FREE
AT GOLF CLUBS IN THE NORTH EAST AND YORKSHIRE - ISSUE
NORTHERN
67
SEPTEMBER 2018
northerngolfer.co.uk
WIN: A PING PUTTER. WORTH £249 WITH. ORIGINAL GREEN. HE SHOT 59. TEXAN JAMES IS RIDING HIGH IN NORTHERN GOLF
MARK RIDLEY’S GREAT ROUND
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EDITOR Paul Robertson editor@northerngolfer.co.uk EDITORIAL Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk EVENTS Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk ADVERTISING MANAGER Doug Brolls 07721 031 482 doug@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson & Nicky Rogerson info@kgphotography.co.uk
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WELCOME&CONTENTS Excitement is building in what is one of the most momentous months in the golfing calendar. I am of course talking about the expectations for Northern Golfer’s Champion of Champions at Ramside Hall, which just about secures top billing over the Ryder Cup in Paris. The best juniors, ladies and men will battle it out to win the trophies over two weekends at Ramside Hall. If your club champion/ representative is not yet entered make sure they are before it is too late (see page 6). All joking apart, there is nothing more mouth-watering as a sporting contest or spectacle than Europe taking on the US in the Ryder Cup. The quality of golf and the drama of the occasion makes each of these incredible contests unique in their own right. As the last one as a united Europe before Brexit, it perhaps has added significance and Dean Bailey discusses some of the selection dilemmas as well as giving his views on who might triumph. Elsewhere, we have to say congratulations to South Moor’s Mark Ridley for shooting 59 at Bamburgh, joining an elite club of golfers, and to all the teams who have won their respective leagues, all of which feature in this issue. It is great to see the youngsters continue to shine with eight-yearold Tom Hartshorne’s victory at Rockliffe, Matfen Hall’s magnificent five wee wonders, and Sam Broadhurst’s success in the North of England Youth’s at Middlesbrough Golf Club particular highlights. We also feature winners in their eighties and nineties alongside impressive successes for some of the region’s best female talent, all reflecting the strength of the game in the North East and Yorkshire. Finally it is appropriate that our cover should feature an American who has made the North East his golfing home. It is a fascinating story of determination and camaraderie - one thing we didn’t ask James Glenn is who he’ll be supporting in the Ryder Cup. I think I speak for the majority of Northern Golfer readers when I say I hope next month’s headlines include Europe re-Bjorn, although there are many twists and turns, hooked drives, missed putts and spectacular shots to be hit before we get there.
Paul Robertson, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk
©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.
League winners, final call for champions, Rockliffe’s young winner, Matfen’s Wee Wonders and more
14-22 TEEING OFF
Broadhurst’s Youths win, pros share success and Ridley joins the 59 club
29 TOUR LIFE
Web.com Tour Finals
31 DEAN BAILEY Ryder Cup countdown
32 ROUND WITH
Northumberland county captain David Gilroy
FRONT COVER
40 MATCHPLAY PAIRS
James Glenn on his golfing switch from Texas to Co Durham
Quarter final line-up
42 TIPS
Take control of your short game with John Harrison
Pages 24-26 When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it
04-13 TEEING OFF
44 COMPETITIONS
35 LATEST GEAR NEWS & REVIEWS
38 CLEVELAND COURSE PROFILE
Win golf for four at Middlesbrough, Newbiggin and Whickham
46 BUNKER
Golfing tales from our readers NORTHERN GOLFER 03
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In a league of their own
C
ity of Newcastle Golf Club lifted the Newcastle and District League title for a record fourth consecutive year as Mark Wharton completed a perfect season, winning all 15 of his matches, to win the Player of the Year title. The City, represented by Mark Wharton, Phil Ridden, Alex Dixon, James Walmsley, Ken Cairns, Zac Laws, Steve Slater, Jonny Todd, Mark McCarthy, Ian Davidson, Simon Coultas and Paul Souter this season finished 26 points clear of nearest challengers Northumberland as Arcot Hall finished third and won most-improved team honours. City captain Dave Lamb said: “This season has been a remarkable one for the City, winning an unprecedented fourth league title in a row as well as winning our division in the North Durham League and the senior league for the first time. We have been flattered by winning the Newcastle and District League, having found some late momentum to push us out ahead following a very close battle for the top spot for much of the season. “Mark Wharton’s unbeaten season is a remarkable personal achievement and 04 NORTHERN GOLFER
Top: The City of Newcastle team Bottom left: The Brancepeth team Bottom right: The Close House team
it has been a great experience leading a very strong squad of players who each represented the club brilliantly this season. To win the league takes a strong squad and every member of the team has played an important part in our success.” In the North Durham Union League, Brancepth Castle lifted the trophy – just three years after they competed in the third division. Winners of the Division Three title in 2015, they went on to win the Division Two Championship last year and now they are champions after the final round of matches saw them finish with just three defeats and two draws in their 14 matches. South Shields won the division one title while City of Newcastle, competing in the league for the first time, won division two. In the Hadrian League, Close House narrowly edged out Slaley Hall by two points to regain the trophy they won for the first time in 2016. The team collected 129 points from their 14 matches as Ponteland finished in third place. Close House captain Brian Thorpe said: “It’s been fantastic to watch the
team’s success this season, to be part of the camaraderie every Wednesday night, and to watch such tremendous golf. It was a nervous wait at Tyneside in our final match but we were delighted to get over the line and win the trophy back. Every member of the squad played a key part throughout the season and without each one of them we wouldn’t have been able to win such a close contest in the final week. It was a real team effort.” Alnmouth won the North Northumberland League with an impressive 22-point margin over Bamburgh Castle at the top of division one. Seahouses will move up to the top tier in 2019 having finished well clear of Alnmouth Village in division two. In Teesside, Wynyard lifted the league title with 198 points in their 14 matches, 15 points clear of Bishop Auckland. Meanwhile, Darlington will won the division one title as Dinsdale Spa triumphed in division two. The winners of each of league will compete for the Dixon Cup at Cleveland Golf Club later this month and we’ll have a full report in our October edition.
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Playing for England
N
orthumberland’s Rosie Belsham and Jess Baker impressed as England beat Switzerland at Pannal Golf Club ahead of the North of England U16s Championship. Rosie and Jess teamed up in the morning foursomes to beat Rebekka Koch and Margareta Roos 5&4 before Rosie beat Roos 6&4 and Jess beat Koch 3&2 in the singles, as England won the match 4-2. Gosforth Park Ladies’ Jess finished runner-up behind runaway winner Kerttu Hiltunen in the English Girls’ Under 16 Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship to earn her place in the England U16 team alongside Whitley Bay’s Rosie – who finished sixth at Lyme Regis Golf Club. Jess put together a gutsy performance to challenge for the title at Lyme Regis but had to settle for a tie for second place as Hiltunen scorched to 11 under-par to finish 11 shots clear of the field.
Jess Baker and Rosie Belsham Rosie also enjoyed a good tournament with three rounds of 75 and a closing 73 for sixth place to add to her string of top 10s, including second place in the
Wynyard Golf Club
Scottish girls championship, which secured her a place to represent England in The R&A’s Junior Open and in the European Young Masters earlier this summer.
Lindrick’s Sam Rook shot a one overpar total of 285, including a final round 68 to win the Yorkshire Amateur Championship at Ganton Golf Club by three shots. Meanwhile, Middlesbrough’s James Swash has qualified for the Matchplay Championship later this year with his 11th place finish at Ganton.
An exceptional golf experience
WINTER GOLF PACKAGES 2018/19 WINTER 4 BALL Includes Coffee & Bacon Rolls on arrival followed by 18 Holes of Golf on The Championship Wellington Course. 1st November – 30th April £130 per 4 ball WINTER 2 BALL Includes Coffee & Bacon Rolls on arrival followed by 18 Holes of Golf on The Championship Wellington Course. 1st November – 30th April £70 per 2 ball For More Details or To Make a Booking, Please Contact The Professional’s Shop on 01740 644399 Ext 22 email proshop@wynyardgolfclub.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 05
CHAMPIONOFCHAMPIONS
Last call for Champion of Champions The Northern Golfer Champion of Champions 2018 events will take place at Ramside Hall this month
T
he Northern Golfer Champion of Champions events will return to Ramside Hall this September with club champions from around the region set to compete over the Cathedral and Prince Bishops courses. The ladies and junior events take place on September 15 - entries close September 10. Meanwhile, the men’s event will take place on September 29 with entries closing on September 24. The three invitational tournaments, which are open to reigning club champions from across the North East and Yorkshire, will again take place at Ramside Hall in Co Durham. Last season’s events saw Hexham Golf Club’s Joseph Robson lift the junior trophy as Tynemouth Golf Club’s Rebecca Ferguson and Stew Fell lifted the ladies and men’s titles respectively. Helen Roseberry, director of golf at Ramside Hall, said: “We’re excited to welcome back the Northern Golfer Champion of Champions events across our two wonderful courses this September after an excellent first year. We can’t wait to welcome the best male, female and junior golfers from our region to Ramside for what are sure to be three fantastic tournaments.” Paul Robertson, editor of Northern Golfer, added: “I would like to thank Ramside Hall for hosting the event. “The success of the Junior Champion of Champions since 2015
inspired us to develop the idea to incorporate golfers of all ages. The return of the men’s event, which has had many notable champions, and the first ladies event were highlights of last season and we look forward to welcoming more players to Ramside Hall this year.” Champions from Northumberland, Co Durham and Teesside, and selected clubs in the Scottish Borders, Cumbria and Yorkshire within our circulation area, have been invited to the events. Emails have been sent to club secretaries and JLOs with full details. To enter go to www.northerngolfer.co.uk/ champion-of-champions-2018 Junior Champion of Champions Saturday September 15 Prince Bishops Course at Ramside Hall Tee times from 9.30am followed by one-course meal and presentation Ladies Champion of Champions Saturday September 15 Prince Bishops Course at Ramside Hall Tee times from 9.30am followed by one-course meal and presentation Men’s Champion of Champions Saturday September 29 Cathedral Course at Ramside Hall Tee times from 9.30am followed by one-course meal and presentation
For more information contact Dean Bailey, tel 01661 844 115 email dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk
Ladies and juniors entries close Sept 10 and Men’s close Sept 24 06 NORTHERN GOLFER
Stew Fell and Rebecca Ferguson
Junior Champion of Champions Joseph Robson
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Rachel Gourley
Rachel picks up Scottish and Northern honours
R
achel Gourley produced a superb sub-par second round at the Loretto Golf Academy Scottish Girls’ U16 & U14 Open Championship to finish in second place, adding to her success at the Northern Region Close Championship. Arcot Hall-based Rachel braved wet and windy conditions to post a two under-par second round to claim second place in the U14 event at Murrayfield Golf Club with a three over-par total. She said: “The conditions were really tough in the first round and I struggled a little bit. In the second round I just relaxed and played with a lot more confidence. I managed to stay calm, play some really good golf and post a great score to finish second.” Rachel also picked up two
trophies at the Northern Region Close Championship at Wallasey. She posted a one under-par gross score to finish third overall in the championship while winning the Liverpool Society for the best gross in the U14 category, while her seven under-par nett score led the field in the Clement Bowl for best nett score over 36 holes. Rachel added: “I’m really happy with how things have gone this season. I wanted to cut my handicap from four to two and I’ve managed to get down to 1.3. I also wanted to place well in the national events and I’m happy with my results at the Scottish girls’ and at Wallasey. “Next year I want to compete in more national events and get into the top 10s in my first year in the U16s category.”
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£40 per person Tea/coffee and bacon rolls on arrival • 18 holes on the Lee Westwood Filly Course • Hot chocolate from the halfway house • One-course meal Available Nov 1, 2018-Mar 31, 2019 CLOSE HOUSE, HEDDON ON THE WALL NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, NE15 0HT WWW.CLOSEHOUSE.COM • TEL: 01661 85 22 55 EMAIL: james.howard@closehouse.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 07
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Golf day raises over £10,000
l-r Jonny Mould, Dr Fraser Quin, Maria Hallett and John Lee OBE Slaley Hall has raised £10,200 for two North East charities as part of its annual Captain’s Charity Golf Day. This year Slaley Hall Golf Club supported Dementia Care, a local charity delivering a range of services for those whose lives have been affected by dementia and The Percy Hedley Foundation, which offers accommodation, education and support to disabled people. Highway Traffic Consultants took the top spot on the leaderboard with a team score of 102 points. To date, Slaley Hall Golf Club has raised more than £250,000 for local charities selected each year by the captain.
Spoons champs
Carole Morris (left) and Jane Butler (© Leaderboard Photography) Jane Butler and Carole Morris scored a runaway win in the national final of the Australian Spoons at Frilford Heath. The pair from Doncaster Golf Club defied torrential rain to score 36 points in the foursomes competition, which was run as part of England Golf Week. 08 NORTHERN GOLFER
Tom Hartshorne
Oh boy – what a win for youngster Tom
Y
oungster Tom Hartshorne is one to keep an eye on for the future. The eight-year-old from Eaglescliffe in Stockton-on-Tees got the better of more than 100 adult golfers to win a tournament at Rockliffe Hall and earned minicelebrity status, appearing on the TV news as a result of his success. He was four under his handicap for 36 holes to win the Grassholme Goblet at the Hurworth course, which has hosted the European Seniors Tour and is the home of Tour player Graeme Storm. Tom, who plays off 20, picked up a golf club just weeks after he started walking and now regularly plays in competitions with his dad, Ally, a three-handicapper and Rockliffe’s Player of the Year. Tom said: “I love golf and really wanted to show everyone how good I am, so I’m so happy that I won!” There was field of 112 at
Rockliffe for the first round of the Goblet and the best 40 made the cut for the second round in the afternoon. At that point, Tom was in fourth place, two shots off the lead, and he played great golf to come through and win the trophy. It’s not his first victory, he was also the winner of the Durham County Junior Tour U12 order of merit last year. Tom’s dad, Ally, said: “It’s been a whirlwind since Tom won. We’ve had so much attention and Nicola and I are so proud of him, but the most important thing is that he plays golf to enjoy it - that’s what it’s all about. “He could go on to be a top golfer – he wants to one day win The Open - but he is only eight years old and we just want him to have fun. “If he had his way he’d be on the golf course every day, but he’s also very good at football so who knows what will happen. “All we can do is make sure he
enjoys whatever he does and we’re hoping a lot more youngsters will get involved so he can play with them. His friends are proud of him too and he is getting a lot of them interested in the sport, which is great.” Tom had been walking just a week when he picked up one of Ally’s clubs - and it was bigger then he was - but he was quickly into the game. “The Open was on and he was watching Tom Watson and the crowd clapping when the ball was on the green, and you see he was enjoying it. “We’re expecting an addition to the family in February and already he’s said his new brother or sister could be his caddy!” There’s been a spin off for Ally too, who has found himself playing more because of Tom and that’s helped bring down his handicap. Besides being a member at Rockliffe, Tom also plays at Dinsdale Spa and Teesside.
C E L E B R A T E
THE 2018 RYDER CUP WITH US AT
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A FREE ROUND OF GOLF TO ANY PLAYER that produces their home golf club bag tag or membership card during 28th – 30th September. Also during the Ryder Cup Weekend 28th – 30th September → Daily Longest Drive Competitions in our indoor simulator → Daily Nearest the Pin Competitions in our indoor simulator → Daily Skills test against the best players in the world on the TrackMan Combine Test Centre Terms & Conditions apply. Offer not available with golf breaks. Bookings must be made in advance on 01670 787010
CALL US ON 01670 787 010
Email percywoodgolf1@gmail.com www.percywood.com/golfing/ Chesterhill | Swarland | Morpeth | Northumberland | NE65 9JW
TEEINGOFF David Dunn made home advantage count to win the Northumberland County Salver at Bellingham. The eight-handicapper shot a round of 73 for a nett 65 to finish four shots clear of Northumberland county captain David Gilroy, who shot a nett 69 alongside Westerhope’s Cameron Thorburn and Kevin Mavin (Bedlington).
Matfen’s wee wonders
M
atfen Hall’s Zara Naughton joined the growing list of our region’s best players to win at the Home of Golf with victory in the Wee Wonders 2018 Grand Final. Zara won the 36-hole girls 11-12 event over the Strathtyrum course at St Andrews with rounds of 73 and 65 for a 138 total, winning the event from Grace Crawford on countback. She said: “This was my fifth time at the Grand Final and I’m really proud to have won the trophy for the first time. I played really well both days and holed a lot of putts in the second round, particularly on the back nine where I was four under-par. “My plan now is to get down to scratch and win my place in the England Regional Squad. From there I want to represent England,” added Zara. Five golfers represented
l-r back row: Rachel Batey and Zara Naughton. Front row: Harry Hadley, Autumn Buchanan and Charlotte Naughton Matfen Hall at the Grand Final - an unprecedented feat for one golf club. Zara’s sister Charlotte finished 15th in the girls 9-10 category, Autumn Buchanan
NORTHUMBRIA
was 17th in the girls 5-8 event, Harry Hadley finished 25th in the boys 7-8 event and Rachel Batey finished 30th in the girls 9-10 category.
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NORTHERN GOLFER 11
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John Cross
Cross turns back the years
Y
ou’re never too old for golf - as South Moor’s John Cross proved when he won two competitions at the age of 85. John last tasted victory 14 years ago at the Co Durham course and since then he’s had a new hip and a brush with serious illness. So it was the source of pride for the Ushaw Moor great-grandfather when he won the Alan Scott Cup with 44 points in June. He followed it up with victory in the Chairman’s Flag Competition last month, winning by three shots. The two victories saw his handicap reduced from 35 to 30, much to his delight. It underlines the validity to allow the maximum handicap for men to increase from 28 as John pointed out. “A lot of older players were leaving the game, this change allowed us to compete again. It’s fantastic. “I was so chuffed to win the Alan Scott Cup, I can’t describe the feeling when I found out. I had
12 NORTHERN GOLFER
44 points in the stableford, it was one of those days where everything goes right. It was a fantastic feeling.” Winning a second competition has meant his handicap has been “hammered”, he laughed. John, who has been chairman of South Moor’s senior section for 15 years, took up the game late in his 50s and was an active footballer until 63. Now in the winter he plays indoor bowls and golfs with a buggy in summer. He had a brush with serious illness in 2013 when he was diagnosed with GuillainBarre syndrome, an autoimmune disorder. The following year he had a hip replacement and as his golf game suffered his handicap, which had been as low as 16, crept up. But something changed after this season’s winter layoff, leading to his first competition wins since 2004. John is married to Jen with four children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
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Couple of records
R
ebecca Ferguson and Stew Fell have added more achievements to their personal record books by breaking the course records at Tynemouth Golf Club. Rebecca, the Northern Golfer ladies champion of champions for 2017, set the new record at 67, six under-par, breaking her aunt Kim McKenna’s previous record by one shot. Rebecca said: “I’m so proud to have broken the course record, particularly as Kim had held it for so long. It was a strange way to do it, starting at the 15th in a shotgun start, but it gave me a really good run of holes to make birdies. “I managed to make birdies at the 15th, first, second, third and fifth to get to five under-par before bogeying the ninth. I knew I could push for the record and made birdie at 12 before needing an up and down at the 14th to get to six under-par. I was a bit nervous over
the 3ft putt but I managed to hole it and set the new record.” Meanwhile, Stew broke the men’s course record just a few weeks later – setting the mark at six under-par, 64, from the white tees. He said: “It’s a great feeling to have finally broken the course record having tied it a few times over the years. I got off to a steady start with four pars before making six consecutive birdies. From there I made a couple of mistakes before hitting it to 3ft on the par-three 17th to get back to six under-par. “The first time I felt any nerves was on the 18th tee but I managed to hit a great two iron then leave myself a 7ft putt for birdie. My only thought over that putt on the last was ‘don’t three putt and tie it again’. I managed to trickle it up and tap it in to get the senior course record to sit alongside the one I set as a junior.” Rebecca and Stew will defend their titles at Ramside this month.
Stew Fell and Rebecca Ferguson
Whickham Golf Club’s 2020 Vision for NEW Members
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Dominant Houghton Houghton dominated the Durham County Second Division Championship over their own Copt Hill course. Six handicapper John Huscroft (pictured) posted 76 while his club colleague Dan Ellison, who plays off seven, had the same score to finish second on countback. Chester-le-Street’s Ian Wilson and Graham Bainbridge (Seaham) both shot 78 in the windy conditions. In the Durham County Members Salver at Crook, Knotty Hill’s Grahame Parnaby took the honours with 40 points.
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NORTHERN GOLFER 13
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Berry enjoys the fruits of South Moor
Josh Berry Doncaster Golf Club’s Joshua Berry produced three superb rounds of golf at South Moor Golf Club to win the North of England U14s Golf Championship. Joshua, who holds a handicap of one, shot rounds of 76, 73 and 71 for a 220 total and a two-shot victory over Scotland’s Cormac Sharpe (Blairgowrie). Winner of the U12 section of the event in 2017, Joshua led an international field of boys and girls at South Moor. Fergus Brown (Gullane) lifted the U12 boys’ trophy for 2018 with scores of 82, 78 and 79 as Rosanna Halls (Cleobury Mortimer) shot a final round of two under-par to win the girls’ title as Gosforth Park Ladies’ Libby Bell finished in second place. Fourteen handicapper Sam Envis (Cosby) won the handicap trophy with nett scores of 67, 73 and 64 as 12 handicapper Luke Schmidt (Rotherham) won the U12 handicap prize with scores of 65, 70 and 75. Stoke Park’s Rachel MacKinlay won the girls’ U12 handicap prize. In the team event, Scotland 1 won the 2018 North of England Under 14 Junior Open Championship Team Trophy, which sees teams of three combine their best two scores. Scotland 1 featured Ruben Lindsay (Bellisle), Cormac Sharpe (Blairgowrie) and Valdemar Hundeboll (North Berwick). 14 NORTHERN GOLFER
Sam Broadhurst
Broadhurst bold at Brass
S
am Broadhurst returned to the North East and Middlesbrough Golf Club to lift the North of England Youth Championship trophy having finished in second place in 2017. Warwickshire-based Sam, the son of European Tour legend Paul, shot rounds of 69, 64, 66 and 65 for a 16 under-par total at Middlesbrough as Greg Holmes (Royal Birkdale) lifted the Fairweather Salver as the leading player under the age of 18. Michael Hay won the Bates Trophy as the leading home player. Sam, who is studying at Lincoln Memorial University, said: “I played for the first time in 2017 and really enjoyed the experience. I wanted to
come back and give it my best shot. I’m really proud to win this event and add my name to a great trophy. “I came into the tournament having struggled since returning home for the summer. I’ve seen my coach, ironed out a few problems, and that’s really been the key this week. Although I’ve finished 16 under-par I really haven’t putted well, which shows just how good my long game was to shoot four rounds in the 60s and win by three. “I only made one bad swing all week, which led to a double bogey on 16 on the first day, and from there I had a bit of work to do to pull myself back into it. Coming down the stretch in the final round
Looking good The Durham County Golf Union Seniors team has secured a second year of sponsorship from Pulman Volkswagen. Formed in 1967, the Durham County Seniors Veterans Golfing Society is open to all members of Durham Golf Clubs over the age of
65. Club Secretary Peter Dewar said: “We are really pleased that Pulman have continued to support us in 2018. “Thanks to their generous sponsorship we will be able to compete in intercounty competitions.”
I knew I had a lead but kept to my game plan, executed each shot and finished the week off really well.” Sam had Westerhope’s Brad Robinson on his bag all week and was staying with him as Brad recovers from a back injury. “The caddying partnership was fantastic,” added Sam. “We met playing golf against one another in the US and it’s been great to be staying with him this week. He’s been a great help, he’s obviously a talented player himself, and having someone like that on the bag has been a great help this week.” Results at www.middlesbrough golfclub.co.uk/opens/north-ofengland
Just another day at the office
Ramside Hall Hotel is one of North East of England’s finest corporate golf resorts
Our Corporate membership Includes 2 Championship courses 36 Buggy Fleet Two Types of Membership Premier and Flexi Conveniently located just off the A1 16 bay driving range
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For more information please contact our sales team on 0191 3753089 or email golfsales@ramsidehallhotel.co.uk
TEEINGOFF Some of the region’s best young golfers made it to the final stages of the English Men’s Amateur Championship at Formby and Hesketh golf clubs. Yorkshire’s Nick Poppleton made the quarter-finals as Alex Dixon (City of Newcastle), Matty Lamb (Hexham) and Jack Ainscough (Hartlepool) got to the fourth round. Tom Thurloway (Chartham Park) lifted the trophy.
Clark and Goodfellow lead the way
M
orpeth’s David Clark produced one of the lowest rounds of this year on the NE/ NW PGA circuit to run away with the Barnard Castle Pro Am title, as Craig Goodfellow lifted two trophies and professionals from across the region lifted titles in the latest series of pro ams. David’s seven under-par 66 saw him finish six shots clear of the field as four players tied for second place at Barnard Castle. Meanwhile, Craig’s fine form this season continued as he picked up a pair of winner’s cheques. The first came at Carlisle, where his four under-par 67 saw him finish two shots clear of James Wilkinson. Then at Close House, his superb six under-par round of 64 saw him finish five shot clear of nearest challenger Andrew Scrimshaw. At Whitley Bay, Penrith’s Tim Dykes and Wynyard’s James Harper shared the top spot with rounds
Craig Goodfellow
David Clark
of 69, while Houghton-le-Spring’s Bradley Rowntree and Jordan Woods finished a shot further back to tie for third place. There were also wins for Michael Nesbit (67) at the Morpeth Practice Pro Am, and Knaresbrough pro Andy Turner (68) at Brancepeth
Castle. The season continues this month with a packed schedule of pro ams plus the MKM Pro Shoot Out at Rockliffe Hall and the Tour Championship at Matfen Hall. For the latest results and information go to www.nenwpga.co.uk
BEAMISH PARK A PARKLAND CLASSIC
Beamish Park Golf Club, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 ORH
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PLEASE RING FOR OUR MEMBERSHIP OFFERS SPECIAL VISITOR OFFER 4 Ball including 2 Buggies for £72.00 (Mon to Fri subject to availability)
FULL CATERING FACILITIES Quality and delicious food menu Tailored menus to suit all occasions
ORGANISER GOES FREE For Golf Groups/Societies if 16 or more play Competitive prices so why not call us today
2018 OPENS
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For further information please Contact: The Secretary’s Office 0191 3701382 16 NORTHERN GOLFER
www.beamishgolf.co.uk
TEEINGOFF
Over the Moon
R
ob Moon completed a hat-trick of club championships when he won the Seaton Carew title for the first time. The 33-year-old from Billingham won the club title there, went on to pick up four titles at Wynyard and has now been crowned Seaton’s top man when his two round 146-total from 69 and 77 proved enough to beat Greg Johnson and Cameron Wallace by four shots. Rob said: “I’ve been a member about 18 months and currently play off plus-one. I won one club championship at Billingham where I was a member as a kid. I then moved to Wynyard for six years where I won four club championships, three of them in a row.” He has some work to do to match his quartet of Wynyard titles at Seaton, but his talent is well known having represented Teesside Union and Durham
Rob Moon receives the trophy from captain Tony Cooper County regularly for years. “It was a good day playing with Rob Clark and Robbie Mcgahan with perfect weather, it’s always made better when you win. I played really steady on the morning but the highlight was making birdies on six, seven and eight to go four under-par.” He was able to deliver the title
despite some bad news during the build up to the event. “I unfortunately lost my 44-yearold brother-in-law three days before after a very short battle with cancer. My mind was elsewhere all weekend and when I hit a bad shot I accepted the fact that I hit a bad shot as it’s only a game.”
18 MONTH
MEMBERSHIP
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Brancepeth Ladies have kept pace with the men’s team and enjoyed a fantastic season. With the men’s team winning the North Durham League title, the ladies A Team won their last match of the season 7-0 at home to Dinsdale Spa to confirm them as Anderson Shield winners for the eighth successive year - and they were undefeated throughout the season.
£539
FREE ‘GET INTO GOLF’ MORNING FOR ALL SATURDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER VENUE FOR HIRE - BOOKING FUNCTIONS FROM NOW UP TO CHRISTMAS The clubhouse provides the ideal location for any special occasion, offering peace and tranquility in delightful surroundings. A warm welcome awaits you and your guests. The function room, overlooking the 18th green, provides an attractive setting for your celebration or event. We cater for all occasions including christenings, birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. We offer a range of hot and cold buffets, carvery, along with a formal menu for seated dinners. Ryton Golf Club has a large and comfortable open lounge with bar, dance floor, the room is available for hire at a nominal rate. Full in-house catering service can be provided to suit your requirements. To secure your date please ring: 0191 413 3253 and speak to Agnes
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 17
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TEEINGOFF
Barclay banks the Carris
Barclay Brown
Sean Foster. Inset: Emily Baxter
St Andrews is Sean’s Eden
O
ur region’s success at the Home of Golf continued in August as Houghtonle-Spring’s Sean Foster won the Eden Trophy. Sean, a three handicapper, qualified in 11th place for the matchplay rounds with scores of 76 and 71 before beating Baberton’s Douglas Waugh 2&1 in the final at the Eden Course.
He said: “To get a win at St Andrews is incredible. I’ve been playing in the Eden Trophy since 2014 and this year was the first time I’ve made the cut. To go all the way to the final was a bit of surprise, but I’m delighted to have won. “My game was really solid each day, particularly when playing in the strong winds. I was also super confident on the greens, I felt like I
could hole everything from 15ft – a great feeling to have when you’re playing matchplay. The Eden is a great event and I’ll be back to defend my title.” Meanwhile, Houghton-le-Springs’ Emily Baxter shot rounds of 78 and 76 to qualify in fifth place for the Strathtyrum Tournament and was awarded the Speir Salver for the lowest nett score.
North edged out in Vets’ Jamboree This year’s Ladies Vets Jamboree - played between The North, The South, The Midlands and Scotland for ladies over 50 - came down to the wire at Hexham Golf Club. The North, represented by Karen Lee (Durham), Caroline Berry (Cheshire), Karen Jobling (Yorkshire), Janette McWhirter (Cumbria), Gill Mellor (Cheshire), Cath Rawthore (Cheshire), Maureen Richmond (Cheshire) and Julia
Wheeldon (Yorkshire) was led by captain Chris Pascall (Durham) and president Ruth Lindley (Durham). Having won their opening matches against Scotland (6.52.5) and The Midlands (5.5-3.5), The North had to beat The South
to claim he title. In a close match, The South edged the foursomes 2-1 before tying the singles to win the Jamboree with a 5-4 win over The North.
Barclay Brown birdied the last two holes to snatch a one-shot victory in the Carris Trophy at Fulford. Brown, from the Hallamshire Golf Club, found the last gasp push to finish on eight-under par and get past the long-time leader Italy’s Gregorio De Leo. It was his first major win and, even better, his triumph in the English U18 boys’ open championship came in his home county of Yorkshire. “I knew I had a good chance,” said Barclay after pulling off his win. “But I completely lost my game. I just got up and down from all over the place and my putter saved me.”
Big Six Wynners Yorkshire produced a dominant team performance to win the Men’s County Qualifying Championship, commonly known as the Big Six, at Wynyard Golf Club. The team of David Hague, Sam Bairstow, Dan Bradbury, Ben Hutchinson, Bailey Gill and Nick Poppleton shot a team score of 20 under-par for 36 holes as Cheshire finished four shots back with a total of 848. Northumberland were a distant third with a team score of 860 as Cheshire’s Lewis George produced the best individual score with his rounds of 65 and 68 for an 11 under-par total. NORTHERN GOLFER 19
TEEINGOFF
In the next edition we’ll be taking a look at some of the best places to stay and play over the coming months and in 2019. We’ll be featuring clubs across our region and beyond with packages for Sunday drivers, golf societies of all sizes and more To be part of this special feature contact Doug Brolls, E: doug@offstonepublishing.co.uk T: 07721 031 482
Andrew Wilson
Wilson regains Crawley medal
A
ndrew Wilson’s excellent season continued when he won the Leonard Crawley Medal at Brancepeth Castle - but it was a close finish. Andrew chased down Richard Aisbitt - a serial winner of the medal on his home course - after the former England Mid-Amateur Champion shot a first round 66. The England cap from Darlington was three shots behind after that first round but Aisbitt struggled to a 76 in the second round as Andrew came through
with 73 to win by one shot with Jack Richardson third (70-73). Wilson won the medal in 2016, when Aisbitt and James Glenn both finished runners-up. Andrew was part of England’s winning team against France this year and has had top 10s in the African and Irish Amateur Championships, a sixth place in the Brabazon and 11th in the St Andrews Links Trophy. He’s also been invited to play in the European Challenge Tour’s Bridgestone Challenge at Luton Hoo along with Nick Poppleton.
Yorkshire boys champion Ben Schmidt had the McGregor Trophy snatched from his grasp when England cap Conor Gough (Stoke Park) holed out from 25ft on the last at Kedleston Park. The 15-year-old signed off with a 68 and a 72-hole total of seven under-par to clinch a one shot victory in the English U16 boys open championship from Rotherham-based Ben. 20 NORTHERN GOLFER
TEEINGOFF
Amy’s national crown
A
my Buchan lifted the girls’ nett trophy at the 2018 American Golf Junior Championship final at Gainsborough Golf Club, home to tournament sponsor PING. Amy, who is based at Close House, has 39 points off a handicap of 11, narrowly edging out Jessica Brown from the Shire London who amassed 38 points. Defending champion Aaron Mohun, 11, from Chester took the overall title with 46 stableford points with Amy, Leah Ribano from Northampton, Fraser Russell from Troon, Ruaridh Clubb from Gifford, Hayden Sarfo from Droitwich and Owen Williams from Penarth, taking the honours in their respective categories. Matt Bacon, head of events at American Golf, said: ”It’s so satisfying to see new faces alongside young golfers who have returned to qualifiers year after
Amy Buchan year. To make it through to the final from hundreds of entrants from all over the UK & Ireland is a
fantastic achievement.” The Junior Championship will be shown on Sky Sports in October.
Yorkshire duo David Hague and Nick Poppleton helped England win the silver medal at the European amateur team championship for the second year in a row. England missed out on the gold medal when they lost 5-2 to Finland in the final at Scharmützelsee, Germany. England Boys, with Barclay Brown in the side, lost to Switzerland 4-3 in the quarterfinals of the boys’ event.
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TEEINGOFF
European star
Caitlin Whitehead Caitlin Whitehead continued our region’s success in international colours this summer by helping Europe to a clean sweep in the Asia Pacific Junior Golf Championship in Hong Kong. Carus Green-based Caitlin, 15, paired up with Finland’s Sakke Siltala to power to an eight-shot victory in the team event at Clearwater Bay. Caitlin also won the girls’ prize for the best individual score in round one, when she shot six-under 64. Her partner, Siltala, won the boys’ prize with his opening 69. That start gave them a seven shot lead and set up their victory. In the second day’s foursomes they were one under-par in tricky conditions and extended their lead to eight. In the final betterball round, Siltala had an astonishing nine birdies as they played to a closing 61 and an eight-shot win over Korea 1.
Mark Ridley
Ridley joins the 59 club
M
ark Ridley joined an elite group of golfers including Jim Furyk, Justin Thomas, David Duval and Brandt Snedeker by returning a score of 59 in the Bamburgh Castle Pro Am. Ridley’s nine under-par round at Bamburgh featured birdies at the par three first, four consecutive birdies from the third to the sixth, a birdie at the par three 14th and three consecutive birdies to finish his round. He said: “I got off to a great start, knocking it to 2ft on the
BARGAIN OF A LIFE TIME!!!
first for a tap-in birdie then got to three under soon after with twoputt birdies at the third and fourth. I knew I was playing really well and got two more birdies at the par three sixth and 14th holes. “After I made the birdies at 16 and 17 I knew I had a chance to shoot 59. I just needed to give myself a chance so I hit an iron off the tee then left myself 10ft for the 59. My only thought was ‘don’t leave it short, there’s not many chances to break 60’. It’s been a really great year so far and I’m looking forward
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)
Play at our course on Sunday 9 September 2018
FOR ONLY £5 PER PERSON
Times available after 10.30am / PLEASE BOOK We are also offering a deal to new members for £350 for the whole of September This will take you to 31 January 2020 & if you join on this Sunday we will take off a futher £50 or just come for a game of golf See club secretary for details
01289 306130
MAGDALENE FIELDS GOLF CLUB Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1NE
www.magdalene-fields.co.uk 22 NORTHERN GOLFER
to seeing what comes in the next couple of months. From there I can set my plans out for next year. Right now I’m keeping my feet firmly on the ground - hoovering the shop floor after back-to-back wins will do that.” Mark led the field by four shots as Alex Wrigley finished in second place with a round of 63. Mark followed his success up the following day by sharing the winner’s cheque with George Cowan, Craig Goodfellow and Ryan Ingram at the Goswick Pro Am.
STAY & PLAY - £85 pppn
Auld Cross Keys Inn
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bookings@crosskeysdenholm.co.uk www.crosskeysenholm.co.uk
The Green, Denholm, Scottish Borders, TD9 8NU
GEORGE WASHINGTON GOLF CLUB
COME AND JOIN OUR AWARD WINNING GOLF COURSE FANTASTIC MEMBERSHIP DEALS 18 MONTH DEAL 1ST OCTOBER 2018 - MARCH 2020 includes 4 Free Lessons - ONLY £780 16 MONTH DEAL DECEMBER 2018 - MARCH 2020 includes 4 Free Lessons & £20 Range Balls - ONLY £703 15 MONTH DEAL JANUARY 2019 - MARCH 2020 includes 3 Free Lessons & £15 Range Balls - ONLY £650 THAT’S 3 MONTHS FREE GOLF
(Payment in Full or use our NO FEE Direct Debit facility) For these and other Great Flexible 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.
JAMESGLENN
24 NORTHERN GOLFER
JAMESGLENN
Texas ranger James Glenn tells Dean Bailey about his journey from Texas to Co Durham, and a phone call which saved his golf
T
ravelling across the Atlantic to play college golf has become a key part of many amateur golfers’ careers. While some of the North East’s best young golfers have chosen to jump across the pond, 29-year-old James Glenn has travelled the opposite way – studying a masters in marketing at Durham University before embarking on a PhD. “The decision was made within a week,” says James on his move to Durham, which he’d never visited - though he had lived in the UK for seven years before returning to the US with his parents to attend high school. “My first round of golf back in the UK was at Gullane in a 40mph wind. I’d never seen anything like it. I didn’t know how to play; I hit a driver 180 yards and just couldn’t work out what was going on. “Before I came here I’d never played golf in thermal underwear, a base layer and a Gore-Tex jacket,” he adds, explaining that he’s now close to playing in a polo shirt when it’s 10C, which was the minimum temperature for playing at all while he was at Tyler Junior College in Texas. A member of Bishop Auckland and Brancepeth, James has been a big part of the Durham County team in the last three seasons – both on and off the
golf course. “I loved team golf at college and the county matches here are fantastic. When you’re 2dn with four to play you’re not thinking about yourself - you’re thinking about the team result and your teammates. You’re not playing against the other guys, it’s only about the team and I love that.” James says, despite his success this season with three wins and leading the Durham Order of Merit with one event to play, he struggled a great deal in the early part of this season. “I wasn’t in that good a place,” he says recalling the period between April and May. “I was under pressure with my thesis, I knew I wasn’t going to be playing in the national events I wanted to, I wasn’t enjoying golf at all, and I wasn’t in a place to provide for my wife Amanda - who’d only recently come over to the UK.” James admits this was the darkest period of his golfing career, one where he contemplated giving up the game – though team golf and his Durham teammates kept his playing. From losing the enjoyment of the game he loved playing with dad as a child in Surrey and the game which had driven him to make huge decisions as a college student in the US, James received an incredibly important phone call while practising at
NORTHERN GOLFER 25
JAMESGLENN
Brancepeth. “One of my closest fiends called me up to tell me they were worried about me. They’d watched me play and couldn’t see any joy when I was on the golf course. “That hit me pretty hard. I stood on the range at Brancepeth thinking about what they’d said and by the time I left I knew what I needed to do. “I finally, at the age of 29, learned to compartmentalise what I’m doing – to put my thesis to one side and just play golf when I’m on the course. I’d forgotten what I loved about golf and why I wanted to play it. Without that phone call, I wouldn’t be where I am right now.” A session with coach David Fletcher at Brancepeth followed as did his remarkable run of success this summer – including a second place finish at Oakdale, a club championship at Bishop Auckland and a win in the Moor Allerton Amateur Classic – all within a fortnight. He has also won the Ravensowth Bowl this season, and the Keith Shivers Bowl at Heworth – which James describes as unexpected having travelled back from a missed cut in the Lytham Trophy, slept for four hours then broken the course record in the morning round. James is an accomplished amateur on both sides of the Atlantic, though his route has been rather unconventional. He played a bit with his dad, a chiropractor, growing up in Surrey but didn’t focus on his golf until well into high school, when he set the goal of securing a golf scholarship to pay for college. He failed to attract a golf scholarship but was offered a full state scholarship as a Physics major a Clemson, a top-20 public school in the US. From there, James’ love of golf took back over. “I was on an internship in Tyler and shot a 68 while playing with my dad and uncle. The pro 26 NORTHERN GOLFER
James Glenn
at the club put me in touch with some guys who’d played for coach Sandy Terry at Tyler Junior College. “I had a try out, had an interesting conversation with my dad where I told him I was leaving Clemson to go to a junior college. He said some things I can’t repeat, but I was passionate about it and knew that I could play myself into a division one scholarship, which I’d always been told I wasn’t good enough for. “After two years at Tyler I got my golf scholarship to Sam Houston State University, a division one school, and spent two years there.” James admits his college career wasn’t a standout one, though he was the Southland Conference Student-Athlete of the Year 2011-2012. His grades had always been his priority having never thought of turning professional, though he had played well enough to plant the seed. A period of caddying at Whispering Pines followed graduation before James got a fortunate break and a job offer at Ferguson Plumbing in Houston. “I had a good job but I couldn’t get away from golf. I’d dedicated five years of my life to it and then left it all behind,” James says. “I managed to win the qualifier for the US Public Links Championship, went to Virginia and qualified 17th before getting knocked out in the first round of matchplay. I did that while sitting behind a desk 55 hours a week.” James left Ferguson to return home and prepare for Web.com Tour Q School. Feeling unprepared, he abandoned the idea and began looking for work again when he came
across the opportunity to study at Durham. His three years in Durham have included numerous amateur titles and success in the British Universities order of merit this year – one of his main goals. Winning the Durham order of merit is also within his grasp. “It’s been an incredibly successful season in terms of results, and disappointing to not be able to play in many national events because of the financial pressures of being a post-graduate student. I may not have set the grandest of goals but it was something I could afford.” Though he set his sights on being a top amateur late, James feels ready to take on the next level of his golfing career – starting with European Tour Qualifying School in September and October. “I wouldn’t change the route I’ve taken. I don’t think I’d be the same man today without all this experience. I’ve wanted to try Q School for so long and I’m starting to shoot the scores to justify giving it a go. I’ve got some backing from friends at Brancepeth and Bishop, and some family friends – all of whom have been incredibly generous. “The opportunity is huge. I’ve spent the last five years preparing so I’m ready to take this opportunity when it comes. “I’m going to try and play for as long as I can. I’m going to fight to make it happen. If I get to the point where I’m not good enough then hats off to the guys who are. But I’m going to do everything I can to get there.” With so much experience, playing under real pressure on both sides of the Atlantic, we’re hoping to see James on the leaderboard in Spain later this year.
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.
JUNIOR COACHING SATURDAY MORNINGS FROM 11AM TO 12 NOON AGES 5 TO 18 – ALL WELCOME CALL 01913882333
CLUBHOUSE AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS:
Birthdays, Anniversaries, Christenings, etc. Call 01913883218, option 3 to arrange your event.
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
BURGHAM, Nr FELTON, NORTHUMBERLAND NE65 9QP E : burghamparkgolfclub@gmail.com W : wwwburghampark.co.uk T : 01670 787898 (OPTION 1)
Burgham Park Golf Club in association with Burgham Park Cottages.
STAY & PLAY
Minnimum 3 nights, 2 rounds of golf from £159.00 per person based on 6 people sharing
Sunday 30th September, Gents 3 man Texas scramble, £30.00 per team. We have no winter greens: Winter membership 1st October 2018 - 31st March 2019 £200.00
Winter Opens: Singles Stableford, full allowance. £10.00 Entry. Each qualifying round will be on an Friday.
October 12th, November 9th, December 14th, January 11th, February 8th. Five to qualify from each round, Grand Final to be held on 8th March. Voucher prizes for each qualifying round, 1st £70.00, 2nd £45.00, 3rd £25.00 (open vouchers can be spent at any PGA Golf Shop).
For enquires or Booking call 01670 787898 (option 1) e-mail; burghamparkgolfclub@gmail.com
TOURLIFE
Chris Paisley
4 BALL DEAL - £100.00 OCTOBER-MARCH ‘19 V/P SPECIAL £25.00 PER HEAD TO INCLUDE MEAL OF THE DAY (MINIMUM OF 8) GENTS OPEN - 30TH SEPTEMBER 4BBB S/FORD, £35.00 PER PAIR, GREAT PRIZE TABLE. CALL 01642 311766 TO BOOK
TOUR LIFE WEB.COM FINALS
I am currently in Cleveland, Ohio at the second of four Web.com Tour Finals events. I got into them through the points I earned playing in the WGC-Mexico Championship and the Zurich Classic on the PGA Tour earlier in the season. The playoffs are made up of players who finished 126-200 on the PGA Tour money list, and 1-75 from the Web.com Tour list. Everyone starts from scratch and the top 25 over the four events earn a PGA Tour card. I am missing some tournaments in Europe to play these but with my card secured for next year, it’s a great opportunity to gain status in America. I will be returning for the Dunhill Links and British Masters before the final series events. The first event of the Web.com Tour Finals did not go so well. My game felt OK but I was definitely competition rusty. I made a lot of bogeys from good positions and even missed a tap in on Friday, which led to a bit of an implosion! I am starting to feel sharp again now though and my confidence is returning. It has been a strange experience playing these events. I have played on the European Tour for a good few years now and I feel very much part of it. I have some very close friends there, I know all the staff, I know how the tour works and I know most of the venues. All of a sudden I feel like the new kid at school. I don’t know many other golfers, I don’t know the staff, the venues, even the yardage books are alien to me! My wife is now 32 weeks pregnant so she isn’t here, and my caddy couldn’t make the first two events. It takes me back to my first year on tour, where I felt like a bit of an outsider just trying to make my way in the world! These playoffs are an exciting opportunity for me. To earn a PGA Tour card would be a dream come true. There will be some decisions to make regarding my schedule if things go well but it will certainly be a great problem to have.
MIDDLESBROUGH GOLF CLUB BRASS CASTLE LANE
Telephone 01642 311766 /311515 www.middlesbroughgolfclub.co.uk
MEMBERSHIP OFFERS 1/09/18 TO 31/3/20
£690
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Parklands Golf Club, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HP NORTHERN GOLFER 29
DEANBAILEY
Dean Bailey
Countdown to Paris The Ryder Cup is almost upon us
A
fter months of contemplating team selections, watching players rise and fall in the rankings and trying to get your head around how the two European points systems work, the Ryder Cup is finally (almost) upon us. Between this column and my next in October, the captain’s will have made their picks and three days of matches will be over. With four weeks to go to the first tee shot as I write, there is a lot we already know about the teams – and a few things still to be decided. First, we know the eight automatic qualifiers for the US side. We also know Tiger Woods (11th in points) and Phil Mickelson (10th) will be playing at Le Golf National. Every Jim Furyk press conference starts with this question and each time he refrains from letting the cat out of the bag, but they’re going to be on the US team. If you believe the US media, Matt Kuchar (13th) is also certain to make the US team - though he may be pushed out in favour of Bryson DeChambeau (9th when the list was finalised before winning the first Playoff event). It would appear the final spot will go to Kuchar, who Furyk may favour for his experience, or Xander Schauffele (12th on the points list). On the European side, things are a little more complicated. It is expected that Ian Poulter (10th on world points as I write) will gain a captain’s pick. On home soil he is sure to be an essential part of the team on and off the golf course.
That leaves Bjorn with three picks and plenty of headaches. As I write, Sergio Garcia (13th) and Henrik Stenson (16th) are well down the world points list and both are in the midst of long spells without signs of form. Bjorn may well pick one of these two, here’s hoping their form picks up if he does, but he is still in need of two players for a team with a wealth of world-class players at the top and a distinct lack of Ryder Cup experience throughout. Rafa Cabrera Bello is ranked 9th on the world points list and would make a sensible pick – both in terms of his Ryder Cup experience in 2016 and his world ranking. The next player in on the world points list is Paul Casey, who has a wealth of Ryder Cup experience (3-2-4 in three matches) but has not played since 2008. Casey may well provide the world ranking hit and experience Bjorn is looking for in Paris. On paper the two teams match up as well as they have done for years . Both have a mix of firepower and steady hands, with experienced players to back up Furyk and Bjorn on and off the golf course. Europe’s potential weakness towards the tail-end is a concern though we can expect a home crowd, the Parisian weather in late September and a golf course which would appear far better suited to the likes of Francesco Molinari, Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood than Woods, Mickelson and Bubba Watson with its thick rough, narrow fairways and water, to boost the European cause. Those three factors will play a huge part at the end of this month and could be the keys to Europe regaining the Ryder Cup.
NORTHERN GOLFER 31
ROUNDWITH
A ROUND WITH...
David Gilroy
Northumberland county captain David Gilroy shares his passion for golf, his favourite places to play and his best on-course memories
D
avid Gilroy, Northumberland county captain since 2015, is at the heart of golf in the county. A member of Bamburgh and Longhirst, you’ll find David at events across the county throughout the season as well as leading the Northumberland team in matches against the rest of the Northern Counties. A four-handicapper with ambitions to get lower still, we caught up with David just along the road from his home in Longhirst.
5 What’s your best ever round? I’ve shot 64 at Prudhoe, though it was a few years ago now. I’ve also shot 10 underpar there in a league match.
1 With a packed schedule throughout the summer how do you fit golf in? It’s pretty busy on the weekends with events, matches and coaching sessions but I get to pop out onto the course at Longhirst most evenings for a few holes or a bit of practice. I’m almost back down to a three handicap and I’d like to get a bit lower still.
7 What about embarrassing moments? I played in America against a 12-year-old lad when I was still a decent hand playing off a one handicap and got thumped 7&6. It turned out to be Sam Horsefield [now a member of the European Tour] and he was already off +3 at the age of 12.
2 How did you get into golf? My dad had 14 siblings and he played golf with four of his brothers at Beamish so I was always there with them from the age of 11. I’ve played golf pretty much since then, apart from a spell when I had a young family and was travelling a lot with work. I live right on the course at Longhirst and have a caravan at Bamburgh so I get plenty of opportunities to play. 3 Which is your favourite course in the North East? Dunstanburgh. I was a member there for five years and I absolutely love the place. It’s a spectacular landscape with a brilliant golf course. My second choice is Longhirst, which I’m really proud to be a member of. 4 And further afield? I adore Turnberry. I’ve played it a dozen or so times and I think it’s an amazing place to play golf. The setting is fantastic and despite the fact I’ve never had a good score there, I love it.
32 NORTHERN GOLFER
6 Which is your favourite golfing memory? Leading the team in the Men’s County Championship at Trevose last year, having won the Big Six at Seascale, was an incredible experience. I’d love to do it again knowing what we know from 2017. It was just a brilliant week.
8 Do you have any superstitions? None really. I’ve seen all sorts over the years but haven’t picked any of them up. 9 What are your strengths on the course? I’ve always been able to drive the ball well, being a well-built lad helps of course. 10 And your weaknesses? I struggle from 50 yards and in. My short game has always been weak and let me down. 11 Which is your favourite club? My driver. 12 Who is your best golfing friend? Neil Graham, who is a member of Longhirst now. We play a lot of golf together and have been friends for a long time. I’ve got a lot of friends at clubs all over the county so I’m never too far from someone I know. 13 Do you play any other sports. Do they help your golf? I’ve always been a golfer. I played a little bit
of football growing up but golf is the only one which has stuck all the way through. 14 Who is your favourite tour player? I’ve always admired Paul Lawrie. The way he swings it is unbelievable and I think he’s done incredible things throughout his career. I’m also inspired by the work he’s done with his academy up in Aberdeen and the positive impact he’s having on young players. 15 Which event do you enjoy watching/ attending the most? I try and get to The Open every year, though I didn’t make it to Carnoustie. The atmosphere is just incredible. I always enjoy The Masters on TV every April and I’ve tried to get there a few times. That’s high up on my bucket list now and I’ll get there with my wife in the next few years. 16 Which sportsperson do you admire? My hero has always been Ian Botham. He was a swashbuckling star in his prime and he was a larger than life character that I’m sure has inspired a lot of people. On the management side of things, I’ve always admired Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alex Ferguson. 17 Which three people would join you in your dream fourball? I’d like to meet Barack Obama so he’d be on my team. I think it would be pretty interesting to see him go up against Donald Trump on the golf course, and we’d be able to see if Trump is as good as he says he is. Last I’d take Sir Alex Ferguson. 18 Another win in the Big Six or a scratch handicap, which would you take? I’d love to win the Big Six again and go back to the national finals. I loved the experience at Trevose and I think we’d be a lot better prepared for the event if we made it back there.
NORTHERN GOLFER 33
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GOLFERGEAR
with US Open and USPGA champion Brooks Koepka
©L.E.MORMILE / Shutterstock.com
Gearing up
IN THE BAG
This month we’ve got plenty of colour with patriotic Chrome Soft balls from Callaway and a yellow Pro V1 announcement from Titleist plus new wedges from Cleveland, a huge catalogue refresh from Galvin Green, a power upgrade from Motocaddy and a nifty new bit of tech from Pitchfix...
CAN WE FIX IT? YES WE CAN!
Pitchfix Hybrid 2.0 www.pitchfix.com It may not be the most glamorous piece of kit in your golf bag but your pitch mark repairer is something you’ll use a lot (or only occasionally on a bad day) so having something which does the job properly, without jabbing you in the leg or disappearing among tees and ball markers every time you need it is really important. We’ve had tons of these things over the years, from the flimsy plastic types through to logoed varieties and plenty of the overly priced branded ones you find in your stocking at Christmas. With such great knowledge of the market, it was quite surprising just how much the Pitchfix Hybrid 2.0 impressed us. The top of the range model from Pitchfix, the Hybrid 2.0 incorporates a switchblade function with protection collars (so no more jabs in the leg as you read your putts); an integrated pencil sharpener, which we’re still raving about after a couple of months and a magnetic ball marker to show off your club or event logo. Available in 17 colours, this is the best tool we’ve found for the job and it’ll be with each of us for a long time to come. Pitchfix designs and produces a wide range of products to suit any pocket, including the excellent, award winning three-pronged Fusion 2.5 with it’s patented RepAirTec pin technology – voted best in class by Golf Digest Magazine for the last two years. You’ll find the full range of products at www.pitchfix.com
Brooks Koepka’s second and third major wins this season have cemented his position as one of the world’s best players, and pushed the 28-year-old into an elite circle of triple major champions. The 2014 European Tour rookie of the year, Koepka has won three of his last six starts in majors and owns more major champions victories than he has PGA Tour wins (though he does hold a European Tour win, four Challenge Tour wins and two Japan Golf Tour wins). Koepka collected his second US Open trophy at Shinnecock Hills with a one over-par winning total before seeing off a charging Tiger Woods at Bellerive Country Club to win the US PGA Championship on 16 underpar. Here’s what was in his bag at Bellerive … Driver: Taylormade M3 9.5˚ Fairway: TaylorMade M2 Tour Driving Iron: Nike Vapor Fly Pro 3-iron Irons: Mizuno JPX-900 Tour (4-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 52˚, 56˚, SM4 TVD 60˚ Putter: Scotty Cameron Tour Only T10 Select Newport 2 Ball: Titleist 2017 Pro V1x
NORTHERN GOLFER 35
GOLFERGEAR SHOW YOUR COLOURS
Callway Chrome Soft Truvis Ryder Cup balls RRP: £37.99 per dozen uk.callawaygolf.com
Show your allegiance to Team Europe (or Team USA) this month with the latest Callaway Chrome Soft Truvis golf balls, which are available with a blue and gold European design or a red, white and blue US design ahead of the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in France. The Chrome Soft offers tour-proven performance with unparalleled feel. It is engineered to create fast ball speeds and low spin off the driver thanks to its graphene-infused dual soft fast core, while the dual-core construction also promotes more distance off of your longer clubs and more control off of mid-irons, short-irons and wedges.
M PEOPLE
Motocaddy M-Series trolleys RRP: from £499.99 www.motocaddy.com
Motocaddy’s new M-Series range, which features new 28 volt technology, has been unveiled. The next-generation 28V technology, which replaces the traditional 12V system, boosts efficiency - meaning the trolleys don’t have to work as hard to perform the same tasks. This boosts performance as well as the longevity of other parts as the drive system doesn’t have to work as hard to create the same power output. The new system is available across the M-Series range, including in the new M5 CONNECT GPS model, as well as the M3 PRO, M1 and M1 DHC trolleys. Each also features a streamlined modern frame design that includes space-saving inverted wheels to help achieve a significantly reduced folded footprint while a new super-lightweight Lithium battery is lighter and 33% smaller than its nearest competitor.
36 NORTHERN GOLFER
WRAP UP WARM
Galvin Green 2018 Part Two collection RRP: from £22.95 www.galvingreen.com Galvin Green, the official supplier to the 2018 European Ryder Cup team, has unveiled its newest range of clothing for autumn/winter. Part Two of the 2018 collection features 270 garments in a range of industry-leading fabrics with the quality design and styling we’ve come to expect from Galvin Green in the last 30 years. The majority of the catalogue has been updated for this season and is available in new colourways - beluga, lemonade, river blue and snow in the men’s range plus rose, sea pine, misty green, cherry and crystal pink in the ladies’ collection. A total of 26 accessories are available alongside waterproof outer, mid and base layer garments including waterproof hats, snoods, belts and cold weather gloves. For full details of the 2018 Part Two range see the website.
GOLFERGEAR
IN THE BAG ©LChatchai Somwat / Shutterstock.com
With Women’s British Open champion Georgia Hall
PITCH PERFECT
Cleveland RTX 4 wedges RRP: £129 www.clevelandgolf.com
Cleveland has launched its latest wedge design - RTX 4. Engineered with better players in mind, the fourth generation of the brand’s Rotex Face technology has been developed with extensive tour feedback and is designed to offer more spin through the sharpest Tour Zip Grooves, aggressive face milling and more precise laser milling. Available in four new sole grinds, the RTX 4 wedges are available from September 14 in tour satin, black satin and tour raw finishes.
England’s Georgia Hall won her first major at the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes. The 22-year-old carded a final round of 67 to beat Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum by two strokes and become the eighth English winner of the event alongside players including Jenny Lee Smith (1976), Laura Davies (1986), Alison Nicholas (1987) and Karen Stupples (2004). Here’s what was in her bag… Driver: Callaway Great Big Bertha Epic 9˚ Fairway: Callaway Rogue 15˚ Irons: Callaway Apex (3-4) Irons: Callaway X Forged 18 (5-PW) Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy 4 50˚, 54˚, 58˚ Putter: Odyssey White Hot RX Rossie
MELLOW YELLOW
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
2019 Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x RRP: TBC www.titleist.co.uk
Titleist has confirmed the rumours that the number one ball on worldwide tours, Pro V1 and Pro V1x, will be available in yellow for the first time in 2019. Reported on the Team Titleist discussion thread, the new balls will follow the release of Titleist’s AVX golf ball earlier this year, which is available in white and yellow finishes.
NORTHERN GOLFER 37
COURSEPROFILE
Cleveland’s a classic Dean Bailey heads to the seaside and Yorkshire’s oldest club
C
leveland Golf Club has a special place in our region’s golfing history. The oldest club in Yorkshire, and the county’s only links course, the club was established in 1887 and the course has been moulded by three of golf ’s greatest designers - Old Tom Morris, Harry S Colt and Donald Steel, who designed three new holes in 2000. Cleveland remains a stern test today, maintaining its place among the finest courses in Yorkshire with a maximum length of 6,921 from the black tees, often stiff North Sea winds, penal pot bunkers and thick rough the primary defences. The opening four holes play straight away from the clubhouse with out of bounds and thick rough to the left of each hole and include an opening par three of 168 yards with two deep bunkers – one at the front left corner and the other back right. There are also two par fives – the second measuring 541 yards and the fourth at 549 yards. The fourth is the tougher of the two with a generous fairway leading to a well-guarded green with two deep bunkers on the front edge. The par four third is 440 yards from the back tees with a daunting tee shot as out 38 NORTHERN GOLFER
of bounds looms on the left side. Play as far left as you dare as bailing out to the right leaves a tough approach with a long iron over three deep bunkers. The 427-yard par four fifth is the first hole to turn back to the clubhouse and is played to a semi-blind green with two pot bunkers guarding each side of the fairway around 140 yards from the green. The green is protected by two bunkers at its front edge and a hollow to the right side, which leaves a tough up and down should you find it. The par three sixth measures around 160 yards depending on your tee box and is named Hollow. A large green should be relatively easy to find but beware a deep pot bunker on the right side, which disguises two more beyond it, while another bunker, some 5ft deep, waits on the left side. The green slopes right to left and can be tough to read, particularly when putting up the slope. At the 386-yard seventh, play slightly left of the church spire in the distance to a generous fairway bordered by thick rough on both sides. Two bunkers guard the green but a short shot in can lead to a birdie here. The eighth gives you some room off the tee but those taking on the green in two must air
toward the water hazard to the right of the fairway to leave an unhindered approach to the green with three bunkers on the left as you make your approach. Reaching the furthest point from the clubhouse on the front nine, the ninth is the longest of the par threes at Cleveland, stretching to 198 yards from the black tee. The green is dominated by a huge bunker at the front right corner, which is some 8ft deep, though there is a generous green beyond it measuring 32 yards from front to back. The back nine at Cleveland is a stunning example of links design with a mix of bunkering styles in the fairways and around the greens as well as tall dunes and tight run-off areas which combine for a spectacular sequence of holes. At the 381-yard 10th you must avoid the pot bunker to the right side of the fairway around 130 yards from the green while there is thick rough on both sides. Just one bunker, at the front left corner, protects a bowl-like green. The par four 11th and 12th holes, 432 and 419 yards from the black tees respectively, require accurate tee shots. The 11th features an undulating fairway which leads to a semi-blind green below the
COURSEPROFILE
FACT FILE CONTACT Cleveland Golf Club Majuba Road, Redcar, Cleveland TS10 5BJ tel 01642 471 798 cleveland-golf-club.com
main part of the fairway. The right side gives the best approach to the green here as the left side of the putting surface features two bunkers. The 12th, named Dog-Leg, features a water hazard to the left side with three bunkers on the corner of the dog-leg – two shorter on the left side and one beyond on the right side. Big hitters can go over the bunkers and straighten the hole, giving a great look at the green. The 13th measures 399 yards and you get a fantastic view of the golf course from this elevated tee. Avoid two bunkers to the left of the fairway and you’ll have a great view of a long green which is framed by mounding to the left, right and back sides. The 14th got our pick for signature hole (see fact file). The par three 15th is another stunning hole played to a narrow green with no bunkers. Turning back toward the clubhouse for the final three holes, the 16th measures 347 yards and there are plenty of bunkers in view. Long hitters should go over the two bunkers on the left side to leave themselves a great birdie chance. The toughest hole of the finishing stretch, the 17th is 394 yards from the back tee and a generous fairway is guarded by three bunkers on the left side around 150 yards form the green. At the green you’ll find a narrow entrance between two bunkers. There is more green beyond these bunkers than you think. The last is another fantastic piece of links ground. A tangle of mounds and hollows is flanked by sand dunes and out of bounds to the left side at this 510-yard par five. The approach is semi-blind and severely downhill to one of the toughest greens on the course.
GREEN FEES 10.30am-3.30pm £30 All day £40 Twilight from £17 Juniors £10 TOTAL DISTANCE Black tees – 6,921 yards White tees – 6,704 yards Yellow tees – 6,506 yards Red tees – 5,545 yards
The Cleveland Salver, played for annually, is one of our region’s most important amateur events. Earlier this year Alex Fitzpatrick – younger brother of Matt – lifted the Salver. In 2017 he set a new course record at Cleveland with a 10 under-par 62 during the Yorkshire Amateur. Cleveland is home to superb practice facilities, including a six-bay covered driving range open daily. The driving range also has a custom fitting and teaching suite complete with the latest industry-leading technology.
FEATURES Driving range Excellent pro shop Putting green Practice green Large modern clubhouse overlooking the golf course CADDY’S TIP At 6,921 yards form the black tees you’ll need to hit a lot of drivers from the back tees so head to the driving range before you start. Should the wind blow, you’ll need plenty of creativity to get around the golf course too. SIGNATURE HOLE The 14th is a fantastic links golf hole measuring 431 yards from the back tee (and 379 yards from the yellow tee). Framed by mounds and thick rough to the left and the sand dunes to the right, this subtle right to left dog-leg requires a long, accurate drive. The hole gets narrower as you approach the green, creating a corridor leading to a narrow, upturned green which runs off in each direction. A challenging hole within a stunning stretch of links land.
OUR VERDICT Cleveland may be an old golf course but it remains a remarkable example of links golf with one of the best back nines in our region. NORTHERN GOLFER 39
MATCHPLAYPAIRS
Quarter finals
Match Play Pairs 2018 continues across the North East and Yorkshire
T
he Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs 2018 tournament is down to the final eight pairs from clubs across the North East and Yorkshire - who are battling it out to win a trip to Spain for the NE/NW Pro Am. This year, 75 teams started the event and have been taking part in matches at venues across the North East and Yorkshire. The semi-finals and final take place at Close House this October - from which the winners will head to the NE/ NW PGA Overseas Pro Am in February 2019. Teams are drawn against one another in the knockout format, played with 90% handicap allowance, and the final four teams will make it to Close House for the semi-finals on Sunday October 7. The final will be played over the Colt Course at Close House, official venue of the 2017 British Masters, on Sunday October 14 with the winning pair heading off to Spain courtesy of GolfingHolidays.org.
Read the full rules for the event online at northerngolfer.co.uk/match-play-rules 40 NORTHERN GOLFER
The Colt Course, Close House
Quarter finals Matches to be played by Sunday September 23 MATCH 57
MATCH 59
Matthew Sibley & David Wainman (Eaglecliffe) VS Craig Beadling & Jamie McPhillips (Romanby)
Jason
MATCH 58
MATCH 60
Gary Atkinson & Stephen Carter (Durham City) VS Anth Mckeown & Alan Slater (Ramside)
Raymond Glendinning & George Freeman (Hobson) VS James Ogden & Carl Brydon (Tynemouth/ Newbiggin)
Emmerson & Gary Davies (Chester-le-Street) VS Ryan Mould & Stephen Mould (Crook)
Round of 16 results MATCH 49
MATCH 53
James Ogden & Carl Brydon (Tynemouth/ Newbiggin) won 1up VS David Robison & Harry Iveson (Whickham)
Raymond Glendinning & George Freeman (Hobson) won 1up VS Andy Foster & Paul Foster (Catterick)
MATCH 50
Ryan Mould & Stephen Mould (Crook) won 1up VS Mark Brown & George Longthorn (Crook)
MATCH 54
Anth Mckeown & Alan Slater (Ramside) won 6&4 VS Stuart Allan & David Haswell (South Moor)
MATCH 55 MATCH 51
Ross Muirhead & Neil Morrison (Boldon) lost 1dn VS Jason Emmerson & Gary Davies (Chester-le-Street)
Steve Weldon & Alan Saunders (Westerhope) lost 19th hole VS Craig Beadling & Jamie McPhillips (Romanby)
MATCH 52
MATCH 56
Matthew Sibley & David Wainman (Eaglecliffe) won 4&3 VS Michael Davison & David Scott (Bellingham)
Geoff Cruickshank & Nick Sibley (Eaglecliffe) lost 5&4 VS Gary Atkinson & Stephen Carter (Durham City)
NORTHERN
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IN CONTROL
Creating a consistent, solid strike is the key to taking control of your pitch shots. To create consistency you need to keep your lower body stable and quiet throughout the swing, allowing your upper body to stay on top of the ball at impact. This position will allow your shoulders and arms to create a downward arc through impact and result in a solid, crisp strike. The most important thing with shots like this is to practice. Keep those legs quiet and build your confidence with these shots on the practice ground, from here you take your consistent play to the golf course and make those all important up and downs.
42 NORTHERN GOLFER
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GOLFERPROMOTIONS
win Northern Golfer competitions are also listed on our website www.northerngolfer.co.uk/ competitions Alternatively, you can 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 September 27, 2018. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.
WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT MIDDLESBROUGH GOLF CLUB Middlesbrough Golf Club’s reputation as one of the premier clubs in the North East was born when James Braid was asked to design the Brass Castle Lane course. Five times Open champion, Braid produced an impressive layout which remains a stern parkland test. For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Who won the 2018 US Amateur at Pebble Beach?
WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT NEWBIGGIN GOLF CLUB
WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT WHICKHAM GOLF CLUB
The links and moorland at Newbiggin have stood the test of time and it is still a popular venue for the county’s best events. Designed by Willie Park Junior, the rolling fairways, sand dunes and North Sea wind make for a difficult test.
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.
For your chance to win simply answer the following question: How many times has Tom Watson won The Open Championship?
For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Which course will host the 150th Open Championship?
Congratulations to last month’s competition winners: Eaglescliffe - Michael John Gilmore of Prudhoe • City of Newcastle - Peter Smith of Alnwick Richmond (Yorks) - Pam Nield of Sunderland
Exclusive Northern Golfer reader offer from Golf Escapes Hotel Le Manoir, France
Two nights | B&B | Two rounds Just £149 per golfer Available Nov 11-Dec 15, 2018 For more information and to book go to www.golf-escapes.com/ book-package/?id=25180 44 NORTHERN GOLFER
WIN YOUR CHANCE TO
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from the
bunker Our congratulations to Don Balmforth, 92, of Knaresborough Golf Club, who topped a competitive field to take first prize in a Knaresborough Club Medal qualifier with a nett score of 71 and a gross score three lower than his age. Don, a former Harrogate Town footballer, took up golf when he retired from work more than 25 years ago and has never had a lesson. Playing off 18, he edged a four and a seven handicapper into second and third spot, and has now seen his handicap reduced to 17. “I should have done better,” he said. “I just missed a couple of birdies. For some reason I seem to be playing better than I have done for a long time.” Well done Don. Got a story to share? Email editor@northerngolfer.co.uk
Thanks go to Paul Whalton of Hexham and Mark Holingsworth of Whitley Bay who stepped in to help the green staff at Morpeth Golf Club this month as Morpeth’s Gerry Cramer recovers from a recent heart attack. Paul and Mark joined the Morpeth team for a day and helped keep the course in top condition during a tough summer of dry weather. Well done all and we wish Gerry a speedy recovery.
Samantha Malone returned to Gosforth Golf Club after an 18 month layoff following the birth of her daughter Sophia to win her second club championship. Samantha was made to fight for her second title by Melanie Garland in a great final that went to the 21st hole, and afterwards Sam dedicated the trophy to her grandad who died last December. Congratulations Sam. We look forward to welcoming you to Ramside for this year’s Champion of Champions event, all the information is on page 6.
Competitors at Percy Wood Golf Club in Northumberland witnessed two hole-in-ones in the same week. John Bell holded out at the 1st – a 164-yard par three – in the Senior Stableford while Dave Angus managed to ace the 162-yard 10th in the Davison Mixed Comp. Well done gents. 46 NORTHERN GOLFER
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! Apologies to Gill Dixon and Shelagh Burton of Alnmouth Golf Club, who we managed to confuse in our last edition. Gill, pictured here alongside Andrew Minnikin was the winner of the ladies club championship at Alnmouth, while Shelagh (below) won the Bronze championship.
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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
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