduced Green Fee Dates For all enquiries or to arrange a visit, please contact Martin Ball on 01642 780238 or email secretary@eaglescliffegolfclub.co.uk 2015 OPENS

“Home of European Senior Tour Player and Teaching Professional Graeme Bell”

Gents - Sun 2nd Aug ------------------Senior Gents 4BBB - Wed 12th Aug ------------------Mixed Team - Sun 30th August

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NORTHERN GOLFER 11

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Juniors flock to Matfen Facilities and coaching attracts boys and girls to Northumberland club

here has been a resurgence of junior golf at Matfen Hall in Northumberland. The club, the coaching staff and parents have come together to focus on making golf accessible and enjoyable for juniors of any age and ability. Under the first class tutelage of England Golf ’s JJ Vallely and his team, the juniors are in great hands. The results of that hard work at Ponteland where no less than nine of the 42 competitors in the first of this year’s Northumberland Junior Golf Tour were representing Matfen Hall.

In the Beginner Girls category, Zara Naughton and Lois Blythe came first and third respectively, while in the Advanced Boys category, Junior Dobson, Morgan Blythe and Angus Buchanan came first, third and fourth. Matfen’s Junior Academy runs every Friday from 5-7pm. All ages and abilities are welcome. For more details contact either the club or JJ tel 07899 090 777. The facilities at Matfen’s academy include a nine-hole par-three course - the perfect course for new players to develop confidence and hone their skills The Northumberland Junior Golf

Matfen Hall’s junior squad - Back row (left to right): coach JJ Vallely, Francesca Chilton, Angus Buchanan, Alex Buchanan, Matty Garvey, Lois Blythe, Zara Naughton, Jack Naughton and coach Jonny Levey. Front row (left to right): Morgan Blythe, Junior Dobson and Charlotte Naughton Tour consists of four, nine-hole qualifying competitions open to both players with and without a handicap to players between the ages of seven and 13. At each event players will be able

to earn points towards and Order of Merit and also perhaps a chance to represent Team Northumberland against teams from Durham and Cumbria in The Regional Final in Cumbria in September.

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Jack Ainscough (right) and Alex Stevenson after winning the North of England Schools Boys and Girls titles

Youngsters dominate Young stars Jack and Alex bring the trophies home

ack Ainscough has been making the winner’s circle all his own recently. The Hartlepool junior played his part as Durham celebrated a clean sweep at the North of England Schools’ Championship and then became the youngest winner of the Hartlepool Club Championship at the age of 15. Jack, a pupil at Hartlepool’s Dyke House Sports and Technology College, along with Alexandra Stevenson, of Stanley’s Tanfield, clinched the individual honours at the North of England Schools Championships at Blankney Golf Club in Lincolnshire. Although just 15, Ainscough was playing in the under-18s event and he obliterated the field to finish six shots clear. “I played solid golf from start to finish in horrendous weather really,

so to win a national competition when I’m 15 against golfers older than me gives me a lot of confidence,” he said. Stevenson became the youngest winner of the girl’s title by a shot edging out teammate Jessica Hall and Yorkshire’s Georgia Holden and that ensured Durham clinched the overall team trophy too, beating Yorkshire by six shots. Ainscough was celebrating again after becoming the youngest winner of the Hartlepool Club Championship in its 109-year history at just 15 years, 10 months and 19 days. Ainscough followed up an opening round three under-par 67 with a 71 on the Sunday to finish six shots clear of Cameron Wallace. Ainscough added: “Winning is a good habit to get in to and I just want to keep it up. I am extremely proud to win two big events so far.”

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14 NORTHERN GOLFER

Members of Prudhoes Golf Club’s NERGA team

Rabbits breeding

League continues to grow as 2015 season gets underway

he North East Rabbits Golf Association season is underway with more teams than ever before taking part. The Inter category, for players with handicaps between 10-15 joins the 16-28 handicap category for the first time with 15 teams taking part in the Inter league. The Rabbits league, formed in 2010, sees 30 teams compete for a place in Finals Day this term – with Houghton-Le-Spring, Ravensworth and Roseberry Grange joining the four-zone league. At the time of going to print, Boldon leads the Red Zone in the NERGA league after four games. Meanwhile, Richmond leads the Blue Zone, Ripon City leads the

Green Zone after two games, and Stocksfield leads the Yellow Zone after three games. In the Inter league, Whitby leads the Blue Zone, with Ripon City second based on the seven best stableford scores from each game. In the Red Zone, Crook and Blackwell Grange are tied for the lead – Crook sitting top thanks to a better points total. The NERGA sees teams of eight compete over each of the Zone’s courses over consecutive weekends. Points are awarded to the leading teams at each event ( first place receiving eight, second place seven, and so on). Following the final league fixtures, the leading team from each zone earns a place in Finals Day in October at Rockliffe Hall.

For more information, including fixtures, results and how to join the NERGA for 2016 go to www.nerga.co.uk or contact NERGA secretary Martin Hill, email martin_hill@live.co.uk or tel 01325 720 943 or 07775 615 307

INTER LEAGUE 2015 Southern - Blue – Whitby, Easingwold, Darlington, Ripon City, Romanby, Kirkbymoorside, Bedale, Catterick Northern – Red – Wearside, Parklands, Ricjmond, Hobson, Crook, Blackwell grange, Stocksfield NERGA LEAGUE 2015 Northern – Red – Parklands, Seaham, Ravensworth, Boldon, Chester-leStreet, Crook, South moor, Garesfield Southern – Blue – KP Club, Richmond, Scarborough North, Blackwell Grange, Romanby, Kirkbymoorside, Malton & Norton Southern – Green – Darlington, Whitby, Ripon City, Thirk & Northallerton, Easingwold, Catterick, Filey, Bedale Northern – Yellow – Prudhoe, Dinsdale Spa, Wearside, Hobson, Houghtonle-Spring, Roseberry Grange, Stocksfield

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Perfect partners

Lee and Abbi bring Mixed Foursomes trophy to South Moor

outh Moor’s Lee Dobson and Abbi Wheatley teamed up to win the Northumberland and Durham Inter-County Junior Mixed Foursomes at Ryton Golf Club. The duo mastered tricky windy conditions for a nett 72 total, one stroke ahead of Beamish Park’s Tom Skelton and Alex Stevenson. Dobson, 21, was on Sunderland AFC’s books, but changed direction and is now in his third season of golf and has won three junior and five men’s club competitions, and is

the club’s junior captain. Meanwhile 13-year-old Abbi is in her first year of competitive golf. The Fyndoune Community College pupil has achieved victories in Durham County’s Junior Spring Meeting at Seaton Carew and a junior open at Billingham. Her handicap has improved from 40 to 28 this season having begun as a 10-year-old on South Moor’s seven-hole course. Parents or guardians of boys or girls aged three to 12 can book their youngsters to try golf on Wednesday evenings at South Moor.

Lee Dobson and Abbi Wheatley

Plastic clubs are used for the junior beginners’ fun nights (6-7pm, cost £2). Phone Shaun Cowell or Mark Ridley on 01207 283 525

M at f e n h a l l g ol f c l u b Per Month

Junior Open Monday 3rd August £8 per person Texas ScrambleThursday 20th August £50 per team Ladies Open Monday 14th September £40 per team

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NORTHERN GOLFER 15

COURSEREVIEW

By George Washington’s good Alan Hedley finds new facilities have helped secure a golf resort’s reputation as one of the best in the region

ajor investment has turned the Mercure George Washington Hotel Golf and Spa into one of the best venues in the North. A new state-of-the-art 16-bay driving range six with Power Tees - and two teaching bays was recently opened by England, Liverpool and former Sunderland footballer Jordan Henderson. Add to that a five-hole par-three Academy course, a new clubhouse with it’s own lounge bar and golf shop plus changing facilities, a spacious function room and, if you want to stay over, a 103-bedroom hotel which offers stay-and-play golf packages. At the heart of everything here is a par 73 18-hole championship golf course measuring 16 NORTHERN GOLFER

6,625 yards from the back tees, which is still rated highly among amateurs and professionals - the pros still talk of the quality of the course which was established when it staged the Sunderland Masters - a ranking PGA North event - for several years. With tree-lined but generous fairways Washington, which opened in 1979, will test your best golf but it’s surprisingly easy to walk. Not many courses start with two par fives and a par three but Washington does and the first is a 488-yard dog-leg left to right which needs a long fade to get to the corner from the back tees but it’s downhill and a decent drive will set up a chance of getting there in two. A really strong par three of 200 yards follows

which demands enough club to make the two-tier green and then it’s on to a fairly straightforward par five which, again, is reachable in two but there is a ditch short right of the green so the approach needs to be precise. Anybody who has managed a par or one-under start will be thinking this is a lark but the fourth, a par four of nearly 400 yards, will change that as will the par five fifth which has a ditch which winds its way along and behind the hole and there are plenty of trees and rough on the right plus a pond which catches any shot coming up short right. Then there is Washington’s own Amen Corner three really tricky par fours - the sixth has loads of trouble with a ditch crossing the fairway, plus lots of trees as the fairway narrows as well as a long, two-tier green. It’s not surprising the par four seventh gets the vote as the signature hole (see fact file) and it’s followed by another par four that may look easier but the two trees which narrow the fairway at 250260 yards will concentrate the mind. Two more trees halfway to the green will also pose the problem at the short ninth and with out of bounds both sides, the 10th is an intimidating par four with a tough second shot to a green with wicked bunkers right and left. A left to right dog-leg par five follows and it might be better to have a go at carrying the corner

COURSEREVIEW

FACT FILE

CONTACT Mercure George Washington Hotel Golf and Spa Stone Cellar Road, High Usworth Washington, NE37 1PH Hotel reception 0191 402 9988 Golf 0191 417 8346 Email gsd@georgewashington.co.uk Web www.georgewashington.co.uk

Head pro Gary Shipley has established a strong junior academy at George Washington and along with assistant Ryan Ingram hopes to develop the section further. Facility development is also set to continue at the resort with plans for a synthetic green on the area released by re-siting the 10th tee, a minigolf area and the possibility of Footgolf being promoted

GREEN FEES From £15 Buggies from £20 Electric trolley hire £7.50 TOTAL DISTANCE White tees - 6,618 yards Yellow tees - 6,285 yards Red tees - 5,737 yards

as there is out of bounds up the left until the elbow and also on the right. Out of bounds along the right is the problem at the 12th but hit the middle of the fairway and it is a birdie chance. Enough club to carry the big lateral bunker 20 yards from the green is the key at the par three 13th while the 14th is a real test with out of bounds along the right menacing the drive and loads of trees on the left. And don’t miss the green left where there is a big bunker - or go long where there is an even bigger bunker. The short 15th is a real birdie chance if you avoid the bunker left and the ditch on the right should not come into play. A straightforward par four follows and you can rescue your card on the way in if you need to as two solid shots will get you close to the par five 17th and while the 18th is no pushover with a ditch all along the left and which crosses the fairway, a lay up from there back tees leaves a reasonable target.

FEATURES 18 holes parkland golf Excellent clubhouse with lounge and balcony overlooking the first tee Changing rooms Well-stocked professionals shop with PGA Professional tuition Extensive practice ground/facilities Par-three short course 16-bay driving range with Power Tees CADDY’S TIP Accuracy off the tee with these tree-lined fairways is key SIGNATURE HOLE There are plenty of candidates for the signature hole - the long par-three second, the fourth or the tough 14th but it’s the seventh, at 385 yards, gets my vote. It’s not a monster but coming in the middle of Washington’s Amen Corner, it’s a long right-to-left dog-leg with a ditch crossing the tree-lined fairway. As beautiful as it’s deadly.

ALAN HEDLEY’S VERDICT

A top quality course with great greens and a clubhouse with top facilities. You’ll probably use every club in the bag on this challenging layout.

NORTHERN GOLFER 17

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Open for business Claret jug visit highlights the work taking place at Woodham

oodham had a visit from golf ’s most prestigious trophy as the club continues to grow under new owners. The junior section in particular is booming - and a visit from the Golf Foundation with the Open Championship trophy provided another boost. Much of the work to get Woodham’s junior section back up and running is down to club pro Ernie Wilson. However Ernie is quick to point out the decision by the club’s owners to offer free membership to under-14s has been key. “The junior section has grown really quickly,” said Ernie, “and it’s on its way to hitting the 100 target, which is absolutely brilliant. “We are looking for funds for

coaching and the possibility of funding for a par-three academy course. The visit by the Golf Foundation was very positive and they were able to bring along the Claret Jug which created a bit of a stir.” The Golf Foundation is backing Woodham’s plans through their Grass Roots programme and Ernie has also been in touch with local primary and secondary schools to promote golf. It’s another positve step in the re-birth of Woodham under new owners Woodham Golf and Leisure who undertook a programme of work and improvements after they bought the 6,671 yard course and clubhouse last July. Major work on the course has been followed by a clubhouse refurbishment.

Woodham pro Ernie Wilson with the Claret Jug

GEORGE WASHINGTON GOLF CLUB

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Birdies galore

Pete’s the Master

Greenkeeper earns accolade for his role at Rockliffe Hall

ockliffe’s Pete Newton is celebrating after he became the 66th BIGGA member to achieve Master Greenkeeper status. Course manager Pete supervised the construction and grow-in of the course at Rockliffe Hall in County Durham – which opened six years ago – and has played a key role in the resort’s growth. The championship course, which measures 7,879 yards from the back tees, has hosted the PGA English Senior Open and the Matchplay Final of the William Hunt Trilby Tour. Pete began his greenkeeping career as a trainee at Rochdale Golf Club in 1997 while studying a HND in Turf Science and

Golf Course Management at Myerscough College. He then had spells at the Marriott facilities at Forest of Arden and Worsley Park before moving on to a deputy head greenkeeper role on the Brabazon Course at The Belfry. In 2008 he joined Rockliffe as head greenkeeper, and was named course manager last October. He heads a team of nine greenkeepers and a mechanic plus four seasonal greenkeepers and four members of staff from the estate. He said: “I’m obviously really pleased, the first thing I did was tell all the guys here who seem pretty chuffed for me. They’ve put a huge amount of effort into this course and this achievement is as much to

Pete Newton do with them as it is me. “We’ve come a long way, from seeding all the greens and using a Portakabin as an office in 2008. “It’s been a real challenge. When I first arrived here everyone said we would never be able to sustain creeping bentgrass greens because it’s too wet in the North East. But we’ve proved them wrong and we’ve had so many fantastic comments on the surfaces here from professionals and amateurs alike.” Greenwatch column page 35

We’re Open

Home to many bird species the largest of three lakes at Rockliffe Hall is now benefitting from four new Otterbine aerators which maintain quality water for the course’s irrigation system and wildlife alike. Rockliffe’s trio of lakes, accompanied by eight reed beds, attract a great range of water fowl from coots and moorhens, to geese, swans and greater crested grebe. Course manager Pete Newton – whose job it is to ensure water quality across the resort – says they’ve even spotted some rare breeds of late, including bearded tits and the allusive water rail.

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PROFILE

PRO -FILE

DAN HOOKWAY NORTHUMBRIA GOLF BREAKS FOR THE BEST GOLFING HOLIDAYS UNDER THE SUN

SPRING MIXED COMPETITION WEEK 2016

THE 4* IBEROSTAR MALAGA PLAYA TORROX THE HOTEL IS UNDERGOING A COMPLETE REFURBISHMENT OVER THE WINTER. FROM THE 22/04/16 TO 29/04/16 7 DAYS “ ALL INCLUSIVE” 5 ROUNDS OF GOLF ON BAVIERA GOLF & ANORETA GOLF WITH BUGGY’S INCLUDED ALL TRANSFERS PRICE £575PP SHARING. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £70 THERE ARE A FEW SPACES AVAILABLE FOR SINGLES.

SPECIAL LIMITED OFFER IN SPAIN ISLA CANELA 4* HOTEL 7 nights half board 5 rounds of golf only £325pp, sharing Car hire or transfers available 4* HOTEL MONICA CAMBRILS, COSTA DAURADA 7 Nights b&b with 5 rounds of golf £475pp Transfers or car hire available.

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20 NORTHERN GOLFER

AGE: 30 TURNED PRO: 25 H/CAP: ONE HOME CLUB: Tour Performance Golf/ Carlisle Driving Range CAREER HIGHLIGHTS A regular on the NE/NW PGA circuit, Dan’s first professional win came at The Grove in 2014. Dan was also in the top five in the Rookie of the Year award for assistant professionals. THIS SEASON “My main focus this year will be building the Tour Performance Golf business at Carlisle Driving Range. We’ve kitted-out the facility with the best equipment – including a full club building workshop and a total refurbishment of the driving range. We’ve also brought in the best people in coaching, club building and fitness to offer a tour-quality service to golfers. On the course, I am playing a full schedule of NE/NW PGA pro ams and will be continuing to work with my coach Andy Paisley at Hexham Golf Club.” GETTING INTO THE GAME “I played a lot of sports as a teenager and didn’t pick up a golf club until I was 17. My first handicap was 15 and I won the Tynemouth junior club championship after playing for 18 months. I played football, squash, tennis and golf for Durham University, where I studied law, but didn’t have an ambition to be a pro golfer. I had a few years off golf after a bad football injury and as I was coming to the end of my degree a friend suggested I look at the PGA programme; I’d just got back into golf and thought I’d give it a go. I managed to get down to a plus-one handicap and turned pro soon after.” WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? “Taking over the driving range and getting everything we would like to have up and running will be a big part of 2015. We’ve got big plans for the facility and we want to provide the best service across coaching, fitness and club fitting. On the course, who knows? I’m really happy with the work I’m doing with Andy and I have a great team at TPG which means I have the opportunity to play – I’d like to progress through the professional ranks.” INTERESTING FACT Dan was a nationally ranked squash player and represented Durham University in four sports

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Clubs hit the jackpot Whickham and Houghton scoop Lottery funding

urham clubs Whickham and Houghton have both been handed £75,000 grants from Sport England’s National Lottery funding to improve golf facilities. Whickham will use the money to help create an academy, comprising a four-bay driving range with a teaching suite, plus a short game practice area designed to get more people in to golf. Club president Les Britton said: “We are delighted to have secured this investment, which means we can upgrade the quality of our practice facilities to match

the quality of our course. It is the cornerstone of our strategy to have an outstanding club with the capability to promote excellence in our sport with the ability to encourage more people to play a sport that endures through junior and senior years. It is indeed a tribute to the 2012 Olympics’ legacy.” The news came as Whickham Ladies won the Durham County Vine Trophy at Durham City with a score of 81 points, one ahead of Brancepeth with Ravensworth third on 79. Houghton will also receive

Whickham winners: Julie Cornish, Fran Bell (captain) and Wendy Robison with the Durtham County Vine Trophy £75,000 to help towards upgrade the practice facilities at the club to include three covered practice bays and a six-hole pitch and putt course. The new facilities will be used to encourage those who have never played the game or those who wish to improve. The facilities will be open to members of the local and wider communities.

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Local MP Bridget Phillipson said: “This investment by Sport England into Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club is fantastic news. There has always been a strong sporting tradition in this area and this money is an investment in young people for today and for the future. I welcome this investment which will encourage families to take up golf.”

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NORTHERN GOLFER 21

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Adam’s faith

Adam Hodkinson Yorkshire’s Adam Hodkinson won the PGA North Assistants Championship of Cheshire at High Legh Park despite recording a triple bogey at the eighth hole. “It was a real disaster hole,” said the 26-year-old former England boys international and Yorkshire County player who posted a three underpar 68. “I hit an eight iron from 165 yards which flew the green never to be seen again. I then used a club less and that effort went over the back as well but at least the ball was in play.” Hodkinson, who has just completed his second year as PGA trainee at Chorlton-cum-Hardy, reeled off half-a-dozen birdies, three on each loop, to finish two shots ahead of the field. Scores: 68 Adam Hodkinson (Chorlton-cum-Hardy); 70 Danny Wardrop (Stockport), Benjamin Thompson (Hazel Grove)

Seaton success Ben Firth battled strong winds to edge out a three-shot victory in the prestigious Seaton Salver. The Moortown golfer was one of the later starters and his rounds of 81 and 83 showed just how tough the conditions were as he finished just ahead of Seaton Carew’s own Scott Phillips who had rounds of 86 and 81 with Boldon’s Gavin Nesbit third after posting scores of 85 and 82, with Seaton’s Ian Hendry a place further back after shooting two rounds of 84. 22 NORTHERN GOLFER

Alan McBride receives the Northumberland County Seniors Trophy from president Gordon Garratt

Super Mac leads the way

We round-up winners from around the region

lan McBride has waited a long time for his second Northumberland County title. The Bedlingtonshire golfer won the Northumberland County junior title way back in 1978 and it has been 37 years of near misses since, but the 56-year-old finally got his hands on another county trophy when he won the Northumberland Seniors title at Arcot Hall. It didn’t start well for Mcbride with an opening round of 78, but he followed it with a second round 75 to win by four shots despite bogeying the last three holes in windy conditions. “In 1985 I lost the final of the County Championship to David Faulder,” said McBride.

“I’d beaten him three times before in league matches, but he beat me in the one that mattered. “I finished second, third and fourth in the county championship and played for the county quite few times. “I think the secret at Arcot was just being stubborn and I just managed to keep it in play more than most in difficult conditions. “I had a bad front nine on the first day but kept battling and tried to hit a decent back nine. It was actually a bit windier on the second day but I played reasonably well and kept it in play.” McBride has also played out of Newbiggin but went back to Bedlington after recovering from a shoulder injury that kept him out of the game for two years.

City slickers City of Newcastle cruised to the Northumberland County Division One Teams Championship for the fourth time in eight years with Phil Ridden leading the way at Prudhoe. Ridden took the individual honours with a score of 135 concluding with a second round 64 while Alex Dixon shot 137 and Jack Hermeston 147 for City to finish 19

shots ahead of The Northumberland Club. Newbiggin, Gosforth, Ponteland and Seahouses were promoted from the second division. • West Yorkshire club Waterton Park won the England Club Team Championship qualifier at Fulford. • Sue Dye retained the Northern County Veteran Ladies title at Ulverston.

Alex Dixon and Phil Ridden

LEDA GOLF Telephone 0191 3701757 THE NORTH’S PREMIUM POWAKADDY & HILL BILLY SERVICE & REPAIR CENTRE Full range of electric trolleys, accessories, golf equipment and clothing in stock

4 BALL SPECIAL £100 2015 OPENS

Visiting Parties OPTION 1 Coffee and bacon roll on arrival, 18 holes of golf, 2 course evening meal £35 pp OPTION 2 Coffee and bacon roll on arrival, 10 holes of golf (morning), soup & sandwiches, 18 holes of golf (afternoon), 2 course evening meal £50 pp Bespoke packages can be negotiated for small and large parties Call the Pro Shop to book

Mixed Team Open 4th Oct £60 per team Junior Open Friday 24th July £5 entry North of England Youths Championship 4, 5, 6 August. Spectators welcome

on 01642 311766 Web: www.middlesbroughgolfclub.co.uk

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Wear what Rory Mcllroy will be at the Open

OPEN 7 DAYS 9AM - 5PM

Gordon Cattrell, Club Professional, • Email: gcattrell@tgigolf.com

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Garesfield Golf Club

Find us at Roseberry Grange Golf Club, Grange Villa, Chester le Street,DH2 3NF

0191 370 1757

ROSEBERRY GRANGE COMMUNITY GOLF CLUB t: 0191 3700660

MONDAY SPECIALS

18 Holes + FREE pint £10 pp 18 Holes + Toasty £12 pp 2 Ball + Buggy £20 ---------

Friday 18 Holes + Fish & Chips £18.50 pp

BUGGIES AVAILABLE EVERY DAY DEPENDING ON COURSE CONDITION Tuesday - Friday 2 Ball + buggy £25 Tel 01207 563082 or email jeffrey.musgrove@live.co.uk

MEMBERSHIPS Limited number of deals available to March 2017 contact office for details 1st Child under 16 joins FREE when an Adult takes Full Membership

OPENS 2015 Garesfield Challenge 1st Wednesday of the month top 8 Qualify, final in September We also cater for social events contact Lynne Williamson for details 01207561309 / Bar/catering option 3 See Garesfield Golf Course Facebook page and website for updates. www.garesfieldgolfclub.co.uk

Garesfield Golf Club, Chopwell, NE17 7AP

RETURN TO ROSEBERRY COME BACK AND PLAY AGAIN WITHIN 7 DAYS FOR ONLY £7.50!! MEMBERSHIPS 9 Months for the price of 6 1st July 2015 - 31st March 2016 Adult £225 - Over 60 £175 19-30 Concession rates available MANIC MONDAYS 1/2 Price Green fee £7.50 per round VISITING PARTIES Rolling back the years to 2010 - save £££’s Coffee & bacon roll - 18 holes - 2 course meal Midweek £20pp - Weekends £22.50pp FREE 4 ball for parties of 12 or more

e: roseberrygolf@gmail.com Grange Villa, Chester le Street, DH2 3NF www.roseberrygrange.com ﬁnd us on mytravelpal.com NORTHERN GOLFER 23

TOMROWLAND AMERICANDREAM

Across Crossing the pond the Pond

xxxx Tom Rowland talks college, having time off, and what the future holds with Dean Bailey

“

Which cart..I mean buggy, I think, are we taking,” asks Tom Rowland as we head out onto the course at Matfen Hall in the morning sunshine. The American/English crossover serves as the perfect introduction to the effect three years of US collegiate golf have had on the 22-year-old from Consett. “There are a few words which get the American guys confused,” he adds with a grin. The occasional Americanism is expected from the University of Charlotte junior, who has competed on the colligate circuit in each of his three years with the school and last year posted an individual win – at the Davidson Invitational in North Carolina – as well as a fourth place finish in the NCAA Chapel Hill Regional. That result helped the 49ers win the team event and move on to the national finals in Tampa at the end of the college season. “When I went out to the US everything was new and it was quite a shock to the system. Now, as I prepare to go into my final year, I am one of the leaders in the team and I am trying to look after the younger lads and teach them everything I’ve learned – as well as focusing on having a strong year myself. “After you turn 18 the US is the most competitive place for amateur golf in the world. I’m playing against the best young guys in the world week-inweek-out and that has only helped my development.” Tom’s experience and development in the US led to him posting a strong 2014 season in the UK. “Last year was probably the best year I’ve had at home. Finishing third in the St Andrews Links Trophy was big for me. That was a world-class field and I was really happy to prove I can compete with the best players in the world. The years I’ve had in the US have

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

been invaluable. I’m still working hard and I’ve had to put the work in but it’s showed. I’m progressing and I feel like I’m developing in the right way to become a tour player.” Tom’s career path is similar to that of Northumberland-based European Tour professional Chris Paisley – who also studied in the US before rising through the professional ranks. “Chris has always been a role model for me. His success is really inspiring.” The consistency of Tom’s US results contrasts his form before making the move to North Carolina. A winner of the North & South Trophy and junior county championships in Northumberland, Tom admits that he wasn’t confident of his ability to compete outside of the county, including when he represented the England Boys and A squads. “I won a bit in Northumberland as a junior and had a lot of confidence playing in the county events. When I turned 18 and started to breach into the national stuff I had some good results [sixth in the Fairhaven Trophy and won the St Andrews Boys Trophy]. “From there I got into the England squad with guys like Matt Fitzpatrick, Toby Tree, Callum Shinkwin and Max Orrin – all of whom are on tour now and I felt a little bit out of my depth. “Going to America and having the chance to play tournaments all year round and play against the best, my confidence has grown so much and I know I can compete with players of that level now.” Following a long summer, and what he describes as “years of working flat out,” Tom found himself burnt out on his return to the US in 2014. “I had a great summer in 2014 but I kept working hard without taking any time off.

AMERICANDREAM TOMROWLAND

Tom Rowland back, from across the pond

NORTHERN GOLFER 25

AMERICANDREAM

“When I went back to college I had burnt out and needed a break. My body needed a break, my mind wasn’t right and my finishes weren’t as good as I wanted. “After a lot of time off over Christmas I went back to college and the first tournament in the spring, which my parents were at. I won the event, shooting 67 in the final round, which was the best score by four shots. “The team won too – which it hadn’t done in two years and that set off a big run of form which saw us go all the way to the nationals to play in front of the Golf Channel cameras.” After an intense, and extended, college season Tom is back home in Consett and enjoying a couple of weeks off before setting off to find some form ahead of his return to the US. “I’m trying to stay fresh for the English Amateur. From there I’ll play in the North of England Youths at Middlesbrough and the Lee Westwood at Rotherham before I go back to the US. “While I’m taking a break I watch a lot of movies, go to the gym, and I

love to read about sportspeople and sports management. Jonny Wilkinson’s autobiography is a favourite and I love to learn about what top sportsmen do and how they work.” Being back home has also given

Tom a chance to spend time with his mum Julie and dad Nigel. “It’s great to be back at home and spend time with my family. “My mum and dad sacrificed a lot to give me the chances I’ve had to play

SPECIAL OFFER MEMBERSHIP ONLY £285 FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR OPEN COMPETITIONS 2015 Friday 31st July Richmond Open Series 4 4BBB (pairs) Non members £10pp Members £5pp Tee reserved from 1pm Saturday 5th September Ladies Autumn Tex Mex Team of 3 £30 per team Start times available from 11am For more information please Telephone the Secretary or Professional on 01748 823231or email secretary@richmondyorksgolfclub.co.uk for further details. 26 NORTHERN GOLFER

golf and travel all over the country. That makes me work even harder to give them something back.” With his biggest summer in the US coming up, Tom is already preparing to turn pro and is weighing up the routes to the main tour. “To become a tour player you have to step up and win tournaments at some point. Everyone develops differently, but for me the main goal is to be as ready as possible to play well each week and build consistent results in my senior year. “After that I have lots of options. I’ve spoken to a few guys who’ve turned pro and I’m trying to find the right way to do it for me. “If I feel like I can gain more by staying amateur and trying to earn a place in the 2017 Walker Cup, and win some big amateur events, I’ll do it that way. Or I could go out to the US, work over the winter and then play a mini tour over there. “The most important thing is knowing that you’re ready. You can waste a lot of money getting to the point where you are ready in the pro ranks so you have to know it is time.”

Saturday 3rd October - Gents Open 2 4BBB - £22 per pair Start times available from 8am Tuesday 6th October Seniors Open 2 4BBB - £22 per pair Start times available from 8am VISITING PARTIES WELCOME

Excellent Summer deals available Ring for details! Richmond (Yorks) Golf Club Set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales

Bend Hagg, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 5EX

GOLFERNEWS

MAGDALENE FIELDS GOLF CLUB Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1NE

MEMBERSHIP SPECIALS FULL ADULT July £225 - August £200 SENIORS (65 years plus) July £200 - August £175

Excellent Visiting Party Packages For further details telephone the Secretary on 01289 306130 e: secretary.m.f.g.c@hotmail.co.uk www.magdalene-fields.co.uk

Wrigley makes the cut Hartlepool golfer selected for GB and Ireland after nervy final day

ard work in the gym over winter has paid off for Alex Wrigley. A string of good results and a strong showing in the Titleist and FootJoy PGA Professional Championship at Burnham and Berrow clinched a place in the Great Britain and Ireland PGA Cup line-up to face the United States at CordeValle Golf Club in September. Hartlepool assistant Wrigley led after the first round with a level par 71 but had to settle for equal fourth place with rounds of 73, 75 and 71 and he only clinched one of six places in the team on offer after Devon’s Paul Hendriksen snatched a dramatic one stroke victory after edging out Gareth Wright and Cameron Clark on the final day. After leading the first round, Wrigley said: “I’ve been brought up on links courses, it doesn’t make it any easier but you know what to do when the winds blowing, today was all about keeping it in play and keeping it level par.” Wrigley juggles coaching and shop work while competing on the EuroPro Tour but his long term target is to reach the top table of European golf. “I’m very passionate about

playing. My life revolves around golf, when I’m at home and not at tournaments I’m working hard in the gym, practising hard and trying to fit lessons and shop hours in too. It’s long hours, and tough through the winter, but it’s paying off.” At 25, Wrigley will be the youngest member of Jon Bevan’s team but he is relishing the opportunity of trying to help GB&I win on US soil for the first time. “It’s a great prospect. I’ve never played in America before so to go over there is great and all the way over to California – it sounds fantastic,” he said. “You see the top courses in America on the telly all the time and it will just be great. I’ll relish the challenge of going over there with the other lads and hopefully we can do everyone proud.” The PGA Cup is played along the same format as the Ryder Cup with foursomes, fourballs and singles. America has a stranglehold on the biennial event with 17 wins compared to just five GB&I wins with four ties. The last of those came at the Northumberland resort of Slaley Hall where GB&I swept the singles 7.5-2.5 to tie the match - the US retaining the Llandudno Trophy as holders.

Coatham Mundeville, Darlington, DL1 3LU Tel: 01325 379710 www.hallgarthdarlington.co.uk

Good Course – Good Value For the whole family Full Membership £275 Under 18’s £50 Golf, Gym & Swim Membership £595 Green fees from £10 Play & Stay Packages from £79 p.p Society Packages from £20 p.p

Come and play in one of our Opens or join us for a round of golf but BEWARE of our newly repositioned trees Men’s Monday Opens 3rd August & 7th September £9 each Mens 4BBB Sunday 13th September £20 per pair Ladies 4BBB Saturday 22nd August £12 per pair Ladies Team Open Thursday 10th September £24 Team Mixed Greensomes Saturday 26th September £15 per pair July memberships now available

Telephone 0191 5342518 email: wearside_golf@yahoo.co.uk www.wearsidegc.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 27

CHRISPAISLEY

Chris Paisley

Only

£1pp

GREEN FEE SPECIAL 30th July ONLY - must be BOOKED via our website online booking system BRS when they've GONE they've GONE

TEE TIME SPECIAL £5 pp - 1 x TEE available daily (inc weekends, can only be booked on our website online booking system BRS) from 9th July - 31st August

TOUR LIFE

WITH EUROPEAN TOUR PLAYER CHRIS PAISLEY The BMW International in Munich felt like my breakthrough moment. With two holes to play, I was one shot behind and tied second. Although I finished third, the result felt like a win. I had finally proven to myself that I can compete on the European Tour. The feeling of playing in the final group on a Sunday was a moment I have dreamed about since I was a young lad playing in Northumberland Junior League matches. For the past several years my team has been preparing me for such moments. From countless hours of work with Andrew Nicholson honing my swing, long talks with my brother Andy about everything from putting to my attitude, to early mornings in the gym courtesy of Karen Young and Kenny McKenzie, my physio and trainer, and more recently chatting to Dan Abrahams about my mental game. All their efforts are beginning to bring results. I have an amazing wife, family and team to support me. I can’t thank all of them enough for all they have done. While I have always recognised the support from my team and family, I was dumfounded by all the messages I received from the North East. After my 66 in the third round, my Twitter feed went crazy! I honestly had no idea how many people followed and supported me. Although I am not always able to respond to every message, please know I read each one and appreciated them from the bottom of my heart. I felt all of the North East was behind me, and my goal on Sunday was to play without fear and make you proud. So what is next for me? Hopefully more weekends in contention. This is a great opportunity for me to kick on and make some huge strides in my career. The BMW was by no means the tip of the iceberg. I will continue to learn from my successes and failures so that I can have some even better results before the end of the season. Thank you all again for the support.

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP July 1st - Dec 31st ONLY £199.00 GREEN FEES - (after 12 pm) Monday to Friday 18 holes £9 pp Call the Golf Manager on 01661832466 or email secretary@prudhoegolfclub.co.uk Eastwood Park, Prudhoe, NE42 5DX www.prudhoegolfclub.co.uk

Hetton LeGolf Hill Club

SUPERB JONATHON GAUNT LAYOUT

ENJOY A GOLFING TREAT AT HETTON LE HILL SOCIETY GOLF SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES NEW MEMBERS 2015 - REDUCED FEES Telephone 0191 5173061 or email hettoncgc@gmail.com Hetton le Hill Golf Club Elemore Vale, Easington Lane, DH5 0QT NORTHERN GOLFER 29

EUROPROTOUR

Connor conquers Longhirst

Sam Connor Sam Connor birdied the last hole of the Dawson & Sanderson Foreign Exchange Classic to pick up the £10,000 winner’s cheque on a challenging final day at Longhirst Hall Golf Club. The Alsager Golf & Country Club pro finished two shots ahead of Christopher Evans, who bogeyed the 18th, in the HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour event. Connor carded a four over-par 76 on the Dawson Course as players contended with strong and gusty winds in the final round. The win is the 23-year-old’s first on the EuroPro Tour. “I am in shock,” said Connor. “My goal at the start of the season was to get onto the Challenge Tour and that doesn’t change. There is still a lot of work to do but if I keep doing what I am doing I will achieve that.”

Tour enters North East swing The HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour season is in full swing and arrives in the North East for three events in August as the players look to earn a place in the seasonending Tour Championship at Desert Springs in October. The tour stops off at Slaley Hall August 12-14 and pitches up for the first time at Close House August 19-21 then Moor Allerton August 26-29. With the prize fund increased to £60,000 the Moor Allerton title is set to be the most sought-after on the tour’s 15-event regularseason schedule. 30 NORTHERN GOLFER

Marcus Armitage

Marcus of success

Howley Hall pro wins second EuroPro event of his career

arcus Armitage won the GRENKE Championship at Cumberwell Park by one-shot to claim his second career HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour title. The Howley Hall-based pro carded a finalround 66 to post a 10 under-par total and steal the glory from home favourite Steve Surry. Armitage began the final round two shots adrift of 36-hole leader Surry, but five birdies in an unblemished round saw him collect the £10,000 winner’s cheque. More than 30 players were within three strokes of the lead at one point but when Armitage broke par at 11 and 12 and Surry matched him at 11, the pair were separated from the field. Both found another birdie on the closing stretch but Surry could not catch 2013’s EuroPro Rookie of the Year. “I feel great,” said Armitage on collecting his second EuroPro Tour trophy, adding to the one won at Concra Wood two years ago.

“It has been a great week. I holed some good putts and got some lucky breaks. I didn’t look at a leaderboard until the 15th and I knew I had a real chance then. I didn’t miss any par putts today, I was bogey free and that’s the key. “I had good finishes at the first two events of the year but then missed the last two cuts. I had a week off and went to see my coach and my team and got back on track. After that I felt I had a chance this week. “When you have won in 2013 and you go through the period I went through with losing weight, you do question yourself as to whether you will be able to come back and do it again. It’s a massive relief to win.” Craig Hinton (LJD Technology Services) finished third on six-under after carding a four-under final-round 67. Paul Newman (East Berkshire Golf Club), Laurie Canter (Cumberwell Park Golf Club) and Neil Chaudhuri (www.specialisteyes.co.uk) shared fourth on five under-par.

GOLFERNEWS

So close to Open We round-up Qualifying for the Open

ontinuing the truly ‘open’ nature of the Open Championship, the 144th of which takes place at St Andrews this month, the regions best amateurs and professionals took part in the first stage of qualifying for the Open in June. With two venues for Regional Qualifying in the region – Northumberland Golf Club and Moortown Golf Club, hundreds of players took their chance in the single round sprint, which offers places in the Final Qualifying stages – played at four courses across the UK and offering the final few places in the Open Championship. At Northumberland, Thornhill amateur Greig Marchbank led the

field with a superb four under-par round of 68, while Workington amateur William Bowe also booked his place after 18 holes with a round of 71. A further three places were on offer at Northumberland, with six players tied at level par after 18 holes. A sudden-death six-man play-off was needed to decide the final qualifiers featuring professionals Jonathan Lupton (Close House), Paul Bradshaw (Gainsborough), Stephen McNally (Sunderland), Kit Holmes (Hunstanton), Alex Wrigley (Hartlepool) and amateur Andrew Minnikin (Northumberland). Northumberland county captain Minnikin, Close House pro and

Andy Minnikin former Walker Cup player Lupton and Bradshaw booked places in the next stage, with McNally hoping to gain a place as the eighth place reserve. Meanwhile, Moortown Golf Club’s Nick McCarthy, who is competing on the EuroPro Tour this season, led the field at his home club with a two under-par round of 69. Also booking a place in the next stage was Pontefract amateur

Simon Coumbe, who posted a level par round of 71. Elsewhere, PGA Seniors Championship winner Andrew Oldcorn qualified for the final stage with a four under-par 67 at Bruntsfield Links. At Final Qualifying, which took place at four sites around the UK, Rob Dinwiddie was the only player from the region to book his place at St Andrews.

M ACDONALD LINDEN H ALL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

SOCIETY SUMMER SIZZLER From £23.50 per person. 18-holes of Championship golf. Tea, coffee and bacon rolls. 1 in 12 Golfers goes free. Free buggies for your group available on select dates* Call 01670 500007 to book or email events.lindenhall@macdonald-hotels.co.uk Quoting NG15 www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/lindenhall

Terms & Conditions: All rates quoted are subject to availability. Packages must be booked in advance. Further terms may apply and are available on request. Minimum number of golfers is 8. All extras are non-refundable and there is no cash alternative. Package must be booked before 31st July 2015 for visits before 31st October 2015.

NORTHERN GOLFER 31

COURSEREVIEW

Loveable Linden Paul Corney makes the journey north to experience one of Northumberland’s finest golf resorts

olf course architect Jonathan Gaunt must have rubbed his hands with glee at being given the job of designing the golf course at Linden Hall. Combining a mixture of mature woodland, wonderful countryside, established lakes, ponds and streams, Gaunt has been instrumental in delivering a perfect mix of golf holes that are a real treat to play. Opened in the mid-90s, the course appears a lot more mature than its tender years might suggest. There are four loops of holes, all starting and finishing near the hall and it’s ideal for those golfers who do not want to play a full 18. At the higher points on the course, players are treated to magnificent views of The Cheviots and the stunning Northumberland countryside. The Linden Hall course starts with a strong, slightly uphill 417-yard par-four, played usually 32 NORTHERN GOLFER

into the prevailing wind. With trees lining both sides of the fairway, the drive is a little intimidating but the fairway does open up around the 150-yard marker. A good drive should leave a medium to long iron to a generous green sloping right to left. Walk off with a par and it’s a good start to your round. The second is another good par-four and at just under 400 yards. A ditch crosses the fairway at around 265 yards but this only comes into play for the longest of hitters. The second shot is played to an elevated and undulating green protected by two bunkers on the right. The third is the longest hole on the course and a genuine three-shotter for most of us. Try to keep to the left side of the fairway to avoid being blocked out by a tree on the right, 55 yards from the green. The short fourth is the first of four very attractive par threes on the course. No room for

error here, the 159-yard tee shot is over a large pond to a small green surrounded by trees. Holes five and six are both par fours well over 400 yards. Played from an elevated tee, the drive at the fifth is downhill to a generous landing area with out of bounds to the left and a water hazard on the right. The approach shot should be no more than a mid iron to a green protected by three bunkers. The sixth dog-legs sharply to the right, with a stream crossing the fairway 125 yards from the green. The second shot is played slightly uphill to a green which slopes right to left and falls away to the left. The par-three seventh is the second gem on the course. Played from another elevated tee, the green is protected by a large pond on the left and surrounded by trees. The last hole on the front nine is a 516-yard par-five back towards the Hall. Two large bunkers left and right come into play from the tee and if avoided, the longer hitters may well have a go for the green in two. Play the second shot to the left side of the fairway to leave a clear pitch to a large green. The back nine begins with the stroke index one 10th and a dog-leg to the right. With out of bounds to the right and three bunkers protecting the corner of the dog-leg, an accurate drive is required

COURSEREVIEW

FACT FILE CONTACT MacDonald Linden Hall Golf & Country Club Longhorsley, nr Morpeth Northumberland, NE65 8XF Tel (golf) 01670 500 011 Hotel 01670 500 000 Email golf.lindenhall@macdonald-hotels.co.uk Web www.macdonald-hotels.co.uk/lindenhall

to leave any chance of making this 400-yard par-four in regulation. The signature hole 13th (see factfile) is followed by a 395-yard par-four and a dog-leg right. The fairway is generous for the tee shot, but it does tighten up the closer you get to the green. The third of the par threes is the 15th and well worth adding to your photograph collection. At 173 yards from the back tee, the tee shot is played through a narrow avenue of trees, over another large pond to a receptive green surrounded by trees. At 530 yards, the 16th is the easiest par-five on the course. A very wide fairway awaits the drive before rising uphill towards the green. Played usually downwind, this hole should be a good birdie chance. The final par-three on the course is next. This 176-yard hole requires a good long iron, over a water hazard to find the large putting surface. With two bunkers on the right and another pond on the left, a par here is a bonus. If you have a good score running, take care at the final hole or disaster looms - a very tough 429-yard par-four finishing hole with water on the right and trees, gorse and bushes on the left. A long accurate drive is required to reach the corner of the dog-leg to bring the green into view. The approach is then played through large trees and over a stream to a green protected by bunkers left and right. Finish with a four and you’ll certainly enjoy a pint or two in the Linden Tree Pub.

GREEN FEES Weekday Adults £50, Juniors £25 Weekends Adults £60, Juniors £30 Full memberships available - £499 Buggies available £25 a round

Indoor leisure facilities at Linden Hall include a swimming pool, spa bath, steam room, sauna and fitness room. There are also health and beauty treatment rooms staffed by a team of therapists. In addition to the hotel, the adjacent Linden Tree Pub has a relaxed atmosphere and excellent food, along with selected wines and beers - whether its golf, or just a relaxing break from the stress of modern day life, MacDonald Linden Hall Golf and Country Club is well worth visiting

TOTAL DISTANCE Douglas course White tees – 6,502 yards Yellow tees – 6,117 yards Red tees – 5,530 yards FEATURES 18-hole parkland course Driving range and short game practice facility Putting green PGA tuition available Well stocked shop Changing rooms Excellent bar and dining facilities Ample car parking CADDY’S TIP Make use of the short game facility and practise your chipping and approach play even the best of players will have difficulty hitting some of the greens in regulation SIGNATURE HOLE The 556-yard par-five 13th is a classic and a genuine three shotter. A double dog-leg requiring two accurate shots to get within range of a small green protected by water front, left and right. Total commitment is required for the third shot otherwise a watery grave and a bogey or worse will be the end result - a very good test of course management.

PAUL CORNEY’S VERDICT

It’s worth visiting Linden Hall for the par threes alone - a superb course with excellent facilities and a thoroughly enjoyable experience NORTHERN GOLFER 33

GOLFERNEWS Youngsters enjoying a taste of golf at Bedlington’s big event

Bedlington’s bouncing

edlingtonshire Golf Club is doing its bit to promote golf and at the same time attract younger members to the club. For the second year, the club attended The Big Event at Attlee Park in Bedlington. The event is organised by Leading Link, a local charity aiming to provide opportunities to the young people in the North East.

With the help of Northumberland Golf, Bedlington offered a chance to try golf - and it proved a huge success with up to 100 children trying golf out for the first time. Bedlington has since decided to step up its drive to attract the next generation of golfers to the club and will be a presence at selected children’s fairs and events throughout 2015.

As part of the programme, the club will be at Bedlingtonshire High School Fair with the driving net again. The club is also holding an open day on July 18 between 10am and 2pm, which is free to attend.

www.clsgolfclub.co.uk

CHESTER-LE-STREET GOLF CLUB Open Competitions 2015 SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST

TEAM OF 4 MALE, FEMALE OR MIXED STABLEFORD – BEST 3 SCORES ON EACH HOLE

(£40 PER TEAM) Membership 2015

Congratulations to Austin Beaney, 80 years young, who won our Gents' 36 hole stroke play, Gelson trophy. The day was a real test of endurance, played in wind gusting up to 50 mph. - Well done Austin. 34 NORTHERN GOLFER

Prices REDUCED for all age groups under 30 Other categories available - Ring the Secretary for details Visitors & Societies always welcome for packages ring the Secretary

Contact: Secretary 0191 3883218 or email clsgcoﬃce@tiscali.co.uk Professional 0191 3882333 Chester le Street Golf Club, Lumley Park, County Durham, DH3 4NS

GREENWATCH

GREEN WATCH

With JON WYER, ROCKLIFFE HALL

Tynedale Golf Club HEXHAM Tyne Green, Hexham, NE46 3HQ Visitors and societies always welcome 2015 packages from £18 pp For more information call 01434 608154 (Steve Plemper, Adam Murphy) Memberships: July 2015 to 31st March 2016 Full £200, 21-30 £150, 18 to 20 £100, Junior £35 Visitor green fees 2015 9 holes £9.50, 18 holes £12.50, All day golf £15.00 4 ball special 18 holes only £40 E: secretary@tynedalegolfclub.co.uk W: www.tynedalegolfclub.co.uk

TWILIGHT GREEN FEE SPECIAL (after 4pm) ONLY £17.50 round per person VISITING PARTIES WELCOME -

Packages tailored to suit your needs!

3 MONTH TRIAL MEMBERSHIPS ONLY £150! For further details or to book a tee time telephone the Secretary on 0191 2867636 or 0191 2860594 email: wgc@btconnect.com

WESTERHOPE GOLF CLUB Whorlton Grange, Westerhope, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE5 1PP www.westerhopegolfclub.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF A CLOSE SHAVE As we enter the summer period and weather conditions improve, more and more golfers are taking to the course. Maintenance programmes have increased to keep up with the demand to deliver a good playing surface for golfers, be it regular verti-cutting to remove organic matter and material, or regular top dressing to improve surface levels. More frequent mowing alongside these operations can have a detrimental effect on the ‘quality’ of cut and so it is important to closely monitor the performance of each mower. A sharp mower blade will create a clean cut across the leaf blade. This cut helps the grass heal faster and promotes photosynthesis,

whereas a dull blade will tear the grass, often leaving a ‘jagged’ edge. This then tends to dry off and turn brown in colour. These greater surface areas on the plant leaf cause stress, making it more susceptible to attacks from pests, diseases and fungal activity. A simple solution to this is to check both the height and quality of cut after every use. These checks mean the machine is ready for the next use and also determines if the mower needs to be resharpened on our grinding benches or old, worn blades need to be replaced. With regular grinding and sharpening we are able to keep up mowing consistency and in doing so minimise machinery downtime and reduce costs in these busy months.

NEXT MONTH Tournament setup

Bellingham Golf Club

VISITING PARTIES WELCOME 7 DAYS A WEEK DISCOUNTS FOR BOOKINGS OF 8 OR MORE BUGGIES AND CATERING AVAILABLE

ONLINE SPECIAL GREEN FEES FOR JULY & AUGUST Mon - Fri £20 round per player Sat & Sun £22.50 round per player

2015 OPENS

Follow the link on our website to enter and choose from Ladies Three Player Team - 7th Aug Mens 4BBB Stableford - 9th Aug Seniors 4BBB Stableford - 2nd Sept Mixed Greensomes - 13th Sept CONGU Handicaps required Telephone 01434 220530 or email admin@bellinghamgolfclub.com Bellingham Golf Club, Boggle Hole, Bellingham, NE48 2DT

www.bellinghamgolfclub.com NORTHERN GOLFER 35

GOLFERNEWS

First class Mail

Emma Brown Former Curtis Cup star Emma Brown and husband Richard are both still in the hunt for The Mail on Sunday Classic titles after impressive away wins saw Malton and Norton safely into round six. It was a double celebration for the Yorkshire club and the couple after the women’s team won 4-1 at Oakdale and the men knocked out Hornsea 3.5-0.5. Emma, who plays off +3, is hoping to add to an already bulging trophy cabinet after winning most of the major titles in amateur golf.

Freeman is flying

Ramside Hall Hotel & Golf Club

Join our golf day Second Northern Golfer Charity Golf Day in aid of No Strings set for Ramside Hall

James Freeman receives his trophy from Jim Pape Yorkshire assistant James Freeman has made a flying start to his season by winning his opening three events. Freeman won his second successive Assistants’ Championship of Yorkshire at Ilkley after victory in the Druh Belts Assistants Shootout at Cookridge Hall before picking up the hat-trick with the Bridlington Links Trophy. His ultimate objective is to play on the European Tour and he will bid to win his card at the third attempt later this year. 36 NORTHERN GOLFER

he second Northern Golfer Charity Golf Day in aid of No Strings – a Newcastle‑based charity working with children in the world’s trouble spots – will be held at Ramside Hall Hotel & Golf Club on September 11. No Strings uses puppetry and films made by members of the original Muppets team to reach children in conflicts, disasters and poverty in four continents. It has recently worked in Madagascar, Syria and Iraq, and its founder Johnie McGlade, said: “It’s fantastic that the Northern Golfer Charity Golf Day will again benefit No Strings. Our programmes reach hundreds of thousands of children in the world’s trouble spots every year,

and funding is crucial in helping us to take our life-saving messages to troubled communities. “We are currently working in areas as diverse as Haiti, where we are helping children and families fight back against the threat of disease in their communities; in sub-Saharan Africa, where our HIV messages are reaching young people on a level they naturally engage with; and in the Philippines and elsewhere in South East Asia, where our programmes have helped communities be safe in landslides, earthquakes and tsunamis.” Teams of four are £350 and include a round on the new Cathedral Course at Ramside Hall plus evening barbecue, prize giving and charity auction.

Northern Golfer Charity Golf Day, Weds September 11, Ramside Hall Hotel & Golf Club To enter a team contact Gary Ramsay, tel 01661 844 115 email gary@offstonepublishing.co.uk

MINDGAMES

Newcastle United Golf Club Est.1892

Membership Offers Full - (£49.50 per month) 5 Day - (£41.00 per month) Ladies (40.00 per month) Associate - £150.00 (£10 per game) 4 Join for the PRICE of 3 (Payment up Front Deal)

With DAVID CHARLTON

BEAT THE YIPS The yips begins with a poor putting aren’t simple and are specific to round – often one in which you the individual but working on your miss a number of short putts. This beliefs as well as improving the way can then progress into the fear of you see putting, and freeing you missing putts and often begins to up to putt fearlessly with different affect other areas of your game. drills are the methods I have had Players often condition success with. themselves to think that they are If you suffer from the yips, I am NEWCASTLE UNTIED GOLF CLUB stuck with the yips or that it is offering threeupon golfers theNE5 opportunity 60 Ponteland Road, Newcastle Tyne, 3JW too difficult to change. www.newcastleunitedgolfclub.co.uk They talk to work with me for £399. The themselves into thinking that it is personalised programme covers six a physical condition and that by months and if you’re not happy with changing their putter or their grip the results there is a money back they will cure it. guarantee. It is a challenge to get rid If you want to get more from of the yips, but it is not an your golf, get in touch! incurable disease. In my opinion, the yips starts with incorrect thinking. Fear, tension and over control creep in and then you tie yourself in knots. Solutions Northern Golfer Performance Enhancement Specialist David Charlton tel 07734 697 769 • email info@sport-excellence.co.uk www.golf-excellence.co.uk

NEXT MONTH

SUMMER GREEN FEE OFFERS Weekday Round £15.00 pp -----Weekday 4 Ball £50.00 -----Weekday 4 Ball inc 2 buggies £70.00 ------

Weekend Round £18.00 pp ----Weekend 4 Ball £60.00 ----Weekend 4 Ball inc 2 buggies £80.00 Buggies must be Pre-booked

2015 GOLF SOCIETY PACKAGES (Weekdays & Weekends) Coffee & Bacon Roll, 18 Holes £20.00 per head ---Coffee & Bacon Roll, 18 Holes, Soup & Sandwich £23.00 per head Coffee & Bacon Roll, 18 Holes, 2 Course Meal £27.00 per head

For any further information, please contact Liam McNulty on (0191 2869998 Ext.2) Email: liam1892@googlemail.com Web: www.info@newcastleunitedgolfclub.co.uk

60 Ponteland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 3JW

AN 18 HOLE GEM OF A COURSE Visiting Parties welcome 7 days a week prices from £18 per round Membership available in all categories

The Open Champion

BEAT THE YIPS OFFER EXCLUSIVE To Northern Golfer Readers A 6 Month Personalised Putting Performance Programme To help you get more from you golf!

BARGAIN PRICE £399 30 Day Money Back Guarantee*

Please quote Northern Golfer at time of booking Valid July 1st – Aug 31st 2015, *Terms and Conditions Apply

"GET MORE FROM YOUR GOLF" David Charlton, Performance Enhancement Specialist, Telephone 07734 697769 email: info@sport-excellence.co.uk www.golf-excellence.co.uk

For further details contact the Secretary/Manager on 0191 5365360 or email: info@boldongolfclub.co.uk Boldon Golf Club, Dipe Lane, East Boldon, NE36 0PQ www.boldongolfclub.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 37

GOLFERTIPS

PLAYING OUT OF A DIVOT

At last we have been blessed with some good golfing weather and no doubt most of you can’t wait to get out on the course. With more traffic on the golf course comes more wear and tear and this can lead to finding one of golf’s trickiest lies - at the bottom of a divot. However, there is no need to despair, with a few alterations to your setup you can turn this negative result on its head and carry on enjoying your round...

THE KEYS As the ball is at rest beneath the surrounding surface of the ground, we need to adjust our setup to create a steeper angle of attack into the golf ball. By placing the ball a couple of inches further back in our stance and shifting our weight so that it favours our leg closest to the target, we will create the steeper angle of attack that we need to reach the bottom of the golf ball. As we have moved the ball further back in our stance we need to make a slight adjustment to our aim. As the club will reach the ball earlier in it’s path we need to aim slightly left of the target with our feet, hips and shoulders to send our ball in the intended direction.

THINGS TO BEAR IN MIND As a result of our setup, we will not be able to carry the ball as far as usual but we will experience more run out. Think about this in relation to the particular requirements of the shot that you face.

l Danieay okfew l Ho ssiona o r P A G P 665 28 545 tel 012 sons ate les for priv advice and

38 NORTHERN GOLFER

KEY SWING THOUGHT Once you have your setup MAKE A BIGGER DIVOT

TOUR PERFORMANCE GOLF

is ad h t w ive Sho e c e r e and r o t s in

ff o % 0 1 any item sket a b e + a fre alls of b

• Golf Golf Retail Outlet Retail Outlet • Floodlit Covered Driving Range • European Tour Technician Jimmy Latta • 2x PGA Pros • TPI Trainer • Orka National Fit Centre

Spend £150 Spend £250 receive 5 credits for our driving range

receive 10 credits for our driving range

Tel: 01228 545 665 | www.tourperformancegolf.co.uk Tel: 01228 545 665 | www.tourperformancegolf.co.uk California Road, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 0BY

Enter online

win GOLFERCOMPETITIONS

Lo northe g on to rngolfe r.co.uk

Northern Golfer competitions are also listed on our website www.northerngolfer.co.uk/competitions, Alternatively, you can enter via email at competitions@northerngolfer.co.uk (mark the competition name in the subject field) or 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 Monday August 3 2015. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

.WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT .ROMANBY GOLF CLUB. This championship standard 18-hole golf course is set in 200 acres of North Yorkshire parkland. With its attractive lakes and the River Wiske presenting excellent water hazards, Romanby provides a challenging but fair test for all categories of golfer. Visitors and societies are always welcome and a warm welcome is always on hand in the clubhouse. For your chance to win answer this question: Where was the 2015 US Open held this year?

.WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT RAMSIDE HALL HOTEL AND GOLF CLUB.

.WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT .BACKWORTH GOLF CLUB.

The stunning Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Club is home to two of the region’s finest golf courses - the Prince Bishops and the new Cathedral. This month’s winner can choose either of the courses at Ramside - both of which are beautifully presented and a pleasure to play. The club is also home to award-winning hospitality and accommodation with spa facilities, a gym and more.

The 10-hole golf course at Backworth is one of the toughest to master in the region. Although short by modern standards, its tree-lined fairways are tough to find and the greens are well protected by a number of bunkers.

For your chance to win answer the following question: Who will captain Europe in next year’s Ryder Cup?

For your chance to win answer this question: Who won this year’s US Masters?

June’s competition winners: Saltburn Keith Miller of Shotley Bridge, County Durham • Castle Eden Richard Walton of Killingworth Houghton-le-Spring David Draper of Kippax, Leeds

BEAMISH PARK GOLF CLUB Providing Golfing Excellence for over 100 Years “Be Challenged and Enjoy the Experience”

Love Golf.... Love Beamish Park

Offer 2015 Membership valid until 31st March 2016 “TRY BEFORE YOU BUY” - Available to New Applicants Only 1st payment £70 followed by 8 payments of £40 Payable by Monthly Direct Debit! Visitors & Societies always Welcome Book your Society Outing Now Party of 16 or more Organiser goes Free Special Offer: Visitors who play after 1pm Green Fees from £17.00 Contact us for more information- 0191 370 1382

www.beamishgolf.co.uk 40 NORTHERN GOLFER

@beamish park_gc

Beamish Golf Club

Beamish Park Golf Club, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 ORH

CMY

LUXURY HOLIDAY HOMES IN THE HEART OF NORTHUMBERLAND OLD S 1 SE PHA

Set within the grounds of Burgham Park championship golf course, Northumbrian Hills is an exclusive 4 star development of 50 holiday homes, pavilion and leisure facilities set on Burgham Park Golf Club. Located between Morpeth and Alnwick, Northumbrian Hills offers a private and luxurious retreat for the discerning purchaser or property investor. Each two-storey cottage boasts: • Open plan lounge, kitchen & dining area

• Solid wood internal doors and windows

• Three double en-suite bedrooms

• Fully integrated appliances

• Utility room and storage

• Traditional log burner and underfloor heating

• Balcony with breathtaking views across the countryside

• Prices from £235,000

• Karndean flooring View the show home every weekend 12-4 pm or telephone William Kiely on 07786 988819 to arrange an appointment. Visit our website www.northumbrianhills.com

SHOWHOME NOW OPEN (Weekends 12-4pm)

Northumbrian Hills, Burgham Park, nr Felton, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 9QP

MATCHPLAYPAIRS

MATCH PLAY PAIRS

Round 1 Results

1. Burgess & Welton lost to Menzies & Jackson 2&1

8. Slater & McKeown beat Bell & Harvey 7&5

15. Cramman & Cowens lost to Ince & Burns 2&1

22. Lightle & Gray beat Mould & Mould 4&2

28. Crowson & Taylor beat Rankine & Poulter 4&3

2. Gallagher & Walmsley beat Robson & Swann 5&4

9. Ellison & Mellor lost to McColl & Walton 5&4

16. Patterson & Patterson beat McGuire & Glendining 4&3

23. Hanson & Robson beat McIntosh & Watts 4&2

29. Telford & Wigham lost to Slater & Wright 2&1

3. Murphy & Murphy beat Johnstone & Lavery 2&1

10. Sharp & Chapman beat King & King 6&5

24. Young & Park lost to Lumsden & White match conceded

30. Hill & Chapman beat Budd & Furber 5&3

4. Arkle & Arnott lost to Urwin & Bell match conceded

11. To be confirmed

25. Longthorn & Bowes beat Stephenson & Robson 5&3

31. Forster & Huthart lost to Ingram & Redford 2&1

26. McVittie & Ward lost to Irving & Foxwell 4&3

32. Lawlor & Vickery lost to McPhillips 5&3

17. Howie & Woolgar beat Ogilvie & Fawbert 6&5 18. Bell & Heslop beat Griffin & Williamson 4&3

5. Marshall & Tindale beat Riley & King 5&4

12. Robison & Robison beat Tracey & Clayton 19th hole

19. Foster & Timbey beat Weldon & Saunders 5&4

6. Stoker & Lewington beat Jones & Jones 4&3

13. Brady & Harper beat Fielding & Briggs 5&4

20. O’Ware & Gray beat Parry & Grange 4&3

7. McCoy & Hicks lost to Hall & Bates 4&3

14. Rutter & Stocks beat Hughes & Patterson 3&1

21. Cromar & Dodds beat Hunter & Hunter 2&1

27. Buxton & Smith beat Gray & Gray 4&3

MATCH PLAY PAIRS 1. Jamie McPhillips (8) & Craig Beadling (10) (Romanby) V George Longthorn (14) & John Bowes (19) (Crook)

2. Brett Hall (13) & Philip Bates (8) (Brancepeth) V Kevin Hill (13) & Ken Chapman (12) (Ryton/Garesfield)

3. Alan Slater (14) & Anthony McKeown (9) (Ramside Hall) V Brendan Murphy (13) & Adam Murphy (13) (Tynedale

4. Steve Urwin (6) & Wayne Bell (12) (Seahouses) V Steve Slater (2) & Gary Wright (12) (City of Newcastle/ Backworth)

Round 2 Draw

5. James Patterson (12) & Robert Patterson (12) (Garesfield) V Colin Marshall (15) & Paul Tindale (12) (Durham City)

9. Stephen Hanson (9) & Jason Robson (5) (Castle Eden) V Fred Howie (9) & Howard Woolgar (9) (Wynyard/Powfoot)

13. Steve Ingram (9) & Dave Redford (19) (Ramside / Consett) V Alan Brady (13) & Mathew Harper (6) (Durham City)

6. Ken Bell (9) & Alan Heslop (16) (Hexham) V David McColl (5) & Alan Walton (6) (Durham City)

10. Ian Irving (12) & Gary Foxwell (2) (Arcot Hall) V Duncan Ince (11) & David Burns (22) (Backworth)

14. Michael Rutter (8) & Paul Stocks (18) (Ryton) V Andrew Sharp (15) & Paul Chapman (10) (Garesfield)

7. Malcolm Crowson (16) & Ken Taylor (4) (Oulton Hall) V Steve Buxton (9) & Dave Smith (13) (Romanby)

11. David Robison (5) & Bill Robison (23) (Whickham/Hobson) V Malcolm Lumsden (19) & Richard White (7) (Wallsend)

8. Peter Gallagher (11) & Neil Walmsley (18) (Durham City) V Duncan Foster (13) & Neil Timbey (14) (South Moor)

12. Ted Cromar (13) & Graham Dodds (13) (Morpeth) V Gary Stoker (8) & Rob Lewington (12) (Close House/Ponteland)

MATCHES TO BE PLAYED BY SUNDAY JULY 26 2015 42 NORTHERN GOLFER

15. Jeff Lightle (7) & Steve Gray (6) (Slaley Hall) V Nigel Menzies (6) & Wayne Jackson (22) (Houghton/Roseberry Grange)

16. Phil O’Ware (8) & Paul Gray (16) (Sharpley) V Winners of round 1 match 11 (To be confirmed)

LADIESGREENSOMES

NORTHERN GOLFER LADIES GREENSOMES 2015

Club Sponsor 2015 – Harrow Ltd

Round 2 Draw 1. Penny Holroyd (21) & Carole-Anne Lennon (17) (Richmond) V Sandra Taylor (12) & Julie Parry (10) (Rudding Park)

5. Danielle Brady (15) & Susan Brady (31) (Durham City) V Katie Clark (13) & Anne Gollogly (11) (Saltburn)

2. Bernadette Legg (27) & Christine Vine (31) (Gosforth) V Anne Preston (15) & Margaret Greatbatch (12) (Whickham)

3. Pamela Moffat (28) & Dorothy Edwards (25) (Romanby) V Katrina Davidson (13) & Sheila Wilkinson (14) (Hunley Hotel & GC)

4. Judi Summerson (19) & Lorna Christie (22) (Blackwell Grange) V Winners of round 1 – match no11 – to be confirmed

Westﬁeld Lane, Ryton, Tyne & Wear, NE40 3QE

Sian Oakley (15) & Jane Benn (22) (Gosforth) V Sandra Gradwell (25) & Val Pesara (5) (Hexham)

7. Lynne Liddle (6) & Linda Wilson (12) (Gosforth) V Christine Walby (15) & Lynda Golightly (18) (Slaley Hall)

NEW Lifestyle Membership Category # Time, work or family constraints? # Playing a limited number of rounds in a year? # Playing occasionally on a weekend or in the summer after work? # Would like to be a member of a golf club?

A LIMITED NUMBER of Lifestyle Memberships have been introduced – it is not a ‘pay & play’ but an innovative method of being a member of Tyneside Golf Club and all the benefits that go with it – at a justifiable cost. An ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION of £300.00 (+ county and national golf levies) places 100 GOLF POINTS on your membership swipe card. Each time you play points are simply deducted from your account (fewer points are required to play at quiet times on the course and more points at busier times) For FURTHER DETAILS please contact Club Manager Alastair Greenfield on 0191 4132742 or secretary@tynesidegolfclub.co.uk www.tynesidegolfclub.co.uk

8. Ami Storey (+1) & Claire Brown (4) (Close House) V Jane Jones (13) & Chris Lees (17) (Bellingham)

MATCHES TO BE PLAYED BY SUNDAY JULY 26 2015

Round 1 Results 1. Preston & Greatbatch beat Hibbert & Armitage 5&4 2. Davidson & Wilkinson beat Mee & Yorke 6&4 3. Walby & Golightly beat Johnstone & Steerman 1up 4. Robson & Brown lost to Oakley & Benn match conceded 5. Spence & Jose lost to Jones & Lees 1 down 6. Storey & Brown beat Cocker & Robinson 4&3 7. Liddle & Wilson beat Martin & Hindhaugh 5&4 8. Bower & Bint lost to Leg & Vine 20th hole

9. Gradwell & Pesara beat Hutchinson & Carruthers 7&6 10. Setchill & Glendenning lost to Clark & Gollogly 6&5 11. To be confirmed 12. Moffat & Edwards beat Davison & Haynes 2&1 13. Holroyd & Lennon beat Holliday & Makin 5&3 14. Taylor & Parry beat McMullen & Calvert 5&4 15. Ball & Hovendon beat Richardson & Marshall 5&4

NORTHERN GOLFER 43

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