Northern Golfer magazine #77 - September 2019

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77

SEPTEMBER 2019

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SIX OF THE BEST Northumberland win The Big Six and set their sights on a first national title in 50 years WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT BLACKWELL GRANGE, HEXHAM AND WOODHAM

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EDITOR Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk John Harrison Matfen Hall 01661 886 146 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 The golf season may have reached its final few weeks as you read this edition, but there’s no sign of our region’s golfers slowing down.

Some of the biggest events of the season take place in September as the golfing year culminates with major national events, plus the Northern Golfer Champion of Champions events in partnership with Brewin Dolphin and hosted by Ramside Hall.

The return of the Champion of Champions is sure to be the highlight of the regional schedule in September with men’s, ladies and junior club champions looking to add their names to the history books and win a place as the stars of our October edition.

Meanwhile, our Match Play Pairs event has also reached the quarterfinals stages and the final four will head to Wynyard in October to battle it out for the trophy - see page 39 for the latest results.

Nationally, the Northumberland men’s team will head to the English Men’s County Championship hoping to win the national title for the first time in more than 50 years following their victory in The Big Six at Alnmouth Golf Club. Their victory at Alnmouth is a good omen - the last time the county won the national title in 1965, they qualified for the event with victory at Alnmouth. Preparation is well underway for the trip and David Gilroy and his team share their story on pages 24-26 this month.

Elsewhere in this edition, Rachel Gourley led the England U16 team to victory over Switzerland while Caitlin Whitehead, Rosie Belsham and Jess Baker all played their part as England retained the Girls Home Internationals. Hexham’s Matty Lamb will be hoping to help the Men’s team win their Home Internationals later this month.

It was great to catch up with Jack Hermeston this month and hear about his new role as a graduate assistant coach in the US - a whole six years since he and Matty appeared on our front cover alongside Jake Storey.

Meanwhile, Chris Paisley got the luck of the draw in Switzerland recently as he was joined by Rory McIlroy and Justin Timberlake for a practice round - as you’ll read in this month’s Tour Life.

There’s plenty more in a packed September edition, and still loads of golf to look forward to. Enjoy the end of the season...

04-05 CHAMPIONS

Last chance to book your Champion of Champions place

06-11 TEEING OFF

Girls play key roles in national team success plus a round-up of this season’s league golf

12-21 TEEING OFF

Marcus’ PGA honour, regional titles and new jobs for two of the region’s most talented golfers

23 TOUR LIFE With Chris Paisley

29 COLUMNIST The great escape

Dean Bailey, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

FRONT COVER

33 SPECIAL FOCUS

The Northumberland team on Big Six success and heading to the Men’s County Championship

Driving ranges and studios

39 MATCH PLAY PAIRS Quarter-finals draw

Pages 24-26

42 TIPS When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it ©Offstone Publishing 2019. 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.

With John Harrison

30 RYTON GC COURSE PROFILE

40 THE LATEST GEAR NEWS

44 COMPETITIONS

Win golf for four at Blackwell Grange, Hexham & Woodham

46 FROM THE BUNKER Readers’ news and views

NORTHERN GOLFER 03

CHAMPIONOFCHAMPIONS

Champions heading to Ramside

There’s still time to enter this year’s Northern Golfer Champion of Champions events, which take in September at Ramside Hall in partnership with Brewin Dolphin

T

here are just a few days left to enter this year’s Champion of Champions events at Ramside Hall.

Entries for the junior and ladies events close on Sunday September 15. Entries for the men’s event close on Sunday September 22. To enter, head to www.northerngolfer.co.uk and click on the enter now link. Each eligible club has also been emailed the details for the events.

The events – for men, ladies and juniors – will be played at Ramside Hall for a 04 NORTHERN GOLFER

third consecutive year this September. This year’s events will be staged in partnership with Brewin Dolphin, one of the largest British investment management and financial planning firms, for the first time.

The 2019 ladies and junior events will take place on Saturday September 21 over the Cathedral Course at Ramside Hall while the men’s event will take place on Saturday September 28 over the Cathedral Course.

The events welcome an elite field of amateur golfers from

across the North of England.

The events – for men, women and juniors – are open to reigning club champions from clubs in Northumberland, Co Durham and Teesside, and selected clubs in the Scottish Borders, Cumbria and Yorkshire within Northern Golfer’s circulation area.

Thanks to the support of Brewin Dolphin and Ramside Hall, there is no charge for competitors at the events.

We’ll have a full report from the events in the October edition of Northern Golfer.

LADIES AND JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS Saturday September 21 Ramside Hall, Cathedral Course Red and yellow tees from 11.30am MEN’S CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS Saturday September 28 Ramside Hall, Cathedral Course Blue tees from 8.40am

CHAMPIONOFCHAMPIONS

To enter head to northerngolfer.co.uk and click on the Enter now link

2018 champions James Glenn Jess Baker and Rosie Belsham

NORTHERN GOLFER 05

TEEINGOFF

Rachel leads England girls

Rachel Gourley

Storm opens new range Graeme Storm has opened the first autism friendly driving range in the North East.

Graeme described the facility at New Warlands Farm, near Burnhope, Co Durham as “truly lifechanging.”

The 300-yard range with driving nets, a par three hole, bunker and putting green has been set up by the North East Autism Society Sharon Cotterell, who works at the farm, secured Sport England funding to support regular coaching for autistic adults with support from Durham City professional Tom Cranfield, and the range was designed following advice from the Els for Autism Foundation.

R

achel Gourley returned to the national stage as she led England’s U16 girls in their win over Switzerland at Heswall Golf Club.

Arcot Hall-based Rachel represented England against Spain earlier this season and added to her international experience at Heswall with a 1up singles victory over Magareta Roos as England swept the afternoon singles session to win the match 4.5-1.5.

Rachel, 15, said: “I was a lot less nervous going into the match as I’d learned a lot from the match against Spain earlier this season.

It was different being one of the experienced players out of the four and having something to say rather than just listening to everything that was going on.

“I really enjoyed the experience. Being more relaxed helped and I played well to turn my singles match around with two birdies at the 15th and 16th to go from 1dn to 1up, and then finish it off at the 17th and 18th.

“It’s been a really busy summer but I’m happy with how I’m playing since moving up from the U14 events and I’m looking forward to the last few events of the season.”

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TEEINGOFF

Girls win Home Internationals

T

hree of our region’s most talented female golfers played key roles as England retained the Girls Home Internationals trophy.

Whitley Bay Golf Club’s Rosie Belsham, Gosforth Park Ladies’ Jess Baker and Carus Green’s Caitlin Whitehead were part of the successful Girls team which overcame Scotland, Wales and Ireland to win the title at Downfield Golf Club in Dundee.

On a dramatic final day against Ireland, which was shortened to just the singles session due to heavy rain, Jess won her game 3&1 and Rosie and Caitlin secured important halves as the match finished tied 3-3. England lifted the trophy having accrued two more points in their matches against Scotland and Wales.

On the opening day, England beat

Gareth Davies

Gareth Leeds the way © The R&A Wales 6-3 with Rosie and Caitlin teaming up to win their foursomes match in the morning before Jess won her singles match 5&3.

England then completed a convincing 8.5-0.5 win over Scotland on day two – Rosie and Jess winning their foursomes match 7&5 as Caitlin teamed up with Charlotte

Heath to secure a 5&4 victory. All three girls won their matches in the afternoon singles.

England now have a chance to complete a clean sweep of Home Internationals when the men’s event is played at Lahinch on September 11-13. Hexham’s Matty Lamb will feature in the England team.

Gareth Davies prevailed in tough conditions to claim the Leeds Cup. In its 104th edition, the event returned to Leeds Golf Club, which hosted the first event in 1902 - won by Harry Vardon.

Gareth, from Abbeydale Golf Club, shot a two round total of 135 to lead the field and claim the winner’s cheque.

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Top of the league Northumberland captain Camryn Bulman receiving the trophy from Marcus Chisholm

North win first title Northumberland Golf Club won the Northumbria Junior Golf League title for the first time with a golden point victory at Finals Day. Ponteland, Parklands, Northumberland and Stocksfield took part on Finals Day with Northumberland beating Ponteland and Parklands defeating Stocksfield in the semi-finals.

In a thrilling and very competitive final the match finished 6-6, which meant the score in the opening game would decide the winner - Jess Baker beating Fin Bell to give Northumberland the victory.

Meanwhile, Ponteland beat Stocksfield 7-5 to win the third place playoff.

Paul Crookston

Paul’s county crown Paul Crookston is the new Durham Second Division Champion after posting a score of 76 at Ravensworth Golf Club.

The 10 handicapper finished one shot ahead of the host club’s Aaron Shield and Wearside’s Sean Donkin.

08 NORTHERN GOLFER

The City of Newcastle team

C

ity of Newcastle Golf Club continued its recordbreaking run of success in the Newcastle & District League, lifting a fifth consecutive title as champion clubs were crowned around the region.

The City topped the league with 132 points as Tyneside Golf Club finished in second place, and Tynemouth Golf Club’s Stew Fell was named the league’s player of the season after winning 24 points.

City captain Simon Coultas said: “It’s a delight and a relief to have won the league for a fifth season in a row, and to do it as club captain is very special. Expectations were high at the start of the season and we had a tough start with a loss at Backworth, but we kept pushing and finished off the year with a pair of 12-0 wins.

“I’ve been involved in league golf for more than 20 years and this is a very proud moment.”

In the North Northumberland League, Alnmouth Golf Club won the league title in the club’s 150th

anniversary year as Bamburgh Golf Club finished in second place.

Meanwhile, Goswick Golf Club won the second division title.

Brancepeth Castle Golf Club lifted the North Durham league title, finishing 13 points clear of Boldon Golf Club in division one. Heworth Golf Club won the division two title while Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club won division three.

In the Hadrian League, Stocksfield Golf Club topped the season-long points race with 141

points as Close House finished in runner-up spot, 11 points behind.

Meanwhile, Bishop Auckland Golf Club won the Teesside and District Union of Golf Clubs League, beating Eaglescliffe Golf Club to the title. In division two, Cleveland Golf Club topped the standings while Rockliffe Hall won the third division title.

The Dixon Cup, which brings together the champions of the five leagues will take place at South Moor Golf Club on Sunday September 8.

The Stocksfield team

Alnmouth Golf Club will host the Senior Men’s Home Internationals, September 17-19. The event is an annual round-robin competition between teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It is held in each of the four countries in turn with each individual match being decided by the results from three foursomes and six singles games.

Support your local club & buy tickets now.

Speak to your club General Manager for more information.

Close House, Newcastle upon Tyne 29 July - 2 August, 2020

TEEINGOFF

The professionals

N David Hague

Yorkshire’s champion England international David Hague followed up his win in the Lee Westwood Trophy with a two shot victory in the Yorkshire County Championship at Pannal.

The Malton and Norton player was pushed all the way in the last round by Otley’s Phil Tomkinson, but came out on top with rounds of 72, 70, 71 and 70.

orthern Golfer Tips pro John Harrison added the NENW PGA Championship to his list of titles in 2019 with victory over Mark Ridley in a playoff.

John, from Matfen Hall, beat South Moor-based Mark on the first playoff hole at Morpeth Golf Club with a birdie after the pair shared the 36-hole lead on 135 in one of the biggest events of the region’s PGA calendar.

Meanwhile, five pro ams at clubs across the region produced a string of strong performances.

At Matfen Hall, Ken Ferrie posted a seven under-par 65 to lead the field by three shots as George Cowan finished in second place. George went on to join Darren Pearce and Phil Waugh in shooting four underpar rounds of 67 in The Morpeth Practice Pro Am to share the winner’s cheque.

Richard Robson-Crosby posted

John Harrison a new course record 66 to win the Whitley Bay GC Pro Am, beating George Cowan, Martin Forster and John Harrison by one shot.

At Brancepeth Castle, Andrew Scrimshaw took home the title with a four under-par round of 66 as John Harrison finished in solo second in

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Meanwhile, Mark Ridley was at the top of the leaderboard once again at the Barnard Castle Golf Club Pro Am alongside Vince Guest after the pair shot four under-par rounds of 69.

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Josh holds on to South Moor title

T

he North of England Under 14 Championship at South Moor came to a thrilling conclusion having battled the wet weather.

The sixth staging of the championship was in doubt when torrential rain flooded the course and day one was cancelled. Hard work ensured days two and three went ahead and the tournament ended in fine style with 2018 champion Josh Berry shooting rounds 74 and 69 to retain the title by a single shot.

In a thrilling finish, the Doncaster youngster edged out Thorndon Park’s Louis Vallis, who also shot a second round 69 to add to his opening round of 75.

Fulford’s Alexandra Bonfield made it a Yorkshire double by

Josh Berry winning the girls prize with rounds of 78 and 78. Meanwhile, Yorkshirebased 15 handicapper Charlotte Colley posted a 36 hole total of 138 to pick up the nett trophy and six handicapper Lucia Maturi (Lindrick) won the boys nett prize.

Surrey also took home a

Alexandra Bonfiel basketful of silverware with Cuddington’s Kris Kim collecting the trophy for the leading U12 player while his brother Matthew took home the boy’s U12 handicap prize and Matilde Santilli (Foxhill) added to the haul with the girls U12 prize.

Will Bowe won the Cumbria County strokeplay Championship by holding off the challenge of John Longcake at Silloth on Solway Golf Club. Will, from Workington Golf Club, shot rounds of 73, 69, 73 and 72 to Longcake’s 69, 70, 73 and 76 to win by one shot. Carlisle Golf Club’s Andrew Wolstencroft finished nine shots back in third place.

Castle Eden Golf Club 18 Hole picturesque parkland course

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TEEINGOFF

Jack Hermeston

Jack’s new job

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12 NORTHERN GOLFER

ormer Northumberland county champion Jack Hermeston has been appointed as a graduate assistant golf coach at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Jack, who represented the college golf team while studying for his degree in Business Finance, will work under head coach JW Wandenborn supporting the next crop of players.

A member of City of Newcastle Golf Club but now based in Kansas City, Jack said: “I’m really looking forward to getting going in my new role. It’s going to be different, being outside the ropes at tournaments and being the guy players go to when they need something, but it’s going to be interesting and I’m looking forward to learning a lot. The job will support me while studying for my

masters, something I wanted to take on having spent the two years since finishing college working in corporate America. Hopefully I can play some more golf too while supporting coach and studying myself.

“I don’t know where I’ll go from here. I learned a lot working for two years and may well go back into it with my masters, though I’m open to seeing how the coaching side works out in these next couple of years.

There are options and I’ll be well placed to make a decision once I’ve seen both sides out here.”

Jack’s college golf career included a team victory in the Western Athletic Conference Championship in his final year. He won the McGregor Trophy at South Moor in 2011 and featured in the England system before heading to the US to attend college.

Wrigley heading to PGA Cup Hartlepool’s Alex Wrigley will play in his second PGA Cup clash against the US in September.

Alex (pictured right with the team) was part of the winning GB&I side in 2015, when he won two and lost two of his matches against the US club pros. He is back in Cameron Clark’s team, which is bidding to make history by

winning three consecutive matches.

The event takes place at Barton Creek Resort in Austin, Texas, September 27-29.

TEEINGOFF

Wilson’s on a roll T yneside Golf Club’s James Wilson demonstrated his ability to shoot low scores at national and regional level with a string of strong performances.

James, 19, finished third in the Boyd Quaich – one of the most prestigious events of the student golf calendar hosted by the University of St Andrews over the Old and New courses at St Andrews. James shot a bogey-free 69 over the Old Course on day one to lead the elite field before shooting rounds of 72 and 71 on the New Course in rounds two and three.

In the final round, he shot 70 on the Old Course to finish the tournament on four under-par, three shots behind winner Charles Fitzsimmons from Western University.

He went on to equal the course record at Hankley Common with a six under-par 65 while qualifying for the matchplay stages of the English Men’s Amateur Championship.

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James Wilson

l-r Durham president Tony Garrity with Heworth club captain Peter Cherry, Jason McGuire, Will Marshall and Aaron Scott Although James was knocked out in round two, it gave him the chance to return to Durham for the County Clubs Championship at Heworth Golf Club, where he continued his low scoring and won the best individual prize with a 12 under-par total of 130 after two rounds of 65.

James’ score helped Tyneside Golf Club finish second with host club Heworth four shots clear at the top of the leaderboard. Heworth will go on to represent Durham at Romford Golf Club in Essex in the England Golf Champion Club event, September 21-22.

Heworth’s Will Marshall posted two rounds of 74 as teammate Aaron Scott shot 66 and 69, and Jason McGuire shot rounds of 72 and 69.

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Tel : 01325 464458 NORTHERN GOLFER 13

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Top honour for Marcus

B Richard Aisbitt

Aisbitt wins ninth Crawley Medal Richard Aisbitt clocked up his ninth Leonard Crawley Medal win at his home course, Brancepeth Castle, after a stunning opening round of 65.

The former England Mid Amateur champion added a second round 71 to win by three shots from Andrew Minnikin as Wayne Mellis finished in third place.

edlingtonshire Golf Club’s Marcus Webb has joined an elite group of the country’s professionals after being named an advanced fellow of the PGA. Marcus, club professional at Bedlingtonshire for 30 years, becomes the sixth professional to receive the award in the North region.

The award, granted by the PGA Training Council, recognises his work delivering the PGA’s training programme in the North East and nationally, and his coaching work with England Golf in teaching level one coaching accreditation for assistant professionals and volunteers. The council also congratulated Marcus on his work in the local community and in raising money for charity.

Marcus said: “It’s a great feeling to be recognised with one of the PGA’s highest honours. I’m proud to have supported the development of so many professionals over the years

Marcus Webb teaching the business element of the PGA programme, and in supporting the growth and development of golf in the North East.

“I’m particularly proud of the junior coaching I’ve been involved in locally, from the Northumberland Academy system, which has fed players in the county elite squads

and England regional squads, to supporting players at clubs including Bedlingtonshire, Rothbury, Warkworth, Seahouses and Alnmouth over the years.

“I’m looking forward to developing further in the future and to supporting more people in the golf industry.”

CELEBRATING

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14 NORTHERN GOLFER

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Clark’s Portrush win

Hobson Golf Club’s Nathan Calvert scored a superb 40 points to win the Durham County Fourth Division Championship at his home course, just edging out Castle Eden’s John Potts on countback with Steven Hunter (Ineos) third on 39 points.

M

orpeth Golf Club’s David Clark took home the professionals’ title in the PGL Royal Portrush Pro Am as a team from the North East won the team prize by six points.

David shot rounds of 38 points, 37 points and 34 points at Balyliffin Golf Club, Royal Portrush and Portstewart Golf Club to lead the field of professionals in the PGL Golf Tours event with a one under-par total.

David said: “The win over in Ireland is a definite highlight of what’s been another successful year in the pro ams.

“To play Portrush right after The Open was pretty special and it was nice to play it in the best conditions of the three days.

“The course was still setup to be really tough and it was great to see just how good the tour players’ scores were that week.

“I didn’t play that well all week -

Wynyard Golf Club

Morpeth Golf Club’s David Clark

Martyn Jobling (right) and his team

the wind definitely helped me stay in there on two of the tree days, and my putting was the key to turning a scrappy week into a good one.”

Meanwhile, the team of

Steve Welsh, Guy Stoker and Steve Redpath teamed up with professional Martyn Jobling to win the team prize with a score of 27 under-par.

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arlisle Golf Club’s Cumbria while helping Cumbria Katie Sibley added the win the team trophy for the North Region Close first time.

Championship title to her “The highlight of the event was golfing résumé at Silloth on Solway helping to put a really positive Golf Club before heading off to light on women’s golf in Cumbria college in the US. and playing well before leaving Katie recorded a two under-par for America. It definitely raised total over two rounds to win my confidence. It’s been the overall title at the a really busy year event, which brings with exams and together female preparing for golfers from college so it across Cumbria, was a perfect Cheshire, confidence Durham, boost to set Lancashire, me up to try Northumberland, and play well in Yorkshire and the the US.” Isle of Man. As well Following the Zara Naughton as winning the overall event, Katie headed title, Katie helped Cumbria off to Lenoir Rhyne win the team gross and nett titles.

University in Hickory, North Katie said: “It was brilliant Carolina where she is majoring in to win the North Region Close Exercise Science.

Championship. I was happy with Meanwhile, Bishop Auckland the start I made in the first round, Golf Club’s Jessica Hall finished shooting three over-par as the in second place with rounds of conditions were so difficult. To 77 and 71. Matfen Hall’s Zara shoot five under-par in the second Naughton won the U14 title at the round was amazing and I’m so event, posting rounds of 83 and 72 proud to bring the trophy back to to win the trophy.

NORTHERN GOLFER 17

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TEEINGOFF

Durham boys win Northern title D urham dominated the Northern Federation Junior Championship at Eaglescliffe Golf Club.

George Washington Golf Club’s Duran Gun set the pace with the best first round of 70 as Durham posted a team score of 461. The team from Cumbria lay in second place on 473 with Northumberland third on 480.

Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club’s Daniel Ellison did the business in the second round with a best of 72 and Durham went on to post a team total 919, finishing 17 shots clear of Cumbria as Northumberland finished on 956.

Cumbria’s Dominic Baron won the individual title with his rounds of 72 and 71.

Back row l-r Daniel Ellison (Houghton), Lewis Reay (Ramside), Daniel Vine (Consett), Harry Caygill (Eaglescliffe), Jack Atkinson (Darlington) and Tony Garrity (DCGU President) Front row Ian Shaw (Eaglescliffe captain), Duran Gun (George Washington), Adam Charlton (Ramside), Trevor Bowman (DCGU juniors team manager) and James Lusk (Chester-le-Street)

ENJOY A

great

SUMMER ROUND

John Howson just missed out on qualifying for the matchplay stages of the US Senior Amateur Championship.

The former Durham and Darlington player shot rounds of 76 and 77 at Old Chatham in Durham, North Carolina to just miss out by one shot. Howson now lives and works in the US and is a former winner of two Maryland State Senior Amateurs.

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NORTHERN GOLFER 19

GEORGE WASHINGTON GOLF CLUB

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TEEINGOFF

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)

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(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

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Tel: 01450 870305

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

Restaurant • Public bar • Lounge • Patio ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence

The Green, Denholm, Scottish Borders, TD9 8NU Lisa Ferrie and Nicola Hawes

Teaming up

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for four years, I’m well aware of all the club has to offer and I’m looking forward to working with the brilliant team to ensure existing members, newcomers and visitors have the best experience possible.”

Lisa - who plays off a handicap of one – moves over from being wedding and events coordinator at the hotel.

Lisa has been playing golf since she was 14 when she decided to swap her competitive swimming goggles for a set of clubs. She played for England from 2003 to 2005.

In 2006 she was the nonplaying captain of the U18 England Girls team at the European Championships and Home Internationals.

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ormer England international Lisa Ferrie has been appointed as director of golf at Matfen Hall.

Working alongside golf manager Nicola Hawes, who became the club’s first female manager in 2018, Lisa will be overseeing all aspects of golf across Matfen’s 27 hole golf course, pro shop, driving range, par three course and Keeper’s Lodge.

Lisa said: “I’m incredibly excited for the challenge. Nicola and I have been friends for many years and compete in doubles competitions together. We’re hoping our success on the course translates to the business side of things too.

“Having been a member of Matfen since 2002 and worked at the hotel

FOR THE LATEST GOLF NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE NORTH EAST AND YORKSHIRE VISIT

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ERTY FUTURE OF PROP LOOKING TO THE AND MORTAR WITH BRICKS APRIL 2019

Kendal Golf Club is continuing to prioritise junior golf after hosting another successful junior week.

The five day event welcomed 30 youngsters from the ages of six to 18 to the club with handicaps ranging from scratch up to 54.

All the juniors won a prize at the end of the week, including the four junior club champions - Keane Clarkson, Freddie Cragg, Charlie Wells and Joey Hornby.

Meanwhile, 11-year-old Chloé Spencer won the three clubs and

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a putter competition, and the adult and child competition on Friday.

The club currently has 60 junior members with a similar number undertaking regular coaching on Tuesdays with PGA professional Nick Barron.

INSIGHT

The Business and Leisure Magazine for the North East Region

For advertising and editorial enquiries contact Michael Grahamslaw on mjgrahamslaw@outlook.com or visit the website www.northern-insight.co.uk

NORTHERN GOLFER 21

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TOURLIFE

Chris Paisley

A surprise pairing Chris Paisley is back on the European Tour, and is joined by a star pairing for a practice round in Switzerland

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s I write, I’m sitting in a beautiful apartment in the Swiss Alps on the Wednesday of the Omega European Masters, one of my favourite weeks of the year.

I played last week in Sweden, my first event in five weeks, but unfortunately missed the cut. The strange thing is that I felt as though I played a lot of good golf.

My driving was a big positive and I hit about 80% of fairways, plus I hit some beautiful shaped iron shots in some strong winds.

My putter was stone cold and I got off to a really poor start in round one, which put me behind the eight ball straight away. I didn’t feel discouraged in the slightest; your first event back after a break is always hit and miss.

Preparation has gone well in Switzerland. My sharpness is returning and I had a fantastic and unexpected

Chris with wife Keri, daughter Ella and Justin Timberlake

experience yesterday. I walked to the first tee with my caddy planning on playing nine holes and Rory McIlroy’s caddie Harry was there. He told me to go ahead as Rory was having a game with an amateur. I teed off and then Rory came over and asked if it was ok for them to join me. Of course I said yes. It turned out that the amateur was Justin Timberlake! I immediately text my wife Keri as she’s a huge fan. He stopped to take a picture with her and Ella, and he couldn’t have been nicer.

My relaxed solo nine holes turned into something pretty special. It was great to meet Justin. He’s a full on golf nut and was so easy to talk to. Despite Keri’s giddiness, I was way more excited to play with Rory, I felt like a little kid again. I’ve met him several times and know him well enough to chat to, but I’d never had the chance to play with him. What a lovely guy he is, and what

a player. Statistically he has just played one of the best ball striking seasons ever on the PGA Tour, so it was great to see that close up. He was only a club longer than me with the irons, but my word he is on another planet off the tee. He had me by about 40 yards and he hits it extremely straight. Golf must be very easy from where he plays his second shots!

We chatted a lot about reading. We have read many of the same books and he recommended several more for me. He is really into the ‘Stoic’ philosophy, which has been a big part of my development over the past year. When talking to him you realise what a down to earth guy he is. He had just won $15m and he was out there chatting to me and giving Justin putting and short game tips. He didn’t have to join up on the first tee, but I’m sure he realised what a big deal it would be to me, and that says a lot about his character.

Hopefully this week will continue to be as much fun!

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Dream team Following victory in The Big Six, the Northumberland team is heading back to the national county finals and the team has its sights set on a first win in more than 50 years

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or a second time in three years, Northumberland is heading to the English Men’s County Championship - which takes place at Huddersfield Golf Club at the end of September - and the team has its sights set on being crowned best in England for the first time since 1965.

Led by county captain David Gilroy, the six-man team produced near faultless golf at Alnmouth Golf Club to win the Northern Counties Qualifying event – AKA The Big Six. Over two rounds, the team put together an eight shot victory over Cheshire, reversing a five shot deficit from the morning session. The team is now heading back to the national final with a group which David says has the best shot of winning since the 60s.

“This is very different to our win in 2017,” he says. “When we made it to the national finals in 2017 for the first time since 1996, we were out of our depth. We’ve learned from that, we’re preparing better and we’re ready to compete.

The team is good enough, we’ve got winners in there with a lot of experience, it’s just a case of getting out there and doing it now.”

The team at Alnmouth – Hexham’s Matty Lamb and Sean Heads, Newcastle United’s Mark Wharton, Close House’s Christian Brown, Gosforth’s Gary Donnison and City

of Newcastle’s Andrew Minnikin – brought together a perfect mix of experience and youth.

David said: “Going into The Big Six, I knew we had a chance with those six guys. The key for us was preparation, so we booked a year in advance to stay on-site, we focussed our practice on holes four, five and six as they’re the key to good scores at Alnmouth, and we came up with a gameplan.

“Going into the second round five shots behind Cheshire, I knew we were in a strong position. The guys were ready and five of them improved their scores and the sixth matched his morning round despite the conditions being tougher. That 12 shot improvement as a team was superb.”

Gary, who returned to the amateur ranks having been a professional and then taken a break from the game in the last six years, has relished being back in the team environment.

He said: “It’s been great getting back into the county game and being part of a successful year for the Northumberland team.

“It’s different as an amateur. I hadn’t played foursomes for 20 years, but the camaraderie is fantastic. We’re a small county compared to the likes of Yorkshire but we’ve got a talented set of lads and we have as good a chance as we’ve had in a long time to win the national title.”

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Meanwhile, Matty is looking forward to another national event at the end of a busy season. Runner-up in the St Andrews Links Trophy, He returned to the national team this year and will represent England in the Home Internationals at Lahinch in September as well as playing for his county at Huddersfield.

“It’s been a busy season but winning the individual title at an event like The Big Six is always going to stand out,” he said. “While it’s a great personal achievement, when you’re wearing your county colours it’s all about the team. I love being a part of the county side and it would be a great end to the season to win the national title.”

Andrew and Sean will be returning to the County Championship having been part of the 2017 team which played in the event at Trevose. Andrew said: “We learned a lot two years ago and we’ll be far better prepared when we arrive at Huddersfield thanks to that experience. We’ve got a great camaraderie, we’ll be travelling with seven top golfers in our team and we know we have an opportunity to win.”

Sean added: “To win The Big Six was very special. The camaraderie among the guys is phenomenal and it’s going to be great to be back at the national finals.”

County champion Mark will make his first trip to the national finals and is 26 NORTHERN GOLFER

l-r Mark Wharton, Andrew Minnikin, Gary Donnison, county captain David Gilroy, Matty Lamb and Sean Heads

relishing the opportunity. “Beating the northern counties is always going to be special for the team, and to do it at home was great. Now we need to go one step further and win the national title for the first time in more than 50 years.”

Meanwhile, Christian has returned to college in the US and will be replaced in the squad by Phil Ridden while Alex Dixon will make up the seven player squad for the three day event.

“The team spirit is phenomenal in this group of guys. That’s been the key for us bringing together a group of talented players and making them into a team that can win,” said David.

“We’ve learned from 2017, we’ve got our preparation right, we’ve got fantastic support from Mike Bowers at Cellular Solutions, and we’ve got the most talented Northumberland teams in years. We’ve got a great chance to do something very special for our county.”

The Men’s County Championship takes place at Huddersfield Golf Club, September 27-29. Four counties – Northumberland, Somerset, Nottinghamshire and Kent – will compete in round robin matches made up of three foursomes and six singles games as they bid to add their names to English golf ’s history books.

Northumberland lifted The Big Six trophy for the 13th time since 1955 at Alnmouth Golf Club – a good omen as their last national title came in 1965 after winning The Big Six at Alnmouth.

The county has gone on to win the national title four times – in 1965, 1964, 1962 and 1960 – with players including British Amateur champion Gordon Clark and fellow Walker Cup player Alan Thirlwell in the team alongside England players Keith Tate, David Moffat, Jimmy Hayes, Peter Davidson and a young Peter Deeble.

The Big Six started in 1955 and Northumberland won its first title in 1957 at Mere - Alan Thirlwell winning the individual title. Northumberland and Thirwell would retain the titles a year later at Seaton Carew.

In 1960, Northumberland won The Big Six for a third time at Royal Birkdale and went on to be crowned national champions for the first time at Seacroft. In 1962 they won The Big Six at Carlisle before winning the national title at Sunningdale.

Another double followed in 1964 with victory at Brancepeth and Little Aston before the team retained both titles with success at Alnmouth and then Burnham & Berrow.

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ADVERTORIAL

UNDERSTANDING INHERITANCE TAX The Brewin Dolphin team’s guide to Inheritance Tax planning

Inheritance tax raised a record £5.2bn in the 2017/18 financial year, more than double the amount paid in 2009/10. The dramatic increase has mainly been the result of rising property prices and frozen tax thresholds. It is also a consequence of many failing to plan.

Fortunately, there are lots of exemptions that can help mitigate the tax paid.

Whenever someone dies, the value of their estate (everything you own including your home) becomes liable for Inheritance Tax. However, everyone is entitled to pass on assets of up to £325,000 tax free (the nil-rate band). Married couples and registered civil partners can share their thresholds, meaning a couple has a joint nil-rate band of £650,000.

In April 2017 an extra allowance was introduced when a residence is passed to a direct descendant (the residence nil-rate band). The RNRB is £150,000 per person, which means a married couple with children can pass on a maximum of £950,000 without having to pay Inheritance Tax . Anything over this is then taxed at 40%.

On top of the nil-rate bands there

are a range of reliefs and exemptions that, with careful planning, can reduce an Inheritance Tax bill.

FIRST, THINK WILL Making a will is one of the most important things to do to ensure your estate goes to who you want.

Even if you already have a will, you might need to revisit it to ensure it utilises the residence nil-rate band.

We strongly recommend taking legal advice to ensure your wishes are met and your wills are tax-efficient.

LIFETIME GIFTS – START WITH THE SIMPLE THINGS Most people wait until death before passing on their wealth. However, it can be more tax-efficient to gift money while you are alive. If a gift is regular, comes out of your income and does not affect your standard of living, any amount can be given away and ignored for Inheritance Tax. CONSIDER HOW YOU OWN YOUR HOME Typically couples own their home as joint tenants. If one partner dies, the other becomes the sole owner. For some, it makes more sense to be

DON’T FORGET LIFE ASSURANCE Life assurance can be used to meet or reduce a prospective Inheritance Tax bill. As long as the policy is written in trust, the proceeds will not be included in your estate. When you die, the policy pays out to the trust, which pays all or part of the Inheritance Tax bill.

THINK ABOUT DISCOUNTED GIFT TRUSTS An alternative option, if you can give up capital, is a discounted gift trust.

These are designed for people who want to gift money to a trust, draw a regular income for the rest of their life and then pass what is remaining of the gift to their heirs free of Inheritance Tax. If you survive for seven years, the gift is excluded from your estate.

tenants in common, which will allow each partner to pass on a share of their home to someone other than their spouse, such as their children.

MAKE USE OF PENSIONS Pensions are one of the most tax-efficient ways to pass on your wealth. If you die before the age of 75, benefits left in a money purchase pension can be paid as a lump sum, annuity or drawdown income to any beneficiary with no tax to pay.

TAKE CONTROL WITH TRUSTS Trusts can reduce an Inheritance Tax bill and give you control over how your assets are used by future generations. Trusts can help keep a lump sum outside of your estate while protecting your legacy if your surviving spouse remarries or has their own marital disputes.

FURTHER PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES A number of shares listed on the Alternative Investment Market become free from Inheritance Tax once you have held them for two years as they qualify for Business Relief. Meanwhile, Enterprise Investment Schemes, which invest in small, high-risk unquoted enterprises, offer several tax advantages. There are strict rules and risks involved with AIMs and EISs. Professional advice is essential when considering these options.

Estate planning is complex and subject to regular regulatory change.

If you have a large and complicated estate, the sooner you start planning the better. For many, an opportune time to establish an Inheritance Tax plan is soon after retirement.

If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised in this guide please call 0191 279 7300 or visit www.brewin.co.uk to find out more about how we can help.

WWW.BREWIN.CO.UK

The value of investments can fall and you may get back less than you invested. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.

No investment is suitable in all cases and if you have any doubts as to an investment’s suitability then you should contact us. The information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views held throughout Brewin Dolphin Ltd

COLUMNIST

Dean Bailey

The great escape It’s time to ditch mobile phones and enjoy playing golf without distractions

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nless you’re a doctor on call, or your wife is in labour and you’ve popped out for a quick nine, there’s no need to have your mobile phone on the course.

For those who do happen to bring it with them, there’s no need to use it unless there’s a major accident out there.

I’m nailing my colours to the mast for golf’s ancient rules here. I’m a firm believer in golf’s need to modernise and I don’t see any problem with using your mobile in the clubhouse, car park or locker room – we’re all busy and our phones are important, but golf is about escaping the real world, isn’t it?

One of my regular playing partners has even taken to wearing his smart watch while playing, so he can receive texts as well as calls during a Saturday morning knock with his friends. This has an interesting effect on his golf as, generally, he’ll receive some irritating notification or message about work and then spend three holes trying to put his game back together. Surely relaxing and resetting is more important than constantly being on the clock?

It certainly isn’t helping his golf. I’ve never received a call

from Butch Harmon or David Leadbetter on the 14th tee of the monthly medal to explain what’s gone wrong over the last two holes, so I’m sure I’ll be ok for the next hour or so without any messages from the outside world.

While a phone ringing from someone’s bag is irritating, it happens. What’s far worse is when your playing partners are so obsessed with what’s happening on their phone, they can’t watch you play a shot into the low sun, or keep an eye on where they’re walking as they tread on your line.

When did a few quiet hours on the golf course require any more distraction? I thought we were here to get away from it all? I can barely hold my game together for 18 holes with zero distractions, never mind if I was trying to keep up with every notification on my phone or receive a shopping list for the way home when I’m on the third green.

So, those of you reading this who use your phone too much on the course, for the good of your own game and your playing partners, keep it in your bag. It’ll still be there when you’re finished and you’re sure to enjoy the experience of being on the golf course for a few hours just as much, if not more, when you’re paying full attention.

NORTHERN GOLFER 29

COURSEPROFILE

Down by the river Alan Hedley heads to the banks of the Tyne to play Ryton Golf Club

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yton Golf Club is a real highlight of golf in the Tyne Valley. While many will consider it short by modern standards at just over 6,000 yards from the back tees, this picturesque layout on the banks of the River Tyne is no pushover.

Tree-lined with occasionally tight fairways and plenty of out of bounds with the river and train line bordering the course, it’s the lightning fast greens which make Ryton an excellent test.

While there are five par fours of less than 400 yards, they are well balanced by five par fours of more than 400 yards. Plotting your scoring opportunities is a good idea here as a birdie or two can come in very handy later when two great shots are required to make a green in regulation.

One of those tough par fours comes as early as the second, which follows a drivable par four opener of 270 yards with out of bounds and the train line on the right side, and trees left.

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While the first may be a birdie chance, the 447-yard second with its narrow entrance, water and long green is much more difficult.

A couple of short par fours follow, though the 311-yard third has a well bunkered green and there is a tricky mound to negotiate just in front.

Meanwhile, the large cross bunker short of the green at the 313-yard fourth must be avoided.

The first of two par fives, the fifth hole measures just 475 yards and has a generous fairway, though there is out of bounds right and trees left plus a tricky three-tiered green which can challenge even best putters should you find the wrong tier.

Favour the left side at the 385-yard par four sixth to avoid the out of bounds - the narrow fairway slopes towards it - while a small green has many subtle borrows to navigate.

The seventh, the first of four par threes, is the easiest of the short holes at just 131 yards, but you’ll need a decent tee shot to find the correct

portion of a two-tiered green guarded by trees and couple of tricky bunkers.

Two of the toughest long par fours follow. The 450-yard eighth is a very tricky left to right dogleg with out of bounds right and trees left. Par is a good score here. At the ninth, your tee shot must reach the corner to leave a mid-iron approach to a raised green.

From here we head into Ryton’s own Amen Corner - opening with a drivable risk or reward par four of 271 yards with out of bounds right and trees flanking the fairway. The green is elevated with a steep slope down to the river and it is well bunkered. An iron from the tee is recommended here.

A fine par three of 178 yards follows. Accuracy is paramount here with out of bounds on both sides and a green which slopes from left to right.

Another 450-yard par four with out of bounds and trees - arguably the toughtest tee shot of the round - completes the trio.

COURSEPROFILE

FACT FILE CONTACT Ryton Golf Club Clara Vale, Ryton, NE40 3TD tel 0191 413 3253 www.rytongolfclub.co.uk

Ryton’s history is intertwined with that of neighbouring Tyneside Golf Club. Mungo Park, winner of the 1874 Open Championship and the professional at Tyneside, laid out nine holes at Ryton Willows in 1879 and in 1891 the Ryton Working Men’s Golf Club was formed.

Ryton remained there until 1911, when the course was relocated to the Dr Stanners site on the south bank of the Tyne. The course was extended to 18 holes in 1982 and in 1994 the new clubhouse opened.

GREEN FEES Mon-Fri £12, weekday fourball £40 Sat-Sun £20, weekend four ball £70 A range of special offers are available on green fess and for group bookings - see the website for details.

The 13th is a long par five measuring 531 yards which requires a tee shot avoiding the trees on the left before you negotiate the slight dogleg to leave a pitch through a narrow entrance to the two-tiered green.

The downhill par three 14th has a large well bunkered green and you’ll be satisfied with par here while the next is another long tree lined par four of more than 450 yards with out of bounds - beware of the dip before the green at this one.

There are scoring chances on the closing three holes, two of them short par fours of just over 300 yards, but you need to drive accurately over hedges and trees at the 16th. Hit a good tee shot here and you’ll be rewarded with a look at a large, rolling green which should yield plenty of birdies.

The 17th has a tricky blind shot over the hedge to a long, narrow green which is well protected by bunkers before you head to the signature 18th hole (see fact file), which is overlooked by Ryton’s splendid clubhouse.

TOTAL DISTANCE White tees 6,058 yards Yellow tees 5,854 yards Red tees 5,440 yards FEATURES Large modern clubhouse with bar/lounge and dining room Locker rooms and changing facilities Pro shop Practice range with short game area CADDY’S TIP Hitting the fairway is key on this tight course - plot where you’ll take driver to unlock a good score. The greens are excellent and will reward anyone with a good putting stroke.

SIGNATURE HOLE Few clubs have a par three finish and few have one which is their signature hole, but this 147-yard closing hole is a real test. Played over trees to a large well bunkered green with out of bounds right, this is far from an easy finish!

OUR VERDICT

An excellent parkland venue which proves length isn’t always necessary to provide a good test of golf. Accuracy is a must, especially off the tee.

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- Range membership £30.00 initial fee with tokens £2.50 after - Normal token price £3 per token (40balls per token) - Floodlit range - Winter Opening times from Monday 30th September through until 29th March 2020.

Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-7pm, Sat/Sunday 9am- 5pm

DRIVING RANGE

Family Fun Hour: Family of 4 on the foresight fairground games for an hour with hotdog and chips served for £40 Friends hour: 4 friends,4 bottles of corona, for an hour for £40 Both subject to terms and conditons and for more information contact p.maitland94@hotmail.co.uk or 07936244319.

Both 9 or 18 holes available to play in the studio which includes Wentworth west, Carnoustie and Royal Troon.

STUDIO & SHOP For further information contact

0191 584 1053

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

HOMEONTHERANGE

Practice makes perfect Our region is home to some fantastic practice facilities to help keep your swing in shape, improve your game and learn from some of our best coaches. Looking to sharpen your game? Try these…

COCKEN LODGE The driving range and swing studio at Cocken Lodge is at the heart of this all-round practice facility. With 14 covered, LED floodlit bays and top quality range balls, the setup at Cocken Lodge is perfect for working on your swing. Away from the range, you’ll find everything you need to practice and improve. The teaching/custom fitting suite beside the pro shop is fitted with GCQuad technology, allowing players to work with precise data or play a number of courses around the world. You’ll also find PGA professionals Phil Maitland and Doug Brolls on-hand for lessons and custom fitting to take your game to the next level.

There is also a superb, testing nine-hole course measuring 1,486 yards with two par fours and

seven par threes which loops around the driving range, allowing you to get out on the grass and keep every aspect of your game sharp. A complete facility, there are few better places in the region to sharpen your game. www.cockenlodge.co.uk Facilities • 14 covered, floodlit bays • Custom fitting/teaching suite with GCQuad • Nine-hole, 1,486-yard golf course • Two PGA professionals • Clubhouse/Café • Membership available

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HOMEONTHERANGE GEORGE WASHINGTON The Golf Academy at George Washington is a real allrounder allowing you to work on all aspects of your game.

The 16 heated bays in the floodlit driving range include six bays with power tees and a teaching suite. Inside you’ll find another teaching bay with FlightScope. There is also a practice putting green, short game area and five-hole par three course on offer to keep all aspects of your game sharp. PGA professional tuition is also available making full use of the superb facilities. www.georgewashington.co.uk/golf Facilities • 16 covered, floodlit bays (six with power tees) • Teaching suite • Indoor custom fitting/teaching suite with FlightScope • Short game practice area • Putting green • Five-hole par three course • PGA professional tuition

Golf Performance Studio • PRACTICE & PLAY COURSES, INCLUDING TOP PGA TOUR AND OP EN VENUES • GET FITTED FOR CORRECT CLUBS • GROUPS WELCOME • PRIVATE ROOM, SEATING AREA & BAR • FOOD AND DRINK AVAILBLE

Game Play & Practice

Club Fitting & Testing

1 Hour Simulated Golf using GC2 & FSX Sports (Max 4 People) £40 30mins Simulated Golf using GC2 & FSX Sports (Max 4 People) £25 Corporate Group Entertainment and Coaching POA

Iron Fitting (45mins) £25 Driver Fitting (45mins) £25 Full Bag Fitting (90mins) £50 (Excludes Putter) Wedge Fitting (45mins) £25

PRICE LIST Ball Fitting (30mins) £25 Gap Testing (30mins) £25 Putter Fitting (30mins) £20 SAM PUTT LAB Analysis (60mins) £30

TO BOOK ASK IN THE CLUB OR CONTACT US BELOW T: 01740 644399 (ext 22) E: proshop@wynyardgolfclub.co.uk www.wynyardgolfclub.co.uk 34 NORTHERN GOLFER

HOMEONTHERANGE WYNYARD GOLF CLUB The Golf Performance Studio at Wynyard is a place to relax with friends while playing a great golf course, working on your game or trying the latest equipment.

Foresight GC2 technology allows you to play one of hundreds of courses while relaxing with access to your own bar, or fine tune your clubs with access to a wide range of club data on every shot. There is also a four-bay, covered driving range as well as excellent short game facilities and a large grassed teeing area on-site. www.wynyardgolfclub.co.uk Facilities • One bay with Foresight GC2 • Three PGA professionals • Custom fitting • Four-bay driving range CUSTOM FIT GOLF/SOUTH MOOR GOLF CLUB The indoor studio at South Moor is available daily to members and visitors to sharpen your game with FlightScope technology. Custom fitting and tuition is also available with resident PGA professionals Shaun Cowell and Mark Ridley. www.southmoorgc.co.uk Facilities • One bay with FlightScope • Two PGA professionals • Custom fitting

GEORGE WASHINGTON GOLF CLUB

Keep your Golf red hot this Autumn/Winter - Visit our State of the Art Driving Range at GWGC Experience our : • 16 HEATED Floodlit Bays • 6 Power Tees • Indoor HEATED teaching Bay with our PGA Professional, Ryan Ingram , providing 1 to 1, group and academy coaching and FREE Custom Fitting service using Flightscope. visit his website www.RLIGolf.co.uk for more details and services.

• Relax with a Coffee in our heated Cafe area • Range Open 9am till 9pm every day • Discounted Loyalty Cards and Range tickets available in the Golf Shop 9am till 6pm or use cash at the Range (accepts £2, £1 , 50p coins)

For more details contact the Golf Shop on 0191 417 8346 or e-mail gsd@georgewashington.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 35

HOMEONTHERANGE SEAHAM GOLF CLUB/THE GOLF STUDIO As well as the superb golf course at Seaham Golf Club, members and guests can play world-renowned courses including Augusta National, Pebble Beach and the Old Course at St Andrews in The Golf Studio at the Co Durham club.

The indoor Skytrak simulator is available to Seaham members, guests and the local community with more than 100,000 courses available alongside detailed analysis for lessons and custom fitting with PGA professional Andrew Blunt.

To book your session for one to four people and from just half an hour, contact Ryan on 0191 513 0837.

Facilities • One bay with Skytrak • One PGA professional • Custom fitting

Seaham Golf Club Introduces to you ‘The Golf Studio’, an indoor golf simulator. This project, which is supported with funding from LEADER and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, offers indoor golf simulator facilities for anyone who is interested in playing or learning golf. The Golf Studio offers a variety of deals and packages to suit the needs of the individual, as well as providing you with the opportunity to play on some of the worlds most famous courses SOME OF OUR FAN FAVOURITE COURSES INCLUDED ARE: ➢ St. Andrews ➢ Augusta ➢ TPC Sawgrass ➢ Pebble beach ➢ Royal St George ➢ Le Golf National ➢ Torrey Pines ➢ Celtic Manor

OUR OFFERS & PACKAGES, FOR ALL AGES, INCLUDED ARE: ➢ Club Fittings ➢ Coaching Lessons and Swing Analysis (From a pro) ➢ Bag Mapping and Club Yardages ➢ Kids Parties Packages ➢ Rainy Day Packages ➢ Competitions (Shootout, longest drive, nearest to the pin) ➢ Team building days

GOLF STUDIO PRICES (UP TO 4 PEOPLE): ➢ Members: £8 per 30 minutes ➢ Non-Members: £10 Per 30 minutes

For more details or to book, contact us on (0191) 581 2354 or via our Facebook page

(Under 12’s must be accompanied by an adult)

FOR MORE INFORMATION RING 0191 5811268 FOR MEMBERSHIP / 0191 5130837 • FOR VISITING PARTIES OR EMAIL SEAHAMGOLFCLUB@BTCONNECT.COM SHREWSBURY STREET, SEAHAM, CO. DURHAM SR7 7RD • SEAHAMGOLFCLUB.CO.UK 36 NORTHERN GOLFER

HOMEONTHERANGE

JOHN HARRISON’S RANGE TIPS

NORTHERN

Too many amateurs believe it’s enough to stand on the range and bash balls; having a plan and sticking to it can make your time on the range worthwhile and ultimately improve your scores when you get back out on the course.

There are two types of practice – technical, using drills and training aids – and real practice, using targets, your pre-shot routine and analysing each shot. A combination of these in each session is key to getting the most from your time.

PROPER PLANNING

rite down your plan for the session and stick to it, working on W specific areas of the game or drills PACE YOURSELF

Don’t just drag and hit - analyse what you’re doing. If you find this tough, place your basket of balls against the back wall and walk to get each one FOCUS ON THE BASICS

Pick a target and ensure your alignment is correct – this is the biggest cause of the classic ‘I can’t take my range game to the course’ CHANGE IT UP

Random or variable practice is a great way to change things up and gets you out of hitting the same shot to the same target. Try switching clubs and targets every second or third shot to better replicate the rhythm of a round of golf.

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 37

STYLING 2019

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MATCHPLAYPAIRS 2019 finals venue - Wynyard Golf Club

Round three results Matches played by Sunday August 25

T

he Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs 2019 tournament has reached the quarter-finals stage with just eight teams left vying for the title.

A total of 72 teams started out this season with matches taking places across the region since April to find a winning pair, who will receive the trophy, a prize of £600 and a place in the region’s golfing record books.

Played throughout the season, teams are drawn against one another in a knockout format, played with 90% handicap allowance.

Following this round, the semifinals will take place at Wynyard Golf Club in October ahead of the final at the same venue.

You can see results from all of this year’s matches at www. northerngolfer.co.uk/match-playpairs-2019-draw-info For more information contact Dean Bailey, dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk

Match 49 Ashley Coveney & Andrew Howard (Crook) LOST TO Vaughan Raine & Shaun Elliott (Crook) Score: 1up

Match 50 Brian Crampton & Andrew Williams (Durham City) LOST TO Johnny Harrison & Adam Reid (Bishop Auckland/ Wynyard) Score: 2&1

Match 53 David Thompson & Terry Buckley (Billingham) LOST TO James Guy & James Melville (Crook) Score: 4&3

Match 54 David Cameron & Rodney Martin (Beamish) BEAT Craig Tetley & Allan Bendelow (Romanby) Score: 4&2

Match 51 Mark Laverick & Jon Douglas (Stocksfield) BEAT Paul Foster & Dan Williams (Romanby) Score: 3&2

Match 55 Nick Sibley & Geoff Cruickshank (Eaglescliffe) LOST TO Barry Cranston & David Hornsey (Consett) Score: 1st extra hole

Match 52 Richard Woods & Peter Holland (Whitley Bay) BEAT David Pringle & David Naunton (Houghton le Spring) Score: 5&4

Match 56 David Jenkinson & Edmund Thompson (Houghton le Spring/ Wearside) LOST TO Dean Findley & Mark Dobson (Durham City) Score: 3&1

Quarter-finals draw Matches to be played by Sunday September 22 Match 57 Richard Woods & Peter Holland (Whitley Bay) VS Vaughan Raine & Shaun Elliott (Crook)

Match 58 Barry Cranston & David Hornsey (Consett) VS David Cameron & Rodney Martin (Beamish)

Match 59 Dean Findley & Mark Dobson (Durham City) VS Mark Laverick & Jon Douglas (Stocksfield)

Match 60 James Guy & James Melville (Crook) VS Johnny Harrison & Adam Reid (Bishop Auckland/ Wynyard)

For all the results from this year visit www.northerngolfer.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 39

GOLFERGEAR

New tech There’s a lot of new technology in this month’s gear pages including an updated iron design from TaylorMade, forgiving wedges from Cleveland, innovative shoes from ECCO, stylish bags from Mizuno and a new take on women’s clubs from PING

NEW LOOK

TaylorMade P790 irons RRP: from £1,299 www.taylormade.co.uk TaylorMade has announced an updated version of its P790 irons along with a new P790 Ti model.

The irons will feature the same forged face and hollow body construction with SpeedFoam technology which made the original P790 design one of TaylorMade’s best-selling irons in the company’s history.

The new P790s refine the original topline of the irons while incorporating a more compact blade length and reduced offset.

The face thickness of the irons has been reduced by 7% to produce a faster COR and for the first time includes Progressive Inverted Cone Technology, which is designed to improve accuracy throughout the set, minimising the right tendency often found in the long irons. Inside the clubhead, 15% more tungsten has been added and reshaped to deliver a deeper centre of gravity.

A new P790 UDI is also available, while the P790 Ti irons have been designed using titanium to reduce weight while maintaining strength, allowing engineers to increase the amount of tungsten in the clubhead to almost half of the iron head mass, creating an ultra-low centre of gravity, improved launch and more forgiveness. The Ti irons have an RRP of £2,699.

X FACTOR

Cleveland Golf CBX 2 wedges RRP: £119 www.clevelandgolf.co.uk

Cleveland Golf has revealed details of its new CBX 2 wedge, aimed at golfers playing cavity back irons - offering spin, control and more forgiveness.

The CBX 2 wedges include many of the key features developed in previous Cleveland wedge designs – such as Tour Zip Grooves while incorporating a hollow chamber near the heel and a heavy weight placed in the toe. This structure maximizes perimeter weighting for improved forgiveness when compared to a bladed wedge design.

BAGS OF STYLE

Mizuno BR-D Series Bags RRP: from £110 golf.mizunoeurope.com Mizuno has released its new bag range - offering stylish, functional, durable and practical options for all golfers.

The BR-D2 stand bag is compact and useful, ideal for practice, a weekend away or a quick nine holes with a two-way full length divider, mini stand and waterproof underbelly along with plenty of storage for a smaller bag.

The BR-D3 stand bag is larger yet remains lightweight, compact and mobile while the BR-D4 stand bag goes even further in terms of storage with 12 pockets. The BR-DRI stand bag adds a totally waterproof offering with a one-year guarantee while the two cart bags – the BR-D4C and BR-DRI Cart Bag – offer excellent storage options in stylish designs and colour options.

40 NORTHERN GOLFER

GOLFERGEAR NEW TECH

ECCO Biom Cool Pro shoes RRP: £210 www.ecco.com

IN THE BAG with Czech Open winner Carly Booth

FIT FOR PURPOSE

PING G Le2 family RRP: Driver £389, Fairway woods £240, Irons £126, Hybrids £179 (when purchased separately), Putters from £200 www.ping.com Advancements in technology, lighter overall club weight, expanded fitting options and premium materials have been brought together to make the new G Le2 family PING’s highest performing women’s clubs to date.

Along with ensuring measurable performance improvements throughout, PING’s engineering team placed added importance on expanding the fitting options including loft, lie and length adjustability along with the shaft weight, flex and grip offerings.

The new family features a lighter, faster and more forgiving driver with a thin, forged T9S+ face optimised for the intended swing speed. A significantly higher MOI and an 8-lobe adjustable hosel distinguish the G Le2 fairway woods from its predecessor while the G Le2 irons utilise COR-Eye Technology with a deep toprail undercut to increase face flexing for more ball speed.

The family also features new hybrids and three adjustable putter options.

© mooinblack-Shutterstock.com

Danish footwear brand ECCO GOLF has combined two innovative technologies to produce new levels of performance with the launch of its new Biom Cool Pro shoes.

The new hybrid design brings together Biom and Gore-Tex Surround technologies to offer breathable comfort round after round. Built on ECCO’s Biom Natural Motion design, which provides an anatomical fit supporting the natural form of your foot, the shoe incorporates Gore-Tex Surround and ECCO’s refined T.PU EXHAUST GRID, which retains 100% waterproofing while allowing fresh air to directly access the sole of your foot as heat and moisture escape.

Scottish golfer Carly Booth ended a seven-year winless stretch with a one-shot victory in the Ladies European Tour’s Czech Open.

Carly shot a two under-par 70 to finish the event on nine underpar, one shot clear of English pair Charlotte Thompson and Hayley Davis in a tie for second.

Carly now has three LET titles to her name having won twice in 2012 - at the Scottish and Swiss opens.

Here’s what was in her bag…

Driver: TaylorMade M5 Tour Fairways: TaylorMade M5 (3&5) Irons: TaylorMade P760 (3-PW) Wedges:TaylorMade Milled Grind Wedges Putter: TaylorMade Spider Blade Red

NORTHERN GOLFER 41

GOLFERTIPS

J Haror hn is tel 0 www 1661 886 on .mat 400 fenh all.co m

DIG FOR VICTORY

To recover from a plugged lie in a greenside bunker you’ll need three tools.

First you’ll need loft, so open the clubface as mush as possible at address and maintain that loft through the shot.

Next you’ll need a steep angle of attack in the downswing - keep your weight on your left side at address to promote this.

The last tool you’ll need is speed, so swing aggressively into the sand behind the ball and don’t worry about a follow through – with this type of shot you’ll rarely get the club back out of the sand having dug it in so deep.

42 NORTHERN GOLFER

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NORTHERN GOLFER 43

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 October 3, 2019. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT HEXHAM GOLF CLUB Hexham Golf Club remains one of our region’s finest parkland layouts with its tall trees, tough bunkering and big undulating greens presenting a complete test of golfing ability.

For your chance to win answer the following question: Which course will host the 2019 President’s Cup?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT BLACKWELL GRANGE GOLF CLUB Blackwell Grange Golf Club brings together excellent facilities and a course set in beautiful, natural parkland on the banks of the River Skerne measuring just under 6,500 yards off the back tees.

For your chance to win answer the following question: Who won the 2019 FedEx Cup?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT WOODHAM GOLF CLUB Measuring 6,671 yards, Woodham is one of Co Durham’s finest courses with a mix of treelined fairways and challenging green complexes.

For your chance to win answer the following question: Which course will host the 2020 Ryder Cup? Congratulations to last month’s competition winners: South Shields – Jack Henriksen of Hexham Alnmouth - Les Fowler of Middlesbrough • George Washington – Andy Blain of Beamish 44 NORTHERN GOLFER

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from the

bunker

Congratulations to Kevin Faulks from Ingleby Barwick, who recorded the rarest of golfing birds with a hole-in-one on the par four fourth hole at Hunley Hall Golf Club in a seniors open competition.

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!

Ronan Rafferty helped Rockliffe Hall mark 10 years since the first golf ball was struck on the resort’s championship golf course.

The Ryder Cup winner and seven-time European Tour champion hosted a golf day to mark the occasion with members enjoying a full day with the 1989 Tour order of merit winner.

Meanwhile, Rockliffe chief executive Eamonn Elliott recently completed an Olympic triathlon at Castle Howard - the first stage of his bid to raise £5,000 for the family of a former colleague. Next he’s hosting a golf day to raise further funds for the family of Laura Cafferty, with whom he worked at two other hotels. Laura died earlier this year from a rare form of cancer leaving her husband Karl and their two-year-old daughter Maya. You can support his fundraising at www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/triathlon-for-laura

Saltburn Golf Club’s 125th anniversary continued with a recent hickory tournament.

Members donned their finest 1920s attire and played with original golf clubs made with hickory shafts.

The event was won by Ian and Dorothy Coombs, Austin Howes and Dave Whiteside with an outstanding nett score of 59.

46 NORTHERN GOLFER

Our congratulations also go to 10-year-old Nathan Buchanan from Heworth Golf Club, who made a hole-in-one at the club’s 15th hole.

Nathan used a driver at the 151-yard hole to make the ace and he said: “I teed up on 15 with my driver and hit a high baby draw. It took a few little bounces, rolled to the pin and dropped in.

It was great to celebrate with my granda.”

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