Northern Golfer #86 August/September 2021

FREE

PLEASE TAKE A COPY OF THE MAGAZINE WITH YOU - ISSUE

86

AUG/SEPT 2021

IN THE SPOTLIGHT English Girls U16 Open champion Maggie Whitehead

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT BEDLINGTONSHIRE, SOUTH SHIELDS AND WESTERHOPE

TIM JENKINS GOLF STORES CLEVELAND G.C. 01642 498772 • CASTLE EDEN G.C. 01429 836689 • CATTERICK G.C. 01748 517172 • HUNLEY HOTEL & G.C. 01287 677444

MEGA SUMMER SALE NOW ON FROM 3RD AUGUST TO 24TH AUGUST

GREAT CHOICE. BETTER PRICES. CUSTOM SPECIALISTS CLEARANCE IRONS EX DISPLAY SETS

NOW £799

NOW £599 SAVE £200

SIM 2 MAX 5-PW WERE £749

TITLEIST T100S 4-PW WERE £999

GOLF TROLLEY DEALS

MOTOCADDY Z1 RRP £144.99

TITLEIST T100 STIFF 4-PW WERE £999

SALE £124.99

NOW £749 SAVE £250

MOTOCADDY CUBE RRP £209.99

SALE £179.99

TITLEIST T200 R300 4-PW, AW WERE £1149

CLEVELAND LAUNCHER 5-SW

PING G710 5-SW

NOW £399

NOW £949

WERE £529

WERE £1049

COBRA F-MAX 5-SW

CALLAWAY ROGUE X 5-AW

NOW £399

NOW £499

WERE £499

NOW £699

NOW £749 SAVE £250

SALE £159.99

MIZUNO MMC STIFF 4-PW WERE £1049

LADIES JRB CLOTHING, SHIRTS, SKORTS, SHORTS AND ALL TOPS £14.99 20% OFF ALL WEDGES IN STOCK. CLEVELAND RTX, CALLAWAY, TAYLOR MADE

50% OFF ALL JUNIOR CLOTHING INSTOCK

CLICGEAR 4.0 RRP £259.99

NOW £699 SAVE £350

SALE £209.99

MIZUNO, LACOSTE, UNDER ARMOUR REDUCED

BY UP TO

ROVI RV1C RRP £179.99

MIZUNO MP20 4-PW WERE £1149

40%

SALE £159.99

NOW £749 SAVE £400 THESE ARE ALL NEW SETS IN MINT CONDITION HAVING BEEN ON DISPLAY

35% OFF GALVIN GREEN WATERPROOFS

10% OFF

ALL ELECTRIC TROLLEYS IN STOCK OFFER ENDS 15TH AUGUST

MIZUNO GLOVE DEAL BUY TWO GET ONE FREE £9.99 EG YOU PAY £19.99 FOR 3

COBRA SETS LADIES AND MEN’S FULL SET WITH BAG ONLY £699

S I G N U PTO O U R W E B S ITE:

WERE £749

PART EXCHANGE WELCOME

MOTOCADDY P1 RRP £179.99

NOW £749 SAVE £400

NOW £299

EX-SHOP DISPLAY SETS P790 4-PW WERE £999

TITLEIST T300 REG 5-AW WERE £799

PING G410 DRIVERS WERE £399

TAYLORMADE

20% OFF

ALL ODDYSEY PUTTERS IN STOCK TAYLOR MADE SIM MAX DRIVERS NOW £289.99

W W W. TI MJ E N K I N S G O LF. C O.U K

10% OFF ALL LASERS IN STOCK BUSHNELL, GARMINS, ZOOM, N SHOT SCOPE

PING G400 IRONS 5-PW

£399

SKECHERS TORQUE GOLF SHOES WERE £89.99

NOW £59.99

ADIDAS MENS SUMMER CLOTHING COLLECTION

30% OFF

SUNDERLAND WATERPROOF SUITS NOW ONLY £149 MACGREGOR JUNIOR SETS FROM £106.00

golfer N OR TH ER N

EDITOR Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk Simon Olver Chris Paisley Chris Simmons 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 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk

ADVERTISING

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

Published by:

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 has been eight weeks since our June/July edition arrived in clubs and retailers across the region, so there’s a lot to catch up on.

It has been incredibly busy at club level right up to the international and professional levels - particularly for female golfers from our region.

Maggie Whitehead has become one of the most recognisable golfers from the North East this season following her performance in the Rose Ladies Series at The Berkshire in May in front of the Sky Sports cameras. I got the chance to catch up with her on a brief visit home and it was fascinating to hear how much she’s enjoying her golf and competing at the national level.

Following that interview, she won the biggest event of her career to-date, the English Girls U16 Open Championship at Morecambe, which meant a quick re-write to finish the interview you’ll find on pages 24-27.

Maggie isn’t the only female golfer to feature in these pages. Whitley Bay’s Rosie Belsham helped England win the European Ladies’ Team Championship, while Durham’s Shannon O’Dwyer and Cumbria’s Nicola Wood lifted their respective county championship trophies. Durham captain Chris Pascall has accepted the nomination to become the next president of England Golf, and we’ve also had County Match Week at Alnmouth and the Northern Counties Junior Jamboree at Wynyard, plus we’ve enjoyed A Round With PGA professional Sally Hinton.

We returned to Close House to play the Filly Course in this edition’s Course Profile, plus we have a lot of results to catch up on from this year’s Match Play Pairs tournament, which has reached the quarter-final stage.

It was fun to spend some time this month researching the impact Dr Alister MacKenzie had on the region’s golf courses and you can explore some of the courses he had a hand in on pages 28-33 as well as finding details on paying them a visit this summer.

Our columnists have been busy too and we have an update from Chris Paisley in Tour Life, some great advice from European Tour caddy Chris Simmons in Tour Tips, and a top tip from Doug Brolls.

The two-month period between editions has allowed us to cram a lot of golf into these pages and there’s a lot more than I can cover here. Enjoy reading this edition and be sure to sign up to the Northern Golfer Weekly emails for even more golf from across the region. Visit linktr.ee/negolfer for more information.

Champion of Champions to open the 2022 season, Rosie Belsham stars for England, and Mark Ridley on the Senior Open at Sunningdale

08-13 TEEING OFF

National titles, Chris Pascall to be the next England Golf president, professional wins, and county champions

14-17 TEEING OFF

A charity champion, the best in the north, Marcus Armitage’s emotional European Tour win, and more

19 TOUR TIPS

With European Tour caddy Chris Simmons

21 TOUR LIFE With Chris Paisley

22 19TH HOLE

Dean Bailey on the European Tour’s UK and Irish success

Dean Bailey, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

FRONT COVER

Maggie Whitehead on England Girls selection, national success, her inspiration and more Pages 24-27

28 DR MACKENZIE

Exploring Dr Alister MacKenzie’s work in the North East of England

36 A ROUND WITH

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.

04-07 TEEING OFF

PGA professional Sally Hinton

34 COURSE PROFILE - CLOSE HOUSE FILLY

42 MATCH PLAY PAIRS The latest results

44 COMPETITIONS Win golf for four at Bedlingtonshire, South Shields, and Westerhope

46 FROM THE BUNKER

Readers’ tales from around the region NORTHERN GOLFER 03

TEEINGOFF

Arcot - Andy Cunningham

Houghton - Emily Baxter

Consett - Luke Bonser

Gosforth - Gary Donnison

Prudhoe - George Armstrong

Crook - John Howarth (right)

Three Champion of Champions events set to open the 2022 season T

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 Men’s event will take place at Longhirst Hall on Saturday April 23 while the Ladies and Junior events will take place at George Washington on Monday May 2.

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 04 NORTHERN GOLFER

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, 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 online.

For more information on Northern Golfer events, contact Dean Bailey, dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk

Eaglescliffe - Will Skipp

Consett - Sophie Murray (left) and Annette Walton

Bedlingtonshire - Ben Brown (right)

Blyth - Stephen Brooks (left)

Ramside - John Kirkpatrick (left)

TEEINGOFF

Tickets booked Wynyard and Castle Eden Thomas Harbord

Blackwell Grange - Sally Connor with ladies captain Marilyn Hunter

Teesside - Michelle Leatherland (left)

Stocksfield - Stephen Cram (right)

Teesside - Tom Hartshorne (right)

Northumberland - Paul Caldicott

Beamish - Matthew Stewart (left)

Bedlingtonshire - Susan Gibbard

Ponteland - Russell Hayhoe and Gary Grant

Teesside - Daniel Norman (right)

Bishop Auckland - Jamie Birkbeck (left)

Whitburn - Adam Wooler (left)

Following championships at clubs across the region, a number of players have earned an invitation to next year’s Northern Golfer Champion of Champions events.

Thomas Harbord earned two invitations following his victories in the men’s championships at Wynyard and Castle Eden - winning over extra holes at Wynyard following his victory at Castle Eden with rounds of 69 and 67.

Houghton-le-Spring’s Emily Baxter (ladies) and John Ellison (men’s) have also earned invitations alongside Consett’s Sophie Murray (ladies) and Luke Bonser (juniors).

Crook’s John Howarth added a seventh consecutive men’s club championship title, and his ninth in total, to his trophy cabinet, while Catterick’s Ian Doughty also took his tally of men’s club championships to nine.

Meanwhile, Matthew Stewart joined his father Andrew and uncle Ian in lifting the club championship trophy at Beamish Park.

Daniel Norman won his second men’s club championship at Teesside with an impressive 12-shot margin of victory, while Bellingham’s Jack Johnstone matched his home club’s 15-year-old course record (63) en-route to winning the men’s championship.

Northumberland’s Paul Caldicott went to the 38th hole to win his club’s biggest event, while Chris Graham lifted the men’s title at Whitley Bay, and Gary Donnison won the men’s title at Gosforth. Stephen Brooks lifted the men’s title at Blyth, while Stephen Cram won the men’s title at Stocksfield, and George Armstong won Prudhoe’s men’s championship. Bedlingtonshire’s club championships went to Craig Taylor (men’s), Susan Gibbard (ladies) and Ben Brown (juniors). Junior titles have also been won

by Tom Hartshorne (Teesside) and Christian Harrison (Whickham).

In Durham, men’s titles have been awarded to Cameron Wallace (Cleveland), Richard Robson (Birtley), Jamie Birkbeck (Bishop Auckland), Lewis Rowley (Blackwell Grange), Adam Wooler (Whitburn), John Kirkpatrick (Ramside), Will Skipp (Eaglescliffe), Kris Rae (Tyneside) and Dan Fox (Brancepeth).

In Northumberland, men’s titles went to Steve Anderton (Backworth), Russell Hayhoe (Ponteland), Andy Cunningham (Arcot Hall) and Richie Rutherford (Allendale).

Meanwhile, ladies club championships have been won by Michelle Leatherland (Teesside), Barbara Sawyer (Whitley Bay) and Sally Connor (Blackwell Grange).

NORTHERN GOLFER 05

TEEINGOFF

Shannon O’Dwyer

O’Dwyer wins Durham title Wynyard’s Shannon O’Dwyer overcame 2019 Ladies Champion of Champions Faye Wheatley to win the Durham County Ladies Golf Association Championship at Castle Eden.

Shannon (pictured above) won the final 5&4 to lift the trophy for the first time after beating Jess Hall 6&4 in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Whickham-based Faye overcame Ella Crang on the second playoff hole to reach the final.

Rosie Belsham with the England women’s team

The Durham Junior Jamboree team

Durham girls go close at Wynyard Durham’s girls came incredibly close to winning the Northern Counties Junior Jamboree - missing out by just three points as Lancashire topped the leaderboard at Wynyard.

Lancashire led the way with 80 points as Cheshire finished second on 78 and Durham finished with a score of 77. Durham rallied after a slow start on day one and led the field on day two - winning four matches, halving one and losing one - to close the gap on the leaders. Meanwhile, Yorkshire finished fourth, Northumberland were fifth and Cumbria finished sixth.

06 NORTHERN GOLFER

Champions of Europe

E

ngland’s women combined teamwork with individual brilliance to record a stunning 5-2 win against Sweden in the final of the European Ladies’ Team Championships.

The triumph was England’s 11th in the event’s 62-year history and Whitley Bay’s Rosie Belsham played her part in the team’s victory.

England – represented by Emily Toy, Lianna Bailey, Annabell Fuller, Rosie, Charlotte Heath and Caley McGinty – entered the final, played at Royal County Down in Northern Ireland, as huge underdogs.

However, a foursomes win in the morning for the partnership of Toy and McGinty allowed the teams to share the spoils and go into the five afternoon singles locked at 1-1.

Singles wins for McGinty, Fuller and Heath along with half points supplied by Toy and Rosie gave England victory after a week of international matches.

England qualified for the top flight of matches in fifth place before beating Czech Republic 5-2 in the quarter-finals. They then beat Scotland 4-3 in the semi-final, Rosie winning her singles match 1up.

Up to scratch Four of the region’s best amateurs have picked up scratch event titles.

City of Newcastle’s Andrew Minnikin won the North Yorkshire South Durham Championship at Middlesbrough Golf Club. He posted a two-round total of five under-par in the Teesside Union event as Hunley Hall’s Michael

Hay finished in second place and Wynyard’s Matty Hayes was third.

In the Durham Order of Merit events, Eaglescliffe’s Tom Smith posted a two under-par total to win the Boldon Scratch, and South Shields’ Martin McCririck won the Keith Shivers Bowl at

l-r Andrew Minnikin, Kris Rae and Tom Smith Heworth with a total of 139.

Meanwhile, Tyneside’s Kris Rae headed north and won the Southerness Challenge with rounds of 65 and 70.

TEEINGOFF

Ridley’s major moment

M

ark Ridley returned to the senior majors and picked up a T-40 finish in the Senior Open Championship at Sunningdale.

South Moor-based Mark, who turned pro at the age of 40, added another major milestone to his CV following his T-60 finish in the Senior Open at St Andrews in 2018. He also narrowly missed out on playing in the 2019 event at Royal Lytham having qualified as first reserve.

Mark said: “It was great to tee it up with some of the greats of the game in my second senior major. Seeing all the stars I grew up watching on the range, and getting to play the weekend of a major with a PGA champion in Rich Beem and a Ryder Cup player in Joakim Haeggman was fantastic.

“It’s a lot of fun to go from working in the shop at South Moor to chatting with the likes of Thomas Levet and Alex Cejka.

Andrew Scrimshaw

Scrimshaw’s homecoming

Mark Ridley “Coming through a 10-man playoff for seven spots at Bearwood Lakes with a birdie on the first playoff hole was a great way to book my spot.

“From there, I went through all the protocols and made it to Sunningdale, which is a beautiful place to play golf. It’s a tough course though with a lot of trouble off the

fairways so I just concentrated on keeping my ball in play all week. It worked out quite well and I holed a few putts in front of the crowds, which is always a good feeling.”

Mark returned to the North East and kept his form going with a round of 64 to win the NE/NW PGA pro am at Bellingham. For more from the NE/NW PGA see page 10.

PGA professional Andrew Scrimshaw has returned to Prudhoe Golf Club as attached professional.

A member of the Alps Tour and founder of Albatross Golf Events alongside fellow PGA pro Martyn Jobling, Andrew will be offering coaching at Prudhoe as well as launching a junior coaching programme for children aged 5-15 with eight weeks of sessions starting in August. To book lessons or learn more about the new junior coaching programme, email andrew. scrimshaw-golf@mail.com or tel 07882 151 640.

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.

THE NORTHUMBERLAND GOLF CLUB • A PREMIER MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE WHERE MEMBERS INTERESTS COME FIRST • GOSFORTH PARK LADIES GOLF CLUB – A THRIVING LADIES CLUB FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES • EASY ACCESS TO THE 1ST TEE • GOLF COURSE PLAYABLE ALL YEAR ROUND • EXCELLENT GREENS AND COURSE PRESENTATION • EXTENSIVE PRACTICE FACILITIES INCLUDING A MEMBERS DRIVING RANGE • A RELAXED FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE IN THE CLUBHOUSE, WITH SPIKE BAR AND SKY SPORTS TV • CONVENIENT GOSFORTH LOCATION, A HIDDEN GEM IN THE NEWCASTLE AREA

• VISITORS WELCOME – FOURBALL OFFER £45 PER PERSON Memberships available – Gentlemen and Ladies with structured rates for under 37’s

VISIT WWW.THENGC.CO.UK/MEMBERSHIP

Email Julie on admin@thengc.co.uk or telephone 0191 236 2498 for further details

HIGH GOSFORTH PARK NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE3 5HT E: admin@thengc.co.uk W: www.thengc.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 07

TEEINGOFF

David Clark

Clark wins N&D Open Morpeth’s David Clark won his fourth Northumberland & Durham Open title at Close House, leading an elite field of the region’s best professionals and amateurs.

David’s rounds of 71 on the Filly Course and 70 on the Colt Course saw him lead the field of 52 players by a single shot as Craig Goodfellow finished in second place. Amateur Martin McCririck finished in a tie for third place alongside Michael Pilgrim.

Phil Ridden (© Leaderboard Photography)

Coming home P

Ian Hendry

Hendry wins Durham Seniors title Seaton Carew’s Ian Hendry shot a one over-par total of 143 with rounds of 71 and 72 to win the Durham County Seniors Championship.

Ian led the field by one shot from defending champion Stuart Brown (Castle Eden), who posted rounds of 73 and 71 at Chester-le-Street.

Ian’s victory followed a T-28 finish in the British Seniors at Ganton.

08 NORTHERN GOLFER

hil Ridden survived a nail-biting finish to win the Logan Trophy and bring the English MidAmateur Championship trophy back to Northumberland.

Phil – a member at City of Newcastle Golf Club – carded a final round of 75 to lead the field in the 54-hole championship on five overpar (215). From a starting field of 144 players aged over 35, Phil crossed the line to win the English Mid-Amateur Championship by a solitary shot from a chasing group of four players.

Clubmate Andrew Minnikin, Mike Henson (Rockliffe Hall), Simon Richardson (Spalding) and Ian Kenwright (Haydock Park) missed out on a playoff by the smallest of margins over three days of play at Thorpeness Golf Club in Suffolk.

Phil’s victory followed some drama on the 18th hole. He closed with a double bogey six and then breathed a sigh of relief when his playing partner, Durham’s Mike

Henson, missed a six-footer for par to force a playoff.

For Phil, it was a poignant moment when he lifted a trophy gifted in 1988 by the late George Logan, a stalwart of golf in the north east and a former English Golf Union president, who passed away in 2020.

Phil said: “George is well-known back home in Northumberland and is a bit of legend in the north east so it’s definitely coming home this time. I’d like to dedicate this to George’s memory.”

Phil – who held the lead after 18 and 36 holes – started the day with a three-shot advantage over playing partner Mike. Following a run of three bogeys from the fifth hole, a birdie at the ninth gave him a two-shot lead. Through 16 holes there was only one shot in it as Mike refused to give up the fight.

But thanks to a steadying birdie three at the penultimate hole, Phil stood on the 18th tee at three overpar and held a two-shot cushion.

The clubhouse lead was six-over par, meaning it was a straight fight between the two men in the final group. Phil opted to take iron off the tee and then laid up short of the green. A wayward wedge approach shot then landed in a greenside bunker. With Mike on the green in two it all came down to a putting contest. While Phil two-putted for a six, Mike raced his birdie effort past the hole and then missed the return which would have forced a playoff.

Phil added: “It was hard work in the final round. The putter definitely wasn’t as warm, which made it a bit more interesting, but I’m over the moon to get over the line. I didn’t know what was going on down the last – I knew I was two ahead of Mike and that’s all I knew. I thought I’d chip my way down and make a five and hope he doesn’t make three – but if he does it’s a good three on the last. I didn’t manage to pull it off, but it was an easy six in the end! I’m delighted to win.”

TEEINGOFF

Madam president

D

urham’s Chris Pascall has accepted the nomination to become presidentelect of England Golf.

Chris, who has vast experience of playing for and captaining her country, will succeed Lancashire’s Les Wilson as president in 2023.

Speaking about her nomination, Chris said: “It was a real honour and I was delighted to accept the role. I feel very proud to represent both the men’s and women’s game through this highly prestigious position.

“Golf has been a huge part of my life since I started playing at the age of 11. The various volunteer roles I have held have been just as rewarding as my achievements on the course. I am excited for the opportunity to help drive development and progression in English golf, particularly at this important juncture for the sport in a post-pandemic world.”

The 66-year-old brings with her an immense knowledge of the game.

OPENS

Zara Naughton receiving the trophy

Naughton wins junior crown Chris Pascall A single figure handicap player for over 50 years, Chris played for England girls in 1972 and went on to represent the England women’s squad between 1979-81. She also represented Durham for over 20 years at county level and then enjoyed great success on the

management side of the sport.

Chris spent eight years as an England selector and captained 15 different England teams at home and abroad. A member at Hartlepool Golf Club, Chris is currently captain of the Durham County Ladies’ Golf Association.

Zara Naughton was crowned Northumberland County Junior Champion at Gosforth following a three over-par round of 76.

Longhirst’s Grace Dunn won the Swinburne Trophy for the best 18-hole stableford score while Gabs Oliver finished second in the Junior Championship and Holly Hall Thompson was runner-up in the Swinburne Trophy.

Autumn Open 3 Person Team Texas Scramble Any Combination 2nd October 2021

SOCIETY BOOKINGS WELCOME FUNCTION ROOM AND FACILITIES AVAILABLE

Wedding Reception, Birthdays, Christenings, Retirement Parties

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 09

TEEINGOFF

Close House junior captain Henry Joynson (centre) with the winning team

Junior champions Close House’s junior team were crowned champions of the Northumbria Junior Golf League at Stocksfield.

Having qualified for the finals though the two-league system, Close House beat Hexham Reds in the semifinal before overcoming Westerhope in the final to lift the trophy.

Alex Wrigley

Nick McCarthy (©2020protour/Andy Crook)

Seaton and Hartlepool to host English Am One of the most prestigious events in the amateur golf calendar is heading to Hartlepool as part of Seaton Carew Golf Club’s 150th birthday celebrations.

The English Amateur Championship, previously won

by Tommy Fleetwood, Danny Willett, Paul Casey and Nick Faldo in the men’s section and

by Bronte Law and Felicity Johnson in the women’s, will be co-hosted by Seaton Carew and Hartlepool golf clubs in the summer of 2024.

The men and women compete separately for their own trophies, but the simultaneous staging of the events brings together a 288-strong field for strokeplay qualifying rounds followed by matchplay knockouts.

10 NORTHERN GOLFER

Craig Goodfellow

Andrew Scrimshaw

Mark Ridley (left)

Tim Dykes

The professionals

T

he North East & North West PGA circuit is truly back in full swing with 10 pro ams played since our last edition.

Mark Ridley continued his form from the Senior Open Championship at Sunningdale in winning the Bellingham Pro Am with a six under-par round of 64, finishing two shots clear of Close House’s Will Robson.

A total of 52 teams took part in the Blackwell Grange Pro Am, with Graeme Bell and Marcus Mohr

posting four under-par rounds to share the winner’s cheque.

There were also returns to the top spot for professionals including John Harrison - who won the Cleveland Cable Company Ltd Teesside Golf Club Pro Am with a three under-par 69; Michael Nesbit - who led the way in the Stocksfield Pro Am with a four under-par 66; and Michael Pilgrim - who shared the top prize with Alex Wrigley in his home pro am at Bishop Auckland with a round of 69.

Alex got his hands on a solo

win at Matfen Hall with a superb eight under-par round of 64, while Andrew Scrimshaw returned to the top spot at Morpeth Golf Club with a seven under-par 64.

Yorkshireman Nick McCarthy topped the leaderboard at the NE/ NW PGA’s Tom Flowers Memorial Pro Am at Ramside Hall, while Tim Dykes picked up the winner’s cheque at Thirsk & Northallerton.

In the Cockermouth Pro Am, Carlisle’s Craig Goodfellow picked up the win with a six under-par score of 63.

Durham’s men sitting pretty Durham’s men’s team sit atop the Northern Counties Mens League following victories over Cumbria and Cheshire.

In the opening match of the season, the only game which went ahead in the opening round, Durham staged a singles comeback to beat Cumbria 10-8 at Penrith.

In their second match at Shrigley Hall, they beat Cheshire 9.5-8.5. Durham led 4-2 after the foursomes before Ryan Dixon won the top singles. There were also victories for Will Marshall, Will Skipp and Gavin Nesbit while Jack Ainscough, Jamie Birkbeck and Chris Handy picked up halves.

Durham’s men’s team Meanwhile, Northumberland lost their opening match against Yorkshire 14-4 at Garforth, and Lancashire beat Cumbria 9.5-8.5 at Pleasington.

TEEINGOFF

Mini’s hat-trick

C

ity of Newcastle’s Andrew Minnikin finished off a superb week of golf with victory in Northumberland’s County Championship at Whitley Bay. Having qualified through 36 holes of strokeplay on Saturday at Whitley Bay, Andrew (pictured right) made the trip to Middlesbrough Golf Club the following day – where he won the NYSD Championship. Returning to Whitley Bay, he overcame three of the county’s best young players – James Wilson, who beat Andrew in last year’s final; Joseph Robson; and Angus Buchanan – to reach the final.

Facing clubmate Phil Ridden in the 36-hole final, the pair traded narrow leads throughout. At the 36th hole, Andrew made a key up and down for birdie from the greenside bunker to take the match back down the first, where his birdie four was enough to earn him a third county championship.

“It’s a great feeling to be a

three-time county champion,” said Andrew. “As the years go on, you wonder if you can still win these events, so it was great to prove I can still compete with the best in Northumberland.

“While I played the youngsters through the week, it was good to face off against one of the most established county players in the final.

“It was a little different playing against a good friend and a regular foursomes partner, and we knew it was going to be very close before we teed off. I played well in the morning and Phil won the last two holes before heading into lunch, but I managed to claw those back early in the afternoon and from there it was a very tight game with some very solid golf and many swings in momentum. The closing stretch saw some fantastic golf from both of us and it was a great feeling to make the birdies on 18 and the first under real pressure to get over the line.”

Castle Eden Golf Club 18 Hole picturesque parkland course

GREEN FEES FROM £25.00

Still spaces available for our Seniors Open Thursday 16th September Bookings now being taken for Visiting Parties in 2021/2022 SOCIETIES - Golf packages from £25 per person for further details on the above telephone the Secretary on 01429 836510

Castle Eden Golf Club, Castle Eden, TS27 4SS www.castleedengolfclub.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 11

TEEINGOFF

The Yorkshire team

Yorkshire win Match Week Yorkshire will represent the north in the national counties final after winning Match Week at Alnmouth.

The five-day event brings together the six northern counties – Northumberland, Durham, Cumbria, Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire – for a series of round-robin matches. Each day features three morning foursomes and six afternoon singles.

Yorkshire topped the table with five wins and 32 match points as Lancashire finished second, Cheshire finished third, Durham were fourth and hosts Northumberland finished fifth.

l-r Janette McWhirter, Nicola Wood and Alyson Wood

Wood adds to family record

C Ken Ferrie

Ferrie second in Assistants’ Ken Ferrie fell just short of victory in the Coca Cola PGA Assistants’ Championship at Farleigh Golf Club.

Leading by five shots going into the final round in Surrey, Ken shot a three under-par 69 to finish on 15 under-par in the three-round event, but was caught by Michael FarrierTwist’s eight under-par final round, forcing a playoff which Michael won at the second extra hole.

12 NORTHERN GOLFER

arlisle’s Nicola Wood added her name to the Cumbria County Ladies Golf Association Championship trophy with victory at Seascale – joining her mum and aunt on the list of winners.

Nicola joined her mum Alyson Wood (champion in 1998 and 2004) and aunt Janette McWhirter (champion in 1985 and 1991-

1994) on the trophy following her victory over Carus Green’s Harriet Barker in the event’s final at Seascale.

“I’m over the moon to win my first county championship,” said Nicola following the event. “To add my name alongside my mum and auntie is really special, and it was quite an emotional moment when I managed to do it.

“I’m enjoying playing a little bit more than I have done in the last few years, getting back into events, and being part of things like County Match Week, which I haven’t done in quite a while.

“I’m hoping to play a few more events this summer and the county championship has definitely inspired me to compete a bit more going forward.”

Wilson’s stroke of genius James Wilson followed his runner-up finish in the Scottish Men’s Open Championship with victory in the Northumberland 72-hole Strokeplay Championship at Newbiggin.

Close House-based James posted rounds of 71-69-69-68 for an 11 under-par total of 277 to lead the field by four shots and add the strokeplay title to the

County Championship he won in 2020 at Newcastle United. City of Newcastle’s Phil Ridden finished in second place on five under-par (71-72-69-69) as clubmate Alex Dixon finished third (71-70-71-71).

Meanwhile, Paul Caldicott from The Northumberland won the John Henderson Salver for the leading player after 36 holes.

The first two rounds at

James Wilson Newbiggin also saw the county’s juniors compete for the Under 18 Strokeplay Championship.

Morgan Blythe from Hexham won the title on countback as four players finished tied on two over-par.

TEEINGOFF

Charlton wins Durham title

A

dam Charlton produced a gritty performance to win the Durham County Strokeplay Championship at Durham City.

Adam, 18, recently landed a golf scholarship at St Andrews University and won his first county championship with rounds of 67, 67, 76 and 68 for a six under-par total and a two-shot victory over Will Skipp (Eaglescliffe) and Gavin Nesbit (Boldon).

With 2019 winner and 2020 runner-up Jack Ainscough (71), county matchplay winner Gavin Nesbit (70), defending champion James Glenn (68), Will Skipp (70) and Thomas Harbord (73) all closing in, victory was by no means guaranteed. However, an eagle two at the 420-yard third sparked a surge to the turn in 31, and birdies at 11 and 12 took Adam to five under-par.

He could afford to drop shots at the 13th and 18th to post a closing 68 and lead the field by two shots.

Jack Hermeston in action in 2011

Reaping the rewards

Adam Charlton Adam – who had his dad Charles on the bag – admitted to some nerves as he closed in on the title.

“It was a bit of a struggle in the third round,” he said. “After nine holes I was six over-par and I really didn’t see any way back, but I dug in and having my dad on the bag helped.

“I’ve had a bit of a tendency to finish runner-up and can’t remember the last time I won any

real silverware, so I was just taking it one shot at a time, and it’s paid off.”

Adam is now looking forward to starting his education at St Andrews.

He added: “It’s a pretty full-on schedule and I’m looking forward to starting in August. I’ll see how each year goes and I don’t have to make any decisions yet as regards a career in golf – there’s plenty of time to decide on that.”

When South Moor hosted the McGregor Trophy in 2011, no-one knew the legacy would last a decade.

The club has gone on to host hundreds more young hopefuls, annually running the North of England under 14 tournament for girls and boys.

The benefit to the local economy from the events will soon tip over £1million, while players including European Tour winners Aaron Rai and Renato Paratore, who won the 2020 British Masters at Close House, have competed at South Moor.

NORTHUMBERLANDS FINEST

LONGHIRST HALL GOLF COURSE 36 HOLES OF CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF & PUBLIC DRIVING RANGE JUST NORTH OF MORPETH 5 MINS FROM A1

DAWSON COURSE AND LAKES COURSE OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND PUBLIC DRIVING RANGE WITH POP UP POWER TEES AND QUALITY SRIXON BALLS

LAST FEW MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

AVAILABLE NOW

FULL USE OF BOTH COURSES AND DRIVING RANGE ON OUR INDEPENDENTLY TOP RATED 5*VENUE WITH GOLFSHAKE.COM CALL FOR FURTHER DETAILS!

TELEPHONE: 01670 791562 EMAIL: INFO@LONGHIRSTGOLF.CO.UK

WWW.LONGHIRSTGOLF.CO.UK

NORTHERN GOLFER 13

TEEINGOFF

BOOK ONLINE UPTO 8 DAYS IN ADVANCE

VISITORS

18 HOLES MIDWEEK £20 | 18 HOLES WEEKEND £25 PARTIES WELCOME • BUGGIES FOR HIRE

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME FULL - INTRODUCTORY RATE - £399 COUNTRY (25MILES+) & SECOND CLUB £259 NO MORE TO PAY UNTIL 31.10.22

Bellingham Golf Club Boggle Hole Bellingham NE48 2DT admin@bellinghamgolfclub.com

www.bellinghamgolfclub.com VISITORS WELCOME 7 DAYS A WEEK

BOOK NOW ON 01434 220530

John Austin and Jonathan Ward

Charity champion

J

onathan Ward, secretary of the Durham County Golf Union, completed a charity challenge on Sunday June 20 – playing one hole at each of the 44 courses in Durham in a single day to raise money for Chester-le-Streetbased If U Care Share Foundation.

Starting at 5am at Ingleby Barwick, Jonathan completed his final hole at South Shields at 9pm having covered 260 miles with driver John Austin (pictured above), parts manager at event sponsor SG Petch. Throughout the day he was cheered on by supporters at the clubs and to-date has raised more than £5,500 for the 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 longserving member of South Shields.

Jonathan, who played the 44

holes in a respectable 18 over-par, said: “I’m over the moon to have completed the challenge. It was a tiring day, but it was a lot of fun and it went incredibly quickly. It was amazing to see the supporters at each club cheering me on, and I can’t thank the golf clubs and their members enough for their support.

It was great to have John with me throughout the day and the support from SG Petch was fantastic.

“There were a lot of highlights throughout the day. Having my daughters walk with me at a couple of points throughout the day was really special, as was being cheered on by some 50 people on the final hole at South Shields with Fez’s daughter Caitlin caddying for me – that was a really special and emotional moment.”

To support the fundraising effort and find out more about the charity, visit www. durhamcountygolfunion.co.uk/ charity

Learn from the best Assessment days for the Northumberland academy coaching system will take place in September - and applications are open until August 31.

The academy coaching system in Northumberland is open to players aged 10-17 and the academy will deliver 18 hours of coaching to each player during the 2021/22 off-season. The cost for this coaching is £99.

14 NORTHERN GOLFER

Following the selection process, coaching sessions take place across the county with the support of highly skilled PGA professionals.

This year’s assessments will be held at Close House on September 11. Application forms are available from Marcus Webb at Burgham Golf Club WhatsApp 07714612177 or email m_webb8@sky.com.

TEEINGOFF

Six of the best at Little Six

N

orthumberland’s boys won the Northern Counties Boys’ Qualifying Championship (AKA The Little Six) at Ilkley Golf Club.

The team of Morgan Blythe, Angus Buchanan, Junior Dobson, James Conn, Freddie McKenna and Harrison Sewell finished with a 17 over-par total to beat Yorkshire by three shots.

The event sees six players from each of the five northern counties compete over 36 holes with the leading five players’ scores counting towards the team’s total.

Lancashire finished in third place on 24 over-par, with Cheshire fourth and Durham fifth. Northumberland’s win is there second since 1984 – there only other victory coming in 1993 at St Anne’s. They will now go on to represent the northern counties against the three other regional winners at Coxmoor in August.

Steve Slater

Slater’s senior moment City of Newcastle’s Steve Slater added the Northumberland Seniors Championship to his trophy cabinet with victory over his home course.

Tied after 36 holes with defending champion Sandy Twynholm, Steve came out on top at the first playoff hole as City of Newcastle’s Ken Cairns finished a shot outside the playoff in third place.

The Northumberland team Northumberland’s Morgan Blythe was the leading individual in the tournament, posting a 36-hole total of six under-par to beat Cheshire’s Sam Johnson by 2 shots.

Phil Ridden, part of the team

which manages the boys, said: “It was a great effort and really good that each of the six had a counting score. We put Morgan out last on purpose and it all came down to his game, so that worked out ideally.”

BEAMISH PARK GOLF CLUB PROVIDING GOLFING EXCELLENCE FOR OVER 100 YEARS

LAST REMAINING PLACES TEXAS SCRAMBLE OPEN on Fri 27th Aug ENTRY FEE: £24 per pair

GENTS PAIRS OPEN on Sat 18th Sept ENTRY FEE: £40 per team

GREAT OFFERS ON MID-WEEK GREEN FEES • Mon £22, Tues-Fri £28, Weekend £32

• Offer: Mondays – 4 x Ball including 1 x free buggy - £80

• Offer: Fridays – 4 x Ball including 2 x free buggies - £100

• Full range of Membership options still available

BEAMISH PARK GOLF CLUB, STANLEY, DH9 0RH, TEL : 0191 370 1382 @beamish park_gc

Beamish Park Golf Club

BeamishParkGolfClub

NORTHERN GOLFER 15

TEEINGOFF

Marcus’ maiden win

A

EuroPro qualifying heading to Longhirst The PGA EuroPro Tour’s Q School will return in September and October with events around the UK including a first stage event at Longhirst Hall Golf Club.

First Stage Qualifying will take place across five venues - Studley Wood, Clevedon, Longhirst Hall, Formby Hall and Mannings Heath - September 28-30, with the final stage taking place at Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa October 14-16.

Entries for first stage are now open online.

n emotional Marcus Armitage claimed his maiden European Tour title at the Porsche European Open, sealing a two-shot victory after a sensational seven under-par final round of 65 at Green Eagle Golf Courses.

The Englishman made six birdies and an eagle to race into a four-shot lead through 15 holes. After a bogey on the 16th and a remarkable chip to save par on the 17th, he faced an anxious wait to see whether any of the closing groups could catch him.

Matthew Southgate was his closest challenger and was just one shot back standing on the 18th tee, but he sent his drive into the water and fell back into the pack on six under-par, confirming Marcus’ first win in his 71st tour appearance.

The 33-year-old lost his mother Jean to cancer as a teenager and was emotional after becoming the fourth consecutive English winner in Hamburg, following Jordan Smith,

Marcus Armitage (© Getty Images/European Tour) Richard McEvoy and Paul Casey.

He said: “It means everything. It’s what you dream about as a kid. It’s massive for me, for my family. A lot of hard work and it’s just massive for everyone who’s involved.

“I’m an emotional guy. I just tried to breathe in, be calm, don’t touch my phone, then you start thinking about everyone at home, like my fiancée, what it means. Emotion comes up, and you put a lid on it.

“I lost my mum 20 years ago and

I’ve dreamt about this since that day, being a winner. You have times when you think it might not happen. I just stuck at it.

“Today is a great day, I’m sure she’d be proud. This one’s for me.

Deep down, it’s for me. All those lonely days on my own, dealing with life. I’m sure a lot of people do the same but this one’s for me. All those lonely days working at my dream.

I’ve got to take a lot of credit for it myself.”

DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE GOLF COURSE DESIGNED BY THE FAMOUS JAMES BRAID - ADJACENT TO SPECTACULAR EMBLETON BAY

HOSTING THE NORTH EAST ENGLAND FALDO SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP 16TH - 18TH AUGUST. WITH PAST WINNERS SUCH AS RORY MCLLORY, JUSTIN PETER AND NICK DOHERTY SPECTATORS WELCOME ON THE GOLF COURSE IF YOU WANT TO PLAY GOLF BEFORE OR AFTER THE EVENT PLEASE BOOK VIA OUR WEBSITE WWW.DUNSTANBURGH.COM

To book telephone 01665 576562 or email bookings@dunstanburgh.com www.dunstanburgh.com Dunstaburgh Golf Club, Embleton, Northumberland, NE66 3XQ 16 NORTHERN GOLFER

TEEINGOFF

Northumberland Academy 2021 – 2022 ASSESSMENT DAYS Academy coaching 10 to under 18’s (1/9/21) starts in the autumn.

Applications accepted until 31st of August.

Academy Coaching =18 hours at £99.

All Academy players are invited to re-join the Academy and will not need to attend Assessment Days.

Assessment Days for Under 18’s - Saturday afternoon 11th September at Close House Application forms available from Marcus Webb at Burgham Golf Club What’s App 0771 4612177 or email m_webb8@sky.com

Hexham’s winning team - Joseph Robson (left), Sean Heads (second from right) and Morgan Blythe (right)

FOR THE LATEST GOLF NEWS, SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY EMAIL - SENT EVERY FRIDAY NORTHERN

VISIT LINKTR.EE/NEGOLFER Eaglescliffe’s winning team - l-r Tom Smith, Julian Wynn and Will Skipp

Dream teams

H

exham Golf Club will represent Northumberland in the Champion Club Tournament in September after winning the Northumberland Teams Championship at Morpeth, while Eaglesclffe will represent Durham after a seven-shot win in the Durham Championship at Dinsdale Spa. Hexham’s team of Sean Heads, Joseph Robson and Morgan Blythe led the field at Morpeth with a five under-par total in the event, which sees teams of three combine their scores over 36 holes with all three players counting towards the total.

Close House finished second with a team score of 426, led by the leading individual player at the event, James Wilson, who posted an eight underpar score over two rounds, including a course record-equalling 65 in the first round. Meanwhile, Gosforth

– represented by Brandon Leman, David Boldra and Gary Donnison – won the second division title with a three over-par total in their 18-hole event and have been promoted into division one along with Seahouses, Arcot Hall and Goswick.

At Dinsdale Spa, Julian Wynn’s level par total with rounds of 70 and 74 led the way for Eaglescliffe as Tom Smith (74, 74) and Will Skipp (76, 72) helped the team finish with a score of 440 and hold off Durham City (447), and Rockcliffe Hall and Brancepeth - both on 450. Chesterle-Street’s Kevin Suggett was in sparkling form with a round of 66 to start the event and followed up with a round of 75 to claim the prize for the leading individual.

Hexham and Eaglescliffe will join defending champions City of Newcastle in the Champion Club Tournament at Knole Park, Kent on September 18-19.

PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS PARKLANDS GOLF CLUB

MEMBERSHIP

AVAILABLE COMPETITIVE FEES UNLIMITED GOLF AMAZING BENEFITS MONTHLY INSTALMENTS*

*T&CS APPLY

CONTACT US FOR DETAILS ON OUR MEMBERSHIPS THAT WILL SEE YOU THROUGH UNTIL MARCH 2023.

0191 236 3322

INFO@PARKLANDSGOLF.CO.UK WWW. PARKLANDSGOLF.CO.UK

HIGH GOSFORTH PARK NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE3 5HQ NORTHERN GOLFER 17

GEORGE WASHINGTON GOLF CLUB

BOOK YOUR 2021/2022 GOLF SOCIETY TRIP NOW FANTASTIC OFFERS AVAILABLE For more information call: Bill Michie on 0191 417 8346, e-mail: gsd@georgewashington.co.uk for more details Come along and join us at one of the most improved Courses in the County.

TOURTIPS

Chris Simmons

Numbers game

A

Chris Simmons, caddy for European Tour player Matt Jordan, on choosing clubs like the pros

big difference between amateurs and professionals is the way they select clubs for their approach shots to greens, and how accurate they are when doing this.

Many good amateurs work out their yardages with each club on the practice ground with a bag of balls at the start of the season or by using a launch monitor.

This is the ideal place to start. The pros know exactly how far a standard shot in normal conditions goes for each club. While you may not be as accurate, work out your yardages as accurately as possible, then you can use them and start making better decisions on the golf course.

On tour, we work this out almost every week. We’ll work on the range the day we

arrive, hitting balls to understand how far the ball is flying in the conditions.

Altitude and temperature make such a big difference when you travel to places like South Africa or Switzerland, but we’ll also look at ground conditions and work out how far a stock shot is releasing, so we can also factor this into selecting clubs on the course. We also take some time to assess wind conditions and it’s important to put a number on this. We’ll hit some stock shots and see how the wind effects the distance, is it 10 or 15 yards, being precise about how much impact it has.

When we’re on the course, we’ve got all this to-hand. Once we’re at the ball, we analyse a lot of factors - a lot more than just getting the yardage to the flag!

Where an amateur will zap the carry distance to the flag, we’ll have our yardage

book colour-coded and the greens mapped for each pin position. Using this, we can work out where we want to land the ball, if we plan for it to stop or release, and where we don’t want to hit it. For example, if the flag is at the back and the green slopes from back to front, we don’t want to go long. We’ll also factor in the slope and how that influences the club we want to hit; the wind direction and strength; the trajectory of shot we’re hitting; and the lie it’s coming from.

Knowing your yardages with every club in your bag is essential to playing good golf. From there, adding in things like how far they release and improving your analysis of the shot in front of you, rather than just lasering the pin and pulling out the corresponding club, is sure to improve your scores.

NORTHERN GOLFER 19

GARESFIELD GOLF

CLUB

OPENS - Thursday 19th August Seniors Open 4BBB - Friday 20th August Gents Single Open - Monday 30th August Mixed open - Wednesday 29th September Ladies Team Open

GOLF OFFERS - Visitors Green fees Monday to Friday £20 per head - Saturday & Sunday £25 per head - 2 Ball & Buggy £50 subject to availability

SWING ROOM bookable through the Pro shop open to members and visitors play the top courses

Lessons and Club fittings also available

Like and follow our Facebook page to keep updated on all offers and events

All enquiries contact the secretary on 01207561309 or email garesfieldgc@btconnect.com

TOURLIFE © REUTERS/PAUL CHILDS/stock.adobe.com

Chris Paisley

The distance debate Chris Paisley reflects on his own golf, Collin Morikawa’s win at The Open, and the diverse range of skills required to win golf tournaments around the world

I

’ll start with a little update on how I’m doing golf-wise. It’s been a strange run. There has been some good, but also some awful golf. My long game has been very inconsistent, which has been frustrating as my short game and putting have been excellent. I have also had some issues with my back. I was forced to withdraw from the Porsche European Open after round one and I skipped the Cazoo Open to allow extra time to get it straightened out. I’ve had some treatment and feel much better as I write. I’ve also put some plans in place to make sure this doesn’t happen again. I have been really lucky with injuries so far in my career and I don’t intend on having any more going forward.

Collin Morikawa’s win at The Open has hopefully put the last nail in the coffin for the distance debate. He showed, albeit on a very

different course than the standard PGA Tour event, that accuracy and control - both physically and emotionally - are critical. I imagine Collin chuckling to himself watching Bryson DeChambeau’s press conference before The Open. He talked about how he could take many bunkers out of play by bombing over them, though he did concede his success would be based on how straight he could hit his driver. Unfortunately for Bryson,

hitting a 46-inch, five-degree driver with 130 mph swing speed onto a firm and tight links fairway is a bloody difficult thing to do; especially if the driver you are using “sucks” (his words, not mine).

I thought the manner in which Collin tackled the course was the antithesis of Bryson’s approach, and it was so nice to see that way of playing win.

Fortunately, distance is not essential to winning. There are some courses where it is a big advantage, but in other weeks a different skill set is required. I have huge respect for Bryson and what he has done.

Despite all his success, he has also proven that distance alone doesn’t make you dominant. It is my view that we don’t need to roll the ball back, we just need to make sure the setup of courses across a season is fair. There should be some courses that reward accuracy, some that reward distance, some brutally tough, some easy, and everything in between. That way we get to see a range of players showing a range of skills.

Enjoy the rest of the summer at home and be sure to get plenty of golf in.

NORTHERN GOLFER 21

19THHOLE

Dean Bailey

Close to home Let’s make the British and Irish swing the highlight of the European Tour season

O

ne of the golfing highlights of the last 18 months has been the re-emergence of events based in the UK and Ireland, and I for one would love to see them stick around.

Columnists and commentators lamented the decline of the European Tour’s presence on these shores before 2020. In 2019, just six of the European Tour’s 46 events were played here. In 2021, 10 of the tour’s 40 events will take place in the UK and Ireland.

When the European Tour returned in 2020, they did so at Close House, just outside of Newcastle. A glut of UK and Ireland-based events followed at venues such as Forest of Arden, Hanbury Manor, Celtic Manor and The Belfry. A threeweek swing in September and October visited The Renaissance, Wentworth and Fairmont St Andrews.

In 2021, the summer swing of events

has brought us golf from Mount Juliet, The Renaissance, Royal St George’s, Celtic Manor and Galgorm Castle. As this magazine arrives in clubs, the tour will be at Fairmont St Andrews before heading to The London Club. The best players in the world will return to Wentworth in September, and then head to the Dunhill Links in Scotland. Add in the Ladies European Tour’s visits to Centurion Club, Dumbarnie and Carnoustie, and it’s a fantastic schedule for our islands.

I’ve enjoyed every minute of the British and Irish events so far. Each one has showcased something different - the great history of The Belfry, the drama of the closing holes at Celtic Manor, the grandeur of Wentworth, the beauty of Mount Juliet… Each one is a showcase of the golf courses and landscapes we get to enjoy here, and a chance to see what the professionals can do on courses just a stone’s throw away.

There’s also the added benefit of being able to watch daytime golf. This year’s Open from Royal St George’s was a grand return to the English links - quirky, challenging and mentally taxing - made even sweeter given the wait we had endured to watch the 149th championship. I’m sure next year’s 150th Open at St Andrews will again deliver the history, grand scale and excitement only an Open Championship can provide.

The last two years have proved we have the venues and the support to host an expanded schedule of events in the UK and Ireland. The courses are worthy of the visits, and the list of venues capable of hosting event is almost endless, as are the fans who flood into the venues when they are allowed. Let’s keep the momentum going, keep bringing long stretches of summer events to our shores, and maybe even an event back in the North East now that would be a real treat.

© steved_np3/Shutterstock.com 22 NORTHERN GOLFER

TROLLEYS STOCKED

POWAKADDY 2021 FX3 - FX5 - FX7 - FX7 GPS CT6 - CT6 GPS ARRIVING SOON FX9 GPS REMOTE MOTOCADDY 2021 S1 - M1 - M3 GPS - M5 GPS M7 REMOTE - M-TECH GPS 36+ GOLFSTREAM VISION

ALL TROLLEYS ARE AVAILABLE WITH 18 OR 36 HOLE BATTERY

HUGE SELECTION OF CART BAGS AND TROLLEY ACCESSORIES TROLLEY SERVICE AVAILABLE - CALL TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT!

electricGOLFtrolleysNE

SERVICE

REPAIR

AUTHORISED POWAKADDY & MOTOCADDY SHOWROOM & SERVICE CENTRE

Tel: 0191 414 0582 | www.electricgolftrolleysne.co.uk

NEW STOCK ARRIVING DAILY

PART EXCHANGE WELCOME, T&C’S APPLY

TROLLEY /BAG & ACCESSORY DEALS AVAILABLE IN STORE ONLY HUGE SELECTION OF TROLLEY BAGS CALL AND SEE KEVIN FOR ALL TROLLEY SALES, TROLLEY REPAIR, TROLLEY SERVICING, BAGS, ELECTRIC TROLLEY ACCESSORIES, GOLF BALLS AND GOLF GLOVES! SAMEDAY REGRIPPING SERVICE

A1 A695 RIVER TYNE

WE ARE HERE

A1114

CAR WASH HODGSON / MAZDA TOYOTA DEALERSHIP

B6317 A1

METRO CENTRE

A694

Unit 3, Derwenthaugh Industrial Est, Derwenthaugh Rd, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE16 3BJ Email: golftrolleysne@gmail.com OPEN: Monday to Saturday 10am until 4pm

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

MAGGIEWHITEHEAD

Magic Maggie Six years on from her first national tournament win, 15-year-old Maggie Whitehead continues to climb the golfing ladder at remarkable speed, and she’s enjoying every step

A

t the age of just 15, Maggie Whitehead has become one of the North East’s stand out players on the national tournament scene - a position she built upon further shortly after we caught up with victory in the English Girls U16 Open Championship at Morecambe.

Maggie first appeared in Northern Golfer six years ago, shortly after she won her first national event - the US Kids Golf British Junior Championship at Woodhall Spa at the age of nine. Soon after, she was part of the incredibly successful Futures squad and then the England regional squad - both coached by JJ Vallely at Matfen Hall.

Today she is part of the six-strong England Girls squad and competes nationally and internationally with some of the best female golfers in the world.

The transition from nine-year-old potential star to accomplished teenager appears to have come easy for Maggie, but hard work has been the key to her success so far. “Winning the US Kids Golf event and getting to play in the finals at Pinehurst feels so long ago,” she says. “It’s funny looking back and thinking about where I started and how I looked up to the girls I’m now playing alongside. I dreamed of following in the footsteps of the girls who were in the regional squad - Caitlin Whitehead, Jess Baker and Rosie Belsham.

I still look up to them, but we’re also now friends and play in the same tournaments.

“It’s also fun to now be in the position they were in, and to see the girls who are a

step behind coming through. I’m proud to have come through the coaching system and I hope to be an example for the girls starting out.”

Maggie continues to work with JJ between travelling and competing, and we catch up at Ramside, where her golfing journey began, and where she splits her time at home with a second membership at Close House.

Still a regular part of the Ramside junior team when she can make their Thursday night matches, Maggie adds: “Starting out in the Futures squad and doing the one-day group sessions was the perfect starting point. It makes the transitions to the twoday regional sessions a lot easier. When you then go to England Golf for the two-day camps away from home, it just adds more to things you’re already familiar with.”

As well as squad coaching, Maggie works with JJ individually, even when they can’t meet in-person.

“JJ is a really important part of my golf.

We don’t spend as much time on the range as we used to, but he’s always there for me when I need to talk about my game.

“When I was younger, it was hard to understand why he wouldn’t big me up like other people did. Looking back, I understand it was all part of the process of becoming better and not settling with what I’d already done. He’s always pushing me to be a better golfer.”

As Maggie’s profile has increased, so has the number of events she competes in.

Long trips in the car and jumping between

NORTHERN GOLFER 25

MAGGIEWHITEHEAD hotels are minor downsides to being an elite amateur golfer, she says, adding: “I miss my non-golfing friends when I’m away from home, but I get to spend time with my golfing friends. I tend to find a happy balance between time at home and time on the road.

“The progression into bigger tournaments has been like climbing a ladder. Every time I make a step, the next one seems a little bit easier.

I couldn’t imagine going from the junior events six years ago into some of the events now with the travelling, multiple practice rounds, working with the England coaches on-site and everything that goes into this level, but taking things step-by-step has made it manageable.”

Maggie became the youngest girl ever selected for the England Girls (under 18s) squad in 2020, a selection which followed her England debut in an under 16s match against Ireland in October 2019. She was selected for the squad alongside Arcot Hall-based Rachel Gourley, who made her debut a year earlier.

“Getting the call to say I was in the England squad was fantastic,” says Maggie. “I didn’t think I’d make it in 2020 as I was still 14, but when I finally answered the calls from the unknown number, I was in.

“It didn’t sink in straight away, but when I realised I was one of just six girls in the squad, it was amazing.”

Having met up with the squad for coaching sessions and played practice rounds together, Maggie explains how the six girls gelled immediately.

“It’s great to have girls like Rachel and Lottie Woad in the squad. They’re always there if I need some advice.

“Being in the team alongside Rachel, who also plays for Northumberland, was a huge help.

We knew each other from matches, but now we’re good friends and have shared a lot experiences. Being in the England system with another girl from Northumberland - much like what Rosie and Jess did before us is fantastic.

“The whole squad clicked instantly and there’s a real team spirit despite the fact we generally compete against each other.”

Maggie shot into the national sporting spotlight in front of the Sky Sports cameras in May when she led the Rose Ladies Series at The Berkshire with three holes to play.

Playing alongside professionals Inci Mehmet and Rachel Drummond, 26 NORTHERN GOLFER

Top - Maggie at a Northern Golfer shoot in 2018 Bottom left Maggie at St Andrews Bottom rightMaggie at Pinehurst for the US Kids Golf finals

Maggie led the field after playing her 15th hole. She went on to card a three over-par 72 for a tied-sixth finish and missed a four-way playoff by two shots.

“While I’ve climbed the golfing ladder step by step, the Rose Ladies Series was on another level,” she says. “I expected to finish last among some of the best female golfers in the country.

“On the course, I didn’t know I was leading until I saw the leaderboard at the 13th green - and checked with my dad, who was caddying for me, that there wasn’t another Whitehead playing.

“Things didn’t end the way I wanted, but I was still over the moon with a sixthplace finish in my first event alongside professional golfers.

“Inci and Rachel were lovely and seemed quite shocked I hadn’t turned professional yet - or even done my GCSEs. It was good to see the pros care so much about the next group of golfers coming through.”

Maggie is home for just one day - mum

Nicola tasked with interview transport and turning around all her kit to leave again tomorrow morning. They have travelled home to Durham from the English Girls’ Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship at Malton & Norton, where Maggie finished in third place, three shots behind England teammate Patience Rhodes. Tomorrow she heads to the English Girls’ U16 Open Championship at Morecambe. This summer will also include trips to Woodhall Spa for the Home Internationals and Fulford for The Girls’ Amateur Championship - where Maggie finished fifth in 2020.

“I was really happy to finish third in my first full 72-hole event and it was great to do it as part of a strong England Girls performance with all of us in the top 10.

“It’s a busy summer schedule but it’s great after missing so much in 2020. I definitely prefer playing a lot of golf to having to clear snow off a practice green in January!”

Much like her predecessors from the region in the England system, Maggie has set

MAGGIEWHITEHEAD

her sights on attending college in the US when she reaches the next stage of her golfing career.

“Rosie and Jess are having a great time and I want to have that experience before making any other big decisions. I need to complete my exams first, but then I’ll be able to start looking at what happens next,” she adds. “Before then, I’m looking forward to representing England in events like the Home Internationals and hopefully getting the chance to play events even further away.”

When you watch leaderboards and see achievements in black and white, it’s easy to be disconnected from the people on the other side of the numbers. It’s then fascinating to talk to those sportspeople and hear them explain their processes and passion. When you look up from a notebook and see the person explaining this so eloquently is just 15 years old, it’s remarkable.

“It’s quite funny seeing people react when I tell them my age,” Maggie says. “At The Berkshire, Rob Lee was caddying for Inci and he couldn’t believe I was 14. A lot of people tell me I’m mature for my age and I think it comes from acting in front of thousands of people when I was younger.

“I like that people think I’m older, I think it helps me handle moving through the fast-paced journey of junior golf.

“It’s also important to remember to spend time away from golf and I really enjoy spending time with my non-golfing friends or even just going for a run and listening to some music - just getting away from golf for a little bit.”

Maggie’s parents, Nicola and Andy, have been alongside her at every step - pushing trolleys in tournaments, driving up and

down the country, huddling under umbrellas in the rain, and building an enviable knowledge of golf ’s best halfway houses.

“I really enjoy travelling with my mum and dad, we have a laugh together,” adds Maggie. “I feel like I’m mature enough to manage on my own if they weren’t at an event, but I like having them around - especially when my dad carries my stuff and mum tidies up after me.”

Tomorrow Maggie will head to Morecambe, then Woodhall Spa and on to Fulford as part of a three-week trip. The summer holidays have just begun and there are plenty more tournaments and matches to look forward to. Our chat already sits six years into Maggie’s golfing journey. There is sure to be a lot more to come along the road, and she’s looking forward to seeing where it leads.

Following our interview, Maggie played at Morecambe in the English Girls U16 Open Championship and earned the biggest win of her golfing career to-date. The only player to shoot under-par in the four-round event, Maggie finished on seven under-par - nine shots clear of Gemma Burgess in second place.

Following the win, Maggie said: “I’m honestly over the moon.

I came here open-minded, played my best golf, survived in the weather and came off with the win. It means the world. To be in my own age group and perform the way I have done as the only golfer under par is something I’m pleased with.

“I had swing problems last week, but I had a talk with my coach and came here with a bit of a push. I knew the weather would be bad so I didn’t focus on the score - just concentrating on getting it round. The key to my success was staying patient.”

Maggie with the English Girls U16 Open Championship trophy (© Leaderboard Photography)

NORTHERN GOLFER 27

Seaton Carew now offer corporate packages CORPORATE PACKAGES:

£15,000 * Gold £7,500 * Platinum * Silver £3,000 * Bronze £500 (Prices EXC Vat)

See club website and social media pages www.seatoncarewgolfclub.co.uk - @seatoncarewgolfclub

MIDWEEK FOURBALL FOR VISITORS £220

SEATON CAREW GOLF CLUB TEES ROAD, HARTLEPOOL, TS25 1DE secretary.seatoncarewgolfclub@gmail.com 28 NORTHERN GOLFER

www.seatoncarewgolfclub.co.uk

ALISTERMACKENZIE

The good doctor Exploring Dr Alister MacKenzie’s North East connections

G

olf courses designed, renovated, remodelled and enhanced by Dr Alister MacKenzie are renowned and respected around the world. His work in Yorkshire, where he was born and lived much of his early life before travelling the world and living in the US, is highly regarded while he also played a major part in forging the golfing landscape of the North East.

Born in Normanton, Yorkshire on August 30, 1870, MacKenzie studied and trained as a surgeon at Cambridge University and served in the British Army in South Africa during the Second Boer War in 1900 and 1901. He returned to Yorkshire and became involved in golf course design as a founding member and the first secretary of Alwoodley from 1907.

Working in golf course design from 1907 until his death in January 1934, MacKenzie’s designs and alterations are recognised as some of the world’s finest examples of golf course architecture today. The MacKenzie and Bobby Jones-designed Augusta National (2); MacKenzie and Robert Hunter-designed Cypress Point (3); MacKenzie and Perry Maxwell-designed Crystal Downs (14); MacKenzie and Hunter-designed Valley Club of Montecito (78); and MacKenzie-designed Pasatiempo (98) appear in Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses.

Meanwhile, MacKenzie-designed Royal Melbourne West (5) and New South Wales (33) feature in Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses alongside Lahinch (31), Victoria (73), Metropolitan (79) and Royal Adelaide (80) - where his revisions and alterations are significantly credited. MacKenzie also drew plans for bunkering at Kingston Heath, ranked 12th in the world list, though Des Soutar and Mick Morcom are credited as architects.

In England, MacKenzie’s first course architecture work at Alwoodley remains a fine example of his design philosophy.

In his 1920 book, Golf Architecture, he discusses using the natural beauty of the terrain rather than artificial features.

He writes: “…the chief object of every golf course architect worth his salt is to imitate the beauties of nature so closely as to make his work indistinguishable from nature itself.”

He also set out his 13 principles for course design in the book, including to offer an infinite variety in the strokes required to play the various holes; creating a minimum of four one-shot holes; minimal walking between holes; and a desire, where possible, to arrange holes in two loops of nine.

His green complexes also feature natural shapes - large putting surfaces blending seamlessly into the immediate surroundings, reflecting his highly praised studies of The Old Course at St Andrews as a member of The R&A. From 1910-1914, MacKenzie drew plans for, advised on changes to or worked on a number of courses including Blairgowrie, Doncaster, Garforth, Harrogate, Headingley, Ilkley, Oakdale, Pannal and Scarborough South Cliff.

Respected golf course architect Harry Colt had advised on MacKenzie’s original plans at Alwoodley and following MacKenzie’s service in the First World War as an expert in military camouflage, the pair launched the London-based firm Colt, MacKenzie & Alison with Charles Hugh Alison in 1919. MacKenzie went his own way in 1923.

Following the First World War, MacKenzie worked at courses including Ganton, Moor Allerton and Bolton Old Links. He also travelled extensively, advising on courses including Douglas (Isle of Man), Lahinch (Ireland), Royal Adelaide (Australia), Titirangi (New Zealand), The Jockey Club Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Club de Golf del Uruguay.

In 1926, MacKenzie travelled to California and worked alongside Robert Hunter to create Cypress Point, which opened in 1928. His other works in the US - notably the 8th and 13th holes at Pebble Beach, Pasatiempo, Crystal

Seaton Carew NORTHERN GOLFER 29

ALISTERMACKENZIE Downs, and Valley Club of Montecito continue to top golf course rankings.

The crowning work of his career, Augusta National Golf Club, opened for play in 1933 - two years after MacKenzie met with Augusta founder Bobby Jones to discuss the project.

The first tournament at the club, which would go on to be known as The Maters, was played in 1934 - two months after MacKenzie’s death.

Today, MacKenzie’s designs span four continents. In the North East of England, many of them remain much the way MacKenzie imagined them.

Thanks to the extensive chronology created and maintained by The Alister MacKenzie Society, we are able to see when and where MacKenzie visited in the North East as well as play the courses he worked on.

MacKenzie’s first recorded visit to the North East was in late 1913 to South Shields Golf Club. He was appointed to extend the course and in February 1914, The Newcastle Journal reported: “…two new fields are to be taken in, and the creation of bunkering and other work will run the club into an expense of some hundreds of pounds. Dr MacKenzie of Leeds has

South Shields Golf Club recently been over the course planning hazards to test the skill of the player, and to improve the sporting character of some of the holes.”

Having been formed in 1893 with a James Braid-designed nine-hole course atop the northern most part of the Durham Magnesium Limestone

CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE Designed by DR. ALASTAIR MACKENZIE Golf Architect

Plateau, South Shields was extended to 18 holes in 1903-4. MacKenzie developed and remodelled several holes in 1913, emphasising the coastal heathland elements and further enhancing the rugged landscape’s golfing potential. Remodelled further in the late 1920s, today South Shields

affords spectacular views over the Tyne estuary, Cheviot Hills and Cleveland Hills - particularly from the 13th tee, which is thought to be the highest point in South Tyneside. More greats of the game are immortalised at South Shields, which has hosted James Taylor and Harry Vardon as well as Christy O’Connor Jnr - who was an assistant professional at the club - and European Tour winner Doug McClelland.

Around the same time as he was working at South Shields, MacKenzie worked on recommendations for Seaham Golf Club - primarily new greens at the fifth and 10th holes - as well as changes to bunkers.

In 1914, MacKenzie visited Darlington Golf Club and spent a day laying out the routing for the new course. Opened for play in 1915, MacKenzie’s layout at Darlington replaced the original 1908 course.

Today, the large, rolling greens which blend into the surroundings are a fine example of MacKenzie’s design philosophy. Tree-lined fairways demand accuracy from the tee while a unique set of short holes, including the 137-yard 12th, are a treat to play.

South Moor Golf Club (est 1923)

Offers are now available for all categories of membership at South Moor Golf Club Contact Ray Johnson by email secretary@southmoorgc.co.uk stating telephone number and you will be called to discuss what is available.

Special from 26/07/21 Mondays after 10am golf at £15.00 per round

Wednesdays after 1.00pm golf at £20.00 per round

Get in touch

tel no. 01207 232848 | email. secretary@southmoorgc.co.uk southmoorgc.co.uk | follow us on facebook

4 ball for £80 voucher

Subject to availability , offer ends October 31st

30 NORTHERN GOLFER

Book by telephone and present at pro shop.

The Middles, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 6AG

GREENFEES £35.00 per round - Quote 1908 and pay only £25.00 £100.00 per fourball - Quote 1908 and pay only £80.00

The Darlington Golf Club (Members) Ltd Haughton Grange, Darlington, Co. Durham. DL1 3JD t: 01325 355324 | e: office@darlington-gc.co.uk

The Mackenzie South Tyneside Experience Famous for its all year-round playability

Society & Open Golf 2021

SOCIETY OFFER - BOOK 24 AND PAY FOR ONLY 20# Bacon Bap, Coffee and Round of Golf £29.50 – Midweek | £34.50 – Weekend PM*

Open Dates (Thursdays and £15 per person unless stated) Saturday 10th July Gent’s Pairs 22nd July Senior Pairs (Over 55) 5th August Gent’s Pairs 12th August Senior Pairs (Over 55) Saturday 21st August Gent’s Individual Scratch and Team Handicap AmAm *Only PM bookings available on a Saturday or Sunday between April and October # excludes SSGC member, courtesy & county cards, deposit required on booking, 4 free only relates to Golf element

SOUTH SHIELDS GOLF CLUB Cleadon Hills, South Shields, Tyne and Wear NE34 8EG

Main Office: 0191 456 8942 Pro: 0191 4560110 Email: manager.southshieldsgolf@gmail.com

www.ssgc.co.uk

ALISTERMACKENZIE In July 1924, MacKenzie wrote to Seaton Carew enclosing his scale of fees and a copy of his book. He visited Seaton and submitted his report on his plans in December 1924. in January 1925, before work began at Seaton, MacKenzie beat a proposal

by Harry Colt to design Ravensworth Golf Club for the fee of £15.15.0.

By February 1926, the works were completed and the company headed onto their next project - Seaton Carew.

At Seaton, England’s 10th oldest course, MacKenzie was engaged to make use of new land and enhance a course he had earlier described as a “fine piece of golfing country” on a visit during the First World War. While MacKenzie’s plans for Seaton Carew no longer exist, a copy of his report does. In it he notes: “a difference of opinion as to whether the inland holes should be retained; improved, and thoroughly drained; or new holes constructed nearer the sea on the ground which has within recent years become available owing to the sea having receded”. He recommended the latter option along with a series of other radical changes. There would be new tees and bunkers on most holes, others would be re-routed to existing greens, and five brand new holes would be created to replace the 11th, 12th, 13th 14th and 15th. Arguably his best piece of work came at the 17th, where he recommended, “altering the approach to the green, so that the tee shot be played to the right”.

Much of MacKenzie’s original design for Seaton Carew is still in play today as the Old Course, although many holes have been lengthened. The only major changes were made within a few years of the re-construction - removing MacKenzie’s 8th and replacing it with what is now the 12th; and the extension and re-routing of his 11th hole to become a new 13th.

In the early 1970s, with the prospect of losing some of its land, the club added four Frank Pennink-designed holes, and today offers a set of routings using the 22 holes. Further enhancements are ongoing under the guidance of course manager Tom Coulson, with an extensive programme of works planned this autumn to open up views across the course by removing sea buckthorn and return the landscape to the one MacKenzie first saw.

In late 1925, MacKenzie’s final recorded work in the North East was his appointment to redesign the existing course at South Moor. A

South Moor Darlington Golf Club

venue with championship pedigree, today the heathland layout presents a stern test among heather, bracken and gorse.

Featuring many elements of MacKenzie’s natural design philosophy, greens transition beautifully from fairways and bunkers appear to sit naturally alongside green strips of fairway. While not the longest course, South Moor demands accuracy with penal rough and worse waiting to catch errant shots, while MacKenzie’s fascinating greens

have to be played many times to begin to understand properly.

MacKenzie’s natural philosophy continues to inspire those who aspire to reduce the impact their designs have on the typography presented to the architect while his flowing green complexes remain tremendous fun to unpick and route your golf ball through, whether you’re in Yorkshire, Georgia, California, Australia or here in the North East.

Cypress Point (©dshumny/Shutterstock.com)

NORTHERN GOLFER 33

COURSEPROFILE

The Filly’s in fine form Dean Bailey plays The Lee Westwood Filly Course at Close House

A

golf venue with an international reputation, Close House has been a major part of the region’s golfing landscape for more than 10 years. The Filly Course, set out on much the same ground as the first set of golf holes at Close House, which were laid out in the 1960s by previous owners Newcastle University, has been reconfigured several times and today provides a perfect accompaniment to the challenging Colt Course.

Following the launch of the Colt Course at Close House in 2011, the Filly was fully redesigned by New Zealand-born architect Scott Macpherson. Working closely with attached professional Lee Westwood, Scott rerouted the golf course to create two ninehole loops returning to the clubhouse. Set out at the foot of the Tyne Valley, the climb up the valley at the seventh hole is rewarded by the views from the eighth tee, while the bunkers, particularly those flanking the fairways, are positioned to test the best players while presenting a playable challenge to the shorter hitter.

A par four of 388 yards, the first is an opportunity to get your round off to a flying start. A long iron or three wood just short of the fairway bunker on the left corner of this dogleg right leaves a short approach a very generous green.

At the second, stay left of the trees guarding

34 NORTHERN GOLFER

the direct route to the green. A centre-line bunker marks the right limit of where your drive should be placed to have an unobstructed view of a dramatically sloped green guarded by a large bunker which wraps around the front and right sides of the putting surface.

The fairway of the 424-yard third hole is pinched by two daunting bunkers some 230 yards from the tee. Big hitters can go over the left bunker to shorten the approach, while shorter hitters and the more cautious should lay up short and face the long approach to a generous green which slopes from back to front.

The short par four fourth can be driveable if the conditions suit, though beware the numerous bunkers which guard the left side of the fairway on the most direct line. A severely sloping green, shortening your approach as much as possible is recommended here as the rewards often outweigh the risks.

The toughest hole on the Filly Course, the 382yard fifth is pinched by two fairway bunkers around 250 yards from the tee. From here, the left side of the hole is guarded by water which almost touches the edge of the putting surface. Two large bunkers guard the right side of the green for those wary of a trip to the water - leaving a downhill bunker shot with water beyond. Taking a risk from the tee can yield a

big reward and a much shorter approach if you can find the fairway here.

Stay short of the bunker beyond the end of the fairway at the sixth, some 260 yards from the white tees, and you’ll have a short pitch over the edge of the lake to a generous green. Sounds simple enough, but when the water to the right of the fairway and short of the green is in your eyeline, this one can be a card-wrecker.

Played steeply uphill, a long iron or fairway wood will reach the plateau of this generous fairway, which is flanked by two small bunkers. A gently uphill approach must find the correct tier of a sloping green which falls away in every direction.

The climb at the seventh is rewarded with the view from the tee at the signature eighth (see fact file). A walk through the trees follows to play a pair of par threes in the shadow of Close House and the clubhouse. Near-identical in length, the uphill ninth requires a mid to long iron approach which favours the left side of the putting surface to avoid a deep front bunker and tree en-route to the green. The downhill 10th plays much shorter than its 166 yards and a ball bouncing short often finds the putting surface, should it avoid two bunkers cut well short.

Back through the trees and onto the valley floor, the short par four 11th is a good birdie opportunity should you drive past the pair of fairway bunkers on

COURSEPROFILE

FACT FILE the right. The green here is split in two by a small bunker - be sure to miss on the correct side.

The 159-yard par three 12th can play completely differently depending on the tee position. From the left tee box, the approach is unobstructed to a green some 34 paces deep.

From the right, the largest bunker on the course guards the approach, which must carry all the way onto the putting surface to give you a chance of making par.

Played in a straight line, the tee shots at the par five 13th and par four 14th feature out of bounds left and challenging fairway bunkers on the right.

Avoid those and the 13th yields many birdie opportunities, while the 14th yields a similar tally of bogeys with the long approach played through banks of trees which flank the fairway.

The second of the par fives, the 525-yard 15th is a three-shotter. Long hitters may fancy their chances of flying over the bunker on the right side, but beware the bunker to the left which is just 50 yards beyond. Those who find the fairway need to hold their nerve and lay up between the banks of tall trees to leave a simple approach to a long, narrow green.

Be wary of the hazard to the right of the fairway at the long par four 16th, though it gets further away the longer your drive is. Approach bunkers to the right will catch mishit second shots, while one of the smaller greens on the course is almost completely ringed by sand many will be relying on their short game to make par here.

The 160-yard 17th is well-guarded by bunkers short left and long right as well as trees looming close by. One final climb, though gentle, awaits at the 363-yard 18th. Note the position of the bunkers and choose your club wisely to avoid the sand as the semi-blind approach must make it over a hazard and ha-ha wall to find another generous green flanked by two bunkers.

CONTACT Close House, Heddon on the Wall Newcastle, NE15 0HT (Sat nav postcode: NE41 8BL) Tel 01661 85 22 55 www.closehouse.com GREEN FEES See www.closehouse.com for full details TOTAL DISTANCE White tees: 6,034 yards ellow tees: 5,640 yards Red tees: 5,064 yards

The 36 holes at Close House are complemented by some of the region’s best facilities. The PGA Academy is home to TopTracer ball tracking technology as well as a team of PGA professionals offering custom fitting and tuition. The short game and putting practice facilities have been used for two European Tour events and are equally impressive while the Yearling par three course offers a fun addition to a golf break or a great opportunity to learn the game on a short course. Service in the No.19 clubhouse is renowned, while the on-site accommodation means you can visit for multiple days and never need to leave the estate.

FEATURES PGA Academy with TopTracer driving range, outdoor hitting bays, short game and putting greens Custom fitting, teaching and putting suites No.19 clubhouse serving food daily Courtyard, Lodge and Pavilion accommodation Buggy, trolley and club hire CADDY’S TIP Stay away from the fairway bunkers, they’re the course’s primary defence and they’re designed to severely punish the overly aggressive SIGNATURE HOLE A short par four, the 295-yard eighth offers stunning views over the Tyne Valley from the tee. A lake short of the green is closer than you think when the ground is firm, and a confident pitch is required from a downhill lie over the hazard to a large green. Birdies are possible here, but you must play the hole with some respect

OUR VERDICT

A fun challenge, the Filly is perfectly paired with its big brother and is great fun to play while presenting a challenge to those who choose to play aggressively NORTHERN GOLFER 35

ROUNDWITH A ROUND WITH...

Sally Hinton Third-generation PGA professional Sally Hinton on her passion for golf, her favourite playing partners and who makes it into her dream fourball

F

or Sally Hinton, a career in golf was almost unavoidable.

Growing up at Bridgnorth Golf Club in Shropshire, where her dad was the head professional, Sally went on to star at college in the US - holding the school scoring record at Missouri State University and being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Today, she is senior PGA teaching professional at Close House, a club which she has been part of for more than 10 years.

We caught up to learn more about her passion for the game, where she likes to play, and more…

1 How much golf do you get to play?

Most of my time on the course now is playing lessons. I love doing those in the summer and I play the occasional social game but competing has really taken a back seat since I left college and took up a coaching job. It’s hard to do coaching and playing well, and I love my coaching.

2 How did you get into golf?

I’ve always played golf; I can’t remember a time I didn’t have clubs around me and there are home videos of me hitting balls with a wooden spoon as a toddler. My dad was the professional at Bridgnorth and we lived on the golf course. My uncle and grandfather were also professionals and my mum plays - if you’re from Shropshire and your surname is Hinton, you’re probably a golfer.

3 Which is your favourite course in the North East?

I really enjoy the Colt Course at Close House, the views when you get to the top of the valley are amazing. I also really enjoy Dunstanburgh and Goswick, there are fantastic links courses here.

4 And further afield?

I love playing The Old Course at St Andrews - teeing off the first in front of 36 NORTHERN GOLFER

the R&A clubhouse and walking back into town playing the 18th are special moments in your golfing career.

competitive games. He knows how to wind me up and our games still finish quite close.

5 What’s your best score?

A five under-par 69 at Bridgnorth - I got to know it well growing up.

13 If you weren’t a PGA professional, what would you be doing?

I have no idea - golf has been such a huge part of my life. I’d like to think I’d be involved in sport and coaching, possibly as a PE teacher.

6 Which is your favourite golfing memory?

Getting to go back to Missouri State to be inducted into the Hall of Fame was fantastic.

7 What about embarrassing moments on the course?

Playing a college event at Rio Verde in Arizona, I shanked a tee shot into a villa. Luckily, I didn’t cause any damage and just rushed back to my bag to get another ball.

8 Do you have any golfing superstitions?

I must use a golf ball with a one or a two on it. Threes make me think about three putts and fours are just not for me.

9 What are your strengths on the course?

My driving - I’m not long off the tee but I’m accurate.

10 And your weaknesses?

Putting - I think it stems from finding it boring as a junior. I’ve never really got over that feeling and been able to spend the time practising it.

11 Which is your favourite club in the bag?

My Ping G425 Max driver, which I switched to this season and absolutely love.

12 Who is your best golfing friend?

My dad, although we don’t get to play together a lot. He’s retired now but he still loves golf, and we tend to have

14 Who is your favourite tour player?

It has to be Lee Westwood; he’s such a nice guy and I really enjoy watching him play.

15 Which golf events do you enjoy most?

I’ve loved going to the Solheim and Ryder cups - the atmosphere is so different to an individual event and they’re such special occasions.

16 Who do you admire?

Annika Sorenstam was the icon of women’s golf when I was growing up.

She dominated the game and I’ll always remember when she shot 59 in 2001 on the LPGA Tour, that moment helped inspire to be a professional golfer.

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

My dad would have to be there first as I enjoy playing with him and wish we could play more golf together. I’d love to have seen Seve Ballesteros up close, so I’ll pick him too, and I’ve never had a chance to play with Lee Westwood despite all the time we spend at the same club, so I’ll add him in there.

18 If you could have one mulligan, when would you have used it?

The shank at Rio Verde. I’ll never forget the look on my coach’s face when I did it, I think we both just went into shock.

ROUNDWITH

NORTHERN GOLFER 37

DAYSOUT

A grand day out Planning a late season trip or looking ahead to next summer’s day out? Try these…

LADYBANK GOLF CLUB Laid out by Old Tom Morris, the golf course at Ladybank dates back to 1879. Set over heathland, the landscape features stunning gorse, broom, heather, scots pine and silver birch. The sandy soil creates tight turf while the gentle undulations to fairways and fast, firm greens make for a memorable, if challenging, round. Deep bunkering adds a links-like feel when matched with the tight fairways, though the many trees here place an emphasis on accuracy from the tee. There are few straight holes, and while just four of the par four holes stretch more than 400 yards, this is no pushover. www.ladybankgolf.co.uk

GOLF AT MACDONALD HOTELS & REPORTS

WEEKDAY GREEN FEE OFFER - £15 PP WHEN YOU QUOTE “NG61”

FULL RANGE OF MEMBERSHIPS SOCIETY AND GOLF DAYS AVAILABLE FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT RICHARD SUTTIE GOLFDIR .LINDENHALL@MACDONALD-HOTELS.CO.UK OR TELEPHONE 01670 500011

WWW.MACDONALDHOTELS.CO.UK/GOLF 38 NORTHERN GOLFER

DAYSOUT

ALNMOUTH GOLF CLUB England’s fourth oldest golf club and named on the Amateur Championship trophy, a trip to Alnmouth is highly recommended. Overlooking Foxton Bay, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Northumberland coast, the course at Foxton Hall was designed by HS Colt. Renowned for the condition of its greens and overall presentation, Alnmouth is also home to firstclass practice facilities and a driving range.

Only 40 minutes’ drive from Newcastle, visitors are always given a warm welcome here and the 26-bed Dormy House within the clubhouse is designed to accommodate golfers with twin or single rooms with ensuite facilities. www.alnmouthgolfclub.com

AULD CROSS KEYS INN A welcome place for travellers to rest their heads for more than 200 years, The Auld Cross Keys, Denholm is a popular choice for golfers visiting the Scottish Borders. The former bakehouse offers 12 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 26 people. The inn is a short drive from some of the best courses in the Scottish Borders - including Eyemouth, Torwoodlee, Minto, Jedburgh, Kelso and the Hirsel. www.crosskeysdenholm.co.uk

MACDONALD LINDEN HALL Designed by Jonathan Gaunt, the 18-hole layout at Linden Hall remains a fantastic golfing challenge. Combining mature woodland, countryside, lakes, ponds and streams, the course is a real treat to play.

Opened in the mid-90s, there are four loops of holes here, all starting and finishing near the hall - making it ideal for those who do not want to play a full 18 or those looking to play more in a single day. At the higher points on the course, players are treated to magnificent views of The Cheviots and the Northumberland countryside. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/ macdonald-linden-hall-golf-country-club

GOLF BREAKS

RANKED 53RD IN SCOTLAND 2021 UK GOLF RATE - £60 SOME AVAILABILITY JULY TO SEPTEMBER 2021

Situated on the magnificent Northumberland Coast only 100 yards from the beach, Alnmouth Golf Club has all the ingredients for a unique golf break…

• Dinner Bed and Breakfast with 2 round Golf Breaks available from £95 per person.

COUNTRY MEMBERSHIPS £300

• More packages can be found on our website.

Allows 10 rounds of golf including competitions.

Book a last minute Golf Break for October or November or reserve your rooms for 2022 now, let us know when and where you want to play.

Allows reciprocal golf at Crail, Lundin Links, Scotscraig, Haggs Castle, East Renfrewshire, Moray, Fortrose, Pollok, Montrose, Dunbar, Goswick, Boat of Garten and Murcar Links.

For an application form, see website or email info@ladybankgolf.co.uk

We do all the booking, you relax and enjoy!

15 MILES WEST OF ST ANDREWS

Email: bookings@alnmouthgolfclub.com Call: 01665 830231 Visit: www.alnmouthgolfclub.com

LADYBANK GOLF CLUB - KY 15

7R A

T E L : 0 1 337 8 30 7 2 5 - WWW. L A DY B A N KG O L F.C O.U K

NORTHERN GOLFER 39

Golfing Offers 2021 Golf Lessons All ages welcome with PGS Professionals Michael Nesbit and George Cowan Telephone 0191 2860594

DAYSOUT

Visiting Parties Welcome Packages can be tailored to your requirements Memberships available Telephone the Secretary on 0191 2867636 (opt 2) or email wgc@btconnect.com

Sunday Lunch Bookings Welcome Telephone Shaun Mussett on 0191 2867636 (opt 4)

WESTERHOPE GOLF CLUB Whorlton Grange, Westerhope, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE5 1PP www.westerhopegolfclub.com

WARKWORTH Golf Club

SEAHOUSES GOLF CLUB Home to one of the finest par threes in the UK, if not the world, Seahouses Golf Club has to be on everyone’s must-play list. Set on clifftops above the North Sea, the course is a tricky test with a number of demanding tee shots and birdie opportunities on both nines. The 15th is recognised internationally as one of the finest short holes in golf. Played over an inlet with the North Sea crashing below, this 124-yard hole can be anything from a wedge to a long iron depending on the wind. www.seahousesgolf.co.uk

 TOM MORRIS SNR DESIGNED LINKS  SKY SPORTS ‘NORTH EAST GEM’  MEMBERSHIP FULL £355  WINTER £150  JUNIOR £15 INC PGA COACHING Warkworth Golf Club, The Links, Morpeth NE65 0SW secretary@warkworthgolf.club or ring 01665 711596 / 710707

Golf in the Scottish Borders Traditional Country Inn ideally situated for playing MINTO, HAWICK, THE HIRSEL AND ROXBURGH plus many more.

12 en-suite bedrooms with tv, wi-fi, tea/coffee making facililties.

Restaurant and bar serving cask ales

STAY & PLAY - £85 pppn

Auld Cross Keys Inn

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

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

WARKWORTH GOLF CLUB Founded in 1891 and laid out by Old Tom Morris, the nine-hole layout at Warkworth is links golf at its best. The current layout features 18 tees – each separate from its counterpart on the opposite nine. Looking out over the North Sea, the course offers views across to the Carr Rocks and Coquet Island as well as being overlooked by Warkworth Castle. At just under 6,000 yards from the back tees, the key to scoring at Warkworth is finding the best position on the fairway to be able to attack the flags on the wellbunkered greens. Nine holes is just £15 or £25 for the full 18. www.warkworthgolf.club

Tel: 01450 870305

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

The Green, Denholm, Scottish Borders, TD9 8NU

Seahouses Golf Club ENJOY A GREAT DAYS GOLF NEXT TO THE BEACH WITH OUTSTANDING VIEWS OF THE NORTHUMBERLAND COASTLINE.

Visitors and Societies always welcome!

We can tailor any golf day to your exact requirements.

Golf days including food start from only £35.00pp Bookings can be made by phone on 01665 720794 or email secretary@seahousesgolf.co.uk

40 NORTHERN GOLFER

WESTERHOPE GOLF CLUB Designed by 1902 Open champion Sandy Herd, the layout at Westerhope Golf Club remains a fine example of mid-20th Century course design and continues to test the best players while offering a fun challenge to golfers of all abilities. Tree-lined and measuring 6,392 yards from the back tees, the par 72 course asks for accuracy from the tee, while generous green complexes require accurate approaches to make birdies and offer a little room for those looking to pitch and chip their way around. Just 10 minutes from the centre of Newcastle, the welcoming clubhouse offers great views of the course from the first-floor bar and balcony, while Michael Nesbit’s pro shop is always worth a visit. www.westerhopegolfclub.com

TIPS © Gary Yee/Shutterstock.com

TAKE YOUR TIME AND TURN ON THE POWER If you find yourself getting nervous, particularly with the driver in your hands, here’s a great thought to keep your swing moving.

When nervous, amateurs tend to speed the swing up and make it shorter - rushing back to the ball to get the shot over with. That rush, or creating a snatching motion, doesn’t allow you to turn and have the fluidity needed to hit good golf shots.

If you feel a bit of nerves coming on, try to concentrate on making a full motion to the top - whatever that full motion is for you and your swing.

A good thought, even if you can’t physically make it to the position, is to turn your left shoulder (for the righthanded golfer) behind the ball. This thought promotes a full rotation as well as the required lower body movement, and gives you the time to make a full swing. From there, you can turn back to the ball in a good, powerful position.

Doug Brolls PGA Profe ssio

nal

NORTHERN GOLFER 41

MATCHPLAYPAIRS2021

Close House - 2021 Match Play Pairs finals host venue

Match Play Pairs reaches quarter-finals stage

N

orthern Golfer’s 2021 Match Play Pairs tournament continued in June and July with eight pairs reaching the quarter-final stage.

The event, which marks its 20th year in 2021, sees teams 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, 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

Round two results Match 33 Steve Garbutt & Mick Purcifer (Billingham) LOST TO Stephen Vickers & Greg Giles (Durham City/Crook) Score: 1up Match 34 Barry Walker & Peter Simpson (Bamburgh/The Northumberland) BEAT John Jamfrey & Robert Ellison (Roseberry Grange) Score: 2&1 42 NORTHERN GOLFER

Match 35 Brian Robinson & Tim Carney (Woodham) BEAT Peter Newman & Michael Robins (Durham City/Hartlepool) Score: 5&4

Match 37 Colin Mackay & Glen Henderson (City of Newcastle) LOST TO Vaughan Raine & Shaun Elliott (Brancepeth Castle) Score: 20th hole

Match 39 Kevin Broadfoot & Paul Stocks (Close House/Ramside) BEAT Nick Sibley & Geoff Cruickshank (Eaglescliffe) Score: 1up

Match 36 Gary Atkinson & Stephen Carter (Durham City) LOST TO Neil Mole & Ian Curry (Longhirst Hall) Score: 1up

Match 38 Brian Crampton & Andy Williams (Durham City) BEAT Kieth Muldoon & Phillip Fitzsimons (Garesfield) Score: 2&1

Match 40 Steven Dodds & Neville Wanless (Durham City/Beamish) LOST TO Jon Douglas & Mark Laverick (Stocksfield) Score: 4&2

MATCHPLAYPAIRS2021

Match 41 Stewart Breckon & Shaun Maguire (Bishop Auckland) BEAT John Simmons & Mark Wharton (Newcastle United) Score: 6&5

Match 46 Michael Hughes & Stephen Turnbull (Crook) BEAT Peter Gallagher & Neil Walmsley (Durham City) Score: 4&3

Match 51 Mark Warren & Lee Warren (Newbiggin) BEAT Michael Hughes & Stephen Turnbull (Crook) Score: 3&2

Match 42 Simon Watson & Russell Taylor (Burgham) BEAT Graeme Bone & Simon Keers (Roseberry Grange) Score: 5&4

Match 47 Dan Younger & Alan Slater (Hexham/Ramside Hall) LOST TO Ian Messenger & Michael Monk (Longhirst) Score: 4&2

Match 52 Jon Douglas & Mark Laverick (Stocksfield) BEAT Stewart Breckon & Shaun Maguire (Bishop Auckland) Score: 4&2

Match 43 Peter Tracey & David Balme (Bedlington) LOST TO David Wailes & John Barnes (Bedlington/Arcot) Score: 5&4

Match 48 James Guy & James Melville (Brancepeth/Crook) LOST TO Mark Warren & Lee Warren (Newbiggin) Score: 1up

Match 53 Simon Watson & Russell Taylor (Burgham) LOST TO Douglas Cairns & Mel Surtees (Woodham) Score: 1up

Round three results Match 44 Douglas Cairns & Mel Surtees (Woodham) BEAT Jonathan Rennoldson & Kevin Black (Seaham) Score: 2&1

Match 49 Neil Mole & Ian Curry (Longhirst) BEAT Barry Walker & Peter Simpson (Bamburgh/ Northumberland) Score: 2&1

Match 54 David Wailes & John Barnes (Bedlington/Arcot) LOST TO Vaughan Raine & Shaun Elliott (Brancepeth) Score: 4&3

Match 45 Steve Weldon & Rob Armstrong (Whitley Bay) LOST TO Doug Ellison & Richard Mellor (Slaley Hall/Hexham) Score: 6&5

Match 50 Ian Messenger & Michael Monk (Longhirst) BEAT Kevin Broadfoot & Paul Stocks (Close House/Ramside) Score: 2&1

Match 55 Brian Crampton & Andy Williams (Durham City) BEAT Doug Ellison & Richard Mellor (Slaley Hall/Hexham) Score: 6&5

Match 56 Brian Robinson & Tim Carney (Woodham) BEAT Stephen Vickers & Greg Giles (Durham City/Crook) Score: 4&2

Quarter-finals draw Matches to be played by Sunday August 15 Match 57 Mark Warren & Lee Warren (Newbiggin) VS Brian Robinson & Tim Carney (Woodham) Match 58 Brian Crampton & Andy Williams (Durham City) VS Ian Messenger & Michael Monk (Longhirst Hall) Match 59 Vaughan Raine & Shaun Elliott (Brancepeth Castle) VS Neil Mole & Ian Curry (Longhirst Hall) Match 60 Jon Douglas & Mark Laverick (Stocksfield) VS Douglas Cairns & Mel Surtees (Woodham) NORTHERN GOLFER 43

COMPETITIONS

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 September 23, 2021. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT BEDLINGTONSHIRE GOLF CLUB The sweeping fairways and large undulating greens of the Frank Pennink-designed Bedlingtonshire Golf Club combine to provide a top quality layout and a stern test. At 6,813 yards from the back tees and with a par of 73, the course can be tough while often breezy conditions can make this one of the hardest layouts in our region. There are few prettier courses in Northumberland, particularly Bedlingtonshire’s take on Augusta National’s Amen Corner – complete with towering oak trees, demanding tee shots, card wreckers and stunning presentation.

For your chance to win answer the following question: Which course will host the 2022 Open Championship?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT SOUTH SHIELDS GOLF CLUB The coastal layout at South Shields Golf Club brings together elements of heathland and classic links with stunning views out across the North Sea. The course – a combination of original work by James Braid dating back to 1893 and later work by Dr Alister MacKenzie – sits on a stunning piece of the Cleadon Hills with views over the North Sea, Cheviots and Durham coastline.

For your chance to win answer the following question: Which course will host the 2021 AIG Women’s Open?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT WESTERHOPE GOLF CLUB Tree-lined and measuring 6,392 yards from the back tees, Westerhope asks for accuracy and great putting to build scores.

For your chance to win answer the following question: Who won the 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club?

Congratulations to the competition winners from our June/July edition: ZOOM range finder - Bill Smith of Gateshead Longhirst - Alex Moore of South Shields • Cairndale Hotel - Andrew Mccletchie of Bishop Auckland 44 NORTHERN GOLFER

THE LATEST GOLF NEWS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

Weekly - every Friday morning

Every Friday morning, we round up the latest golf news from across the region in Northern Golfer Weekly, plus bring you updates from the magazine and the chance to win fantastic prizes in our competitions

TO BE PART OF THE CLUB, HEAD OVER TO LINKTR.EE/NEGOLFER www.northerngolfer.co.uk 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!

It was fantastic to see Graeme Storm’s name back at the top of a leaderboard at Rockliffe Hall.

Graeme returned to the winners’ circle with victory in the 2020protour’s Orka Championship at Rockliffe with a four under-par round of 68 to lead the field by two as Romanby’s Dan Brown finished in second place and Blankney’s Rob Harris finished in third spot.

We also enjoyed hearing Graeme on the BBC’s radio coverage of The Open, and wish him all the best as he continues his return to the European Tour this summer.

Billingham Golf Club’s Putting & Prosecco night on July 23 proved a great success with 14 women trying golf for the first time.

Prosecco flowed as participants hit balls on the range then headed out to the putting green for some competition. Following the event, 12 participants signed up for a course of five, hour-long lessons with Peter Kelly - one of two professionals at the club.

A Women on Par nine-hole competition will also take place in September, and the club is offering three-month discounted trial memberships to those who take part.

Meanwhile, Helen Fawcett, Women in Golf Charter champion at Billingham, has also recruited 24 girls, aged 6-12, for the Girls Golf Rocks programme at the club.

46 NORTHERN GOLFER

Stewart Bailey (second from the right) with teammates Steven Rea, Andy Hall and Simon Beanland This year’s Pig n Mix Sweet Company Charity Golf Day at Macdonald Linden Hall in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance Service raised £6,073 and saw host Stewart Bailey edge closer to his next fundraising milestone of £800,000.

More than 100 golfers took part in the event with some 120 prizes up for grabs. The winning team, with a score of 53.4, featured Ben Heslop, James Sherred, Chris Townson and Richard Blacka.

Well done Stewart, good luck on making it to your next milestone.

Very few golfers are capable of shooting lower than their age, but 73-year-old Frank Carr achieved just that when he posted a gross score of 72 in July at his home club, Seaham.

Congratulations Frank.

The true story of Maurice Flitcroft, who entered the 1976 Open Championship despite never playing a round of golf before, has been made into a film which will be released in cinemas from November 5, 2021.

The film is directed by Craig Roberts, from a screenplay by BAFTA-winning writer Simon Farnaby (Paddington 2). Farnaby adapted the script from his book The Phantom of the Open: Maurice Flitcroft, The World’s Worst Golfer co-written by Scott Murray.

The movie will tell the story of Maurice, a crane operator from Barrow-in-Furness who, with the support of his family and friends, managed to gain entry to The Open despite never playing a round of golf before. It stars Academy Award-winner Mark Rylance as Maurice, Sally Hawkins as his wife Jean and Rhys Ifans as his nemesis Mackenzie.

SALE NOW ON ALL LEADING BRANDS / GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICES SALE ON LADIES CLOTHING SAVE UP TO 35% ON WATERPROOFS, SHIRTS, SWEATERS AND TROUSERS

FANTASTIC CLEARANCE

OVER 200 GOLF BAGS IN OUR SALE SAVE £££S PRICES FROM ONLY £49.99 CALL IN TODAY YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED

NEW TAYLOR MADE MINI- DRIVERS IN STOCK R/HAND L/HAND

ON GOLF SHIRTS, JACKETS, WATERPROOFS, SWEATERS, GILLETS 40% OFF ALL ITMES (HURRY!!)

GREAT RANGE OF GOLF SHOES

FOOTJOY, ADIDAS, PUMA, STUBURT, MIZUNO

PRICES FROM ONLY £39.99

THIS MONTH ONLY!!

FREE GOLF BAG WORTH £100.00 WITH SELECTED SETS OF NEW IRONS

THIS MONTH ONLY SPECIAL

DUE TO A BUSY TRADING PERIOD WE HAVE MANY PART EXCHANGED QUALITY IRONS/ WOODS / PUTTERS IN OUR SALE

NEW POWAKADDY / MOTOCADDY ELECTRIC TROLLEYS IN STOCK

(GOLF BAGS & ACCESSORIES IN STOCK) (BEST PRICES GUARANTEED)

OFFER ON SELECTED GOLF GLOVES £6.99 EACH OR 2 FOR ONLY £10.00

COMPACT CT6 GPS POWAKADDY POWAKADDY FX3 // POWAKADDY FX5 MOTOCADDY M TECH GPS TROLLEY NEW SI MOTOCADDY // POWAKADDY FX7 GPS

WE PRICE CHECK ALL OUR STOCK ONLINE TO MAKE SURE YOU GET THE LOWEST PRICE ALWAYS (PRICE PROMISE) MANY MORE BARGAINS IN-STORE ON ALL THE LATEST EQUPMENT

Your No 1 Discount Golf Store

Shaun Cowell PGA Golf Professional

Hobson Golf Club & Driving Range, Burnopfield, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE16 6BZ Tel:01207 271605 (OPT 2) South Moor Golf Club, Craghead, Stanley, DH9 6AG Tel: 01207 283 525

Open Mon - Sun 9am - 5pm • Early opening at weekends All major credit cards accepted

HIGHER MOMENT OF ENJOYMENT. NEW

2021 PUTTERS FEEL AND FORGIVENESS. Consistency and predictability in both feel and performance ensure these eye-catching 2021 putters improve results on the greens. They achieve new levels of forgiveness relying on multi-material construction and a soft, responsive new dual-durometer insert across 11 blades, mid-mallets and mallets.

© PING 2021

HIGH-DENSITY WEIGHTS TO OPTIMISE MOI DUAL-DUROMETER PEBAX FACE INSERT