Northern Golfer magazine #37 - September 2015 by Offstone Publishing

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AT GOLF CLUBS IN THE NORTH EAST AND YORKSHIRE - ISSUE

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SEPTEMBER 2015

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48 PAGES

OF GOLF FACES, PLACES AND ACES www.northerngolfer.co.uk

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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 845 026 07903 500 401 gillian@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Peter Skelton www.photo-psp.co.uk

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EDITOR’S NOTE AND CONTENTS Summer may be well and truly behind us but traditionally Autumn is a great time for golf. There is certainly plenty of courses in fantastic condition waiting for you to enjoy a round after a somewhat mixed period of sunshine and rain. The golfing gods have been shining on many of the region’s youngest stars - none more so than our cover star Marcus Armitage who has channelled his energies into the game after, in his own words, “going off the rails”. His story is both moving and inspiring - check it out for yourself on the centre pages. We always enjoy talking about success for North East and Yorkshire golfers against the rest of the UK and indeed on the international stage. Rebecca McGinley showed how it should be done when she smashed a huge drive to win a trip to the US while Alex Stevenson produced an incredible performance to secure victory in the North of England U14 championship at South Moor by no fewer than 19 shots! There was also success at last for Jack Harrison - at the third time of asking while Hartlepool’s Christine Pascall keeps up her remarkable record as captain of England’s girls. They are just some of the many winners to feature in our pages this month as do a number of hole-in-one tales - including an incredible coincidence at one Teesside club - all is revealed on page 12. Our reviewers have been by the seaside at Newbiggin in Northumberland, and at Leeds Golf Centre’s Wike Ridge Course as we strive to cover all golf from north to south in the region, and sometimes beyond. We have a special section on Autumn deals both close to home and further afield plus the usual news, tips and chances to win. It won’t be long before the competition tees are placed in hibernation but with plenty of competitive golf still to be played - not least in our Gents Match Play Pairs and Ladies Greensomes. Good luck to the final few left in contention to win some great prizes. Happy golfing and see you FREE AT GOLF CLUBS IN THE NORTH EAST AND YORKSHIRE - ISSUE 37 next month. NORTHERN

SEPTEMBER 2015

04-15 TEEING OFF

Rebbeca’s huge drive, Webb on song, South Moor champs, Harrison victory, captain marvel and aces galore

18-21 TEEING OFF

Pipe dream comes true plus latest on Matchplay Pairs and Ladies Greensomes

22 CHRIS PAISLEY

Tour Life: Learning from failure

INSIDE

48 PAG ES

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

OF GOLF FACES, PLACES AND ACES

Paul Robertson, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

www.northerngolfer.co.uk

REVIEWED.

NEWB IGGIN & WIKE RIDGE

FRONT COVER

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Pages 24-26 Meet a highly motivated golfer who is determined to make it big after a year to remember

36-39 IT’S A DEAL

Autumn savers close to home and further afield

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©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.

Plus the latest Greenwatch and Mind Games columns

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28-33 GOLFER NEWS

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42 COMPETITIONS

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46 FROM THE BUNKER Your news and views

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Dan’s the man for Holland

Dan Brown with his caddy 13-year-old Bas Soudanty Bedale’s Dan Brown will get a taste of life on the European Tour when he plays in this month’s KLM Dutch Open. The England cap and Walker Cup squad member is in the line-up at the Kennemer Golf and Country Club in Zandvoort after his victory in the TGH Dutch Junior Open. In a top-class amateur field at Toxandria, Brown was paired with Yorkshire county teammate and English Amateur Champion Joe Dean on the final day of four as they shared the third round lead. Brown’s scores were successively one stroke lower each day, starting with a 71 and closing with a 68. He said: “My putting was a bit suspect the first two days, and my play tee to green the last two days was okay – I didn’t do anything special – but I kept it out of trouble and had a few really good up-and-downs and holed a few nice putts for birdies.” A birdie on the first hole in the final round saw Brown in the lead on his own and he went on to win by five shots from Dean. Brown had 13-year-old Bas Soudant as his caddy - Brown stayed with Bas’s family throughout the championship. Brown’s aim is to play on the European Tour and he might be tempted to take the plunge earlier than anticipated after missing out on the Walker Cup. “I will see how it goes, but certainly by next year I think I’m going to look to turn pro and get on the Challenge Tour or the European Tour,” he said. 04 NORTHERN GOLFER

l-r: Rebecca McGinley, Julie Benford (Garmin) and Daniel Gathercole (American Golf)

Rebecca’s drive to States

Long hit sees McGinley crowned champ to win a trip the World Championships

ebecca McGinley smashed her way to victory in the American Golf Long Drive event to win a trip to next year’s Long Drive World Championships in the US. Despite torrential rain, the 24-year-old from Prudhoe, who turned pro last December, hit an incredible 321-yard drive in the first round qualifying match before sending out a drive of 279 yards in the final at High Legh Park in Cheshire to be crowned American Golf ’s Ladies Long Drive Champion. The competition attracted more than 1,000 golfers from across the UK, but only five women made it through to the Grand Final at the American Golf National Academy at High Legh Park and Rebecca, a member of Wearside Golf Club and a former Durham County and England Squad member, was among them. After the knock-out stages Rebecca, as well as the finalists in the other two categories (over 45s and under 45s) had six attempts to stake their claim for the ultimate prize - a trip to the USA to take part in the World Long Drive Championship in 2016.

Rebecca then beat Becky Tilke of Woodsbury Park Golf Club in the final by hitting an impressive 279 yards with her third ball - this came after a drive of 321 yards which had stunned the crowd in the qualifying rounds. Rebecca now goes on to represent American Golf and Garmin in the 2016 World Long Drive Championship. “It was a fantastic event,” said Rebecca. “Naturally, I’m delighted to be crowned the American Golf Ladies Long Drive Champion. “Playing on the Ladies European Access Tour I’m known as one of the biggest hitters but with the conditions at High Legh and the quality of the competition I knew I had to perform to my best. “To pull out a drive of 321 yards was very pleasing as it wasn’t far off the best the men had to offer. I just can’t wait to go on and represent American Golf and Garmin at the World Long Drive Championship and test myself against the best ladies in the world.” Rebecca will be joined by Sheffield’s Dan Konyk, winner of the men’s event with a drive of 333 yards.

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Wonder Webb

Matthew completes a three-card trick in the PGA Assistants’ championships

atthew Webb completed a onetwo-three in the PGA North region with victory at the PGA North Assistants’ North East North West Championship at Rockliffe Hall. The 25-year-old, who is an assistant to his father Marcus at Bedlington Golf Club, tied for second place in the PGA North Assistants’ Championship of Yorkshire at Ilkley Golf Club in May, and finished in a tie for third place in the Lancashire event at Bolton Golf Club in July. Webb, who also has three pro am wins behind him this season and joined the pro ranks on his 23rd birthday following an impressive

county career, said: “It’s great to pull off a one-two-three, especially since I’ve only played in three events.” He posted a one under-par 71, including an eagle at the 13th, at the Darlington resort to win by two shots from Middlesbrough’s Andrew Richardson and Matfen Hall’s Jonathan Levey. Webb, who also won the national assistants’ qualifier at The Warwickshire in May, hopes to progress to a full-time playing career but he admitted: “I don’t practice as much as I used to because I don’t have time for it but I think about the game a bit more. “You’ve got to be realistic and get your PGA qualifications behind

Matthew Webb you because it’s something you can always fall back on.” The win elevated Webb to second place in the Druh Belt & Buckles Assistants’ Order of Merit, 181 points behind Bramall’s

Oliver Whiteley. In the final event of the season, the Harold Lees Trophy at Dore & Totley, Webb finished in a tie for second place to finish second. in the order of merit behind Whiteley.

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Durham Boys miss out Durham’s hopes of winning this year’s English Boys County Championship crumbled when they ended the tournament bottom of the table. Last year, Durham finished runners-up and after winning the Northern title again this year they set off for King’s Lynn with high hopes. But the best they could manage was a halved match in their opening clash with eventual winners Wiltshire before losing narrowly to Northamptonshire 5-4, and then to Hampshire 6-3 on the final day. Durham will be hugely disappointed, especially with their opening day draw with Wiltshire after they’d won all three foursomes. Wiltshire battled back with Charlie Dunn winning on the 18th to halve his singles against Jack Ainscough and only Chris Handy and Rian Dixon managing wins for a disappointing result. Against Northamptonshire, Durham again won the foursomes, this time 2-1, and it seemed they were on their way when Handy and Ainscough won the top two singles, but Northamptonshire took the next four matches to shade the clash 5-4. Final placings: Wiltshire 5pts, Northamptonshire 4pts, Hampshire 2pts, Durham 1pt.

Young guns The Northumberland County Golf Partnership’s Academy coaching starts soon under the guidance of Bedlington Golf Club’s Marcus Webb. Any player who has not enrolled can still do so, and the programme is open to players aged 10-18. Academy Assessment Days take place on Saturday, September 12 at Close House and Saturday, September 19 at Linden Hall. The Academy Coaching consists of 18 hours of coaching for £99. All 2014/15 Junior Academy and Academy players are invited to rejoin. The form for the 2015/16 Academy can be downloaded from the NCGP website. 06 NORTHERN GOLFER

Alan Brack with his trophy

Mike Baker with the Durham County Seniors Trophy

Baker’s icing on the cake Mike takes seniors title while Alan Brack wins the second division

ike Baker is targeting victory in the English County Senior Champions tournament this month to round off his season. The Chester-le-Street golfer won the Durham County Seniors title at Whitburn to qualify for the national final at Woodhall Spa when he shot a level par 70 in the re-arranged tournament. Called off at South Moor because of electrical storms, the championship went ahead at Whitburn in a day much better suited for golf - although the wind made the Lizard Lane course tricky.

Baker, winner of the 2012 Northern Seniors crown, who also finished fourth in the 2011 English Seniors, birdied the third and ninth to be two under-par at the turn, but he bogeyed the long par four 12th before dropping a shot at the last, a short but tricky par four. That made things a little tight but he edged Wearside’s Alan Sanders by one shot with the host club’s Geoff Wilkinson and Eaglescliffe’s John Still, both former winners, a shot further back. Meanwhile, Crook’s Alan Brack won the Durham County Second Division Championship at Tyneside. Six-handicapper Brack posted a gross 73 to edge out Durham City’s David Dickinson by one shot, while Brian Shotton (South Shields), Alan Sanders (Wearside), A Charlton (Tyneside) and David Tate (Boldon) were a shot further back. Lastly, Yorkshire’s Woodsome Hall hosted the Northern Counties Seniors Championship which was won by Hessle’s Alan Wright with 143 (71,72) while Huddersfield’s David Balderstone won the 70 years and over age category with rounds of 73 and 79.

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Young pride of the North Alex Stevenson and Harrison Hodgson fly North East flag at South Moor

eamish Park’s Alex Stevenson finished a remarkable 19 shots clear of the field in the North of England Under-14 Championship at South Moor Golf Club. Stevenson, a product of the Beamish academy programme, signed off with an eight over-par 81 following earlier rounds of 72 and 80 for a 14 over-par total of 233. Meanwhile, Darlington youngster Harrison Hodgson came from five shots back to share the boys’ trophy with Hallamshire’s Barclay Brown. Hodgson, a member at Darlington GC and Rockliffe Hall, returned rounds of 73, 76 and 72 to match Brown’s three round total of 221.

Hodgson landed a crucial birdie at the uphill 17th in the final round where, despite pushing his drive right, he found the green with a 190-yard rescue club and sunk an 11-foot putt. He said: “It was a great competition over the three days. The course is very interesting and in great condition. “I was very pleased with the way I played overall but did leave a lot of putts short; I think there was an even lower score out there. I decided at the start of the competition not to push it too hard and I stuck with my game plan. “The birdie at 17 was great and then a safe par at the last was a good

Alex Stevenson finish for me. Over all three days I parred 14 or 15 of the holes, which made for a solid round.” Roy Case, who organises the event and is a former chairman of the international junior selectors, said: “This tournament will be held at South Moor in perpetuity. It is theirs to put on for as long as they want it. “You could not ask for any more

Harrison Hodgson and Barclay Brown from the club and its enormous band of volunteers who have made this tournament the success it has been in its first two years.” The tournament, sponsored by Stanley Area Action Partnership, was founded by Case who also created the boys’ under-16 championship, the McGregor Trophy - which has been won by Justin Rose, Edoardo Molinari and Graeme Storm.

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KP target Turkey

Duo make the final – a great way to mark club’s anniversary

orth Yorkshire’s KP Club has celebrated its 20th anniversary year by reaching the Golfplan Insurance PGA Pro-Captain Challenge final in Turkey. Captain Gary Tavender partnered professional Oliver Cross to a commanding win in the regional qualifier at Harrogate’s Rudding Park when they carded a 10 under-par round of 62 to win by two shots from Adrian Ambler and Allan Hayman (Low Laithes) and South Moor’s Mark Ridley and Michael Bowman. The KP duo will now play in the £25,000 Canopius-supported showpiece final to be held on the PGA Sultan Course at Antalya Golf

Club, Turkey November 25-26. “We’re celebrating our 20th anniversary as a club so this win can only raise our profile,” said 16-handicapper Tavender. “It’s a long way from when we just had a group of cabins and the club was based out of them. “We always liked the club because of the setting and the views which are spectacular, but it was then sold and a fantastic amount of investment has happened since. “So it’s great to get to a final like this one in this year.” Tavender admitted that he and Cross had few problems at Rudding Park. “It was one of those days when everything went right for us,” said

Oliver Cross (left) and Gary Tavender - Photo:Getty Images the 57-year-old retired civil servant. It was Cross’s first win as a professional after qualifying 16 months ago. “I’ve been at KP just over a year,” he said. “I’m delighted to get this victory for us and the club. I’ve

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certainly never been to a PGA final since qualifying but I did make the Assistants’ Final at Coventry in my final year of training. “This will be different though and it’ll be great to represent KP in Turkey.”

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John Harrison

Perfect Guest

NE/NW PGA pros post low scores around the region in a busy season of pro ams

incent Guest collected the top prize at the Hexham Golf Club Pro Am with a round of 65 – one-shot better than Matfen Hall’s John Harrison, and Simon Robinson finished in a tie for second place. Five players finished in a tie for fourth place including European Senior Tour player Graeme Bell, Philips Golf and Tynedale pro Martin Forster, Michael Nesbit, Michael Pilgrim and Hexham’s Phil Waugh with rounds of 68. Two weeks later, at the Stocksfield Pro Am, Chris McDonnell beat Harrison to the trophy by a single shot, returning a 67 to Harrison’s 68. Richard Robson-Crosby finished in a tie for second place as Order of Merit leader Craig Goodfellow and Sam Oliver finished in a tie for fourth place with rounds of 69. In the first event of back-to-back pro ams in September, Matthew Webb posted a superb 63 at Bamburgh Castle Golf Club to lead the field by two shots. Brian Rumney finished in solo second with a 65 as Stephen Kyle was third with 66 in Northumberland. The following day a bit further up the coast at Goswick, Close House’s Jonathan Lupton, Simon Robinson

and Richard Robson-Crosby tied for first place with rounds of 71 in tough conditions. Chris McDonnell and Mark Ridley tied for fourth place. The True Temper Tour Championship, as well as the NE/ NW PGA Assistants’ Championship take place at South Moor Golf Club on September 30 with pro ams taking place at Blyth, Richmond, Seaton Carew, Archerfield and more in September and October. For more from the NE/NW PGA go to www.nenwpga.co.uk

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Chris Pascall

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Pascall leads girls to eighth triumph in a row

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ngland girls - and captain Chris Pascall - continued their winning ways at the Girls Home Internationals claiming the title for the eighth year in a row. “It’s brilliant,” said team captain Chris from Hartlepool, as her players celebrated a 7-2 win over Ireland and continued possession of the Stroyan Cup. The win is their 13th in 15 years. The result gave them a clean sweep in the series at Lanark in Scotland, with three wins from three matches, having previously beaten Scotland 5½-3½ and Wales 8-1. “The girls have done very well this week, it’s been a good team effort with great team spirit,” said Chris. England got ahead early by winning the foursomes 2-1, thanks to the pairings of Emma Allen and Lizzie Prior, and Hollie Muse and Sammy Fuller. But in the singles, the Irish took the early advantage. “At one point it didn’t look very hopeful and we were up in only one match,” said Chris. “But the girls turned it round and it was a good all-round result.” In the end England

won five of the six singles, conceding just one point to the Irish star Olivia Mehaffey. During the series, Muse and Allen won all six of their games while Prior and Fuller won five out of five. The Hartlepool golfer’s career spans three decades as an international, county and club player and she was England Girls Champion in 1972, played for England Girls in the same year and was a Durham County regular for the next 20 years, twice a winner of the Northern Ladies Championship and four county championships as well as a full England international 1979-81. She first captained England Ladies Under 18 side successfully in 1979 and 1980, and was asked to resume that role in 2011 and also combine it with the captaincy of the full England Ladies team. Victories for both teams in the Home Internationals prompted the England hierarchy to ask her to reprise the role resulting in a successful defence of both trophies and she was then also asked to carry on and she has.

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Jack in the box seat

Harrison finally claims elusive trophy

t was third time lucky for Jack Harrison in the Galvin Green PGA Assistants Championship. Jack, the son of former European Tour player Phil Harrison and nephew of Matfen Hall’s John Harrison, clinched the title at Coventry and his wire-to-wire victory saw him banish memories of past disappointments after being narrowly pipped at the post in his last two outings in the event. Harrison turned on the style on the back nine to hit four birdies and come in with a 67 and a four-shot margin of victory. In securing his three-round 16 under-par total Harrison saw his name etched onto an honours roll which includes the likes of Peter Alliss and Tony Jacklin.

As well as claiming a first prize of £5,000 he secured a place in the PGA Play-Offs and the PGA Australia Futures Championship. He will also head to Sweden for a fourday visit courtesy of title sponsors Galvin Green. “My main goal for the year was to win this and I can’t tell you how good it feels to have done that,” he said. “Coming into the final round I couldn’t help but think about last year, it was impossible for me not to. “I felt relieved that I was tied for the lead because I didn’t have to be defensive, I could go out there and be aggressive. “I just went out and treated it exactly the same as I did the past two days. I set five-under as a reasonable target. I was a little bit

Jack Harrison with the trophy nervous teeing off but my birdie at the first really relaxed me.” Harrison is looking to push on with his playing career and challenge for a place at the top table. “I’ve got a few retakes of exams to do but after that I’m going to European Tour school. Last year I set myself a target of being on the European Tour in three years time and if I keep on improving as I am I don’t see why I shouldn’t be able to achieve that.”

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NORTHERN GOLFER 11

TEEINGOFF Yorkshire farmer Andrew Walker is to have a hole named after him at Wath Golf Club after achieving the staggering feat of scoring three holes-in-one there in the last 12 months. Andrew achieved his hat-trick of aces on the 248-yard par four sixth – and as his most recent was in an official club competition the three-handicapper was rewarded with a BOSS watch. He scored his aces with a rescue club and said: “There’s no secret to my holes-inone. I just go for it. The sixth is a risk-reward hole. You can play it safe or hit it blindly over the trees. To be honest, after a poor start in the stableford competition another hole-in-one was the last thing on my mind – it was a good drive, but a bit of a shame as I couldn’t see it.”

Same time same place

Bishop Auckland’s Michael Kavanagh, 63, scored his ace on the 162-yard, par-three seventh with an eight-iron while Barnard Castle’s Maurice Eustace, 75, claimed one as well for his ace on the 164-yard par-three 11th at his club while Consett’s Chris Southworth, 69, delivered at the 143-yard par three 14th. Barnard Castle’s Graham Shipman, 53, a 19 handicapper, scored an ace on the 165-yard, par-three 11th at Barnard Castle. And Burnopfield’s Keith Chipchase, 58, who plays off eight, scored an ace on the 179yard par-three 13th at Hobson for another BOSS watch to be on its way North.

Kevin Donald and Philip Moore Andrew Walker

Duo ace the same hole in competition, plus we round up other recent hole-in-ones

tockton duo Philip Moore and Kevin Donald couldn’t believe it when they both holed-in-one during the same competition...and at the same hole. The pair both holed out at Eaglescliffe’s 179yard 13th hole on the same day. Philip, 31, and Kevin, 47, had even parked next to one another before going out to play in the club’s midweek stableford event. Philip was first to hit the target with an eight-iron and the seven-handicapper, who has been playing golf for 31 years, said: “I hit a perfect shot which landed on the front of the green and rolled towards the back right flag. “When the ball was about 15ft away from the pin, I said to my playing partners: ‘that’s going to go in the hole’. It continued rolling on a perfect line like a beautifully struck putt and, sure enough, went in the hole.” Later that evening, he received a text message from his best friend - and regular playing partner who happened to be playing with Donald - revealing his remarkable feat had been equalled. He added: “At first, I thought it was a wind up but sure enough, when I checked 12 NORTHERN GOLFER

the results I soon learned that Kevin had achieved the same feat as me. It was a pleasure and a great honour to share my first hole-in-one with a friend and fellow member.” Kevin, who plays off 14, said: “I had heard of Phil’s hole-in-one before I teed off and just hoped one day maybe I could also manage the same feat - it happened a lot sooner than I thought! “On the 13th tee, after my playing partners and I shared a little joke about the hole, I pulled my rescue club from the bag and struck it well, if a little left. The ball landed just off the left-hand side of the green, but caught the slope and kicked towards the flag. “From there, the ball started tracking straight towards the hole and, before I knew it, it was in. I couldn’t believe it and my playing partners were going mad, jumping up and down. It was one of the best feelings in the world to see my ball disappear in the hole. I just remember thinking: ‘the members aren’t going to believe this’.”

Kidney patient John Watson finally scored his first hole-in-one in 40 years of playing golf. The retired police sergeant, now 73, undergoes dialysis three times a week but still managed to play golf off a single figure handicap for much of his golfing career, but was still waiting for a hole-in-one. And he finally got it at the 193yard 10th at Bamburgh Castle. “It’s a blind hole and I hit a three wood into the wind and may playing partner immediately said ‘that’ll be in the hole’. “When we walked to the green, my ball was nestling in the bottom of the cup for my first hole-in-one.”

TEEINGOFF

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Society Bookings for 2016 Georgina Hirst receives the trophy from club captain Kevin Davey

Georgina’s home comforts Hirst off to Spain after Flamborough win

lamborough Head’s Junior Open attracted competitors from across the region again this year with the prestigious Warburton Trophy at stake. This year home club junior Georgina Hirst picked up the trophy with a score of 76 - two ahead of Brenden Wright from Bridlington. The win capped a great week for Georgina as she also qualified for the finals of the 23rd Junior European Open with a score of 76 at Kendal. Georgina is now off to the Costa del Sol in Spain on November 28 to play in the finals. In Division 1 of the junior open, Tom Thornton from

Bridlington Golf Club finished top with a nett 68 while Division Two was won by John Wilkins, also from Bridlington, with 66 and he also collected the Daily Telegraph Under 14 best gross prize. Winning Division Three was Amy Stavely from Scarborough South Cliff Golf Club with a superb 48 and the The Daily Telegraph best girl was won by Lara Ackers. For the younger golfers a nine-hole blue course Stableford competition was included and it was won by Luke Banks from Flamborough, just in front of Callum Langham and Jack Rands both from Bridlington Links Golf Club.

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TEEINGOFF

Yorkshire claim county league crown

Jamie Bower

Yorkshire lifted the Northern Counties Golf Union league trophy with a 14.5-3.5 victory over Durham at Durham City Golf Club on the final day of matches. In the North East, Northumberland finished just above Durham in fifth place following a narrow 9.5-8.5 defeat by Cumbria at Stocksfield on the final day of the season. Yorkshire’s undefeated season included a tense 9-9 draw with fellow title favourites Lancashire on the opening day of the season, a single-point victory over Cumbria, and wins over Cheshire Northumberland and Durham. • The golf industry’s major manufacturers and suppliers will be exhibiting at the Harrogate International Centre next month. The Golf Trade Show 2015, now in its sixth year, will take place October 6-8.

Take a Bower

Jamie beats defending champ to take Yorkshire crown

amie Bower held off defending champion Julian Taylor to win the Yorkshire County Championship at Fulford. Meltham’s Bower holed a three-foot putt at the 18th for a final round 71 and a six under-par total of 282 as York’s Taylor narrowly missed an eagle putt to tie and finished one shot back with a tournament best round of 67. Bower said: “Julian came at me really hard and, through the middle of the round and towards the back end of the round, had

a lot of birdies. On the last it felt nearly five feet from where I was standing. I was just happy to see it go in.” Bower’s success crowned an excellent season as he reached the English Amateur Championship semi-finals, was sixth in the European Championships and made his senior England debut in the Home Internationals. Bower has also supported his home club’s success this season with their scratch team gaining promotion from the Fifth to the Third Division,

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COURSEREVIEW

Wike Ridge Leeds the way Dean Bailey plays a young course with great potential

here is something for every golfer around Leeds – from traditional English courses with championship pedigree to modern courses with the potential to join their illustrious neighbours. With a little more than 20 years under its belt, Leeds Golf Centre’s Wike Ridge Course should fit perfectly into the second category. With layouts ranging from 5,472 yards up to 6,536 yards this is a course for every player. As well as the championship course, there is two six-hole par-three loops, Footgolf (which attracts some 200 players every weekend) and the UK headquarters of the David Leadbetter Academy. The fairways here are generous, as are the greens, each with bunkering and water strategically placed, while the rough is enough to make you think without needing a machete to hack through. Opened in 1993, the Donald Steel design has undergone major changes since 2012. In conjunction with Jonathan Gaunt, bunkers have been revised and added, as has yardage, and some 1,400 trees transplanted. 16 NORTHERN GOLFER

The opening hole is a tricky par-four at 307 yards. Avoid the fairway bunker right at 225 yards and you’ll be left with a short pitch to a flat green guarded by two front bunkers. Played from the yellows, the par five second is still 559 yards. From here the bunkers left are in range at 267 yards though a generous fairway awaits. Play left with your second shot as the fairway falls to the right leaving a difficult third shot with the two deep bunkers protecting your line to the green. The third and fourth holes (385 and 391 yards) have well-placed fairway bunkers right. Play left at both holes to open up the greens; avoid the pot bunker short right at the third. Meanwhile the fourth is protected by a severely sloping green – putts up the hill are particularly tough. The par-three fifth is second only to the sixth for signature hole (see factfile) with its views across the valley from the elevated tee. At 186 yards it plays roughly one club downhill with a large bunker short, and one left protecting the front flag. One of the shorter par threes, the seventh is

144 yards played uphill and into the wind. A large bunker protects the left side of the green while the bunker right is small and tough to make up and down from. A steep ridge through the centre of the green makes club selection priority. The only blind drive on the course, play left at the 443-yard eighth as out of bounds awaits right. The green here is generous and designed to accept an approach with a long iron. The halfway house is in view from the ninth tee, as is the green 297 yards away. Keep your drive left to get a full view of the green, which is protected by bunkers right and left. The sensible shot here is to lay up to 70 yards, avoiding the bunker to the left of the fairway. There are two options at the 10th - lay up with a long iron down the right of the fairway, which slopes to the left, or take a driver over the water – a carry of 250-275 yards. The green is big and you need to find the right portion to leave a good chance for birdie. The pot bunker at the back of the green is tough as it sits above the hole. The 11th also offers a choice from the tee. At 313 yards it is a tempting prospect with the lay up

COURSEREVIEW

FACT FILE CONTACT Leeds Golf Centre, Wike Ridge Lane Shadwell, Leeds, LS17 9JW Email info@leedsgolfcentre.com Web www.leedsgolfcentre.com GREEN FEES Weekday £25 (£15 after 3pm) Juniors £15 (£10) Weekends £35 (£25 after 1pm, £20 after 3pm), Juniors £20 (£10 after 3pm) Winter Society Rates from £17.50 weekday and £22.50 weekend from Nov 1 For all rates, including equipment hire, see the website

A generous course off the tee, tacticians will enjoy plotting their way through the bunkering and water hazards from tee to green while the big hitters will have to be creative should they miss the fairway. Far from the toughest course you’ll play in the area, Wike Ridge is one of those courses you would be very happy to play every day

TOTAL DISTANCE Blue tees – 6,535 yards (par 72) White tees – 6,415 yards (par 72) Yellow tees – 5,936 yards (par 70) Red tees – 5,472 yards (par 72) cut off at 230 yards by a bunker. The bunker left of the green is surrounded by a hollow and will catch any drives left. The 12th is the most visually intimidating hole on the course with water left and a fairway bunker right at 220 yards. The fairway here is more generous than it appears. Anything left on this hole is in trouble. Played from another elevated tee and over a valley to the green, club selection is tough at the 13th. More than 180 yards away, the wide, narrow green is protected by two front bunkers. A shot down the right side of 14 gives a better view of the layup area, which you will find by playing towards the single tree just left of the fairway bunker. Although a short par-five at 478 yards, the 15th plays long with a 60 degree dogleg right. One of the toughest holes on the course, the 16th is a par-three-and-a-half at 232 yards into the wind. The 17th feels longer than its 547 yards with a tee shot played uphill. The final hole is a strong finish at 366 yards from the elevated tee. Drive as far down as you can to leave a short approach to the green over the lake. The back right pin here is toughest with two bunkers right - a strong finish and a tricky one with a good card in your pocket.

FEATURES 18-hole championship course David Leadbetter Academy 16-bay driving range The Oaks 12-hole par-three course Practice ground Chipping green Pro shop Restaurant and bar with function room Footgolf CADDY’S TIP Choose the right tees for you. The course can play long with back tees stretching to more than 6,500 yards and some of its longest holes playing into the wind. A trip to the Academy is also well worth it to loosen up SIGNATURE HOLE The short par-four sixth (333 yards). With views across the valley beyond the green and right, the lay up here is ideally over the right fairway bunker – a carry of 234 yards which leaves a pitch of 70-110 yards to the green. Two water hazards protect the fairway 50 yards beyond and the green sits above these with two distinct sections in the front left and back right.

DEAN BAILEY’S VERDICT

A great course for every level of golfer and one which I would enjoy playing every day. NORTHERN GOLFER 17

TEEINGOFF

MATCH PLAY PAIRS Round 3 Results 1. Brady & Harper beat Slipper & Johnson 7&6

2. Slater & Wright beat Fisher & Timbey 2up

3. Hanson & Robson beat Bell & Heslop 7&6

Jack Ainscough

England calls

Anotherstep up for Jack Ainscough and a feather in the cap for James Wilson

urham’s Jack Ainscough has taken another step in his burgeoning golf career. The 16-year-old from Hartlepool, along with Barclay Brown - recent North of England Under 14 title winner at South Moor, represented England in the Italian international U16 boys championship at Biella Golf Club. Ainscough, who is at Dyke House College and plays out of Castle Eden and Hartlepool has already had two top 10 finishes in the English U16 boys championship for the McGregor Trophy and in the Scottish U16s. He’s also won the North of England Schools title as well as finishing joint runner-up in the England Schools Championship and was, this year, the youngestever winner of the Hartlepool Club Championship. He’s sealed a place in the England Schools team to face Scotland this month, clinching his spot by finishing joint second in the English championship at Peterborough just one behind 18 NORTHERN GOLFER

winner Joseph Bannan, from Manchester. Meanwhile, Durham County’s James Wilson won his England Under 16 cap in the two-point victory over Wales at Radyr Golf Club. The Tyneside club golfer picked up a win in the second singles after losing his first match and he provided one of the highlights of the foursomes with back-to-back iron shots to one foot from the hole on both the 14th and 15th. Both were conceded for birdie and his partner, Luke Kelly, played only one shot in two holes! But despite the heroics, they lost the last hole and finished one down. However, England won the final singles session 4½-3½ to seal an 11-9 win against a strong Welsh side. The autumn U16 series continues with a match against Scotland at Dalmahoy on September 26-27 and a match against Ireland follows a fortnight later on the weekend of 10-11 October at Templepatrick.

4. Slater & McKeown lost to Crowson & Taylor 19th hole

5. Sharp & Chapman beat Lightle & Gray 19th hole

6. Cromar & Dodds beat Robison & Robison 5&4

7. Irving & Foxwell beat Hill & Chapman 4&3

8. McPhillips & Beadling lost to Marshall & Tindale 2dn (Durham City)

Quarter-Final Draw 1. Malcolm Crowson (16) & K. Taylor (4) (Oulton Hall) V Alan Brady (13) & Matthew Harper (6) (Durham City)

2. Ted Cromar (13) & Graham Dodds (13) (Morpeth) V Andrew Sharp (15 ) & Paul Chapman (10) (Garesfield)

3. Ian Irving (12) & Gary Foxwell (2) (Arcot Hall) V Stephen Hanson (9) & Jason Robson (5) (Castle Eden)

4. Colin Marshall (15) & Paul Tindale (12) (Durham City) V Steve Slater (2) & Gary Wright (12) (City of Newcastle/Backworth)

MATCHES TO BE PLAYED ASAP

LADIES GREENSOMES Round 3 Results 1. Gradwell & Pesara lost tp Walby & Golightly 1dn

2. Clark & Gollogly beat Taylor & Parry 2&1

3. Moffat & Edwards lost to Longstaff & Stevenson 2&1

4. Legg & Vine lost to Storey & Brown 3&2

Semi-Final Draw 1. Gerry Longstaff (28) & Lis Stevenson (26) (Eaglescliffe) V Christine Walby (15) & Lynda Golightly (18) (Slaley Hall)

2. Ami Storey (+1) & Claire Brown (4) (Close House) V Katie Clark (10) & Anne Gollogly (12) (Saltburn)

MATCHES TO BE PLAYED AT MATFEN HALL – DATE TO BE ARRANGED

TEEINGOFF

Pipe dream is reality Winner enjoys fantastic day with one of the world’s greats

ay Pipe reckons he enjoyed the luck of the Irish after winning the trip of a lifetime to the US. The Darlington golfer got to meet and watch victorious Irishman Shane Lowry at the WGC tournament at Ohio as a prize for winning the Bridgestone Amateur

Golf Championship in June. The 63-year-old, from Rockliffe Hall, followed Lowry for every step of his final round 66 before meeting him for a chat and posing for photographs moments after the winning putt was sunk. The prize also included a round of golf at the Firestone Country Club’s north course

We’re Open

Ray Pipe (centre) with Ger Breen (left) and Shane Lowry

and the chance to speak to Bridgestone sponsored golfers Matt Kuchar and Brandt Snedeker. Ray said: “I can’t believe the four days I had out there. We were lucky enough to meet Shane Lowry on Saturday evening and were able to have a good old chat. To walk every step of the course with him on Sunday and see him hit that second shot into the 18th was a moment to cherish forever. “Bridgestone treated us like royalty for every second of our adventure and I really can’t thank them enough for what they did for us.” Bridgestone’s consumer sales and marketing director Farrell Dolan said: “We are thrilled for Ray and his wife Eileen and glad they had such a great time at the Bridgestone Invitational.” Pipe travelled to Akron with his wife and fellow winner Ger Breen, from Dublin, who also succeeded at the Bridgestone amateur championship at The Belfry in June.

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TEEINGOFF

Salt of the earth

Saltburn duo Donna Plummer and Alison Muckle Saltburn raised a magnificent £4,200 for the MacMillan Nurses charity appeal, beating last year’s total by nearly a £1,000. The event was sold out very quickly with some people traveling more than 150 miles to play and 45 teams taking part. Organisers Donna Plummer and Alison Muckle, who did all the hard work in making this event popular and run so smoothly, would like to thank Saltburn for providing a course in top condition to hold this event and a big thank you from Stephen Farrell of Aircon Engineering for sponsoring the event.

In loving memory

Malcolm McGuire (centre), Rob Hood (second from left), and veterans from Help for Heroes

Shields Help for Heroes Club raises £2,000, plus a round up of the latest charity news

outh Shields has been doing its bit to raise money for the charity Help for Heroes. The Cleadon Hills club was able to hand over a cheque for £2,000 as a result of fundraising by members during Malcom McGuire’s year of captaincy. “It wasn’t a difficult decision to pick Help for Heroes,” said Malcolm, “and the members got right behind all the raffles and events we organised.” The club also invited a group from Help for Heroes Phoenix House Recovery Centre in Catterick to come along and enjoy a game of golf

and to collect the cheque for £2,000. It’s not the first time some of those playing at Shields have taken part in a golf event as Rockliffe Hall, near Darlington, made Phoenix House its charity partner for the European Tour’s English Senior Open. In the tournament pro-am Rockliffe sponsored a team from Phoenix House to play with Order of Merit winner Paul Wesselingh. Rob Hood, Supported Activities Manager at Phoenix House said: “We’re always grateful to golf clubs like South Shields for their fundraising support.”

Winning team Wrong Click Flamborough Head has staged another hugely-successful Glenn McHale Am-Am. Now in its 12th year, the Am-Am competition is played in memory of its founder Glenn McHale who died of cancer at the age of 43. Organised by club chairman Arthur Woodhouse and his hardworking committee of three, it attracted 39 teams from Teesside, Sheffield and Hull, and other parts of Yorkshire. Highlight of the day was a hole-in-one by John Kelvington. Winners on the day were Wrong Click. The £450 raised went to Saint Catherine’s Hospice, Scarborough. 20 NORTHERN GOLFER

Wheels of Fortune When Edward Falshaw was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis two years ago it dramatically changed his life. He used to play cricket for Masham Cricket Club and also was a five handicap golfer at Masham Golf Club. Inspired by the Tour de France coming to Yorkshire, Ken decided to incorporate two of his favourite pastimes, golf and cycling, in a charity challenge and along with 15 other golfer-cyclists embarked on a sponsored golf cycling event for the MS society, starting with 18 holes of golf at Cleveland Golf Club

followed by a 50-mile cycle ride to Masham Golf Club and then 18 holes of golf there. Edward and his team rode through Guisborough, Great Ayton, Stokesley, Northallerton, Bedale and then Masham and they started at 5.30am at Cleveland and finished at 8pm at Masham with a welldeserved barbecue. The 16 riders were helped by an additional six people in support vehicles to help out where needed and two even dressed up as Batman and Robin helping to raise money along the way. Close to £10,000 was raised.

TEEINGOFF

CHRISPAISLEY

Chris Paisley

Up to the challenge? T he Skills Challenge at the PGA Academy at Close House has been extended into a monthly contest. The first event, which ran throughout August, saw more than 52 players compete for a place in the monthly final. Richard Aspin collected the Men’s 0-9hcp prize, as Shaun Batey won the 10-28hcp section. In the ladies’ event – Niamh Lendrum won the 0-9hcp category, Georgina Lewis won the 10-17hcp category, and Natalie Brown won the 18-36hcp category.

The Challenge, which is free to enter, invites golfers off all abilities to test their skills on the driving range while recording their results. The leading players in each of the gender and handicap categories are then invited to the finals night at the end of the month to compete for the monthly prize. Each monthly winner receives a voucher for Sunday lunch for two in No.19 at Close House, and an invitation to the Grand Final at the end of the year.

New look T he development of two new holes, and state-ofthe-art practice facilities at Whickham Golf Club is underway. The new holes, which are being created from the club’s second practice area, will replace two holes which have become increasingly difficult to play throughout the year due to flooding. A dogleg par-four of just over 300 yards offering views across to the Cheviots, and a par three of more than 200 yards are 22 NORTHERN GOLFER

expected to open in Spring 2016 – with the new par-71 course being named the Hollinside Park Course. As well as the new holes, three covered driving range bays will be added to the club’s practice facility adjacent to the 18th fairway. There will also be a new teaching suite, complete with the latest technology built alongside the clubhouse. The practice facility developments are funded by a £75,000 grant from Sport England.

KNOWING YOURSELF DANISH ADVENTURE

Since my last column I’ve played two events: The Made in Denmark and the Czech Masters; making the cut in both and finishing 35th and 40th respectively. The week in Denmark is certainly the one that is worth discussing. After three rounds I was in third place, set to tee off in the final group for the second time this season. This was a major achievement for me considering where I was this time last year. I was full of confidence and knew I had a great chance to win, even though I was four shots behind leader - and eventual winner - David Horsey. Fast forward to Sunday afternoon I had signed for a 78 and was left wondering ‘what went wrong?’ I was, of course, disappointed, but more than anything I wanted to know how I could have shot such a poor score when my game was in such good shape. Golf really is a fascinating game. There are so many variables and you are constantly learning. In this case, the downfall began on the seventh hole where I misjudged the wind and didn’t quite execute my tee shot. A five-iron into the water led to a double bogey. All of a sudden I felt self-conscious, rather than in my own world like I had been for the previous 60 holes. I began to play more aggressively, forcing the issue, and thinking about things that didn’t matter, such as my score. I did all of this without really realising. All of a sudden my mind and body were in a completely different state than they had been for the entire tournament, and inevitably my performance dropped. Add in some strong winds, tough holes, a bit of bad luck, and voila, there’s your 78! Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Thinking back I should have given myself a few moments to take stock, refocus, and compose myself. The problem is, when you’re in the final group, being watched by people all over the world, in front of huge crowds, composing yourself is not an easy thing to do. Thankfully, Denmark is just one tournament in a (hopefully) long career. The experience will serve me well in the future, as do all failures, as long as you are resolute and you learn from them.

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EUROPROTOUR

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

EUROPROTOUR

Marc of a champion Dean Bailey discovers Marcus Armitage’s journey from hitting balls on the family farm to EuroPro Tour success

rofessional golfers come of age at different times, from teenage prodigies turned global superstars like Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy, to those who mature and develop as winners like Ian Poulter. For Marcus Armitage, the Howley Hall professional and three-time EuroPro Tour winner – including the Tree of Life Championship at Close House, the journey to multiple satellite tour winner has taken him through his 28th birthday. “Close House was another good week for me in what’s been a great year,” says Marcus, who also won earlier this year at the EuroPro Tour’s GRENKE Championship at Cumberwell Park Golf Club. “When I arrived at Close House I didn’t really fancy it but I spoke to Duncan [McCarthy - his coach] and set out to play the shots how I saw them. I hit it really well all week and was 100% from 5ft and inside,” adds Marcus, who went on to finish third at the EuroPro’s first four-round event at the Clipper Logistics Players Championship at Moor Allerton Golf Club a week later and move to within £143 of Race to Desert Springs leader Sam Connor. Marcus, who was Rookie of the Year on the EuroPro Tour in 2013, adds: “The EuroPro Tour has been great for my development. It’s a great tour, and it gives us a chance to learn, improve and move up the ladder. I’ve learned how to win, to deal with tough weeks and how to be a better professional golfer.” He won at Cumberwell Park earlier this season having struggled in 2014. “This year was the one where I needed to kick on and make it up to the Challenge Tour. I set a target of making it into the top five then pushing on and giving myself a chance of winning the Race to Desert Springs. I’ve done that in the last few events and given myself a chance.” Marcus has changed a great deal since his rookie

year on the EuroPro Tour, most noticeably losing five stone in the last two years. “I’ve changed a lot since the end of 2013 and tried some different things. I’ve changed a lot physically; I’m in far better shape now. “I looked at the top 100 in the world and realised I was nowhere near those guys. I started working with my swing coach Anthony Sheehy around that time and got in touch with his brother John who got me on the Herbalife diet. Losing the weight meant I could make the changes in my swing Anthony wanted and improve tee to green.” As well as his work with the Sheehy brothers, Marcus credits a great deal of his success to his mind coach Duncan McCarthy – brother of EuroPro and Challenge Tour player Nick. “I wouldn’t class Duncan as a golf coach, he’s really a life coach for me. Whenever I struggle with anything in life Duncan is the one that I call. I can talk to Duncan about anything,” he says. The journey to a place on the 2016 Challenge Tour hasn’t been an easy one for Marcus away from the golf course. Having shown a lot of talent as a teenager hitting balls on the family farm before progressing into his first junior competition – at which he arrived without knowing what a handicap was and went on to win playing off nine – golf became more important than ever when his mum died of cancer. “I started hitting balls in 2000 across the fields at home. By then my mum was very ill. When she passed away I really couldn’t handle being at school and home tuition didn’t work for me either. “The only place I could get away from thinking about my mum’s death was standing on a golf course hitting balls. That helped me so much as I focused on something other than my mum.”

NORTHERN GOLFER 25

EUROPROTOUR With all that was going on in his home life, the escape to the golf course was made possible by family friend Tim Young. “Tim would take me to golf, we’d play and he’d drop me off at home. I met Tim in 2001 and he’s one of my best friends. We still play together regularly and it was through him I met my sponsor Paul Harris – whose support gives me the chance to play and not worry about entry fees.” Taken under the wing of junior organiser John Beverley at Oldham Golf Club, Marcus progressed quickly as golf became his escape. “Just after my mum died I went from a nine handicap to four in a year. I was off scratch by the age of 16 and plus-three by 20,” he says. He would go on to represent Lancashire and Yorkshire as an amateur before turning pro in 2009. Following a shoulder injury in early 2010, Marcus ended up taking three years away from top-level golf, during which time he admits he “fell off the rails and got into partying with the wrong crowd”. He returned to practising the way he did as a teenager at the start of

2013. “My dad would drop me off at Howley at 8am and pick me up at 6pm. I just dedicated myself to practising and saw the results on the EuroPro Tour.” His father Philip remains his biggest supporter. “My dad took some

Ravensworth Golf Club www.ravensworthgolfclub.co.uk

stick for supporting me when things weren’t going well and I wasn’t earning a great deal. To pay him back for his belief is a big aim for me as I move up the tour ladder. If it wasn’t for my dad I wouldn’t be a professional golfer today

– he’s the rock behind everything. I’ve got to thank Nike as well. They’ve stuck by me for years and given me lots of support and equipment.” Ahead of the Matchroom Sport Tour Championship at Desert Springs in October, what does the future hold? “I’d like to top the EuroPro order of merit. Then we have a seven-week break before going to Spain for the Tour Championship so I’ll have a week away from the game before visiting my coaches and gearing up for that.” Marcus will then go into the second stage of European Tour Qualifying School before preparing for life on tour next season. “I’ve been talking to Danny [Denison, Challenge Tour winner also attached to Howley Hall] a lot too ahead of next year. “I’ll be going out of my comfort zone travelling around Europe, and to have someone there who’s done it and won is a great help. “I made a 10-year plan to win on the European Tour starting with three years on the EuroPro Tour. I’m on track and with a great team around me I have everything in place to make that plan a reality.”

Cally Palace

Hotel & Golf Course

Memberships - September until End December 2015

7 Day £170 5 Day £140

Autumn Stay & Play

WINTER OPEN COMPETITIONS

Including 2 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast and two rounds of golf

(Includes bacon roll & coffee) Friday 9th October - Singles Stableford £12pp Saturday 17th October - 3 Man Team Texas Scramble £36 per team Saturday 7th November - Singles Stableford £12pp Friday 4th December - Singles Stableford £12pp Monday 28th December - Singles Stableford £12pp Full details available on our website

VISITOR GREEN FEES Monday & Wednesday Only £12 per person (max 4 ball) Sundays in September Only £18 per person or 4 Ball £50 (after 12 Noon & must be booked in advance) SPECIAL WINTER WARMER PACKAGES INCL GOLF AND FOOD ALSO AVAILABLE FROM OCTOBER EXCELLENT FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Angel View, Long Bank, Wrekenton, Gateshead, NE9 7NE Tel: 0191 4876014 email: info@ravensworthgolfclub.co.uk

26 NORTHERN GOLFER

Visitors & Societies welcome 7 Days Saturdays & Sundays Available

Par 71, 6062 yd parkland course

from

£156 per person

t: 01557 814 341 | e: info@callypalace.co.uk

Fernhill Hotel Portpatrick

Tel: 01776 810 220 E: info@fernhillhotel.co.uk

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LARGE GOLF GROUPS & GOLF SOCIETIES WELCOME

Golf available on Stranraer, Portpatrick, Glenluce or Cally courses.*

or book online at

Golf available on Stranraer, Portpatrick, Glenluce or Cally courses. *

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Rates subject to promotional availability until 30/9, conditions apply. * Supplements may apply.

EUROPROTOUR

Laskey wins Clipper Logistics Rutherford wins Break90 Players Championship Championship play-off

ark Laskey won the HotelPlanner. com PGA EuroPro Tour’s first 72-hole event – the Clipper Logistics Players Championship at Moor Allerton Golf Club – to close out the tour’s three weeks in the region. Welshman Laskey carded a final-round 68, three under-par, for an eight under-par total – two shots ahead of Steve Uzzell. This moth’s cover star Marcus Armitage finished in third place. “It

feels great to get back in the winners’ circle, especially towards the end of the season when they really count,” said Laskey, who collected £12,000 for his victory as well as a brand new Motocaddy trolley, Bushnell Tour X range finder and £500 to spend with HotelPlanner.com. “If I can put in a big finish then my job for the season will have been achieved. I am perfectly poised now with two events left and the Tour Championship will be big money, so hopefully I can have a big week there.”

amie Rutherford won the first event of the HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour’s Northern swing with victory at the fifth play-off hole in the Break90 Championship at Slaley Hall. The final round was abandoned following heavy rain in Northumberland, which meant overnight leaders Rutherford (Knebworth Golf Club), Billy Hemstock (Teignmouth Golf Club) and Sam Robertshawe (Army Golf Club) would return to the course for

the play-off. Playing the par-three 15th continuously in a sudden-death format, all three players parred the first three additional holes before Rutherford and Hemstock birdied the fourth play to eliminate Robertshawe. On the fifth extra hole, Hemstock missed his four-foot birdie putt and didn’t make it coming back either giving Rutherford a teo-foot par putt for the title. Rutherford collected £10,000 as well as a Motocaddy trolley, Bushnell Tour X range finder and £500 to spend at HotelPlanner.

6 weeks of golf including unlimited golf course access to slaley hall

Join Slaley Hall for a six week trial golf membership for only £99

limited availability!

Our 6 week QFairway golf trial will give you unlimited access to Slaley Hall for a 6 week period. You can then take advantage of the following beneﬁts: • 20% Discount on food and drink • 10% Discount in all golf shops (exc. hardware) • 10% Discount on member’s lessons • Exclusive member events

14 - 2015

Pop into the club to ﬁnd out more or give us a call 01434 676 587 | slaleygolf@QHotels.co.uk QHotels.co.uk/golftrial NORTHERN GOLFER 27

GOLFERNEWS

Juniors Bedding in Northumberland club puts youngsters at the heart of its plans for the future

edlington has made junior golf one of the key tenets of a major overhaul at the Acorn Bank club. With a new administration team in place, the club now holds regular member’s forums, is launching a new website and has set up a new Junior Development Club. The club has been running for a number of weeks and is proving to be very successful and it is holding the first of what’s hoped will be an annual fundraiser on October 17. Bedlington is also doing its bit to promote golf in the community and for the second year running, the club attended The Big Event at Attlee Park.

The event is organised by Leading Link, a local charity with an ambition to provide opportunities to the young people of North East England. With the help of Northumberland Golf, Bedlington erected an inflatable driving net for the children to hit golf balls and it proved a huge success with up to 100 children trying golf for the first time. The club was also at Bedlingtonshire High School Fair with the driving net again and it was, again, free of charge. A new administration team is also now in place at Bedlington with Layla Levy as club secretary, Tommy Moore as competition and handicap

Bedlington’s new back-room team (left to right): Mark Sanderson, Layla Levy, Marcus Webb and Tommy Moore secretary, and professionals Marcus Webb and Mark Sanderson overseeing coaching and teaching and assisting the secretary. The Club held its first Member’s Forum in June and it was well attended and a second forum will take place later this month. A new club website is being designed and will be launched in the near future while head greenkeeper Martin

Woods will also be starting a course blog. All of which points to a club going in the right direction and with a healthy membership of 700-plus. If you’re new to the game or want to learn, the club do have a Play More Golf Coaching Scheme which is a five week series of group lessons costing £25. Contact Marcus or Mark tel 01670 822 087.

Longhirst Hall G O L F

C L U B

MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE

FROM £18.00 PER MONTH (DIRECT DEBIT) 2 FANTASTIC COURSES TO PLAY DRIVING RANGE & ACADEMY PGA EUROPRO TOUR VENUE 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016

VISITING PARTIES WELCOME INCLUDING WEEKENDS!! BUY 1 BASKET OF RANGE LONGHIRST HALL GOLF COURSE, LONGHIRST, MORPETH, NORTHUMBERLAND, NE61 3LL BALLS, GET 1 FREE Telephone 01670 791562 or email: enquiries@longhirstgolf.co.uk TO BE REDEEMED BEFORE OCT 30TH 2015. COUPON TO BE PRESENTED

28 NORTHERN GOLFER

visit us online at: www.longhirstgolf.co.uk

4 - BALL £50 ANY DAY, ANYTIME TO BE REDEEMED BEFORE OCT 30TH 2015. COUPON TO BE PRESENTED

PROFILE

Golf in the Scottish Borders Traditional country inn ideally situated for playing MINTO, HAWICK, THE HIRSEL AND ROXBURGH plus many more. 12 en-suite bedrooms with tv, wi-fi, tea/coffee making facililties, Sky tv. Restaurant and bar serving cask ales (good pub guide)

STAY & PLAY - £75 per night on two people sharing

PRO -FILE

MICHAEL NESBIT

The Auld Cross Keys Inn

(2 course evening meal, B&B, 18 holes at Minto Golf Club & Hawick Golf Club )

Tel: Karen or Dave on 01450 870305 bookings@crosskeysdenholm.co.uk www.crosskeysenholm.co.uk Five Star Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence

The Green, Denholm, Scottish Borders, TD9 8NU

MAGDALENE FIELDS GOLF CLUB Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1NE

NEW MEMBER SPECIAL OFFER AGE: 38 TURNED PRO: 20 HOME CLUB: WESTERHOPE GOLF CLUB CAREER HIGHLIGHTS AMATEUR: Northumberland Fenwick-Smith Trophy, Journal Champion of Champions PRO: 2002: Northern Rock Masters (to earn place in the Great North Open at Slaley Hall); PGA North Region of Order of Merit (to earn place in BMW PGA Championship) 2004: PGA North Region of Order of Merit; Golf Pages Trophy on the EuroPro Tour, The Rock 2007: Third in PGA Professionals Championship to secure place in PGA Cup team at Reynolds Plantation, Georgia WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SEASON? “I’m playing less nowadays as I’m balancing the shop with coaching, though I still play as much as I can on the NE/ NW PGA. I won over at Maryport earlier this season and I’ve done well in a few pro ams. I’m happy with my game and there are still a few opportunities to win before the end of the year.” HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE GAME? “I started playing when I was 10, and joined Westerhope when I turned 12. There was a big squad of us who joined together and went on to win the junior league three years in a row. I started playing more golf as I got older and won the men’s club championship at 15 as a four handicapper. I won some county events a couple of years later and got selected for the men’s county team with players like Ken Ferrie, David Clark, Shaun Philipson and Steve Harrison. Then I turned pro in January 2000 and became assistant to John Harrison at Matfen Hall. I was there for nearly eight years, played full time between 2002-2005 and had some great results. I moved to Westerhope and got to play in the PGA Cup in 2007, which is definitely the highlight of my career - we came so close to beating the USA over there for the first time.” WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? “I enjoy the coaching side of the game so I’d like to develop some young players and see them progress. I also still love playing golf so I want to keep competing – I still need to get my hands on the NE/NW Championship.”

September 2015 to January 2017 Adult £300 Seniors £280 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

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 SEPTEMBER Mon - Fri £20 round per player Sat & Sun £22.50 round per player OCTOBER Mon- Fri - £15 round per player Sat - Sun - £20 round per player

NEW MEMBER INTRODUCTORY RATE 2016

Full £250 - Second Club - £195 - Country (over 25 miles) £195 Nothing more to pay until 1st November 2016 Telephone 01434 220530 or email admin@bellinghamgolfclub.com Bellingham Golf Club, Boggle Hole, Bellingham, NE48 2DT

www.bellinghamgolfclub.com

NORTHERN GOLFER 29

FANTASTIC MEMBERSHIP OFFER CONSETT GOLF CLUB

JOIN NOW for 20 months until February 2017

GREENWATCH

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£29.00 month!! PAY only £20 per month if aged 22 - 29 years For further details contact the Secretary Vince Kelly on 01207 505060 or email consettgolfclub@btconnect.com

Consett & District Golf Club Elmfield Road, Consett, County Durham DH8 5NN

www.consettgolfclub.com

EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT

CONGRATULATIONS TO MARK LASKEY WINNER OF THE CLIPPER LOGISTICS PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP AT MOOR ALLERTON GOLF CLUB

Having worked as a greenkeeper for more than 15 years, there has been many changes within the industry. Technology has advanced in chemicals and fertilisers, and the complexity of how these products function. Machinery has improved and become more available to aid efficiency aand improve or replace existing cultural methods. With this in mind, it is important to integrate training and development into the team’s work schedule to keep up to date with the industry. Machinery suppliers provide training packages in accordance with their equipment, but also can go further to develop individuals so they can be become a trainer and deliver training on behalf of the supplier. This not only helps the individual

gain personal skills which could help to gain career progression later on, it also allows for a safe working environment in which the team can operate. We arrange for suppliers to deliver presentations to our team on their products but also the ‘science’ and how these products work, whether it be the chemistry and break down of the fertiliser or chemical, or the biology of how it affects the turf itself. Along with these training packages and external seminars that we aim to provide our team, our industry’s organisation, The British and International Golf Greenkeeper’s Association (BIGGA), excels in providing events and training to all greenkeepers, so we can maintain standards to the highest level and deliver the expectation of today’s golfer.

NEXT MONTH WWW.EUROPROTOUR.COM 30 NORTHERN GOLFER

Summer renovation

GOLFERNEWS

Ramside rejoices

New jobs, a spa and an increase in golf bookings

amside Hall’s recordbreaking year just keeps on getting better. After opening its new championship golf course sparked a massive rise in bookings, Ramside completed the final stage of a £16m investment with the opening of a luxurious new spa. The Spa at Ramside, based at the hotel which adjoins the course, opened to the public last month. The launch of the spa created around 60 new jobs and follows on from the creation of a second championship golf course in 2014 and a new wing of 47 bedrooms at the hotel. Along with its five pools – including a 25 metre swimming pool, outdoor vitality pool, balcony

infinity pool and one of the UK’s largest hydrotherapy pools – the spa also has a thermal suite offering a range of facilities and a specialised Sleep Sanctuary retreat with soundwave therapy beds. The thermal suite includes an herbal infusion sauna, Himalayan salt steam, aroma steam, caldarium and a sunken amphitheatre sauna plus a state-of-the-art fitness suite. “The interest we have already had in the spa has been phenomenal,” said Spa Director Jill Russell. Meanwhile, there’s been a reported 200% increase in bookings of golf breaks since the club opened its new Cathedral Course in September last year. The new 7,200yard championship course was built on land overlooking the historic city

The 14th hole at the new Ramside Cathedral Course – courtesy Mark Alexander of Durham and the response to the new course has been so positive that the resort pre-booked more golf breaks - in the period from January to February 2015 - than it sold in the whole of 2014. Tim Boyd, general manager of Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Club, said: “Ramside play-and-stay golf breaks have always been popular with guests but the new golf course

has exceeded our expectations in its ability to attract new customers and we look set to have our best-year ever for this area of the business.” Ramside Hall’s original 18-hole course, The Prince Bishops, opened in 1996 and the new Cathedral course has helped realise a 10-year plan to transform Ramside into one of the UK’s premier 36-hole golf destinations.

Hetton LeGolf Hill Club

SUPERB JONATHON GAUNT LAYOUT

ENJOY A GOLFING TREAT AT HETTON LE HILL WINTER SOCIETY GOLF SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES NEW MEMBERS 2015 & 2016 - REDUCED FEES Telephone 0191 5173061 or email hettoncgc@gmail.com Hetton le Hill Golf Club Elemore Vale, Easington Lane, DH5 0QT NORTHERN GOLFER 31

GOLFERNEWS

Pride of Yorkshire

Adam Morris (photograph courtesy Getty Images) Yorkshire’s Adam Morris crowned his first year as a golf club member with a narrow victory in the Fuller’s London Pride Gold Medal. The 24-year-old from Filey became England’s handicap golfer of the year off 18 when he scored 37 points on the Red Course at Frilford Heath in Oxfordshire. The championship was played as part of England Golf’s first Golf Week which has celebrated the grassroots game with a five-day festival of team and handicap events. Much of the competition was played in a downpour and Morris, said: “I’m very pleased, especially with the conditions.”

Ball Boy

Cameron Gilray earned a bonus when he triumphed in the Under-10 section of the Srixon Durham County Junior Tour. Victory coincided with his club, South Moor, launching a Performance of the Month award and PGA professional Shaun Cowell chose 10-year-old Cameron as the first winner. To go with a Srixon cap – his prize for the county junior tour success – Cameron, a pupil at Front Street Primary School in Whickham, was presented with a box of golf balls donated by Cowell. 32 NORTHERN GOLFER

Adam alongside the iconic statue of Payne Stewart at the 18th green at Pinehurst

Adam goes Stateside

Wee wonder is Hobson’s choice for fantastic trip

dam Charlton enjoyed the trip of a lifetime to the USA thanks to his club helping with the costs of playing in the World Junior Golf Championship. The 12-year-old, who is a member of Durham club Hobson, qualified for the World Junior Golf Championships at Pinehurst via the Wee Wonders Championships at St Andrews. “His passion for golf holds no bounds and he’s not happy unless he is playing golf,” said his father David. “He was down to play in the 12-yearold section of the World Championships at Pinehurst in North Carolina and we arrived just a day before the competition started to conditions slightly different to what Adam is used to - the rough being Bermuda grass and Adam said even the short rough was ‘like hitting it out of porridge’ and the greens were running like lightning with the temperatures more 100 degrees.”

Nevertheless, Adam managed a practice round and he was also given the honour of carrying the Union Jack for the UK team at the opening ceremony. “Adam played,without question, the golf of his life from tee to green,” added David, “but both he and his caddie - which was me - found the greens very difficult to read. “He did play to his handicap, which is 12.6, with rounds of 82, 84 and 85 and finished 93rd out of a top class field of 142. The quality of his golf probably deserved better, but he absolutely loved the whole occasion and is desperate to be in a position in the future to be able to experience the event again. “I don’t think he will never forget it and we must thank the wonderful committee and members at Hobson Golf Club who arranged a golf competition and sponsors which helped raise funds towards the cost of this once in a lifetime trip for Adam and for that we are very grateful.”

MINDGAMES

With DAVID CHARLTON

HOLE OUT IN FEWER SHOTS Golf is your passion and you invest heavily in it. You think about it often, you read about it, and of course you love playing the sport. You spend hundreds if not thousands on your golf every year. But, you can get frustrated out on the course. Even off the course you sometimes let golf get to you. You know that you can enjoy golf more and play much better golf but you don’t know how to make the necessary changes. For the last five years I’ve been applying principles from sport psychology to professional athletes, organisations and educational institutions. In golf, I’ve worked with a range of individuals from beginners to professionals who have faced different challenges.

My philosophy is built around the question “Will it help you hole out in less shots?” This method involves reviewing and refining processes with golfers in great detail. For example, how individuals spend their time over the shot, between shots, in practice, when training in the gym and off course. Many people have the wrong perception of sport psychology; that it is for the elite few or for people with problems. As a result, I have had to come up with creative ways to get around to different clubs to educate people. Hosting a “Hole Out in Less Shots” clinic is just one way I do this, and it’s a great event for clubs or professionals looking to generate some buzz around the club on an evening in the winter months.

4 BALL SPECIAL £100 VISITING PARTY BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR 2016

OPTION 1

OPTION 2

Coffee and bacon roll on arrival, 18 holes of golf, 2 course evening meal £35 pp

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 OCTOBER £60 PER TEAM Gordon Cattrell, Club Professional, on 01642 311766 • Email: gcattrell@tgigolf.com Web: www.middlesbroughgolfclub.co.uk

www.clsgolfclub.co.uk

Northern Golfer Performance Enhancement Specialist David Charlton tel 07734 697 769 • email info@sport-excellence.co.uk www.golf-excellence.co.uk

NEXT MONTH Off-season strategies

ATTENTION GOLF CLUB MANAGERS AND PROFESSIONALS If you are forward thinking and looking to: Make some Extra Revenue or give your members a different golfing experience Book a Fun and Informative “HOLE OUT IN LESS SHOTS” Seminar this Winter “Made me think specifically about my game rather than reading about what a successful Pro does”.

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

CHESTER-LE-STREET GOLF CLUB 4 BALL SPECIAL

MONDAY TO FRIDAY BETWEEN 1:30 PM AND 3:30 PM £50 FOR 4 PLAYERS (DOES NOT APPLY TO SOCIETIES)

Membership for 2015 and 2016 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 019 3883218 or email clsgcoﬃce@tiscali.co.uk Professional 0191 3882333 Chester le Street Golf Club, Lumley Park, County Durham, DH3 4NS NORTHERN GOLFER 33

COURSEREVIEW

Links at its best

If you do like to golf beside the seaside Paul Corney discovers a great course to play

ver the years I’ve heard many comments made about Newbiggin Golf Club, some good and some not so good but on coming off the course, I can honestly say I am impressed and surprised at the quality of what was on offer – Newbiggin is a very fine course. Designed by Willie Park Junior, the layout has stood the test of time and has hosted many county events, including the recent Dixon Cup, an elite scratch stroke play event which brings together the winners of the Hadrian League, North Northumberland League, Newcastle and District League, North Durham Union and the Teesside and District League. Newbiggin is never going to be recognised as a Turnberry or Troon but I will say that the front nine holes are a treat to play - benefitting from the undulating land and offering spectacular views. The second half of the round is played 34 NORTHERN GOLFER

over flatter ground, which at times resembles moorland but surprisingly, retains a links quality. There are two double greens where finding the wrong section will leave monster putts and the danger of three-putting or worse - these undulating surfaces are very good – quick and true requiring a solid putting stroke. Although the course measures over 6,800 yards off the back tees, and is a serious test of golf, it doesn’t play its yardage thanks to the fast running fairways and just two par threes. And of course, there is the wind to contend with. Most days you will be subjected to sea breezes which affect the flight and roll of the ball, so having the ability to hit low shots is an advantage. The first and second provide a gentle introduction to the course before the challenging third. At 429 yards off the back tees, there is out of bounds on the right and the elevated green

requires accurate club selection. Measuring only 278 yards, the fourth is drivable for the longer hitters but a lay up and a short pitch is probably the best option to secure a birdie putt. The drive at the 448-yard par-four fifth is demanding while the long approach is played to a semi-blind green where you can only see the top of the flag – club selection is all important again. Following the signature hole sixth (see factfile), there are three shortish par fours where you can really get stuck in to try and put a good card together. The seventh measures 375 yards and slightly dog-legs to the right before a tricky approach to a green with a lot of gorse-like bushes close to the back – you don’t want to be long here. The eighth measures 370 yards with wellplaced fairway bunkers which have to be avoided and the final hole on the front nine is a solid 372 yarder, where you will have a blind approach if you favour the right side of the fairway.

COURSEREVIEW

FACT FILE CONTACT Newbiggin Golf Club Newbiggin By The Sea, Northumberland NE64 6DW Tel 01670 817 344 Email info@newbiggingolfclub.co.uk Web www.newbiggingolfclub.co.uk

Willie Park Junior was Open Champion in 1887 and 1889 before he began work as a golf course designer where his services were very much in demand. He was responsible for 170 designs in Britain, Europe, the US and Canada. Park’s first well-known design was the Old Course at Sunningdale Golf Club near London and is ranked as one of the world’s top courses – Newbiggin is in very good company

GREEN FEES Mon–Fri Adults £19.50, Juniors half price Sat–Sun Adults £23 Juniors half price Buggies £16 a round

Although the back nine is considerably shorter, the course still has to be respected and demands your full concentration. The 10th and 11th are both strong par fours and strokes three and one respectively on the card. Next is the first of only two par threes, and at 214 yards off the back tees, this one is a real tough proposition, especially if played into a head wind. The 13th is a shortish par four with out of bounds along the right side. A good drive to the centre of the fairway and a wedge to the centre of the target should result in a birdie chance. Next up is a 514-yard par-five played back towards the sea. There is a ditch to watch out for, half way along the hole which traverses the fairway at an angle but two sensible shots and a short pitch should leave another good chance of making birdie. Following a relatively simple par three, the final hole at Newbiggin is a 396-yard par-four with out of bounds on the right and a green which slopes back to front – try to keep your approach shot below the hole to leave an uphill putt. After your round you can relax in the friendly clubhouse, enjoy good food, drink and reflect on a challenging but very enjoyable round of golf.

TOTAL DISTANCE Black tees – 6,839 yards White tees – 6,536 yards Yellow tees – 6,212 yards Red tees – 5,673 yards FEATURES 18-hole links course Chipping and putting green Three practice nets Full clubhouse facilities Well stocked bar Snooker table Food served daily 10am-4pm PGA professional shop and tuition CADDY’S TIP Take some time to practice your chip and run shots. There are lots of banks and slopes that can be used to gather the ball towards the hole, so rather than opting for a wedge, keep the ball low and let it run SIGNATURE HOLE The signature hole at Newbiggin has to be the sixth. Not a long par four but it requires a lot of thought and has to be played a few times to work out your strategy. The green is set in a deep bowl - this one makes you realise what links golf is all about

PAUL CORNEY’S VERDICT

Newbiggin is a very fine test of seaside golf and well worth a visit. I was brought up playing links golf on the Ayrshire coastline and this course is as good as most – it’s fun to play and trust me, you won’t be disappointed NORTHERN GOLFER 35

AUTUMNDEALS

Autumn deals

As the summer comes to a close, it’s a great time to be a travelling golfer – here’s a few of the deals available

Billingham Golf Club

Just a perfect day Winter Opens 2015- 2016

Monday 28th Sept – Mens Team Monday 26th Oct – Mens 4BBB Stableford Monday 30th Nov – Mens Team Monday 29th Feb – Mens 4BBB Monday 28th March – Texas Scramble – 4 Man Team Monday 25th April – Mens 4BBB Telephone 01642 557060 to enter NEW ALL WEATHER PRACTICE FACILITY Come and try our new practice facilities. 6 covered bays, chipping area with bunker practice and putting green.

Telephone Julie Lapping on 01642 533816 or the Professional Mike Ure on 01642 557060 Sandy Lane, Billingham, TS22 5NA www.billinghamgolfclub.com email: billinghamgc@btconnect.com 36 NORTHERN GOLFER

CENTURION PARK The former Wallsend Golf Course has undergone a major redevelopment since 2008 thanks to new owners STR Enterprises. The clubhouse bar and lounge have been overhauled, as has the pro shop and driving range. The biggest changes have been made on the course where the G Showball design, opened for play in 1973, has been manicured and presented to a high standard year round. An easy-walking layout, the parkland course features two nine-hole loops beginning and ending at the clubhouse. The fairways are tree-lined but many of the holes welcome a driver with generous landing areas. There are opportunities to make birdies with risk-and-reward holes mixed with tricky short par fours and par fives requiring a tactical approach from the tee. Minutes from Newcastle city centre, the course is perfect for those finishing work early and looking for nine holes or for those travelling to play as its seconds from the Coast Road. Centurion Park, Rheydt Ave, Wallsend, NE28 8SU tel 0191 262 4231, www.centurionpark.com

CENTURION PARK

Visitors & Societies always welcome Thursday Green Fee Special £8.00 - round 4 Ball - £30.00 Loyalty Scheme Play 4 rounds get the 5th round FREE Buggies available - £10 round Memberships available all categories Under 16's FREE with full paying adult 24 Bay floodlit driving range Range cards available save £££’s Clubhouse serving food and drink Live sports shown Visit our NEW Website www.centurionpark.com for other SPECIAL offers, Membership rates etc!!

Tel: 0191 262 4231 Rheydt Avenue, Wallsend, NE28 8SU

AUTUMNDEALS BILLINGHAM GOLF CLUB It’s no surprise that Billingham Golf Club has produced so many talented golfers with its challenging tree-lined layout. At nearly 6,350 yards, with undulating fairways demanding accuracy and tricky greens – the key to Billingham is accuracy from tee to green and a creative touch around the greens. Just off the A19, making it an easy trip for most in the region, you’ll be rewarded with a late season chance to shine on a track regarded as a tough test among the county’s best amateurs and professionals. There are also some fine views over Teesside and the Cleveland Hills and a clubhouse overlooking the ninth and 18th greens to watch the autumn sun set. Billingham Golf Club, Sandy Lane, Billingham, TS22 5NA tel 01642 533 816, www.billinghamgolfclub.com PRUDHOE GOLF CLUB Northumberland’s Home of Champions, Prudhoe Golf Club has produced some of the county’s best players – many of them going on to represent England and make a name for themselves in the professional ranks. A regular host for county events, the 5,839 layout is regarded as one of the best presented in the county with its greens posing a stern test with their undulations, run-off areas and speed throughout the year. A must-play course for all in the region, Prudhoe takes a lifetime to master but only a short time to play well with the need for caution from the tee and a sharp short game. Prudhoe Golf Club, Eastwood Pk, Prudhoe, NE42 5DX tel 01661 832 466, www.prudhoegolfclub.co.uk COLVEND GOLF CLUB South west of Dumfries and founded in 1905, Colvend Golf Club is worthy of a visit for those in the north of the region.

PRUDHOE GOLF CLUB The original nine-hole course was designed by Willie Fernie and redesigned by Dave Thomas in 1985. In May 1997, following input from principal architect John Souter of GTI, and professional golfer and TV commentator Peter Allis, the course was extended to a 5,341-yard 18-hole layout. This testing parkland layout is situated on the Solway coast with excellent views over the Firth to the Cumbrian Fells. Colvend Golf Club, Sandyhills, Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway DG5 4PY, tel 01556 630 398, www.colvendgolfclub.co.uk

NORTHERN GOLFER 37

AUTUMNDEALS

HARTLEPOOL GOLF CLUB The Durham and North Yorkshire coast is strewn with golfing gems and Hartlepool Golf Club is among the best of them. Expect fantastic conditions long into the autumn on the Teesside course, which measures 6,298 yards from the back tees. Course management is key at Hartlepool with a number of original bunkers from the James Braid design remaining a stern test to navigate and escape from. The wind also requires a great deal of thought at Hartlepool with accuracy required into the green as three putts can be common on the large, undulating greens. A number of raised tees mean the trouble is easy to see and plan around – although navigating it is another issue – particularly when the wind blows! Hartlepool Golf Club, Hart Warren, Hartlepool, TS24 9QF, tel 01429 274 398 www.hartlepoolgolfclub.co.uk

MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL 1st October 2015 to 1st January 2017

15 months for the price of 12 Full members beneﬁts ONLY £530

If you are interested in joining but this offer doesn’t suit your needs please contact our Golf Manager John Crawford who will be happy to discuss on 01661 832466 GREEN FEES Visitors are from £5 per person per round BRS system Telephone 01661 832466 or email secretary@prudhoegolfclub.co.uk Eastwood Park, Prudhoe, NE42 5DX www.prudhoegolfclub.co.uk

38 NORTHERN GOLFER

Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club Join for 2016 and get October to December 2015 FREE Limited Number of Spaces

(15 months for 12) finance available Contact the Golf Shop on 0191 5841198 opt 2 to reserve your space

Houghton le Spring Golf Club Copt Hill, Houghton le Spring, DH5 8LU

AUTUMNDEALS

BEST WESTERN STATION HOTEL For those travelling north to Dumfries, we recommend the Best Western Station Hotel. The three star Victorian railway hotel offers 32 en-suite bedrooms and is popular for short visits and business trips. Only five minutes walk into the centre of the town, you are assured of a friendly and warm welcome and the restaurant comes highly recommended. Best Western Station Hotel, 49 Lovers’ Walk, Dumfries, DG1 1LT tel 0844 387 6099, www.bestwestern.co.uk

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PHILIPS GOLF For those looking for a change this autumn, a visit to Philips Golf Discount is highly recommended. Stockists and fitting centres for major brands including Mizuno, TaylorMade, Ping, Callaway and Titleist – Philips Golf Discount is among the first in the region to receive the latest equipment from manufacturers. With two floors of equipment as well as clothing, footwear and accessories, as well as FlightScope available for custom fitting and tuition, there’s everything you need under one roof. Philips Golf Discount, Strand House, Locomotion Way, Camperdown Industrial Estate, Newcastle, NE12 5UJ, tel 0191 268 0008 www.philipsgolf.co.uk HOUGHTON-LE-SPRING GOLF CLUB County Durham has a number of stunning parkland tracks and the ups and downs of Houghton are a real favourite. An enjoyable if testing track, the 6,381-yard par 72 Copt Hill course is a joy to play on a calm day and demanding if the wind blows. The planting of several thousand trees has given the course real definition and added to its appearance. Many consider the 11th at Houghton the signature hole. At a little under 300 yards it’s a birdie chance if played correctly, but watch out for the ditch on the left. An eagle here is a welcome end of season highlight.. Houghton Le Spring GC, Copt Hill, Co. Durham, DH5 8LU tel 0191 584 1198, www.houghtongolfclub.co.uk HOUGHTON-LE-SPRING GOLF CLUB

18 holes of Golf £16 per person

WINTER GOLF SPECIALS

Coffee, bacon roll & 18 holes £19 per person Coffee & bacon roll, 18 holes followed by 2 course meal £27 per person

MONDAY - FRIDAY MUST BE PREBOOKED MINIMUM 4 PLAYERS

Available from 2nd Nov 2015 until 31st March 2016

For Summer Society package details telephone the Club Manager on 01429 267473

HARTLEPOOL GOLF CLUB, Hart Warren, Hartlepool, TS24 9QF hartlepoolgolf@btconnect.com www.hartlepoolgolfclub.co.uk

A Warm Welcome & Fantastic Food • Only 5 minutes’ walk from Dumfries town centre • Centrally located for the Region’s best courses • Ample parking and club storage • 32 comfortable en-suite rooms with Freeview TV • Free wi-fi throughout • Bar and Terrace Garden, Courtyard Bistro • Great Malt Whisky selection • Golfers return year after year to enjoy our great food and hospitality! Best Western Station Hotel 49 Lovers Walk, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, DG1 1LT Tel : 01387 254316 Email: info@stationhotel.co.uk www.stationhoteldumfries.co.uk

NORTHERN GOLFER 39

GOLFERTIPS

BETTER SPINE ALIGNMENT FOR BETTER ROTATION The world’s best golfers - including Martin Kaymer (pictured here) create repeatable power week in, week out - something we all strive for. The best in the world do this by rotating around a constant axis. Here’s a drill for you to feel better spinal posture in your set up and how to rotate around it. Use it as a practice drill on the range or in the living room. Once you get the ‘feeling’, try to carry it over into your game.

Stuartty RaffPerofressional

ing e Golf Teach rmanc o f r e P Tour 665

28 545 tel 012

STEP 1

Take an alignment pole, golf club or broomstick. Place it behind you, lining up with your spine. There should be three points of contact - your head, mid-back and pelvis.

STEP 2

Now tilt from your hips into your golf set up, trying to keep the three points in contact with the pole.

STEP 3

Now place the pole width ways and cradle in the elbows. Next, practice rotating into the backswing and through swing around that same posture and spine angle.

40 NORTHERN GOLFER

photogolfer / Shutterstock.com

TOUR PERFORMANCE GOLF

ur Get To e Fit anc b Fit m r o f r Pe Clu i ndard

ta TP Tour S ute lesson/ n 30 mi reening Sc

! 0 6 £ Y L ON g n i v a S ( £35)

• Golf Retail Outlet Golf 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 California Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, CA3 0BY

win

Enter online

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 Thursday October 1 2015. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

.WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT BLACKWELL GRANGE GOLF CLUB. The course at Blackwell Grange Golf Club measures just less than 6,500 yards and is set in more than 145-acres of parkland. The picturesque setting offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, and its rolling fairways, mature trees, water hazards, well placed bunkers and slick greens present a solid test. For your chance to win answer this question: Which course hosts the PGA Tour’s Tour Championship?

.WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT COOKRIDGE HALL.

.WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT NEWBIGGIN GOLF CLUB.

Cookridge Hall offers spectacular views across the Yorkshire Dales. The par 72 layout, just 15 minutes from Leeds City Centre, measures 6,788 yards from the back tees and can present a stern test for the bigger hitter. The 18th at Cookridge is fittingly named ‘Temptation’, and gives players the chance of a closing eagle or complete disaster. A great finish!

One of Northumberland’s best links courses, Newbiggin Golf Club remains a firm favourite for county events and at just over 6,500 yards the course tests the best players. The windswept linksland plays firm and fast in the summer and controlling the golf ball is key to good scoring.

For your chance to win answer the following question: How many major championships has Phil Mickelson won?

For your chance to win answer this question: Where will the 2016 Ryder Cup be played?

Congratulations to August’s competition winners from more than 500 entries: Bedlington: Gordon Jamieson of Galashiels Morpeth: Ian Rowell of Boldon The Hirsel: John Carter of Bridlington

42 NORTHERN GOLFER

TWO WAYS TO DRIVE A BARGAIN. • 3 Years FREE Servicing • FREE Metallic Paint • Highest Ever NCAP Safety Rating

V40 D2 ES

Only £249 per month

Special Golf Affinity Price Customer Deposit Manufacturer Deposit Contribution Amount of credit Interest Total charge for credit Interest rate (fixed for the duration of the agreement) Representative 48 monthly payments of 1 final payment of The guaranteed future value is Total amount payable Duration of the agreement

£19,138.00 £850.00 £750.00 £17,538.00 £2,535.32 £2,535.32 2.52% 4.9% APR £249.34 £8,105.00 £8,105.00 £21,673.32 49 months

V40 Cross Country D2 SE Only £296 per month Special Golf Affinity Price Customer Deposit Manufacturer Deposit Contribution Amount of credit Interest Total charge for credit Interest rate (fixed for the duration of the agreement) Representative 48 monthly payments of 1 final payment of The guaranteed future value is Total amount payable Duration of the agreement

£21,498.00 £500.00 £750.00 £20,248.00 £2,885.76 £2,885.76 2.52% 4.9% APR £296.12 £8,920.00 £8,920.00 £24,383.76 49 months

VOLVO CARS NORTH EAST Mill Newcastle Scotswood Road, Newcastle NE15 6BZ

Mill Sunderland Wessington Way, Sunderland SR5 3HR

Mill Stockton Preston Farm Business Park, Stockton TS18 3SG

Mill Harrogate St James Retail Park, Knaresborough HG5 8PY

www.millnortheast.co.uk

Tel: 0800 612 4715

BE SURE YOU CAN AFFORD THE REPAYMENTS BEFORE ENTERING INTO A CREDIT AGREEMENT. You are not obliged to obtain the services described under the Sales Agency agreement featured in the Q3 Volvo scheme. The Sales Agency agreement gives you the option to return the vehicle to Santander Consumer (UK) plc T/A Volvo Car Credit at the end of the term. V40 D2 ES Selected Annual Mileage is 8000. V40 CC D2 SE Selected Annual Mileage is 8000. Excess mileage will be charged at the rate of 14.9 pence per mile (plus VAT) for the first 5000 miles and at twice that rate thereafter. This representative example, available through Santander Consumer (UK) plc T/A Volvo Car Credit, is valid for orders received on or before 31st October 2015. It does not commit the creditor to enter into an agreement with you and it is not an offer to sell the above or any other vehicle to you. Applicant must be 18 or over. Guarantees/indemnities may be required. At the end of the Personal Contract Purchase there are three options: (1) Part exchange the vehicle, where equity is available (2) Pay the GFV (Guaranteed Future Value) to own the vehicle or (3) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition of the vehicle. Mill Garages North East Ltd NE15 6BZ. Car featured for illustration purposes only. To be eligible for this golf affinity discount you must be a registered member of a golf club and have held your membership for 6 months or more prior to purchase, agreed proof of your membership and/or handicap certificate must be produced to Mill Volvo at the point of order.

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