Northern Golfer magazine #64 - June 2018

FREE

AT GOLF CLUBS IN THE NORTH EAST AND YORKSHIRE - ISSUE

NORTHERN

64

JUNE 2018

northerngolfer.co.uk

STAY AND PLAY

GREAT DEALS ON OFFER MULTIPLE WINNERS

FAMILIAR NAMES TAKE THE HONOURS REVIEWED

ALLENDALE GOLF CLUB

CHAMPION CHRIS MAKES THE GRADE AND KEEPS HIS AMBITIONS ON TRACK

LIFE IS FINE AND HANDY WIN FOURBALLS AT ALLENDALE, MATFEN, ROCKLIFFE & WHICKHAM

TIM JENKINS GOLF SUPERSTORES

CLEVELAND GOLF CLUB, MAJUBA ROAD, REDCAR TS10 5BJ 01642 498772

SUMMER SAVERS

Never Beaten on Price

SPECIAL OFFER IRON SETS

WEB: www.timjenkinsgolf.co.uk | EMAIL: info@timjenkinsgolf.co.uk

AP1 716 5-SW WERE £649

£499

AP2 716 4-PW WERE £749

£599

FREE CUSTOM FITTING

Z-FORCE 5-SW WERE £429

£299

CASTLE EDEN GOLF CLUB, CASTLE EDEN, HARTLEPOOL TS27 4SS 01429 836689

G IRONS 5-SW WERE £569

£419

FREE CUSTOM FITTING

STEELHEAD XR 4-SW WERE £749

JPX EZ WERE £599

£329

FREE CUSTOM FITTING

£669

LAST SET

G30 IRONS 5-SW WERE £519

£399 M2 IRONS 5-SW WERE £559

£399

FREE CUSTOM FITTING

£100 FOR YOUR OLD DRIVER IN PART EXCHANGE AGAINST ANY OF THESE DRIVERS T’S & C’S APPLY MUST BE A RECOGNISED BRAND, MUST BE IN RESALEABLE CONDITION - I.E. NO SKY MARKS AND NO WEAR MARKS ON THE SHAFT. TJ GOLF RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DECIDE IF A CLUB IS RESALEABLE.

NEW XR SPEED RRP £329

£299

YOU PAY £199 WITH PART EXCHANGE

NEW ST -180 RRP £369

£349

YOU PAY £249 WITH PART EXCHANGE

NEW M4 RRP £379

£349

YOU PAY £249 WITH PART EXCHANGE

ROGUE RRP £479

£429

YOU PAY £349 WITH PART EXCHANGE

G400 RRP £379

£349

YOU PAY £249 WITH PART EXCHANGE

20% OFF WATERPROOF CART BAGS MOTOCADDY DRI-SERIES CART 100% WATERPROOF

CALLAWAY HYPERDRY 100% WATERPROOF

MIZUNO BR-D-RI 100% WATERPROOF

TAYLOR MADE 100% WATERPROOF

LESS 20% £159.20

LESS 20% £183.20

LESS 20% £175.20

LESS 20% £175.20

£199

£229

Powakaddy Part Exchange Deal £65 For Your Old Electric Trolley In Part Exchange For A New Lithium FW3s, FW5s Or Compact 2 + Free Accessory + Plus Free Service Worth £35

JUNE OFFER

£219

VOKEY SM6 WEDGES

£89.99

VARIOUS LOFTS BOUNCES

£219

JUNE OFFER

816 HYBRIDS WERE £199

£109

20% OFF OUR LADIES SUMMER CLOTHING COLLECTION SHORTS, SKORTS, TROUSERS & SHIRTS

NEVER BEATEN ON PRICE

golfer N OR TH ER N

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

ADVERTISING

01661 844 115 Follow us @negolfer Like us /northerngolferuk Follow us @northerngolferuk

Published by:

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

EDITOR’S NOTE AND CONTENTS The season is very much in full swing and the leaderboards across the region are displaying some familiar names.

Jessica Hall, Andy Minnikin and Ami Storey are just three of the serial winners in this month’s issue and they are showing no sign of giving their opponents a look in. Congratulations to them all.

Another young golfer who has his feet on the ground and his ambitions very much within his grasp is our cover star Chris Handy.

In a fascinating interview with Dean Bailey, the Durham county champion charts his career so far with nothing to suggest he will not soon be challenging to become a professional.

While on the subject of congratulations, it is a word our columnist Chris Paisley and his wife Keri have heard many times this year following their double act as golfer and caddy at the South African Open.

Well, I am sure all our readers will join in saying it to them again on the news they are due to become parents to a little girl in October, and wish them well through the pregnancy. You can read his thoughts on life on and off the golf course on page 21.

Our special feature this month focuses on great deals to stay and play while we travel a short distance from our Tyne Valley base to review Allendale in Northumberland, which boasts some of the most spectacular views you will see on any golf course.

Thankfully, the much-improved weather has allowed outstanding competitions from 2017 to reach their conclusion. Malton & Norton deserve a special mention for pulling the rabbits from the hat - find out more on page 11.

Our popular Match Play Pairs is off to a fast start with the preliminary round complete and the first round well underway. You can catch up with the very latest on our website www.northerngolfer.co.uk This issue also features the latest gear, presents an argument to create a fifth major, highlights the success of junior golf, provides great advice to sharpen up your short game, and gives you the opportunity to win fourballs at four of the region’s best courses.

What’s not to like? Until next time, happy golfing.

©Offstone Publishing 2018. All rights reserved.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press.

Offstone Publishing cannot accept responsibility for errors of inaccuracies in such information. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Offstone Publishing a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine. All material is sent at your own risk and although every care is taken, neither Offstone Publishing nor it’s employees, agents or subcontractors shall be held liable resulting for loss or damage. Offstone Publishing endeavors to respect the intellectual property of owners of copyrighted material reproduced herein. If you identify yourself as the copyright holder of material we have wrongly attributed, please contact the office. Offstone Publishing do not guarantee the insertion of any particular advertisement on a specified date or at all.

10-20 TEEING OFF

King of the Castle, scratch trio’s triumph, Life of Ryan, and a monumental effort for charity

23 TOUR LIFE

Chris Paisley has some happy family news

29 DEAN BAILEY

It’s time for a fifth major

The latest trends, fashion and equipment

34 MATCHPLAY PAIRS

FRONT COVER

Round one is underway

Chris Handy tells us about winning back-to-back Durham county championships

30 ALLENDALE GOLF CLUB

Multiple winners, minigolfers success and the top rabbits revealed, plus more news from across the region

32 GEAR

Paul Robertson, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

42 TIPS

Pitch perfect with Matfen Hall’s John Harrison

Pages 24-26 When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

04-08 TEEING OFF

37 STAY & PLAY SPECIAL 44 COMPETITIONS

Win fourballs at Rockliffe Hall, Matfen Hall, Whickham and Allendale

46 BUNKER

Golfing tales from around the world and happy readers NORTHERN GOLFER 03

TEEINGOFF

Women on par in Durham

Golf clubs in Co Durham are backing England Golf’s drive to get more women beginners playing.

Six clubs across the county are joining the England Golf campaign this season and will be offering a series of fun playing days for new golfers.

The events started in May at Seaton Carew Golf Club and more events will take place this summer at Bishop Auckland Golf Club (June 10 at 1.30pm), Eaglescliffe Golf Club (July 4 at 5.15pm), Garesfield Golf Club (July 12 at 5.15pm), Dinsdale Golf Club (August 11 at 3pm) and Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club (September 8 at 1.30pm).

The playing days are for women who have taken part in Get into Golf coaching sessions and want support to try their new skills on the course. They are designed to help the players build confidence, make friends and have a laugh together. The events are played on short courses or nine-hole layouts suitable for beginners. They all have shotgun starts so the players start and finish together and can socialise after play.

Mike Greener, England Golf club support officer for Durham, said: “It’s great that golf clubs within Co Durham and the Ladies’ Association are committed to growing women’s golf.

“These events have been put together to support beginners and those returning to the game, allowing them to experience golf on a golf course in a relaxed, fun and social atmosphere.

More details at www.getintogolf.org 04 NORTHERN GOLFER

Jessica Hall

Hall’s treble top

J

essica Hall made it a hattrick of Durham County Ladies’ Championships with a decisive victory at Brancepeth Castle.

Jessica, who has been part of the final five times, led the 36-hole qualifying by 17 strokes with rounds of 71 and 75 before producing unrivalled golf in the weekend’s match play rounds to lift the trophy. In the final against Billingham’s Alice Jones, Jessica

sealed a convincing win at the 14th hole having raced to 6up through six holes.

“It’s fantastic to win the county championship again,” said Jessica.

“I played really well in the strokeplay qualifying to lead it on four under-par. From there, I didn’t play much on Saturday with a bye and getting a concession after nine holes but I had a lot of confidence still for Sunday and put together two good wins.”

Captain Chris The Northumberland Golf Club’s Chris Hilton will serve as captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in 2018/19.

Chris (pictured) has been nominated as captain by the past captains of the club and will begin his year in office with the traditional driving-in ceremony on the first

tee of the Old Course on Friday, September 21.

Born in Newcastle, Chris has been a member of The R&A since 2000.

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Chris is a past captain of The Northumberland and is a member of Bamburgh.

Jessica will be playing a full schedule of national events this summer before heading off to the US with a golf scholarship at California State University, Fresno.

“I’m really happy to have the county championship trophy back and can’t wait to play in the national events this summer,” she added. “I’m all set for university, we’ve got all the prep done and I can’t wait to get out there and start my college golf career.”

TEEINGOFF

Back in the winners’ circle

A

ndy Minnikin’s stellar Northumberland county career continued with victory in the opening event of the 2018 season – the North & South Trophy at Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club.

Minnikin, who last lifted the trophy in 2015 as part of his clean sweep of the county’s strokeplay titles, shot rounds of 68 and 71 to win on countback ahead of The Northumberland’s Michael Burrow (68-71) and Westerhope’s Will Wilkinson (66-73).

“To win around Dunstanburgh is always a great start to the season,” said Minnikin. “I was in really good form going into the event having won over in Appleby at the start of the year and I’ve put some good work in on the practice ground.

“It was nice to have two really solid rounds at a tough track which doesn’t give up a lot of birdies.

“There weren’t any big moments; I was just really steady for 36 holes

Andy Minnkin (right) receiving the trophy from Dunstanburgh captain Keith Wilson

and made just four bogeys.

“Since then I’ve got my handicap down to plusfour, my lowest ever mark, which I’m really proud of while working a full week, having a busy family life and getting a bit older.

“There’s a lot to look forward to individually and in the county side this summer - I can’t wait to get out and play more golf.”

During the event, Wilkinson broke the course record at Dunstanburgh with a superb 66 in the first round. The Westerhope-based junior was selected to represent the men’s county side for the first time following his performance.

For a full report on the opening weekend of county matches across the region, see page 6.

Former world number one and Ryder Cup legend Lee Westwood has donated thousands of pounds worth of personal memorabilia, golfing items and designer clothing to Shelter in Edinburgh. Among the donations were several of Lee’s Ryder Cup team caps and visors as well as mementos for his 25 years on the European Tour.

NORTHERN GOLFER 05

TEEINGOFF

County clashes under way Durham cruised to a 13.54.5 win over Cheshire in the opening round of Northern Counties Golf Union matches.

Durham won all six of the morning foursomes matches to take a commanding lead into the afternoon singles, where they won four of the first five matched en-route to a convincing win at Tyneside Golf Club. Stefan Labuschagne, who is at Durham University, won his first two points for the county as Durham City’s Andy Bell holed a 30ft putt on the final green for victory and to win his county colours.

In the opening weekends other matches, Northumberland put in a good performance despite losing 11-7 to Yorkshire at Ponteland Golf Club while Lancashire beat Cumbria 13-5 at Eden Golf Club.

Pros share the spoils

T

he NE/NW PGA schedule is in full swing and professionals from across the region have topped the leaderboards in the early events.

Graham Cox (Lymm), Martyn Jobling (Morpeth) and James Harper (Wynyard) each shot rounds of two under-par to share top spot in the Penrith Pro Am. James Wilkinson (Penrith Golf and Footgolf Centre) and Craig Goodfellow (Carlisle Golf Centre and Driving Range) finished a shot further back with rounds of 68.

In the WaterAid Pro Am at Linden Hall, Simon Robinson (Sharpley) went it alone with his round of 68 good enough to claim a solo place at the top of the leaderboard. There was however a three-way tie for second place as Goodfellow, Michael Pilgrim (Bishop Auckland) and Jonathan Richardson (Hexham) finished a shot further back with their rounds of 69. Meanwhile, in the Hexham Golf Club Pro Series event, Simon Calvert took the honours with

James Harper

Simon Calvert

Martyn Jobling

a round of 67 and climbed the order of merit to second place. He finished one clear of home professional Andy Paisley, who maintained his position at the top of the NE/NW PGA Order of Merit after the fourth event of

the season. Northern Golfer tips pro John Harrison finished third with a round of 69.

For all the latest news and scores from the NE/NW PGA visit www.nenwpga.co.uk

Castle Eden Golf Club 18 Hole picturesque parkland course MEMBERSHIPS All categories available - Flexible payment options

JUNIORS UNDER THE AGE OF ELEVEN GO FREE AT CEGC (Free for a relation of a full seven-day member) Contact the club secretary for details.

SOCIETIES Golf Packages from £20 per person for further details on the above telephone the Secretary on 01429 836510 or email secretary@castleedengolfclub.co.uk VISITORS Summer 4 Ball £100 To book or for further details

telephone the Pro Shop on 01429 836689

Castle Eden Golf Club, Castle Eden, TS27 4SS www.castleedengolfclub.co.uk 06 NORTHERN GOLFER

TEEINGOFF

Wallace graduates with honours

H

artlepool’s Cameron Wallace capped off his college golf career with a major win at St Andrews.

The 18-year-old Dyke House College student saw off more than 40 other hopefuls from across Britain to land the Association of Colleges Championship with the lowest winning score in the history of the event. Wallace recorded rounds of 69 and 70 over the Kittocks and Fairmont courses for a four underpar total of 139.

He picked up the win in the nick of time due to the age limitations of the tournament restricting the entrants to 18 years and under making this his last chance to win the event.

“I could have played even better,” he said, “but at the end of the day I won. I can’t play again due to my age but this is a very good ending to my

Junior champions

Cameron Wallace college golf career.”

He played in the competition two years ago and was disappointed to finish runner-up. He then missed last year’s championship due to the pressure of studies.

In Scotland, he decided to attack

from the word go and he only missed two fairways over the two days.

He eventually finished two shots ahead of Jake Hibbert from Myerscough College while his score was also good enough to take the nett prize.

Blyth’s Jake Bullivant and Gosforth Park Ladies’ Libby Bell (pictured) have booked their places as players to watch in the future by winning the Northumberland Boys and Girls Match Play Championships.

Jake, a standout player among the boys county squad, produced superb golf throughout the week, including reaching three under-par in the final to beat Newbiggin’s Adam Wright.

Libby beat Whitley Bay’s Charlotte Pickering to lift her first county championship title.

GOLF SOCIETIES FROM £15PP BOOK NOW!

Membership to suit everyone!

Call us today to Join 2 YEAR NEW MEMBER DEAL

1st year - Only £350 - 2nd Year - Only £450 Address Ryton Golf Club Clara Vale, Ryton, Tyne & Wear, NE40 3TD

Contact Email: secretary@rytongolfclub.co.uk Phone: 0191 4133253 Website: www.rytongolfclub.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/RytonGolfClub NORTHERN GOLFER 07

TEEINGOFF

Jobling switch

Greg Jobling Greg Jobling is moving on from Whitburn Golf Club to take up a full-time teaching role at Sunderland Golf Centre.

The 33-year-old joins Gary Shipley and Graeme Steven as the Golf Centre’s coaching team and he said: “It’s an opportunity to concentrate more on the teaching side and also to play a bit more myself. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Jobling turned professional in 2013 and has coached previously at Close House and Durham City.

In his amateur career he was the 2010 Newcastle and District League Player of the Year, club champion at Morpeth and played for Northumberland county.

His brother Martyn is a pro at Morpeth Golf Club.

Skipper

Charlotte Naughton with Graeme Storm

Youngsters having a go at TriGolf at the Mini Storm Open at Wynyard

Solomon Canning with Graeme Storm

Kids lift the Storm clouds

G

lorious weather greeted players and spectators at the third Graeme Storm Junior Open at Hartlepool.

The tournament, run in association with Dyke House College - where Storm is a golf consultant, doubled up this year as a qualifier for both the Telegraph Junior Golf Championship and the North of England Under 14 Championship.

Freddie McKenna and Libby Bell won 11-14 gross titles while the nett prizes went to Jamie Skinner and Amy Buchan.

In the 15-18 category, Alex Buchanan and Charlotte Pickering took the gross prizes while the nett winners were Cara Weddell and Ben Suggitt.

A new tournament, the Mini Storm Open, for younger players aged 7-10, was held at Wynyard a few days later with Solomon Canning winning the boys event as Charlotte Naughton won the girls prize.

Storm, who is recovering from a wrist operation, was at both events and was full of praise for the players.

“I went out in the buggy, the kids did

Cameron Clark Cameron Clark, who learned his golf at Ponteland Golf Club in Newcastle, has been named captain of Great Britain & Ireland’s PGA Cup team as they attempt to claim a historic third consecutive victory over America in Texas next year.

Now the head PGA professional at Moor Hall Golf Club in the West Midlands, Cameron is no stranger to the biennial competition having been involved in the last two.

08 NORTHERN GOLFER

great, there was some fantastic golf from what I saw and the kids were loving it,” he said. “I would like to say thanks to my wife Sara because without her this event wouldn’t run like it does. I am away all the time so she does all the organising, the prep, writing the emails and deals with the flak - I don’t know how she does it all.”

Former Middlesbrough defender Colin Cooper was at both days supporting the event, which sees all the money raised - just over £4,000 - going to the charity set up in his son’s name, the Finlay Cooper Fund.

Ellie Givens

Ellie’s on board Co Durham-based Ellie Givens will be lending a helping hand to junior golfers across the Atlantic.

ProDreamUSA, the Glasgowbased golf scholarship consultancy, has appointed the Ladies European Tour pro as a regional associate.

Givens, from Darlington, is a former ProDreamUSA client who played college golf at the University of

Denver between 2007 and 2011.

Following her successful college career, Ellie turned pro and gained her tour card in 2012. She is still a full member of the tour and will combine competing with her new role at ProDreamUSA. She said: “My college golf experience was instrumental in my

journey to become a professional golfer and I can’t wait to help more junior golfers begin their college careers. To be able combine playing on the Ladies European Tour while working with the ProDreamUSA team is very exciting.”

BUILD YOUR GOLF BREAK PRICE PER PLAYER With the 2018 golf season upon us, we would like to offer you the chance to build your own golf break or take advantage of one of our pre planned golf breaks.

STEP 1. CHOOSE YOUR ACCOMMODATION 1 Night £35.00 2 Nights £60.00 3 Nights £90.00 4 Nights £105.00 5 Nights £110.00 6 Nights £120.00 7 Nights £125.00

STEP 2. CHOOSE YOUR COURSES Percy Wood – Midweek £22.00 Weekend £25.00 Dunstanburgh – Midweek £22.00 Weekend £25.00

Seahouses – Midweek £18.00 Weekend £24.00 Newbiggin – Midweek £20.00 Weekend £25.00 Morpeth – Midweek £15.00 Weekend £25.00 Percy Wood – Midweek £22.00 Weekend £25.00 Alnmouth Foxton - £30.00 anytime Alnwick - £21.00 anytime Burgham Park - £20.00 anytime

STEP 3. CHOOSE YOUR CATERING Bacon Roll & Coffee £5.00 Soup & Roll £5.00 1 Course Meal £12.50 2 Course Meal £16.00

01704 228886 Visit website www.percywood.com/golfing

For more information please visit our website or call us on

TEEINGOFF

What a great Storey

Fulford will host the R&A’s Girls Under 16 Championship for the next two years after a successful inaugural event, which saw Scotland’s Hannah Darling hole a closing birdie putt to seal the win. Whitley Bay’s Rosie Belsham finished 20th on 230 with Rachel Gourley (Arcot Hall) on 236.

B

lyth Golf Club’s Ami Storey has claimed the Northumberland Ladies county championship for a sixth time – beating defending champion Rosie Belsham in the final at Bedlingtonshire Golf Club.

In a tightly fought match, Rosie - who at 16 is in the middle of her GCSE exams - held Ami off until the 17th hole.

Ami, 29 and a plus one handicapper who is currently finishing a PhD at Aston University, said: “I don’t play a lot of golf now but this is my flagship event of the year. I’ve taken a week off my job and studies to be here”.

The event was packed with Northumberland’s best young female golfers, including a first appearance by 11-year-old Maggie Whitehead.

Ami, who spent three years in America on a golf scholarship, added: “It was a great experience to see the wealth of talent coming through.”

Ami Storey

Golf in Northumberland’s most spectacular setting

Allendale Golf Club

Home of Golf in the Wild. A member of the Tyne Valley Golf Alliance Golf all day - £18 9 holes - £12 Reduced rates available online www.allendale-golf.co.uk 07005 808246 secretary@allendale-golf.co.uk Societies welcome Contact 01434 683926 Opens throughout the summer months: www.brsgolf.com/allendale/opens_home.php

Full Membership: £290 Second Club Membership: £100 (play anytime but cannot enter member competitions)

Intermediates: £100 Juniors: £50

The Craft Café at Allendale Golf Course & licensed bar.

Open 7 days/week from 10:00 to 17:00 – other times by arrangement

High Studdon, Allendale, Northumberland, NE47 9DH The Club: 07005 808246 Hon. Secretary: 01434 683228 secretary@allendale-golf.co.uk 10 NORTHERN GOLFER

TEEINGOFF

GREAT PACKAGES AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES OF 8 OR MORE Coffee & bacon roll + 18 holes £20.00 Coffee & bacon roll + 18 holes + 2 course meal £24.00 Coffee & bacon roll + 12 holes + soup & sandwiches + 18 holes £28.00 Coffee & bacon roll + 12 holes + soup & sandwiches + 18 holes + 2 course meal £36.00

MAGDALENE FIELDS GOLF CLUB Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1NE

www.magdalene-fields.co.uk

Rabbits Individual Champion 2017 Andy Bishop (Richmond GC)

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

STAY & PLAY - £85 pppn

Auld Cross Keys Inn

Restaurant • Public bar • Lounge • Patio

Malton & Norton Rabbits Team Champions 2017 lr: Bernard Clayton, Alan Haworth, Stan Harrison, Derek Kirby, Graham Laws, Mike Parkin, Anthony Spittlehouse, Russell Stead and Tony Creaser

Malton & Norton rabbits triumph

A

fter two false starts due to the winter weather, Malton & Norton Golf Club finished off a league double in the North East Rabbits Golf Association at Ramside Hall.

With six teams qualifying for the finals of the Rabbits league based on their league standings, the Malton & Norton team were crowned champions with 239 points as Rudding Park snatched the runners-up place from Roseberry Grange with 235 points the tie decided on the eighth score discarded rule. They finished ahead of the four remaining qualifiers South Moor, Catterick, Billingham and Roseberry Grange.

In the Rabbits individual championship, just one point

separated the top seven golfers as Andy Bishop from Richmond Golf Club was crowned champion with 39 points. Chris Ball (Rudding Park) took the runner-up spot.

The Rabbits league win gave Malton & Norton a Rabbits an Inter league double for the 2017 season – the Inter (handicaps 8-15) team beating runners-up Stocksfield in their final at Woodham last year.

Anthony Blackburn from Ripon City Golf Club beat the leading points scorers from each of the leagues’ clubs to lift the Inter individual title.

The 2018 Finals Days will take place at Ramside Hall on October 6 (Inter) and October 13 (Rabbits).

For more information go to nerga.herokuapp.com

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence

(based on two people sharing) or single occupancy £95.00 per night. This will include Bed and Breakfast two course evening meal and a round of golf

Tel: 01450 870305

bookings@crosskeysdenholm.co.uk www.crosskeysenholm.co.uk

The Green, Denholm, Scottish Borders, TD9 8NU

NORTHERN

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

/northerngolferuk

@northerngolferuk NORTHERN GOLFER 11

ELEVEN

WANT A CLUB WHICH WILL CHANGE YOUR GAME?

CHANGE TO ELEVEN ELEVEN HYBRID SET

Larger head design with a low-deep centre of gravity that helps create a higher launching, more forgiving, more powerful set of irons

W6-PW £350 ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.ELEVENGOLF.COM

TEEINGOFF

King of the Castle

N

ot many players get to shoot their age - unless they are pushing into their 80s and most of us would be happy with a score like that.

But Ken Saint has recorded the feat in style by shooting 66 to match his age and win the Hinton Cup at Middlesbrough Golf Club.

The score gave him a five-shot victory and he’s hoping it will also qualify him for the Srixon Grand Final at The Belfry in October as he finished with a nett score of nine under-par off his five handicap.

Captain of Middlesbrough in 2014, Saint is currently greens chairman at the club. He said: “Some of the lads said the only reason I won was because I knew where the pins were!”

Saint did admit he had changed a couple of things in his swing after a disappointing 2017 and that has clearly paid off for the former Northumberland county player who

Ken Saint (left) with Will Whiteoak at Middlesbrough Golf Club won the county junior strokeplay and matchplay titles while he was a member of Backworth. He also had a crack at the pro scene and had his

moments on the NE/NW PGA and Northern PGA circuits before injury curtailed his career and he moved into the business side of golf.

Wakefield’s Neil Kinghorn posted a superb round of 69 for 40 points - he plays off a handicap of one - to win the Senior Seaton Salver. The event attracted a strong field of just under 150 competitors and Kinghorn was in terrific form to win by one point from Brancepeth’s Ian Davison with Alistair MacPherson (Bishop Auckland) third with 37 points.

Exclusive offers to readers of Northern Golfer VISITING PARTIES: Special offer to Northern Golfer Readers, Coffee, bacon roll, 18 holes, 2 course meal £36pp.

Tee Times subject to availability. Minimum 12 players TWILIGHT GOLF: After 3pm, weekdays excluding Wednesday.

Price to Northern Golfer readers - 4 ball with buggy’s £100 MONDAY SOCIETY SPECIALS: Prices from £18.50pp OFF PEAK TUESDAY - THURSDAY: Prices from £20.00pp PEAK FRIDAY: Prices from £24.00pp Please quote NORTHERN GOLFER when booking.

Valid Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday (after 130pm).

For further details call Malcolm on: 01977 792241 or email manager@pdgc.co.uk Visit our website: www.pdgc.co.uk Pontefract & District Golf Club, Park Lane, Pontefract, England, WF8 4QS

Pontefract and District Golf Club

@Pontefractgolf

pontedistrictgc NORTHERN GOLFER 13

TEEINGOFF Darlington’s Andrew Wilson and Yorkshire duo David Hague and Bailey Gill played their parts as England kept up their impressive record against France in the annual international match between the countries’ top amateurs. Hague was joint top scorer with three wins out of three in the 13-7 win at Vidauban Golf Club, near Nice.

Life of Ryan

R

yan Dixon is enjoying life in the US. The Durham county and Castle Eden 19-yearold recently played in the NCAA National Championship after his college, St Mary’s University in San Antonio, won the regional final in Amarillo, Texas.

As a result, Ryan along with his St Mary’s Rattlers teammates,

played in the Division Two NCAA Championship in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. While they didn’t qualify for the knockout stages, they did finish a creditable tie for 11th place.

Ryan has settled in well to his golfing scholarship and he said:“The encouragement and support back home from family and friends in Blackhall Colliery and my club Castle Eden is amazing. I am

Ryan Dixon (second from the right) and his Rattlers teammates extremely grateful for this once in a lifetime experience.”

Ryan is studying a four-year degree in mechanical engineering and is a regular in the university’s golf team. In the final of the Regional Championship Trophy at La Paloma in Amarillo, he dominated the second round closing with three straight birdies for a three under-par 68, the best second round score.

ROSEBERRY GRANGE GOLF CLUB

“THE FRIENDLY GOLF CLUB”

FANTASTIC 9 MONTH MEMBERSHIP OFFER 1ST JULY 2018 - 31ST MARCH 2019

ADULT - £275 | OVER 65 - £225 INTERMEDIATE (19-22) - £130 | INTERMEDIATE (23-26) - £180 | INTERMEDIATE (27-29) - £250 DIRECT DEBIT AVAILABLE ALL MEMBERSHIPS INCLUDE DURHAM COUNTY GOLF UNION FEES & PERSONAL INSURANCE

GRANGE VILLA, CHESTER LE STREET, COUNTY DURHAM DH2 3NF WWW.ROSEBERRYGRANGE.COM | TEL: 0191 370 0660 14 NORTHERN GOLFER

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 future.

PARK VIEW SCHOOL GOLF ACADEMY OF SPORT IS STARTING A 6TH FORM GOLF ACADEMY FROM SEPTEMBER 2018 – THIS INCLUDES JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP AND COACHING AT THE GOLF CLUB ACADEMIC PATHWAYS OF A-LEVELS & BTEC DIPLOMAS CONTACT AHARRISON@PARKVIEWLEARNING.NET

OPENS 2018 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: clsgcoffice@tiscali.co.uk | PGA Professional 0191 388 2333 Chester le Street Golf Club, Lumley Park, County Durham, DH3 4NS

www.clsgolfclub.co.uk

TEEINGOFF

Trio prove up to scratch

T

hree of our region’s biggest scratch tournaments produced great golf and three great winners in Hughie Hamilton, Alex Fitzpatrick and James Glenn.

Hamilton, winner of the Seaton Salver at Seaton Carew, turned back the clock to notch his fourth win in the event. Now 48, the 2004 Durham county champion saw off a quality field packed with players half his age using all his 37 years as a member of Seaton to great effect to shoot rounds of 70 and 74 to win by one from City of Newcastle’s Mark Wharton (73-72) with Lindrick’s Richard Hodgkinson third (71-75).

“I started with a three putt from 10ft at the first so I was immediately on the back foot,” said Hamilton. “I then had three birdies in four holes.

It was downwind so you had to make your score on those early holes and

then knuckle down on the back nine which was playing as tough as I’ve ever known, it was absolutely brutal.”

“I wasn’t even going to play but I thought ‘you know what, it’s my home championship and I want to play’ and I’m chuffed to bits to have won it four times now.”

Meanwhile, Bishop Auckland’s James Glenn set a new course record of 64 en-route to winning the Keith Shivers Bowl. He followed his opening round with a 71 in the afternoon to win by five shots from club colleague Stefan Labuschagne and Wynyard’s Alex Robertson.

In the Cleveland Salver, Alex Fitzpatrick journeyed north to shoot a staggering 23 under-par 265 total to win the title by 13 shots.

Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick set up his win at Cleveland with a 10 under-par second round, posting a four-round total of 265 to win by 13 shots.

Hughie Hamilton with the Seaton Salver

Alex Fitzpatrick receiving his trophy

James Glenn receiving the trophy from Heworth captain Neil Corbett

BEAMISH PARK A PARKLAND CLASSIC

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

SPECIAL VISITOR OFFER 4 Ball including 2 Buggies for £72.00 (Mon to Fri subject to availability)

@beamish park_gc

Beamish Golf Club

FULL CATERING FACILITIES

ORGANISER GOES FREE For Golf Groups/Societies if 16 or more play

Quality and delicious food menu

Competitive prices so why not call us today

Tailored menus to suit all occasions

For further information please Contact: The Secretary’s Office 0191 3701382 16 NORTHERN GOLFER

www.beamishgolf.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

LEDA GOLF OPENS NEW INDOOR PUTTING GREEN A new state-of-the-art Huxley putting green has allowed Leda Golf to offer a full putter custom fitting service.

Based at Roseberry Grange Golf Club, Chester-le-Street Leda Golf is well known as the North’s only premium

Powakaddy service centre and the team has decided to help people out in the putting department too. With putters in stock to cover every stroke and budget, Leda Golf is hoping to become the goto place for putters.

LEDA GOLF FREE PUTTER FITTING WHEN YOU MENTION THIS ADVERT IGUANA PUTTER GRIPS ONLY £3 FITTED (3 DIFFERENT COLOURS) SUPERSTROKE GRIPS FROM £10 FITTED POLO SHIRTS FROM JUST £9.95 FULL POWAKADDY 2018 TROLLEY + BAG RANGE IN STOCK LITHIUM + LEAD ACID BATTERIES IN STOCK WE ARE HAPPY TO MATCH “DOUBLE VALUE” TRADE IN OFFERS WE ARE STILL THE NORTHS ONLY PREMIUM SERVICE CENTRE

OPENING HOURS MON-SAT 9-5 SUNDAY 9-4 www.ledagolf.com www.facebook.com/ledagolf 0191 3701757 Email: ledagolf@yahoo.com NORTHERN GOLFER 17

ADVERTORIAL

TYNESIDE GC OPENS ITS GRASS HITTING RANGE AND PRACTICE GROUND Tyneside Golf Club is renowned for its history and heritage - it being one of the oldest clubs in the North East while two of its ex-professionals are Open winners. But the club has taken a more forward thinking approach and last year opened a practice ground and six-hole par three course. This year the focus has been developing this area further, and it has become anything but your typical club practice area. This space really is something special and something that has to be seen in person to see its quality and potential.

Professional Andrew Gunn has taken ownership and used his enthusiasm, commitment and past greenkeeping knowledge to provide a high standard of facility and service, suitable for all levels. The biggest attraction being that the range is a purpose designated grass hitting range with maintained and manicured hitting areas that change daily.

The facility includes; · Grass hitting range with distance posts, maintained to fairway standard. · Good quality balls sold at selected times, not your usual range balls. · Distance control area hitting off a Huxley mat. · Six-hole par three course shaped into the landscape. · New development of four-hole Tri Golf course for juniors. · Short game and putting green · Other services include buggy to the range and buckets to clean to your clubs.

Membership of this facility costs just £50 per year for adults and £25 for juniors.

This permits you full access to the facility and discount off range balls when the range is in use. Outside the range hours you can use your own balls.

It has already attracted the attention of golfers in the area with over 50 local players becoming a members this year

alone. They are now using it as their practice base with the main attraction being the price, condition and ability to play off grass, rather than range mats. If you are looking to invest sometime and practice in your game, it’s definitely worth a look.

Equally if you are looking for somewhere to take your first steps into the game or have young children, then

the par three course and purpose-built Tri Golf course is absolutely ideal.

The club also offers an Academy membership priced at £125, giving beginners a safe and structured learning environment and includes individual and group lessons with their professionals.

History and heritage with modern day thinking and facilities. Tyneside is really heading in the right direction!

PRACTICE GROUND & PAR 3 COURSE JOIN NOW £50 ADULTS / £25 JUNIORS

Facilities include; · Grass hitting range maintained to fairway standard · Designated distance Control section · Practice putting and short game area · 6 hole Par 3 course · 4 hole Tri Golf course for young children · Members receive discount off range balls and in clubhouse · Academy membership available at £125 including group and individual lessons

For information or to join please contact General Manager Peter Smith on 0191 4132742 peter.smith@tynesidegolfclub.co.uk

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

0191 413 2742 18 NORTHERN GOLFER

secretary@tynesidegolfclub.co.uk

TEEINGOFF

Tony’s amazing journey

N

early 30 years ago Tony Burridge was given just three days to live.

His life was saved by chemotherapy and despite complications, needing a kidney transplant from his wife Lesley and suffering from Parkinson’s, the 57-yearold Whitburn golf club member doesn’t believe in moaning.

Instead, he’s involved himself in a host of charity initiatives including Whitburn’s Help for Heroes - which has raised around £80,000 at the last count, raising money for local hospitals, and now Macmillan Cancer Support’s Longest Day Challenge.

The challenge involves the 17 handicapper playing four rounds of golf - the first one at 4.30am in his pyjamas in Whitburn’s Summer Solstice competition - and then another three rounds over the course to complete 72 holes.

Tony is mainly flying solo although club pro Greg Jobling will join him for the second round and son Danny

Lesley and Tony Burridge could be involved along with some of his golfing mates in the final two rounds, while wife Lesley will be driving a buggy with supplies. When he needed a new kidney, miraculously Lesley proved to be a match.

“I know it sounds like I’ve been

Wynyard Golf Club

through the mill a bit but there a lot of people out there who are far worse off than me and I’ve just wanted to give something back for all the help I’ve received,” said Tony. You can sponsor him at www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/whitburngc

Pannal’s Olivia Jackson made home advantage count to win the Yorkshire County Championship.

She beat threetime winner Emma Brown (Malton & Norton) 2&1 in the final after a 3&2 victory over Deborah Henery (Hickleton), a 5&4 win over Ganton’s Sarah Gilmore and a 1up win over Woodsome Hall’s Nicola Slater in the semi-final.

An exceptional golf experience

SUMMER GOLF PACKAGES • Society Package - £49 per head, Includes Coffee & Bacon Rolls on arrival, 18 Holes of Golf, followed by a 1 Course Meal. (Minimum of 12 golfers required).

• Wynyard 4 Ball - £180 per 4 ball, Includes Coffee & Bacon Rolls on arrival followed by 18 Holes of Golf.

• Wynyard 2 Ball - £99 per 2 ball, Includes Coffee & Bacon Rolls on arrival followed by 18 Holes of Golf.

• Available from 1st May – 31st October on The Championship Wellington Course.

Contact Golf Bookings on 01740 644399 ext. 22 or email proshop@wynyardgolfclub.co.uk to reserve your tee time www.wynyardgolfclub.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 19

TEEINGOFF

MIDDLESBROUGH GOLF CLUB BRASS CASTLE LANE

Telephone 01642 311766 /311515 www.middlesbroughgolfclub.co.uk

2018 OPEN DATES:

Seniors 4BBB Stableford - Wednesday 4th July Ladies Team Open - Friday 13th July Junior Open - Friday 27th July | Mixed 4BBB Stableford - Sunday 29th July Gents 4BBB Stableford - Sunday 30th September

Mark Ridley

Entry forms available on website

LIMITED JUNIOR, INTERMEDIATE (NOW 18-32) & ADULT MEMBERSHIP VACANCIES See website for details of subscription rates and special 2018 joining fee arrangements

BOOK YOUR 2018 SOCIETY VISIT NOW (CALL PRO SHOP ON 01642 311766) John King (© Getty Images)

JUNE TO SEPTEMBER

FROM £23 MIDWEEK £30 WEEKENDS INC COFFEE & BACON ROLL

JUNE TO SEPTEMBER

ONLINE SPECIAL GREEN FEES MON - FRI £20 ROUND PER PLAYER SAT & SUN £22.50 PER ROUND PER PLAYER

2018 OPENS

22.6.18 SENIOR MIXED 4BBB 19.7.18 MENS TEXAS SCRAMBLE 3.8.18 LADIES TEAM OPEN 5.8.18 MENS 4BBB 29.8.18 SENIOR MENS 4BBB 9.9.18 MIXED OPEN 4BBB

ENTER NOW VIA OUR WEBSITE

Bellingham Golf Club CLAIM YOUR FREE 4 BALL GIFT VOUCHER (min 12 people)

20 NORTHERN GOLFER

Boggle Hole Bellingham NE48 2DT admin@bellinghamgolfclub.com www.bellinghamgolfclub.com VISITORS WELCOME 7 DAYS A WEEK

BOOK NOW ON 01434 220530

Agony for Ridley M ark Ridley narrowly missed out on the Silversea Senior PGA Championship after leading for much of the tournament at Foxhills.

The South Moor pro eventually lost out in a playoff with Lindrick’s long-serving head professional John King, who seemed to be out of contention at the start of the final round with Ridley and John Gould set to fight it out.

But Ridley was unable to replicate the form that had seen him lead the tournament at the end of the first and second rounds and posted a four over-par total of 77 to finish on two under-par - his round effectively

derailed by three bogeys in the last five holes. Gould also recovered from a plague of late bogeys on his way to 78 as King made flawless progress to a one under-par round of 72 to finish on two under-par.

The playoff took place on the 18th and while Ridley had made birdie with a 40ft chip on day one and an even longer putt for an eagle on day two, his Midas touch deserted him and he eventually three-putted for a bogey and King claimed victory par.

The win was worth £6,000 to King while Ridley had to settle for a cheque for £4,500 but both players do qualify for a place in the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship at the London Club in August.

THE ULTIMATE GOLF CLUB MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE Now is the perfect time to become a member of Close House, venue for the hugely successful British Masters 2017 and the North-East’s only Top 100 UK & Ireland golf club • Country membership from £60pcm

• Academy premium mem. £60pcm

• Individual membership £175pcm

• Academy membership £15pcm

• Intermediate mem. (18-25) £70pcm

• Corporate & Associate membership please contact us for more information

• Junior mem. (13-17) £20pcm

Contact craig.wright@closehouse.co.uk for further details * Joining fees and waiting lists now applicable for some categories

COUNTRY MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE FROM £60PCM *Available to those who reside full-time at least 40 miles from the club

CHAMPIONSHIP COLT COURSE

LEE WESTWOOD FILLY COURSE

STUNNING NO.19 CLUBHOUSE

THE NORTH EAST’S ONLY PGA ACADEMY

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

£

Luxury Golfing Holidays to Burgham Park

GOLF HOLIDAYS available, 3 Nights and 3 rounds of golf FROM £159.00 - Clubhouse only 150 yards away, with restaurant and bar.

MEMBERSHIP OFFERS 1st June 2018 - 31st March 2019, starting FROM £185.00 BURGHAM, Nr FELTON, NORTHUMBERLAND NE65 9QP E : burghamparkgolfclub@gmail.com W : wwwburghampark.co.uk T : 01670 787898 (OPTION 1)

TOURLIFE

Chris Paisley

TOUR LIFE

BACK DOWN TO EARTH

Trousers, Cut-Offs, Bermuda Shorts for Lady Golfers in sizes 8 - 20 from

•

•

YEARS 25

E

•

OF

•

It has been fairly quiet golf-wise since my last column. After a great run of events on the PGA Tour I am back in Europe for the summer.

Last week, I played the BMW PGA at Wentworth.

Unfortunately it was my first big disappointment of the season. After shooting 68 in the first round I was feeling great about having another big week, and making my first cut in the event! By now I know that golf has a way of bringing you back down to earth every now and then, and did it ever on the Friday.

In the second round I putted poorly, hit some bad drives on the wrong holes and ended up missing the cut by two shots. And so the wait continues for weekend golf at Wentworth! Although I was gutted to miss the cut, I am still happy with where my game is. I slipped into a couple of old habits with my swing recently, but I feel like I have a strong understanding of my game now and I know what I have to do to get back on top form. Lucky for me, there is still a lot of golf to go in 2018.

I am currently in Italy getting ready for another Rolex series event, the Italian Open. We really are in the thick of the season now. I have US Open qualifying next week then we have a huge run of events: The French, Irish, Scottish, and British Opens four weeks in a row. I am not into the US or British opens yet, but I have chances to qualify for both. I really think I am ready to play in my first major so fingers crossed!

Off the course the past few months have been very special. My brother, Andy, married his gorgeous bride Steph a couple of weeks ago. Myself, my oldest brother Ric and Andy’s best mate Mark also managed to get plenty of laughs during the best man’s speech!

It was more nerve racking than any round of golf I’ve played! Also, Keri and I found out in February that she is pregnant. In March we learned we’re having a girl and she is due in October.

It has been an incredible year on the course, but I’m sure nothing will compare to having a child. We are both very excited.

ST Y L

www.getsmarttwo.co.uk Tel: 01670 789079 F Get Smart Two L @GetSmartTwo I @GetSmartTwo Milkhope Centre, Blagdon, Nr Seaton Burn, NE13 6DA NORTHERN GOLFER 23

CHRISHANDY

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

CHRISHANDY

Handy’s making the grade Chris Handy tells Dean Bailey about winning back-to-back Durham County Strokeplay Championships, playing college golf in the US and his plan to make it to the top of the game

T

here seems to be something about long haul flights home which suits Chris Handy better than just about any golfer on the planet. Just days after returning to the UK from college in the US, Chris joined an elite list of players to have won back-to-back Durham County Strokeplay titles.

“It’s a nice thing to have on the CV, there aren’t many players who have successfully defended the title in Durham and I’m very proud to have done it,” says Chris “It’s a tough weekend with four rounds over the three days but it also gave me a chance to get back into it on Sunday,” adds Chris – who shot rounds of 74, 70, 69 and 67 at Billingham Golf Club to finish three shots clear of Thomas Harbord and win the Durham County Strokeplay Championship sponsored by Cottages.com.

“I went to the range with my dad following the second round and we had a good chat down there.

Everything clicked into place and I played a lot better on Sunday to shoot my best two scores. I made birdies at six, seven and eight to get to four underpar in the last round and that was a big turning point. I knew I’d taken the lead then, I was just holing every putt I looked at. I felt good for the rest of the round, birdied the toughest holes on the course at 11 and 12 and I knew no-one could catch me.”

Though the county roll of honour shows Chris has been the best player over 72 holes in consecutive years, it doesn’t show the work he has put in over the last 12 months and the step forward he has made with coach Andrew Nicholson.

“Last summer, even though I won the county championship, my game wasn’t where I wanted it to be. I had far too many bad shots in my system, which would come out under pressure and I needed to take some time to work on those. We worked really hard on the range to get rid of that big miss left, tighten things up and be ready to go when I was back in the US. “It was a lot harder than I thought it would be.

People were really worried after a month but I stuck with it, understood it was a long process and by the time I got to America I was ready to go. It was a tough decision but I definitely got it right.”

While he has found success at home, Chris’ last season at Oakland University in Michigan, where he is studying finance, also brought rewards.

Though his Golden Grizzlies team failed to make the NCAA Regionals despite being ranked first in their conference going into the qualifying event, Chris has posted rounds in the low 60s, been part of the team to break the school’s scoring record twice and broken the individual scoring record for the school this season in an event at Notre Dame.

“From being a junior I’d wanted to go out to the

NORTHERN GOLFER 25

CHRISHANDY

US and be a college player. I managed to settle in pretty quickly, represented the college a lot as a freshman, which was a great start. I’m really happy with how things have gone in the last year too,” he says.

“My performances have improved a lot, I’m doing really well in school with a 3.7 GPA (grade point average equivalent to an A in the UK) and I can’t wait to go back. I love spending time with my teammates, we’ve got a close knit group and our coach Nick Pumford is a great guy.”

Back home Chris ‘schedule this summer is relatively light – a conscious decision having come back from a packed spring semester in the US and knowing there is a lot of golf ahead on his return in September.

He’ll be heading to Local Qualifying for the Open Championship, the English Amateur and local and regional events while representing South Moor at club level and Durham at county level.

“This summer was always going to be a real off season. With the county championship win I’ve got a lot of confidence and I’ve got a few things to look forward to but it’s really important to balance competitive golf with having a rest.

College is where I need to perform and play 26 NORTHERN GOLFER

Chris Handy with the Durham County Strokeplay trophy

my best golf so that’s where I need to be refreshed and ready to go.”

There are a lot of people Chris mentions and thanks throughout our conversation.

His mum and dad, James and Anne, who travelled the country with him as a junior and supported his ambition to go to the US, and his older brother Michael, as well as clubmates from South Moor and his county teammates.

“It all started with my dad and brother, and a set of plastic clubs in the house. My dad is a really good player; he represented the county and won everything apart from the county strokeplay when he was younger.

Without my dad and my mum I wouldn’t have had the chance to do anything I’ve done on the golf course.

“I’ve worked with Andrew Nicholson since I was a junior and he’s really made me into a good player. He’s inspired me to work hard and helped me so much with my swing for years – his influence on me has been massive and I can’t thank him enough either.

“There are also all the people at South Moor and Wynyard who support me, and there are all the guys in the county team

who took me in as a kid and gave me people to look up to when I was younger. The Durham Union has always been a huge help throughout my golf career too and I can’t thank them enough.

“All these people have been really important as I’ve grown up in golf. It’s a little bit sad when you move up and can’t play as much golf with these guys but they understand it and it’s great to have so many people supporting you,” adds Chris.

That list of people may well be set to grow further as Chris returns to the US for two more years in college before, with some luck, he turns professional.

“College is my priority right now. We want to win a team title this coming year and I’d like to get an individual title under my belt.

After that I haven’t got any firm plans.

“I want to see where my game is after four years in the US and I’ll definitely give turning professional a go. I really enjoy business too though so I’ve got good options once I finish college.”

Right now there’s no need to rush, there’s a long summer to enjoy at home before anything else.

£12

GREENFEE

PLAY BETWEEN 1PM - 4PM

WEEKDAYS CONTACT THE SHOP

TO BOOK YOUR TEE

SHOP Terms & conditions apply

0191 236 3322 |

OFFICE

0191 2364480

High Gosforth Park | Newcastle Upon Tyne | NE3 5HQ

GEORGE WASHINGTON GOLF CLUB

40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 2018

FANTASTIC MEMBERSHIP DEALS FOR 2018 PRO RATA DEAL NOW AVAILABLE TRY OUR FLEXI MEMBERSHIP, IT’S GREAT FOR GETTING INTO GOLF AND FOR THE BUSY GOLFER £270 FOR 15 ROUNDS, FULL MEMBER STATUS.

(Payment in Full or use our NO FEE Direct Debit facility) For all Great Membership packages designed for the 21st century Golfer call: Bill Michie on 0191 417 8346, e-mail: gsd@georgewashington.co.uk for more details Come along and join us at one of the most improved Courses in the County.

DEANBAILEY

Dean Bailey

Going global

T

It’s time for the European Tour to go truly global – and create a proper fifth major

he European Tour is doing a lot of things very well right now. GolfSixes earlier this year was fantastic, including another tournament in the UK and having stars of the women’s game competing alongside the men – which I’ll talk about some more another time. The Belgian Knockout was another masterstroke with its nine-hole matchplay rounds - although it suffered with a weak position in the schedule and a depleted field - you can’t win them all!

Innovation has brought a degree of success, people are talking about what’s coming next, how the men’s and women’s tours work together and how the European Tour mounts a fight against the big boys over in the US on the PGA Tour.

The biggest part of the fight needs to be getting a fifth major, and a second outside the US, onto the calendar as soon as possible.

With the US hosting three of the game’s big four back-to-back from 2019 as the US PGA returns to May, it will feel like an eternity waiting for the game’s biggest stars and events to head outside of the States for the season’s final major in the UK. The first option, and the one I’d prefer living in the UK, for a fifth major would be an event somewhere in Europe. After all, this is the European Tour’s heartland and where its flagship events take

place. Courses like Valderrama, Le Golf National, the K Club and Gleneagles would all make fantastic venues for a major.

I may, however, have an even more interesting and more lucrative proposition.

With so much positivity and such effort being made in growing the game in Asian markets, and with the top of the women’s game being dominated by Asian players, surely it’s time to double down on golf outside the traditional heartlands of America and Europe and give the Eastern half of the map its own travelling major championship.

The European Tour has long been a global proposition – its South African, Middle Eastern and Asian events a staple of the calendar. All this part of the world needs now is its own major.

It already has some of the most stunning golf courses in the world - in the Middle East, China and Australia – and they deserve a chance to grab a piece of the global spotlight once a year.

Some may say an event like this would suffer the curse of The Players in the US – a major worthy field, purse and course without the respect of a being part of the club, but if the sponsors can give a big enough purse and the players are willing to put the time in to give the event a proper standing, it may just inspire millions or billions more people to pick up a club and give us all another event to properly look forward to every season.

NORTHERN GOLFER 29

COURSEPROFILE

Course with a view Dean Bailey pays a visit to Allendale, and finds some of the best views in Northumberland golf

O

n paper, the roughly 2,500-yard ninehole layout at Allendale Golf Club is a pushover. When you’ve walked the course, taken in the spectacular views and tackled the small, bunkerless greens you soon appreciate the special place this course has among the 42 courses in Northumberland.

The clubhouse sits 1,077ft above sea level on the west-facing side of Green Hill, which peaks at 1,374ft. Meanwhile, two holes here – played at the third/12th and 17th will make it into any list of the North East’s best par threes. The third, played steeply downhill, is longer at 187 yards (132 yards on the back nine), while the 17th (played as a tricky 308-yard dogleg par four on the front nine) is aptly named Grand Canyon and received our pick for signature hole.

Starting beside the clubhouse, the first is one of the toughest holes on the course. A 413-yard par four from the back tees, out of bounds hugs the left side of the fairway where you’ll also find a hazard.

There is however room to the right and a good drive

30 NORTHERN GOLFER

should leave a long or mid iron to a small green.

Beware the deep run off to the front of the green – the ball will fall to the right and leave a tricky uphill pitch to a small bunkerless green.

The second is a short par three of just 123 yards, while shorter still when played as the 89-yard 11th.

Played blind with just the top of the flag in view, the green here is small and you’ll find thick rough and steep runoffs to the right and rear of the green, while a steep rise to the front edge of the green will catch any approaches that come up short.

The third tee offers stunning views of the valley with the green sitting well below you at the foot of the hill. Played as a 187-yard par three, the hole can play up to four clubs less than its yardage and picking the correct club is key as the green is the only flat part of the hole. Beware landing short as a firm, steep slope in the fairway will fire the ball over the green into thick rough – or worse still down the hill leaving a 50-yard uphill pitch.

With stroke indexes of four and three on the front and back nines respectively, the fourth is a

challenging par four of nearly 400 yards, while the 13th reaches just more than 400 yards. A confident drive is needed to hit the right side of the sloping fairway as a line of five trees flank the right side. The play here is over the trees and into the flatter, more generous part of the fairway to leave an approach of around 100 yards and a good view of the green. This is a good birdie chance should you know the route and read a subtly sloping green well. When playing the longer 13th, again try to find the wider, flatter part of the fairway.

The fifth/14th is a chance to get the driver out and reach the green of a par four. Just 236 yards from the back tees on both nines, the fairway rises to a plateau green, which is flanked by two trees. Those laying up must be straight, those trees make near-impassable obstacles in the summer months.

The par five sixth features the toughest tee shot on the course. The fairway slopes steeply left to right and you want to stay as high on the slope as possible to avoid the three trees on the right, and have a chance to get close to the green in two. The approach is also

COURSEPROFILE For a small club, there is a lot going on at Allendale.

PGA professional Martin Forster provides Get into Golf and junior academy sessions throughout the summer while the clubhouse is once again open daily with a full menu available. You can also pick up a copy of Golf in the Wild by club treasurer Robin Down - or head to www.golfinthewild.co.uk

FACT FILE played to a severely sloping fairway while the green is cut into the hill with thick rough left and a run off to the front and right sides. On the back nine, the hole is the toughest on the course and you must play as far left as possible again. Long hitters should be able to get a good view of the green for their approach.

The seventh and 16th are two excellent birdie, or even eagle, chances should you take on the green. These 249-yard par fours invite a drive to the green with a generous fairway – though beware the right side of the green where a hazard lurks within just five paces of the putting surface.

If laying up, you must get within 80 yards of the green as anything shorter will fall into a valley and leave a difficult approach with no view of the putting surface.

While the 17th got our pick for the signature hole, its front nine counterpart is one of the standout par fours at Allendale. A 308-yard dogleg left, it presents the tightest tee shot on the course, between tall trees and a hazard left, and a new copse of young trees on the right side. You must reach the corner of the dogleg to have a good view of a circular, relatively flat green.

The last of the nine holes at Allendale is a straight away par three of 149 yards with the green sitting in front of the clubhouse. The key here is to play over the course’s only bunker, which lies some 30 yards short of the putting surface. When played as the 18th, the 219-yard par four is a good birdie chance when played properly – though out of bounds is in play to the left side while the bunker short of the green can catch many players out.

CONTACT Allendale Golf Club High Studdon, Allendale, NE47 9DH Tel 07005 808 246 secretary@allendale-golf.co.uk www.allendale-golf.co.uk GREEN FEES Adults - £18 a day Juniors - £5 a day Groups by arrangement TOTAL DISTANCE White tees 4,681 yards, par 67 Yellow tees 4,501 yards, par 66 Red tees 4,369 yards, par 68 FEATURES Putting green Bar and catering available daily from 10am Changing rooms CADDY’S TIP Consider leaving the driver in the bag here - accuracy is key.

SIGNATURE HOLE The 17th at Allendale is one of standout par threes in Northumberland. Called Grand Canyon, the approach to the green is over a ravine, which is out of bounds, and is played between tall trees on the opposite side. The key here it to take enough club to clear the ravine while hitting the ball high enough to stop it on a generous, circular green.

The view to the left of the tee box is stunning.

OUR VERDICT If you haven’t played here before, you have to pay a visit.

NORTHERN GOLFER 31

GOLFERGEAR

Summer refresh The equipment world may have slowed down a little as we hit the peak of the season, but there’s always something to tempt us in the pro shops. This month we bring you new releases from Garmin and Stuburt, new putters from Evnroll and TaylorMade, and a new three wood as used by John Daly.

LOOK GOOD…

Stuburt SS18 apparel RRP: from £19.99 www.stuburt.com

It may be best known for its footwear, but in recent years Stuburt has produced excellent collections of affordable clothing and they’re back for 2018 with a new line up. This year’s collection, available now, has performance and fashion in mind with the brand’s DRI-back moisture transfer technology featuring throughout. The collection includes multiple polo shirt options; the Endurance Sport Zip Neck Performance sweater and slipover; the Hydro Sport sweaters in v-neck and half zip options; EnduranceTech trousers and shorts; and more. For more details about the full range visit the website.

FRESH IDEA

Vertical Groove three wood RRP: £229 www.verticalgroove.co.uk

ON A ROLL

Evnroll ER3 and ER8 putters RRP: from £275 www.evnroll.com Two flat sticks from Evnroll’s new putter line up – the ER3 blade model and the ER8 Tour Mallet – have already picked up two of the industry’s top equipment prizes.

Named the 2018 Most Wanted in the blade and mallet categories of the MyGolfSpy.com putter tests, the new flat sticks are available now along with three additional designs created by Guerin Rife and featuring a unique patented face mill pattern offering increased accuracy and zero dispersion.

32 NORTHERN GOLFER

Hot on the heels of its big brother, the Vertical Groove Driver, a Vertical Groove three wood will be available in the UK this month.

Used on the PGA Tour Champions by John Daly, Rocco Mediate, Mark Calcavecchia and 2017 US Senior Open winner Kenny Perry, the new three wood features a 180cc head and creates a distinctive sound while its standout feature, its 17 vertical grooves, reduces spin at impact for a straighter ball flight compared to traditional horizontal grooves. Additional Vertical Groove fairway woods, including a five wood and a hybrid, are due to launch later in 2018.

GOLFERGEAR

BACK TO BASICS

Garmin Approach s10 watch RRP: £139 explore.garmin.com

Garmin has unveiled a slimmed down, simplified version of its GPS watches - the Approach S10 - with a RRP of just £139. The watch will deliver precise distances to the front, back and middle of the green at more than 41,000 courses through its 1.3ins screen while also having access to data on hazards, doglegs and lay up areas. The watch is also capable of automatically changing between holes while you play and includes the option to track your scoring.

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

TaylorMade TP Black Copper Collection putters RRP: £219 www.taylormadegolf.eu

TaylorMade’s TP Black Copper Collection of putters, as seen in the hands of Rory McIlroy this season, are now available in Europe. The putters, which feature a distinctive copper accented finish, go through a triple-plating process allowing for a dark, rustic look. Each model is then hand polished to reveal the copper accents on the edges.

Each putter in the line up comes with adjustable sole weights allowing for optimal head weight no matter your style or preference. The range also features the brand’s Pure Roll face inserts throughout.

TEAM VALLEY IS WHERE ITS @

THE #1 FOR LADIES GOLF CLOTHING & SHOES IN THE NORTH EAST MASSIVE CHOICE FOR MEN TOO! WHY NOT COME AND JUDGE FOR YOURSELF IN OUR NEW HOME JUST OFF THE A1 WE ARE MAJOR STOCKISTS OF THE LATEST FASHIONS FROM - CALVIN KLEIN GOLF, UNDER ARMOUR, GALVIN GREEN, OSCAR JACOBSON, ADIDAS, FOOT-JOY, ROHNISCH, PUMA, ECCO, BUNKER MENTALITY, GLENMUIR, ISLAND GREEN, SUNDERLAND OF SCOTLAND, DAILY SPORTS, GREEN LAMB, ANNIKA, SKECHERS PERFORMANCE FOOTWEAR

PLUS SAVE £££££’S ON OUR CLEARANCE RAILS & HARDWARE SELL OFF! WWW.EUREKAGOLF.CO.UK • TEL: 0191 491 0700 • FOR MORE INFO

EUREKA GOLF LTD, UNIT 382E JEDBURGH COURT, TEAM VALLEY TRADING ESTATE, GATESHEAD, NE11 0BQ OPEN: MONDAY - FRIDAY 9.30 - 17.30, SATURDAY 10.00 - 16.00 NORTHERN GOLFER 33

MATCHPLAYPAIRS

The Colt Course at Close House

Match Play Pairs

Round one well underway in our regionwide match play event

T

he Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs 2018 tournament is underway across the North East and Yorkshire with teams competing for a trip to Spain for the NE/NW Pro Am and the coveted title.

The preliminary round is now complete, with the first round to be completed by the end of June.

Played throughout the season at venues across the region, Match Play Pairs offers the chance to compete against teams of amateurs from Berwick to Leeds and win a place in the NE/NW PGA Overseas Pro Am, which will be played in February 2019.

Preliminary round results

Preliminary match 3 David Seccombe & Martin Seccombe (Bedlington) VS Paul Stocks & Kevin Broadfoot (Close House) won 4&3

Preliminary match 8 Darren Barlow & Anthony Kelly (Roseberry Grange/ Powfoot) VS Phil Graham & Andy Dixon (Morpeth/ Durham City) won 1up

Preliminary match 4 Trevor Smith & Ian Smith (City of Newcastle) VS Robert Woods & Lee Sloane (City of Newcastle) won 1st extra hole

Preliminary match 9 Martin Crossland & Patrick Ward (Matfen Hall) won 1up VS Steve Buxton & James McCullagh (Romanby)

Preliminary match 5 Alan Anderson & Paul Smith (Ryton) VS Craig Tetley & Allan Bendelow (Romanby) won 5&4

Preliminary match 10 Duncan Foster & Neil Timbey (South Moor) VS Ryan Mould & Stephen Mould (Crook) won 2&1

Preliminary match 6 Kevin Hill & Michael Rowell (Arcot Hall) won 1st extra hole VS Anthony Lawlor & Stuart Vickery (Chester-le-Street)

Preliminary match 11 Jonathan Rennoldson & Darren Richards (Seaham/Hobson) won 2nd extra hole VS Kenny Cramman & Paul Murphy (Newbiggin)

MATCHES PLAYED BY SUNDAY MAY 27 Preliminary match 1 Philip Shaw & Liam Hall (Houghton-leSpring) won 4&3 VS John Walvin & David Naunton (Houghton-le-Spring)

Preliminary match 2 Russell Hunter & Joseph Hunter (Alnmouth) won concession VS Dean Scrafton & Ian Parkin (Wearside/ Washington) 34 NORTHERN GOLFER

Preliminary match 7 John Russell & Geoff Blemings (Consett) VS James Ogden & Carl Brydon (Tynemouth/ Newbiggin) won 1st extra hole

ROUND ONE MATCHES TO BE PLAYED BY SUNDAY JUNE 24 Please see the website for the latest results. For more information contact Dean Bailey, tel 01661 844 115, dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk

A ROUND ON THE COLT COURSE AT CLOSE HOUSE AND FOOD AT THE SHIP

80

FROM

£

PER PERSON

All days and tee times available.

Offer valid until October.

Dinner, bed, breakfast and a round of golf from £120 per person - please ask for details

Main Road, Wylam, Northumberland NE41 8AQ Tel: 01661 854538 info@theshipwylam.co.uk www.theshipinnwylam.co.uk

BEAMISH HALL

STAY AND PLAY

BEAMISH PARK GOLF

Enjoy a golf break at the stunning Beamish Hall Hotel and play on the adjacent parkland classic course of Beamish Park Golf Club.

From £99.00 per person - Overnight accommodation in one of our beautiful rooms - 18 holes of golf - 3 course dinner at the stables restaurant - Full English Breakfast

B E A M I S H H A L L , S T A N L E Y, C O U N T Y D U R H A M , D H 9 0 Y B 01207 288 755 | WWW.BEAMISH-HALL.CO.UK

STAY&PLAY

Stay and play Whether you’re travelling to the region or looking for a great venue for a couple of nights’ away while you relax on and off the golf course, we’ve got some great suggestions

ROCKLIFFE HALL The five-star Rockliffe Hall resort mixes on-course fun with off-course luxury.

The championship-hosting golf course, which has been a venue for the European Seniors Tour as well as some of the region’s biggest amateur and professional tournaments, is a golfing challenge which can test the very best players while remaining accessible for players of all abilities with a mixture of tee boxes available.

Off the course, the 61-bedroom five-star accommodation in the elegant Rockliffe Hall is perfect for those travelling to the North East or wanting to stay in ultimate luxury, while the award-winning Orangery restaurant and spa are the perfect places to relax following a day on the course.

Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington, DL2 2DU, tel 01325 729 999 www.rockliffehall.com

NORTHERN GOLFER 37

STAY&PLAY ALNMOUTH GOLF CLUB Overlooking Foxton Bay, an area of natural outstanding beauty on the Northumberland coast, Alnmouth Golf Club has a long and distinguished history, and is proud of its heritage as the fourth oldest club in England - established in 1869. Designed by HS Colt it is regarded as one of the finest golf courses in the North East, renowned for the condition of its greens and overall presentation. A Top 100 golf course in the UK, Alnmouth also has first-class practice facilities, a driving range and golf buggies for hire. Only 40 minutes drive from Newcastle, Alnmouth is easily accessed and visitors are always given a warm Northumbrian welcome. For those staying and playing, the 26-bed Dormy House within the clubhouse is designed to accommodate golfers with twin or single rooms with en-suite facilities while golf breaks can be organised to include a choice of the best courses in Northumberland.

Alnmouth Golf Club, Foxton Hall, Alnmouth, Northumberland, NE66 3BE, tel 01665 830 231 www.alnmouthgolfclub.com

BEAMISH HALL HOTEL The four-star Beamish Hall Country House Hotel brings together a stunning setting with luxury accommodation, and fantastic stay and play rates including golf at Beamish Park Golf Club. The 12th Century county house is set in 24 acres of rolling parkland on the borders of Co Durham and Tyne & Wear, and offers 42 bedrooms and a luxury apartment packed with character and charm. The Stables restaurant in the hotel offers fantastic local food, while the in-house brewery provides the bar offering.

The neighbouring Beamish Park Golf Club, designed by Henry Cotton, is one of Durham’s best parkland layouts with tree-lined fairways and lush green fairways providing an enjoyable test of golf. Packages are available throughout the year – contact the hotel for more information.

Beamish Hall Country House Hotel, Beamish, Stanley, Co Durham DH9 0YB, tel 01207 233 733, www.beamish-hall.co.uk

THE SHIP INN Within walking distance of Close House - home of the North East’s only course in the UK & Ireland’s Top 100 and official venue of the 2017 British Masters on the European Tour - The Ship Inn, Wylam makes an excellent place to stay while tackling the Colt Course at Close House and the best courses in the Tyne Valley. With chef Paul Johnson, whose previous job was working alongside Michelin-starred chef Nathan Outlaw in Cornwall, at the helm, this traditional British pub’s food is some of the best in the region. The emphasis is on locally sourced and seasonal food with a menu that changes regularly. Rooms are en-suite and the bar downstairs is a great place to share stories for your day on the course. A range of packages including golf at Close House are available – contact the pub for more information. The Ship Inn, Main Road, Wylam, NE41 8AQ tel 01661 854 538, www.theshipinnwylam.co.uk

NORTHERN GOLFER 39

STAY&PLAY GOLF ESCAPES For those in search of guaranteed sunshine and golf a little further afield, Golf Escapes offers a wide range of tailored golfing holidays for people of all golfing abilities. The number of destinations on offer continues to grow and includes the best golfing resorts in Spain, Portugal, Italy and across Europe, some deals closer to home in the UK & Ireland, and longhaul options including South Africa, Mauritius and Dubai. The Golf Escapes team prides itself on having visited and tried out these resorts and courses to get first-hand experience and inside knowledge – ensuring they provide the best golfing getaways. Golf Escapes sends more than 10,000 golfers away each year to various parts of the world and the team has a reputation for unparalleled service and knowledge, and for creating great value holidays. www.golf-escapes.com

July 2018

ALNMOUTH GOLF CLUB FOXTON HALL

Next month we will be looking at the best links courses in our region. To be part of this special feature contact Doug Brolls doug@offstonepublishing.co.uk 07721 031 482

Situated on the magnificent Northumberland coast only 100 yards from the beach, Alnmouth Golf Club has all the ingredients for a unique golf break in the area. Golf and Hospitality are our speciality.

DORMY HOUSE GOLF BREAKS 2018 English Tourism 3 Star Accommodation - Tripadvisor 2017 Certificate of Excellence • Dinner Bed and Breakfast with 2 Rounds of Golf Breaks available from £90 per person • 2 Night Breaks with 3 Rounds of Golf from a choice of Northumberland Golf Courses from £210 • Coastal Classic Golf Break - Golf at Alnmouth, Goswick Links & Bamburgh Castle with 2 Nights Dinner Bed and Breakfast from £268 Reserve your rooms for 2018 now, let us know when and where you want to play, we do all the booking, you relax and enjoy!

Email: bookings@alnmouthgolfclub.com Call: 01665 830231 Visit: www.alnmouthgolfclub.com Alnmouth Golf Club, Foxton Hall, Alnmouth, Northumberland, NE66 3BE

40 NORTHERN GOLFER

THE GREAT ESCAPE With an 18 hole championship golf course and an award-winning luxury hotel, Rockliffe Hall is the ultimate golfing venue.

After you’ve enjoyed your game, relax in the award winning Spa, dine in your choice of three restaurants, and enjoy five-star luxury accommodation.

Rockliffe Hall... get away from it all.

www.rockliffehall.com Hurworth-on-Tees Darlington County Durham DL2 2DU +44 (0)1325 729999 enquiries@rockliffehall.com

GOLFERTIPS

PITCH PERFECT

When you’re pitching, it’s important to continue accelerating with your body – failing to do so will lead to the clubhead overtaking your hands and result in hitting shots fat and thin. A great drill to get the feeling for this is to setup in your stance then throw a golf ball to the target. Your body will naturally rotate to build speed. Having practised this, try hitting shots with the same feeling the club should feel as though it’s being pulled through to collect the ball as your body turns.

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

42 NORTHERN GOLFER

For Our Latest Deals & Every Day Low Prices

Checkout Our Website www.golfgear4less.co.uk

4 M3 & M e e d a m Taylor Clubs In Stor Demo by Fitting ent tm Appoin

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

NORTH EAST TROLLEY REPAIR SPECIALIST PowerBug, Motocaddy, Powakaddy, Hillbilly & more WE STOCK BATTERIES, CHARGERS AND SPARES

TIME TO GO LITHIUM

Lighter 5 Times longer lifetime Super lightweight More compact Faster charging Upto 5 years warranty

Order a New Motocaddy Trolley with Lithium Battery before 30.6.18 and Receive

£50 Part Exchange For Your Old Electric Trolley 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 July 5, 2018.

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

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT MATFEN HALL

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT ROCKLIFFE HALL The five-star Rockliffe Hall resort mixes on-course fun with off-course luxury. The golf course, which has hosted the European Seniors Tour, is a challenging layout which can measure more than 7,000 yards from the back tees while offering an accessible test for players of all abilities.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Which course will host the Open Championship in 2019?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT WHICKHAM GOLF CLUB

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT ALLENDALE GOLF CLUB

Set in the shadow of the magnificent Matfen Hall, the 27 holes here are set out on a classic parkland landscape with challenging water features and unique obstacles. A regular venue for professional and county events, Matfen is one of the finest clubs in Northumberland with excellent facilities.

Whickham Golf Club was founded in 1911 and today sits at Hollinside Park with a parkland layout offering spectacular views along the Derwent Valley. Scoring is determined more by accuracy than length as you plot your way through the tree-lined fairways to small, tricky greens.

Set high in the Allen Valley in Northumberland, Allendale Golf Club is a truly spectacular location to play the game. The clubhouse sits at 1,077 feet above sea level on the west-facing side of Green Hill, which peaks at 1,374 feet and you’ll find stunning views from every tee box and green here.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Who won the FedEx Cup in 2017?

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

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Which course will host the 2018 British Masters?

Congratulations to last month’s competition winners: Close House - Mark Hodgson on Facebook• Cairndale Hotel - Kay Rogan of Crook Woodham - John Morton of Northallerton • Brancepeth - Richard Windsor-Price of Forest Hall 44 NORTHERN GOLFER

WIN YOUR CHANCE TO

A GALVIN GREEN OUTFIT WORTH

£220

LAST MONTHS WINNER COLIN JONES

QUESTION : WHICH AMERICAN PLAYER WON THE

2017 US OPEN?

A : BROOKS KOEPKA | B : JUSTIN THOMAS | C : PATRICK REED

EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: COMPETITIONS@ORIGINALGREEN.CO.UK COMPETITION CLOSES 30.06.18. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND NOTIFIED BY EMAIL

BY ENTERING YOU ARE AGREEING TO RECEIVE PROMOTIONAL EMAILS FROM ORIGINAL GREEN

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

UNDER ARMOUR SHOES

BENROSS EVOLUTION R IRONS

PING G400 LST DRIVER

FROM £95

£42.90 per month

Only £319

ADIDAS 2018 CLOTHING

TITLEIST DT TRUSOFT

2 for £36

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

1HR SWING MOT FOR

£50

Longhirst Hall G.C.

TRACKMAN SKILLS TEST 40 MINUTE LESSON FULL LESSON REVIEW VIA EMAIL

N O R T H U M B E R L A N D

SPACES STILL AVAILABLE FOR OUR 2018 OPEN COMPETITIONS MEN’S PAIRS OPEN 18TH AUGUST - £20 PER PAIR

JUNIOR OPEN 24TH AUGUST - £5 PER PLAYER

SENIOR’S PAIRS OPEN 20TH SEPTEMBER - £18 PER PAIR

GENT’S TEAM OPEN 22ND SEPTEMBER - £50 PER TEAM

01670 791562 | enquiries@longhirstgolf.co.uk | www.longhirstgolf.co.uk

from the

bunker Two from Twitter this month courtesy of the great work being done

by Graeme Storm and PGA professional Steven McDonnell to inspire young golfers.

As part of the Graeme Storm Junior Open, the team put on a Tri Golf taster session at Wynyard Golf Club, while McDonnell had another fantastic turnout for his regular Junior Academy at Boldon Golf Club in May. Got a success story to share with us? Tweet @negolfer, send us a meesage on Facebook or email editor@ northerngolfer.co.uk

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! @GSjunioropen

@stevenmcPGA

Great work by the Durham junior girls, who celebrated the Royal Wedding while competing in the Appleby Bowl at Darlington Golf Club.

The girls were inspired by the big day at Windsor Castle and donned patriotic red, white and blue outfits to mark the occasion.

The girls watched the occasion on the big screen before heading to the course for the event, where Jasmine Lee from Heworth Golf Club won the stableford competition with 37 points, and Ella Jackson from Seaton Carew Golf Club won the Appleby Bowl with a nett score of 64.

Ella Jackson 46 NORTHERN GOLFER

Close House has commemorated two of the best moments from the British Masters last September with plaques on the Colt Course.

The first marks the spot where Jamie Donaldson made a holein-one on the eighth hole in the second round using a five iron. The second marks the point where Paul Dunne chipped in on the 18th (the fourth on the normal course layout) to shoot a closing round of 61, breaking the course record and securing the British Masters title.

Jasmine Lee

The region’s best young male golfers kicked off their season with the first ever match between a North Counties select team and Yorkshire at Blackwell Grange.

The North team was made up of the leading four players from Northumberland, Durham and Cumbria while Yorkshire fielded a squad of 12 boys – the highest handicapper in the match was off just 3.

Yorkshire (pictured below) won the foursomes 4-2 before winning the singles matches to take the match 12-6.

We’ll be catching up with the county matches throughout the season.

SAVE £££ S THIS MONTH IN OUR SALE (NEW 2018 EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING IN STORE) ALL NEW SCOTTY CAMERON, TAYLOR MADE, ODYSSEY PUTTERS IN STOCK

NEW OSCAR JACOBSEN CLOTHING IN STOCK PREMIUM QUALITY / GREAT PRICES

MANY GREAT OFFERS ON EX DISPLAY SETS OF WOODS, IRONS & WEDGES

PART EXCHANGE DEALS AVAILABLE THIS MONTH ON ANY PURCHASE OF POWAKADDY OR MOTOCADDY

BEST

PRICES

GIVEN

NEW WILSON C 300 WOODS/IRONS IN STOCK TITLEIST SM7 WEDGES MULTI BUY DEALS

(ALL LOFTS AVAILABLE) SEE INSTORE FOR SPECIAL OFFERS THIS MONTH

NEW 2018 RANGE OF GOLF BAGS IN STORE ALL AT DISCOUNTED PRICES

ALL 2017 GALVIN GREEN CLOTHING & WATERPROOFS

FULL RANGE OF 100% WATERPROOF CARRY AND CART BAGS IN STOCK (SAVE £££) (PRICE BEAT PROMISE) OVER 100 BAGS ON OFFER!

... HURRY

WILSON 14 WAY DIVIDER TROLLEY BAGS £79.99 OUR PRICE £59.99 CALLAWAY TROLLEY BAGS £119.99 NOW ONLY £89.99

NEW 2018 SKECHERS SHOES IN ALL OSCAR STOCK (WE STOCK FULL RANGE) JACOBSEN 2017 - ALL 2017 MODELS SWEATERS, IN OUR SALE..

TROUSERS, SAVE 40% SHIRTS 30% OFF SKECHERS PERFORMANCE LISTED PRICES CLOTHING RANGE NOW IN STOCK

NEW CALLAWAY GOLF ROGUE DRIVER

STUBURT / HI-TECH MENS & LADIES SHOES £29.99 EACH 2017 MODELS

NEW KING F8 DRIVERS/ FAIRWAYS/ RESCUES IN STOCK

TAYLOR MADE NEW

TWIST FACE TECHNOLOGY

M3/M4 WOODS

FOOTJOY, SHIRTS, SWEATERS, TROUSERS EVERYTHING 30% OFF!!

ALL TITLEIST 917 D2/D3 DRIVERS IN OUR SALE

THIS MONTH ONLY

MANY SPECIALS ON QUALITY GOLF SHIRTS £19.99 OR 2 FOR £34.99

40% OFF NEW CALLAWAY GOLF ROGUE X STEEL IRONS

NEW MIZUNO GT180 & ST180 WOODS. WE ALWAYS GUARANTEE BEST PRICES

NEW GALVIN GREEN

2018

RANGE

HAS LANDED (WE GUARANTEE TO BETTER ANY AUTHORISED ONLINE RETAILER ON PRICE)

ALL TITLEIST 917 F2/F3 FAIRWAY WOODS IN OUR SALE

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

MAX

Faster Face

Engineered to increase flexing and deliver a powerful sound and feel, the forged T9S+ face produces hotter ball speeds for more distance.

Š PING 2018

G400 G400 MAX

7,474

7,832

6,587

6,000

7,636

7,720

8,000

9,263

10,000 9,902

Both the G400 Max and G400 drivers have combined moment-of-inertia ( MOI ) measurements exceeding 9,200 [G-CM 2 ], elevating forgiveness levels to new heights and resulting in the tightest dispersion in golf.

That means more consistent distance and accuracy, round after round. Visit a PING Fitting Specialist or PING.com today.

Moment-of-inertia (MOI)

MOI to the MAX *

Competitors * MOI comparisons as of January 1, 2018

G400 MAX

G400

A great fit for players looking to add distance through stability and forgiveness.

Streamlined shape increases speed throughout swing.

Also available in G400 LST and G400 SFT.

G400 Max (460cc) compared to G400 (445cc)