Northern Golfer magazine #57 - September 2017 by Offstone Publishing

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

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EDITOR’S NOTE AND CONTENTS We make no apology for majoring on the British Masters in this issue with the mouth-watering prospect of some of the world’s best golfers on display. Lee Westwood and the team at Close House deserve immense credit for putting together such a strong field. Having visited the venue and seen the preparations we’re sure a warm North East welcome, fabulous facilities and a challenging course awaits. There are far too few top class events held in the North of England particularly the North East and Yorkshire - despite courses to match any in the UK. Let’s hope for good weather and huge crowds. We have an opportunity to show top players and TV viewers just how passionate we are about sport and hopefully nudge the organisers of these top events to consider hosting more in the region. It is also pleasing to see juniors having an opportunity to play in their own tournament. The Junior Masters will give them a chance to get up close to their heroes, hopefully inspiring champions of the future. Away from the British Masters there is plenty elsewhere to celebrate, not least our own Champion of Champion events at Ramside Hall later this month. Good luck to all competitors and look out next month for news of the winners. There are plenty of winners featured in these pages - Northumberland took the Big Six for the first time in 21 years, Andrew Wilson won the prestigious Lee Westwood trophy, Alex Stevenson continues her remarkable run of success, Morpeth duo Martyn Jobling and David Clark are national champions, and Arron Edwards-Hill won the North of England Open Amateur Youth Championship with a great display at Middlesbrough Golf Club to name but a few. Our course reviews take us to Parklands and Ryton, Chris Paisley talks of his delight at securing his card for a fourth year and there is plenty of news from clubs around the region. It hasn’t exactly been a stellar summer in terms of the weather but the golfers, both professional and amateur have done the North East and Yorkshire proud. Let’s hope for some late sunshine - especially for the British Masters. Good luck to everyone on and off the course.

04-11 TEEING OFF

Wonder Wilson, Morpeth success, Northumberland’s six of the best, North of England Youth winner, plus the Northern Golfer Champion of Champions

12-19 TEEING OFF

Whitby triumph, winners galore, a one in a million shot, and China in their hands

21 DEAN BAILEY

Coverage proves a turn off

23 TOUR LIFE

Paisley on retaining his card

32 GEAR

Get into the groove

Paul Robertson, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

34 A ROUND WITH EuroPro Tour director of operations Dan Godding

FRONT COVER

Lee Westwood talks about the British Masters as part of our extensive preview to the event

38 MATCHPLAY PAIRS We’re down to the last eight

Pages 24-28

40 TIPS

Getting out of the rough When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it ©Offstone Publishing 2017. 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.

30 PARKLANDS GOLF CLUB

36 RYTON GOLF CLUB

42 COMPETITIONS

Golf to be won at Matfen Hall, Tyneside, Slaley Hall and Woodham

46 FROM THE BUNKER Footballers meet their match

NORTHERN GOLFER 03

TEEINGOFF

Elliott and Carr on top

Dave Elliott

Andrew Wilson receives the Lee Westwood Trophy from Lee’s mum Trish

Wilson triumphs Peter Carr Bishop Auckland’s Dave Elliott defied windy conditions at Darlington to win the Durham County Second Division Championship. The six handicapper posted an excellent 74 to take the title while in the county fourth division championship, Durham City’s Peter Carr recorded 45 points at Sharpley for victory.

Super Mac Blackwell Grange’s Karen McCabe won Durham County’s prestigious May Lowery Trophy at South Moor with a score of 72. She was presented with her trophy by DCLGA president Rita Foy pictured above (left) who is also a member of Blackwell Grange and DCLGA’s captain Christine Mair (right). 04 NORTHERN GOLFER

ndrew Wilson equalled the Rotherham course record on his way to winning the prestigious Lee Westwood Trophy. The Darlington-based England A squad member played an almost flawless first round with seven birdies and an eagle, with just one dropped shot on the 17th on his way to an eight under-par 62 - but it was almost not enough to win the trophy despite holding a five-stroke lead going into the final round. Wilson followed his first round 62 with rounds of 71 and 70, and appeared to be cruising in the last round until late drama almost snatched victory from his hands. He dropped shots on the 14th, 15th and 16th holes to suddenly find himself one behind Fulford’s Charlie Thornton in the group ahead.

However, Thornton accidentally stood on his own ball while searching in the rough just behind the 17th green and incurred a one shot penalty - the frustration leading to three putts and the triple bogey ended his chances. Wilson, watching on the fairway behind, was unsure of the events ahead but he concentrated on making birdie to resume control and a steady par down the last secured a 73 and a four shot victory with a four under-par total of 276. Playing off plus-four, Wilson said: “I’m delighted with the way I played. I’ve been seeing coach Graham Walker recently and that has helped a lot. “It was pleasing to equal the course record although, in a way, I’m disappointed to have been caught out by the wind on the 17th and

ending up with a bogey from 130 yards. After that opening round I played pretty solidly and did what I had to do, although the bad run on the back nine of the final round nearly saw all the effort wasted. “It brought so many players back into it, but I had a solid finish to the round so I’m very pleased.” The Lee Westwood Trophy is one of England’s top amateur events. Officially known as The Rotherham Golf Club Open Strokeplay Championship, the annual World Amateur Golf Ranking 72-hole event is one of the year’s highlights. Lee’s mum, Trish, always presents the prizes and former winners include European Tour player and BMW International Open champion David Horsey and one of the finest amateur golfers England has ever produced in Gary Wolstenholme.

Yorkshire boys done good Yorkshire powered to victory in the English Boys’ County Championship beating Berks, Bucks and Oxfordshire 7-2 in the final day’s title decider at Northamptonshire County Golf Club. In the three-day round robin

event, which also featured Staffordshire and Somerset, Yorkshire were on impressive form - conceding just 4.5 points in 27 games. It was Yorkshire’s first title since 2012, their eighth overall, and wiped out the memories of last year when they lost by just half a point.

The Yorkshire team

TEEINGOFF

North come of age

Northern counties countdown

orthumberland lifted the Men’s County Qualifying Championship for the first time in 21 years at Seascale Golf Club. The team of Phil Ridden, Alex Dixon, Matty Lamb, Craig Penny, Daniel Shevill and Andrew Minnikin produced a dominant performance in the 36-hole event with a total of 869 to finish 13 shots clear of second-place Cheshire. Northumberland captain David Gilroy said: “I couldn’t be prouder of the team. From travelling through to Wednesday’s 36 holes everything fitted in great and each one of them played some brilliant golf.” Minnikin led the way with rounds of 72 and 67 for a two round total of 139, just one behind individual winner Lewis George. Shevill (69-71) was another shot behind as Ridden (146), Lamb (146), Dixon (147) and Penny (151) all contributed to the win. “The guys all stuck to the game

The Northumberland team with captain David Gilroy (front) plan set out by our coach Andy Paisley and executed it really well over the two rounds,” added Gilroy. “We also had tremendous support with nine guys coming over to Seascale with us as caddies and ball spotters – I can’t thank them enough for their support. “We’ve put a plan in place to build

a strong county team capable of results like this – though I’ll admit the success has come sooner than I thought it would,” added Gilroy. Northumberland will head to Trevose Golf Club September 29-October 1 to represent the Northern Counties in the Men’s County Championship.

Hopes of a Northern Counties double for Northumberland all but disappeared with a single point defeat in the derby clash with Durham at Westerhope. After their stunning win at Seascale, Northumberland must have been fancying their chances of a league and championship double after two wins in the league over Lancashire and Cumbria, but losing by a solitary point to Yorkshire and now Durham looks to have cost them their chance. They’re now two points adrift of leaders Yorkshire with just one round of matches to go. Against Durham, they were always chasing the game after losing the foursomes 4-2 and despite a narrow 6½-5½ win in the singles, Durham clinched an overall win 8½–9½.

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NORTHERN GOLFER 05

TEEINGOFF

Maiden title for Zak

Zak Laws and NUGC president Danny Finlay City of Newcastle’s Zak Laws lifted his first Northumberland county title, the Fenwick Smith Trophy, at Ponteland Golf Club. Laws beat Alnmouth’s Andrew Minnikin on countback with rounds of 77 and 71 for a 36hole total of 144. Newbiggin’s Merrill Lansbury and Craig Penny finished three shots back as Tynemouth’s Stewart Fell completed the top five.

Morpeth duo hit top gear

he roar of highperformance cars at neighbouring Silverstone proved a fitting soundtrack as David Clark and Martyn Jobling won the Golfbreaks. com PGA Fourball Championship. Having begun the third and final round at Whittlebury Park four shots adrift, the Morpeth duo clinched victory by one shot when Clark sank a 20ft birdie on the final hole. West Country pair Michael Watson and Richard O’Hanlon closed with a 67 but Clark and Jobling earned the £5,500 winners’ cheque rather than having it gifted to them when they posted a closing round of 62 to finish 23 under-par. Clark and Jobling still trailed by three at the turn, but six birdies followed, including at 17 and 18 courtesy of Clark. “We holed some nice putts today, especially on 10. Martyn holed out for a par and that kick-started us. We had six birdies in the final eight

David Clark and Martin Jobling holes after that. We didn’t think about winning as such and knew there were a couple of groups in front that were going well. But we felt if we could keep chipping away at Richard and Michael we probably wouldn’t be that far away.” On another day Clark would have been playing with a different partner instead of Jobling, his assistant at Morpeth, who was playing in the final for the first time. “My usual partner is Mark Ridley from South

Moor,” Clark said. “We play regularly in this and the European one as well but we’ve never come close. “He wasn’t able to play this year because it’s his wife’s 50th birthday and they’ve gone to Prague. After this, it looks as though he might have next year off as well!” The Morpeth duo’s 62 was matched by Ponteland’s Richard Robson-Crosby and Andrew Scrimshaw (Close House) who finished in a tie for fifth place.

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06 NORTHERN GOLFER

Jodi Ewart Shadoff

Jodi goes close

odi Ewart Shadoff was delighted with her blemish-free final round 64 as she finished runnerup in the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Kingsbarns. The 29-year-old from Northallerton currently plays on the LPGA Tour in the US and her performance in Scotland was a massive boost on the eve of her second Solheim Cup appearance. She trailed In-Kyung Kim by a full nine shots going into the final round but then posted her lowest round of the year so far. It wasn’t enough to stop InKyung Kim securing a maiden major title by two shots but it did confirm her place in the Solheim Cup at Des Moines and she was buoyed by her return to form after missing the cut the previous week at the Ladies Scottish Open. “My confidence wasn’t that high coming into Kingsbarns,” said Jodi, “So it’s been a huge shift

of confidence for me.” She made five birdies in a row from the sixth, equalled the course record set by Michelle Wie earlier in the week and raised hopes of a major title around the corner. “Starting the day, I didn’t think I would have a shot,” she added. “InKyung was way ahead and I just started out really strong. I holed a great putt for par on the first, which I think set the tone for the day. And then my putting was really on fire. “I had a great stretch in the middle of the round to get me going. I knew coming down the stretch that I was somewhere in the vicinity of a win, and I just need to put myself into that position more often. That’s what I’ve been doing and hopefully in the next few weeks I’ll finally get a win.”

Jodi now lives in Florida with her husband Adam, who is a television sports presenter, and she does have a touch of a transatlantic twang, having attended college in New Mexico and remaining in the USA ever since. But she is still very much at home in Middleham, the horse racing town where her father, Harvey, works classic-winner Mark Johnston and her mother Zoe, who is also involved with horse racing and where she learned her golf playing at Catterick.

TEEINGOFF

Durham chosen

Durham is among four counties chosen to work in partnership with England Golf over the next two years to get more juniors involved in the sport. Cheshire, Lincolnshire and Somerset are also joining the pilot project which aims to get more under 18s playing and joining clubs. Lee Dolby, England Golf’s young people manager, said: “It’s vital that we address the challenges facing junior golf. Durham and the other three counties have enormous commitment and enthusiasm for developing junior golf and involving more young people.” Each of the four counties will have a bespoke plan which recognises their particular challenges and targets. They will be supported by Dolby and the England Golf network of club support officers and regional managers.

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TEEINGOFF

Green light at Ponteland

Ponteland Golf Club has come up with a unique initiative in the launch of its Junior Member’s Club. Every month the youngsters compete for a skills trophy and also the right to wear a green jacket just like the winner of the US Masters. All juniors receive free coaching from PGA professionals Richard Robson-Crosby and Alan Crosby helped by senior team members and club officials. Among recent winners, pictured above, were William Alderson (Green Jacket) and Oscar Stafford (Skills Trophy). The JMC Green Jacket is presented to the junior who also demonstrates a number of other important attributes - overall behaviour, desire to learn, politeness and care and encouragement towards others.

Hanson has a ball

Chris Hanson Woodsome Hall’s European Tour player Chris Hanson has raised more than £12,000 for charity. Hanson organised a charity ball in aid Breast Cancer Now and British Inclusive Golf and more than 200 people attended the event at The Venue in Halifax. 08 NORTHERN GOLFER

Arron Edwards-Smith

Arron rains supreme

helmsford’s Arron Edwards-Hill travelled north to battle the weather and claim the North of England Open Amateur Youth Golf Championship at Middlesbrough Golf Club. Following an abandoned first round due to rain and an 18-hole shootout to make the cut on day two, Edwards-Hill shot two rounds of 66 on the final day for a two shot victory over Sam Broadhurst, son of European Tour legend Paul. Following his win Edwards-Hill said: “It’s been a tough few days but

I’m proud to have come through it and get the win. It was well worth the trip and I really enjoyed playing the course and being part of a great event. We had a bit of everything out there in the three days and the last two rounds were definitely the most scoreable. I kept my score ticking over all day, holed a few putts when I had to and played some really nice, solid golf.” Local favourite Michael Hay, representing Hunley Hall and Middlesbrough Golf Club, was left frustrated have been stranded on the waterlogged course on five

under-par on day one. He went on to win the Bates Trophy for the highest placed home player with a total of 210. Boldon’s Rhys Thompson finished in third place on 207, while last year’s winner Haider Hussain (The Kendleshire) finished in fifth place with a three-round score of 209. The event, for the first time run in association with Northern Golfer, has been going 43 years and in that time has attracted golfers who have gone on to become big names in the sport, including three former Masters champions Sandy Lyle, Ian Woosnam and Danny Willett.

Moor success for Josh The North of England Under 14 Championship at South Moor was a real thriller. The weather proved a villain with play suspended because of torrential rain on the second morning with strong winds hampering players throughout the event. The weather didn’t affect Joshua Hill (Jumeirah Golf Estates) too much. Josh, who plays off a handicap of plus-two at the age of 13 and won the Under 12 title last year, relied on that experience to card rounds of 78, 76 and 75 to climb through the field and take the

title on 229, one shot ahead of the chasing pack. Hannah Golding (Brockton Hall posted a final round of 80 for a total of 238 to clinch the girls’ title by seven shots. Doncaster’s Joshua Berry took the under 12 title with a final round of 77 for 238, pipping Dylan Shaw Radford by one shot. The Team Trophy, which is decided by taking the two best scores from a team of three, was won by The Celtic Raiders Cameron Adam, Cameron Johnston and Aiden O’Hagen with 307

Joshua Hill with his North of England Under 14 Trophy while the handicap prize was won by the team of The Three Girls Hannah Golding, Kirsten Porte and Constance Brooks - with a nett score of 281.

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TEEINGOFF

Max at the sharp end

Who will be champions?

Ryan Howe

Shaun Embleton (right)

T Max Adams receiving the Wilkinson Sword Wakefield’s Max Adams lifted the Wilkinson Sword at Leeds Golf Club with a gross score of 75 against a strong field. In the nett event, Wike Ridge’s Teddy Semple took top spot with a score of 60.

he Northern Golfer Champion of Champions in partnership with Lookers Renault is set for Ramside Hall this month. The first Northern Golfer Champion of Champions events will take place at Ramside with the region’s best juniors and ladies competing on September 9 before the men’s champions take centre stage on September 16. Club champions from across our region have entered – from the Scottish Borders down into Yorkshire and across to Cumbria. They include Slaley Hall and Prudhoe champion Dan Shevill, Stocksfield’s junior and men’s champion Josh McCutcheon, eight-time Ryton club champion Shaun Embleton, Richmond’s Ryan Howe – who recorded a seven-

Ramside Hall’s Cathedral Course shot victory to retain his title, and our last two Junior Champion of Champions winners James Wilson of Tyneside and Briony Bayles of Wynyard. The men’s champion will receive an exemption for a EuroPro Tour event in the North East in 2018 while the junior champion

will receive a playing lesson with European Tour star Chris Paisley. The ladies champion will receive a spa day at Ramside. For more information contact Dean Bailey dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk tel 01661 844 115.

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Ramside’s winning team (left to right) Matt Stephenson, captain Trevor Bowman, John Kirkpatrick and Matt Moore

Moore’s last gasp ram raid

amside will fly the flag for Durham in this month’s English Champion Club Tournament at East Devon. But only after a tense finish which saw them win by a single shot in the Durham Club Championship on their home course. It came down to Matthew Moore’s final putt playing in the final group of the day to clinch the title for Ramside. “Our captain Trevor Bowman told me coming down the stretch I needed three pars for us to win it,” said Moore. “I’m happy to say I duly did it, two-putting from 50ft at 16, getting up and down for par at 17 and lipping out for birdie at 18. The winning putt was about an inch long - and I was pleased about that!” Matthew Stephenson also did his

bit with a birdie the 18th to shoot 74 in his second round as veteran John Kirkpatrick laid the base for Ramside’s title charge by posting rounds of 71 and 68. “John shot five under-par in leading us out which is superb golf,” added Moore. “He was playing head-to-head with James Glenn from Brancepeth, the lowest handicapper in the field and beating him by two shots.” Moore’s two 73s gave Ramside a total of 434, one ahead of Durham City. City’s Andy Bell, who shot a fine closing 70, will be rueing the fact he started and finished with a double bogey. Kirkpatrick’s 139 was not the best individual score however as Jamie Birkbeck from Bishop Auckland recorded rounds of 70 and 67.

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Yorkshire’s three-year stranglehold on the English Amateur Championship came to an end when Wath’s Nick Poppleton went out in this year’s semi-final. Poppleton did much for his own and his county’s reputation for fair play when the 23-year-old called a penalty on himself. He had left a training club in his bag and told the match referee He was penalised one shot for each of the holes played carrying a nonconforming club. It meant instead of standing 1up, he was 1dn - the eventual result. NORTHERN GOLFER 11

TEEINGOFF

England banks on Yorkies

U16s Caitlin Whitehead, Thalia Kirby, Charlotte Heath and Daisy Kennedy Hallamshire’s Alex Fitzpatrick and Sheffield-born Joe Pagdin were celebrating after England were crowned the 2017 Boys Home Internationals champions with a 100% record. England claimed victory in the Girls Home Internationals at Little Aston and England also won the U16 girls international against Switzerland with an impressive 5-1 result at Pannal in Yorkshire.

Whitby make it two in a row

hitby did the double when they successfully defended their English Club Team Championship title. Janet McGeehin, Siew Choon Tan, Bob Scott and Mike Coates scored 86 points in the final on the Bracken course at Woodhall Spa, the home of England Golf. They finished three points ahead of the team from Enmore Park, Somerset. “We all wanted to defend the title and I think our club will be delighted that we have achieved it,”

Whitby’s winning quartet (© Leaderboard Photography) said Janet. “We are all very pleased with the success.” They had almost completed their round when play was suspended because of lightning. “Three of us had teed off on the 18th when we had to stop. We waited an hour to finish the game sitting around and wondering if we’d be able to finish the game and if we’d be

able to hit the ball properly when we went back out. We eventually scored five points on the hole – and we did need those points to win.” Will they defend again and try for their hat trick next year? “It would be nice but we haven’t had a chance to discuss it and I think we’ll have to consult on that!” said Janet.

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12 NORTHERN GOLFER

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

SUN 3 SEPT – MIXED TEAM - £50 MON 18 SEPT – SENIOR GENTS TEAM - £60

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Callum Tarren

Orient express

allum Tarren and Matthew Webb returned from the China Tour to win three NE/NW PGA pro ams within six days. Tarren won back-to-back pro ams at Bamburgh Castle and Goswick with a combined 14 underpar total. At Bamburgh, he shot

a super round of 62 to beat Mark Ridley by one shot while at Goswick his round of 64 was enough to pip Webb by one. Webb, who found form in China with a tied-fourth finish in the Yulongwan Yunnan Open and a tied-10th finish at the CGD Yunnan Championship in August, led the

field at Hexham Golf Club’s pro am with a sensational round of 65 - four shots clear of the chasing pack. Darren Crowle, Stephen Kyle, Luke Searle and Philip Waugh shared second place with rounds of 69. Meanwhile, Simon Calvert and Stephen Kyle shared the top prize

Mathew Webb at the Whitley Bay Pro Am with rounds of 68. Tarren shared third place with Graeme Bell. The NE/NW PGA season continues with the Tour Championship at Matfen Hall, the conclusion of the Matchplay Championship and pro ams at Bellingham, Rockliffe Hall and more.

Play Golf at Stocksfield Great Membership & Visitor Offers ! STOCKSFIELD OFFERS A SCENIC AND CHALLENGING GOLF COURSE WITH A FRIENDLY CLUBHOUSE INCLUDING BAR, WELL PRICED CATERING AND A FANTASTIC DECKING AREA OVERLOOKING THE COURSE.

FULL MEMBERSHIP only £550 – to 31st March 2019

Flexible (Midweek Only) £354 | Introductory - 3 months £99 22-30 years £279 | 18-21 £152 Plus... Reduced Green Fees at TWELVE other great courses including FREE golf at Tynemouth and Seahouses. (Reciprocal offers subject to annual review. Membership and green fee offers open to new FULL members only)

Casual Visitors - £10 a round during October! Monday to Friday only. For daily rates, special offers and tee time availability throughout the year you can book on line via the link on the homepage of our website. Looking to start the game? Ask about our Get Into Golf courses. For further details on the above visit our website at www.stocksfieldgolfclub.co.uk or telephone 01661 843041 (Option1) or email info@stocksfieldgolfclub.co.uk Stocksfield Golf Club Ltd, New Ridley, Stocksfield, NE43 7RE

18 holes of woods and parkland with stunning views of the Tyne Valley NORTHERN GOLFER 13

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Record breaker

Clubs make their mark

P Alex Stevenson with lady captain Denise Bowser at the Beamish Championship Dinner Scottish Girls champion Alex Stevenson has added her own club championship crown to her trophy cabinet with a course record performance. England regional squad player Alex, who won the Scottish Under 16 title this year, took the Beamish Park ladies championship with a score of 141 while posting a new course record of 67 (six under-par).

rudhoe and Brancepeth Castle are backing the drive to grow the game and both have won a national award from England Golf. The clubs have received the GolfMark award - the official seal of approval for clubs which successfully work to develop the game. Northumberland’s Prudhoe has successfully run a women’s Get into Golf programme and plan a repeat the event while professional John Crawford and junior liaison officer Derek Lees are working on attracting more juniors with supervised access to the course on Sundays and a junior academy. There is also an introductory membership offer in place and a £9 green fee offer in September while the six-hole pitch and putt course is now open to all.

Ken Rutherford, who led the club’s push to GolfMark, said: “This award helps us to spread the message and tell people that children are safe and secure here, and that we understand beginner golfers.” Brancepeth, in Co Durham and designed by worldfamous architect Harry Colt, is recognised as one of the top 100 courses in the UK and has played host to English County Finals and the English Women’s Championship. The club hasn’t rested on its laurels and has worked hard to move forward - hence the GolfMark award. Brancepeth’s Paul Swainston said: “The whole process has been a great education and moving forward GolfMark will assist the club grow as a business and with future funding applications.”

Brancepeth’s Jill Dickinson and Paul Swainston receive the GolfMark award from England Golf’s Mike Greener

R FA

AND

SUR

MEMBERSHIP

England Golf club support officer Phil Graham presenting Prudhoe’s Ken Rutherford (GolfMark co-ordinator) with the official accreditation certificate. Also pictured, Derek Lees (junior organiser) and junior member Oscar Lees

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TYNESIDE

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30/08/2017 13:07

TEEINGOFF South Moor and Newbiggin golf clubs agonisingly missed out on a trip to Morocco for the SkyCaddie PGA ProCaptain Challenge final. Newbiggin’s Colin Ferguson and Paul Little, and South Moor’s Mark Ridley and David Elgy finished on 41pts but Airdrie captain Brian Jamieson and professional Simon McLean emerged from the pack with a score of 43 points to win the event.

Final countdown

James Maw

James Simpson

ith just two events left in the season, including the Clipper Logistics Championship at Moor Allerton Golf Club, three of our region’s best young players are still hoping to boost their positions in the HotelPlanner. com PGA EuroPro Tour’s Race To Amendoeria. While all three are within the top 25 spots in the Race To Amendoeria, they all require a win or top-five finish to push them into the Challenge Tour card spots. Leading the way is Nick McCarthy

(Moortown Golf Club), with two top-three finishes this season. The 29-year-old is currently in 15th place, just shy of £10,000 in prize money this year, and looks the most likely to push into the top 10 and better with a good performance at Moor Allerton and the Tour Championship in Portugal. James Maw (Rockliffe Hall) has yet to emulate the success of 2016 which saw him win a EuroPro Tour event. However, a top-three finish this season has helped boost his position to 21st, which if he was able to win at Moor Allerton would push him into a stronger position heading into the

Nick McCarthy Tour Championship. Closely behind Maw in 23rd place is James Simpson (Close House), whose earlier form in the season has faded away somewhat. Since he tied for second place in the Matchroom Sport Championship, the 24-year old has only managed a top-60 finish once. However, all three golfers will be hoping to capitalise on the home ground advantage as the EuroPro Tour returns to Moor Allerton in its final UK event September 13-15. Spectator entry is free at all EuroPro Tour events and live scoring is available at www.europrotour.com

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Honoured

Brother Fitz the bill

lex Fitzpatrick went one better than brother Matt when he did the double of men’s and boys’ Yorkshire County titles in the same year. Fitzpatrick the younger was 23 under-par on a total of 265 at Cleveland to win the senior crown by 13 shots to add to his boys’ title. In 2011, the best Matt could do was runner-up. Hallamshire’s Alex, who represents Great Britain and Ireland Boys against the Continent of Europe in the Jacques Léglise Trophy match at Ballybunion this month, set up his victory at Cleveland with a 10 under-par second round course record of 62 having opened with a 69.

That gave him a three shot lead at the halfway stage and he made that seven with a third round 65 before closing with a 69. Joint runners-up were David Hague (Malton and Norton) 70 69 66 73) and Fulford’s Charlie Thornton (70 66 67 75), one ahead of Hallowes’ Sam Bairstow, who had shot 64 on Wednesday only to find his new course record surpassed by Fitzpatrick’s 62 in the space of 20 minutes. Matt’s response on Twitter to his 18-year-old brother’s win was “Very impressive!” Eddie Pepperell posted: “Keep him amateur for as long as possible please Matt. We don’t need another baby faced Fitz winning out here just yet!”

Graham Walker and Peter Ball

Alex Fitzpatrick receives the Yorkshire Championship Trophy from Cleveland secretary Frank Spenceley

Yorkshire duo Peter Ball and Graham Walker have attained the PGA’s highest honour – Master Professional status. Ball, who is based at Moor View Golf Centre in Sheffield, put Danny Willett on the road to stardom and specialises in giving youngsters, many from disadvantage backgrounds, the opportunity to play golf. Under Walker’s tuition, 11 junior members went on to turn pro, three of them playing on the European Tour. Walker now runs his own academy at the Oaks Golf Club, near Selby.

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TEEINGOFF

Maiden win for Dudley

Jake Dudley Jake Dudley claimed a maiden victory at the PGA North Assistants Championship of Yorkshire at Northcliffe. The 23-year-old, who’s never had a lesson and relied on the odd piece of advice from playing with his dad Glenn, returned a level par round of 71 as he prevailed by one stroke. Dudley, in his first year as a PGA assistant, said: “It was quite a solid round. I played well from tee to green. I’m hoping to win more tournaments and earn some money!”

One in a million

rudhoe Golf Club’s Richard Hannam will hit the most important shot of his golfing career at The Belfry in September. Hannam (pictured right), who was one of 10 qualifiers in The Million Dollar Hole in One challenge run in conjunction with American Golf, will have a chance to win $1m at The Belfry’s iconic 18th with a hole-in-one. Having qualified from 7,000 entrants at American Golf with a shot to within six inches, he said: “You go and play a competition and, if you’re lucky, you might win ahead of 150 players, which is a great achievement. But to do so well when there’s nearly 7,000

Discover

100year old

hidden gem

participants is something else!” Having reached the age of 70 and played golf for 50 years, Hannam set himself three objectives for 2017: shoot lower than his age, go to St Andrews and get his first hole-in-one. He achieved the first at Allendale Golf Club with a gross score of 69 and has planned a trip to St Andrews later this year. “What better way to achieve my hole-in-one target than with success at The Belfry?” added Hannam. “An odds-against event I know but the pressure of the prize on offer will be a big advantage.” We’ll be catching up with Richard in October to find out if he completed his 2017 goals.

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www.arcothall.co.uk • email: arcothall@yahoo.co.uk Arcot Hall Golf Club, Dudley, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 7QP

18 NORTHERN GOLFER

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Hetton LeGolf Hill Club ELEMORE SUPERB JONATHAN GAUNT LAYOUT

NEW MEMBERS for 2017 This year’s Up to Scratch competitors

Up to scratch

racie Thompson and Yaseen Mohammed triumphed in the Up to Scratch Challenge at Leeds Golf Centre. The event, which gives beginners from across the region the chance go head-to-head in a three hole knock out competition following seven weeks of coaching, received a record 700 entries this year. Thompson won the inaugural Junior Up to Scratch Challenge, which launched this year as part of Leeds Golf Centre’s initiative to encourage players of all abilities and ages to enjoy the sport. With her win, she receives a year’s academy membership giving her access to the par three course and discounted rates for practice and tuition. Now in its second year, the open age category for the Up to

Scratch Challenge culminated in a thrilling stand-off between the top four players in the knockout Yaseen Mohammed, Tom Holmes, Brian Underhill and Nathan Young. With Brian winning against Tom, and Yaseen beating Nathan on the fourth hole following a tie on the third, Brian and Yaseen battled for the championship. Yaseen triumphed with a score of nine shots over the three holes. Yaseen won a year’s free full membership to Wike Ridge Golf Club, which he is confident he will use frequently. The other participants of the open age category were offered half price academy membership for taking part. The next Up to Scratch Challenge is open now, with a seniors’ and an open age category. To book your place tel 0113 288 6000.

Backworth Golf Club MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL OFFER

JOIN NOW UNTIL 1ST JAN 2019

JUST £575

Telephone the Manager John Robinson on 0191 2684247 Visitors & Societies Welcome Telephone 0191 2689131 for course availability, information and events Email: backworthminers@gmail.com • www.backworthminers.co.uk/golf The Hall, Backworth, NE27 0AH

£300 Adult Members £415 Seniors Over 60 yrs £350 Student & Intermediary £100 Juniors £50 Pay & Play £15 per Round Seniors £12 Students £10 Telephone 0191 5173061 or email hettoncgc@gmail.com Hetton le Hill Golf Club Elemore Vale, Easington Lane, DH5 0QT

MIDDLESBROUGH GOLF CLUB • BRASS CASTLE LANE Telephone 01642 311766 | www.middlesbroughgolfclub.co.uk

2017 V/P bookings available. Contact Pro for details 2107 OPEN DATES:

Gents Open - 15 October 2017 Mixed Team Open - 1st October - £70.00 per team Winter 4 Ball deal ***£100.00*** including Bacon Roll & Coffee NOW TAKING VP BOOKINGS FOR 2018

2017 Open competitions - Entry Forms now on Club Website Contact Gordon Cattrell, Club Professional on 01642 311766

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NORTHERN GOLFER 19

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DEANBAILEY

Dean Bailey

Big turn off Having tuned into the BBC’s coverage of the US PGA, I’ve changed my mind

ast month I wrote about my happiness that we were getting another helping of Peter Alliss, Ken Brown and co covering a major championship on the BBC. Just 15 minutes into watching the Beeb’s coverage of the US PGA, having worked through the Red Button menus twice and wondered why I couldn’t just watch some golf, I regretted writing that column. Rather than the polished, often hilarious and thoroughly well researched coverage we’re used to from The Masters and The Open over the years, we received a group of ill-prepared commentators broadcasting from what seemed to be a shed in Alliss’ back garden while watching the host broadcaster’s feed. Commentating over the host feed shouldn’t have been an issue. Nor should the odd error - though calling the sixth best player in the world and eventual winner “Justin Thompson” then stating “Matsuyama will have heard the roars” when he was in the same group as Thomas, was disappointing. While I could watch with those going on, the lack of production quality – cuts back to the studio with top players or Ken on the Course – added to the above was too much.

To see the BBC commit such little resource and effort to its golf broadcast was disheartening – there was just an hour’s play on BBC Two on Thursday and the Red Button didn’t start until 6pm. I can understand why so many golf fans were angry with the BBC - I was too. The coverage of the US PGA felt like they didn’t care about what was going out, or about covering golf. Compare that with Sky Sports’ coverage and the innovations it has brought I’d be happy to see golf remain on Sky. The quality of the broadcasts is fantastic – particularly at the majors with a huge team covering golf from practice rounds through to Sunday. While it’s coverage isn’t available to everyone, which was a key part of the US PGA moving the event to the BBC, what Sky brings to the table is a commitment to showcasing the sport. I would hope people are inspired by what they do and by what they see from the players through tournament weeks – far more than a confused, lacklustre performance from the BBC. I hope the BBC can come back to broadcasting golf properly – they have done it very well in the past. Maybe we’ll change our minds back if they improve things…

NORTHERN GOLFER 21

CHESTER-LE-STREET GOLF CLUB

MEMBERSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE Pro rata memberships available to the end of the year. Join a club which is investing in its course.

FUNDS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO FOUR MORE HOLES. PRIVATE FUNCTIONS

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CHRISPAISLEY NORTHERN

Chris Paisley

TOUR LIFE

HAVING FUN SECURING MY CARD It’s been a fun two weeks! First, I reached the quarter-finals of the Paul Lawrie Matchplay where Alejandro Canizares pipped me on the 20th hole. A week later in Denmark, some good past performances and a confidence boost from the previous week spurred me on to a tied-third finish my best of the season so far. The week of the matchplay was fascinating. My game was in good shape but certainly not outstanding. I was quite heavily down in my matches against Scott Jamieson and Ashun Wu but pulled off a couple of incredible comebacks. In both games the turnaround in my mindset, and as a result performance, was remarkable. I went from going about my business patiently (but getting whooped) to knowing I was going to make a comeback and win my matches. From holing 30ft putts to stiffing eight iron shots, I had enough self-belief that I was going to make those things happen. My back was against the wall and I knew what I needed to do in order to get the job done. The following week in Denmark was a special one. It is probably the tournament I have the most fun playing. The crowds flock from all over the country and create a tremendous atmosphere. The 16th hole is a 90-yard par three with a huge natural amphitheatre around it which has become an iconic hole on the European Tour. Fans slow clap every player into the green and you can hear the roar all over the course if someone stiffs their tee shot or holes a birdie putt. It’s a massive buzz to play and the reception I received is something I’ll remember forever. My game was really solid all week and I held the lead a few times, eventually finishing third. A much-needed result and experience which secures my card for next year via the new Access List. Now my card is secure, I am excited for the closing stretch - especially the British Masters. I hope as many of you as possible can come and support the event. It will be a great week.

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST NEWS AND VIEWS FROM GOLF IN THE NORTH EAST AND YORKSHIRE AT WWW.NORTHERNGOLFER.CO.UK @negolfer /northerngolferuk @northerngolferuk NORTHERN GOLFER 23

BRITISHMASTERS

Close encounter British Masters host Lee Westwood looks ahead to the European Tour’s return to the North East with Dean Bailey

ormer world number one and Ryder Cup stalwart Lee Westwood steps into the role of tournament host for the first time this month when the British Masters arrives at his home club, Close House, September 28-October 1. The 23-time European Tour winner has juggled his worldwide tournament schedule with his role as host in the last 12 months and is looking forward to welcoming the world spotlight to the North East. “It’s been a full-on year. It’s opened my eyes to what it takes to put on a golf tournament and I now understand why the hosts often don’t play well. “It’s been fun to be part of and I’d like to do it again at some stage. It’s going to be a tough week with everything going on, but I know the golf course very well so I’ll be ready for it.” Lee has been a big part of the preparations for the event since early 2016, at Close House and out on tour. At Close House he has been part of the team tweaking the course to test the best players in the world, while on tour he has been drumming up support among his peers. “I’ve spoken to a lot of players and they’re all looking forward to coming to one of the friendliest places in the world to play a great golf course for a prestigious title,” he said. “It’s great to see the European Tour back in the North of England for a change; it’s a while since we had worldclass golf up this way and all the players are looking forward to it.” Among those players will be Masters champion Sergio Garcia, who Lee has watched grow from teenage sensation to major champion. “I’ve known Sergio for a long time, since he came out on tour. When he was playing events as an amateur I kept an eye on him as everyone was talking about him.

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

“We’ve also been partners in The Ryder Cup, which is always a special experience. I remember playing together at the Belfry when I was in a bit of a slump and Sergio was the ideal partner. He really helped me; I ended up having a good week and we’ve been friends ever since. “The response so far from fans has been brilliant, particularly in the North East where people are talking about it everywhere I go. It’s shaping up to be a great week.” As well as playing the event, Lee will be hosting the Junior Masters – an event he added to the week’s schedule to bring young players inside the ropes, while giving them a chance to meet their heroes. “I wanted to have juniors involved in the event and the Junior Masters was the perfect way to get them here,” he says. “I’m looking forward to seeing the looks on their faces when they’re practising next to their heroes.” While the juniors will be playing the Filly Course on Tuesday, Lee and his European Tour colleagues will be getting to grips with a Colt Course which will play far tougher than its average monthly medal setup. “We’ve tweaked a few places and toughened the course up where it needed it,” explains Lee. “I think the course will be a tough test, particularly when the wind blows up at the top of the hill and the rough is up. “Despite what the weather does, the fans can still expect these guys to be making plenty of birdies and the atmosphere will be incredible when the scoring gets going. “To have Close House on the international stage for the week is going to be huge and I’m looking forward to being part of the club’s progression into 2018 and beyond. “With a club like Close House capable of hosting tournaments of this calibre, and the huge passion for world-class sport in this part of the world, I hope we’ll see more events like this back here soon.”

BRITISHMASTERS

NORTHERN GOLFER 25

BRITISHMASTERS

The British Masters T

September 28-October 1, 2017

he British Masters returns to the North East for the first time in 45 years with some of the world’s best joining Lee Westwood at Close House. As well as the four days of tournament action, the week will also include a pro am with celebrities from sport, music and television taking part as well as the latenight Hero Challenge on the par three 18th, which proved a big hit with players and fans when it debuted last year at The Grove. The week will also include the Junior Masters at Close House with players from across the region having qualified through seven junior opens this summer, as well as clinics with the top payers following each day’s play. One of the most important professional tournaments on the European Tour’s calendar, the British Masters has been won by many of the game’s greatest players. Former Open champion Bob Charles claimed the first title in 1972 at Northumberland Golf Club, beating a young Greg Norman to the first prize. Tony Jacklin

26 NORTHERN GOLFER

was victorious in 1973, followed by Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher, who won back-to-back events in 1974 and 1975. Champions in the 1980s included legends Ian Woosnam, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle, Severiano Ballesteros and Sir Nick Faldo, while more Ryder Cup captains would be successful during the 90s with Mark James, Colin Montgomerie and Sam Torrance all lifting the famous trophy. Notable winners after the millennium include this year’s host Lee Westwood – who lifted the trophy in 2007 at the Belfry. Meanwhile, two of the European Tour’s brightest stars – Matthew Fitzpatrick and Alex Noren – have added their names to the trophy since it returned to the European Tour schedule in 2015. And as well as current Masters champion Sergio Garcia, two previous holders of the Green jacket, Danny Willett and Martin Kaymer have confirmed. A strong field indeed. Tickets are available online at www.britishmasters.europeantour.com/ tickets and start from £15.

BRITISHMASTERS

Who to watch

Our five players to watch at Close House

ACADEMY PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP THE FINAL PIECE IN THE PLAYER PATHWAY AT CLOSE HOUSE

What’s included:

SERGIO GARCIA Professional wins: 31 The 2017 Masters champion will headline the field for the British Masters following his maiden major victory at Augusta National in April. The 37-year-old Spaniard has been one of Europe’s leading lights for nearly 20 years and has 31 professional wins to his name. He has also been part of six Ryder Cups, winning four times with Europe while earning 18 points.

ALEX NOREN Professional wins: 10 The defending British Masters champion will return to England full of confidence following his win at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth earlier this season.

CHRIS PAISLEY Professional wins: 1 The local favourite will be able to walk to Close House from his family home in Stocksfield and will be looking for a good finish after securing his European Tour card for a fourth year.

Yearling course access seven days a week Filly course access Monday-Friday Filly course access on Saturday and Sunday afternoon Guests at the members’ guest rates on the Filly Course Members can hold a handicap and play in non-trophy competitions on the Filly Course Have a member’s account with 10% discount across the site Get member’s guest rates on bedroom bookings

£60 per month OFFICIAL VENUE

ANDREW ‘BEEF’ JOHNSTON Professional wins: 4 One of golf ’s most recognisable faces (and beards) Andrew ‘Beef ’ Johnston is among the game’s most likeable characters. He proved he could match world-class golf with having a good time when he won the Real Club Valderrama Open de España in 2016.

MATTHEW FITZPATRICK Professional wins: 3 The 2015 British Masters champion will be hoping to add to his success at Woburn by securing a second win on home soil.

CLOSE HOUSE, HEDDON ON THE WALL NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, NE15 0HT Tel: 01661 85 22 55 Email: craig.wright@closehouse.co.uk www.closehouse.com NORTHERN GOLFER 27

BRITISHMASTERS Seve Ballesteros playing in the Callers Tournament (©Whitley Bay GC)

History makers

The European Tour returns to the North East of England for the first time since 2002 reigniting the region’s relationship with world-class golf...

he North East of England has a long and varied history of top-tier golf and much of it is linked to the greatest Europeans ever to swing

a club. Severiano Ballesteros first visited in 1977, when the young Spaniard joined Australian Greg Norman and Nick Faldo for the Callers of Newcastle tournament at Whitley Bay Golf Club. All three finished down the leaderboard as South African John Fourie closed with course record 68 to take home the £5,000 prize. Ballesteros would return a number of times, for the Great North Open in the late 90s at Slaley Hall and for the Seve Trophy – played between GB&I and Continental Europe at Wynyard in 2005 when a young Henrik Stenson was part of the European 28 NORTHERN GOLFER

team. Norman would also return in 1980 for the Newcastle Brown 900 Open where he finished second to Irishman Des Smyth who made a dramatic birdie at the last to win by one. The European Tour’s Compaq European Grand Prix, later the Great North Open, at Slaley Hall produced an elite crop of winners between 1996 and 2002, including South African great Retief Goosen (1996), Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie (1997) and Lee Westwood (2000). The North East’s links with the British Masters go back to the first year of the European Tour and the first Dunlop Masters in 1972. Held at The Northumberland Golf Club, Tony Jacklin was the star attraction, having won the 1969 Open Championship and 1970 US Open. However, he was

Callers Tournament. (©Whitley Bay GC) Seve Ballesteros with Brian Huggett in the Callers upstaged by New Zealander Bob Charles Tournament. for the main prize. (©Whitley From the 1970 Whitely Bay Classic, Bay GC) won by Maurice Bembridge who outshone a field including Lee Trevino and Peter Oosterhuis in the 36-hole event through to the Tour’s visits to Slaley Hall in the early 2000s, the region’s links with golf remain strong, despite a break of 15 years from European Tour events. Close House has become a part of that history in the last six years, with Australian Peter Fowler winning the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship in 2015 while the EuroPro Tour has hosted The Lookers Championship over the Colt Course, while Longhirst Hall and Moor Allerton have become regular EuroPro hosts as well. Who will add their name to the list of greats to win in the North East this September?

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COURSEREVIEW

Parklands life Dean Bailey visits one of our region’s busiest golf complexes and finds a golf course in its prime

hange has always been part of the Parklands story. The club and course in Gosforth Park, Newcastle has been Wideopen Golf Club, John Jacobs Golf Centre and Gosforth Golf Complex in its history – though it has found its place as Parklands in recent years and matured into a fantastic layout. In the last couple of years the golf course has been improved immeasurably and now leads the offer here – which includes a driving range, mini golf course, practice facilities and a pro shop home to four teaching professionals. Laid out within Gosforth Park, the course is easy walking while the bordering woods, well-placed trees and penal bunkering protect generous and beautifully presented greens. Out of bounds features on several holes on the front nine, including left of the 309-yard first hole which requires a long iron or wood to the widest part of the fairway, avoiding two bunkers 60 yards short of the green to leave a wedge shot over the 30 NORTHERN GOLFER

deep front bunker and another trap to the right. The tee shot at the second is one of the toughest on the front nine, requiring a carry of 230 yards over water with out of bounds bordering the right side of the fairway. From there you’ll have a short iron or wedge to a long green with two bunkers. The short par four third may be in reach for some at 301 yards though you must avoid out of bounds left and bunkers and trees to the right. The fourth is 354 yards with out-of-bounds left and the landing area is tough to find with more trees looming on the right side. The key here is finding the fairway short of the ditch at 280 yards to leave a mid iron or wedge over two bunkers at the front edge of a green which is wide and features several tricky undulations. The fifth and sixth holes require long, accurate tee shots. Both more than 370 yards - there is room to get the driver out at both holes. At the fifth, two big bunkers guard the left side of the

green while another waits to the right. At six, the approach is one of the toughest on the course between banks of trees to a raised green with two bunkers cut well below the small putting surface. The first par five and a great birdie opportunity, the 483-yard seventh is protected by out of bounds left while two large fairway bunkers on the right will catch anyone playing too far away from the trouble. The landing area for the second shot is generous though there are three small fairway bunkers right which narrow the approach to a very generous green with a large bunker on its left side. The eighth is a tricky little par three of 166 yards with three bunkers surrounding the green – beware the bunker over the back which is likely to leave a tricky up and down. The par five ninth is another good birdie opportunity. A long drive will be rewarded with a chance to reach in two while anything left here is in deep trouble. At the 10th, the toughest hole on the back nine, some will struggle to reach the 460-yard par four in

COURSEREVIEW As well as being home to a great golf course, Parklands also has excellent practice facilities with a covered, floodlit driving range, short game practice area and putting green as well as five teaching professionals – Gregg Tarplee, Craig Fetherston, Andrew Baston, Ross Crowe and David Ord

FACT FILE regulation. Three fairway bunkers guard the right side and the large green with two deep greenside bunkers can be tough to find. The 509-yard 11th is the last and toughest of the par fives. Big hitters should be wary of the water hazard crossing the fairway at 290 yards while the fairway gets narrower as you approach one of the most challenging greens on the course with two bunkers cut below the front edge of the lower of the two-tier green. The 156-yard par three 12th requires accuracy as the green runs away from each edge while the par four 13th is a tricky hole to master. A fairway bunker on the corner of the dogleg right at 210 yards must be avoided as the approach to the green is guarded by a water hazard. The 14th got our pick for signature hole (see fact file). Heading for home, three par fours will test your accuracy. The 15th is the easiest hole on the course and should yield a birdie opportunity should you find the fairway left of the fairway bunker 80 yards from the green. At 16, play short of the water hazard 180 yards from the tee or take on the carry of 220 yards. Three bunkers protect the front of the large green but finding it shouldn’t be tough from the fairway. The 346-yard 17th is one of those holes you don’t like to see when you have a good card going. Out of bounds left, and three fairway bunkers and trees right, make finding the fairway tricky. The green is tough to read with a number of undulations - particularly when putting from back to front. The toughest of the par threes, the 200-yard 18th requires an accurate long iron to find a generous wide green guarded by a tree and a bunker.

CONTACT Parklands Golf Club High Gosforth Park, Newcastle, NE3 5HQ tel 0191 236 4480 www.parklandsgolf.co.uk GREEN FEES From £13 – a number of special offers are available for groups TOTAL DISTANCE White tees 6,060 yards Yellow tees 5,816 yards Red tees 5,595 yards FEATURES Large clubhouse open to the public Driving range Short game practice course Putting green Mini golf Pro shop Buggy and trolley hire CADDY’S TIP A sharp wedge player will make birdies here SIGNATURE HOLE The 160-yard par three 14th is the perfect mix of picturesque and tough. The raised green sits at the top of it’s own hill with deep bunkers cut into the slope – anything finishing in these bunkers will leave a very tough up and down. Anything missing the green will bound away and leave an uphill pitch to the tabletop green – club selection and a solid strike are key

OUR VERDICT A fun course which has improved a great deal in the last couple of years, you must play it if you haven’t visited in a while NORTHERN GOLFER 31

GOLFERGEAR

In the groove

HOT STUFF

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PART TWO

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NORTHERN GOLFER 33

ROUNDWITH

A ROUND WITH...

Dan Godding The EuroPro Tour director of operations tells Dean Bailey about fitting in golf, his favourite courses and who would make it into his dream fourball

hen you’re running a satellite tour for the European Tour which takes in events across the UK and Ireland, a qualifying school across six venues and a Tour Championship in The Algarve – how do you fit in a game of golf? Let’s find out... 1 How do you fit golf in? Not easily to be honest, especially with one-yearold twin boys at home. I do always try to make time to play in our pro ams, which also gives me the opportunity to speak with our players on the golf course. Sadly, I am no longer playing off scratch and I normally embarrass myself playing nearer to a 10 handicap. 2 How did you get into golf? I first hit a golf ball at the age of 12. I was caddying for my dad in a corporate day during the summer holidays at Kingswood Golf Club. He was becoming frustrated and threw me a club and told me to have a go. I remember hitting a seven iron 120 yards to a couple of feet and I was hooked. 3 Which is your favourite course in the North East? Three of my favourites have been on our schedule for the past three years, Close House, Longhirst and (before 2017) Slaley Hall. Away from the tour I love Berwick-upon-Tweed Golf Club, it’s an old favourite of mine and I have some great memories there. 4 And further afield? Outside of Europe I love Anahita in Mauritius. The Four Seasons resort on the East Coast is stunning and my father in law and I have had some fantastic battles on the final few holes. 5 What’s your best ever round? I was 15 years old and playing off a handicap of eight when I shot a gross 67 (three under-par) in the Daily Telegraph qualifier at West Byfleet.

34 NORTHERN GOLFER

There are few times you walk away from a round knowing you left nothing behind, but for my age and skill level at the time this was certainly one of those few moments. 6 Which is your favourite golfing memory? Playing with my best friends after school at the par three Maybury at Hoebridge GC in Woking. 7 What about embarrassing moments? I don’t have many as I don’t really get nervous and I love making people laugh. The one that sticks out was just after I was made junior captain at West Byfleet. I was playing very well and everyone thought I might be the next one to watch. However, standing on the first tee at 16 years old, I topped my drive short of the ladies’ tee in front of 150 people. That moment does stay in one’s mind for a few years. It’s been 22 so far! 8 Do you have any superstitions? No, I’m not that sort of person. 9 What are your strengths on the course? I am quite strong mentally - these days nothing seems to bother me. 10 And your weaknesses? My weak shot has always been a slice. I try to re-route the club from the top and as long as I roll my wrists at impact I normally achieve a long draw. Sometimes however when early in the round, I’ll forget to re-route the club, I’ll fail to transfer my weight and worst of all I’ll leave my hands open, resulting in a horrible high slice which goes nowhere. 11 Which is your favourite club? Cobra has launched a new set of one-length irons and they are fantastic. You play every iron like your seven iron so it really reduces your margin for error as you have the same setup for every iron. They are inspired by Bryson DeChambeau and just make the game simpler…genius!

12 Who is your best golfing friend? I have two of them, my closest friends Richard Welford and Roberto Buttaci. I have known them both for years and sneaking out of the office for a quick 18 holes with these guys is always great fun. 13 Do you play any other sports? In all honesty, I can’t throw, I can’t catch, I can’t hit a moving object, I can’t kick and I can’t hit a ball accurately onto another. But I can strike a golf ball and that’s always worked well. 14 Who is your favourite tour player? Fred Couples - I love watching his tempo and mannerisms. There is so much to learn from a player who looks like he is out for a Sunday stroll in the park while leading The Masters. 15 Which event do you enjoy watching/ attending the most? The HotelPlanner.com PGA Europro Tour is made up of exceptional talents. The standard of golf is phenomenal and entry is free. I love following the leaders and watching a level of golf that normally would be blocked by thousands of people. 16 Which sportsmen do you admire? Ben Hogan. He invented the modern game and his dedication and persistence towards becoming one of golf’s legends is something we can all learn from. 17 Which three people would join you in your dream fourball? Bill Hicks, Jim Carey and Tom Hanks - there would be plenty of laughs in our fourball with very little focus on the golf. 18 If I could offer you happiness or a scratch handicap, which would you take? I am very lucky to have played off scratch and I know how hard it is to maintain. I would take the happiness of my beautiful baby boys over any handicap.

ROUNDWITH ROUNDWITH

NORTHERN GOLFER 35 NORTHERN GOLFER 35

COURSEREVIEW

Ryton put to the test Alan Hedley plots his way around a course in great condition

yton may be considered short by modern standards as it measures just over 6,000 yards off the back tees. But this picturesque Tyne Valley layout is no pushover. Tree-lined with occasionally tight fairways and plenty of out of bounds plus lightning fast greens, it provides an excellent test. While there are five par fours under 400 yards, that’s balanced by five par fours of more than 400 yards. One of those tough par fours comes as early as the second which follows a drivable par four provided you avoid out of bounds on the right and trees left. While the first may be a birdie chance the second with its narrow entrance, water hazard and long green is much more difficult. A couple of short par fours follow, but the third has a well-bunkered green and there is a 36 NORTHERN GOLFER

tricky mound just in front and your tee shot on both holes, while the fourth has also has large cross bunker short of the green. The first of the two par fives, the fifth has a generous fairway though there is out of bounds right and trees left plus a tricky threetiered green. Favouring the left side at the next par four avoids the out of bounds - the narrow fairway slopes towards it - while a small green has subtle borrows. The seventh, first of four par threes, is rated the easiest hole, but you’ll need a decent tee shot to a two-tiered green guarded by trees and couple of tricky bunkers. Two more big par fours follow and the eighth is a very tricky left to right dogleg with out of bounds right and trees left. Par is good here as it is at the ninth where a tee shot to the corner of the dogleg will set up your approach to a raised green.

Then it’s into Ryton’s own Amen Corner with a drivable risk or reward par four 10th with out of bounds right and trees. The green is elevated with a steep slope down to the river and it is well bunkered. Most will lay up with a rescue or iron and trust their wedge play. A fine par three follows and accuracy is paramount here with out of bounds on both sides and a left to right sloping green. Another 450-yard par four with out of bounds and trees completes the Amen Corner trio. All that and a narrow fairway makes this one of the toughest tee shots on the course and a par here feels like a birdie. The 13th is a long par five. Avoid the trees on the left and then negotiate the slight dogleg to leave a pitch through a narrow entrance to the two-tier green. The downhill par three 14th has a large wellbunkered green and you’ll be satisfied with par. The next is another long tree-lined par four with

COURSEREVIEW

FACT FILE CONTACT Ryton Golf Club Clara Vale, Ryton, NE40 3TD tel 0191 413 3734 email secretary@rytongolfclub.co.uk www.rytongolfclub.co.uk

Ryton’s history is intertwined with that of neighbours Tyneside. Mungo Park, winner of the 1874 Open Championship and the professional at Tyneside, laid out nine holes at Ryton Willows in 1879 and in 1891 the Ryton Working Men’s Golf Club was formed. They had permission to play on the same ground at The Willows as the Tyneside members. Ryton remained there until 1911, when the course was relocated to the Dr Stanners site on the south bank of the Tyne. The course was extended to 18 holes in 1982 and in 1994 a splendid new clubhouse opened

GREEN FEES Mon-Fri £12, weekday fourball £40 Sat-Sun £20, weekend four ball £70 Packages available for groups and societies TOTAL DISTANCE White tees 6,096 yards Yellow tees 5,873 yards Red tees 5,452 yards FEATURES Large modern clubhouse with bar/lounge and dining room Locker rooms and changing facilities Pro shop Practice range with short game area

out of bounds - beware of the dip before the green. There are scoring chances on the closing three holes, two of them shortish par fours, but you need to drive accurately over hedges and trees at 16. It does have a very large, rolling green and is a birdie opportunity. The 17th has a tricky, blind shot over the hedge to a long, narrow green which is well protected by bunkers before the signature 18th hole (see fact file), which is overlooked by Ryton’s splendid clubhouse.

CADDY’S TIP Hitting the fairway is key on this tight course - and it’s not always a driver. The greens are excellent and will reward anyone with a good putting stroke SIGNATURE HOLE Not many clubs have a par three finish and few have one which is their signature hole, but this 148-yard one is and it’s a real test played over trees to a large wellbunkered green with out of bounds right. Not an easy finish!

OUR VERDICT

An excellent parkland venue which proves length isn’t always necessary to provide a good test of golf and accuracy is a must, especially off the tee NORTHERN GOLFER 37

MATCHPLAYPAIRS

Final countdown

Match Play Pairs 2017 – final eight make it to the quarter-finals

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3 nights, 3 games from £289 4 nights, 4 games from £359 7 nights, 7 games from £589 Includes luxury apartments shared by four people, full buffet breakfast at the Amendoeira Clubhouse, private airport transfers, and airport and resort assistance by Golfing Holidays representative. All golf includes a shared buggy, practice balls and club cleaning service. Play another 18 holes on the same day, subject to availability. Luxury three and four-bedroom villas available, prices on request. *Flights not included. Flights available with Easyjet from Newcastle on Tuesdays or Saturdays.

CONTACT GOLFING HOLIDAYS Kevin Batty on 01661 854 952 or email Kevin@golfingholidays.org

ight teams are left to battle it out for a trip to the stunning Onyria Palmares Beach Golf Resort - the prize to go with the Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs 2017 title. This year’s winners will receive a place in the NE/NW PGA Pro Am in Portugal alongside our region’s best professionals – with flights, accommodation and golf at the Onyria Palmares Beach Golf Resort in The Algarve all included thanks to golfingholidays.org The final four teams will make it to Middlesbrough Golf Club for the semi-finals on Sunday October 8. The final will be played at Middlesbrough Golf Club on October 15 with the winning pair heading to the Algarve in November. This year you can keep up to date with all the results and rounddraws live at www.northerngolfer.co.uk/mpp2017 For more information go to www. northerngolfer.co.uk or contact Dean Bailey, dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk tel 01661 844 115

Round 3 results Match 49 Colin Marshall & Paul Tindale (Durham City) V John Potts & Graeme Robson (Ramside) won 19th hole Match 50 Doug Ellison & Richard Mellor (Slaley) V Alan Brady & Matthew Harper (Durham City) won 20th hole Match 51 Andrew Foster & Stephen Foster (Romanby) won 1up V Andrew Howard & Ashley Coveney (Bishop Auckland) Match 52 Michael Rutter & Matthew Turton (City of Newcastle/Ryton) V Matthew Sibley & David Wainman (Eaglescliffe) won 2&1

38 NORTHERN GOLFER

Match 53 Luke Eustace & Mark Kelly (Selby) won 4&2 V Andrew Martin & Mark Morgan (Stocksfield) Match 54 Chris Wright & John Walton (Bellingham) won 4&3 V Alan Walton & David McColl (Durham City) Match 55 Peter Newman & Jason Green (Brancepeth) won 2&1 V George Longthorn & Mark Brown (Crook/Seaton Carew) Match 56 Steve Slater & Andy O’neil (City of Newcastle) won 4&3 V Malcolm Lumsden & Richard White (Wallsend) QUARTER-FINALS Match 57 John Potts & Graeme Robson (Ramside) V Alan Brady & Matthew Harper (Durham City) Match 58 Andrew Foster & Stephen Foster (Romanby) V Matthew Sibley & David Wainman (Eaglescliffe) Match 59 Luke Eustace & Mark Kelly (Selby) V Chris Wright & John Walton (Bellingham) Match 60 Peter Newman & Jason Green (Brancepeth) V Steve Slater & Andy O’neil (City of Newcastle) MATCHES TO BE PLAYED BY SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24

ADVERTORIAL

Practice makes perfect at Cocken Lodge State-of-the-art practice facilities, a fantastic short course and a warm welcome await Whether you’re making the jump from the driving range to the golf course or sharpening your skills around the greens, a short course is a fantastic stepping stone – though they don’t often look and play like Cocken Lodge. A full refurbishment of the driving range, including TrueStrike mats and new markers has improved the already high quality facilities. Meanwhile, new drainage on the nine-hole golf course which is complete with USGA specification greens will keep it open throughout the winter. The fantastic course of 1,486 yards with two par fours and seven par threes is a must-play. Beginners and youngsters will enjoy the shorter holes while low

handicappers can sharpen the most important part of the game – those shots from inside 100 yards which make up around 70% of every round. Away from the course, the recently refurbished clubhouse/café is very welcoming with hot drinks, sandwiches and draught beers, while the 18-bay driving range (12 covered bays) has LED lighting. There is also a self catering cottage available from October 17 for long and short stays - contact the clubhouse for more information. The club is also home to PGA professional Doug Brolls and PGA assistant professional Phil Maitland.

Cocken Lodge Golf Course The team at Cocken Lodge have been busy busy busy! Total refurb to driving range. This includes new state of the art true strike mats • New led flood lights • New yardage markers Loyalty cards available for the course and driving range The golf course is now ready for autumn/winter with a new drainage system in place (the rain won’t close us this winter) Our self catering holiday cottage will be ready for october 17 This will be available for short/long stays including golf packages

For further information contact

0191 584 1053

Cocken Lodge Golf Course, Leamside, County Durham, DH4 6QP NORTHERN GOLFER 39

GOLFERTIPS

John Harrison tel 01661 8 86 400 www.matf enhall.com

ROUGH RECOVERY The key to recovering from the rough is being able to analyse your lie and make a judgement about your chance of recovery. Sometimes weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lucky in short or semi rough and can play just about any shot as if we were in the fairway. We can also face far tougher shots such as the one pictured here. Here we need more loft, a steeper angle of attack and more conservative expectations for how well we can extract the ball. When faced with this situation, take a couple of practice swings in a similar position well away from the ball to get a feel for how the grass and club will react. Once you find that feeling, take your normal setup, swing steep and commit to smashing down on the top of the ball with the aim of minimising the amount of grass between club and ball.

40 NORTHERN GOLFER

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GOLFERCOMPETITIONS

win 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 5, 2017. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT MATFEN HALL Set in the shadow of the magnificent Matfen Hall, the 27 holes here are set out on a classic parkland landscape with challenging water features and unique obstacles. A regular venue for professional and county events, Matfen is one of the finest clubs in Northumberland with excellent facilities. For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Who captained the 2017 European Solheim Cup team?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT TYNESIDE GOLF CLUB

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT WOODHAM GOLF CLUB

Established in 1879 and still widely regarded as among the finest parkland courses in the region, this Harry Colt layout is a challenging though enjoyable test with superb greens. On the ‘Falls’ of old Ryton village, the course also offers magnificent views over the River Tyne and Tyne Valley.

Measuring 6,671 yards, the course at Woodham is one of Co Durham’s finest. Laid out by the grandson of James Braid, James Hamilton-Stutt, in 1981 the course is a mix of parkland and American-style target golf with numerous water hazards and treelined fairways.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Who won the Open Championship in 2000 at St Andrews?

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Where will the 2018 Open Championship be held?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR WITH BUGGIES AND BREAKFAST WITH SLALEY HALL Our Instagram competition with Slaley Hall is back this month, giving Northern Golfer readers the chance to win golf for four people with buggies, bacon sandwiches and tea/ coffee on arrival. All you need to do is head over to Instagram and post your best golfing snaps with the hashtag #NorthernGolfer - and remember to include @northerngolferuk and @slaleyhallhotel. We will be announcing the winner in next month’s magazine.

Congratulations to last month’s competition winners: British Masters season tickets: Ronnie Brown of Hawick • Chester-le-Street: Trevor Such of Easingwold • Tynemouth: Trevor Wynn of Ingleby Barwick • Slaley Hall (Instagram): Jason Emmerson (@jason.emmerson) 42 NORTHERN GOLFER

WIN YOUR CHANCE TO

A PING CADENCE CRAZ-E-R ADJUSTABLE PUTTER WORTH

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QUESTION : WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING TOUR PLAYERS IS SPONSORED BY PING? A : JORDAN SPIETH | B : LEE WESTWOOD | C : HIDEKI MATSUYAMA

EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: COMPETITIONS@ORIGINALGREEN.CO.UK COMPETITION CLOSES 31.09.17. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND NOTIFIED BY EMAIL OPT IN CLAUSE AVAILABLE ON ENTRY TO RECEIVE FUTURE PROMOTIONAL EMAILS FROM ORIGINAL GREEN

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MEMBERSHIP OFFERS FULL MEMBERSHIP £690 SEPTEMBER 2017 – MARCH 2019

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Telephone: 0191 236 4480 info@parklandsgolf.co.uk www.parklandsgolf.co.uk

Parklands Golf Club, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HP 44 NORTHERN GOLFER

Ready and waiting

ADVERTORIAL

Heworth Golf Club will host the McGregor Trophy in 2020 and you need to pay a visit to see why Heworth Golf Club has been announced as the host venue for the 2020 McGregor Trophy. The English Boys’ U16 Open Amateur Stroke Play - one of the biggest events of each summer - will head north to a course famous for the quality of its putting surfaces and home to many of our region’s finest players over the years. Past winners of the event include Graeme Storm, Justin Rose, Oliver Fisher and Eduardo Molinari and 2020 will mark just the second time the championship has been played in the North East.

Recent work with partners at Indi-grow UK has improved the quality of the greens further, while the 105-year-old golf course remains a stern test with its tree-lined fairways, penal bunkering and many tactical challenges. Future works planned for the course with further enhance the challenge and its playability, including green drainage, pathway improvements, and tree thinning and additional planting. There are also plans to replace the existing halfway house with the help of some of the club’s members in time for the 2018 season.

‘THE HOME OF THE MCGREGOR TROPHY 2020’ MEMBERSHIP OFFER

15 months for the cost of 12. New Members Only Membership starts November 2017 to January 2019 Book now for your Society and Captains AWAY DAYS. A variety of packages available.

For further details: Tel: 0191 4699832, Option 1 Email: bernie@theheworthgolfclub.co.uk www.theheworthgolfclub.co.uk Follow us on Facebook and Twitter NORTHERN GOLFER 45

from the

bunker Former footballers took to the links of Newbiggin Golf Club for a friendly match earlier this month and found a seaside course in superb condition. Newbiggin Seniors welcomed the team of former Sunderland players Jimmy Montgomery, Mickey Horswill, George Herd, Ron Guthrie, Bobby

Regular contributor Chris Robinson has been in touch and wrote: As always, it was great to read in Northern Golfer that 27-year-old Garrick Porteous, who started playing golf as a junior at Bamburgh Golf Club, has achieved his maiden victory on the Challenge Tour. Garrick played with distinction as a member of the Northumberland Junior Golf Association, for the Northumberland senior team and subsequently for England. He went 46 NORTHERN GOLFER

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Park, Jimmy Shoulder, Cecil Irwin, Don Rankin, Michael Oliver, Frank Curry, Peter Stranach and Phillip Lowes. Much to the delight of the Newcastle fans in the Newbiggin team, it was a home win. Everyone had such a great day it is set to become an annual event.

on to win the British Amateur Championship in 2013, being capped as a Walker Cup International, and made his debut in the US Masters at Augusta a year later before he turned pro. To date he hasn’t made it to the main European Tour but has been consistent on the Challenge Tour with several top 10s. Congratulations to him on his great success. Thanks Chris for your very kind words about our magazine. We are all blushing and appreciate such great feedback.

Lee Westwood swapped putting greens for the hallowed turf of Newcastle United’s St James’ park in the build up to the British Masters. He teamed up with NUFC legend Andrew Cole to give away tickets to fans. You can read a full preview of the event from page 24.

Rotarian Selby Snaith (starter) with the members of Berwick Upon Tweed Rotary team Congratulations to the Amble and Warkworth Rotary Club, which hosted its golf day for 40 teams at Alnmouth Golf Club raising £5,500 for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, The Great North Air Ambulance and SSAFA. The winning team came from The Mason’s Arms, Warkworth, with a score of 122 points. Hobson Fore scored 117 points and third place went to a team of golfers led by Richard Calvert from Morpeth, with a score of 116 points.

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