Northern Golfer #95 September 2022 by Offstone Publishing

95FREE PLEASE TAKE A COPY OF THE MAGAZINE WITH YOU - ISSUE SEPTEMBER 2022 AARON’S YEAR WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT RAMSIDE HALL, LINDEN HALL, AND ROTHBURY Aussie PGA professional Aaron Cox on national awards and PGA wins, junior academy success, and how moving to the UK five years ago has changed his life

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As well as a busy Teeing Off section, we’ve also got the latest from our columnists to entertain you this month, including another honest and open column from Chris Paisley as he prepares for the final weeks of the DP World Tour season.

Doug Brolls 07721 031 doug@offstonepublishing.co.uk482

Published

The club golf season is drawing to a close and this month we have a roundup of the five North East men’s leagues plus junior league news, and lots more club championship winners as we look ahead to the Champion of Champions events at Longhirst Hall on October 1. If you haven’t already, please head over to www.northerngolfer.co.uk and submit your entry form if you’re a men’s, ladies or junior club champion.

Brancepeth

46 FROM THE BUNKER Readers’

The final weeks of the 2022 season are upon us and now is the time to finish off the golfing year in style.

FRONT COVER Aussie PGA professional Aaron Cox on his incredibly successful year on and off the golf course Pages 24-27 04 YOU AT LONGHIRST One month to go to Champion of Champions 06-19 TEEING OFF Callum Tarren secures his PGA Tour card, national success stories, PGA wins, league titles, and more 20 HAPPY BIRTHDAY Celebrating 25 years of Longhirst Hall Golf Course 23 TOUR LIFE With Chris Paisley 29 ON COURSE With Simon Olver 31 TOUR TIPS With Sean Russell 33 19TH HOLE Are the top players really playing too much? COURSE PROFILE Castle Golf Club A ROUND WITH professional Mark Ridley GEAR latest equipment MATCH four teams remain TIPS Eye on the prize Win golf for four at Ramside, Linden Hall, and Rothbury tales

Gillian Corney 07903 500 gillian@offstonepublishing.co.uk401

Dean Bailey, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

from around the region 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 Follow @northerngolfermagus ADVERTISING 01661 844 115 Seaton Carew Golf Club electric GOLF trolleys NE Retail and brand partners Gold package golf club partners

2022 will be remembered for many things, particularly in the men’s professional game. In our corner of the world, it will surely be remembered for our region’s success on the national stage.

©Offstone Publishing 2022. 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.

PHOTOGRAPHY

We’ve also had Rachel Gourley and Maggie Whitehead star in a winning England team in the Home Internationals, seen more professionals win on the NE/NW PGA circuit, and celebrated the success of junior golfers in the North of England U14 Championship at South Moor.

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44 COMPETITIONS

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I had the pleasure of spending time with PGA professional Aaron Cox this month for our cover interview, and the wide-ranging conversation covered a great deal of the work he’s done at Blackwell Grange in just five years since he arrived in the UK from Australia. As Aaron says himself, what he’s done through his junior academy system, which has grown from nothing to reaching more than 150 youngsters every month, isn’t rocket science. However, his dedication to introducing young people to golf is truly inspiring and Aaron is certainly a one of a kind mentor and coach.We’vealso visited Brancepeth Castle for our Course Profile, enjoyed A Round With South Moor professional Mark Ridley, put together a packed Gear section, reached the semi-finals of the Match Play Pairs, and joined in the 25th birthday celebrations at Longhirst.Enjoythefinal weeks of the season - see you in October.

When you have finished with please recycle it by: Follow @northerngolfermagLike@negolferusus

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That success story continued throughout the last month, starting with Callum Tarren securing his PGA Tour card for the 22-23 season.

PGA

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Kevin Gibson & Nicky Rogerson info@kgphotography.co.uk EVENTS Dean Bailey dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk

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and Yorkshire within Northern Golfer’s circulation area have earned invitations to the Champion of Champions events at Longhirst Hall on Saturday October 1.

More players from across the region have earned their places in the three Northern Golfer Champion of Champions events, which take place at Longhirst Hall on Saturday October 1

See you at Longhirst

Andy Nelson, Saltburn men’s champion Louisa Hamilton, Ponteland ladies champion Stephen Turnbull, Consett men’s champion Peter Caveney (men’s) and Emily Garbutt (ladies)Middlesbrough’s champions Alyson Smith, Boldon ladies champion Andrew Minnikin, City of Newcastle men’s champion Claire Allison, Longhirst ladies champion Cameron Wallace, Cleveland men’s champion Will HeworthMarshall,men’schampion Luke Stone, Roseberry Grange men’s champion Tom Skelton, Beamish Park men’s champion

04 NORTHERN GOLFER CHAMPIONOFCHAMPIONS

The three events - for men, women and juniors - will take place over Longhirst’s Dawson Course and players are invited to submit their entries online now. Open to club champions crowned in the 2022 calendar year, there is no charge for competitors for the 18-hole tournaments, which have been won by some of the region’s best amateur golfers 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.Players who have earned invitations include men’s defending champion Joseph Henderson, who won the club championship at Alnwick; Annette Walton, who won the Consett & District ladies’ championship for the 18th time; and Durham men’s matchplay champion Martin McCririck, who won the men’s title at Boldon. Also eligible to take part at Longhirst are Durham county players Cameron Wallace (Cleveland men’s champion) and Will Marshall (Heworth men’s champion); former Northumberland county champions Neil Graham (Newcastle United) and Andrew Minnikin (City of Newcastle); Ponteland’s ladies champion Louisa Hamilton, who won the title at the age of just 14; Longhirst’s ladies champion Claire Allison; and Tom Skelton, who won Beamish Park’s men’s championship on the fourth hole of a playoff.Theywill be joined by junior golfers including Ross Greger (Ponteland), Andre Bethapudi (Chester-le-Street), Neve Pearson (Boldon), Harvey Robson (Beamish Park) and Harry Caygill (Eaglescliffe), Champions must submit their entry forms at www.northerngolfer. co.uk (click on the Champion of Champions tab). For dean@offstonepublishing.co.ukinformation, contact DeanmoreBailey,

M ale, female and junior golfers from across theCo Durham,Northumberland,Teesside,Borders,Cumbria

CHAMPIONOFCHAMPIONS

Harvey Robson, Beamish Park junior champion Marion Logan, Magdalene Fields ladies champion Joseph Henderson, Alnwick men’s champion Ryan Riley, Eaglescliffe men’s champion Annette Walton, Consett ladies champion Grant Dixon, Seaham men’s champion Ryan RichmondHowe,men’s champion Stuart Ord, Hobson men’s champion Lynne Errington, Heworth ladies champion Lucy Nimmo (ladies), Andre Bethapudi (junior) and Paul Ward (men’s) - Chester-leStreet’s championsNeve Pearson, Boldon junior champion Richard Fawcett, Thirsk men’s champion Ross PontelandGreger,junior champion Sean Foster, Houghton-le-Spring men’s championMartin McCririck, Boldon men’s champion

Having added a T20 finish at the Rocket Mortgage Classic and a T27 finish at the Wyndham Championship, Callum missed the cut in the first event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs - though he couldn’t be disappointed with how his first season on the PGA Tour went.

“I can’t wait to get back out there,” he added. “Having had to enter every event and be ready to sneak in at the last minute, I’m looking forward to being able to set a schedule, arrange some time with the family and structure what I’m doing a lot more.

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I’d played well and not got to a weekend, but once I made that first cut, things got going.” Having made his first cut, Callum picked up his first top-10 the following week with a T5 finish in the Puerto Rico Open. A solid month of golf followed before he progressed through qualifying to earn his second visit to the US Open. “Playing in my second US Open at Brookline was a huge highlight of the year,” added Callum, who earned a T31 finish in the year’s third major after leading the field through 33 holes. “To have my family and friends there, and take the lead in a major championship, was so cool.” From there, Callum continued his momentum, picking up a pair of top10 finishes at the John Deere Classic (T6) and the 3M Open (T7) to all but guarantee his card for 2022-23. “Shooting five-under par for the back nine on Sunday at the 3M stands out. Doing that on any Sunday, but particularly one that Callum Tarren (© PGA Tour) late in the season, is so important to locking up your card.”

Welcome back to the PGA Tour, Callum Tarren

“With the recent changes to the tour, it’s going to be an exciting year to be a PGA Tour member. One week can change your life out there and I’m excited to get my second season underway.”

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Callum Tarren reflects on securing his PGA Tour card for 2022-23 and picks his highlights from a fantastic debut year on the world’s leading golf tour Callum Tarren signed off his first year as a member of the PGA Tour with a trip to the FedEx Cup Playoffs after securing a place in the top-125 on the season-long points list and earning full playing privileges for the 2022-23“Havingseason.earned my card in 2021, one of my first goals for this season was to keep it. I’m over the moon to have made it to the playoffs and earned an improved category for next season,” said Callum, who enjoyed a short break at home in Darlington with his partner and daughter before heading back to the US in CallumSeptember.earned his card after progressing through Korn Ferry Tour Finals in 2021. Having made a slow start to the season, missing his first eight cuts, he finished T30 in The Honda Classic in February. “There was a lot to get my head around after earning a PGA Tour card and welcoming our daughter into the world in the space of a few weeks,” Callum admitted. “That said, I’m delighted with how I picked things up and found my feet. “It was a bit different early on. I’m a huge golf fan and hitting balls beside Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and all the top players in the world took a bit of adjusting to. I also saw how different life is on the PGA Tour with the big entourages travelling to each stop. It all added distractions I’d not had to handle before, but I managed to settle down, learn and get comfortable in that environment.

Woad as Ireland carried a 4-3 lead into the singles. Needing eight points from the 14 matches to win, the decisive moment came in the match involving Rachel – her half point against Sara Byrne ensuring England got over the line by the smallest of margins.

TEEINGOFF CENTENARY COMPETITIONSOPEN2022 SOCIETIES.. GOLF PACKAGES FROM £25 PER PERSON for further details on the above telephone the Secretary on 01429 836510 • Senior Open 4-man team over 55s ursday 15th September £60 per team Application forms at www.castleedengolfclub.co.uk and at Golf Empire. Castle Eden Golf Club 18 Hole picturesque parkland course Castle Eden Golf Club, Castle Eden, TS27 4SS www.castleedengolfclub.co.uk E

Morgan Blythe

R&AteenagersNorthumberland07reachfinalfour

NORTHERN GOLFER

All three trophies were decided right at the death on a dramatic day in County Donegal. Six of the 14 singles games went down to the final hole, with England winning two and halving four of those games. Rachel picked up a point in the morning foursomes alongside Lottie

Arcot Hall’s Rachel Gourley signed off her junior career by reaching the semi-finals of The R&A Girls Amateur Championship as Hexham’s Morgan Blythe reached the final four in the boys’ event at Carnoustie, Panmure and Monifieth. Rachel, who headed to Auburn University following the event, was beaten by England teammate and eventual champion Lottie Woad. Meanwhile, Morgan lost out to Sweden’s Didrik Ringvall Bengtsson, who was beaten by compatriot Albert Hansson in the final.

ngland’s joint men’s and women’s team – which featured Arcot Hall’s Rachel Gourley and Close House’s Maggie Whitehead - snatched victory from the jaws of defeat on a dramatic final day in the Home Internationals at Ballyliffin. A final score of 11-10 in favour of England allowed the 16-strong combined squad to pip hosts Ireland to the inaugural R&A Trophy following earlier wins against Wales andInScotland.thefight for the Men’s Home Internationals title, England also edged out Ireland to win the Raymond Trophy. They were only denied a hat-trick of wins on countback - Ireland’s women pipping their rivals on game points after their head-to-head ended in a 4.5-4.5 draw.

Maggie and Rachel star at Home InternationalsMaggieWhiteheadandRachelGourley

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NORTHERN GOLFER

Newcastle United Golf Club, Newcastle and District League champions 2022 Close House, Hadrian League champions 2022

Lancashire will represent the northern counties in this year’s England Golf Men’s County Finals at Royal Norwich following victory in the Men’s ChampionshipQualifying-AKAthe Big Six - at Hallamshire. Lancashire will face Surrey, Gloucestershire and Derbyshire in the national final after beating Durham by just three shots in the qualifying event as Yorkshire were third. Durham County Boys’ champion Ben Willis caught the eye with a course record 66 in the second round as the individual scoring was led by Charlie Daughtrey, Jack Maxey and Jack Brooks – all three finishing three under-par. Ben Willis closeseniorsDurhamgo

Bamburgh Castle will be heading to Longhirst having come out on top in the North Northumberland League. With seven teams able to win the title on the final night of the season, Bamburgh beat Magdalene Fields 10-2 to finish the year with 93 points. Goswick finished second and Warkworth claimed third place, both teams amassing 88 points. In the members’ league, which is played with handicaps, Alnwick Castle topped the table as Rothbury finished in second place. In the North Durham League, Durham City won division one with a week to spare, topping the table with 11 wins in 14 games and 23 points as Brancepeth Castle finished second. Boldon topped division two and earned promotion alongside Crook, while George Washington finished top of the pile in division three and will move up next season alongside South Moor. In the Teesside & District League, Eaglescliffe produced a dominant performance to win the first division, finishing 18 points clear of Bishop Auckland. In division two, Hunley Hall earned promotion alongside Teesside, while Hartlepool won division three and promotion alongside Catterick. The Dixon Cup, which sees teams of seven (six scores to count) from each of the league-winning clubs compete over 18 holes, will take place at Longhirst Hall on September 11.

Durham’s seniors team picked up an impressive win to close out the Northern Counties season, finishing just two points behind champions Yorkshire. Durham took a 5-1 lead against Cumbria at Appleby in the morning greensomes before the hosts battled back in the afternoon fourballs, earning a 6-6 draw as Durham won the tie 11-7. The win was Durham’s third of the season and saw them finish in third place as Lancashire took second with the same points but a better game points total.

winLancashireBigSix

League champions T he winning clubs from each of the North East’s five men’s leagues will compete for the Dixon Cup at Longhirst Hall in September after topping their respective season-longNewcastleraces.United earned their place with a first Newcastle & District Golf League title in 25 years. With the league split into two divisions for the first time, United topped division one with 123 points from 14 matches. Led by the club’s first female club captain, Jen Anderson, United finished 19 points clear of Northumberland as City of Newcastle completed the top three. With promotion and relegation introduced for the first time, Westerhope topped division two and will move up with Blyth and Morpeth as Whitley Bay, Ponteland and Tyneside drop into division two. In the Hadrian League, Close House – who lost out on the title to Stocksfield by a single point in 2021 – managed to cling on for victory on the final night. Needing just three points, they visited second placed Slaley Hall and while losing 9-3, finished a single point ahead of Slaley.

TEEINGOFF NORTHERN GOLFER 09 Now taking Society Bookings for 2023 Quote code WBGC2023 for a 5% discount Expires 30th November 2022 Please contact us on 0191 252 0180 or email us generalmanager@whitleybaygolfclub.co.ukat

Terrific Twynholms

Sandy and Cameron Twynholm won three Renwick Medals as the leading qualifier in the County Championship, which he won in 2004. He has also reached the semifinals of the championship 10 times.

Sandy Twynholm’s winning record in the Morpeth club championship shows no signs of slowing down. Now 57, Sandy, Northumberland’s most-capped county player ever, won the championship for a 24th time this summer. This year’s victory was made even sweeter as his 15-year-old son, Cameron, won the aptly named Sandy Twynholm Cup for the leading nett score in the event. Sandy said: “It was great to see Cameron get the trophy; I was really chuffed he won a cup named after me. He’s been playing about eight years now, but only seriously the last three. He’s got his handicap down to eight and I think there’s more to expect from him. “I’d missed out for a couple of years on the club title and I was very happy to win it again… I’d like to think I can make it to 25.” Capped for Scotland, Sandy has a prolific winning record in Northumberland with seven county strokeplay titles and hat-tricks in both the Fenwick Smith and North and South trophies. He has also

Maggie Whitehead

VaglianowinEuropeJunior Maggie Whitehead claimed one-and-a-half singles points for GB&I as the under-16 girls’ team lost out to the Continent of Europe in the Junior Vagliano Trophy at Blairgowrie. Europe’s girls completed a 10-8 win as the boys also won the Jacques Léglise Trophy. Maggie claimed a 2up victory over Lynn van der Sluijs to add to her half in the singles on day one, but it was not quite enough as Europe won the Junior Vagliano for the seventh time in a row.

Bishop Auckland’s Jamie Birkbeck and Jess Hall repeated their 2017 triumph in winning the Durham County Mixed Foursomes at Crook. Their 3&1 victory inchampionship,club’sandHoughton-le-Spring’soverJohnJoannaEllisonsealedthesixthsuccessinthethefirstcoming1958.

Martin Ball has joined Lundin Links as the club’s general manager.

Hall and Birkbeck win Mixed Foursomes

Martin, who was GM at Eaglescliffe before he headed north to Scotland and Ladybank Golf Club, has swapped one of Fife’s inland Open Qualifying venues for a coastal one. He said: “I enjoyed my time at Ladybank a great deal and made some fantastic memories in my three years there. Moving to Lundin was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I’m looking forward to supporting the progression of the club and the golf course, and being part of lots of exciting MorrisarchitectsthespectacularLundindevelopments.”LinksoffersviewsacrossFirthofForthwithnotedincludingOldTomandJamesBraid.

championsSenior Stocksfield Golf Club’s senior team topped the Northumberland Senior Members Golf League, finishing five points clear of City of Newcastle. Needing three points from their final match to take the title, Stocksfield beat Whitley Bay 7-5 away from home to finish the season with 95 points.

Jamie Birkbeck and Jess Hall

The event has been hosted at the Dr Alister Mackenziedesigned South Moor since it was launched in 2013. Past champions include Barclay Brown, England international Josh Hill, and Northumberland county player Harrison Sewell.

They had to wait until 1980 for their next win, when two Bishop teams made it to the final. They doubled up in 1986 and 1987, before Jamie and Jess won the club’s fifth title in 2017 - beating Beamish Park in the final. In this year’s semi-finals, the duo defeated the Billingham pair 6&4 while Houghton narrowly beat Heworth 1up to reach their second final in a row after losing to Hobson in 2021. The win was Bishop’s second at county level this season following victory in the County Teams Handicap Championship at Ravensworth - where they fielded a team led by manager Gerry Johnson alongside Cameron Hamilton (18), Ben Mawson (14) and Finley Hall (13).

Martin Ball

oventry Golf Club’s Joshua Gardner made the trip north to South Moor worthwhile by winning the North of England Under 14 Championship.Joshuaposteda three-round total of 216 (level par) to win the under-14 gross title, beating Wynyard’s Alex Boyes by one shot as Teesside-based Thomas Hartshorne finished third, three shots further back. Meanwhile, Daniela Montolio Reyes from Real Club de Golf won the girls’ gross trophy with a total of 246. In the overall nett competition, Oscar Knowles (Thirsk & Northallerton) led the field with an 11 under-par score. In the under-12 categories, Niamh Bush (Gaudet Luce GC) won the girls’ title as Chester-le-Street’s Andre Bethapudi won the boys’.

Gardner wins Under 14s at South Moor

adventureScottish

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Kings of the castles N orth East & North West PGA captain Martyn Stubbings and Prudhoe’s Andrew Scrimshaw led the way in the circuit’s two-day M&R Developments Castle Classic ProAm, hosted by Bamburgh Castle and Dunstanburgh Castle. Seaton Carew-based Martyn posted a four under-par total, which was matched by Andrew as Morpeth’s David Clark led his team to victory with a 33 under-par score. Meanwhile, 18-hole pro am victories have gone to three more of the region’s top professionals. At Brancepeth Castle, Close House’s Simon Robinson led the field for a third time this season with a three under-par round of 67 as Christian Brown and Craig Smith finished in a tie for second place, one shot back. In the Mandale Middlesbrough Golf Club Pro Am, David Clark topped the leaderboard with a fine Andrew Scrimshaw and Martyn Stubbings l-r David Clark, George Cowan and Simon Robinson round of 64 (six under-par) with five players tied for second place on Finally,66. at Hexham, George Cowan added to Westerhope’s success this year with a four under-par round of 66, leading another chasing pack of five players by two shots.

welcomeWarm High Gosforth Park Golf Club’s clubhouse lounge has undergone a full makeover thanks to a team of local contractors. The new space, which is available to hire for free for private parties, was delivered by Dunbar Decorators, Wot Knot Joinery, Carpet and Flooring Studio, and Pubstuff. The kitchen team has welcomed the reopening with the launch of a new menu too.

TEEINGOFF NORTHERN GOLFER11 2023 OPEN COMPETITIONS Senior Men’s Better Ball Open Wednesday 31st May 2023 £40 per pair Ladies Team of 4 Monday 3rd July 2023 £50 per team Senior Men’s Team of 4 Wednesday 6th September 2023 £80 per team To book call 01913869514 or proshop@ramsidehallhotel.co.ukemail GROUP BOOKINGS 2023 bookings now been taken for Society/Corporate and Captains away golf days To book please golfsales@ramsidehallhotel.co.ukcontact TO BOOK TEES Please www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk/golfvisitorscanQRcodebelow

Ramside Golf Club

Two of the finest Championship courses in the North East Northern Golfer Half Page September 2022.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2022 11:28 Page 1

DGA hosts taster event at Calverley

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The Disabled Golf Association (DGA) has hosted its first taster session at Calverley Golf Club in Leeds. The Welcome to Golf taster event was aimed at those thinking about taking up the game, with friendly coaching on the driving range and putting green. Around 10 people, including carers, took part in the event, which was supported by England Golf, Yorkshire Golf Development, and the golf club. The afternoon was run by PGA professional Jeff Whittam and assistant Dan Atkins. Jeff, who has delivered coaching for disabled people throughout his career, took participants through hitting balls on the range, a chipping session, and putting.

£2,500raiseseventBlackwell

homecomingJess’

Dickie Parker, Blackwell’s club captain, said: “It was great to see everyone coming together in a fantastic atmosphere, with everyone enjoying themselves on the golf course to raise money for two fantastic causes. The icing on the cake was the success of the PSA testing and we thank Darlington Lions and everyone who volunteered for their involvement”.

The Disabled Golf Association is a charity and to help run events such as this it relies on volunteers, sponsorship and donations. If you would like to learn more, please andneil.patrick@disabledgolf.org.ukcontactvisitwww.disabledgolf.org.uk

Blackwell Grange Golf Club’s annual charity day raised more than £2,500 for two captains’ charities - Prostate Cancer UK and Asthma & Lung UK. In association with Darlington Lions Club, volunteer nurses also carried out 129 PSA specific-antigen)(prostate-blood tests at the event to spot early signs of cancer, with the costs covered by Lions’ fundraising. Of those tested, 17 were advised to contact their GPs and potentially be referred for further tests and early treatment of prostate cancer.

Our August cover star Jess Baker received a hero’s welcome on her return to the University of Central Florida. Jess was welcomed into the college’s football stadium by 45,000 fans following her victory in the Women’s Amateur Championship at Hunstanton this summer.

The Disabled Golf Association is hoping to work closely with Calverley to create its first-ever golf hub to cater for disabled people trying golf for the first time, and to coach members.

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Northern champion crowned at Dunstanburgh O livia Heard stormed to an emphatic victory in the Faldo Series England Championship (North) at Dunstanburgh Castle, finishing eight shots clear of the field on the Northumberland coast. Olivia - from Biddenden - shot rounds of 70, 71 and 74 to finish four under-par and claim the overall title. Meanwhile, the boys’ under-21 category went to a sudden death playoff after Max Weaver and Mackenzie Holmes finished tied on four over-par for 54 holes. Heading back down the par four first, Max was able to hold his nerve and almost drive the green to setup a birdie and claim victory. In the boys’ under-12 category, Brodi Lewis led the way with an eight over-par total, while Isabella Taylor-Stokes won the under-16 girls’Thetitle.event was the Faldo Series’ second visit to Dunstanburgh Castle. Stuart Imeson, co-owner of Dunstanburgh, said: “The return of the Faldo Series was another fantastic experience and we’re so happy to see such top-quality golf played over the links. This year, the course played fast and firm, and the skill of the players I saw in action – not just driving it a long way but having great control toowas phenomenal.“Wehopetocontinue to build on the fantastic partnership we have with the Faldo Series, and see more top players competing here in a variety of big events in the years to come.”

The Morpeth Comrades team – Tom McNally, Ken Auld, Dave Scurfield and Stuart Brodie - led the way with a score of 131 points (three scores from four). They’re pictured above with cricket legend Steve Harmison and Longhirst’s Graham Chambers.

Northumberland’s junior team won the league with victory over Close House in the event’s final at Longhirst. In the morning semi-finals, Northumberland drew 6-6 with Morpeth and progressed with a better holes up total as Close House beat City of Newcastle 8-4. In the final, Northumberland junior captain Archie Hutchinson led his team to victory with a 7-5 win over the 2021 champions.Meanwhile,Ramside, Durham City and Darlington have progressed to the playoffs in the Durham County Golf Union Junior League having topped their respective divisions. Ramside led the way in the north east division as Durham City topped the north west flight and Darlington won the southern title. They will now compete in a series of round robin matches to be crowned Durham champions for 2022.

NORTHERN GOLFER13 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 557060 BETH COLLICT – (BAR AND FACILITIES MANAGER) Billingham Golf Club, Sandy Lane, Billingham, TS22 5NA Email: billinghamgc@btconnect.com Tel: 01642 533816 – Option 1 OCT 1st 2022 TEXAS SCRAMBLE ANY 3 COMBINATIONPERSON GOLF/DRINK OFFER £25PP INC 18 HOLES + FREE PINT OR GLASS OF WINE GOLF SOCIETIES / VISITORS AVAILABLERANGEWEDDINGSAVAILABLEFUNCTIONAVAILABLEPACKAGESROOMFOR/BIRTHDAYSOFMEMBERSHIPS TELEPHONE: 01670 791562 EMAIL: INFO@LONGHIRSTGOLF.CO.UK WWW.LONGHIRSTGOLF.CO.UK NORTHUMBERLAND’S FINEST LONGHIRST HALL GOLF COURSE 36 HOLES OF CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF & PUBLIC DRIVING RANGE JUST NORTH OF MORPETH 5 MINS FROM A1 MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE - (PAY VIA DIRECT DEBIT) 2 SUPERB COURSES TO PLAY - OPEN 12 MONTHS OF THE YEAR!! RING 01670 791562 FOR DETAILS! JUNIORTHEGOLFLONGHIRSTLEADINGWAYWITHGOLF BOOK NOW FOR THE ROBERT ROCK JUNIOR GOLF TOUR 8TH OCTOBER 2022 WWW.ROBERTROCKJUNIORGOLFTOUR.CO.UK OR TELEPHONE 01670 791562

The Northumberland Golf Club junior team

TEEINGOFF Lewis Reay and Maggie Whitehead Top team Longhirst Hall welcomed sponsors and business partners for the annual Corporate Cup.

Junior champions T he Northumberland Golf Club’s junior team has lifted the Northumbria Junior Golf League trophy, while Durham’s three divisional champions have progressed to the finals of this year’s junior league.

Ramside’s Lewis Reay will be looking to end his junior career on a high having reached 100 caps for his home club in July. Having first played for the team in May 2015 at the age of 13, Lewis has played 102 games for Ramside to-date, captaining the team in 2019 and winning the junior club championship at his home club in 2021.

VACANCY – GENERAL MANAGER, MORPETH GOLF CLUB LTD

Andy added: “We’re now looking forward to further enhancing our offering to members, visitors and the local community - including facilities for practice and teaching with our attached professional Darren Grey - and continuing to invest in our offering as we look to deliver growth across all areas of the club.”

Please submit your CV with a covering personal statement giving details of what attracts you to the role, please highlight your attributes/skills, your current position and when you will be available to commence.

14 NORTHERN GOLFER BRANCEPETH CASTLE GOLF CLUB CLASSIC COURSE DESIGNED BY THE LEGENDARY HARRY COLT Telephone - 0191 3780075 Option 2 or email enquiries@brancepeth-castle-golf.co.uk Competition & Golf bookings available online at THEwww.brancepeth-castle-golf.co.ukCLUBHOUSE,BRANCEPETH, DH7 8EA Memberships Available 17 Month Special Offer 1st November to 31st March 2024 Full Membership £995 5 Day Membership £795

The work has also included the rerouting of the golf course, with the original sixth hole from the old nine-hole layout - a blind par four with a very challenging approach - reinstated and the former 18th hole removed. The playing order has also been changed with the former 12th hole - a challenging, uphill par five - now serving as the 18th with the new clubhouse balcony overlooking the green. A second phase of works, including second phase irrigation and the creation of new practice facilities, is set for the coming months.

Andy Hill, the club’s general manager, said: “The opening of our new clubhouse is a fantastic achievement and an exciting step in securing the long-term future of Alnwick Castle Golf Club. Few managers get the opportunity to work on a project of this scale and I’m proud to have been part of its successful completion.”

An excellent opportunity for a professional General Manager to take responsibility for all day-to-day operational responsibilities including staff and full proﬁt and loss accountability.

Competitive salary and package will be provided commensurate with experience.

Work began on the new clubhouse as well as new changing facilities and a greenkeeping shed, plus phase one irrigation on the golf course, in August 2021. The works were completed by Amble-based DP Builders and KW Purvis, with design work by Richardson Surveying and Wardell Armstrong.

Morpeth Golf Club is recognised as one of the leading golf clubs in Northumberland being a fantastic, manicured parkland course with top quality greens. It boasts excellent facilities which have been improved signiﬁcantly over the last 5 years including bar, restaurant, function room, practice facilities and changing facilities.

www.morpethgolf.co.uk

Closing date for applications is 15/9/2022

The successful candidate will be responsible for the delivery of all aspects of the business through a motivated and dedicated team and will also input to the strategy of the business through the Board of Directors.

The successful candidate should have experience as a General Manager at a golf club/ country club and will have responsibility for all aspects of the running/administration of the Club and have a key role in ensuring the Club achieves its operational, ﬁnancial and strategic objectives consistent with business plans.

FAO Martin Calder OR hard copy by post to: Martin Calder - Manager, Morpeth Golf Club. The Clubhouse, Loansdean, Morpeth, England, NE61 2BT

he first and largest phase of work at Alnwick Castle Golf Club has been completed with the official opening of the new clubhouse.

TEEINGOFF

Send by email to: manager@morpethgolf.co.uk

“To see the work completed on time having faced a number of challenges – not least three weeks of recuperating after Storm Arwen – is testament to the hard work of all those who have been part of this project,” added Andy.

Alnwick Castle officially opens new clubhouse T

Delivered as part of a £1.5 million joint venture between the golf club and Northumberland Estates, the clubhouse was officially opened by the Duke of Northumberland.

GOLFMORPETHCLUB

MGC has a strong membership base and solid ﬁnancial position, we embrace forwardthinking and we are keen to appoint someone who can make a contribution to the development of the business within the context of the demands of a changing golf and leisure market.

amside has added Toptracer technology to its driving range, allowing golfers to track shots, play fun games and test their ability on some of the world’s best courses.

NORTHERN GOLFER15 TEEINGOFF 19 month membership now available 0191 236 3322 HIGH GOSFORTH PARK NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE3 WWW.PARKLANDSGOLF.CO.UKINFO@PARKLANDSGOLF.CO.UK5HQ 1st September 2022 to 31st March 2024 Join in September and get £25 on your bar card* *t&cs apply previously known as Parklands Golf Club 7 days - Full£950membership(aged30-65).00OTHERAGECATEGORIESAREAVAILABLE Reduced guest fees | Discounted buggy hire | Plus many other exclusive membership beneﬁts also included Monthly payment terms are available**t&csapply Contact us for details Top of the range R

Toptracer – which has also revolutionised TV coverage with its ball tracking system – is available in each bay on the driving range and offers the chance to track shots throughout your practice session.

As well as allowing you to gather data, there are a range of modes including The Approach Challenge, which is designed to help fine tune iron play in a game of nine approach shots on a choice of three legendary courses, while Closest to the Pin games take place on some of the most scenic par threes in the world. Players can also try out My Practice to work on their game or compete to hit the ball the furthest on Long Drive, while Toptracer 30 will provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of your whole game. For young golfers or those just starting out, Go Fish is a fun game using golf shots to catch each of 24 different sea creatures.

“Everyone is very excited about it,” she said. “It’s an incredible piece of technology and we are glad to be offering it to our members and guests. It’s also lovely to see families on the range playing together too.”

All your data is stored on your account in the Toptracer app, and Helen Roseberry, director of golf at Ramside, believes the system is a massive boost for everyone who visits the driving range.

Hall closegoes Bishop Auckland’s Jess Hall came agonisingly close to winning the English Women’s Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship at Beau Desert Golf Club. Jess - who led from the opening day - shot rounds of 70, 71, 75 and 72 to finish in third place, just one shot outside the playoff. Her final round featured four birdies, including one at the 17th, but a bogey on 18 saw her fall just short of the playoff, which was won by Italy’s Alessia Nobilio. Jess Hall

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16 NORTHERN GOLFER Boggle Hole Bellingham NE48 2DT admin@bellinghamgolfclub.com www.bellinghamgolfclub.com VISITORS WELCOME 7 DAYS A WEEK BOOK NOW ON 01434 220530 Bellingham Golf Club BOOK ON-LINE UP TO 8 DAYS IN ADVANCEVISITORS 18 HOLES MIDWEEK £22 18 HOLES WEEKENDS £27 PARTIES WELCOME - BUGGIES FOR HIRE NEW MEMBERS WELCOME FULL - INTRODUCTORY RATE - £305 COUNTRY (25MILES+) & SECOND CLUB £228 NO MORE TO PAY UNTIL 31/10/23 SEVEN TIMES OPENQUALIFYINGCHAMPIONSHIPVENUE Scottish Boys – Host Venue April 2023 St Andrews – 12 miles For green fee rates – www.lundingolfclub.co.uk Telephone 01333 320202 Email: Manager@lundingolfclub.co.uk LUNDIN LINKS, FIFE, KY8 6BA, SCOTLAND LUNDIN GOLF CLUB TEEINGOFF

Hole halved in one T

Northumberland went on to win the match and then complete a clean sweep in the northern half of this year’s Northern Counties Boys’ League with victory over Durham at High Gosforth Park Golf Club. They will face southern winners Yorkshire later this season for the Northern Counties league title.

Cameron Thoburn and Oli Edwards bookings@crosskeysdenholm.co.ukwww.crosskeysenholm.co.uk

he Northumberland vs Cumbria under-18 match saw an incredible half on the par three 10th hole at Stocksfield Golf Club. Playing first, Cumbria’s Oli Edwards holed his tee shot with a six iron from 184 yards. Westerhope’s Cameron Thoburn then followed him with an equally perfect tee shot to secure a half and head to the 11th tee with the match still in the balance. According to the National Hole in One Registry website, the odds of halving a hole in one are 17 million to one.

e Green, Denholm, Scottish Borders, TD9 8NU

Up ounty events and scratch opens DurhamNorthumberland,acrossandTeesside have been won by some of the region’s best amateur golfers. Brancepeth Castle’s Richard Aisbitt was in fine form againwinning the Teesside Trophy and the Leonard Crawley Medal. At Teesside, he produced a superb second-round 66 to win the title in the event’s 53rd year. Having opened with a round of 78 in windy conditions, Richard posted a six under-par second round to lead the field in the Yorkshire Order of Merit event. In the Leonard Crawley at Brancepeth, his 134 total gave him a five-shot margin of victory over John Howarth and Michael Henson. In the Northumberland County Golf Union’s Fenwick Smith Trophy, Slaley Hall’s Alex Buchanan outlasted the field at his home club. Alex shot a three over-par round of 75 to lead by one shot as Prudhoe’s Kevin Innes, Hexham’s Junior Dobson and Whitley Bay’s Dan Beeson finished in a tie for second. In the Boldon Scratch Open, Kevin Suggett posted a sparkling second round of 69 to win by three shots. Chester-le-Street-based Kevin opened with a round of 72, which was matched by Paul Ward and James Glenn. In the second round, only South Shields’ Martin McCririck came close to catching him, but Kevin cruised to victory with a three under-par total as Martin claimed second place, and Paul and James finished in a tie for Northumberlandthird.county titles have also been won by Arcot Hall’s John Wood - who won the Forster Cup (for players with handicaps of 11.5-28.4) at Prudhoe Golf Club with 41 stableford points - as Longhirst Hall’s Steven Smiles won this year’s County Salver (for players with handicaps of 4.4-12.4) with a three under-par nett score of 67. In the Durham County Golf Union’s Second Division Championship at Billingham, Wearside’s Neil Harrison won the title with a round of 74. The fivehandicapper finished four shots clear of Ian Campbell (Bishop Auckland), who collected the nett prize.

Richard Aisbitt, Brancepeth Richard Aisbitt, Teesside Kevin SuggettAlex Buchanan John Wood Steven Smiles

to scratch C

NORTHERN GOLFER 17 TEEINGOFF The Darlington Golf Club (Members) Ltd | Haughton Grange, Darlington, Co. Durham. DL1 3JD t: 01325 355324 | e: ofﬁce@darlington-gc.co.uk 1908 SPECIAL £15.00 PER ROUND (QUOTE 1908) FROM 1/10/22 THROUGH UNTIL 31/3/23 MACKENZIE WINTER SERIES AT DARLINGTON HAUGHTON GRANGE 2022/23 Event 1 (October) Thursday 20/10/22 Event 2 (November) Thursday 24/11/22 Event 3 (December) Thursday 15/12/22 Event 4 (January) Thursday 19/1/23 Event 5 (February) Thursday 16/2/23 Event 6 (March) Thursday 23/3/23 PAIRS BETTERBALL STABLEFORD OPEN TO GENTS, LADIES AND MIXED TEAMS Entry £25 per pair Optional Twos and Nearest the pin competition on the day. Order of Merit where the best 3 scores are combined and the winner’s receives the Mackenzie Trophy! AUTUMN 4 MAN TEAM TEXAS SCRAMBLE Sunday 25th september £40 per team Tee times from 8am MIXED PAIRS OPEN Saturday 1st october £20 per pair Tee times from 12 noon 2022/23 Open Events at Darlington GC

ompare Golf Prices has launched an exciting competition which will transform your look around the green with £10,000 worth of equipment.SuperFores is a free to enter weekly game where you predict the four scores for two players in PGA or DP World tour events. The lucky tipster who successfully matches all eight scores will win a £10,000 bundle of golf equipment –which they get to choose.

Win £10,000 with Super Fores C

championsCharity

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), in conjunction with other global greenkeeper and course superintendent groups, is recognising those who help keep golf courses enjoyable and sustainable with the return of Thank a Greenkeeper Day. BIGGA, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and other partner associations are encouraging those who love golf to take a moment to thank their course’s greenkeeping team on Tuesday September 13. Golfers are encouraged to join in the conversation on social media using the hashtag #ThankAGreenkeeper too. During the 2021 Thank a Greenkeeper Day, social media messages reached more than

A charity golf day in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation welcomed children from the Great North Children’s Hospital to City of Newcastle as the event - organised by ladies’ captain Louise Lewisraised more than £8,000 to support the charity’s work. Fifteen young cancer patients and their families took part in lessons with Steve and John McKenna, and enjoyed lunch in the clubhouse. A total of 83 players took to the course too, while Charlie Woods gave a speech about his time working closely with Sir HobsonBobby. pro David Hartley attended with his daughter, Lilly, who has been living with cancer since the age of three. He said: “This sort of event is unbelievable. It’s things that get them all together and make them feel less isolated.”

Pro Burghamjoins

The top prize will roll over to the next week if there is no winner, while the highest scorer each week will receive a Druids Ambassador PackGaryworth £99.99Hunter,Compare Golf Prices’ co-founder, said: “The jackpot is a massive prize for golfers, no matter what level you are at. It gives them an opportunity to show how much they know about golf by predicting scores and pitting themselves against other golf nuts from around the world. It is a way for the team at Compare Golf Prices to give something back to the audience by giving them a chance to win a lot of golf equipment for free.” Anyone wishing to take part just needs to go on the Compare Golf Prices website, register an account and click on the Super Fores button. Super Fores is only open to over 16s and entries must be in by 11.59pm (BST/GMT) on the Wednesday night before that week’s events start. Entrants will be able to view the weather forecast for the four days’ play and look at the previous results of the two players whose scores they are predicting. There will be player stats to examine too, with Super Fores using data from historic golf tournaments for 2,000Theplayers.winner will get to choose their own prize - from a full set of fitted irons and driver to a golf bag, electric trolley, personal launch monitor, laser rangefinder, and/or a year’s supply of golf balls. Or, they could choose a golf holiday instead, with clothing, golf shoes, gloves, belts, caps or even sunglasses. Items will be determined by a capped value on each product. Compare Golf Prices is a website where golfers can examine the different prices for golf equipment and allows golf club professionals to compete with high street retailers for the sale. To register for Super Fores, visit superforescomparegolfprices.co.uk/

Grae Stevenson has returned to Northumberland and joined Burgham Park as the club’s teaching professional. Originally from Bedlington, 60-year-old Grae turned professional in 1983 after time in the RAF. He has played around the world and is a member of the PGA in the US and Japan. He works with a number of male and female tour players, while his brother Mark plays on the seniors tour. 9 million followers around the world. To learn more about BIGGA and the role greenkeepers play in the enjoyment and sustainability of the game, visit www.bigga.org.uk © Ian Horrocks

TEEINGOFF

Thank your greenkeepers on September 13

18 NORTHERN GOLFER

The Aspiring Manager category is open to affiliate and full GCMA members, while levels 1, 2 and 3 are open to full GCMA members only. Members can apply for any level they wish, providing historical qualifications and prior learning along with their skills, knowledge and experience to match the requirements for a particular level.

he Golf Club Managers Association (GCMA) has launched a new programme to recognise the skills, achievements, experience and development of golf club managers across the UK. With four levels of accreditation, the programme is open to those in management roles and those looking to move into running a golf club. It is designed to recognise the wide range of learning and qualifications that contribute to making a successful manager.

Cleadon Hills, South Shields, Tyne and Wear NE34 8EG Main O ce: 0191 456 8942 Pro: 0191 4560110

“We’re looking forward to working with managers on applications and supporting them through the process. Your online accreditation form will exist as long as you are a member of the GCMA. It’s an ongoing process, with an annual review, which we hope will become a standard tool for managers and an essential resource for those hiring managers in the future.” A video guide explaining the application form is available online along with more information on the process. Visit www.gcma.org.uk

GCMA chief executive Tom Brooke

GCMA launches programmeaccreditationfor golf club managers

Starting 13th October 2022, £25.00 a pair. Phone 0191 456 0110 to book.

Email: manager.southshieldsgolf@gmail.com

The online application form is live now and submissions close on October 31. They will reopen on May 1, 2023 until June 30, 2023, with an annual renewal process in place from 2024.

Managers can apply for one of four levels – from GCMA Aspiring Manager to GCMA Accredited Manager (Level 3), with a Senior Leader/Master Manager status arriving in 2025.

SOUTH SHIELDS GOLF CLUB

NORTHERN GOLFER 19 www.magdaleneFIELDSMAGDALENEelds.co.ukGOLFCLUB Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1NE Gent/Ladies £520 (new members only) Telephone 01289 306130 for details and other categories/prices or email secretary.m.f.g.c@hotmail.co.uk 15 Months Membership Special Packagessecretary.m.f.g.c@hotmail.co.ukVisitor (Parties of 6 or more) Prices from £40pp Book now for 2023 Opens2022 Enter online www.magdalene-elds.co.uk Whorlton Grange, Westerhope, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE5 1PP www.westerhopegolfclub.com WESTERHOPE GOLF CLUB Opens 2022 Monday September 20th - Ladies Waltz - £27 team of 3 Friday September 30th - Gents - 4BBB Stableford - £24 pair Telephone the Secretary on 0191 2867636 (opt 3) or email secretary@westerhopegolfclub.com Sunday Lunch Bookings Welcome Telephone Shaun Mussett on 0191 2867636 (opt 5) TEEINGOFF

Tom Brooke, GCMA chief executive, welcomed the initiative, which aims to further professionalise the role of the golf club manager. He said: “Our aim is to support the professional and personal wellbeing of our members and professionalise the role of golf club management. This programme is at the centre of that. The role of a golf club manager has changed a great deal in the last 10-20 years. Everything we do going forward around development and education will point towards this programme.

ENJOY

Following dates for future opens are, 10th November, 8th December, 12th January, 9th February, 9th March

WINTER 4BBB OPENS

great ROUNDA GOLF

20 NORTHERN GOLFER HAPPYBIRTHDAY

The first 18-hole layout at Longhirst officially opened in 1997 with nothing more than its golf holes, a greenkeeping shed, and a shared space in a cricket and hockey clubhouse. By 2003, 11 new holes were added. In 2008, seven more - which would be combined with 11 from the original 18 –were added to create the Dawson Course. The remaining 18 became the Lakes Course. The clubhouse was also added in 2007, before the academy and its floodlit driving range opened in 2014. What was once the largest hole in Europe is today home to tens of thousands of golfers each year and one of the region’s most successful golf businesses. The Northern Golfer team has enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Longhirst in its first quarter of a century and look forward to seeing what Tommy, Graham and the team bring to the region’s golfing landscape in the next 25 years.

Celebrating 25 years of Longhirst

Longhirst Hall Golf Course celebrates its 25th birthday this summer. Having opened its doors in 1997, today the club has one of the largest memberships in the region

“Thinking back to the scarred landscape we started with and the work that went into handplanting 42,000 saplings in an open space with views across to the A1, where we are today is remarkable,” says Graham.“Frommyfirst conversations with Longhirst founder Tommy Dawson to today has been both eye-opening and rewarding. The journey - which is far from over - has been filled with challenges, standout events, and the chance to work with so many incredible people. “To be trusted to turn Tommy’s vision - to bring the course style and customer service levels of the US to Northumberland while offering a high-quality golf venue for local, working-class people - has been a privilege. We’re now looking forward to what we can achieve in the next 25 years.”

L onghirst Hall Golf Course has forged a unique place in the region’s golf landscape – and the landscape of Northumberland –since it opened in the summer of 1997. Shaped from the former Butterwell opencast mine - once the largest manmade hole in Europe - today the club has more than 1,400 members across all categories and has earned a track record of hosting top events, including nine years of EuroPro

Tour tournaments.Longgonearethe machines and miners who dug up to 135 metres down into the earth to extract some 13 million tonnes of coal. In their place stand the Dawson and Lakes courses, an academy and clubhouse. Construction began in 1995, with director of golf Graham Chambers, then just 28 years old and with no experience in the golf industry, arriving soon after.

HAPPYBIRTHDAY

Keep in mind that part exchange is available along with 0% ﬁnance and free delivery on orders over £50. NEW! INSTANT VALUATIONS ON ALL TRADE IN CLUBS T: 0191 5130837 WE NOW HAVE THE FACILITY TO OFFER INSTANT VALUATIONS FOR CLUBS WHICH WE WILL HAPPILY ACCEPT AGAINST ANY PRODUCT IN STORE Bargain Golf Equipment, Seaham Harbour Golf Club, Shrewsbury Street, Seaham, SR7 7RD W: WWW.BARGAINGOLFEQUIPMENT.CO.UK | E: INFO@BARGAINGOLFEQUIPMENT.CO.UK /BARGAINGOLF0%FINANCEAVAILABLEALL IN STOCK AND READY TO GO Clubs can also be taken against shoes, balls, bags, not just the old fashioned club for club. We can also take more than one club in at a time even to the level of costing the customer nothing at all for what they take out, taking loads of clubs in to make the balance owed nothing. This can also be done for store credit for any customers who don’t want any goods at that time. WE HAVE OVER: 50 Drivers, 50 Fairway Woods, 40 Hybrids, 25 Iron Sets, 100 Wedges, 100 Putters, 200 Bags, 1000 Dozen Golf Balls Unit 3, Derwenthaugh Industrial Est, Derwenthaugh Rd, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE16 3BJ Email: golftrolleysne@gmail.com OPEN: Monday to Saturday 10am until 4pm electric GOLF trolleys NE AUTHORISED POWAKADDY & MOTOCADDY SHOWROOM & SERVICE CENTRE CENTREMETRO WEHEREARE RIVER TYNE A1 A1 A1114 B6317A694 A1A695 A695 HODGSON / MAZDA TOYOTA DEALERSHIP CAR WASH HUGE TROLLEY SELECTION, TROLLEY BAGS, ACCESSORIES, GOLF BALLS, GLOVES... IN STOCK Tel: 0191 414 0582 | www.electricgolftrolleysne.co.uk TROLLEY SERVICING/REPAIRS AND SAME DAY REGRIPPING SERVICE! Part Exchange Welcome (Terms & conditions apply) 22 NORTHERN GOLFER

The final countdown DP World Tour player Chris Paisley looks ahead to the final run of events this season, and sets out his plans for the weeks ahead Chris Paisley

Tour

A s I write, I’m in Denmark for the Made In Himmerland. This is one of my favourite events of the year because the crowds provide an electric atmosphere, and I have a good record here. For some reason, the course really suits my eye too. This is my second event in a run of potentially 10 in a row. Quite simply, I have to play exceptionally well to salvage what has been the worst and toughest season of my career. I usually plan my schedule so that I don’t play more than four events in a row and have a chance to take a couple of weeks off at a time. Given my current position, I am just going to go with the flow. I am in a fight to save my job and I am going to keep battling until I have either accomplished that goal or run out of events.Thisisn’t the position I envisaged I would be in at the start of the season. Frankly, I can’t believe how badly the year has gone so far. I have made some poor decisions in the last 18 months in an effort to improve, and unfortunately the opposite has happened. It has been a harsh lesson to learn, but I suppose that’s sport. My work ethic, desire, and attitude are still there, but making some big changes to my swing has proven costly. The problem with golf is that if you work like a maniac on the wrong things, then you are heading further and further from where you want to be. It then takes the same, if not more effort to get back to where you were. This is where I am currently. I’m working my socks off with my coach, Andrew Nicholson, to piece my swing together and it is slowly getting there. Despite the fact I need some really high finishes to retain my card, I need to stay calm, positive and patient. My confidence has taken a massive hit over the past year or so, but deep down I know I have the ability to get out of this mess. One thing is for sure, if I do manage to pull this off, I’m going to throw one hell of a party to celebrate! Images/DP World

TOURLIFE NORTHERN GOLFER 23

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

“It’s been a great four seasons at Blackwell. I feel like I’ve fitted into the club well, gotten to know the members, and I hope I’ve created something which the management and members

NORTHERN GOLFER 25 COVERINTERVIEW

Wherever I lay my hat

We sat down with him at Blackwell Grange to hear all about it Since his arrival in the UK in early 2018, Aussie PGA professional Aaron Cox has earned a reputation for success on and off the golf course. Blackwell Grange-based Aaron has combined the roles of coach and player expertly, winning local and national PGA tournaments while earning an England Golf Award after growing his junior academy programme from scratch to reaching more than 150 youngsters every month.“2022hasbeen a phenomenal year,” says Aaron. “It’s been four years in the making, but to get national recognition with an England Golf Award, win my first national PGA event, and follow those up with the birth of my son is pretty special.” Having decided he needed an extended break away from Australia, where he was head professional at Gardiners Run in Melbourne and travelled the country on the pro am circuit, Aaron spent eight weeks playing and teaching in the North West of England in the summer of 2017. After flying home to defend his PGA of Australia Vanuatu Open title, he made the move to the UK permanent in January 2018, taking up dual citizenship [his father was born in Peterborough], and arriving with his clubs, a suitcase and just a few personal belongings.

Aussie PGA professional Aaron Cox has built an impressive resumé in the five years since he arrived in the UK. In 2022, he has won an England Golf Award, grown his junior coaching to reach 150 players every month, won his first national PGA title, and become a father.

“The summer of 2017 was the break I needed and when I got home, I knew I wanted my next chapter to be here,” he says.After working in Essex, he moved north to take a PGA professional job with Peter Raine at Blackwell Grange.

26 NORTHERN GOLFER

“I’ve always been competitive and playing

COVERINTERVIEW are proud to have associated with their club.“Myworking relationship with Peter is the best I’ve had in my career. He’s given me the scope to be me, while supporting and guiding me when I’ve needed that too. I hope we can work together for a very long time.”Aaronwas crowned Participation and Development Coach of the Year at the England Golf Awards in recognition of his outstanding achievements working with junior golfers. Having set out to grow junior golf at the Darlington club, which had three junior members when he arrived, he now has contact with more than 150 youngsters through the Aced - Aaron Cox Elite Development - Academy, with junior membership at Blackwell nearing 100.Aaron’swork began in local primary schools before he moved on to create pathways for further development at Blackwell. “I’m not the sort of guy that sits still very long, so having the opportunity to create something new and exciting was exactly what I needed,” he says.

“Having a defined pathway and showing the kids aged five or six that with a little commitment and discipline they’ll be able to go out onto the academy course, then play in six-hole events, then get a handicap and move onto the big course, is all the drive they need. “Seeing them progress into 12 years old playing in events like the Northern Junior Golf Tour is the most fun I’ve had as a PGA pro. The way they develop so quickly, and how some go from having little focus to being so attentive when they’re playing, is so great to Memberssee.”ofthe Aced Academy progress to competing locally in junior tours and county events, while Aaron continues to work with them through the system as the coach of Durham’s under 14 boys’ and girls’ squads.“Havingdone the hard work and built an academy and business, you get to see all the added benefits for the club and its junior membership growth, the pro shop, the regional tours, county teams, and so on. At first you don’t see it, but that little bit of effort creates a wave of momentum that touches so many other organisations and businesses, and ultimately leads other junior golfers to reach out to you. All I’ve done is put in time and effort, none of it is rocket science.”

Repeating the process, Aaron soon had more than 100 junior golfers taking part in academy coaching. Within months, he was instrumental in the creation of a six-hole academy course. He has since setup a series of events on the academy course - including an annual Ryder Cup and majors - and a player pathway which introduces juniors to all aspects of the game, including strength and conditioning combined with fortnightly coaching as part of an elite programme. “Having been so terrified of teaching when I was in training at Phillip Island, it’s amazing to think how far things have come. I’d never done junior academies on this scale before, but I knew all it took was some time and effort. Nothing I’ve done is complicated or overly difficult.

“Those early steps weren’t rocket science - I hit the road, contacted local schools and visited them in person. From the initial free, four-week sessions I retained 38 out of 48 kids and the academy was born.”

As well as his success as a coach, Aaron has picked up wins on the course – winning the North East & North West PGA’s Portugal pro am twice and claiming top spot in the national PGA Open Series event Marriott Worsley Park in Manchester – shooting five under-par on the back nine in the second round, including a birdie-eagle finish.

When he’s not doing all of that, he has also spearheaded the return and growth of the Blackwell Grange pro am, turning it into the largest event of its kind in the region and welcoming 58 teams in 2022 as former European Tour player Chris Hanson won the title. “I couldn’t believe we didn’t have a pro am when I arrived, and the chance to bring the big occasion of an Aussie pro am to the North East was too good an opportunity to pass up,” says Aaron, who has brought in sponsors, including title sponsor SG Petch, to create an event unlike any other on the North East & North West PGA circuit. “Just like the junior programme, none of this was different to me, it just took some time and effort, and the amazing support of our sponsors.”

Away from golf, Aaron and his fiancé Jen welcomed their first child in August, and Aaron will be focussing more of his time on being a dad in the years ahead. “Becoming a dad is my greatest achievement,” he says. “I’m very lucky to have been able to arrive here with nothing and put down roots - buy a house with my fiancé and welcome our son into the world” Looking to his future in golf, Aaron has no plans to slow down his coaching and junior development programme, while bigger and better events are also in the works.

“I’d love to be able to help other professionals and clubs grow junior programmes and memberships. None of it requires anything more than time and effort. I was able to arrive here with no track record in the UK and work with more than 150 kids in a couple of years. I have no doubt this can be done exactly the same way in Northumberland, Durham or anywhere else in the country by any PGA professional and club. The kids are out there, we just need to put in the legwork and reach out to them.

“I’ve also got more events I’d like to do, for the juniors and adults, including a very special two-day Aced National Pro Am at Woodhall Spa in “The2023.support is out there and people will help you when you show you care about what you’re doing.

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I’ve been a PGA pro for 17 years and I’m very lucky that I have never run out of energy or passion. I’m looking forward to seeing how far I can take all these projects and ideas in the future.”Thecareer of any PGA professional varies greatly and allows them to grow their skills in many ways. For Aaron, each of the hats he’s tried so far seem fit him very well indeed and there appears to be nothing that will slow him down any time soon.

golf is still a massive part of my life,” adds Aaron. “I was a rubbish amateur, but turning pro was just in reach and I did my PGA of Australia traineeship straight after school. I then managed to make the cut at tour school and play a year on the Australasia Tour in 2011 – which cost an absolute fortune despite driving home after missing a cut to work the weekend so I had some money for the next event. That season proved I was never going to be a tour Havingplayer.”played a year on tour, Aaron committed to the national pro am circuit, which features some 300 events around Australia. “I loved the interaction of those events and did well, combining that with teaching, which is exactly how I structure my diary today,” adds Aaron, who also competes regularly on the 2020protour and reached Final Qualifying for The Open this season.

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. GOLFWASHINGTONGEORGECLUB BOOK YOUR 2023TRIPSOCIETYGOLF OFFERSFANTASTICNOWAVAILABLE

Simon Olver

Ultimately, we hope to select techniques and a time which are the best compromise. Communication on the timing and importance of maintenance and its long-term goals is key to ensuring golfers are aware of the benefits and accept it is in their best interest. Please remember, greenkeepers really don’t like having to undo months of hard work, but we’ll all be much happier for it.

ONCOURSE

It’s time for maintenance

Simon Olver, course manager at Ganton, on greens maintenance and why it’s an essential part of the season

The timing of work must suit your course, and greenkeepers need to look at their own course and study it visually while utilising independent soil sampling, if possible. Greenkeeping is not done on a calendar or in a textbook. Greenkeepers must study what’s happening in the ground and with the weather, and use their skill and knowledge alongside data to choose the best techniques annually.

Imagine you’ve spent the last six months honing your work, refining it and presenting a finished product which earns praise from your customers and colleagues… it feels good doesn’t it? Now imagine punching holes in it, forcing compressed air or water beneath it, or slicing it open and pouring sand into the cavities, and then copping complaints after your work… not quite as good, is it? Greens maintenance is an essential part of a golf course’s cycle. While essential, the level of maintenance carried out is affected by many factors and there is a balance to strike between playing conditions, finances and agronomy. Carrying out maintenance is an opportunity to relieve the stresses and strains of golfers’ footsteps and greenkeeping traffic on fine turf areas. Our first aim is to reintroduce space in the subsurface so that roots can delve deep into the soil, grow stronger and be less suspectable to disease as temperatures fall and moisture increases. It is also a chance to create space for air and water to move among the plants. However, it’s important to remember fine grasses like stability and minimal invasion, so we need to aim to establish the right environment then maintain it with as few invasive practices as possible. The ways clubs can carry out this work have become more varied. While many still use hollow coring and tining, more are investing in techniques such as the DryJect high pressure water injection system, Air2G2 compressed air injection, and Graden contour sand injection. Modern techniques are more expensive, often requiring machinery hire, but do have their place when disruption must be limited. At Ganton, use of the Air2G2 machine has also been important as we move away from opening surfaces as much as possible as this allows pests such as leatherjackets in, which we can no longer spray for. For golfers, seeing such invasive work being carried out can be hard to understand as we’re in the height of the season. However, for greenkeepers, we’re looking ahead. In the ideal scenario, maintenance would be carried out at the peak of the growing season, when moisture and temperature levels ensure the fastest recovery. In practice, a balance must be struck between playing conditions and agronomy.

In recent years, this has become more and more difficult to plan for. The traditional early season window has moved enormously and unpredictably with dry and cold weather or long wet spells, while long-lasting summer heat has been combined with limited rainfall.

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Tour caddy Sean Russell discusses the power of statistics and how keeping track of your round can make a big difference to your scores Sean Russell

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I play off a handicap of four, and I average 32 putts per round. It’s too many - the tour average is 28. While there is a great deal more detail you can get into around putting, even a basic understanding of when and why you’re three-putting, or where you’re missing short putts, can give you areas to focus on.

As I have identified a weakness by looking at the simplest stat, I can practise. I use a drill which Chris Paisley did every week for the four-and-a-half years I worked for him, which involves putting through a gate (use two tees just a smidge wider than a ball) to a hole about 6ft away. If the putt hits the gate, it has not started on line. This is a great drill for me as it’s the range of putts which can improve my scores by a couple of shots.

Magic numbers

If you look back at a round and identify something like this and work on it, then add in some better lines and plays off the tees, I have no doubt you’ll see your handicap coming down by the couple of shots. Not a bad return for a little bit of numbers work.

TOURTIPS

tats are fast becoming the most important currency on tour. Ryder Cup captains like Paul McGinley have talked at length about their use, while players have been discussing the DECADE system and Eduardo Molinari’s stats programme a lot in recent years. But what can club golfers take from this, and how can we use statistics to improve without shelling out thousands? On tour, players and caddies discuss exactly where they’re going to hit a tee shot. This has been worked out in practice rounds, with different lines and club selections based on the possible wind direction and strength, turf conditions, and the player’s strengths and weaknesses to leave the ball where they want it for the nextWhatshot.you’ll never hear is: “Hit threewood off here as that’ll leave a 10-20-yard pitch, because that’s the worst part of your game.” Instead, they’ll already know a long iron leaves a nice wedge number and a better scoring opportunity. We all face the same questions on the course. Take my home course, Gosforth, for example. The par four sixth is less than 300 yards and is a potential birdie hole. Yet so many players hit driver to the narrowest part of the fairway where there’s a bunker and trees on the left, and more trees on the right. The sensible play is a long iron short of all the trouble, leaving at most an eight iron for the second shot. The result – fewer card-wreckers. As well as tee shot strategy, analysing your putting can be a game-changer. This is where some rudimentary analysis - and practising your weaknesses - can reduce your handicap with very little effort. All tour caddies will tell you that most amateurs underestimate the number of putts they actually have, and that it’s not the condition of the greens at fault.

Seaton Carew Golf Club… for year-round golf! SEATON CAREW GOLF CLUB TEES ROAD, HARTLEPOOL, TS25 1DE WEB: EMAILwww.seatoncarewgolfclub.co.uk:secretary@seatoncarewgolfclub.co.uk Follow Seaton Carew GC on Whilst many courses will be closed or playing winter greens, our fast-draining championship links are usually open almost 365 days a year. Winter rates start on 1st November and a 4-ball is just £160. Book through the Secretary on 01429 266249 or email: secretary@seatoncarewgolfclub.co.uk

I t seems 2022 will be the year of division and debate in men’s professional golf. With the rise of LIV and the ensuing tweaks to the PGA Tour, it appears the top level of the sport is going to be changing a bit more in the months ahead – but is it better for us, theAfans?great deal was said by several LIV players about their desire to play fewer tournaments when they made the move away from the PGA and DP World tours. A fair point - how many of us would like to work fewer hours, commute less, and receive greater pay? But what does this move mean for the fans?

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I think you’ve had enough

I read with great interest the changes to the PGA Tour for 2023 following a playersonly meeting led by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Among them is a move by the top-20 players, who will be identified by a revamped Player Impact Programme, to come together more often for an expanded list of elevated events. The release following that meeting suggests we’ll see them together at least 20 times per year. The small matter of the prize funds for these elevated events rising to at least $20 million was also mentioned. For fans watching at home, this is a great move. I watch a lot of PGA Tour golf, but I dare say I’ll enjoy it more in the coming year when I know that the biggest stars are all teeing it up together. While there’s nothing wrong with one or two of the very best playing week to week, it does raise my interest when there are more star players competing together. As for my own golf, would going down to 20, or even eight, competitions per year help? Looking back at 2020 and 2021, when Covid restrictions meant golf was one of the few things open to us, I played a hell of a lot, both practice rounds and competitive ones. There’s no doubt I improved because of the amount of play. But now life outside of golf is in full flow again, is it time to focus more on just a few playing windows? If it works for the world’s best, maybe it could work for me? Or is golf just too addictive? Perhaps the LIV guys will miss it once they’ve had a year or two of limited starts – only time will tell. Gary Yee/shutterstock.com

19TH HOLE ©

A lot has been said by the world’s best players about their packed schedules recently, but is it really possible to play too much golf? Dean Bailey

When Harry Colt walked through Brancepeth Castle Deer Park in 1924, he must have had a smile on his face.

COURSE PROFILE

Played blind over the crest of the hill, trees flanking the fairway show its shape. From the fairway, you get a great look at a round green with a single, long bunker on the front left corner of this beautifully contoured putting surface.

The only par three which isn’t played to a plateau green, the fifth is the longest of the single-shotters at 212 yards. The left bunker is vast, running almost the full length of the green.

Anything but boar-ing 34 NORTHERN GOLFER

The right bunker is around half the size, but just as tough to escape from with its high front edge. Running shots will be slowed by the back-to-front slope of the green here.

Colt’s work in the North East is renowned and the course at Brancepeth Castle Golf Club - which occupies that spectacular landscape of forest, ravines and hillside - is one of his finest. While the coach house-turned-clubhouse and Brancepeth Castle are in view on a couple of holes, aside from those, this is a place to be fully immersed in golf.

A trio of fairway bunkers also protect the semi-blind 13th - particularly the pair on the right around 130 yards from the green. While you may wish to attack a pin on the left of a green with

The longest hole on the course, the sixth can be stretched all the way back to 591 yards from the blue tees. If you can, play over the first fairway bunker on the left. This gives you an angle for the second shot, which must stay short of, or edge carefully past, a pair of bunkers on the right side around 100-140 yards from the green, which is elevated with two bunkers cut into the hill. Stay in the avenue between the trees, and out of the five bunkers, at the seventh and you can make birdie at this short par four - particularly when the pin is on the flatter left side. A 200-yard carry is required to reach the rightto-left sloping fairway at the 332-yard eighth hole - though those who make it are rewarded with a walk over the bridge with a smile on their face and a short approach over a single bunker some 15 yards short of the green on the right side. The green is superb, with two distinct plateaus divided by a drop in the centre.

Three bunkers wait in the landing area for your tee shot at the 500-yard par five 12th, which then snakes around a fourth bunker on the left some 150 yards from the green. Two more bunkers guard the green, though neither should be in play with a wedge to the biggest green on the course.

The par four first plays much shorter than its 333 yards from the white tees thanks to its downhill and generous fairway, which leads to a green sloped from front right to back left with a trio of bunkers making front pins the toughest.

The ninth is one of Colt’s great par threes and the signature hole (see factfile). While the ninth is the signature hole, the 10th is equally difficult and similarly beautiful. Having climbed high above the ninth green, the 192-yard hole plays over the ravine to a much larger green with two bunkers - the left one is particularly deep.

Dean Bailey visits Brancepeth Castle Golf Club and takes on its formidable par threes

The tee shot at the 11th requires a short carry over a deep ravine and the crest of the hill. Two fairway bunkers, including one on the right 150 yards from the green, can cause some interference, though the landing area is generous between the trees. Two deep bunkers, placed on the front corners of the green, must be avoided as both leave long, challenging shots should you be in or behind them, particularly to back flags.

Position from the tee is vital at the fourth, and long hitters should play cautiously as the steeply sloped ravine short of the green can be in reach. From the flat, a short approach is simple enough, just stay away from the front edge of this right-toleft sloping green and its two bunkers.

The first of the cross-ravine par threes, the second is the shortest of the set and whets the appetite for the holes to come. A wide but incredibly narrow green sits on a shelf cut into the hillside and is protected simply by the steep hills beyond and short. Any pitch to this green is nearimpossible to get close. At 439 yards, the par four third is a brute.

CADDY’S TIP

SIGNATURE HOLE

TOTAL DISTANCE Blue tees 6,392 yards (par 70) White tees 6,173 yards (par 70) Yellow tees 6,030 yards (par 70) Red tees 5,566 (par 74)

Churchyard.NORTHERNGOLFER 35

three distinct sections, stay right as coming up short or left in the sand leaves a nearimpossible bunker shot.

Given a very special piece of ground to work with, Harry Colt created one of the North East’s finest courses and it remains a must-play layout for every golfer in the region.

The final ravine on the course lies in front of the 18th tee and a solid tee shot of at least 200 yards is required here. Having reached the flat, a simple shot is all that’s left to a large green beyond a tall-faced bunker on the front edge and one more on the left.

FEATURES Clubhouse set in former stable block and coach house with good food and lots of outdoor space Pro shop with golf simulator Large practice area with covered and open bays Short game and putting greens Buggy and trolley hire

GREEN FEES

The 199-yard ninth is one of the great par threes in the north of England. Set in the shadow of the castle, it is played across a ravine to a narrow green which sits on a shelf. A long and accurate shot is required to reach the putting surface, and then stay on it. The slopes at the front and back are perilous, while there is a route to run the ball in from the left. Only the bravest take aim at back right flags - the penalty should you miss is high, as is the green from where you’ll be playing next. An incredibly difficult, but spectacular, golf hole.

The final par three, just 151 yards, follows and once again requires a carry over a ravine. The bunker on the right guards almost the full length of the green. A fantastic birdie opportunity when played correctly, the par five 16th requires a tee shot down the right side to open up the route to the green around the dogleg. From here, the green may be within reach, though running into the cavernous front bunkers, both with overhanging top edges, can spell disaster. Two par fours of less than 400 yards bring the round to a close. At 17, it is essential to plot a route between the trees to leave a good look at a well-defended green featuring a deceptive bunker well short of the front edge. There are also two more bunkers - one on the left and a second, nearly 10ft deep one on the right with a large catchment area created by the steep shelf on the front right corner of the green.

While the course isn’t long today, very accurate and long driving is richly rewarded while excellent shots with long irons or fairway woods are required at three of the five par threes.

A course of great significance in Durham with its history of hosting national events as well as the annual Leonard Crawley Medal, Brancepeth is also recognised for its unique wild boar statue and logo. Once common in British forests, it’s said a particularly large and formidable boar made its lair on Brandon Hill, and terrorised locals around Brancepeth village and all those from the Wear to the Gaunless. Eventually it was lured into a pitfall by Hodge of Ferry, who is thought to be buried in Merrington

Full range of options available including group bookings - visit the website for further information

COURSE PROFILE FACT FILE CONTACT Brancepeth Castle Golf Club Brancepeth, Durham, DH7 8EA Tel 0191 378 www.brancepeth-castle-golf.co.uk0075

OUR VERDICT

Theoretically a birdie opportunity, two great shots are required at the 320-yard 14th. A long drive must find the centre of the fairway beyond three bunkers to leave as unobstructed a route as possible to a tiny green which is heavily contoured and guarded by two front bunkers which pinch its front portion to no more than a few paces.

The serial North East & North West PGA winner shares how he got into the game, where he enjoys playing the most, and who would make it into his dream fourball

There are many routes into professional golf. Some have illustrious amateur careers and appear destined to play professionally from an early age. Others leave school, play for their county and then train with the PGA and become club pros. Few spend 20 years in a print factory before signing up to the PGA’s training course - but that’s exactly how Mark Ridley did it and it’s proved very successful. Mark turned professional in 2003 at the age of 40, working under his long-time friend Shaun Cowell, with whom he still works at Custom Fit Golf at South Moor. A serial winner locally, he has won the NE/NW PGA’s Championship, Tour Championship and Matchplay, and the Northumberland & Durham Open. He also has dozens of pro am titles to his name and has competed in two Senior Opens, making the cut at Sunningdale (T40) and St Andrews (T60). We caught up with him to learn more about his love for the game…

5 What’s your best score? A nine under-par 59 in the Bamburgh Castle pro am with nine birdies and nine pars.

6 Which is your favourite golfing memory? Playing in the Seniors Open twice has been very special. Competing in the first ever one at St Andrews was amazing and it was great to make the cut - not long after shooting the 59 at Bamburgh Castle.

10 And your weaknesses? I’m a streaky putter, when I get one in early I’m alright, but other days it can feel like a grind on the greens.

13 What would you be doing if you weren’t a PGA professional? I’d probably still be a printer. I started straight out of school and if turning pro hadn’t worked out, I could have gone back and worked my whole career there.

9 What are your strengths on the course? I hit it straight, which makes playing lots of different courses week-in and week-out more manageable.

1 How much golf do you get to play? I play as many local and national PGA events as I can while working five days a week in the shop at South Moor. My golf is totally focussed on playing as many competitive events between March and September as I can these days.

36 NORTHERN GOLFER ROUNDWITH A ROUND WITH...

Mark Ridley

I’d pick a couple of golfers and I think it has to be John Daly, as his stories would be truly unbelievable, while Seve had such a big influence on me that I’d have to pick him too. I’d give the last place to my dad as he got me into the game and we spent a lot of time together on the course when I was younger. My memories of playing all those rounds with my dad at Beamish are very special ones.

3 Which is your favourite course in the North East? I tend to enjoy the ones I’ve played well over the years. Brancepeth Castle is a favourite inland course while I always love going back to Seaton Carew if I get to pick a links track too?

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

14 Who is your favourite golfer? I grew up watching Seve and his flair and ability to hit it so far into trouble and escape was fantastic.

2 How did you get into golf? I started around the age of 12 with my dad at Beamish Park. I progressed pretty quickly and got into the county team, was capped 60 times and won a few titles, including back-to-back foursomes wins with John Kennedy.

11 Which is your favourite club in the bag? My Callaway Epic Flash driver.

12 Who is your best golfing friend? That’s a really tough question! I’ve got so many professional and amateur friends, though I do always enjoy a game with my regular pro am team. .

15 Which golf event do you enjoy most? As someone who has always put their clubs away in the winter, The Masters has always been an important event. It gets me right back into golf in April every year and I love seeing Augusta on TV.

4 And further afield?

18 If you could have one mulligan, when would you have used it? Keep it, golf is all about the next shot.

16 Who do you admire? Fred Couples played the game in the right way. I wish I could play with that relaxed demeanour and always have a smile on my face.

We’re very lucky to have a regular NE/ NW PGA pro am at Trump International in Aberdeen - it’s an amazing golf course and visually spectacular.

8 Do you have any golfing superstitions? I can’t wear black shoes on the course, it just doesn’t feel right.

7 What about embarrassing moments on the course? Playing at Houghton-le-Spring in a league match while I was still an amateur, I turned up a bit late and rushed to the tee. After six holes, I looked down and realised I had odd shoes on! They weren’t even the same brand, I had one Nike and one Adidas, but I did manage to win the game.

ROUNDWITH NORTHERN GOLFER 37

The change of season brings with it new autumn/winter clothing collections from brands including Original Penguin, Galvin Green and Callaway. We’ve also got a completely new women’s range from TaylorMade alongside a third generation of the brand’s Hi-Toe wedges; an exciting new Shotscope feature; the latest Srixon golf ball; FootJoy’s AW22 collection; and more.

CHAMPION’S STYLE

Original Penguin autumn/winter 2022 collection RRP: www.originalpenguin.co.uk/collections/golfVarious

FIT FOR PURPOSE TaylorMade Kalea Premier range RRP: driver £379, fairway £219, rescue £179, irons £122 per iron, putter £229 www.taylormadegolf.eu TaylorMade has launched Kalea Premier, the company’s newest women’s range specifically engineered for lightweight speed, easy launch and maximum forgiveness. Every club is backed by proven technologies. The driver features a carbon crown and carbon sole along with a 22g steel rear weight to deliver advanced forgiveness by combining a low and back centre of gravity with an ultra-lightweight head construction. The range also includes fairway woods with easyto-launch designs, irons powered by Cap Back Design, which provides stability within the topline and upper perimeter of the face, and a modern mallet putter featuring tour-proven Spider and Pure Roll technologies.

Original Penguin Golf has launched a distinctly retro autumn/winter collection for men and women which takes inspiration from the 1960s, 70s and 90s. The brand has increased its floral print and bunker-inspired camo collections for this season too. The men’s range has a retro and light-hearted palette and emphasises a casual look, while the ultra-feminine women’s collection - inspired by 60s and 70s fashion - is expanded with fun geometric prints and features a new sun protection hoodie. Fabric performance across both lines includes UPF protection, fourway stretch, and PrimaLoft insulation.

THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM

TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 wedges RRP: www.taylormadegolf.eu£189 TaylorMade has released its Hi-Toe 3 wedges. With a focus on versatility and added performance on shots closest to the green, engineers set out to design a club capable of producing the entire catalogue of short game shots. The Hi-Toe 3 features a higher centre of gravity, engineered for a lower launch and more spin while delivering better control on full swings. Advanced versatility begins with the four-way cambered sole, which remains a staple of the design. The geometry allows for a wide sole and the forgiveness associated with high bounce while maintaining a low leading edge, making it playable from tight lies. Trailing edge relief adds to the versatility by allowing golfers to easily and comfortably open the face to manipulate loft, trajectory and spin. The large ZTP RAW Grooves feature radii further engineered for optimal spin. New elements include expanding full length scoring lines to all lofts above 54° and the addition of raised micro-ribs - milled ribs positioned between the full grooves to add texture to the face to increase spin on partial shots.

September shopping 38 NORTHERN GOLFER

GEARNEWS

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GEARNEWS READY FOR ALL WEATHERS Galvin Green 2022 Part Two collection RRP: www.galvingreen.com/ukVarious

X MARKS THE SPOT Shot Scope Shots Plotted feature RRP: Available in the Shot Scope app www.shotscope.com/uk Shot Scope has launched its Shots Plotted feature, allowing users to create strategic plans for every hole based on their own data. A map shows where users make birdies from and where they have struggled in order to identify the best strategy to play a hole and maximise the chances of a low scoring round. The feature gives a comprehensive history of every hole on a chosen course, for all tee shots and approaches. With a new way to visualise performance, users will have the ability to delve into their game in as little or as much detail as they want – from tracking clubs used to end location of the shot, score, and an individual strokes gained benchmark score.

Fabric technologies and game-enhancing performance features headline the new autumn/winter clothing collection fromTheCallaway.multifunctional product line features PrimaLoft insulation, Singtex Stormfleece soft shells, Swing-Tech technology seams, and Aquapel water repellency. The range is inspired by nature and the outdoors with two main colour palettes - Industrial Green and Chateau Grey – with highlights in the men’s collection including the StormGuard III waterproof suit and StormFleece Pro II jacket. Meanwhile, the women’s collection features the StormGuard Colourblock jacket and trousers, Space Dye Aquapel 1/4 zip fleece, and High Waisted Rib WB thermal leggings.

WINTER WARMERS Callaway’s AW 2022 apparel collection RRP: www.callawayeuropeapparel.comVarious

FOURTH GENERATION Srixon Ultisoft ball RRP: £28 per www.srixon.co.ukdozen Srixon has updated the UltiSoft, the lowest compression ball in itsTheline-up.technology in the fourth generation UltiSoft includes a new FastLayer Core, which adds distance to the previous iteration while maintaining the ball’s signature feel. It features a 338 Speed Dimple pattern to reduce drag and increase lift alongside a soft, thin cover to provide more greenside spin and softer feel on pitches, chips and putts.

The 2022 Part Two collection from Galvin Green is available now with garments designed to allow players to play their best in all weather conditions and minimise impact on the environment. A series of pyramid designs has been incorporated, while the brand – which won the 2021 Sports Technology Award for Sustainability – has enhanced its green credentials with the use of innovative Bluesign-approved fabrics and materials certified by Oeko-Tex Standard 100. Headlining the new collection is the sporty Albert Gore-Tex jacket, which is manufactured using Bluesign-approved fabric and is 100% waterproof. The range also includes Insula garments, Ventil8 Plus shirts, Skintight thermal base layers and accessories for men, women and juniors.

RPP: www.fujikuragolf.com$350

Two new ranges of metalwoods and irons are now available from Tour Edge The brand’s players on tour include Bernhard Langer, Ken Duke, Tom Lehman, Tim Petrovic, Duffy Waldorf and Mike Weir, and it has launched the Edge Hot Launch 522 Series in the UK following its success in the US. The range includes a driver (RRP £229) with Diamond Face 2.0 technology – which features 42 thick and thin diamond shapes behind the clubface which increase the size of the sweet spot. Fairway woods, hybrids and irons are also availableMeanwhile,now.the Exotics E722 range includes a driver (RRP £369) with 61 diamonds behind its clubface as well as a 460CC design to maximise moment of inertia performance.

ECCO ambassador Lydia Ko has combined her South Korean and Kiwi heritage in a custom version of the ECCO BIOM G5 shoes. Lydia - who has close to 30 tour victories to her name, including two major championships - has designed her shoes with cherry blossoms on one side and black ferns on the other, paying homage to her country of birth, South Korea, and the country in which she grew up, New Zealand, respectively. In addition, her signature and logo feature on the shoe. Advanced, athletic performance is mixed with a premium, progressive and sporty design in the BIOM G5, which features Zarma-Tour spikes and innovative hybrid grooves for traction and stability. The shoes also feature Natural Motion technology, GoreTex waterproof technology, and the BOA lacing system.

40 NORTHERN GOLFER

WALK THIS WAY FootJoy AW22 collection RRP: www.footjoy.co.ukVarious FootJoy have revealed its range for autumn/winter 2022, headlined by a new version of its Stratos shoe. Introduced in 2021, Stratos (RRP men’s £164.99, women’s £159.99) introduced game-changing comfort and debuted StratoFoam underfoot cushioning. This year’s shoe features a new sculptured heel piece and moulded heel to exaggerate in-shoe comfort and create a more athletic look. The line-up also includes an all-new Flex XP (RRP £114.99) with an engineered mesh upper elevating breathability without compromising waterproof protection; the casual Contour Jogger (RRP £99.99); the FJ Links (RRP £114.99), a casual shoe designed specifically for women; a black edition of the Fuel spikeless shoe (RRP £134.99); and the Stormwalker Boot (RRP £109.99).

RRP: golf.ecco.com£220

BEST FOOT FORWARD Lydia Ko custom-designed ECCO BIOM G5 shoes

TOUR-PROVEN Fujikura Ventus TR Red and Black shafts

ON THE EDGE Tour Edge metalwoods and irons

RRP: www.americangolf.co.ukVarious

GEARNEWS

Fujikura has unveiled the latest additions to the successful Ventus TR line of shafts - Ventus TR Red and TR Black. The line now features three launch profiles (mid-high, mid, and low) designed to stiffen torque in the section of the shaft where golfers need it most, leading to increased stability and consistency. While VeloCore Technology remains at the heart of the shafts to provide a stable overall platform, an added layer of ultra-strong and ultra-lightweight spread tow carbon fabric reinforces the mid/ handle section to increase torsional stiffness. Ongoing analytics have shown one of the highest stress points of the shaft is the mid/handle section during the transition and downswing. Fujikura’s engineers targeted this section in the new shafts to reduce twist and ovalisation, providing golfers maximum stability and consistency for straighter shots and improved mishits. Launched in 2019, Ventus was the most played driver and wood shaft on the PGA Tour during the 2021-22 season.

Quarter-final results Match 57 Simon Watson & Russell Taylor (Burgham) BEAT Steve Garbutt & Mick Purcifer (Billingham) SCORE: Second extra hole Match 58 George Armitage & Colin Sampson (Bedlington) LOST TO Steve Weldon & David Billham (Whitley Bay) SCORE: 3&2 Match 59 Craig Beadling & Jamie McPhillips (Romanby) LOST TO Luke Allen & David Whalen (Beamish Park) SCORE: 4&3 Match 60 Steven Dodds & Neville Wanless (Durham City/South Moor) BEAT Mel Surtees & Doug Cairns (Woodham) SCORE: 6&5 Semi-final draw Matches to be played at George Washington in September Match 61 Steve Weldon & David Billham (Whitley Bay) VS Simon Watson & Russell Taylor (Burgham) Match 62 Steven Dodds & Neville Wanless (Durham City/South Moor) VS Luke Allen & David Whalen (Beamish Park) MATCH PLAYPAIRS2022 For informationmore go to the MatchGolferNorthernwebsiteandclickonPlayPairs

Final four F

our teams remain in the 2022 Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs tournament, with the semi-finals and final set to take place at George Washington in the coming weeks.Thisyear’sevent - the 21st - has seen pairs of golfers from across the region compete in knock out matches. These matches have taken place at some of the North East and North Yorkshire’s best venues since May 1. This year’s winners will receive prize vouchers worth £600, while the runners up will receive prize vouchers worth £100. As well as receiving their £600 prize, the tournament winners will appear in Northern Golfer and earn a place in the North East’s golfing history books. For more information, including the rules and the latest results from each round, go match-play-pairs-2022www.northerngolfer.co.uk/to

NORTHERN GOLFER 41

42 NORTHERN GOLFER TIPS EYE ON THE PRIZE

BrollsDougPGA professional Matt Hooper/shutterstock.com

There are lots of ways we talk about feel in the golf swing and for most players, feel is an individual thing which takes some trial and error to understand. A simple thought I like to keep in my mind is to anticipate the club returning to its position at address as I make contact. You can’t see the middle of the club actually make contact, but this is a great thought to have as it allows hand-eye coordination to take over rather than thinking about too much technical movement. This thought is also great if you’re looking to stay balanced in your swing. For those who tend to lunge toward the target and produce a weak strike, looking at the back of the ball from the time you take your address is going to help you make a controlled swing and hit the ball more solidly.

Thank you to our partners for their continued support of Northern Golfer magazine and its online platforms Northern Golfer - The voice of golf in the North East and beyond To join the Northern Golfer partners club and learn more about how we can work together to promote your business or golf club, contact Doug Brolls (Durham and wider region) on 07721 031482, doug@o stonepublishing.co.uk or Gillian Corney (Northumberland) on 07903 500401, gillian@o stonepublishing.co.uk Retail and brand partners electric GOLF trolleys NE Gold club partners Seaton Carew Golf Club Silver club partners Bronze club partners

win

FOUR

competition winners: Brampton

• Stocksfield

Who

Please include your contact details and telephone number. Closing date Thursday September 29, 2022. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

WIN

Situated on the outskirts of Durham City, the two golf courses at Ramside Hall sit in 350 acres of beautiful, private grounds. Both offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside, with Durham Cathedral in the distance, and provide a golfing experience like no other in the region. The par-72 Prince Bishops’ Course measures 6,762 yards from its championship tees and is named after the warrior clergymen who ruled over the lawless north from Durham Castle after the Norman Conquest. The Jonathan Gaunt-designed course has a spirit of adventure and features 16 water hazards, reachable par fives, driveable par fours, and short holes that demand shot-making skill. Set in the Coquet Valley and surrounded by the Cheviot Hills, Rothbury Golf Club is a spectacular location for a game. Having started with a nine-hole course in 1892, Rothbury has undergone many changes at different locations, with the present 18-hole course and clubhouse officially opening in 2007. FOR AT LINDEN HALL GOLF FOR GOLF CLUB chance to answer the following question: course will host the 2023 Solheim Cup? FOR AT RAMSIDE HALL’S BISHOPS’ chance to answer the following question: won the 2022 Tour on PGA

READERCOMPETITIONS

• Darlington

win

Tour?

For your chance to win answer the following question: Who won the 2022 AIG Women’s Open? The impressive country house setting of Linden Hall is the perfect place for a day, or more, of golf. Designed by Jonathan Gaunt and opened in 1995, the golf course is laid out in mature woodland with great views across the Northumberland countryside and stretches to more than 6,800 yards. Each of its par threes is unique, with water featuring on several of the short holes.

Which

44 NORTHERN GOLFER win Northern Golfer competitions are also listed on our website competitionswww.northerngolfer.co.uk/

WIN GOLF

Championship

the

COURSE For your

Alternatively, you can post your entry to: Competitions, Northern Golfer, Unit 5b, Bearl Farm, Northumberland,Stocksfield,NE437AL

PRINCE

Congratulations to last month’s - Anthony Allington of Hetton-le-Hole - Jon Fletcher of South Shields - Carol Jones of Billingham

FOUR

WIN GOLF

FOUR AT ROTHBURY

For your

NORTHERN GOLFER 45 GOLF MONTHLY TOP 18 IN YORKSHIRE Selby Golf Club, Mill Lane, Brayton Bar , Selby YO8 9LD Tel:- 01757 228622 - Email manager@selbygolfclub.co.uk - www.selbygolfclub.co.uk R&A regional host venue FoursomesCoronation2023 Winter Opens Friday 21 October 2022 - Winter Open Men’s Pairs £25 per person (Includes Breakfast Bu et & Hot Drink prior) Monday 14 November 2022 - Winter Team AmAm Open £25 per person (Includes Breakfast Bu et & Hot Drink prior) Friday 16 December 2022 - Winter Open Men’s Pairs £25 per person (Includes Breakfast Bu et & Hot Drink prior) Friday 20 January 2023 - Winter Open Men’s Pairs £25 per person (Includes Breakfast Bu et & Hot Drink prior) Wednesday 15 February 2023 - Winter Team AmAm Open £25 per person (Includes Breakfast Bu et & Hot Drink prior) Friday 24 March 2023 - Winter Open Men’s Pairs £25 per person (Includes Breakfast Bu et & Hot Drink prior) Visiting Parties available for 2023, book now and guarantee your society rate at 2022 prices email: golf@selbygolfclub.co.uk Tel: 01757 228622 option 2

“We’re all thrilled at the amount, never did we think a modest charity night would raise this much,” said Jean. “I discovered Daft as a Brush when I was at the Freeman Hospital, taking my mother for treatment. I thought this was such a great service by a local charity, I decided our first centenary event should raise funds for them.”

When Jan Reynolds was hospitalised with Covid in late2021, she had no idea whether she would play golf again, let alone make a hole-in-one. Having caught Covid on a golf trip in Turkey in October, Jan was admitted to hospital and ultimately intensive care, where she was placed in an induced coma and assisted by a ventilator. Thanks to the team at Sunderland Royal Hospital, Jan began to recover and returned home in December after beginning the process of learning to speak, eat and walk again.Herrecovery continues and while speech is still difficult, Jan was able to return to golf with the aid of a buggy and the support of the team and members at Boldon Golf Club in May. In July, playing with her husband Brian and friend Cliff Gaines, Jan recorded a very welcome ace at her home club’s 124-yard fourth hole using a six iron. “It’s thanks to all the staff at Sunderland Royal’s intensive care unit and the team at Boldon Golf Club that Jan was able to enjoy a hole-in-one,” said Brian. “Without their support this would not have happened.”

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!

l-r Victoria Mullis, Tarnya Hillary and Ann Henry (Lloyds Bank), Jean and Geoff Crouchley, David Wilson (Daft as a Brush), and Dennis Meadows and Austin Teasdale (Garesfield Golf Club)

Well done to Chester-leStreet’s James Lusk and Ponteland’s Charlotte Naughton, who were part of the English Schools team which completed an emphatic 16.5-4.5 victory over the Welsh Schools team at Chesterfield Golf Club.

The winning team from Tiger Lifting - David Inglis, Stephen Inglis, David Weddell and Micky Lowes –are pictured above with Peter.

Garesfield’s 2020 ladies captain Jean Crouchley raised more than £12,000 for Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care following a much-delayed charity event at her home club along with other fundraising efforts. Originally scheduled for March 2020, the big event of the effort took place at the start of the 2022 golf season – which is Garesfield’s centenary year - raising more than £7,500 on the night. Lloyds Bank also fund matched £4,500, taking the grand total raised to £12,398.04.

The project was delivered by the club’s greenstaff, CDM Site Services and HR Fabrications. NORTHERN GOLFER

Brian and Jan Reynolds

Neil Martin.SnowdonTrevoropeningcompletedGolfbridgeThewww.hadrianleague.co.ukvisitreplacementoftheiconicleadingtoCastleEdenClub’ssixthholehasbeenwithanofficialbytheclub’spresidentPears,ladycaptainMaryandclubcaptain

bunker from the

The Annual Peter Deeble Charity Day at Alnmouth Village Golf Club raised £1,800 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The Hadrian Golf League’s annual dinner will return on Friday October 7 following a two-year break due to Covid. The event, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Newcastle, will celebrate the achievements of this year’s winners - including champions Close House, Davison Cup winners Northumberland, Challenge Cup winners Stocksfield, and Field Day winners Newcastle United. The event will include predinner entertainment and welcome guest speaker Gary Vickers, head professional at Tyneside Golf Club and a past captain of the North East & North West PGA. Tickets are available now from each club’s captain/secretary and the event is open to members from each club in the league. For more information on the Hadrian Golf League

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