Northern Golfer #85 - June/July 2021 by Offstone Publishing

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COMING OF AGE Matty Lamb on The Walker Cup, turning professional, and what’s next in his golfing career

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golfer NORTHERN

EDITOR Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk Simon Olver Chris Paisley ADVERTISING MANAGERS Doug Brolls 07721 031 482 doug@offstonepublishing.co.uk Gillian Corney 07903 500 401 gillian@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson & Nicky Rogerson info@kgphotography.co.uk EVENTS Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk

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Publisher: Gary Ramsay Address: Offstone Publishing Unit 5b. Bearl Farm, Stocksfield Northumberland, NE43 7AL Tel: 01661 844 115 E: enquiries@offstonepublishing.co.uk Twitter: @offstonepublish

WELCOME&CONTENTS It’s good to be back - and we have a lot to catch up on since our last print edition in late 2020. Since our last full magazine, we’ve had two lockdowns, got to grips with a new handicap system, and come through one of the most challenging periods of early season weather in living memory. Despite these challenges, we have a lot more to cover than we have space for in these pages, but more on that later. The golfing boom of 2020 shows little sign of slowing down any time soon, which is great news for our region’s clubs and retailers. The R&A has reported golf participation among adults rose by 2.3 million in 2020, while the average age of golfers fell by five years (to 41) and more women are playing the sport in its many forms. The total adult golfers on a fulllength course (9 or 18 hole) increased by 2.1 million players to 5.2 million – the highest figure recorded this century; 25% of female golfers surveyed were new to the sport; and driving range use increased from 2.3 million to 4.3 million players. Putting figures on the anecdotal evidence gathered in 2020 shows the scale of the opportunity in front of us. The focus in 2021, from the game’s governing bodies down through counties and clubs, is maintaining this momentum. Many clubs are now in strong positions and are looking to enhance the membership experience; maximise the opportunities that remain open to them on and off the golf course; and present a product which caters for long-time golfers, those new to membership and those who are new to the sport. It’s shaping up to be another incredibly busy year of golf, and we’re very much looking forward to it. After the winter lockdowns, the golf season picked up incredibly quickly. Hexham’s Matty Lamb stars on this edition’s cover following his performance for GB&I in The Walker Cup, while Maggie Whitehead came within three holes of winning a professional event at the age of 14. There’s also news from the first county and professional events of the season, updates from clubs across the region, a trip to Dunstanburgh Castle, three fantastic competition prizes, and so much more. If you’d like to keep up-to-date with even more golfing news from across the region, sign up to our new Northern Golfer Weekly email, which is delivered to inboxes every Friday morning. Visit linktr.ee/negolfer to read the latest email and sign up. Enjoy this edition, we’ll be back in August. Dean Bailey, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

04-08 TEEING OFF

Maggie shines in Rose Ladies Series debut, new junior pro am series launched, and PGA pros back in action

10-22 TEEING OFF

County, club and course news, movers and shakers, and more

23 TOUR TIPS

With our new team of European Tour caddies

29 TOUR LIFE With Chris Paisley

31 ON COURSE With Simon Olver

33 19TH HOLE

Dean Bailey on the World Handicap System

34 COURSE PROFILE Dunstanburgh Castle

36 A ROUND WITH NE/NW PGA secretary Steve Harrison

40 MATCH PLAY PAIRS The 20th edition of our pairs tournament is underway

FRONT COVER

Matty Lamb on The Walker Cup, turning pro and what’s next (Image ©The R&A)

42 TIPS

Know the drill

Pages 24-27 When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it ©Offstone Publishing 2021. 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.

38 THE LATEST GEAR NEWS 44 COMPETITIONS

Win a golf trip with The Cairndale Hotel, a Zoom Focus Tour laser rangefinder, and golf for four at Longhirst

46 FROM THE BUNKER

Readers’ tales from around the region NORTHERN GOLFER 03

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Faye Wheatley

Rachel Gourley

Best in class Reigning Ladies Champion of Champions Faye Wheatley picked up her first win of the season at the North Regional Schools Girls Championship, while England international Rachel Gourley won the Northumberland Schools Girls Championship at Ponteland Golf Club. Competing at Sleaford Golf Club, Faye posted a round of 72 to lead the field by two. Meanwhile, Arcot Hall-based Rachel shot a three under-par 72 at Ponteland to lead the field by seven shots and lift the trophy for a second time following her win in 2018. Rachel said: “Winning this event for a second time was a great way to start the season. It was good to make seven birdies in the round and show where my game is heading, despite giving a few of those back. It’s going to be a busy year of national, and hopefully international, events and England selections. My game is in good shape and I’m looking forward to getting back to competing in big events.” Meanwhile, Angus Buchanan posted a four under-par round of 68 to win the Northumberland Boys Championship as Jack McCall and Nairn Barclay finished three shots back in second place. Angus went on to finish second in the North Regional Schools Boys Championship at Sleaford, as Junior Dobson finished in third place. 04 NORTHERN GOLFER

Maggie Whitehead

Maggie shines in Rose Ladies Series debut

aggie Whitehead came within three holes of winning a professional event at the age of 14 as she made her debut in the Rose Ladies Series at The Berkshire. Playing alongside professionals Inci Mehmet and Rachel Drummond, Close House-based Maggie led the field by three shots after playing her 15th hole. She went on to card a three over-par 72 for a tied-sixth finish and missed the fourway playoff by two shots. “I really enjoyed every part of the experience,” said Maggie. “I first heard about the invitation five days before, which didn’t give me a lot of time to build up any nerves. I didn’t have any expectations going in, I just wanted to learn as much as possible, play my best golf and enjoy it.

“I felt very welcome, the professionals were all lovely, and they offered loads of advice and helped me a lot in my first event with them. “I first realised where I was in the tournament after the 12th hole. I saw the leaderboard with my name at the top and it was a bit of a shock, but I didn’t panic and stuck to my plan. I played 15 knowing I was tied first and although 16 went a little downhill, I didn’t let it affect me too much. Even finishing tied sixth at three over-par, I wasn’t upset. Having this experience in the bag means I can use it whenever I need it.” Following her debut alongside some of the best female golfers in the UK, Maggie will play a busy summer schedule of girls’ and women’s events around the UK and overseas as part of the England Girls squad.

She added: “I’ll take away what it felt like to see my name at the top of the leaderboard and the excitement of being in contention. I also learned a lot from watching the professionals - they kept their emotions really level and you couldn’t tell if they’d played a good hole or a bad one. I also got loads of advice from Inci and Rachel, and the other professionals, who all made me feel so welcome. “I’ve got some exams coming up and then it’s quite a busy summer. If Covid allows, I’m looking forward to travelling with England for away matches and some of the team events later this year.” The Rose Ladies Series event was won by Gabriella Cowley, who outlasted Alice Hewson, Becky Brewerton and Whitney Hillier in a sudden-death playoff to collect the £10,000 winner’s cheque.

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Celebrating women’s golf at Catterick 2019 Champions of Champions (l-r) Faye Wheatley, Josh Bassitt and James Wilson

Champions events to return in 2022

he Northern Golfer Champion of Champions events, presented in partnership with Brewin Dolphin, will return to open the region’s golfing calendar in 2022. The Ladies and Junior events will take place at George Washington (pictured right) on Monday May 2, 2022 with the Men’s event currently scheduled for late-April 2022. A further announcement on the venue for the Men’s event will be published in our next edition. Open to club champions crowned in the 2021 calendar year, entries for the event will open later this season. Thanks to the support of Brewin Dolphin, one of the largest British investment management and financial planning firms, there is no charge for competitors for these 18-hole tournaments.

The Northern Golfer Champion of Champions events welcome an elite field of amateur golfers from across the North of England. The events – for men, women and juniors – will be open to club champions crowned in 2021 from clubs in Northumberland, Co Durham and Teesside along with selected clubs in the Borders, Cumbria and Yorkshire within Northern Golfer’s circulation area. The region’s best amateur golfers have lifted the trophies since Northern Golfer launched the junior event in 2015, following the success of that tournament with the launch of the ladies event and the relaunch of the Men’s Champion of Champions in 2017. In 2019, Whickham’s Faye Wheatley won the ladies title

as Tyneside’s James Wilson won his second Junior Champion of Champions crown, and Garforth’s Josh Bassitt won the men’s title. Invites will be emailed to clubs later this season, when champions will be asked to register for their tee times online. For more information on Northern Golfer events, contact Dean Bailey, dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk or visit www.northerngolfer.co.uk

Girls Golf Rocks returns Girls Golf Rocks is back for 2021 and the sign-up process for beginner girls is now live. Run by England Golf and the Golf Foundation, and led by PGA-qualified coaches, the programme is designed to promote the game as a fun and friendly experience for young girls new to the sport. Open to all girls aged 5-18,

some 200 clubs spread over 35 counties are taking part. Coaching will take place in two six-week blocks at various times between June and October at a cost of £35. Some clubs are also running free taster sessions in advance. Now in its fifth staging, Girls Golf Rocks has helped introduce more than 5,000 girls

Girls Golf Rocks at Close House (© Leaderboard Photography) to the sport. For more details on how to sign up for Girls Golf Rocks 2021, visit www.girlsgolfrocks.org

Catterick Golf Club and Tim Jenkins Golf will host a packed schedule of events June 21-23 as part of a Ladies Bonanza Week. The week will begin with a Ladies Open on Monday June 21. Teams of three are still available at the time of going to press, at a cost of £11 per player. On Tuesday June 22, a Coffee and Cake Golf Day will welcome experienced golfers, beginners and those new to the game for a relaxed day of coaching followed by coffee and cake in the clubhouse. Places in the three sessions spaced throughout the day are available at £7.50 for two people. Tuesday will also see the club host a Yonex demo day on the range specifically for women. Tim Jenkins Golf will also be creating a number of special offers and discounts in the pro shop from June 21-23 while, from June 21-25, a special PING demo event for female golfers will also take place at the club. James Wallace, head professional at Catterick, will be hosting the events alongside assistant pro Richard Mains. James said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming ladies of all levels of golfing experience to Catterick in June. Tim Jenkins Golf has a proud tradition of catering for female golfers across the game in each of our pro shops and through our coaching programmes, and we’re excited to bring that into focus with our Bonanza Week.” For more information or to book a space in any of the events, contact the pro shop at Catterick Golf Club, tel 01748 517 172. For more from Tim Jenkins Golf, visit www.timjenkinsgolf.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 05

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Junior pro am series set for August across the North East

2020 champion Harrison Sewell with tournament organiser Guy Carr

he Northern Junior Golf Tour and Albatross Golf Events are teaming up to launch a new series of pro am tournaments for junior golfers. The Junior Pro Am Summer Series will provide an unrivalled competitive golf opportunity for the region’s young golfers, pairing them with PGA professionals in a tournament environment for the first time in the North East of England. Four events will take place this summer at Linden Hall (August 2), Prudhoe (August 10), Dunstanburgh Castle (August 23) and Brancepeth Castle (August 31). Jason Budd, founder of the Northern Junior Golf Tour, said: “We’re very excited to add the series of pro ams to our successful calendar of events. For junior golfers, teaming up with a local PGA

Under 14s event returns to South Moor Entries are now open for the North of England Under 14 Junior Strokeplay Championship at South Moor Golf Club. The 2020 event was won by Harrison Sewell from High Gosforth (Parklands) and this year’s tournament is set to take place at the Dr Alister MacKenzie-designed course July 28-30. For more information go to www.northofenglandu14golf. co.uk/2021-competition

1879

professional is a chance to learn up close from some of the best players in our area.” Teams of three junior golfers will be paired with a PGA professional for each 18-hole event, with a junior prize table worth £1,000 and a professional purse worth £2,500 up for grabs. Team entry for each event is £150 (£125 for three juniors and £25 for professionals) and includes

a post-round meal as well as team prizes. Juniors aged 18 and under are eligible to play in the events, with a maximum handicap of 28 for boys and 36 for girls. For more information and to book a place in an event, visit www.golfgenius. com/ggid/cxgkhq, email info@ albatrossevents.co.uk, contact Andrew on 07882151640, or contact Martyn on 07974013463.

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Northern Golfer May 2021_V2.indd 1

‘Cherish our history, embrace change’ 20/05/2021 12:06:36

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Vintage win for Kennedy

ours before Phil Mickelson made history by becoming golf ’s oldest major champion at the US PGA Championship, 52-year-old John Kennedy added a major achievement to his own golfing résumé with victory in the Durham County Matchplay Championship - 25 years after winning the event for the first time. John lifted the trophy for a second time with victory over South Shields’ Andrew McCarrick on the first sudden-death playoff hole of the final at Heworth. The win follows his matchplay championship win in 1996 at Ryton, and his County Championship (strokeplay) win in 1994 at Bishop Auckland. “I can’t believe it has been 25 years since I won the trophy for the first time, it doesn’t feel like it,” said John. “The standard of golf in the final was superb and the course was in great condition, Heworth should be very proud.”

Martyn Jobling

On the move

John Kennedy Having stepped back from county golf in his mid-30s before later returning, John has represented Durham on 94 occasions since making his debut at the age of 16. Following his win at Heworth, he confirmed his next goal: “100 caps is the target. I turned 52 just before the matchplay, but I see no reason not to try and reach that target. Making sure my body holds up is the key.”

In an exceptionally tight final, John and Andrew went to the 19th the first hole - where John’s approach was superb, setting up a birdie putt while Andrew found a bunker. Having failed to get up and down for par, Andrew conceded the match. In the semi-finals, Andrew defeated South Shields teammate Martin McCririck 2&1, while John ended the hopes of Seaham’s Grant Dixon 4&2.

PGA professional Martyn Jobling has joined Bedlingtonshire Golf Club. Martyn - who joins the club following roles at clubs including Parklands, Morpeth and Linden Hall - will be splitting his time between the pro shop and coaching. He said: “I’m really looking forward to being part of the team at Bedlingtonshire and getting to know the members. It’s a busy and successful club with some exciting plans on the horizon, so there’s a lot to get my teeth into.”

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Peter Smith

Expert knowledge Peter Smith, general manager at Tyneside Golf Club, has become one of the first graduates of the Diploma in Golf Club Management in the UK. Delivered by the three partner organisations of the Golf Club Management Partnership - the GCMA, the PGA and BIGGA - the ASQ Level 5 Diploma in Golf Club Management covers the core skills required to manage a golf club, from management and leadership to operations, marketing, finances, and innovation and growth. Peter, who began the qualification in 2019 and completed it ahead of the normal three-year schedule during 2020’s lockdowns, said: “I’m delighted to be the first working manager in our region to complete the diploma, and to be one of only a handful of managers to hold this relatively new qualification in the UK. I’ve learned a great deal on the job in the last 13 years at Matfen Hall and Tyneside, but being able to access the knowledge of the GCMA, the PGA and BIGGA through this course will undoubtedly move our profession forward. I’m incredibly grateful to the members and committee at Tyneside for their support while completing the course. There have been many challenges in the last year, but we now have a fantastic opportunity to make the most of what we’ve learned and been able to do in that time as we look to improve and grow as a members’ club and a business.” 08 NORTHERN GOLFER

James Maw (right) with NE/NW PGA captain Stewart Pilgrim

Tim Dykes

James Harper

PGA professionals back in the swing

he North East & North West PGA season is in full swing with a packed schedule of professional tournaments and pro ams across the region. Rockliffe Hall-based James Maw produced the highlight of the season so far with his victory in the NE/NW PGA Championship at Dunstanburgh Castle. James, who also collected the Assistants’ Championship trophy, posted backto-back rounds of two under-par to lead the elite field. Having led after the first round with an opening 66, Craig Goodfellow (Carlisle) posted a

second round of 72 to finish in second place alongside James Harper (Wynyard, 72-66). Three players – Ken Ferrie, Jonathan Richardson (Hexham) and Mark Ridley (South Moor) – finished a shot further back with 36-hole totals of 139. After four Pro Series events and the PGA Championship, Craig Goodfellow sits at the top of the NE/ NW PGA’s Mizuno Order of Merit with Ken Ferrie in second place, closely followed by James Maw. The tournaments which count for the order of merit continue in June with the Northumberland and Durham Open at Close House.

In the opening pro am of the 2021 season, played at Dunstanburgh on the eve of the PGA Championship, Ken Ferrie and Simon Calvert shared the winners’ cheque with four under-par rounds of 66. In the Darlington Pro Am, Tim Dykes topped the leaderboard with a five under-par round of 65 as Simon Calvert finished two shots back in second place. In the Trump International Pro Am, Wynyard’s James Harper finished in top spot with 78 points as Ken Ferrie finished in second. Craig Goodfellow, Nicky Maddison and Michael Pilgrim finished in a tie for third place.

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10 NORTHERN GOLFER

Jonathan Ward

Charity challenge in memory of Durham golfers

he Durham County Golf Union has launched a fundraising campaign for local charity If U Care Share Foundation in memory of two Durham golfers. The County Union has chosen to support the Chester-le-Street-based charity, which promotes mental health wellbeing and supports families affected by suicide, in memory of Will Alexander - who played at Eaglescliffe and Rockliffe Hall and represented the County boys team - and David “Fez” Ferries - a long serving member of South Shields Golf Club. As part of the fundraising campaign, county secretary Jonathan Ward will take part in a pair of fundraising challenges in 2021. The first will see him play one hole at each of the 44 courses in Durham County in one day, on Sunday June 20 (Fathers Day). The challenge is being supported by S.G. Petch Ltd, which will be supplying a car and driver for the 260-mile event. It will start at 5am at Eaglescliffe and end at South Shields at approximately 9pm. Jonathan will also be running the Great North Run in September, while the County Union will also be running raffles and prize draws throughout the year.

Will Alexander (left) and David Ferries Jonathan said: “Every year, Durham County Golf Union raises money for charity. In 2021, following the deaths of David, a close friend of mine for 25 years, and Will, a keen golfer and recent member of the County Boys team, we thought supporting a local charity in their memory - and one which does great work locally to raise awareness of mental health and help prevent suicide - was really important. “The golf challenge will be tough to complete in a day, but I’ve got a route planned out and some fantastic support lined up. I’m looking forward to promoting the fundraising campaign at various events throughout the season and doing everything we can to support If U Care Share’s work in our region.” To support the fundraising efforts go to www.durhamcountygolfunion. co.uk/charity

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Paisley’s pattern for success

ndy Paisley’s stock continued to rise as his stable of top players achieved success around the world in May. Andy, based at Hexham Golf Club, had a busy month in May as Dean Burmester shot a final round 62 to win the European Tour’s Tenerife Open, Matty Lamb starred for Great Britain & Ireland in The Walker Cup, and he was credited with a resurgence in form for Edoardo Molinari as he tried to chase down Richard Bland at the British Masters. Andy, who mixes his schedule between working on tour and teaching at Hexham, said: “While I couldn’t do my day-to-day work as a coach at Hexham during lockdown, I kept myself busy by spending more time with the guys at college in the US and out on tour. I was communicating with those guys

on a much deeper level than we normally would as we all had more time on our hands, and we did some great work. “I also got to spend a lot of time with Matty at Hexham as he was allowed to practice in preparation for The Walker Cup. We produced some great results in the studio, which he was then able to take out to Florida and put in an incredible performance under the most pressure he’s ever experienced. It was a really proud moment seeing him do so well and I’m looking forward to seeing how he develops further as a professional.” While Andy has worked with Matty on all aspects of his game since he was 11 years old, he has become recognised among European and Challenge tour players for his putting and psychology work. Speaking at the British Masters on

Andy Paisley his work with Andy, Edoardo said: “I’ve known Chris [Paisley] for a long time, I’ve been helping him and a few of the other guys with their stats and I noticed all the guys working with Andy were improving their putting stats.” Andy added: “It’s a fantastic feeling to be recognised by some of the best golfers in the world for the work I’m doing. It’s also great they’re recognising the success my brother, Justin [Walters], Garrick [Porteous], Dean [Burmester] and all the guys out there are having. While a big

part of what we work on is technical, I also spend a lot of time talking to them about good habits, planning what they’re doing and reflecting on performances in the right way. It’s great when the guys have success, but people only ever get a small window into what we do. I’d like to think I’ve got some magic words for these guys, but it’s all about working hard, working smart and going through the tough times and difficult conversations so they can have those moments in the spotlight we all want as golfers.”

NORTHERN GOLFER 11

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Centenary celebrations underway

he Northumberland Ladies County Golf Association’s centenary celebrations are underway following a 12-month delay due to Covid-19. The busy calendar of events includes special centenary competitions at every club in the county with a prize provided by the NLCGA, a Centenary Lunch in October, and county events at the six founding clubs of the association. The first meeting of the association took place on Friday November 12, 1920 at Gosforth Golf Club with 28 women representing six golf clubs - Alnmouth, Benton Park (now Arcot Hall), Gosforth, Hexham, Tynemouth and Whitley Bay. Today the association represents more than 1,400 female golfers from 39 golf clubs. This year’s events began in May with the Spring Meeting at Gosforth. Elaine Elliott (Whitley Bay) beat Sarah Phillips (Gosforth)

NLCGA president Margaret Pickard and Elaine Elliott

The Northumberland team at County Match Week in 2019 to the gross prize as Vicky Corner (High Gosforth) beat Diane Cairns (Seahouses) to the nett prize. Meanwhile, The Jubilee Trophies will take place at Tynemouth on June 3. Northumberland will then welcome the county teams from Durham, Yorkshire, Cumbria,

Wynyard Golf Club

Cheshire and Lancashire to County Match Week at Alnmouth (June 28-July 2). Hexham will host the President’s Trophy on July 27, while the Captains v Secretaries match will take place at Arcot Hall on Aug 9, and the Autumn Meeting will be staged at Whitley Bay on Aug 23.

On Octber 7, the NLCGA will welcome guests to the Grand Hotel, Gosforth Park for a Centenary Lunch with one of the county’s most-decorated players, Jenny Lucas (nee Lee Smith) as guest speaker. For a full diary of events and matches go to www.nlcga.co.uk

An exceptional golf experience

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Diane Cairns and NLCGA president Margaret Pickard

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Olver at home at Ganton

orthern Golfer greenkeeping columnist Simon Olver is settling into his new role as golf course manager at Ganton. Simon, who joined Ganton in late 2020 after six years at Whitley Bay, said: “I’ve always wanted to work on a world-class golf course, so having the opportunity to join Ganton was a dream come true. “The course is a traditional fine turf layout with architectural elements from some of the greatest golf course designers in the history of the game. It’s also laid out on a stunning piece of land close to the coast and the North York Moors, and I’m very excited to have the opportunity to manage it. I’m looking forward to helping the club progress, alongside the world-renowned architects from Mackenzie & Ebert, and seeing what we can achieve in the years ahead.” Having joined Dunstanburgh Castle as a 16-year-old apprentice,

Watch this space Simon Olver Simon rose to head greenkeeper in his 10 years on the Northumberland coast before joining Percy Wood in 2008. He went on to join Whitley Bay as course manager in 2014, overseeing remodelling of several holes, species transition of the putting surfaces and achieving GEO Certification, which recognises the club’s sustainable practices. “While I’d always dreamt of working on a course like Ganton, and it was an easy decision to make the move at this point in my career, I have incredibly fond memories of my

time at Whitley Bay,” added Simon. “The greenkeeping team at Whitley Bay is incredibly passionate and I’m sure Mark Hollingsworth and the guys will bring the course on to the next level in the years ahead.” Ranked number 77 in the World’s Top 100 Golf Courses by top100golfcourses.com, Ganton holds an important place in British golf and will host the Brabazon Trophy and the R&A Senior Amateur Championship in 2021. Read Simon’s latest column on page 31.

The £13m development of Wallsend Golf Centre is set to begin with plans winning unanimous consent from North Tyneside Council. The development at Centurion Park, being undertaken by HG&L Newcastle Ltd, combines a new £13 million 54-bay driving range with virtual reality technology with a redesign of the golf course to allow six, 12 and 18 hole rounds to loop back to the clubhouse. The plans also include investment in drainage and biodiversity along with new facilities for Wallsend Golf Club.

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Rebecca Ferguson. Inset: Claire Brown and Rebecca

Simply the Bex

ebecca Ferguson lifted the Northumberland Ladies County Championship trophy at Bamburgh Castle Golf Club. Tynemouth-based Rebecca, a former Northern Golfer Ladies Champion of Champions, overcame Close House’s Claire Brown in the final. Rebecca said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have won my first county championship. “The last few days have been incredible and we’ve been very lucky to play in such great conditions on a magnificently presented course. “A massive thank you to Holly Hardy for caddying for me in the

final, to Claire for a great final, to John Mckenna for keeping my swing in check, and to everyone who came out to watch and support.” In the semi-finals at Bamburgh, Rebecca beat Ami Ewan (Ponteland) while Claire - who won the Northumberland County Ladies Vets Championship earlier this season beat Coralie Bretez (Gosforth Park). Meanwhile, Zara Naughton won the Rita Rennie trophy as the leading qualifier for the matchplay rounds. Zara also teamed up with her sister Charlotte and Ami Ewan to win the Championship Shield - awarded for the lowest aggregate of three gross scores from one club after the 36hole qualifying - for Ponteland. © Getty Images

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Players’player Lee Westwood has been named the winner of the Seve Ballesteros Award as the 2020 European Tour Players’ Player of the Year following a remarkable season which culminated in the 48-year-old topping the Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex and being crowned European Tour Number One for the third time. The announcement coincided with the 10-year anniversary of the passing of Spanish legend Seve, who died on May 7, 2011 following a battle with cancer.

Lee’s first of 10 Ryder Cup appearances came in 1997 under Seve, who captained Europe to a famous win at Valderrama. “It means a lot that it is voted for by my fellow players, the guys I play with week-in week-out,” said Lee (pictured). “Awards like this are always very special because I feel like they as players know what you have to go through.”

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On course at Whitley Bay

ark Hollingsworth has been appointed course manager at Whitley Bay Golf Club. Mark, 33, replaces Simon Olver following his departure for Ganton. A greenkeeper and mechanic with 15 years’ experience at Ravensworth and Whitley Bay, Mark took on the role in November 2020 and has faced one of greenkeeping’s most challenging winters since stepping up to his new position. “Moving into my first course management job was an incredibly proud moment and I can’t thank everyone at Whitley Bay enough for their support in a very challenging first seven months with two lockdowns, one of the wettest winters on record, and the driest and coldest April since records began. “To be able to lead the team of greenkeepers at Whitley Bay is a real privilege. The way we work as a team is definitely our biggest strength. I want to build on what Simon

Layla Levy

Team building Mark Hollingsworth started with the team, while growing our reputation and sustainability credentials as a GEO-certified course. We’ve got a lot of ambition and I want to steer that in the right direction to achieve even more in the years ahead.” Having stumbled into greenkeeping as a 19-year-old at Ravensworth, Mark has risen to lead the team at Whitley Bay while achieving a degree in Sports Turf

Management and becoming an R&A Scholar. In 2021, Whitley Bay will host the Northumberland County Championship, and Mark added: “I’m looking forward to putting my own stamp on things and given a little more structure without lockdowns and some good growing conditions, we’re looking forward to making those small gains to step things up to the next level.”

Layla Levy has been appointed general manager at Whitley Bay Golf Club. Before joining Whitley Bay in February 2021, Layla spent eight years as general manager at Bedlingtonshire Golf Club. She said: “I’m very excited to join Whitley Bay and to become part of a great team looking to deliver a renewed ambition to further develop one of the region’s premier golf clubs.”

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Centenary celebrations The Leeds and District Union of Golf Clubs has announced plans to celebrate its 100th birthday during 2021. The union was officially 100 years old in September 2020 and a revised programme of celebrations will take place throughout 2021, culminating in a Grand Centenary Dinner in March 2022. Events in 2021 include a Centenary Launch Luncheon at Moortown, a president’s tour of member clubs and a full calendar of competitions, including the Leeds Open Strokeplay Championship and team matches. The union will also be building on its fundraising – which to-date has contributed more than £230,000 to local charities. For more information on the Leeds & District Union of Golf Clubs centenary, visit www.ldugc.co.uk

Dixon wins Northumberland season opener

ity of Newcastle’s Alex Dixon won the season opening North & South Trophy at Northumberland Golf Club as he set out on the road to European Tour Qualifying School later this year. Alex led the field of 81 players with a five under-par total of 139 (71-68) as Northumberland Golf Club-based Paul Caldicott finished in second place on two under-par (73-69) and Northumberland Golf Club-based junior Harrison Sewell won the nett prize with rounds of 68 and 73. Alex, who has set his sights on European Tour Qualifying School in September and will compete in some of the UK’s biggest amateur events in 2021, said: “Winning the North & South was a brilliant start to the year and I feel like I’ve really hit the ground running. “I played my best golf in the

Alex Dixon opening round, but didn’t make a lot of putts. In the afternoon, I got some key putts to drop which allowed me to build a score. “I’ve worked hard through the winter, getting fitter and stronger so I can push on this season. I’ve also been putting in some good work with my coach, Steve Bainbridge,

and feel ready to compete in the biggest amateur events this summer ahead of Q School.” The Northumberland Union of Golf Clubs season continues in June with the Strokeplay Championship at Newbiggin Golf Club (June 5-6) and the County Championship at Whitley Bay Golf Club (June 19-26).

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Jess Baker

Rosie Belsham

England call-ups

our of Northumberland’s best female golfers will compete in England colours this season after being named in the women’s and girls’ squads for 2021. The six-strong England Girls’ squad includes Arcot Hall’s Rachel Gourley and Close House’s Maggie Whitehead. Both players have made impressive starts to their seasons, with Rachel winning the Northumberland Schools Championship and 14-year-old Maggie finishing sixth in a Rose Ladies Series event (see page 4). Meanwhile, Jess Baker (Gosforth Park Ladies) and Rosie Belsham (Whitley Bay) have been named in the Women’s Overseas Squad for 2021. Jess made a strong start to her college career at the University of Central Florida, helping the team win the Brickyard Invitational in April, while Rosie is one of three freshmen in the Baylor women’s golf team to record single-season scoring averages that rank among the best in program history. Meanwhile, Cumbria’s Caitlin

Whitehead has also been selected as part of the England Women’s Squad for 2021. Jenny Henderson, England Golf ’s assistant performance manager for women’s golf, said: “Despite the challenges 2020 presented, there were a number of strong performances from female players. These squads are bursting with talented, passionate and committed players who have the potential to win and we are excited to support them on their 2021 journey.” The key events for the women’s squad include the European Women’s Team Championship in July at Royal County Down in Northern Ireland and the Home Internationals scheduled for Woodhall Spa in August. The European Girls’ Team Championships will be staged in July at Hilversumsche in the Netherlands with the World Junior Girls Championship due to take place in Angus Glen in Canada at the end of the season. The girls’ squad will also compete in the Home Internationals series at Woodhall Spa in August.

‘Appy golfing at High Gosforth High Gosforth Golf Club, previously known as Parklands, has launched an online and app-based booking system for its popular driving range. Sessions are available to book in advance online or using a smartphone app, and you can also use the system to book tee times. Available now through the club’s website or through

the EliteLive app on your smartphone, sessions are available daily in one of the 28 driving range bays, while tee times can also be booked within seconds once you’ve created your user account. For more information and to book a range session or round, go to www.parklandsgolf.co.uk or download the EliteLive app from your smartphone’s app store.

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Seaton Carew restoration underway

ork on restoring aspects of Dr Alister MacKenzie’s original design at Seaton Carew - which is scheduled to be completed ahead of the club’s 150th birthday in 2024, when Seaton will host the English Amateur alongside Hartlepool - is well on its way. Under the course management of Tom Coulson, who joined Seaton in May 2020, the links has already undergone several changes. So far, 21 bunkers have been rebuilt and refurbished, with priority given to the Doctor and Dunes holes. Bunkers on the Sandhills, Chapel and Beach holes have been rebuilt, and another has been reintroduced on the Long Trail and Sahara. Tom, who moved to Seaton from 2021 Open Championship venue Royal St George’s, said: “MacKenzie had a set of rules when he designed courses and one stated ‘the features of a course should be so natural so that they are indistinguishable from

Tom Coulson

nature itself ’. That is our motivation as we try to establish this place as a true championship links. It is still very early in the journey, but things are going in the right direction. “Over the years, Seaton Carew has lost some original features with up to 40 bunkers lost since the Second World War. The course lost its teeth and we are bringing those back.” Almost every change to the 146-year-old course requires consent

to the left. Without those you get gorgeous sand dunes and sea - it has been strangled by the bushes for nearly 100 years. We have also got big works planned for the Road, Jimmy Kay and Tees holes - all with the aim of reinstating some of the original bunker styles.” A plus-two handicapper with an 18-year career in greenkeeping, 35-year-old Tom has big ambitions for Seaton Carew. He added: “The land offers pristine turf routed between rugged sand dune vegetation with a variety of bunker styles and shapes. We want to further enhance those characteristics.”

due to the unique habitat of the links, which is part of the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest. The recent bunker and green changes are the first stage of the programme, with plans pencilled in for autumn 2021 to remove Sea Buckthorn bushes to open up the sand dunes and sea views. Tom added: “We have the industry to the right and the bushes

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Sir Graham Wylie and Lee Westwood

Celebrating 10 years of success

lose House, two-time host venue of the European Tour’s British Masters and home club of Lee Westwood, celebrated its 10th birthday on May 10 - marking a decade since Lee, then the world’s number one golfer, officially opened the Colt Course in 2011. Close House has enjoyed a rapid rise since owner Sir Graham Wylie bought the club from Newcastle University. The club hosted its first British Masters in 2017, welcoming the biggest names in European golf - including Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter - to the North East. It went on to host the event for a second time in 2020. It has also been a host venue for the European Seniors Tour and PGA, as well multiple local tournaments. “We are very proud of everything

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS: EMAIL:

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Hosts to the Northern Counties Seniors Championship 2016 Spital Park, Hexham, Northumberland. NE46 3RZ

Sir Graham Wylie and Lee Westwood opening the Colt Course in 2011 we have achieved at Close House in the past decade,” said Sir Graham. “The club has become a real focal point for golf in the North East, and being chosen twice as host venue for the British Masters is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in making the club a success.” Lee added: “Everyone here can be incredibly proud of all they have achieved since 2011. It has been a pleasure to represent Close House as its ambassador over the years and it is amazing to see how it has developed.”

Hickory double Neil Gascoigne successfully defended the Scottish Hickory Championship at Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club. Winner of the 2020 event at Kilspindie, Newcastle Unitedbased Neil (pictured) posted a round of 79 on the gorse-lined links set on the Moray Firth to retain the title by a single shot. He

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We do all the booking, you relax and enjoy! said: “I’m delighted to have retained the title against some of the best hickory golfers in the world, and I’m looking forward to going for the hat-trick in 2022.”

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Milestone for Goswick pro Richard Aisbitt (left) receiving the trophy in 2017.

Aisbitt wins Cleveland Salver Brancepeth Castle’s Richard Aisbitt got his season off to a perfect start with victory in the Cleveland Salver. Richard posted rounds of 68 and 70 over the Teesside links to lead the elite field of amateurs and win the event for a second time following his victory in 2017. James Glenn finished in second place with rounds of 69 and 70 as Sam Bairstow finished third with rounds of 68 and 71.

oswick head professional Paul Terras has marked his 30th year at the James Braid-designed links course. Originally from Fife, Paul took to the game quickly, playing his first official round on a course when he was 16 before reducing his handicap from 19 to two in one year. Rather than heading to university, he chose to become an assistant professional at Dunbar Golf Club in East Lothian at the age of 17. After completing his apprenticeship, he played on the Tartan Tour for five years, competing against the likes of Paul Lawrie. He then married his wife, Shona, in April 1991 - two days before taking up his role at Goswick. “When I got engaged to Shona, I decided I’d had enough of the traveling around and wanted to get a head pro job,” Paul said. “That led me to Goswick.” In his 30 years at Goswick, Paul has seen the job change enormously.

Paul and Shona Terras “The big change has been that I don’t give as many lessons, though I still enjoy it, and now focus more on managing visitor bookings, competitions and handicaps. I’ve also made changes in the shop. We still carry some equipment, but now put much more emphasis on clothing and accessories. But, the

shop is about more than selling merchandise. For most people, it’s the first port of call at the club. Whether you’re a visitor or a member, my main concern is that you have a great experience. Goswick might not be the easiest place to get to, but it’s well worth the journey.”

The Northumberland Golf Club offers a premier membership experience with a wonderful golf course and a traditional Clubhouse overlooking the 18th green, a great place to relax after a game of golf with a drink and food from our first class catering.

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Record-breaking Wilson

ames Wilson produced one of the performances of his career to-date at Southerness Golf Club as he finished second in the Scottish Men’s Open Championship. Close House-based James held the lead several times in the 72-hole event, including after he shot a new course record 62 in the first round. He went on to shoot rounds of 69, 65 and 68 for a 12 under-par total, finishing three shots behind English international Callan Barrow. James, who birdied the final two holes of the event to finish five shots clear of third place, said: “Contending over four days in the first big event of the season was a great feeling. It wasn’t what I was expecting heading up to Southerness, but it shows where my game is when I can go into an event on a really tough track with a laid back approach and shoot 12 underpar for four rounds. “Shooting seven under-par on the

Nesbit wins Seaton Salver

James Wilson (© Scottish Golf) opening day was a great feeling - it’s always great when you have those rounds where you just can’t miss at the big tournaments. “The event came down to the last six holes in the final two rounds, where Callan was able to keep making birdies through the toughest stretch. You can run into golf like that in these tournaments and I take

my hat off to him for the way he kept making birdies, particularly in the last round when he played the back nine in five under-par. “Being in contention each day, including going into the back nine of the final round, was another great bit of experience and I’ll take a lot from the week into the rest of this season.”

Boldon Golf Club’s Gavin Nesbit posted rounds of 72 and 71 to win the Seaton Salver. Gavin finished one shot clear of Max Berrisford (Shipley) and Thomas Harbord (Castle Eden) in the event which is part of the Durham and Yorkshire orders of merit. Meanwhile, Castle Eden’s Stuart Brown shot a round of 69 to win the Senior Salver as Tyneside’s Tim Price finished in second place.

SOCIETY BOOKINGS FOR 2021 AND 2022 AVAILABLE EMAIL:

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Step inside the ropes Callum Nicoll

Top of the Rock Callum Nicoll has joined Rockliffe Hall as director of golf & estates. Callum has more than 20 years experience in golf, including nine years in the Middle East. He joins Rockliffe from his most recent position as director of golf at London Golf Club, where he was responsible for a 36-hole course delivering 44,000 rounds per year. He has also held senior golf positions at Turnberry, Prestwick Golf Club, The Els Club Dubai and Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

orthern Golfer has teamed up with tour caddies Michael Burrow, Sean Russell and Chris Simmons to share what they’ve learned caddying for some of the best golfers in the world. The new column in each edition of Northern Golfer will share advice any golfer can apply to their own game - from preparing for a round to some of the practice drills used by the best players in the world. Based in Newcastle, the three caddies have experience from major championships, international team events, the Olympic Games and on the PGA, European and Ladies European tours. Sean, who shares advice on preparing your bag for your next round on page 23, said: “Caddies have an unrivalled view of the best players in the world. We spend a lot of time with our players, we walk inside the ropes with them every day, and we learn very quickly what

l-r Chris Simmons, Michael Burrow and Sean Russell makes them the best. Amateur golfers can learn a lot from the pros, and their caddies, and apply it with just a little bit of thought. Not everyone can practice for hours at a time, but we can all play a little bit smarter and prepare better.” A former chairman of the European Tour Caddies Association and part of the team behind the @thetourcaddies social media channels, Gosforth-based Sean has caddied in the Solheim Cup for

Diana Luna and on the European Tour for players including Ken Ferrie and Chris Paisley. Newcastle Unitedbased Chris is currently working for Matthew Jordan on the European Tour having caddied for Brandon Stone in two European Tour wins and The Olympics in Brazil. Michael, also from Newcastle, is currently caddying for world top 100 player Thomas Detry. He has caddied in multiple major championships for players including Haotong Li.

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TOURTIPS

Sean Russell

What’s in your bag? European Tour caddy Sean Russell on preparing for a round just like the best in the world

here are hundreds of things tour professionals do better than amateurs, and while the vast majority of players will never swing the golf club like Rory McIlroy or Bryson DeChambeau, there are two very simple things you can do just like their caddies Harry Diamond and Tim Tucker which will improve your scores without any practice. The first one is really obvious and a real bugbear among caddies - keep your clubs clean! The clubface is your only contact with the golf ball, so it’s important to give yourself as good an opportunity as possible to make consistent contact. Tests have shown having dirty grooves on your seven iron (never mind clumps of mud on the clubface!) can reduce ball speed by

up to 5% and half the amount of backspin you create, yet so many amateurs turn up on the first tee with clubs caked in mud. That said, we’ve all worked for pros who’ll turn up on the range at a tournament after a couple of weeks at home with equally filthy clubs. All you need to do is keep a quarter of your towel wet, then just wipe down your club after every shot. Do that and you’ve exactly matched something every player in the world’s top 100 does. The second thing the professionals all do is to have enough to eat and drink in their golf bags. No matter what the conditions are like, you need to take on enough water. Most pros will have something to drink on every hole and in places like South Africa, they can take on

more than four litres while they’re on the course. The pros have access to water on every tee box, but you can always keep at least 1ltr in your golf bag and drink small amounts regularly. It’s also important to eat on the golf course. Bananas, nuts and protein bars are all popular choices on tour - Double Deckers are sadly becoming less popular - while more and more players are turning to energy gels used by cyclists to get a regular burst of energy. The key is to keep a good schedule and increase the frequency you eat as the round progresses. By preparing your bag and matching just two of the things the professionals do, you’ll give yourself a great chance of reducing your scores without ever setting foot on the practice ground.

NORTHERN GOLFER 23

MATTYLAMB

Coming of age Following his starring performance in The Walker Cup, Matty Lamb discusses his amateur career, signing off in style in Florida, and his hopes for the future as a professional golfer

atty Lamb’s golfing career has seemed destined to reach the professional ranks since he rose to fame in 2012 by winning the Scottish U14s Championship. In the years that have followed, he has won some of amateur golf ’s biggest events, put together a stellar career in England colours and reached the top of amateur team golf as a member of the Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team which took on the USA in May at Seminole Golf Club, Florida - the USA triumphing by a narrow 14-12 margin as Matty won three of his four matches.

One of the leading lights among the 10 best players from GB&I, Matty, 23, set his sights on signing off his amateur career in The Walker Cup when he was a teenager, and stuck to the plan despite the match’s delay due to Covid-19. “Playing in The Walker Cup was incredible; it exceeded all my expectations and I’m so happy I waited to turn pro so I could be part of it,” said Matty. “We had great camaraderie and the friendships we built that week will stay with me for a long time, particularly with the guys who have turned pro and will be doing so in the next few months. “As a pro, I’ll not play a lot of team golf, if any at all, so to have that experience in the biggest amateur team event in the world was amazing. It was disappointing to lose the match, but to have my final two days as an amateur at The Walker Cup was the perfect sign off.”

At Seminole, Matty teamed up with Jack Dyer for Saturday morning’s foursomes - the pair losing 2down to Mac Meissner and Ricky Castillo. In the afternoon singles, Matty was called up to replace Joe Long – one of the 15 players suffering gastrointestinal issues in the days before the event – and put together a 2&1 win over Quade Cummins. He then teamed up with Jack again on Sunday morning, picking up a 6&5 victory over Stewart Hagestad and Tyler Strafaci. With the match still in the balance, Matty delivered a crucial point for GB&I in the final round of singles matches, beating Davis Thompson in a close match sealed with an excellent finish on the demanding 17th and 18th holes at Seminole. “I learned so much at Seminole,” added Matty. “While it was a big disappointment to lose the match, picking up three points and winning both my singles matches while playing some nice golf under pressure - gave me a lot of confidence. “Competing against some of the best amateur golfers in the world was a great experience, and I learned a lot about how they maximise their strengths and minimise the pressure on their weaknesses. I feel I’m not far away from that level and know I need to concentrate on doing what I do best, making those areas big strengths while identifying areas where I can be better.” While his preparation for the biggest event of his career to-date was hampered by lockdowns in the UK, Matty was able to

NORTHERN GOLFER 25

MATTYLAMB prepare as best he could with coach Andy Paisley. In his time working on the practice ground and in the studio at Hexham Golf Club, Matty got to work closer than ever before with the man who has shaped his golf game since the age of 11. “Andy has always talked about longterm planning and I’m a big believer in having a much bigger plan than just one event, so the preparation ahead of Seminole was really about progressing the things we’ve been working on. We also did some specific technical work on things like preparing for the wind and the speed of the greens, and that really helped when I got out to America. “We spent a lot more time together than ever before. Andy has been a huge influence on me, as a golfer and a person, and having more time to talk to him about everything that’s been going on was a huge positive of the lockdowns. That period also gave me a lot to think about on how I structure my schedule and whether I plan in a couple of months at home in the future so I can spend longer stretches with Andy to work on technique and the way I approach things. “Having people like Andy around me has been really important to what I’ve done so far, and it will be really important in the future.” Having picked up the game at the age of eight at Hexham Golf Club, Matty rose to fame by winning the Scottish U14 Open Championship at Buchanan Castle in 2012. He went on to finish second in the English Boys U14 Championship and represented England for the first time that year. In 2013, he won the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters at Nizels G&CC and won the Northumberland County Strokeplay Championship as a 15-year-old, while also representing England Boys. He would go on to win several team titles with England, including the Boys Home Internationals in 2014 and 2016. In 2017, he won the Big Six at Seascale with Northumberland. In 2019 he won the Hampshire Hog, breaking Justin Rose’s course record at North Hants, before finishing second in the St Andrews Links Trophy. He also helped England win the silver medal at the European Teams Championship and win the Home Internationals at Lahinch, while also helping Northumberland win the Big Six at Alnmouth. In 2019 Matty

26 NORTHERN GOLFER

2014 Matty with the England Boys team at the Home Internationals 2013 - Matty (right) with the Hexham junior team after being crowned Junior Club Champions of England

also competed on the EuroPro Tour as an amateur, finishing eighth at Linden Hall. In a disrupted 2020, Matty won the Tillman Trophy and the North of England Amateur at Alwoodley. “I’ve got so many amazing memories from amateur golf, going right back to junior golf at ‘Hexham and in Northumberland,” he added. “Winning the Scottish U14s stands out as it was my first national tournament win. I remember the relief of getting over the line and the realisation that playing golf was what I wanted to do. There’s a lot more to golf than winning, but that was the first week I remember really enjoying competing and thinking I wanted to be a professional golfer. “Being part of the England system has also had a massive influence on me. My first game for the U16s against Wales, when I

was 14, was brilliant. Jack Hermeston and Jake Storey were also in that team, and I really enjoyed being there as one of three Northumberland players. “Golf has a very obvious progression through the different stages of amateur and professional golf. Every time I’ve gone up a step, I’ve learned from it, made it to the next step and set new goals. “Working with Andy on a long-term plan has been so important to making those transitions and we’re going to keep working on it. It’s not about taking huge steps, it’s about doing things at a slightly higher level at every stage.” Having turned professional immediately after The Walker Cup, Matty played his first event as a pro on the Clutch Pro Tour - finishing in a tie for ninth place in the Sandwell Park Pro Pairs alongside Callum Farr. He went on to make his Challenge

MATTYLAMB 2013 - Matty with the Nothumberland County Strokeplay trophy

2013 - Matty (centre) with Jack Hermeston (left) and Jake Storey (right) on the cover of Northern Golfer 2019 Matty at the St Andrews Links Trophy (© St Andrews Links) 2020 - Matty with the Tillman Trophy Tour debut at the Irish Challenge, where he missed the cut, before taking up an invite to the Challenge Tour’s D+D REAL Czech Challenge. Since turning pro, Matty has joined Trinifold Sports Management, which is led by legendary music manager Bill Curbishley and Golfing4Life founder Jimmy Byers. “Thanks to the support from Trinifold, the transition from travelling with a team to making my own way as a professional has been pretty easy. Jimmy and the team have a long-term view of supporting golfers and they’re encouraging me to learn every week and find my feet before I make the next step in my career. “Jimmy is another great influence to be around and learn from, and he’s incredibly supportive when it comes to developing a long-term plan for a career as a professional golfer.” As a member of GB&I’s Walker Cup team, Matty hopes to receive invites to Challenge Tour and European Tour events in 2021. While he will take as many opportunities as possible, he has set out his plans for the year clearly. “My plan is to earn a Challenge Tour card through the top five on the EuroPro Tour order of merit. “If I can fill in the weeks between EuroPro events with

Challenge Tour invites, those will give me a lot of experience, but there are a lot of talented players on the EuroPro and I need to concentrate on that to give myself the best chance of being in the top five and earning my Challenge Tour card for 2022.” For now though, Matty is busy getting used to life on tour. He has already teed it up in Ireland and the Czech Republic on the Challenge Tour, and is relishing the opportunity to carve the next section of his path in golf. “Having done a lot of travelling in Europe and Australia in the last few years, the transition to being a professional hasn’t been a shock to the system. “I’m enjoying being out on the Challenge Tour and I’m looking forward to the start of the EuroPro season. I didn’t play as much golf as I’d have liked in 2020 and in the early part of 2021, so I’m really enjoying being back on the road, learning new courses and competing in tournaments. “I’ve always enjoyed working on my game and trying to get better. It’s really important to reflect on what I’m doing and take something from every event I play so I can improve. I get a lot of enjoyment from that process and my main goal right now is just to learn every week and enjoy every event.”

NORTHERN GOLFER 27

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TOURLIFE

Chris Paisley

Back in action Chris Paisley reflects on his return to European soil

olf-wise, there isn’t a lot of excitement to report since my last column in mid-April [which is available on www. northerngolfer.co.uk for those who missed it in the Northern Golfer Weekly email]. Following an opening run of four tournaments in the Middle East and backto-back events in Kenya, I spent April at home in Florida with my wife Keri and daughter Ella. As I write, I’ve just finished the third event of a four-event swing back on European soil at the Made in Himmerland. My return to Europe started with a missed cut in the second event in Tenerife before a pair of T-52 finishes in the British Masters at The Belfry and here in Denmark. Having just played four rounds here, I can still say our visit to Denmark is one of my favourite events of the season. The crowds are typically enormous here and the promoter does so much to make the tournament fun for the players and fans.

Unfortunately, there were only a small number of spectators allowed due to Covid-19 this year. Restrictions were even tighter for the British Masters a few weeks ago. It was such a shame as I know the crowds would have been huge and the atmosphere electric at both events. Unfortunately, our events feel soulless with no-one here to watch. It’s not so noticeable when you’re not in contention, but when I have been in contention there just isn’t the same buzz. I consider myself extremely lucky to be playing tournaments right now given the situation across the world, but the lack of spectators and living in the European Tour bubble has definitely made my time on the road less enjoyable than it was pre-Covid. Having said that, the tour has done an incredible job. Having spoken to Keith Pelley and some of the people involved in organising our tournaments, you wouldn’t believe how difficult it has become just

to get an event played. They are dealing with different governments and different rules every week. Some governments are accommodating, and some far from it such as our next stop in Germany which has been delayed by two days. As I reflect on finishing in the second half of the weekend pack for a second event in a row, I can admit my game isn’t quite firing on all cylinders, especially from tee to green. But it’s not far away. I must have mentioned golf ’s fine lines a dozen times here, but I do feel I’m close to playing some great golf. Right now, I’m in that often-frustrating period of working hard and patiently waiting for it all to click into place - much like the story my brother Andy shares on page 11. Next week in Germany would be a lovely time for everything to drop into place. I hope you are all enjoying being back on the golf courses at home and having a copy of Northern Golfer in your hands again. Until next time…

NORTHERN GOLFER 29

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ONCOURSE

Simon Olver

A tough start to 2021 Simon Olver, course manager at Ganton Golf Club, reflects on the year’s challenges so far - from lockdowns to weather and everything in between

s the 2021 golf season dawned, greenkeeping teams around the country were praying for good weather, life outside of lockdown, and a more structured way of working after an incredibly disruptive and challenging 12 months. Well, that could not have been further from the situation we found ourselves in when March and April arrived! Every greenkeeper has had to dig deep in these early weeks of the season to achieve the best playing conditions possible. Following extremely wet conditions throughout the winter, weather patterns switched and delivered prolonged periods of dry weather and cold temperatures. Here, we recorded nine days of frost in April, having had no frosts in April 2020. These cold conditions then persisted well into May - far longer than I can ever recall. This combination of cold and dry weather led to

most inland golf courses losing around four weeks from their expected schedules just as golfers were released from lockdown. The consequences of these severe swings in weather patterns have been far reaching with impacts on our application of treatments on playing surfaces and mowing schedules through to the time we can start work in the morning. In adapting, greenkeepers had to analyse and change targets carefully while maintenance and course setups were also adjusted. Planned operations had to be delayed or cancelled as focus shifted to presenting acceptable playing conditions without the normal lead in time we’d expect. For those carrying out key maintenance projects, particularly in fine turf areas, this presented a massive challenge. For many, these areas are just beginning to heal and grow as we would have expected weeks ago, yet the playing schedule has already

reached its peak. Inevitably, many courses have been presented below the expectations of greenkeepers so far, but the signs in recent weeks have been far better and we’re very much looking forward to being back in prime condition in the very near future. For those who have been out playing, you will have seen many examples of what nature’s delay to proceedings has unavoidably resulted in - particularly as Poa (meadow grass) has seeded a lot later than normal. As a result, playing surfaces have been slower and bumpier as this broader leaf plant dominates other species. However, the impact will be short lived, seed heads will subside and this will lead to smoother surfaces with a little more pace very soon. I hope we have seen the back of this gruelling period. As I write, the forecast predicts warm and wet weather. I hope it is not too wet so we can get out there and play golf courses at their absolute best again soon.

NORTHERN GOLFER 31

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19THHOLE

Dean Bailey

A brave new world

The World Handicap System, and the way golf has embraced mobile apps for handicapping and scoring has been a big change. While the change has some drawbacks, here’s why I think it’s good for golf...

f there has been one talking point at golf clubs since late-March, it’s the World Handicap System. For club golfers, it has been a massive change - certainly the biggest I’ve experienced in 15 years of playing. While some choose to focus on the negatives of the change, I’ve tended towards learning about and embracing WHS. Here, I’m dedicating myself to extolling its virtues, safe in the knowledge it’s very much here to stay and that at least half of the people reading this will disagree with me. The biggest change for me is the much wider acceptance of casual scores. I had no experience of this before WHS, having been fortunate to play a lot of club competitions. Having submitted 20 scores in eight weeks, I can safely say I’m a big fan of how casual rounds are encouraged and facilitated. The England Golf and HowDidIDo apps have been the most important part of this and in my experience they work really well [though some have reported specific problems with some functionality]. Being able to keep tabs

on friends from other clubs on the England Golf App has also made for some entertaining WhatsApp conversations. Having more access to playing for my handicap has been great. My midweek rounds count for a lot more and I’ve been taking them more seriously. I don’t submit every score - it’s good to relax a little bit and play a match or a skins game - but having the option to submit a score, and it being a simple process, is a big positive. The way the handicap calculation has changed has also been a positive change - if a confusing one. Being a little boom or bust when it comes to scoring, knowing I’m no longer guaranteed a .1 lift for a poor score gives me a lot more to play for when things aren’t going perfectly to plan. While there are occasions when the system bites back - dropping a very good score from your last 20 rounds can be a big shock the first time it happens - knowing my handicap is a reflection of eight good rounds from every 20 rather than my entire golfing career also gets a big tick for me.

It’s also been interesting to see how removing the exact score I need to shoot has changed my mindset. In the past, I knew exactly what I needed to shoot to get a specific handicap change. If I was playing the 16th and knew I was destined for a .1 lift, it was easy to give up and double bogey the last three holes. Now, I’m sticking it out to the end. I do understand there are drawbacks to the system and there are a lot of things to get your head around. There are issues about access for those without smartphones or email; and the changes have placed a lot of pressure on clubs as golfers get used to a completely different way of calculating playing ability. Golfers also need time to learn to understand the new volatility of handicaps - particularly when going up more than .1 at a time; the power of dropping a great score out of your last 20; and the way handicaps are allocated to players with fewer than 20 scores. These issues will be overcome as we all get used to the system and it is fine-tuned. I’m already on board, and more will be soon.

NORTHERN GOLFER 33

COURSEPROFILE

Links fit for a king Dean Bailey returns to the Northumberland coast and visits Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course

s you head down towards the dunes which guard the links of Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course from the North Sea, everything that makes golf on the Northumberland coast special is laid out before you. There’s a reason so many golfers long for days on links courses and why so many people have taken a picture of the 13th hole at Dunstanburgh, which is played in the shadow of the castle with stunning views of the shoreline and cliffs. The landscape, the windswept dunes and the fine turf laid through a seemingly untouched landscape make this place unforgettable. While the location is stunning for casual golf, Dunstanburgh Castle has also re-emerged as a tournament venue, winning high praise as host of this year’s North East & North West PGA Championship and the 2020 Northumberland County Strokeplay Championship. The Faldo Series visits later this year, and general manager Stuart Imeson has set his sights on more big tournaments. Recent renovations and subtle tweaks have improved the challenge and playability of the course, while care has been taken to leave untouched many elements of James Braid’s design work . Renovated revetted bunkers are the most obvious element of this programme, while aesthetic changes such as disguising paths with mounding, enhancing sight

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lines with fescues peppered along the top edges of fairway bunkers, and a detailed plan of turf management to ensure key areas are more playable within the National Trust-managed site have all enhanced the course. The opening six holes are played in a loop to the left of the clubhouse, which rises through the dunes before launching you back down towards the clubhouse in spectacular fashion. A par four of 417 yards, the first hole sets out the themes of the course with penal revetted bunkers and a bail out shot which leaves an impossible approach. The fairway is flanked by two bunkers to the left and a deeper revetted bunker to the right some 250 yards from the tee. While you may wish to play well right to avoid the bunkers and boundary fence, taking this easier route leaves a nearimpossible approach over a bunker at the front right corner of the green which has a huge catchment area. Those who play through the bunkers have an unobstructed route to a generous green with two distinct tiers cut at the foot of a sand dune. Climbing the hill beyond the first green, the 366yard par four second is played blind over a crest to a generous green which can offer a birdie opportunity. Your tee shot at the third must reach the corner of the fairway, which sweeps from right to left. From here, a wide green awaits with a bunker left and a

second trap right some 40 yards short of the green. Aptly named Plateau, the uphill par three fourth requires a well struck mid to long iron to reach the putting surface. Anything short risks returning down the slope or being caught by two bunkers. A driveable par four follows, though beware two pot bunkers on the right side some 100 yards from the green and thick rough on the left. The sixth tee is the first of many spectacular viewpoints. Playing inland, the tee shot at this 392-yard par four should be played cautiously with plenty of room to the right. The green here has been tweaked to return it to the one designed by James Braid featuring two bunkers cut short of the green on the left and several hollows and mounds to the right leading into a third greenside bunker. The tee shot at the 309-yard seventh hole is played blind into a dell and club selection is key as the slope obscures more of the green as you get closer to it. Climbing into the dunes, the tee shot at the 364-yard eighth hole offers another spectacular viewpoint. Finding the correct section of this threetiered green guarded by two bunkers can be tricky from the undulating fairway. At the 420-yard ninth, a good tee shot is required uphill to give a chance of reaching the green in regulation. There is a deep bunker on the left side of the fairway, though there is room to the right. Take

COURSEPROFILE

enough club for your approach, three bunkers and a steep rise wait at the front of the green. One of the toughest tee shots on the course, and one played from another stunning viewpoint, you must thread your drive between new fairway bunkers at the 425-yard 10th before a difficult approach must carry a bunker left and a grassy knoll right en-route to a green surrounded by closely mown runoff areas. The short par four 11th is a good birdie opportunity, while the recently extended 422yard 12th requires a tee shot to the left side to give the best angle into a green protected by two front bunkers and a steep slope at the front. The iconic 13th hole is the signature hole (see fact file), while the only par five on the course, the 14th, presents another good birdie opportunity as you begin the road back to the clubhouse. A short par three of just 134 yards, be sure to take enough club to reach the bowl-shaped green at the 15th, which can offer a good chance of birdie. A new tee on the 16th has added 30 yards and created a new angle for the tee shot. If the pin is tucked behind the bunker on the left side, be cautious as it’s almost impossible to get close playing in a straight line and putts from the back edge are incredibly quick. However, Braid’s use of mounding can help funnel the ball around the bunker slopes should you need it. At 420 yards, the tee shot on 17 isn’t as demanding as it looks. The first two fairway bunkers are more of a deception than a hazard and the landing area is more generous than it appears. Avoid the bunker hidden some 60 yards short right of the green, the two pot bunkers at the front edge and the runoff area on the right side. A long and challenging finish, the 18th measures 440 yards from the white tee box and can be a stern test with four fairway bunkers flanking a generous fairway before a burn crosses some 25 yards short of the green. Two small pot bunkers await those who play too cautiously and go wide right with their approach. A challenging end to a stunning layout.

FACT FILE CONTACT Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course Sea Lane, Embleton, NE66 3XQ Tel 01665 576562 www.dunstanburgh.com Social media - @dunstanburgh & @dunstanburghcastlegolfcourse GREEN FEES Weekday, weekend, junior and twilight green fees available, along with special offers including food and group packages. Visit www.dunstanburgh.com

Renovations in the last decade have mainly been focused on elements present in James Braid’s redesign of the course in the early 20th Century. Annual Bunker Camps have welcomed greenkeepers from across the UK to learn the techniques used to build traditional revetted bunkers, with the club reaping the rewards of this work as many bunkers have been modernised and others have been adapted or created to restore the challenge for the modern golfer. More work is planned in each of the next five years to further enhance the links and welcome more tournament golf to Dunstanburgh. Watch this space.

TOTAL DISTANCE White tees – 6,287 yards Yellow tees – 5,974 yards Red tees – 5,591 yards FEATURES Clubhouse serving food daily Club shop Buggy hire Trolley hire Putting green CADDY’S TIP A conservative game plan from the tee is best, stay out of the fairway bunkers and thick rough at all costs SIGNATURE HOLE The par three 13th at Dunstanburgh is one of the most photographed holes in Northumberland. Played in the shadow of Dunstanburgh Castle, the North Sea is just yards from the tee to your left. A wedge or short iron is all that’s required to a generous green with no bunkers. This is possibly the easiest shot on the course, and yet it is often one of the most challenging because of where you’re playing it. Bring your camera, you’ll want to capture this

OUR VERDICT

Playing golf on the Northumberland coast is always special and the recent renovations and stunning presentation of Dunstanburgh Castle make this course a must-visit. NORTHERN GOLFER 35

ROUNDWITH A ROUND WITH...

Steve Harrison

PGA professional and North East & North West PGA secretary Steve Harrison shares the highs and lows from his career in golf

PGA professional for more than 20 years, Steve Harrison has won golf tournaments and pro ams across the region. Having started his career at City of Newcastle, he served as head professional at Stocksfield from 2005-2019 before becoming NE/NW PGA secretary in February 2020. Host of pro ams and tournaments, Steve’s golfing experiences stretch over tens of thousands of miles, at hundreds of events and with thousands of golfers. We caught up with him to share just some of the stories from his career so far… 1 How much golf do you get to play? I tend to play once a month, though I’ll go through spells of playing a bit more when I really get into it. I’m a member at Goswick, where I play a bit of golf with some of my fellow PGA pros. While I’m playing less, I’m really enjoying running the NE/NW PGA events. I haven’t got a burning desire to tee it up in an event at the moment, but I’d never say I’ll never do it again. 2 How did you get into golf? I first picked up the game a few weeks before my 15th birthday with a friend from cricket. Nobody in my family played and for about six months, I played in my cricket spikes as they were the only studded shoes I had. I played a bit between Parklands and Wallsend where I had my first ever birdie 30 years ago on the old 12th hole - before I joined City of Newcastle and started taking it more seriously. 3 Which is your favourite course in the North East? I’ve always liked links golf, so Goswick is right up there on my list. I’ve also really enjoyed the Hunting Course at Slaley Hall and I think Rockliffe Hall is a fabulous layout which will only get better as it matures. 4 And further afield? I tend to favour links courses and Scotland has so many amazing ones. If I had to pick one, I’d say Turnberry as it’s a naturally beautiful place which is fantastic to play on a nice calm day. I’m also a big fan of Monte Rei and West Cliffs in Portugal.

36 NORTHERN GOLFER

5 What’s your best score ever? I set the course record (64) at City of Newcastle in 1995, beating the old course record by three shots. Sadly, it’s since been beaten, but it stood for more than a decade. 6 Which is your favourite golfing memory? I’ve had some amazing experiences on trips with the PGA and at tournaments, playing courses with amazing history like Carnoustie, Turnberry and Wentworth. Golfers lose a lot more than we win, so very few of them are success stories, but I’ve taken away so many brilliant memories. 7 What about embarrassing moments on the course? When I was in my early 20s, I’d won my first two county matches and needed a third to get my county colours. Northumberland played Durham at City of Newcastle and I was so full of myself, I thought I’d never be beaten at home. Jimmy Handy beat me 6&5, completely outplayed me, and put me right back in my place. I learned a lot that day. 8 Do you have any golfing superstitions? I haven’t got any, but I’ve seen all sorts over the years at different events and in pro shops. 9 What are your strengths on the course? I’ve always been a tidy wedge player and have a lot of confidence from inside 100 yards, which has held my game together when other things have been more of a challenge. 10 And your weaknesses? I have two weaknesses. I’ve never been a great driver of the ball, so have tended to rely on being a good wood and long iron player. I’m also not pretty to watch with a short putter, though the broom-handle putter tends to behave itself. 11 Which is your favourite club in the bag? My pitching wedge, I tend to go to it a lot. 12 Who is your best golfing friend? I’ve played a lot of golf with Simon Coultas from City of Newcastle over the years and

we’re incredibly good friends. We talk all the time, and we always enjoy golf together. 13 If you weren’t a PGA professional, what would you be doing? I used to play a lot of sports at school, but once I discovered golf that was it. I did my A Levels and started working in the shop at City of Newcastle for Anthony Matthew before joining the PGA. I have no idea what I’d be doing, but I’d like to think it would be in golf. 14 Who is your favourite tour player? I’m a big Rory McIlroy fan, he’s the one who makes me put the golf on TV. He’s a spectacular golfer and comes across as a genuine guy, so I enjoy following him. 15 Which golf events do you enjoy most? I’ve been to a few Scottish Opens and I love seeing the best in the world play links golf. When I’m playing, I would have to pick Archerfield. We’re lucky to have pro ams there and the overall experience is just phenomenal. 16 Who do you admire? I’ve got a huge amount of admiration for people who go outside their comfort zone. It’s not just in golf, but a great example is the professionals who build studios and invest huge amounts of time, money and effort into their businesses. I’ve got a lot of respect for those guys. 17 Which three people would join you in your dream fourball? I’d pick Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, just so I could see them up close and play alongside them. My third pick would go to Simon Coultas, so he could share the experience and I’d have someone to relive it all with afterwards. 18 If you could have one mulligan, when would you have used it? I’d give it to Richie Armstrong from Stocksfield. Playing together in the PGA Pro-Captain at Fulford, he missed a three-footer on 16 or 17 which would have won us a trip to the Moon Palace Resort in Mexico. It was a while ago, but I still rib him about it when I see him.

ROUNDWITH

NORTHERN GOLFER 37

GOLFERGEAR

Back in the swing This month we’ve picked out some of the most exciting launches from 2021 so far to help bring everyone up to speed - with new putters and clothing from PING, a new driver from MacGregor, a new rangefinder from ZOOM - which you have the chance to win in this month’s competitions - plus more from Mizuno and BIG MAX.

WIN a ZO

OM Focus Tour - see page 44

IN FOCUS

ZOOM Focus Tour laser rangefinder RRP: £299.99 www.zoomgolf.net Laser rangefinder brand ZOOM has launched a new flagship product - the ZOOM Focus Tour. Following the success of its debut laser, the Focus X, the ZOOM Focus Tour combines the features golfers need with an elegant design for less than £300. Features include an 800-metre range with six times magnification and accuracy to 0.5 metres. There is also a slopeadjusted distance option, which can turned on or off with a button on the side of the unit to make it eligible for tournament play; a flagpole scanning mode which helps locate targets; a vibration confirmation when a target is locked; and a continuous measurement mode which allows golfers to scan across the landscape from hole, to trees, to bunkers, delivering instant distances to the various targets.

PUTT FOR DOUGH

PING 2021 putters RRP: £250-£375 eu.ping.com

PING has introduced its 2021 putter series, which focuses on maximizing moment of inertia through multi-material designs. Available in 11 models, the putters deliver higher MOI through strategic use of various materials, including tungsten, steel and aluminium to provide improved forgiveness and accuracy. A dualdurometer PEBAX insert features uniform, shallow grooves to give golfers a soft, responsive feel for more consistent distance control, while new visual cues make alignment easier and more natural when addressing a putt. The line-up features new designs created through PING’s Tourfocused PLD (Putting Lab Design) program, including versions inspired by professionals Viktor Hovland (DS 72) and Cameron Champ (Tyne 4). A dark, stealth PVD finish on the heads and black chrome shafts create a sleek look from head to grip, while all models come standard with a fixed-length shaft that can be custom built from 32-38ins. PING’s patented adjustable shaft, which adjusts from 32-36ins, is available as a custom upgrade, while three PING grip designs are also available. 38 NORTHERN GOLFER

DRESS TO IMPRESS

PING SS21 clothing ranges RRP: Various eu.ping.com

PING has launched its Spring/Summer 2021 men’s and women’s ranges, which combine the latest fabrics with contemporary styling to enable golfers to look and play their best. Combining performance fabrics with the latest seasonal print and colour trends, the women’s collection is centred around the bold and striking Rose Garden colour story, which features shades of pink offset with royal purple. Meanwhile, the men’s range has been engineered with a focus on performance, comfort and style, and is inspired by a number of standout designs that feature clean, angular and linear patterns. Both ranges feature the innovative Sensor fabric technology platform from PING, which is designed to ensure every garment is engineered to respond to the body’s requirements and the demands of the game.

GOLFERGEAR

WALK THE WALK

Mizuno SS21 footwear and apparel RRP: Various mizunogolf.com Mizuno has announced its Spring/Summer golf apparel collection for 2021 along with an expansion if its footwear range. The new clothing range offers golfers practical and stylish solutions featuring innovative fabrics, from the four-way stretch Move Tech to Quick Dry Plus - a material that rapidly absorbs and diffuses moisture for maximum comfort on the hottest days. Meanwhile, the new footwear range includes five new models for 2021, each featuring elements from Mizuno’s acclaimed running and court shoes. The Nexlite GS Spikeless shoes (pictured, RRP £100) weigh just 235g per shoe, while the range also includes the Nexlite Pro shoes (RRP £139), Nexlite GS Spiked (RRP £120), the lightweight Nexlite 008 BOA (RRP £110) and the G Style (RRP £85).

IN THE BEST TRADITIONS MacGregor V Foil Speed driver SRP: £144.99 www.macgregor-golf.co.uk

MacGregor Golf has announced its new driver model – V FOIL SPEED – combining the brand’s innovative design with affordable quality. MacGregor has been in the bags of 59 major winners and the latest driver design has an SRP of just £144.99 – around a quarter of the price of the top brands. Sporting a matte black 460CC titanium head, the V FOIL SPEED has an ultra-thin face to deliver significant ball speed and distance gains, while the expanded sweet spot, bespoke lightweight graphite shaft and high MOI design come together to produce distance, control and forgiveness off the tee.

BAGS FOR LIFE

BIG MAX 2021 bag range SRP: Various bigmaxgolf.com BIG MAX has launched its latest range, featuring three new bags – Aqua Style 3, Dri Lite Style 360 and Terra Style. The Aqua Style 3 (SRP £249.99) is a fully waterproof cart bag that combines minimal branding and modern functionality. Its 14-way organiser top and 10 waterproof pockets provide ample storage for all a golfer’s gear while its ultra-light weight of 2.2kg, specially placed rain hood and battery pocket, dual umbrella holder and other innovative features mean it provides all a golfer could need on the course. The Dri Lite Style 360 (SRP £199.99) features water-resistant technology that keeps all but the wettest days at bay along with a fully waterproof pocket to keep your valuables dry. The 360 gets its name from the 13 water resistant pockets on every side of the bag. Use the front and sides for everything you need during the round and store everything else in one of the three extra pockets on the back. There is enough space in this 2.4kg bag for everything you could need, and an easily accessible place for everything that you will. The 14-way organiser top and neat practical features such as glove, umbrella and towel holder finish off this practical and stylish bag. The Terra Style (SRP £189.99) is in a category all of its own with its unique looks and practical innovations. Just 2.5kg in weight and featuring a 14-way organiser top, the Terra Style’s practical credentials are further boosted by its integrated rain protection and 10 spacious pockets around all sides of the bag.

NORTHERN GOLFER 39

MATCHPLAYPAIRS2021

Close House - 2021 Match Play Pairs finals host venue

Match Play Pairs returns for its 20th year

orthern Golfer’s 2021 Match Play Pairs tournament is underway. The event, which marks its 20th year in 2021, sees pairs of golfers from across the region drawn in knock out matches throughout the season at many of the North East and North Yorkshire’s best venues, with an entry fee of just £30 per pair. This year’s semi-finals and final will take place in September/October at Close House - host venue of two British Masters events - with the winners receiving prize vouchers worth £600, while the runners up will receive prize vouchers worth £100. As well as receiving their £600 prize, the winners will appear in Northern Golfer and earn a place in the region’s golfing history books. For more information, including the rules and the latest results from each round, go to www.northerngolfer.co.uk/ match-play-pairs-2021 40 NORTHERN GOLFER

Nick Sibley & Geoff Cruickshank (Eaglescliffe) SCORE: 3&2

Clark & Robert Richardson (Beamish Park) SCORE: 2&1

Match 5 Brian Crampton & Andy Williams (Durham City) BEAT Steve Slater & David Westwell (Alnmouth) SCORE: 1up

Match 9 Steve Weldon & Rob Armstrong (Whitley Bay) BEAT Craig Beadling & Jamie Mcphillips (Romanby) SCORE: 4&3

Match 6 Steve Bell & Ian Duff (Hobson) LOST TO Kieth Muldoon & Philip Fitzsimons (Durham) SCORE: 2&1

Match 10 John Jamfrey & Robert Ellison (Roseberry) BEAT Steven Ager & Lee Small (Morpeth) SCORE: 2&1

Match 3 Dennis Pinkney & Tony Greensmith (Crook) LOST TO Brian Robinson & Tim Carney (Woodham) SCORE: 1up

Match 7 Douglas Cairns & Mel Surtees (Woodham) BEAT Colin Marshall & Paul Tindale (Durham City) SCORE: 5&4

Match 11 Arnie Bradwell & Chris Farlow (Darlington) LOST TO Jonathan Rennoldson & Kevin Black (Seaham) SCORE: 2UP

Match 4 Cameron Bowman & Adam Wright (Newbiggin) LOST TO

Match 8 Doug Ellison & Richard Mellor (Slaley/Hexham) BEAT

Match 12 Stewart Breckon & Shaun Maguire (Bishop Auckland) BEAT

Round one results Match 1 John Hughes & Stewart White (Chester-le-Street) LOST TO Simon Watson & Russell Taylor (Burgham) SCORE: 3&2 Match 2 Anthony Coates & Steven Akers (Durham City) LOST TO John Simmons & Mark Wharton (Newcastle United) SCORE: 2&1

MATCHPLAYPAIRS2021 James Ogden & Kev Nixon (Tynemouth) SCORE: 3&2 Match 13 Dan Younger & Alan Slater (Hexham/Ramside) BEAT George Longthorn & Tommy Littlejohns (Crook) SCORE: 4&2 Match 14 Colin Arthur & Ralph Browm (Aycliffe) LOST TO Peter Tracey & David Balme (Bedlingtonshire) SCORE: 3&2 Match 15 Ian Messenger & Michael Monk (Longhirst) BEAT Kevin Hill & Michael Rowell (Arcot) SCORE: 5&3 Match 16 Kevin Broadfoot & Paul Stocks (Close House/Ramside) BEAT Ashley Coveney & Andrew Howard (Brancepeth) SCORE: 1up Match 17 Graeme Bone & Simon Keers (Roseberry Grange) BEAT Paul Gray & Philip O’Ware (Sharpley) SCORE: 4&3 Match 18 Peter Newman & Michael Robins (Durham City/Hartlepool) BEAT Stephen Hetherington & David Turner (Hobson) SCORE: 19th Match 19 Andrew Dixon & Kevin Hodgson (Durham City) LOST TO Peter Gallagher & Neil Walmsley (Durham City) SCORE: 2&1 Match 20 Jon Douglas & Mark Laverick (Stocksfield) BEAT Glenn Blaney & Peter Thompson (Linden) SCORE: 2&1 Match 21 Steven Dodds & Neville Wanless (Durham City/Beamish) BEAT Ian Nicholas & Kevin Mccmullen (Slaley/Tynemouth) SCORE: 8&6

Match 22 Colin Mackay & Glen Henderson (City of Newcastle) BEAT Adam Murphy & Brendan Murphy (Tynedale) SCORE: 2up Match 23 Vaughan Raine & Shaun Elliott (Brancepeth) BEAT Michael Trippett & Gary Tough (Seaham/ Castle Eden) SCORE: 1up Match 24 Barry Walker & Peter Simpson (Bamburgh/The Northumberland) BEAT Paul Scott & Jai Scott (Newbiggin) SCORE: 3&2 Match 25 David Wailes & John Barnes (Bedlington/Arcot Hall) BEAT Robert Davison & Francis Carrigan (Longhirst) SCORE: 4&3 Match 26 Steve Garbutt & Mick Purcifer (Billingham) BEAT Ian Whittington & Chris Baker (Stocksfield) SCORE: 5&4

Paul Whittaker & Murray Newell (Tynemouth) SCORE: 2&1

Jon Douglas & Mark Laverick (Stocksfield)

Match 32 Mark Nicholson & David Corkhill (Seaham) BEAT James Guy & James Melville (Brancepeth/ Crook) SCORE: 3&2

Match 41 Stewart Breckon & Shaun Maguire (Bishop Auckland) VS John Simmons & Mark Wharton (Newcastle United)

Round two draw Matches to be played by Sunday June 27 Match 33 Steve Garbutt & Mick Purcifer (Billingham) VS Stephen Vickers & Greg Giles (Durham City/Crook) Match 34 Barry Walker & Peter Simpson (Bamburgh/The Northumberland) VS John Jamfrey & Robert Ellison (Roseberry Grange) Match 35 Brian Robinson & Tim Carney (Woodham) VS Peter Newman & Michael Robins (Durham City/Hartlepool)

Match 27 Stephen Vickers & Greg Giles (Durham City/Crook) BEAT John Buxton & Gareth Hold (Wilton) SCORE: 1up

Match 36 Gary Atkinson & Stephen Carter (Durham City) VS Neil Mole & Ian Curry (Longhirst)

Match 28 Nigel Fletcher & Peter Matthews (Barnard Castle) LOST TO Mark Warren & Lee Warren (Newbiggin) SCORE: Bye

Match 37 Colin Mackay & Glen Henderson (City of Newcastle) VS Vaughan Raine & Shaun Elliott (Brancepeth Castle)

Match 29 Roger Armston & Ken Brand (Tyneside) LOST TO Michael Hughes & Stephen Turnbull (Crook) SCORE: 1up

Match 38 Brian Crampton & Andy Williams (Durham City) VS Kieth Muldoon & Phillip Fitzsimons (Garesfield)

Match 30 Neil Mole & Ian Curry (Longhirst) BEAT Anth Mckeown & Alex Brook (Ramside/Ryton) SCORE: 1up

Match 39 Kevin Broadfoot & Paul Stocks (Close House/Ramside) VS Nick Sibley & Geoff Cruickshank (Eaglescliffe)

Match 31 Gary Atkinson & Stephen Carter (Durham City) BEAT

Match 40 Steven Dodds & Neville Wanless (Durham/Beamish) VS

Match 42 Simon Watson & Russell Taylor (Burgham) VS Graeme Bone & Simon Keers (Roseberry Grange) Match 43 Peter Tracey & David Balme (Bedlingtonshire) VS David Wailes & John Barnes (Bedlington/Arcot) Match 44 Douglas Cairns & Mel Surtees (Woodham) VS Jonathan Rennoldson & Kevin Black (Seaham) Match 45 Steve Weldon & Rob Armstrong (Whitley Bay) VS Doug Ellison & Richard Mellor (Slaley/Hexham) Match 46 Michael Hughes & Stephen Turnbull (Crook) VS Peter Gallagher & Neil Walmsley (Durham City) Match 47 Dan Younger & Alan Slater (Hexham/Ramside) VS Ian Messenger & Michael Monk (Longhirst) Match 48 James Guy & James Melville (Brancepeth Castle/Crook) VS Mark Warren & Lee Warren (Newbiggin)

For the latest results and more information go to the Northern Golfer website NORTHERN GOLFER 41

GOLFERTIPS

KNOW THE DRILL This is a great little drill which helps improve how you line up your putter and your understanding of exactly where you’re starting the ball. You don’t need expensive equipment, simply find a flat section of the putting green and mark a target point (or choose a hole) around 4-5ft away. Then, using tee pegs or two balls, create a gate 1-2ft in front of you which is just wider than a golf ball. Now simply practice rolling the ball through this gate. It’s an incredibly simple drill, but also a fantastic way to understand how to line up putts and where you’re actually starting the ball on the green. Combine this with the technical drills you’re working on and you’ll be holing more putts in no time.

Doug Brolls PGA Profe ssio

nal

42 NORTHERN GOLFER

CLUB PROMOTION

MEMBERS KEEP BILLINGHAM GOLF CLUB ON THE UP Billingham Golf Club members are delighted to be back playing golf and using the club’s facilities following the last 12 months of restrictions. Like all golf clubs across the country, Billingham members were disappointed to be informed by the Government that all golf clubs had to close. However, after the early restrictions were lifted, the members were keen to get the club back on its feet. Although the course was still closed, nearly all members renewed their membership with a few new ones joining too. A number of members were even volunteering to carry out work around the course - weeding, grass cutting and clearing rubbish - all done while social distancing.

During lockdown, a new committee was formed by the directors to keep the keen interest and ideas moving. A number of initiatives were introduced by the committee to help the profile of the club and hopefully attract new members. As the course reopened, looking in great condition, the membership began to increase with the public demand for more outdoor activity. With the club now offering different membership options, there were also more avenues into joining. The Blue Light Membership - for NHS, Police and Fire Service workers - has been very popular alongside Lifestyle membership, Putting & Prosecco, Girls Golf Rocks and Get into Golf.

With the bar area recently refurbished and a new outside terrace, the club is also hoping to attract more golfers to take advantage of extra open competitions and society availability. With all the

representative teams – men, women, seniors and juniors - performing well in their respective leagues, the club feels that, with the support of the members, things are definitely ‘on the up’!

OPENS

Seniors Open 4BBB Wed 16th june 2021 US Masters Texas Scramble 4 Man Team Event Fri 2nd July 2021 Mens 4 Man Team Event Sat 31st July 2021 Ladies Open 4BBB Mon 2nd August 2021 Autumn Open 3 Person Team Texas Scramble Any Combination 2nd October 2021 JULIE LAPPING – SECRETARY Billingham Golf Club, Sandy Lane, Billingham, TS22 5NA Email: billinghamgc@btconnect.com Tel: 01642 533816 – Option 1 MIKE URE - PROFESSIONAL Billingham Golf Club, Sandy Lane, Billingham, TS22 5NA Email: uregolfman@aol.com Tel: 01642 557060a 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 5b, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL Please include your contact details and telephone number. Closing date Thursday July 29, 2021. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

WIN A TWO-NIGHT STAY AND TWO ROUNDS OF GOLF WITH THE CAIRNDALE HOTEL The Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries is offering Northern Golfer readers the chance to win a luxury golf break for two with two rounds of golf, dinner and bed & breakfast this month. Located in the centre of town, the award-winning hotel is a perfect hub for golfers with experienced golf co-ordinator Brian Duguid on-hand to arrange visits to the finest courses in Dumfries & Galloway, and down into Cumbria. The prize includes a full Scottish breakfast, four-course table d’hôte dinner, full use of the leisure facilities, free car parking, free wi-fi, a meet and greet with Brian, one bedroom (twin or double for two people), and a round of golf at both Lochmaben and Dumfries & Galloway. The prize is subject to availability of hotel accommodation and tee times, and is to be arranged between the winner and The Cairndale Hotel. For your chance to win answer the following question: Which course will host the 2021 Open Championship?

WIN A ZOOM FOCUS TOUR LASER RANGEFINDER The new ZOOM Focus Tour combines the features golfers need on the course with an elegant design. Features include an 800-metre range with six times magnification and an accuracy to 0.5 metres; a slope-adjusted distance option (which can be turned off ); a flagpole scanning mode which helps locate targets; a vibration confirmation when a target is locked; and a continuous measurement mode which allows golfers to scan across the landscape, from hole, to trees, to bunkers, delivering instant distances to various targets. For more information, go to www.zoomgolf.net For your chance to win answer the following question: Who won the 2021 Betfred British Masters at The Belfry?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT LONGHIRST HALL GOLF CLUB Longhirst is home to two beautiful courses, The Lakes and The Dawson, offering two fantastic challenges set in the Northumberland countryside. For your chance to win answer the following question: Who will captain the European team in the 2021 Ryder Cup? Congratulations to last month’s competition winners: Hartlepool - Alan Coultas of Choppington • Blyth - Rachel Stephenson of Ponteland 44 NORTHERN GOLFER

CLUB PROMOTION

WHITBY GOLF CLUB REVITALISED Whitby Golf Club used the opportunity of several lockdowns to refocus the club and its activities We have welcomed three new staff members, firstly Sam Foster as Club Manager, who settled into his new role with enthusiasm. Sam has overseen the refurbishment of the lounge, heating system and creation of a new reception area. Visitors and members alike can check in and purchase club merchandise, and snacks and drinks, from vending machines before venturing out on the course. A revitalised patio area with flower tubs & extra seating means during these difficult times service of food and drink outside is much easier. New men’s & ladies locker rooms are now both on the ground floor making accessibility much easier. The old snooker room has also been transformed ready to serve afternoon teas courtesy of our new catering partnership - The Willow Branch run by Natalie Williamson & Paul Hurworth. They will also be supplying day-to-day light refreshments and catering for match and special functions such as the prestigious Scarborough Golf week. The star of the show however is the new Virtual Golf

studio. After securing a grant from the R&A, the club has converted the old pro shop into a virtual Golf studio for practice, coaching or playing a choice of courses. We are also pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Fenton as Head Greenkeeper, coming to us with a depth of knowledge, he was also previously a pro on the circuit. Added to his team is Jack Dobbing, our new Apprentice Greenkeeper. Peter & his team took the opportunity of a second lockdown to revitalise some of the bunkers, greens and fairways to the best we have seen for many years. It has made a massive difference to the course and on return to golf on 29th March the course looked stunning and played beautifully. The whole feel of the club is refreshed and there is a great positive feedback from both visitors and members. With new membership schemes & visitor bookings opportunities to reflect today’s society, now is the best time to come and play at Whitby. For more information, see the club’s website, email oﬀice@whitbygolfclub.co.uk or call 01947 600 660

WHITBY GOLF CLUB

GREEN FEE PRICES 2021 HIGH SEASON (MAY - SEPTEMBER) Members Guest - £20 General Visitor - £30 Junior Guest (up to 18) - £15 Twilight (from 2pm) - £25 Super twilight (from 5pm) - £20 SPECIAL OFFER MONDAY GOLF (all day) - £20 3 BALL - £75 4 BALL - £90 Country Card Holder - £15 MID SEASON (MARCH, APRIL AND OCTOBER) Members Guest - £15 General Visitor - £25 Junior Guest (up to 18) - £12 Twilight (from 2pm) - £15 SPECIAL OFFER MONDAY GOLF (all day) - £15 3 BALL - £67.50 4 BALL - £80 Country Card Holder - £15 OPENS 2021 MENS TEAM OPEN - Monday 9th August, £50 per team

Whitby Golf Club, Sandsend Road, Low Straggleton, Whitby YO21 3SR tel: 01947 600660 | email: oﬃce@whitbygolfclub.co.uk www.whitbygolfclub.co.uk

SENIORS BETTERBALL OPEN - Friday 27th August, £25 per pair MIXED OPEN BETTERBALL GREENSOMES - Saturday 18th September, £25pp MENS 4 BBB OPEN - Saturday 25th September, £25pp

NORTHERN GOLFER 45

from the

bunker

Welcome to your reader feedback page. We want to hear your likes, dislikes and funny golfing stories, and if you’d like to make suggestions about Northern Golfer, let us know. We want to hear from you! Bellingham Golf Club and its members put the winter and early part of 2021 to good use, renovating the clubhouse ahead of golf’s return. Supported by England Golf’s Covid-19 Support Fund, all of the clubhouse seating has been reupholstered by Downs Furniture of Cramlington, while members Michael King and Jamie Grimwood joined steward Alec Jones in brightening up the interior of the clubhouse, carrying out minor repairs and sprucing up the decking area. The club has also launched a new website for this season and achieved England Golf’s SafeGolf accreditation - a process which was led by lady captain Rachel Batchelor. All of the work was carried out in time for the club’s biggest ever open competition in May with 180 players taking part. The event was won by the team of Rigg, Oliver, Tiffin and Newsham from Silloth and Portpatrick.

Yorkshireman Marcus Armitage is the proud holder of a Guinness World Record after teaming up with BMW Motorsport driver Paul O’Neill to break the record for the farthest golf shot caught in a moving car. Paul caught a ball hit by Marcus at 277.06m (303 yards), beating the previous distance by 30 yards at Elvington Airfield, York. You can watch the video of the recordbreaking moment, along with a behind the scenes look at how the challenge was carried out, on the European Tour’s YouTube channel. 46 NORTHERN GOLFER

Melanie Garland and Greg Waugh Congratulations to Gosforth Golf Club captains Melanie Garland and Greg Waugh and the club’s members on raising more than £4,000 so far for the captains’ joint charity - Guide Dogs for The Blind. Melanie and Greg are hoping to raise £5,000 to name and train a guide dog before the end of their captaincies, and we wish them all the best in reaching the target.

Mike Goldberg

David Barron

David McDonald Congratulations to the winners of our Caddyboo competition in our last print edition. Each of the three winners received a Caddyboo towel ahead of the start of the season. For your chance to win more great prizes, enter our competitions online - see page 44 for details.

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