Northern Golfer magazine #58 - October 2017

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58

OCTOBER 2017

FULL REPORT ON THE EUROPEAN TOUR’S RETURN TO THE NORTH EAST northerngolfer.co.uk

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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 Laura Charlton 01661 844 115 laura@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson & Nicky Rogerson info@kgphotography.co.uk

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EDITOR’S NOTE AND CONTENTS What an incredible spectacle the British Masters was at Close House.

The TV shots of the course and the wider region showcased what a beautiful part of the world we live in while the amazing crowds must surely convince Tour organisers to find a way of staging more tournaments in the North of England.

There is plenty of comment and coverage elsewhere in the magazine on the event so I will keep it short - well done to all involved on putting on such a magnificent tournament and to Lee Westwood for getting so many world-class players on board. You all did the region proud.

Also doing the region proud were Ramside Hall and Lookers Renault, the hosts and supporters of Northern Golfer’s Champion of Champion events.

Their input and support ensured all three tournaments ran smoothly and were a great success. The course was in superb condition despite the challenging weather conditions.

Congratulations go to our winning couple Rebecca Ferguson and Stewart Fell from Tynemouth Golf Club and junior winner Joseph Robson from Hexham Golf Club.

It has been a winning month for so many of our region’s golfers - I can’t recall having so many in a single edition - so it is clear golf in the North East and Yorkshire is in good shape - long may it continue.

Elsewhere in these pages we visit Heworth and find the course in great condition while celebrities Jeremy Kyle and Ben Shephard take time out to share their golfing stories and fondest memories.

Finally, I close this editor’s note on a very sad note. Paul Corney passed away earlier this month. For many years Paul was a correspondent on the magazine as well as the organiser of our popular Match Play Pairs competition, and he was a familiar face at many clubs when he delivered Northern Golfer every month until he retired last year.

His wife Gillian was also advertising manager until Paul stepped down and so is equally well known on the golfing scene.

I am sure all who knew both Paul and Gillian wish to send her and their family deepest condolences.

Our thoughts are with you.

04 MASTERFUL

Full report on the British Masters at Close House

06-13 TEEING OFF

Stories on national success for our region’s golfers, Alex Belt’s EuroPro triumph, and Bishop’s remarkable year

06-13 TEEING OFF Junior joy, Glenn’s bowled over, and Yorkshire pip Northumberland in the counties league

23 TOUR LIFE

Chris Paisley back on home turf

29 DEAN BAILEY

British Masters proves the North East can host a regular tour stop

Paul Robertson, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

31 LEAGUE GOLF

This year’s league and cup winners around the North East

FRONT COVER

Couple are the star turns in Northern Golfer’s Champion of Champions

32 A ROUND WITH

Jeremy Kyle vs Ben Shephard

Pages 24-26

40 MATCHPLAY PAIRS Final countdown

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34 HEWORTH GOLF CLUB

36 NEW SEASON, NEW GEAR

42 TIPS

Taking control of the clubface with John Harrison

44 COMPETITIONS

Golf to be won at Chester-leStreet, Newbiggin, Beamish Park and Whitley Bay

46 FROM THE BUNKER Charity on our courses, another champion couples, and Richard’s shot at £1m

NORTHERN GOLFER 03

BRITISHMASTERS

Irish eyes are smiling Paul Dunne lifts British Masters trophy at Close House as North East fans break tournament attendance record

P

aul Dunne shot a stunning final round of 61 to lift his first European Tour title at the British Masters at Close House.

Dunne, who finished with two birdies including a superb chip in at the par three 18th to shoot a nine under-par closing round, overcame a chasing pack which featured Rory McIlroy, Hartlepool’s Graeme Storm and tournament host Lee Westwood on a dramatic final day of the first European Tour event in the North East for 15 years.

More than 68,000 fans lined the fairways of the Colt Course at Close House for the event – from Tuesday’s Junior Masters and floodlit Hero Challenge through to Sunday’s climax – a new record for the British Masters supported by Sky Sports.

Dunne’s 61 was the lowest round of the week and saw him post a four round total of 20 under-par.

“It’s a relief to prove to myself that I can get it done,” he said. “I went out today and really tried to win the tournament rather than have someone hand it to me. That was the focus. Once I was in front I just kept pushing.”

Dunne shot to fame as an amateur when he shared the lead after 54 holes in the 2015 Open Championship and admitted he had received some luck while being chased by some of the world’s best players.

“I feel like I’ve played pretty consistently all year and I’ve given myself a few chances on Sunday to make a move and contend and I haven’t really been able to put the foot down. That was my focus today, to get off to a hot start and once I got my nose in front just keep pushing because you never know what happens – I saw that in Morocco where Edoardo Molinari finished birdie, eagle to tie me.

“I had a great break on 11 when I pulled my wedge 04 NORTHERN GOLFER

shot and it should have been long. I hit the sprinkler, kicked back and I made birdie. You can’t script that.

“I made a great save on 12 and then played pretty steady coming in. I gave myself chances, missed a couple then made a great putt on 17 to seal it before a nice highlight at the last,” added Dunne.

Dunne overcame a chasing pack which included Hartlepool’s Graeme Storm – who led the tournament early in the final round before settling for a tie for fourth place on 14 under-par.

“I’m disappointed I missed too many putts,” said Storm. “It started when I left it short in the middle at the fifth to keep the momentum moving and the birdies coming. I was unfortunate on the sixth because it didn’t roll back down the hill, and then bogeyed the two par threes which was silly. Other than that I played nicely.

“If I am disappointed finishing fourth then how far I have come this year?

“It would have capped a great year by winning here but Paul got away quite quickly and it was difficult to catch him. It was great to see people who I knew out there. It’s been well supported and I think it has been an absolutely fabulous week.”

Storm, along with many of the players throughout the week, praised Close House and the thousands of fans which turned out for the event - making it a great sporting occasion for the North East.

“It’s been unbelievable, fantastic for Close House, fantastic for the North East for everyone who supported it,” said Storm. “The weather hasn’t even been that great either so to see the numbers turn out for an event like this is amazing. They have topped the crowds for the last two British Masters, so they have done a really good job.

“It shows we can host any tournament - there’s no reason why we can’t host big events like this.”

Storm led the charge from the North East as tournament host Lee Westwood finished a busy week with a tie for 15th place.

Northern Golfer columnist Chris Paisley missed the cut with a two round total of three over-par, admitting he placed too much pressure on himself in the opening round playing in front of his home crowd.

“I gave myself a few chances to get into the weekend but just wasn’t quite close enough.

“I enjoyed my second round a lot more having put a lot of pressure on myself and not enjoyed it on Thursday. I just wanted to have fun and give it a go. I played really well, drove the ball great which has been my weakness in the last couple of years, and just had a bit too much to do. Playing in front of a home crowd was amazing. I made a point of enjoying my time playing in front of so many people I know and I loved it.”

Close House’s Jonathan Lupton also missed the halfway cut at four over-par though he relished playing in front of the North East crowd. “It’s been an amazing two days, I’ve loved every minute,” said Lupton, who played the opening two rounds with a rib injury. “I loved being back under pressure in a golf tournament and it was an amazing experience.”

The British Masters marked the European Tour’s first full-field event in the North East since 2002 and was hailed a success throughout the week with 68,000 fans attending from Tuesday-Sunday.

“I think that’s brilliant,” said host Westwood.

“It’s the best attendance since we’ve brought the tournament back. I’m delighted with that - I had a feeling people in the North East would support it.”

BRITISHMASTERS

Junior master

Henry Joynson with pro am partner Jordan Smith

Orla O’Leary with host Lee Westwood Close House’s Henry Joynson put home course knowledge to full use to win the Junior Masters.

The event, played in the run up to the British Masters with a field of elite junior who had qualified through seven junior opens this summer, saw juniors take on the Filly Course for the chance to join the field for the celebrity pro am.

Henry, 13, shot 41 points to win the overall title.

“It was a great day and it’s amazing to win such a big event,” said Henry. “The guys I played with were really nice and it was really relaxed all the way round.”

Coached at Close House, Henry’s dream is to turn pro one day and he was inspired to receive the trophy from tournament host Lee Westwood and tee it up with Jordan Smith in the pro am – his team winning the event with at 32 under-par.

“It’s amazing to have my favourite players, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy, playing the course I play,” added Henry.

Category winners at Close House included: Andrew Griffiths (Boys u12), Tyler Davison (Boys u15), Matthew Neill (Boys u18), Neve Pearson (Girls u12), Orla O’Leary (Girls u15) and Camryn Bulman (Girls u18).

NORTHERN GOLFER 05

TEEINGOFF

North fourth at Trevose

Sandy Twynholm (© Leaderboard Photography) Northern Counties champions Northumberland finished fourth as Hampshire won the English Men’s County Championship – recapturing the title for the first time in 21 years at Trevose.

The last time they won the event was in 1996 with Justin Rose in their team, and they completed a faultless display over three days in tough conditions – as you can see in the picture of Northumberland’s Sandy Twynholm above.

06 NORTHERN GOLFER

Andrew’s rock solid

A

ndrew Minnikin is the new Northern Amateur Masters Champion capturing the trophy in his first attempt.

The 37-year-old Alnmouth player decided to play at Rockliffe Hall after he won the British Civil Service Championship there last year and found he liked the Darlington layout so much.

He arrived at Hurworth on the back of successful defence of his Civil Service title, his 11th victory in 12 years - the only time he didn’t win it was when he was out action with a knee injury.

Minnikin shot rounds of 74 and 76 at Forest Pines to win the Civil Service title. At Rockliffe, he posted rounds of 73 and 69 - two superb scores on a course playing very long thanks to intermittent heavy rain.

That 69 included three birdies and a string of pars from the ninth - and only three bogeys all day.

Andrew Minnikin (centre) with Cameron Wallace (left) and Liam Duncan (right) “I holed a lot of putts from 10ft and kept it in play which you needed to on a course playing very long,” said Minnikin. “It’s a superb track and they ran the tournament really well. Naturally, I’m delighted to have won.”

Minnikin’s 142 total gave him a seven-shot margin of victory over runner-up Liam Duncan (Dunniker Park) who posted rounds of 74 and 75 as Castle Eden’s Cameron Wallace finished in third place with scores of 74 and 76.

TEEINGOFF

Sister act

That’s my boy

D

urham father and son John and Rob King snatched victory in the PING Family Fourball Betterball Championship Final to claim their first win together in 27 years of playing golf.

The Eaglescliffe duo scored 48 points at Thonock Park at PING’s Gainsborough Golf Club in Lincolnshire to pip Yorkshire father and son Robert and Lewis Hunt by virtue of their better back nine.

The key to the win was Rob’s fifth birdie of the day, which he holed from 30 ft on the 18th, and he said: “We are really over the moon. We have never won anything playing together.”

The competition was played for the first time last year and the Kings were third and on that occasion - losing out on second spot on countback.

The pair took up golf together

Tina Sampson and Kerry Lamb (© Leaderboard Photography) Yorkshire sisters-in-law Kerry Lamb and Tina Sampson put on the style to win the Ping Women’s Fourball Betterball Grand Final.

The Tankersley Park pair arrived on the tee with their caddies wearing named bibs and then put on a show to match amassing 42 points in tough conditions on the Karsten Lakes course at Gainsborough Golf Club.

They pipped Bedfordshire teenagers Luca Thompson and Imogen Morton King on countback, thanks to their better back nine of 22 points.

John and Rob King (© Leaderboard Photography) 27 years ago after Rob had a knee operation and had to give up football and cricket. Back then they played together a lot, but over the years they’ve developed their own golfing circles so they jumped at the chance to have a competitive outing.

“I liked the family theme of the competition and I wanted to come and play with my dad,” said Rob, who is an 11-handicapper, while John plays off 18 at the age of 75

and manages to fit in three rounds a week.

Despite missing out on the top prize, 16-year-old runner-up Lewis Hunt had the best score of his career to date and was seven under-par on his own ball, with five birdies and a chip-in eagle.

He took up golf when he was 11 encouraged by his dad and now plays off three and is in the Yorkshire Boys B squad.

Rockliffe Hall’s

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NORTHERN GOLFER 07

TEEINGOFF

Final countdown

Alex Belt James Adams James Adams shot rounds of 70, 65 and 66 to win the final regular season event of the HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour season - the Clipper Logistics Championship at Moor Allerton Golf Club.

Adams (Druids Heath Golf Club), collected his second win of the season with a five under-par 66 in the final round to add the title to the Motocaddy Masters which he won at Wychwood Park Golf Club earlier this season.

“I feel great, it is hard to put the win into words but it makes everything worth it,” said Adams. “It’s probably the best I’ve ever played in a tournament.

The weather was really tough, especially on the first day with the wind and heavy rain. The last two days have been great, to go bogey free across two rounds isn’t the norm for me.”

The win moved him to fifth in the Race To Amendoeira, from which the top five at the end of the season earn promotion to the Challenge Tour.

“It’s been an incredible year, after winning at Wychwood I realised this tour was where I needed to be. It’s great knowing that whenever I’ve been in contention I’ve won.”

The tour now heads to the final event of the year, the Tour Championship at Amendoeira Golf Resort October 24-26.

08 NORTHERN GOLFER

Brilliant Belt

A

lex Belt claimed his second EuroPro Tour win at the Jessie May World Snooker Championship at Collingtree Park Golf Club in Northampton with a stunning final found of seven under-par.

The Snainton Golf Centre-based pro shot rounds of 69, 67 and 65 to lead the field by three shots and claim the £10,000 winner’s cheque and the trophy.

“I’m thankful I managed to get over the line,” said Belt following the final round. “There was some great competition out there and even though I won by three shots, I could feel the other guys breathing down my neck.”

The event went down to the wire after James Frazer (Pennard Golf Club), who started the day as tournament leader, was a shot and

hole behind on 14 under-par as Belt tackled the 18th at Collingtree.

“I knew James was on 14 underpar so I needed a birdie on my last hole if I was to stand a chance of winning,” added Belt, who managed to hold his nerve and hit an excellent approach shot to within 4ft of the pin to make his sixth birdie of the day.

“It was extremely satisfying when I got that last birdie, I really needed it to give James all the work to do on his last hole.”

Belt secured his second win at Collingtree Park – following his victory there in 2013 – and moved to 15th in the Race To Amendoeira ahead of the Tour Championship October 24-26.

Ramsden’s merit success Consistency was the key to success for Michael Ramsden when he won the PGA North Michael Slater Memorial Order of Merit title.

The Renishaw Park professional teed off the campaign by making four birdies in the last eight holes to clinch the Leeds Cup at Cobble Hall.

He then shared third place in the PGA North Region Championship at Bolton Old Links and was joint fifth in the James Brearley Lancashire Open and the season-ending MTS Group Final at Carus Green. He also enjoyed success in his native Yorkshire with several high finishes.

Michael Ramsden

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TEEINGOFF

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Kevin Harmison (© Leaderboard Photography)

Victory for Harmison

K

evin Harmison is back in the winner’s circle.

The 52-year-old from Newbiggin Golf Club in Northumberland clinched the 2017 English Disability Open winning on countback from Sussex’s George Groves.

Tied on 151 after two rounds on the Earls and Kings Courses at Warwickshire Golf Club, Harmison won thanks to his superior score over the last three holes.

Harmison picked up a couple of top titles in 2013 and 2014, and has won the Scottish Disabled Open, but he signalled a return to form when he was part of the English Disabled Golf team which won the bronze medal at the European Team

Championships in Portugal earlier this season.

Harmison, who lost his lower right leg in an industrial accident, raised his game at the English Disability Open to beat fellow members of the squad including Groves, who recently won the Swedish Invitational in a playoff, and last year’s winner Duncan Hamilton-Martin.

“I played with two fantastic groups over the weekend and it is a pity that someone had to lose,” said Harmison, who is the uncle of former England and Durham cricketer Steve.

“I’m really pleased to have won but was pushed all the way to the last shot on the final hole,” he added.

Callum’s crown Callum MacFie looks to be one to keep an eye on.

The Lindrick youngster lifted the North of England Under 16 title with a sparkling nine under-par total of 279 at Pannal.

A first round of 71 was backed up by an excellent 68 and followed by 69 to give him a five-shot lead going into the last round.

A steady 71 was enough to clinch the title by one shot despite a tournament best 67 from Matthew

Callum MacFie Jackman - who pushed Callum all the way to the line.

“I’m delighted to have finished my last under 16 event with a win,” said Callum.

“I’ve been working really hard on my game so I’m pleased it all came together for this event.”

TEEINGOFF

Pride of the North

C

ity of Newcastle Golf Club flew the flag for the North East in winning the English Champion Club title for the first time at East Devon Golf Club.

The 36-hole three-man team tournament, which ended in darkness following a fog delay, saw the Northumberland representatives complete a 14-shot victory over clubs from across England.

The team of Northumberland county champion Phil Ridden (7267) and fellow county players Alex Dixon (74-71) and Mark Wharton (75-72) shot a team score of 11 overpar including a level-par second round of 210.

But there were plenty of twists along the way before they claimed Northumberland’s first victory in the competition.

“We thought we were jinxed,” said City of Newcastle captain John

Phil Ridden, Alex Dixon and Mark Wharton (© Leaderboard Photography) Franklin. The club had been runnersup in the event twice before, most recently in 2015 when they lost out on countback.

Having played early on the second day and gone off to a local pub in Budleigh Salterton to watch Newcastle United on TV, the team returned to the golf club to find mist coming in over the course and play suspended. The field eventually completed play and

City of Newcastle’s victory was confirmed. “This means a great deal to us,” added Franklin. “The game plan was to get three decent scores rather than one exceptional score.

The nature of the course was that the number of bogeys, rather than birdies, would win it.”

Norfolk’s Jack Yule of King’s Lynn shot seven under-par for the two rounds to win the individual prize with Ridden second on one under-par.

Cumbria’s Natasha Slater won the English Women’s County Champion of Champions as torrential rain flooded the greens on Woodhall Spa’s Bracken course and the tournament was reduced to 18 holes.

The 17-year-old from Ulverston Golf Club shot a two underpar round of 70 to win by three shots at England Golf’s home. “It’s one of the biggest events I’ve ever won,” she said.

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TEEINGOFF Nick Machin and Angus Roberts were named winners of the 2017 Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards at Aldwark Manor in York. A selection of the best student greenkeepers in the country including Chloe Gallagher (Ramside Golf Club) were at BIGGA HQ at Aldwark for the awards. Nick is based at Royal Cinque Ports in Kent and Angus is based at The Roxburghe.

Clark top of the order

M

orpeth Golf Club’s David Clark was crowned NE/NW PGA Order of Merit winner for 2017 at Matfen Hall as fellow Morpeth pro Martyn Jobling and Hexham’s Philip Waugh shared the top prize in the circuit’s Tour Championship.

Clark added a top-10 in the Tour Championship to his PGA Championship success and pro am wins at Archerfield, Prudhoe, Middlesbrough, Seaton Carew and Morpeth this season to lead the season-long points race.

Jobling and Waugh shared top honours in the Tour Championship at Matfen Hall with rounds of 67 as Craig Goodfellow finished third with a round of 69.

Meanwhile, a busy September saw eight pros pick up wins on the pro am circuit as Goodfellow lifted the Match Play Championship trophy – beating Mark Ridley in the final.

David Clark with the PGA Championship trophy Michael Nesbit and Simon Robinson shared the top prize at Barnard Castle with rounds of 67 while Northern Golfer columnist John Harrison shot a round of 65 to win at Brampton.

Goodfellow picked up another win in a successful year at Middlesbrough Municipal (65); Darren Pearce led the field at

Carlisle with a round of 66; Simon Calvert won at Rockliffe Hall; and Simon Robinson took top spot on his own at Bellingham (66) and Bishop Auckland (68).

The NE/NW PGA season continues in October with pro am events at Silloth, Archerfield and Rockliffe Hall, as well as the annual Portugal Pro Am.

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Bishop’s remarkable year

B

ishop Auckland Golf Club ended a sensational year with victory in the Durham Mixed Foursomes Championship and the Durham County Ladies Thomlinson Cup – as well as securing the Clark Cup and North Durham league.

In the Durham Mixed Foursomes Championship Bishop, represented by Jessica Hall and Jamie Birkbeck, got the better of Beamish Park’s Adam Mottershead and Alex Stevenson on their home track to win the final by one hole.

In the Thomlinson Cup, Briony Bayles and Angela Simpson beat

the team from South Moor 2&1 in the semi-final before winning the final 5&3 against host club Brancepeth.

The wins followed the men’s team’s success in the Clark Cup and North Durham league (see page 31) as well as individual success for Briony – winner of the Durham County Ladies Championship; Dave Elliott and Derek Collinson’s wins in the Durham County Second and Third Division championships respectively; and Jessica’s successes in the Critchley Salver and Northern Schools championships plus her England cap this year.

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Range of benefits

Memory lane

G

Steve Willis and Bradley Rowntree Steve Willis will return to Morocco for the first time since 1972 after Richmond reached the SkyCaddie PGA Pro-Captain Challenge final.

Richmond captain Willis partnered professional Bradley Rowntree in the qualifying event at Rudding Park where the pair carded an 11 under-par round to finish on 47 points.

They will now head to Morocco for the £22,000 final on November 21-22 at Mazagan Beach Resort, Casablanca.

olfers from Dyke House Sports & Technology College will have stateof-the-art equipment to improve their game thanks to a new link with The Wynyard Club.

As part of the Hartlepool college’s scholarship programme, which works closely with consultant and European Tour pro Graeme Storm, the golf scholars will regularly travel to Wynyard to practice.

The Elite Development Squad scheme at Dyke House has enjoyed success on greens and fairways over the last four years.

Jack Ainscough has recently started his first year at Colorado State University after becoming an England international while Will Skipp has won numerous honours and represented English Schools.

Storm said: “Dyke House is very pleased to be associated with The Wynyard Club. The simulator and golf performance centre gives the

We want to give you 12 Months Golf Society Packages From £18.00 p.p,coffee& Bacon Roll then 18 Holes of Golf November 1st – March 31 2018

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14 NORTHERN GOLFER

Graeme Storm with the students on the Wynyard driving range students an excellent opportunity to work on their game all year round regardless of the weather.”

As part of the partnership, Wynyard will supply support from PGA coaches Andrew Betts and James Harper to work with the students on a regular basis.

Wynyard director of golf Chris

Mounter said: “We see it as a great move for Dyke House to be based out of Wynyard this year, making use of our first-class practice facilities and GC2 simulator room.

“The club is keen to work closely with Graeme and Dyke House to hopefully attract more juniors into golf and feed through elite players.”

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Pole position

Smith’s success

T

om Smith added another victory to an outstanding season when he won the Bishop Auckland Bowl.

The Eaglescliffe and Durham County player posted two excellent rounds of 69 to finish six under-par and five shots clear of Brancepeth’s Richard Aisbitt (74-69), Gavin Nesbit (71-72) and James Glenn (70-73).

Earlier this season Smith was in superb form to win his third successive North Yorkshire and South Durham Championship at windswept Castle Eden.

He also partnered Sam Donald to the Northumberland and Durham Inter-County Foursomes title at Consett early in the year.

Abi Wheatley

Tom Smith

South Moor’s Josh Hogarth was named Race2Rockliffe order of merit champion for 2017 following the tour’s grand final at Rockliffe Hall.

Hogarth, winner of the gross order of merit, joined nett boys champion Lewis Reay from Ramside Hall and nett girls winner Abbi Wheatley from South Moor Golf Club at the grand final alongside more than 30 juniors from clubs in Co Durham for the Mizuno Golfsponsored event.

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NORTHERN

Chris McDonnell and the GB&I PGA Cup team

McDonnell brings home PGA Cup

C

hris McDonnell can look back on a winning PGA Cup debut after the Great Britain and Ireland team defeated the USA 16-10 at Foxhills to retain the trophy.

The former Stocksfield pro - now based at Goodwood Golf - picked up a point along with Damien McGrane in the fourball matches although he and Rob Coles went down in the second series and a singles defeat by Rich Berberian won’t have pleased him.

However, every member of his 10-strong team played their part in a great comeback after the USA won

the Saturday foursomes 3-1 to go into the singles just a point adrift.

The match at Slaley Hall in Northumberland four years ago ended all square and its successor in 2015 at CordeValle, California, resulted in Great Britain and Ireland prevailing by a point.

But the Americans who were left reeling after GB and Ireland reprised the 7.5–2.5 singles victory they registered at Slaley Hall.

While the Ryder, Solheim and Walker Cups remain in American hands, the Llandudno Trophy is heading back to GB&I.

East coast agony Defending champion Stephen East had to settle for third place in the Northern Counties Seniors Championship at Seaton Carew.

The Wike Ridge golfer posted rounds of 75 and 72 to finish five shots adrift of winner Ian Crowther (Lytham) who shot rounds of 72 and 69 with Windermere’s Steve Atkinson runner-up (69-76).

In the first round, Atkinson scorched around the Seaton Carew course in a two under-par 69.

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Stephen East (© Leaderboard Photography) In the second round he could not match his sub-par opener and came in with a score of 76 as East tried to get his nose in front but his second round of 71 was not enough.

East and Crowther went on to play a major role as England won bronze in the European Team Championships at PGA Sweden National.

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North pole

Junior Tour finalists at Hartlepool Golf Club

Samara from Bedlingtonshire (second from right) making a hole-in-one

Super sixes

T

he North East final of GolfSixes at Close House showcased the format’s potential for growing junior participation while offering juniors from across the North East a chance to compete in the new format.

The national pilot project, which involved 32 clubs across seven regions of England, was run by the Golf Foundation with the competition format mirroring much of the European Tour’s GolfSixes event played at Centurion Club in May. The GolfSixes

Academy project saw boys and girls playing inter-club matches in teams of six players. The matches took place over six holes in a Texas scramble format with many children playing on golf courses for the first time. In the North East, Close House welcomed teams from Morpeth, Bedlingtonshire and Ponteland golf clubs to play the final matches in their league series - with Ponteland securing victory.

One youngster, Samara from Bedlingtonshire Golf Club, raised the loudest cheer of the day with a hole-in-one on the

65-yard fifth hole on Close House’s Yearling Course .

Martin Crowder, national development manager for the Golf Foundation, said: “Every facet of the GolfSixes Academy project has been designed to encourage kids to get the most out of their new experience in a club junior section or academy. They are playing the exciting new format with European Tour GolfSixes branding, they are presented with their team shirts and playing against other local teams; in each case they are building up to the big match through learning and practice with their PGA Professional, while often enjoying the support of their parents on the golf course.

“Thanks to the support from the European Tour and Sport England we are delighted with the progress of this pilot project.”

Winter Junior Golf Series announced A new winter series for juniors aged 6-13-years-old will be trailed this winter.

Following the success of both the Junior GolfSixes and Northumberland’s victory in the Junior Golf Tour Final, the winter events will help children to progress

in the fun competitions over the colder months.

Following a successful Junior Golf Open, Bedlingtonshire-based PGA professional Mark Sanderson will be organising the winter events, which he hopes will increase participation with four events

taking place on Nov 12, Dec 10, Feb 11 and Mar 25 at Matfen Hall. The events will be played in a Texas scramble format and the information has been sent to junior organisers around the county. To register your interest email mark-sanderson@hotmail.co.uk

Northumberland has won the Junior Golf Tour Cup for the first time.

The north‘s mini-tour for juniors is in its ninth year and featured a string of qualifying events in Durham, Cumbria and Northumberland before the leading players from each area took part in the end of season regional final at Hartlepool.

More than 250 young players aged 7-13-years-old take part in five qualifying events within each county culminating in the final where 60 young golfers competed and Northumberland won with a team total of 678.

Durham finished second with 719 as Cumbria finished third with 773.5 shots.

Jason Budd, England Golf regional manager, said: “I would like to thank all the host venues, volunteers and our team of support staff for making the Junior Tour such a success story.

“We’ll shortly be reviewing the event to provide the very best opportunities for young golfers.”

Open success Bedlingtonshire Golf Club held its first Junior Open in September with 52 juniors from around the region taking part.

The Junior Open proved to be a massive hit with the members from Bedlingtonshire, Morpeth, Ponteland, Close House, Arcot Hall, Matfen Hall, Tynemouth, Wearside, Heworth, Prudhoe, Whitley Bay. NORTHERN GOLFER 19

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James Glenn with the Ravensworth Bowl

Glenn’s bowled over

I

t’s been a busy - and successful - season for Durham’s American import James Glenn.

A graduate of Sam Houston State University, Texan James arrived in England a couple of years ago and studied for a PhD at Durham University.

He quickly proved to be top of the class on the golf course as well with Brancepeth Castle, Bishop Auckland and Durham County for whom he recently won his colours.

Last year’s Seaton Salver victory didn’t go unnoticed and this season he’s followed with a three-shot win in the Ravensworth Bowl, posting rounds of 70 and 69 as well as playing his part in Bishop Auckland’s Clark Cup side.

There’s also been a 13th place in the Irish Amateur Championship, ninth in the Midland Open and marriage to fiancee Amanda, and now he’s actively considering the professional ranks.

He had designs on the EuroPro Tour in 2017 and considered turning pro before but decided, quite rightly, to continue his education first - including working behind the bar at Brancepeth Golf Club.

Now it looks like he might be ready to further his golfing education in the pro ranks, possibly next year with the European Tour School a possible target.

“I’m weighing up all the options available to me,” he said.

Record at Ravensworth Joe Fraser was in sparkling form to set a new course record of 63 on Ravensworth’s Captain’s Day. It will be interesting to see if Joe has another crack at it next year when he will be captain himself having filled the vice-captain’s role for current captain Kevin Goodfellow this season.

“I watched Joe play the last three holes and he was playing with his dad Darren and his brother Jordan,” said Kevin.

20 NORTHERN GOLFER

Kevin Goodfellow and Joe Fraser “It was incredibly tense as he knew the course record was in his grasp. It was a fantastic round and a great thing to happen for me on my captain’s day as I’ve known Joe since he was a youngster.”

Joe’s feat was one shot better than the previous record of 64.

NORTHERN GOLFER 21

TEEINGOFF

Wilson wins again

Andrew Wilson Darlington’s Andrew Wilson followed up victory in the Lee Westwood Trophy with a second successive Leonard Crawley Medal win at Brancepeth.

The Wynyard golfer posted rounds of 67 and 68 to hold off the home club’s James Glenn who shot two rounds of 69.

Wilson is proving to be a serial contender in top amateur events having won the North of England Youth Open and the Northern Masters as well as playing for England against Spain.

Yorkshire on top

Y

orkshire claimed the Northern Counties League Championship for the third year in succession - but they were pushed all the way by Northumberland.

Yorkshire’s only loss was in the Roses clash at Formby but there was nearly a real upset at home to Northumberland in June where a singles win late in the day gave Yorkshire a narrow 9.5-8.5 victory.

Northumberland claimed the runners-up spot - their best showing since 2006 when they claimed the championship - and county secretary Ian Harrison said: “We had our moments and it was a little topsy-turvy at times but we are delighted with second place.”

Northumberland started full throttle to beat Lancashire 12.55.5. The loss to Yorkshire by a point followed and then they beat Cumbria comprehensively before suffering an agonising one-point

The Northumberland team for the final match of the season derby defeat by Durham. In the final match of the season they managed an excellent 11–7 away win at Cheshire while Yorkshire overcame Cumbria in their final match to claim the title again.

Yorkshire stormed through the foursomes 6-0 and went on to win the singles 8-4 for a comprehensive 14-4 victory.

Cheshire squeezed a 3.52.5 foursomes lead against Northumberland but Phil Ridden took the top singles 2&1 against

Tom Dolan and Mark Wharton and Daniel Shevill weighed in with wins followed by three in a row from Sean Heads, Craig Penny and Stewart Fell and the match was cleaned up with Matthew McClean and Luke Denny giving an overall 11-7 result.

At Dinsdale, Lancashire gained a 5.5-0.5 foursomes win against Durham and although James Glenn won 2&1 in the top singles the next four went to the Red Rose on their way to a 12.5-5.5 win.

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CHRISPAISLEY

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TOUR LIFE

BACK ON HOME TURF It’s the Monday following the conclusion of the British Masters and I’m sitting in our lovely accommodation in St Andrews getting ready for a fresh week at the Alfred Dunhill Links.

First up, I have to congratulate everyone at Close House for running a superb event. The feedback from the players was overwhelmingly positive. They enjoyed the course and all of its facilities as well as spending time in Newcastle. I felt very proud to say this was a home event. Every player I saw also commented on the incredible atmosphere the fans created. Well done guys!

It was a disappointing week for me golf-wise. I missed the cut by two shots after a really solid 67 on Friday, which was unfortunately preceded by a 73. To be perfectly honest, the first round was miserable for me. I was so desperate to put on a good show for the home support that I completely stifled myself. I could barely eat my breakfast in the morning and had the most nerves I have for years. The expectation I placed on myself was ridiculous and it caused me to start really poorly.

I was upset the entire round because I felt like I was letting everyone down, which sounds even more ridiculous as I actually type it out!

The second round was a different story. I knew I could still make the cut and I was determined to enjoy myself while I did it. I played with so much more freedom and played almost flawless golf. I came up short in the end but I could have easily made the cut. The most satisfying part was that I absolutely loved it. I felt as though I was showing people what I was capable of.

A disappointing result but another important lesson learned. I am certainly guilty of putting too much expectation on myself and that’s exactly what happened. It is something all golfers have to deal with and I feel I am better equipped to deal with that situation when it arises in the future.

Thank you again to everyone for the support. I am very proud to be from the North East.

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CHAMPIONS

We are the champions Dean Bailey meets the 2017 Northern Golfer Champion of Champions winners Rebecca Ferguson and Stewart Fell

A

s golfers, Rebecca Ferguson and Stewart Fell haven’t got a lot in common. Rebecca, a committed practiser who works closely with her uncle and coach John McKenna as often as weekly, is one of the most driven amateur golfers I’ve met.

Stewart on the other hand is more laid back, the kind of player who likes to do his practice on the course and is as happy teeing it up with the lads on a Saturday morning as he is representing his county or playing a big event.

What they do have in common is a special place in the history of one of the north of England’s biggest events as winners of the Northern Golfer Champion of Champions in partnership with Lookers Renault.

Having first met at Tynemouth Golf Club playing in Friday night junior events and started dating six years ago as teenagers, Rebecca and Stewart won the biggest titles of their respective careers beating strong fields of club champions from across the north of England at Ramside Hall.

“It’s amazing to be the first ever winner of the ladies’ event,” says Rebecca.

“For Stewart to win the men’s title was just perfect. I was so shocked and excited when I arrived at Ramside and saw his name at the top of the leaderboard.”

We meet at Tynemouth a couple of days after Stewart’s win, which came a week after Rebecca won the first ladies’ event over the Prince Bishops Course at Ramside with a level par round of 74 to beat the field by three shots.

“We play a lot of golf together and it’s great to

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

both have huge titles having started out playing junior comps together nearly 10 years ago,” adds Rebecca, who was followed by her parents Neville and Gill and played on the same day as cousin Freddie took part in the junior event.

Stewart, who added his name to a long list of Men’s Champions stretching back to the 1960s when the championship was run by The Journal in Newcastle, shot a level par round of 72 to win by three shots in extremely tough conditions on the Cathedral Course.

“Bex had been building it up all week having already won her event, but I never thought I’d go out there with such an elite field and get the win,” says Stewart.

“It’s a great feeling to get a big win under my belt, to join an incredible list of past winners and to be the best club champion in the north of England alongside Rebecca.”

The pair have been members of Tynemouth Golf Club since their days as juniors and though their approach to the game varies, they admit it works well for them as a couple.

“We’re very different golfers,” says Stewart.

“Bex loves to practise and work on her game with John where I’m not a practiser and I like to find consistency through playing. I’ll work with Andy Paisley a little bit through the winter again and for me it’s really about enjoying my golf. I want to play with friends and at county level – that’s what makes me happy.”

“We love golf in different ways,” adds Rebecca.

“Stew likes spending time away from golf as much as he does playing and I really love being here and playing. It gives us a nice balance where we can play

CHAMPIONS

NORTHERN GOLFER 25

CHAMPIONS together then spend time together away from golf too.”

Both events were played in strong winds and spells of heavy rain at Ramside, with Rebecca and Stewart winning their respective titles with scores of level par.

“The course was fantastic and I started really well by getting to four under-par through four holes,” explains Rebecca. “I thought it could be my day after that start but I dropped a couple of shots at the next two holes and really had to fight to keep my round going.

“I managed to settle down, used some of my experience from county matches and the national events I’ve played in and just ground it out coming in. Having my mum and dad out on the course with me was really nice and it was lovely to win with them here watching me too.”

Rebecca finished three shots ahead of second place Holly Hardy from Alnmouth Village Golf Club as Darlington Golf Club’s Ella Crang finished third with a round of 79.

Playing the following week, Stewart competed against more than 50 of the north’s best players.

“To see Rebecca and Stewart win was fantastic” “The course was so tough in the rain and wind – the key was building a solid score on the front nine. I managed to keep it together through those tough holes with some really good iron shots before I capitalised on the shorter holes coming in,” says Stewart, who received an exemption for a EuroPro Tour event next year along with the Champion of Champions trophy.

With Rebecca graduating from Newcastle University later this year and Stewart working at Sage in Gosforth, the couple are planning to enjoy the off-season together before setting new targets for 2018.

“The next step for me is to not be a one hit wonder and to win a county event while maintaining my position in the county side,” says Stewart – who has established himself as a member of the Northumberland county team this year with a solid match play record.

“I’d love to go on from here and get down to plus-one next season,” adds Rebecca – who ended her season with victory in the national season-long HowDidIDo order of merit event for a second time. “I’ll be playing more national events next year too and I’d like to get into the top-10 at least once.”

Rebecca and Stewart beat fields of club champions from across Northumberland, Durham, Teesside, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Scottish Borders in tough conditions 26 NORTHERN GOLFER

Stewart and Rebecca with Ramside Hall’s Helen Roseberry and Lookers Renault’s Anth Wills Stewart receiving his trophy from Ramside Hall captain Trevor Bowman

at Ramside. The Champion of Champions events were supported by Lookers Renault, a brand with strong ties to golf across the UK and with sport in the North East.

Lookers Renault’s Anth Wills says: “Congratulations to Rebecca and Stewart for some excellent golf at Ramside.

“Lookers supports a number of sports and activities across our dealer network, from grassroots through to elite level.

“We’re proud to be supporting the Champion of Champions with our dealerships in the north of England and look forward to seeing more golfers taking part in events like this in the future.

“To see Rebecca and Stewart lift their respective trophies was fantastic, and a great occasion for Lookers Renault to be

part of. We wish them all the best for their future on and off the golf course.”

Tournament host Ramside Hall proved a perfect venue for the events with players tackling the Prince Bishops and Cathedral courses.

Ramside Hall director of golf Helen Roseberry adds: “To see a young couple win the Ladies and Men’s titles was the icing on the cake of a great year.

“The feedback from the players over the two days was very positive and our course manager Roger Shaw and all the team here have prepared the course to find true champions. We’re delighted to have been part of the event and look forward to working with Northern Golfer and Lookers Renault in the future.”

CHAMPIONS

Junior champion

I

n the Junior Champion of Champions, Hexham Golf Club’s Joseph Robson shot a one under-par round of 71 to win by two shots.

Coached by Andy Paisley at his home club, England squad member Joseph finished two shots clear of Westerhope Golf Club’s William Wilkinson and Whitley Bay Golf Club’s Brandon Jones on the Cathedral Course to earn the trophy and the chance to play alongside European Tour player Chris Paisley.

“Playing in the event and on a tough course at Ramside was a really good experience and I was over the moon to get the win.

“The weather was really tough all day, particularly the wind, bit I managed to hole a few putts and hit the ball really well all day which was the key to building my score.”

The third winner of the junior event following 2015 winner James Wilson and 2016 winner Briony Bayles, Joseph will tee it up alongside European Tour player Chris Paisley in the next few weeks as part of his prize.

Joseph Robson “My ultimate goal is to become a European Tour player, following in the footsteps of a player like Chris,” added Joseph. “To get the chance to play alongside him will be really inspiring and I’m looking forward to hearing about life on Tour and seeing what it takes to make it there up close.”

The event, also supported by Lookers Renault and hosted by Ramside Hall, saw players from across the north of England tackle

the Cathedral Course at Ramside Hall.

Northern Golfer editor Paul Robertson added: “Congratulations to Joseph on a superb win. The Junior Champion of Champions is becoming one of the north’s key junior events and we look forward to working with Lookers Renault and Ramside Hall in the future as we continue to grow the events.” For more information, including full results from all three events, go to www.northerngolfer.co.uk

Re-discover golf at slaley “time for a change?”

“Play the Hunting course, one of the top 25 toughest tests of golf in England”

PLAY MORE AND PAY LESS?

2 Championship courses The Hunting and The Priestman

All members get exclusive use of; *Members Lounge *Complimentary Tea, Coffee and soft drinks *Designated car park *20% off food and drink *10% off in the Pro shop Your course in the North

Call or email today to book to discuss our great membership offers 01434 676 554 or slaleygolfmembership@QHotels.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 27

ADVERTORIAL

Tynemouth Golf Club “Where the Champions of Champions play” Tynemouth Golf Club is an 18-hole par 70 (6,330 yards) parkland golf course designed by Willie Park in 1913. It is an easy walk, which is challenging but very suitable for seniors, with tees and greens very close together. It is in fantastic condition all year round, you will never be disappointed.

The clubhouse is iconic and very recognisable to all. The club has a wonderful social calendar including music nights, quizzes, whist and bridge clubs, yoga, golf fitness classes as well as the usual golf related gatherings. Members also benefit by being able to hold their personal celebrations in the clubhouse.

The fayre is delivered by Bib Gourmandstandard caterers the River Café on the Tyne and members, visitors and societies are well served.

Members have a very extensive package of benefits including reciprocal arrangements with Seahouses and Stocksfield golf clubs, a Gold Card loyalty scheme offering 10% off food and drink, a

Morrisons voucher scheme, Sky TV and much more.

With a large (presently 599) and growing membership the club is pleased to offer beginner golf sessions through Get into Golf at £25 for five lessons with John McKenna at the club commencing: Tuesday October 31 @ 11am Saturday November 4 @ 11am www.getintogolf.org John has and intends to continue to run Development Golf Sessions thereafter to further enhance participants golfing skills and knowledge.

Once participants are confident and competent they will be offered the opportunity to move into the newly created TGC Academy. The purpose of the academy is to introduce beginners into the game at their pace, continue with lessons at the club and use the fantastic practice facilities.

These TGC Academy members will have restricted access to the course while they are continuing to develop their skills prior to being offered full membership.

New online store as from November 1 Tel 0191 258 0728

TYNEMOUTH GOLF CLUB

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SOCIETIES and VISITORS always welcome Sponsored by:

KING EDWARD ROAD TYNEMOUTH NE30 2ER T:0191 2574578 secretary@tynemouthgolfclub.com, www.tynemouthgolfclub.com 28 NORTHERN GOLFER

DEANBAILEY

Dean Bailey

Northern powerhouse The British Masters proved the North East should have a regular European Tour event

W

alking the fairways at Close House on the Sunday of the British Masters was a special occasion. Paul Dunne’s 61 was sensational.

Rory’s chase was nail-biting. The sight of 15deep galleries was awe-inspiring.

I’m too young to remember, or to have been inspired by, the days of Seve, Monty and co teeing it up at Slaley Hall so to see Sergio Garcia, Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and the best of the European Tour playing on my doorstep in front of packed galleries inspired me - and I’m sure it inspired the thousands of youngsters who shuffled through to the front of the galleries and saw their heroes up close throughout the week.

To hear young fans, and older ones, cheering on McIlroy and local favourite Stormsy (Graeme Storm’s new nickname which grew in popularity throughout the week), proved as inspiring for the players too with many talking about the warm welcome from the galleries and the obvious passion for the game they felt within the ropes over the four days.

To have found a venue capable of hosting the British Masters - a big event on the European Tour, grander than many regular weeks with a true major feel created by huge grandstands, a packed tented village and a stellar field of players – is fantastic for our region. To have a tournament

of such high status here was more than likely a once in a generation experience – and it proved a lot to the European Tour team.

That’s why each of the 68,000 people who attended throughout the week deserve a huge thank you for proving that there is a real appetite – bigger than the last two British Masters in the south of England – for top-tier golf here. A huge thank you must also go to Lee Weestwood and Close House for their work in ensuring the Tour had no choice but to bring the event here.

We proved that given the opportunity we can support the grandest events and provide an atmosphere worthy of a premier European event.

Our top venues, big businesses and sporting decision makers now need to leverage more access to events for us to watch and be inspired by. We also need the European Tour to look further afield than it’s base at Wentworth and its old favourites in the south of England and deliver tournament golf to people across the country – sharing the chances to see the best players in the world and the chances to be inspired by these occasions.

Who knows, the North East may well be a regular tour stop once again, we’re certainly capable of hosting them…

NORTHERN GOLFER 29

ADVERTORIAL

BEAMISH PARK

- A PARKLAND GEM Beamish Park has earned the reputation of being a quality mature course throughout the area and is viewed as a must visit fixture for societies and visitors.

The club’s management committee has invested heavily over the past couple of seasons in new machinery and technology to further benefit the playing pleasure for both members and visitors. The greens in particular are consistently rated highly by the club membership and the various visiting parties, many of whom book a return outing and make Beamish Park their number one golf course to play.

This wonderful Henry Cottondesigned course offers golfers, irrespective of handicap, the

opportunity to play 18 challenging holes in a beautiful parkland and forest setting, with the signature 15th hole being of exceptional design and a delight to experience.

Following your round a warm welcome is assured in the lounge area that overlooks the panoramic 18th green where our chef offers all guests a selection of quality cooked snacks and meals.

Beamish Park is a course for all seasons and winter time is no exception. With special value winter rates it really is the opportunity for visiting golfers to play and enjoy a classic course, sample the hospitality and leave with fond memories that will entice you to return in the near future.

BEAMISH PARK

A PARKLAND CLASSIC

Winter Special Green Fee Offer from 16th October through to 31st March 2018 The cost is £15 including a bowl of our Chef’s legendary homemade soup.

Special Buggy offer of £10 if conditions permit usage.

Function Room

Free use of our panoramic 120 max person Function Room for your Special Celebration.

We can provide a range of services to help make your day a memorable occasion. Please enquire for details.

Full Catering Facilities

Our Chef is renowned for his quality and delicious food menu, including a choice of Gluten Free meals.

Tailored menus to suit all occasions.

Membership Offers

We offer a range of Ladies and Gents Membership Options from £200 and Juniors from £49 a year For further information please Contact: The Secretary’s Office 0191 3701382 Beamish Park Golf Club, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 ORH

30 NORTHERN GOLFER

www.beamishgolf.co.uk

@beamish park_gc

Beamish Golf Club

LEAGUEGOLF

League champions

C

ity of Newcastle Golf Club capped a Newcastle & District Leaguewinning season with victory in the Dixon Cup at Burgham Park.

The event saw the winners of the Hadrian, North Northumberland, North Durham Union of Golf Clubs, Teesside Union of Golf Clubs and Newcastle & District leagues compete for the title – with City of Newcastle shooting a six-man team total of 460 to beat second-placed Bishop Auckland by five shots.

City of Newcastle lifted the Newcastle & District title for the second year in a row with a 6-6 draw with Northumberland on the final night of matches – beating second placed Prudhoe by 15 points to retain the trophy. Prudhoe’s Ben Lee was named player of the year having earned 25 points this season.

In the Hadrian League, Newcastle United stormed to the title ahead of Close House while adding the league’s knock-out competition, the Davison Cup, to the trophy cabinet in the club’s 125th year.

Club captain Liam McNulty said: “Having been starved of success over the years it has been great to achieve the league and cup double in our anniversary year. It was great to have such a strong squad of players at my disposal throughout the season, whose attitude and team spirit have been exemplary. Having been pushed all the way

by Close House, it was great to finally get over the line with one game to spare.

The Bishop Auckland team: Terry Stansfield (captain) with Alan Barker (team manager) and the winning Clark Cup team of James Glenn, Jamie Birkbeck, Graham Milne, Steve Ridley and Craig Wren

City of Newcastle captain John Franklin receiving the N&D League trophy from league chairman Jim Renwick

The Newcastle United team: l-r Mark McNulty, Neil Graham, Michael Noutch (vice-captain), Liam McNulty (captain), Phil Ridden, Mark Wharton, Mike Archer, Simon Lee, Cameron Stott “I know the success has meant a great deal to the lads as most of us have been at the club since our teenage years.”

In the Teesside Union League, the Bishop Auckland team picked up their third title in six years while also winning the Durham County Union’s Clark Cup with a 3-2 victory over Wynyard in the final at Tyneside.

Despite starting the year with a 14-10 defeat at Cleveland in the Teesside Union League, Bishop were top of the table after just three weeks and held off Eaglescliffe to win division one by just two points.

Teesside claimed the division two title while Wilton secured the third division trophy.

Durham City topped the North Durham Union of Golf Clubs league with 10 wins this season – beating Heworth by three points to claim the title as Brancepeth Castle won division two and Hobson won the third division.

In the North Northumberland League, Berwick Golf Club (Goswick) won the division one title ahead of Alnmouth. Alnwick won the second division trophy ahead of Warkworth as Alnmouth Village won the third division ahead of Linden Hall.

NORTHERN GOLFER 31

ROUNDWITH

A ROUND WITH...

TV showdown This month TV stars Jeremy Kyle and Ben Shephard go head-to-head and share memories from their early golfing careers, their dream fourballs and more

A

s part of the build up to the British Masters at Close House, TV presenter Ben Shephard and daytime telly legend Jeremy Kyle were in the North East for the celebrity pro am. Jeremy proved a perfect starter for the event - which include stars of television, music and sport while Ben got the chance to tee it up alongside Spanish legend Miguel Angel Jimenez. Both keen golfers, we caught up with them to talk about golfing memories good and bad, on-course success stories and plenty of embarrassing moments...

1 How do you fit golf in?

JK: I got hooked on crazy golf from a very young age on our annual family holiday to Lyme Regis.

I joined Calcot Park aged 12 and spent every spare minute I could there. I loved the fact that you didn’t have to be tall, strong or even quick like all the other sports at school and I quickly got my handicap down to five. Nowadays that’s a pipe dream - at my age I’m delighted to get round any course before I pass out through exhaustion.

BS: I started playing when I was about 11 years old with some mates at Hainault in Essex. We were hopeless, but it kept us out of trouble. I was amazed I was allowed to clout stuff with what was essentially a metal light sabre!

2 Which is your favourite course?

JK: Royal Birkdale which I’ve been lucky enough to play many times, my home course in Barbados Apes Hill, and the only club ever to give me honorary life membership Close House.

BS: St Enodoc in Rock, Cornwall - the most stunning course I’ve ever played. It’s got spectacular views, tricky holes and a bunker called The Himalayas which is every bit as intimidating as it sounds.

32 NORTHERN GOLFER

3 What’s your best ever round?

JK: I once shot a round of 72 - level par - at Calcot Park so many years ago I can’t really remember it.

7 What are your strengths on the course?

JK: My ability to manoeuvre a golf buggy safely almost anywhere in the trees.

BS: My eternal sense of optimism.

BS: I had a dream round at St George’s Hill in Surrey. After a shocking front nine I had an eagle, two birdies and four pars on the back nine.

4 Which is your favourite golfing memory?

JK: Going to The Masters at Augusta National last year. Walking down to Amen Corner for the very first time was something I had to tick off my bucket list.

BS: Playing with my family over the years in Cornwall brought so many special moments, playing with my godparents in Australia, and alongside my father and brother-in-law at Thurlestone are all special.

5 What about embarrassing moments?

JK: Playing in a pro am at The Belfry many years ago, I managed to shank it at the car that was on offer for a hole-in-one in front of 500 people.

BS: Playing with my boys in Sicily recently (they’re beginners), I clattered my tee shot into the French windows of an apartment.

The sunbathers that I nearly hit were very understanding when I apologised and explained it was my son’s ball and he’s just started (I still feel terrible!).

6 Do you have any golfing superstitions?

JK: I never drink more than three beers per round.

BS: Other than turning up with about three minutes before a tee time, I don’t have any.

Maybe I should pick some up because my golf seems to be getting worse the more I play.

8 And your weaknesses?

JK: Walking.

BS: Technically, I have a power fade which seems impervious to professional guidance.

Emotionally, there are too many to list.

9 Who is your best golfing friend?

JK: Graham Wylie - he possesses the almost unique ability to somehow make me look good.

BS: I’ve just started playing with my kids, which is great. Dean, pro at my home club Wimbledon Park, is a great playing partner and mate.

10 Who is your favourite tour player?

JK: Lee Westwood insisted I pick him.

BS: I love watching all the Brits. I think Beef has brought something really special and different to the tour, not least that beard. I like watching Adam Scott play - he’s very stylish and elegant as a player which is how I imagine I play. I fear I’m actually closer to Boris Johnson - all fuss and bluster.

11 Which three people would join you in your dream fourball?

JK: I’d play at Close House with Lee Westwood, Graham Wylie and Alan Shearer.

BS: West Ham and England legend Bobby Moore, Tesla’s Elon Musk seems like a man with a plan, and Team GB hockey keeper Maddie Hinch - who produced one of the greatest sporting performances I’ve ever seen in the Olympic gold medal final. There’s nothing she can’t stop so she might be able to stop my power fade!

ROUNDWITH

NORTHERN GOLFER 33

COURSEREVIEW

Handsome Heworth Alan Hedley visits a popular club on Tyneside gearing up for a prestigious trophy as years of great work pay off

H

eworth Golf Club has poured admirable energy over the last two decades into improving the course and been handsomely rewarded.

Members and officials are justly proud of their 6,498 course and clubhouse which will host the 2020 McGregor Trophy - the England Boys Under 16 Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship.

It’s an honour not given lightly and it’s fully deserved. Heworth will be pristine and will provide a real test as it invariably does.

Tree-lined holes with fast-paced greens, deceptive bunkers, out of bounds, Heworth may be fairly flat but don’t be fooled this is a real test of your golf.

The layout opens with a couple of shortish par fours, both with out of bounds right which runs tight around the green at the first, with 34 NORTHERN GOLFER

trees and fairway bunkers making for a tough tee shot.

A well-guarded sloping green awaits while the second also has a fairway water hazard as well as out of bounds and a tricky, undulating green. Two pars will be more than satisfactory.

The third, a par three, can be very difficult if you don’t pay attention to the wind. It has a wellguarded, sloping and shelved green with four bunkers and a run-off area. Again, par is good.

Trees line the next and with out of bounds, severe rough and two fairway bunkers, it needs a good tee shot to get at a generous green which has a ditch running across the front edge.

More trees line the 400-yard-plus fifth hole with out of bounds right, and it’s a tight driving hole with a sloping left to right fairway and two hedgerows 150 yards from another sloping green.

The par three sixth plays slightly uphill and is well guarded by bunkers while another testing tee shot follows at the tightest tree-lined hole on the course which boasts deep rough and a ditch running across the front of the green.

Accuracy again is needed at the eighth which has a fairway bunker on the corner of the dogleg and also at the par five ninth, our choice as signature hole, which has out of bounds, a fairway bunker to menace your second shot and a big green protected by mounding (see fact file).

A long tree-lined par four 10th of 442 yards is not easy to reach in two, while 11 is a 562-yard par five with out of bounds and trees all the way meaning you have to be accurate off the tee to get at a big, sloping green well protected by bunkers.

The 12th is a real toughie at 471 yards, treelined with four fairway bunkers and a tricky green - make a par at this one and you’ve done well.

COURSEREVIEW

FACT FILE CONTACT Heworth Golf Club Gingling Gate, Heworth, Gateshead NE10 8XY tel 0191 469 9832 www.theheworthgolfclub.co.uk secretary@theheworthgolfclub.co.uk Twitter @ClubHeworth Facebook The Heworth Golf Club GREEN FEES All week £20 (£15 with a member).

Winter rate from November 1: £10 a round all week Packages available for groups of 12 or more. Buggies available TOTAL DISTANCE White tees - 6,498 yards Yellow tees - 6,203 yards Red tees - 5,643 yards

A long par five follows but it’s a birdie chance if you stay out of the trees and deep rough, and read a subtle green correctly while there’s also an opportunity at the short par four 14th.

Get the club selection right at the short 15th or you’ll have a tricky two putt from above the hole and another short par four follows with an equally tricky green with two big swales which run across the green.

The final two holes are terrific. The 17th is a strong par four with trees right and left, but the fairway is generous. The narrow threetiered green is no guaranteed two-putt.

Then it’s one of the toughest closing holes in the North - a par three of 230 yards surrounded by out of bounds and a green which boasts four bunkers.

Good luck with that!

Heworth was founded in 1912 and started life as a short nine-hole course.

The Gingling Gate course is now an excellent 18-hole layout having developed over the last three decades into something quite special.

The course was extended to 18 holes in 1976 with work done on drainage and thousands of trees planted after the club bought the course.

In recent years, more significant investment has continually improved the course and clubhouse, and there is also an excellent professional shop at the club run by Warren and Adrian Marshall and the facilities on offer are as good as it gets

FEATURES 18 holes of parkland golf Two practice areas Putting green Sky TV Snooker table Well stocked professional shop Superb clubhouse with well appointed bar, lounge and dining areas Locker and changing rooms Ample car parking CADDY’S TIP Accuracy from the tee is paramount - it’s not always a driver SIGNATURE HOLE There are arguments for the 12th and 17th but most will pick the par five ninth.

A sharp dog-leg to the right, it’s not particularly long at 502 yards from the medal tee, but it is very much a risk and reward for those brave enough to cut the corner

OUR VERDICT It has been a pleasure to play Heworth over the years and it continues to offer an excellent test of your game NORTHERN GOLFER 35

GOLFERGEAR

Close season, new gear The end of the golf season brings at least one thing to look forward to – new releases from the game’s biggest names. This month’s include new clothing and bags from Mizuno, more red hot flat sticks from TaylorMade, high tech apparel from PING for the winter months, stylish footwear from Stuburt, and powerful new hybrids from Titleist.

JAPANESE STYLE

Mizuno AW17 apparel and golf bags Apparel RRP: from £40 Bags RRP: from £100 golf.mizunoeurope.com Mizuno has introduced clothing from its Japanese collection to Europe for the first time with sophisticated fabrics and styling on offer. The new line-up includes the Impermalite F20 Rain Jacket and Pants - Mizuno’s most popular waterproof in Japan as well as an expanded range of Breath Thermo garments and the Tech Shield Jacket and Move Tech Trouser. Mizuno has also unveiled a new collection of golf bags including five lightweight carry bags and three cart bags in a range of styles and sizes.

RED HOT

TaylorMade TP Red putters RRP: £239 www.taylormadegolf.eu On the back of the success of its current line-up of red hot putters, TaylorMade has released six new TP Collection designs.

Each features Pure Roll technology – as used by Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Rahm and Jason Day - the Tour Red finish and interchangeable sole weights with the six mallet heads available with 34ins or 35ins shaft options.

LATEST TECH

PING 2017 Autumn/Winter apparel RRP: from £60 www.ping.com PING has revealed details of its 2017 Autumn/Winter apparel ranges – the brand’s most technologically advanced collections to date combining industry-leading apparel technologies and performance driven fabrics with detailed craftsmanship. The new releases include PrimaLoft lightweight, breathable and water resistant jackets as well as Zero Gravity Tour waterproof suits and more.

GOLFERGEAR WALK THIS WAY

Stuburt AW17 footwear RRP: from £64.99 www.stuburt.com

British golf footwear brand Sturburt has announced its new footwear for 2017. The collection features affordable, performance footwear with the Helium Tour eVent, a contemporary and sporty look; Vapour Tour eVent, casual and spikeless; and Classic Tour eVent, stylish and traditional, shoes incorporating eVent ® waterproof fabrics and available now.

HYBRID POWER

Titleist 818 hybrids RRP: £225 www.titleist.co.uk

Titleist’s new 818 hybrids have been revealed – featuring the same technology which proved popular in the brand’s latest driver. The new 818H1 and 818H2 hybrids have numerous crossover technologies seen in Titleist’s 917 driver including the Active Recoil Channel 2.0 system which generates faster ball speeds across the face, and the SureFit CG weights and Titleist’s SureFit Hosel which provide precision fitting options for every player.

IN THE BAG With Britain’s tallest man Paul Sturgess

Britain’s tallest man Paul Sturgess was part of the celebrity line-up for the British Masters pro am at Close House and we thought a look into his golf bag, recently kitted out by PING, would give an interesting insight into what it takes to custom fit a 7ft 7ins basketball player.

Paul, who has been part of the Harlem Globetrotters for four years, is capable of slam-dunking a basketball while barely leaving the ground as well as being able to drive a golf ball out of the driving range at Close House.

As you’d expect, his clubs are longer than standard - his driver measuring 48ins - while each club is fitted with a Golf Pride Jumbo grip and 15 wraps of tape Here’s what’s in his bag…

Driver: PING G400 12˚ 48ins Tour 75 X-Stiff shaft

Fairway: PING G400 5-wood +2.5ins Tour 75 X-Stiff shaft

Hybrid: PING G400 22˚ +3ins Tour 85 X shaft

Irons: PING G400 4-PW +4ins Project X 6.0 shaft

Putter: PING Sigma G Kinloch CB

Wedges: PING Glide 2.0 50˚, 54˚ & 58˚ +4ins Project X 6.0 shaft NORTHERN GOLFER 37

DRIVINGRANGES

HOBSON GOLF CLUB

HOME ON THE

FLOODLIT DRIVING RANGE Opening Times: SUMMERTIME: Mon – Fri 8am-8pm, Sat & Sun 7am-6pm WINTERTIME: Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-7pm, Sat & Sun 7am-5pm PRICING: Pay coins at range - £1 for 20 balls Range top up cards, available for huge bulk buy savings BURNOPFIELD, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, NE16 6BZ

TEL: 01207 270941 E-MAIL: SECRETARY@HOBSONGOLFCLUB.CO.UK WWW.THEHOBSONGOLFCLUB.CO.UK

ROSEBERRY GRANGE GOLF CLUB

15 BAY DRIVING RANGE

‘GET INTO GOLF’ STARTER CENTRE

WINTER GREEN FEES OFFER £10 PER ROUND (INC SOUP & BUN) EVERYONE WELCOME

GRANGE VILLA, CHESTER LE STREET, COUNTY DURHAM DH2 3NF WWW.ROSEBERRYGRANGE.COM | TEL: 0191 370 0660

- 2 FOR 1 ON LARGE BASKETS - FLOODLIT OUTFIELD - POWER TEES - SRIXON BALLS

01670 791562 enquiries@longhirstgolf.co.uk www.longhirstgolf.co.uk 8AM TILL 8PM, LAST BALLS AT 7PM

The GEOrge washington golf club b

GW GOLF

DRIViNG RANGE E Nights drawing in - don't let that STOP you from keeping your game up to scratch!!

We have - 16 heated bays - 6 power tees - flight scope training baysv - relaxng half way house - custom fit - Loyalty Card giving up to 30% discount!

- Coaching from our TWO PGA PROFESSIONALS *when topping up with £10 of range balls. 1 per person. (T&Cs apply)

Call the Pro Shop on 0191 417 8346

gsd@georgewashington.co.uk

38 NORTHERN GOLFER

•

www.georgewashington.co.uk

•

NE37 1PH UK

RANGE

Cocken Lodge Golf Course

Practice makes perfect - it’s time to hit the range

W

ith the summer season now over, it’s now time to work on your game and there’s nowhere better than one of our region’s state-of-the-art driving ranges. Whether you’re perfecting your ball striking, working with one of our region’s best teaching professionals or trying to find an extra 20 yards from the tee this winter, pack up your clubs and head down to the range...

Winter opening times from October 30th, Mon-Fri 9 - 8pm, Sat-Sun 9-5pm Floodlit Range, winter offer buy two tokens and receive a hot drink

For further information contact

0191 584 1053

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

The GEOrge washington golf club b

GW GOLF

DRIViNG RANGE E Nights drawing in - don't let that STOP you from keeping your game up to scratch!!

We have - 16 heated bays - 6 power tees - flight scope training baysv - relaxng half way house - custom fit - Loyalty Card giving up to 30% discount!

- Coaching from our TWO PGA PROFESSIONALS *when topping up with £10 of range balls. 1 per person. (T&Cs apply)

Call the Pro Shop on 0191 417 8346

gsd@georgewashington.co.uk

•

www.georgewashington.co.uk

•

NE37 1PH UK

SHARPLEY SPRINGS GOLF CLUB

14 bay floodlit driving range, with power tees and grass bays Wider Comfortable Bays | Free use of the Academy Putting/Chipping Green 120 Balls £5.00 | Tokens & £1 coins accepted SHARPLEY GOLF CLUB, SEATON, SEAHAM, SR7 0NP 0191 513 1100 | info@sharpleygolf.co.uk | @Sharpleygolf

PARKLANDS DRIVING RANGE 28 FLOODLIT BAYS OPEN EVERYDAY 9AM TO 7PM BUY OUR RANGE VOUCHERS AND SAVE MONEY

Next month we’ll be taking a look at our region’s finest links courses.

To be part of the feature contact Doug Brolls, doug@offstonepublishing.co.uk, tel 07721 031 482 or Laura Charlton, laura@offstonepublishing.co.uk, tel 01661 844 155

Telephone: 0191 236 4480 info@parklandsgolf.co.uk | www.parklandsgolf.co.uk Parklands Golf Club, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HP NORTHERN GOLFER 39

MATCHPLAYPAIRS

Game, set…

Match Play Pairs reaches final stages

UNLIMITED GOLF OFFERS AT AMENDOEIRA GOLF RESORT Faldo and O’Connor Golf Courses, Algarve

2016 Match Play Pairs winner Graeme Robson in action

F

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

our teams remain in the 2017 Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs tournament with the semi-finals and final taking place at Middlesbrough Golf Club in October – where the winning pair will receive a trip to the stunning Onyria Palmares Beach Golf Resort for the NE/NW PGA Portugal Pro Am. This year’s winners will receive a place in the pro am 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 See all the results and round draws 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

Quarter-final results Match 57 John Potts & Graeme Robson (Ramside) won 4&3 V Alan Brady & Matthew Harper (Durham City) Match 58 Andrew Foster & Stephen Foster (Romanby) V Matthew Sibley & David Wainman (Eaglescliffe) won 3&1

40 NORTHERN GOLFER

Match 59 Luke Eustace & Mark Kelly (Selby) won 6&4 V Chris Wright & John Walton (Bellingham) Match 60 Peter Newman & Jason Green (Brancepeth) V Steve Slater & Andy O’neil (City of Newcastle) won 19th hole

Semi-final draw Match 61 John Potts & Graeme Robson (Ramside) V Matthew Sibley & David Wainman (Eaglescliffe) Match 62 Luke Eustace & Mark Kelly (Selby) V Steve Slater & Andy O’neil (City of Newcastle)

MATCHES TO BE PLAYED ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 8 AT MIDDLESBROUGH GOLF CLUB THE FINAL WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 15 AT MIDDLESBROUGH GOLF CLUB

ADVERTORIAL

WONDERFUL WHITBURN It’s been a period of spectacular progress recently for one of Durham County’s friendliest clubs Whitburn.

Boasting stunning coastline views of Marsden and Frenchman’s Bay, and the River Tyne harbour, the Lizard Lane course has never looked or played better following carefully considered improvements to its 18-hole, 6,000yard course.

New equipment, including a greens flat iron, signage and furniture plus extensive bunker and drainage improvements, have seen a return of wonderful putting surfaces and yearround playability on this enjoyable course for golfers of every standard.

And with recently-appointed Greg Jobling heading up the professional’s shop, with clubs and buggy hire and a new BRS online booking system in operation getting to play one of the North East’s most enjoyable courses is stress-free.

Major improvements have also been made in the clubhouse with the opening of a second downstairs lounge

adjacent to the dining room.

New carpeting and furniture means Whitburn now has two lounges which can accommodate 50 people downstairs and 100 people upstairs both are wheelchair friendly.

Whitburn is determined to improve the experience of winter golfers. The committee is committed to playing the course close to it’s full length throughout the winter months. Play will be from tees, players will then play from fairways (rather than placing in the rough) onto the standard summer greens. With golf being a 12 month sport for many, Whitburn is seeking to ensure that its competitive advantage of a course with good natural drainage serves hardy winter players well and that they enjoy their game. With this in mind a winter membership is available from November 1 for £200. With superb views, reduced winter membership, green fee discounts and superb catering Whitburn will undoubtedly be on many golfers itinerary over the winter months.

WHITBURN GOLF CLUB GREEN FEES - WINTER RATES (29th October 2017 to 24th March 2018) WEEKDAYS

Golf, Soup & roll or drink £15.00 Adults (unaccompanied) £14.00 Adults (with a member) £13.00 Juniors (see conditions) £12.00 ** 4 ball ** £55.00 Twilight (After 1pm) £12.00

WEEKENDS/BANK HOLIDAYS

Golf, Soup & roll or drink) £18.00 Adults (unaccompanied) £17.00 Adults (with a member) £14.00 Juniors (see conditions) £14.00 ** 4 ball ** £65.00 *** Saturday Discount (After 1pm) *** £12.00 *** Sunday Discount (After 1pm) *** £12.00

WINTER MEMBERSHIP

£200

Commences 1st November 2017 Ceases 24th March 2018

(when clocks change) No restrictions. Option to join for rest of 2018 for £500. Please contact The Secretary for further details - 0191 529 2177 (opt 1) or wgcsec@hotmail.com

Mens Winter Open

Saturday 11th November 2017

4BBB Stableford – 9/10ths Hcp Allowance MAX 24hcp (Must be an active registered CONGU hcp) Tees available from 8am-12:30pm

Entry fee £16 per couple

WHITBURN GOLF CLUB, LIZARD LANE, SOUTH SHIELDS, TYNE AND WEAR. NE34 7AF TEL: (0191) 529 2144/2177/2180/4210 – Secretary Option 1, Clubhouse Option 2, Professional Option 3 www.whitburngolfclub.co.uk twitter: @whitburn_golf email: wgcsec@hotmail.com NORTHERN GOLFER 41

GOLFERTIPS

TAKE CONTROL The best players have a great awareness of where the clubface is pointing and use this to have control over the golf ball and its flight.

A good thought to gain control of the clubface is to imagine the logo on the back of your glove is a mirror of the clubface – perfectly reflecting its angle in relation to your target.

Think about that the next time you’re hitting balls on the range and you can start working out which position your hands are relative to the ball for the shape of the shot you’re trying to hit.

42 NORTHERN GOLFER

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

HIT LONGER, HIT STRAIGHTER R £20 FO LD YOUR O RY E T T A B EN YOU BUY

Have your clubs correctly fitted

NORTH EAST TROLLEY REPAIR SPECIALIST

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW FULL REPORT ON: Grips | Shafts | Lofts | Lies

- WH LITHIUM A NEW R TROLLEY YO BATTER H LITHIUM IT W

We’re Open 9am - 5.30pm Mon - Sat T: 0191 2702362 E: info@zflgolf.co.uk www.golfgear4less.co.uk

Unit 8d, North Tyne Ind. Estate, NE12 9SZ – Opposite ASDA Benton.

Two minutes from A19 Whitley Bay Exit on A191 Old Coast Road

PowerBug, Motocaddy, Powakaddy, Hillbilly & more WE STOCK BATTERIES, CHARGERS AND SPARES

PowerBug GT £399 with Mini Lithium 27 Hole Battery

NORTHERN GOLFER 43

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 November 2, 2017. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT WHITLEY BAY GOLF CLUB Whitley Bay Golf Club has a long history as one of our region’s finest courses, from hosting the likes of Seve Ballesteros in the early 1970s through to its most recent renovations this year. A must-play venue year-round, expect high quality putting surfaces and a challenging layout.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Who will captain the 2018 European Ryder Cup team?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT CHESTER-LE-STREET

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT NEWBIGGIN GOLF CLUB

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT BEAMISH PARK GC

Set in the shadow of Lumley Castle, the parkland layout at Chester-le-Street is a strategic test of your golfing ability with penal bunkering and ancient trees challenging the best players. Not the longest course, recent changes have opened up views and improved the course further.

Laid out by Mungo Park on the rugged Northumberland coastline, Newbiggin Golf Club is a fine links test. Expect superb greens throughout the year here - and a stiff wind more often than not. The key here is accuracy with huge greens testing the best putters should you end up a long way from the pin.

The classic English parkland layout at Beamish Park is one of Co Durham’s finest with tall trees flanking its fairways and fast, undulating greens testing the very best players. A regular venue for county events, Beamish has produced some of the county’s best players in its long history.

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

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: In which year did Tiger Woods last win a major championship?

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: In which year was the PGA Cup match played at Slaley Hall?

Congratulations to last month’s competition winners: Woodham G&CC: Derek Garthwaite of Eaglescliffe Matfen Hall: Caroline Percival of Bishop Auckland • Tyneside GC: Malcolm Black of Gosforth • Slaley Hall (Instagram): @Donko84 44 NORTHERN GOLFER

WIN YOUR CHANCE TO

TITLEIST STADRY CART BAG WORTH

£189

LAST MONTHS WINNER - CHRIS WOODHAMS FROM CLEVELAND GOLF CLUB.

QUESTION : WHICH TITLEIST STAFF PLAYER WON THE 2017 USPGA CHAMPIONSHIP? A : MATT KUCHAR

|

B : LUKE DONALD

|

C : JUSTIN THOMAS

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

WWW.ORIGINALGREEN.CO.UK VISIT US INSTORE AT LONGHIRST HALL GOLF COURSE

£10 OFF

0% FINANCE AVAILABLE • CALL 01670 790439 FOR MORE INFO • FREE CUSTOM FITTING

WHEN YOU SPEND OVER £100 IN STORE. PRESENT THIS VOUCHER TO A MEMBER OF STAFF

Longhirst Hall G.C. N O R T H U M B E R L A N D

2017 WINTER MEMBERSHIP FOR JUST £125 1ST NOVEMBER 2017 - 31ST MARCH 2018

PLAY ANYTIME WEEKDAYS, OR AFTER 10AM ON WEEKENDS COME AND BE PART OF OUR FANTASTIC GOLF COMPLEX! 01670 791562 | enquiries@longhirstgolf.co.uk | www.longhirstgolf.co.uk

T&C’S APPLY

from the

bunker

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

Congratulations to Rudding Park, which shared £6,300 with 12 local charities as part of its Charity Hole in One Shoot Out. Each charity team had 30 minutes to hit as many balls as they could - aiming to get a hole-in-one to claim the prize fund. On the day 5,000 balls were hit onto the green,

though no one managed an ace – with the charities instead sharing the prize fund.

James King, Rudding Park golf manager, said: “We raised the prize fund over the last three years with our hole-in-one competition.

The Charity Shoot Out was a fantastic event, very well supported and we were thrilled that in the end all the participants got to benefit.”

United Carlton’s annual golf day at Close House raised more than £3,000 for Changing Lives.

North East-based United Carlton, which provides managed print solutions, invited guests to the Best of British event to raise money for the Newcastle-based charity which supports venerable people around the UK. Stephen Bell OBE, chief executive of Changing Lives, attended the golf day

and was overwhelmed by the support and generosity shown by his fellow golfers. He said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to United Carlton, and all of the golfers who have turned out for the event.

“The day has been fantastically organised and great fun, with it all being for a good cause too. The money raised by the golf day will make a huge difference to our lifechanging services across the country.”

Well done to all.

46 NORTHERN GOLFER

Following the theme of this month’s cover, congratulations to David and Gemma Turner – winners of their respective club championships at Hobson Golf Club this year.

David followed up his club success with a third place finish in the Champion of Champions in partnership with Lookers Renault at Ramside Hall, as Gemma finished in a tie for 12th place in the ladies event.

Got a great story to tell? Email editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

Last month we caught up with Richard Hannam, the Prudhoe golfer who had a chance to win £1m at The Belfry in the Million Dollar Hole In One Challenge.

Alas, Richard didn’t make the ace – though he’s continuing his quest to complete his golfing goals for 2017 having shot a score lower than his age and made a trip to St Andrews this year – just that elusive first ace to go!

END OF SEASON GOLF CLEARANCE SALE SAVE £££S

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NEW QUALITY EPIC/ EPIC PRO AUTHORISED CUSTOM FIT EPIC SPECIALIST. ALL DEMONSTRATION IRONS STOCKED & ALL SHAFT OPTIONS AVAILABLE AT NO EXTRA COST! TOP PART EXCHANGES GIVEN, CALL IN TODAY , YOU WON’T BE DISSAPOINTED.

CLEARANCE ON PREMIUM DOZEN GOLF BALLS SEE IN STORE FOR CLEARANCE PRICES

2018 NEW MIZUNO AUTUMN WINTER CLOTHING RANGE IN STOCK. DISCOUNTED PRICES ON ALL STOCK

NEW FOOTJOY / STUBURT/ HI TECH WINTER GOLF BOOTS IN STOCK . ALL 2016/2017 RANGE 25% OFF NORMAL PRICE

(2018 MODELS) NEW TITLEIST 718 AP3, 718 AP2, 718 CB FORGED, 718 AP1, 718 T-MB

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR WATERPROOF JACKETS / TROUSERS (30% OFF ALL SELECTED SUITS) WE STOCK, GALVIN GREEN, MIZUNO, TITLEIST, PRO-QUIP, CROSS, SUN ICE, STUBURT, CALLAWAY AND MORE

(NEW CUSTOM FIT CLUBS IN STOCK) (AUTHORISED TITLEIST FITTING CENTER)

WAS £99.00

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UNBEATABLE OFFERS ON MOTOCADDY / POWAKADDY TROLLEYS THIS MONTH, CALL IN NOW AND SPEAK TO US FOR THE VERY BEST BUNDLE DEALS

SALE ON MANY CART GOLF BAGS

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ONLY £54.99 QUALITY TITLEIST/ CALLAWAY, LYNX, GOLF BAGS SAVE 30% NOW FROM ONLY £79.99

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FANTASTIC SAVINGS THIS MONTH ON SWEATERS,SHIRTS, WATERPROOF CLOTHING & WINDPROOF GARMENTS 30- 50 % DISCOUNT ON SELECTED LINES

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SPECIAL OFFER - WHILE STOCKS LAST PURCHASE ANY 716 AP1 OR AP2 IRONS THIS MONTH AND RECEIVE A FREE TITLEIST RESCUE CLUB WORTH

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GALVIN GREEN MAJOR STOCKIST,

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NEW ISLAND GREEN AUTUMN/ WINTER CLOTHING IN STOCKAMAZINGLY LOW PRICES. SPEND £50.00 OR MORE AND RECEIVE A FREE HAT WORTH £14.99

PRICE PROMISE

AS ALWAYS WE GUARANTEE TO BETTER ANY COMPETITORS PART EXCHANGE DEAL ON IRONS/ WOODS SEEN A PRICE OR DEAL, CALL IN AND SPEAK TO US YOU WON’T BE DISSAPOINTED

NEW MIZUNO ( NEW IRONS IN STOCK) MP-18 MCC-FLI HI • MP-18 SC MP-18 MCC/ TUNGSTEN/ TITANIUM MP-18 BLADE ALL DEMO MODELS / SHAFT OPTIONS AVAILABLE CALL IN FOR A FREE CUSTOM FIT (AUTHORISED MIZUNO FITTING CENTER)

NEW FOOTJOY AUTUMN WINTER COLLECTION (NOW IN STOCK)

WE PRICE CHECK ALL OUR STOCK ONLINE TO MAKE SURE YOU GET THE LOWEST PRICE ALWAYS (PRICE PROMISE) How to find our superstore Leave A1 (m) at junction 63 Chester-le-Street and follow B693 to Stanley, turn left onto B6532 (Asda roundabout), follow road to end and turn right, pass Blomfomtein School and follow sign to South Moor Golf Club

Your No 1 Discount Golf Store

Shaun Cowell PGA Golf Professional - Tel: 01207 283 525 South Moor Golf Club Superstore, Craghead, Stanley, DH9 6AG

Open Mon - Sun 9am - 6pm Early opening at weekends All major credit cards accepted

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.

WORK HAS COMMENCED ON MAJOR RE-DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THREE MORE HOLES OPENS 2018

SENIORS – Wednesday 18th April MIXED – Sunday 5th May MENS AMATUER – Saturday 26th May LADIES – Wednesday 30th May SENIORS – Monday 11th June SENIORS – Tuesday 31st July 4 PLAYER TEAM CHALLENGE – 18th August LADIES AM-AM – Wednesday 22nd August Contact: Secretary 0191 388 3218 or email: clsgco�ce@tiscali.co.uk | PGA Professional 0191 388 2333 Chester le Street Golf Club, Lumley Park, County Durham, DH3 4NS

www.clsgolfclub.co.uk