Northern Golfer #97 November 2022

PARK LIFE

Beamish Park’s

and David Whalen win the

EDITOR

Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS

Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk

Shawn O’Neil

Simon Olver

Chris Paisley

Sean Russell

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Doug Brolls 07721 031 482 doug@offstonepublishing.co.uk

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PHOTOGRAPHY

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EVENTS

Dean Bailey dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk

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It feels very wintery outside the Northern Golfer office window, and when we set foot on the golf course wrapped in three or more layers, all of a sudden.

It seems like just a few days ago we were playing in short sleeves, celebrating the height of the season, and playing golf late into the evening. But while the autumnal winds and rain begin to set in, there’s no stopping golf across our region and like many of you, I still look forward to getting out on the course every weekend come rain or shine.

This month has proved busier than expected in the Teeing Off pages with stories of season-ending success for players at every level - including a national title for Garesfield’s Marc Coulthard and Gareth Powell, a Tour Championship for PGA pro Phil Waugh, and a North of England Amateur win for James Glenn among many others. We’ve also got news of four girls being named in the new England squads as the North Region girls hoping to follow in their footsteps begin their winter programme. There’s lots more good news throughout Teeing Off too.

This month’s columns are once again fascinating as Chris Paisley discusses his recent form and his plans for the coming weeks, Simon Olver discusses the big challenge facing greenkeeping in the months and years ahead, and Sean Russell offers another fascinating insight into what the world’s best players get up to inside and outside the ropes in Tour Tips. We’ve also got Fitness with Shawn O’Neil, Tips with Doug Brolls, and my thoughts on golf club membership to keep you entertained too.

I had the pleasure of enjoying A Round With... Siân Oakley this month too, while our Course Profile takes us to the fascinating Dr Alister MacKenzie-designed South Moor, and our Special Focus takes a look at driving ranges and practice facilities.

This month’s competitions are three superb ones too as we offer the chance to win rounds at Seton Carew, Lundin Golf Club, and Longhirst Hall Golf Course.

04-15 TEEING OFF

National

by:

As we head into the winter season, please keep supporting your club and pro shop - particularly when you head out to treat your favourite golfer - or yourself - to some new gear. We’ll be back in December for the last edition of 2022 - how quickly has that come around?

17 TOUR LIFE

With Chris Paisley

19 ON COURSE

With Simon Olver

21 TOUR TIPS

With Sean Russell

23 19TH HOLE

Time to change

28 A ROUND WITH...

Golfer, rock climber, psychology teacher and magistrate Siân Oakley

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COURSE PROFILE

South Moor Golf

With Shawn O’Neil

A

Win

COMPETITIONS

Carew,

Readers’

from around the region

Rachel picks up first win

Northumberland’s Rachel Gourley picked up her first collegiate team win as Auburn University finished their fall season with victory over Texas A&M in the match play finals of the 2022 East Lake Cup.

Playing at historic East Lake, host of the PGA Tour’s Tour Championship, freshman Rachel won her first match as an Auburn Tiger on the final day of the event - beating Haliee Cooper 6&5 and closing out the match winning three consecutive holes.

“These girls really dug in and really wanted it,” said Auburn head coach Melissa Luellen. “For three of our youngest players to win one, two, three was amazing.”

The East Lake Cup was the final event of the fall season for the Tigers. Their next event is the Nexus Collegiate, February 13-15 in New Providence, Bahamas.

James Glenn back in top form

Back-toback titles

The Northumberland Boys team have defended the Northern Counties Boys’ League title, beating Yorkshire 8.5-6.5 at Arcot Hall.

Having topped the northern division of the boys’ league, Northumberland faced southern winners Yorkshire for the trophy and successfully defended the title they beat Yorkshire to in 2021.

James Glenn returned to the winner’s circle with a gritty performance to win the North of England Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship at Seaton Carew.

In testing conditions, with blustery wind and spells of heavy rain over the three days, Durham City-based James produced a five under-par total of 279 to win by one shot from Wynyard’s Jack Ainscough as Bramhall’s fast-finishing Daniel Hayes finished a further shot back in third place.

James set out his stall early with an opening round of 68 and went one better on the second day before wrapping up the title with rounds of 73 and 71 on day three, though a late stumble - a double bogey at the 17th

in the fourth round - almost derailed the American.

“I knew when I two-putted 15 for par, I held a three-shot lead over Jack who was in the clubhouse,” said the 33-year-old Texan.

“I decided on a two iron off the 17th tee instead of driver to try and take the trouble on the right out of play. I hit it right but caught a great lie with 165 yards to the green. Then, my eight iron went 190 yards - the mother of all fliers - and ended up 25 yards over the green. I found another good lie, but the shot was downhill and downwind and I deliberately chunked it left which still left a delicate shot which, fortunately, I played well to 15ft and two-putted for six.

“That meant I had to hit a good

drive on the 18th, which I did, and made a solid par for the win.”

Earlier, Jack couldn’t find a key birdie on the closing stretch with seven straight pars after a bogey at 11 to finish runner-up to James as Daniel had to settle for third place after a superb closing round of 65, which included eight threes - six of them birdies.

Southport and Ainsdale’s Jack Mcphail, South Shields’ Martin McCririck and Moortown’s Oliver Cage all finished a further shot back, with Martin rueing a costly triple bogey seven at the 16th.

Meanwhile, the County Plate was won by Yorkshire with Sam Norman and Oliver Cage counting for a tworound total of 12 under-par, beating James and Jack by three shots.

James Glenn with Seaton Carew captain Dave Turner

Four girls named in England squads Jess Baker Maggie Whitehead

Four Northumberlandbased golfers have been named in England’s squads for 2022-23, with Maggie Whitehead retaining her place in the girls’ squad as Rachel Gourley moves up to the women’s squad to join Rosie Belsham and Jess Baker –who returns to the team following her win in The R&A Women’s Amateur Championship.

All six players in the women’s squad have previously represented England with distinction at junior level and the three Northumberlandbased players will be joined by Charlotte Heath (Yorkshire), Caley McGinty (Gloucestershire) and Lottie Woad (Surrey).

The women, all six of whom are currently at college in the US, will take part in virtual and in-person training sessions over the winter months ahead of a busy 2023 season of international competition.

England’s women will chase three wins in a row at the European Team Championships at Tawast Golf and

Country Club in Finland in July, followed by the Home International Series at Machynys in Wales in August.

Yorkshire’s Steve Robinson will once again act as lead coach for the 2022-23 women’s squad looking to build on the success of recent seasons.

Meanwhile, Maggie will once again be part of a seven-strong girls’ squad, which includes Sophia Fullbrook (Hertfordshire), Rosie Bee Kim (Buckinghamshire), Isla McDonald O’Brien (Shropshire), Ellise Rymer (Lincolnshire), Amelia Wan (Nottinghamshire) and Ellen Yates (Surrey).

Jodi wins first LPGA title

Yorkshirewoman Jodi Ewart Shadoff became an LPGA Tour winner for the first time with a closing one underpar round of 71 completing a one-shot victory at the LPGA Mediheal Championship.

Jodi went wire-to-wire in her 246th start at The Saticoy Club, with the final round proving a roller coaster as the 34-year-old’s four-shot lead eroded before she held it together to finish one ahead of former US Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso.

Castle Eden Golf Club 18 Hole picturesque parkland course

SOCIETIES.. GOLF PACKAGES FROM £25 PER PERSON for further details on the above telephone the Secretary on 01429 836510

2023 OPENS

Saturday 20/05/23. Gents 4BBB Open

Sunday 21/05/23. Gents 4 Man Team Open

ursday 08/06/23. Senior Gents 4BBB Open

ursday 20/07/23. Senior Gents 4 Man Team Open

Saturday 27/08/23. Mixed Team of Four Open

ursday 31/08/23. Senior Gents 4BBB Open

ursday 28/09/23. Senior Gents 4 Man Scramble

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

Jodi Ewart Shadoff © LPGA/megoliphant.com

Blackwell’s champion

Connor Robertson is the new Aced Academy Tournament Series champion following an exciting end to the season at Blackwell Grange.

Connor topped the seasonlong points race by just 10 points as Freddy Hammond won the final Blackwell Playoffs event, leading a field of 27 players.

PGA professional Aaron Cox, who hosts the series on the club’s academy course, said: “What can I say about this year - the tournament series has once again been a massive success for the kids. The tournaments were played so well with great sportsmanship, great friendships and all the kids have made great handicap reductions. Bring on next year and more great golf!”

Top teams pull rabbits from their hats at finals days

Malton & Norton’s rabbits team and Roseberry Grange’s inter team came out on top at their respective finals days as the 2022 North East Rabbits Golf Association season came to a close

Suggett wins City Scratch

Chester-le-Street-based Kevin Suggett added to his success this season with victory in the inaugural Durham City Scratch Open.

Kevin, who won the scratch title at Boldon earlier this season, posted a three under-par round of 68 to lead the field by two shots as Alex Robinson finished in second place.

In the rabbits’ finals day at Ramside Hall, Malton & Norton followed the club’s success in the inter event in 2019 with an emphatic victory over 2021 champions Bishop Auckland - their seven top scorers from the team of eight amassing 251 points for a 19-point victory.

In the inter finals day at Romanby, Roseberry Grange’s team followed the club’s rabbits success in 2019 with victory in the team event, which was played with the same format as rabbits finals day. The Roseberry team scored 233 points, beating Dinsdale by just three, as Hunley Hall finished third on the day.

Each Finals Day also brought together the leading points scorer from each club to compete for their respective individual championship.

In the rabbits event, Bishop Auckland’s James Tray lifted the trophy for a second year in a row with a score of 37 points, beating Darlington’s Lee Baily on countback.

In the inter event, Dinsdale’s Martin Lister was crowned champion after returning 37 stableford points to beat Catterick’s Pip Goodall on countback.

With 57 events hosted by clubs

throughout the season along with two finals days, more than 1,000 players competed in the rabbits (14.5 to 28 handicaps) and inter (7.0 to 14.4 handicaps) leagues this season, representing the 32 rabbits clubs and 25 inter clubs.

For more information, including how to join the rabbits and inter leagues in 2023, visit nerga.herokuapp.com

Malton and Norton’s rabbits team

Roseberry Grange’s inter team

l-r Harry Sheen (Academy captain), Connor Robertson, Freddy Hammond and Sadie Weston (2021 winner)

McCririck and Marshall win Durham honours

South Shields’ Martin McCririck successfully defended the Durham County Golf Union’s Order of Merit title, as Heworth’s Will Marshall was crowned County Player of the Year for 2022.

Martin, who collected the trophy for a third time following his wins in 2013 and 2021, led the 100-strong order of merit race with 1,005 points from the 11 qualifying eventsincluding the county strokeplay and matchplay championships as well as scratch events at nine clubs.

Martin - who won the county matchplay title - led the pack with Will finishing 30 points behind as Wynyard’s Jack Ainscough was third.

Meanwhile, Will led the scoring in the County Player of the Year standings, where players earn points for their performances in the two county championships as

well as Northern Counties League matches and the Northern Counties Qualifying Championship (AKA The Big Six). Will’s 1,150 points saw him finish 65 points clear of South Shields’ Ben Willis.

The results of the points races were confirmed following the final two events of the season. In the Bishop Auckland Bowl, Jamie

Birkbeck retained the trophy by winning an 18-hole playoff with James Glenn and Martin after the three posted eight under-par totals for two rounds. Meanwhile, Will almost caught Martin in the Order of Merit at the final event as he ultimately finished second in the Northern Golf Masters at Rockliffe Hall – see the full story right.

Dan wins the Northern Masters

Teesside Golf Club’s Dan Norman lifted the Northern Golf Masters trophy at Rockliffe Hall, leading the field with a level-par round of 72 on a tough day for scoring with blustery winds and the tees pushed back.

Daniel, 20, completed his round with a key birdie on the 17th hole en-route to a one under-par back nine and a two-shot win over Heworth’s Will Marshall. James Gerencser, from South Shields, completed the top three with his round of 76.

4 Ball Winter Warmer

Martin McCririck

Will Marshall

Dan Norman

Saltburn paving the way

Saltburn has continued to progress the roles of women in the golf club with the appointment of the club’s first female president, club competitions and handicap secretary, and business manager, along with supporting further growth of its thriving ladies section.

President Penni Hughf said: “Saltburn has a long traditional history of which the club members are rightly proud. But we all recognise the changes taking place for ladies in sport, and as a golf club we want to continue to marry tradition with modernity, looking towards providing more opportunities for our ladies to become involved in and share developing and running the club.”

The club’s Women In Golf Charter officer, Karen Stowe, added: “We wanted to provide an inclusive, comfortable environment in which ladies could try golf, so we offered some free Putting and Prosecco evenings. These proved very popular and led to a five-step pathway designed to take ladies step by step from absolute beginner to full membership.”

A successful first year as a signatory of the Women in Golf charter saw 13 new ladies welcomed as full members to the club, while the Prosecco and Putting evenings continue to bring in new people to the club and the game. To register interest in future events, please contact Saltburn Golf Club.

Morpeth duo win SkyCaddie PGA Pro-Captain Challenge

Afour-team playoff on a dramatic final day at PGA National Italy culminated with Morpeth Golf Club professional David Clark and captain Steve Redpath winning the SkyCaddie ProCaptain Challenge.

David and 12-handicapper Steve scored an astounding 46 points in round two, beating their opening round score by nine shots to rise from last place on the leaderboard into a four-way tie for top spot. Their total of 83 points saw them head into a playoff alongside Baberton Golf Club, Vale of Llangollen and Kedleston Park.

In the playoff, the four teams were split into two and played each hole in regulation, waiting for the group behind to finish before moving on. The team from Vale of Llangollen Golf Club bogeyed the opening hole, while Kedleston narrowly missed a birdie putt and tapped in for par.

Baberton professional Jordan Gallagher then holed a fantastic birdie putt to eliminate Kedleston, before Morpeth captain Steve needed to two-putt for a nett birdie to extend the playoff. The ball dropped and just two teams

remained as play moved to the par three second hole.

Once again it was a battle between Jordan and Steve as both players hit the green. With neither player able to make a birdie two, Steve’s shot thanks to his handicap was crucial with his three-footer for a nett birdie securing the win.

Speaking about the winning putt, he said: “I was very, very nervous. I did not want to let us down and just wanted to get it over with, thankfully I was able to hole the putt.

“I have had a fantastic year as captain and this has just capped it off completely.”

David - who partnered Steve through one of the 10 regional qualifiers for this year’s event, which featured more than 250 pairs aiming to earn one of just 20 places in the final - hailed his club captain’s performance, adding: “Right from the start of the qualifier Steve has played great and deserves this after a fantastic year.

“We were dead last overnight, so we just kept two balls in play as much as possible, and went for everything on the greens. Luckily our putters got hot, we made the playoff and Steve kept his nerve to hole the winner.”

David Clark and Steve Redpath

Stocksfield reach finals

Stocksfield Golf Club’s team have played their way through to the finals of the first British Inter-Clubs Mixed Team Championships and will be heading out to Portugal in November to compete for the trophy.

The event attracted entries from all corners of the UK, and Stocksfield have beaten teams from City of Newcastle, Billingham, Muthill and Fleetwood to be crowned champions of the northern region. They’re now heading off to the finals, which take place at Boavista Golf Resort in Portugal, November 7-10.

Captain Fintan Kealy said: “On our journey, we have had very close and competitive matches, experienced great hospitality and met like-minded golfers who hopefully we will see in the future.”

Postponed from last year, the knockout event has been played throughout the season with the four regional winners qualifying for the national finals. Stocksfield will face

Bedfordshire in the semi-finals, with the winning team going on to face the winners of the Stoneham and Belton Woods match.

Event director Kath Tusler said: “Mixed golf has increased in popularity recently and this event aims to mirror the success of the national men’s and women’s team club competitions that have been running for many years.

“Clubs are enjoying the chance to play some competitive mixed golf against different clubs, and we look forward to even more Northumbrian clubs taking part next year.” Entries for the 2023 championships are now open. Email info@mixedgolfevents. com and visit www.mixedgolfevents.com for more information.

Houghton win foursomes

Houghton-le-Spring’s Sean Foster and Dan Ellison ended the season with victory in the InterCounty Foursomes.

Having come through the Durham final with victory over George Washington, they faced Northumberland winners Tynemouth –represented by Stewart Fell and Freddie McKenna – at Tynemouth. The home pair made a quick start and held a 1up lead through 12, but couldn’t hold on as the Durham pair rallied and turned the match in their favour just in time on the 18th.

MATFEN HALL, MATFEN, NORTHUMBERLAND,

l-r Sean Foster, Davey Allan and Dan Ellison

Support the next crop of junior girls

The Northumberland Ladies County Golf Association is looking to appoint a new county junior organiser.

The ideal applicant will have a passion for girls’ sport and a desire to support the development of the county’s youngsters as they aim to follow in the footsteps of the four girls from Northumberland currently representing England.

The volunteer role will be fully supported by the experienced committee. For more information, email county secretary Bernie Legg, secretary@nlcga.co.uk

Six girls named in 2022/23 England Regional Squad

The North of England under-18 girls’ Regional Squad has been selected for 2022/23, with new manager Siân Oakley working alongside coach JJ Vallely.

The six girls in the new squad are – Morgan Bailey (South Moor), Amy Burton (Wynyard), Antonia Emmerson (Ponteland), Millie Hixon (Wearside), Charlotte Naughton (Ponteland) and Rebecca Wildey (Eden).

Former Northumberland county captain Siân, who has replaced Bryan Ross as manager, said: “Taking on the role following the incredible success the girls have had in recent years is daunting and exciting in equal measure. My role is all about organising what the girls are doing and supporting them, their parents, and JJ.”

A rock climber who competed for

Great Britain as well as an A Level psychology teacher and magistrate, Siân is hoping to bring together her wealth of sporting and teaching experience to help the girls.

“I’ve got a background in sport and teaching, and I hope some of it will be really helpful to the girls as they look to take their own sport to an elite level. Ultimately, they’ll shape what I’ll be doing. I can’t wait to see how they build on the success of all the girls who’ve gone through

this process before them.”

The girls will take part in 24 days of coaching, with two-day camps taking place at Matfen Hall. They will also receive individual coaching with JJ as well as off-course support and classroom-based sessions.

Past members of the squad include three 2022/23 England internationals – read more on their selections on page 5.

Read our Round With Siân Oakley on pages 28-29.

“OVERALL A VERY GOOD PLACE TO STAY AND PLAY AND I WOULD RECOMMEND IT AND THE STAFF, WHO COULDN’T DO ENOUGH TO HELP”

TEEINGOFF

Joseph Newby

Joseph making a fast start

Youngster Joseph Newby fell in love with golf in 2020. Since then, the eight-year-old from Sunderland has racked up an impressive number of wins locally and nationally.

To date, he has won four times in his age category on the US Kids Golf Midlands Tour, including a victory in this year’s Tour Championship at Branston County Golf Club.

Joseph, a member of Whitburn and Boldon, has also won Boldon’s Wee Wonders Championship and Harry Dixon Trophy, and represented the club’s junior team. His dad, Craig, said: “Joseph wanted to get involved with golf and I’ve never seen a child swing a club the way he does. He just seems to have a natural talent for it. He’s got better and better, and really grown into it. He absolutely loves it. I just want him to achieve something in life and to see him doing so well is just mind-blowing.

“I’d like to thank both Boldon and Whitburn. We’re also very grateful for Stephen McNally’s coaching as well as the help and advice we’ve received from Dave Tate and Mark Robson.”

A single parent, Craig was also keen to thank those who are supporting Joseph, including Sunderland boxer Paul Holborn. “Lots of people have helped us, including Paul McGlynn of North East Body and Paint, Emma Watkins at Washington Virtual Golf Centre, KT Car Sales’ Kieron Trott, and Raj Ghag of Rawmarsh Road Premier Shop. As a single parent, I have to look for funding towards helping Joseph to play on the US Kids Golf tour, and we’re incredibly grateful to all those who help us.”

James Allan wins EuroPro’s last Tour Championship

James Allan became the highest earner in PGA EuroPro Tour history with his third win of the year at The Matchroom Tour Championship.

Following the EuroPro Tour’s final ever event at Lough Erne, James earned a card for the 2023 Challenge Tour along with Michael Stewart, Dermot

McElroy, Jack Davidson and Josh Hilleard.

Seahouses Golf Club

Garesfield team win PING Pairs final

Garesfield Golf Club’s Marc Coulthard and Gareth Powell were crowned national champions after topping the leaderboard in the grand final of the 2022 PING Pairs tournament run by HowDidiDo.

Having earned one of eight places in the event’s final at Thonock Park, the Durham pair amassed 42 points to win the national event – which saw more than 10,000 players take part in 2022.

Launched in 2019, the free event sees golfers - of any gender or category - team up with any other HowDidiDo user. Each player’s top three scores in handicap qualifying competitions at their home course are recorded and combined to establish a position on the PING Pairs leaderboard, hosted virtually on HowDidiDo.

The top eight pairs then earn a place at Thonock Park for the grand final and a VIP PING experience, including a behind-the-scenes tour of PING’s European headquarters; custom-fitting experiences for the brand’s latest equipment; and an array of PING merchandise in the ultimate pretournament goodie bag.

Marc said: “It’s an amazing feeling to be a national champion. Having entered so quickly on the HowDidiDo app, we forgot all about the qualifying scores until I received an email inviting us to the final.

“The whole experience at Thonock Park, on the golf course and in the hotel, was incredible from the moment we got there. The team and the guys from PING couldn’t have done more to welcome us and make it feel like a massive occasion.”

Gareth added: “It’s fantastic to win such a big event with so many people in the running. We were paired with a team who’d had a cracking score in the practice round, so we knew beating them would give us a good chance.

“We holed some key putts all the way through the round, but having made a bit of a mess of the 18th, Marc holed a great putt for a five which meant we tied our playing partners and beat them on countback – which proved just enough to get the win.”

“I think everyone at Garesfield will be

up as

from the North East will too,” added Marc.

LUNDIN

Marc Coulthard and Gareth Powell

League’s new format hailed a success in first year

The new structure of the Newcastle & District Golf League has been hailed a success, with clubs set to compete in two flights of eight once again in 2023 following positive feedback on the first year of the twodivision format.

Newcastle United topped division one and were crowned 2022 champions, while the creation of promotion and relegation between the two tiers added drama to the final night of the season.

Newcastle United earned a first title in 25 years - topping division one with 123 points from 14 matches. Club captain Jen Anderson said: “Winning the league for the first time since 1997 was fantastic.

“The change to the league has been very well received among players in our team and among the people I’ve spoken to.

“The competition between the clubs was fantastic, with some excellent nights of very close matches which we all knew counted so much with eight very strong teams playing home and away. Seeing the players and captains twice also helped get to know each other better.”

Newcastle United finished top of division one, 19 points clear of Northumberland Golf Club. With promotion and relegation introduced for the first time, Westerhope topped division two

and will move up in 2023 along with Blyth and Morpeth as Whitley Bay, Ponteland and Tyneside move down.

Westerhope captain Craig Armstrong said: “We’re very happy to have been crowned division two champions. With everything to play for on the last night, both for us and our opponents Blyth, and the other teams playing for promotion and relegation, we certainly enjoyed it right to the end of the season. We’re very happy with the new format and we’re looking forward to 2023.”

With 16 teams in the league, in the past there has been a fall off in competition in the latter part of the season among the clubs no longer

competing for the title. However, as league secretary/chairman Marcus Chisholm explains, the new format ensures there is a great deal to play for in the final weeks of the season.

“We’re very happy with the reception the two-division structure has received, and we couldn’t have wished for a more exciting end to the year at the bottom of division one and top of division two as eight teams were vying for positions on the final night.

“Having received such positive feedback from many of the established league players, as well as club captains, we look forward to building on this year’s success in the

second year of our two-year trial of the new format, and beyond.”

The final fixture of the league’s season, the Players Team Championship, took place at Westerhope Golf Club in September with City of Newcastle’s Andrew Minnikin lifting the individual trophy as his home club won the team title.

Meanwhile, Tynemouth Golf Club’s Stewart Fell, the 2022 Northumberland county champion, was crowned League Player of the Year after winning 12 of his 14 matches this season. He added his name to the trophy for a second time following his success in 2019.

The Newcastle United (top) and Westerhope teams

Marcus Chisholm and Andrew Minnikin (top) and Stewart Fell

Looking to the Futures

Following the success of the North of England Futures girls’ squad, PGA pro JJ Vallely has launched a boys’ development squad.

JJ, who setup the girls’ Futures squad in 2014 to develop talented youngsters aiming to be selected for the England Golf under-18 Regional Squad, aims to emulate the success of that programme, which supported players including England internationals Maggie Whitehead, Rosie Belsham and Jess Baker.

Matfen Hall-based JJ, who coaches the squads alongside programme manager Bryan Ross, said: “The aim of the Futures programme is to develop and support players who are not quite ready for the regional squad. In the last 10 years, we’ve had a lot of success developing ambitious girls and have seen them achieve some amazing things. All of the girls started out as high handicap golfers with a dream to be as good as they can. As the girls continue to go from strength to strength, it’s now time to help promising boys from Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland with the proven formula.”

The programme, which is already underway with 16 boys signed up with more places and shorter sessions for younger boys in the pipeline, will see talented young golfers take part in one full day of coaching per month while receiving 24/7 support from JJ through an online coaching platform.

“I’m looking for a limited number of boys who love the game and are ambitious, driven to learn and improve, and want to work hard,” added JJ.

“The appetite for the programme has been incredibly strong so far and we will be leaving no stone unturned in our quest to support players on their journey with technical, physical, tactical and psychological coaching as well as mentoring and parental support sessions.”

For more information about the self-funded programme, including the application process, contact JJ at jjvallely@yahoo.co.uk or on 07899 090 777.

Wearside win junior foursomes

Wearside won the Durham County Junior

after beating

It’s the first time in 46 years that Wearside have won the competition, with youngster Evan Oliver playing in every round. In previous rounds he partnered Alex Gordon and Millie Hixon, and he teamed up with Oscar Hancill in the final.

JJ Vallely

Waugh wins Tour Championship

Brampton’s Phil Waugh brought down the curtain on the North East & North West PGA circuit’s professional tournaments for 2022 with victory in the delayed Tour Championship at Matfen Hall.

Pushed back to the end of the season, the delay and tough conditions didn’t stop Phil and Matfen-based John Harrison from posting two under-par rounds of 70 to force a sudden death playoff.

At the par five first, Phil’s eagle putt came to rest on the edge of the hole and when John failed to convert his birdie chance, the tap-in four was enough for Phil to lift the trophy.

Meanwhile, the final two UKbased pro ams of the circuit’s season produced a pair of winning duos.

At a breezy Rockliffe Hall, James Maw and Kieran Graham both shot superb five under-par rounds for 41 stableford points and a share of the winner’s cheque. A group of five players finished four shots back in

a tie for third place as Aaron Cox led his team to victory with 86 stableford points.

North of the border, DP World

Tour player Garrick Porteous and James Wilson could not be separated at the top of the leaderboard at Fairmont St Andrews as both players

posted six under-par totals. In the team event, Craig Goodfellow led his team to victory with a 22 under-par total of 166 points.

Phil Waugh

Garrick Porteous and James Wilson

Kieran Graham and James Maw

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Chris Paisley

Taking time to reset

DP World Tour player Chris Paisley on making the counter intuitive decision to take a break from golf and hit the reset button

After missing the cut at the Alfred Dunhill Links in Scotland, I had four tournaments left to earn enough points to keep my playing rights for 2023. With that in mind, taking a threeweek break may seem like an odd choice, but that is exactly what I did.

A few months ago, I decided to try and play my way into form by teeing it up week after week. I thought I would build some momentum and confidence and hit my stride. That simply did not happen. On the Saturday of the Dunhill, I had played nine events in a row and I felt as flat as a pancake.

It dawned on me that I was burned out and my brain just wasn’t working at the level needed to play good golf. That afternoon I decided the best thing

for me moving forward was to go home for three weeks and return for the Portugal Masters.

I felt that would give me the best chance of winning, and it would mean having some energy left in the tank for qualifying school, which is realistically my best chance of regaining my card for next season.

The break was lovely. I put my clubs away for two weeks and then eased back into practice, focusing on making sure my sessions were as enjoyable as possible.

Honestly, I have lost a lot of love for the game recently, and this was my attempt to fall back in love again.

It was so nice to be a proper husband and father again. We put golf on the back burner, as it has been dominating our lives recently given how badly it has been going.

I felt as though a weight lifted off me and I was much happier. The energy around my golf has been so negative for so long that it has become exhausting. To get away from that feeling was wonderful.

It feels a bit wrong complaining about fatigue and not enjoying the game.

Golf should be such a luxury, especially doing it for a living. I suppose we all have bad periods at work and get fed up. The difference with golf is that it is purely performance based. If you are not on your game, it shows and the money stops coming in… Unless you play on LIV, of course!

I feel better for the break, and I’ll be doing my best to either win in Portugal or regain my card at Q school. Whatever happens, I know I’ll be fine and back to my best sooner or later.

© Getty Images

Simon Olver

Golf’s next big challenge

Simon Olver, course manager at Ganton, on why we are facing a shortage of greenkeepers and what can be done to improve the situation

When I look on social media and talk to other golf course managers across the UK, it’s clear we’re facing a big challenge as the pool of skilled greenkeepers shrinks and the pipeline of new starters and trainees fails to keep pace with the positions available.

This situation has come about because of a number of factors – from the increase in the national living wage squeezing the gap to mid-level wages, to people leaving for better working hours and conditions.

While I could go on about why this has happened, it’s important to look at what can be done to improve this situation, and ultimately move greenkeeping forward.

As is the case in many industries, it’s a good idea to look at what’s happening in the US. There, greenkeeping is a highly skilled profession with many holding degree-level qualifications in mid-level positions, and certainly within management. Pay scales are also very different and while this brings high expectations, it also ensures greenkeepers are both knowledgeable and accountable.

While I don’t expect wages to grow overnight, clubs are already competing for the best staff with money and this will drive up wages across the industry.

We must also go through a cultural change. In the UK, there is a tradition of young golfers falling into greenkeeping. We need to continue finding young people who play golf and want to build a career in this industry - but we must also support their development from day one with high-quality apprenticeship and higher education opportunities, and better working conditions and environments.

The work done by The R&A and BIGGA on this has been good to-date, and I’d like to see these programmes expanded, with more opportunities provided by colleges. Initiatives like The R&A Scholarship are fantastic, but I’d like to see more being done at all levels to raise the next generation up too. Training providers need to be more visible on this and work with schools and major stakeholders as well as clubs to promote the positive aspects and opportunities of the industry.

There will always be hard yards -

whether that’s long days on lower wages early on or studying part-time. While that will be too hard for some people to commit to, in this industry it leads to better jobs, better wages, and so many great opportunities to grow and travel to work anywhere in the world.

As well as wider support for individuals and keen people coming into the industry, clubs also have a big role to play to retain good staff. The best working environments attract the best people. While pay is important, so too are progression, development and feeling valued.

Clubs must prioritise their courses, presentation and development over everything else as these are why golfers join and play them. Pressure is already high on teams who are understaffed with fewer skilled people, and clubs are now faced with a difficult question - can they reduce the expectations of members and presentation standards to meet reduced greenstaff hours and skill levels? If the answer is no, they must then prioritise investment to bring in and retain good people, and support their development.

Hard work

Retired DP World Tour caddy Sean Russell shares his inside knowledge on how tour professionals work far harder and longer than we see

Perhaps the most important thing I learned in 14 years as a tour caddy was just how good all tour pros are - not just the ones you see on TV on Sunday afternoons. Believe me, until you stand within a few feet of them and hear the strike (or when you’re next to Henrik Stenson, feel the ground move…) you really can’t appreciate the huge difference between tour players and elite amateurs, let alone the average club golfer.

Guys who are in the middle of the pack in terms of distance now routinely carry tee shots over 300 yards. Beyond that, a friend of mine caddied for Nicolai Højgaard when he first came out on tour and he was already carrying his drives some 330 yards on average. Next time you’re playing, stand on the first

tee at your home club and work out where one of his drives would land… it’s mindboggling.

As a caddy, you also get to see and appreciate how ridiculously hard tour pros work on their physical and mental games before, during and after tournaments. The work truly never stops.

What you don’t see when you watch on TV is the 2-3-hour range sessions followed by putting practice, chipping and pitching, and then a gym and stretching session which would put the average human being in bed for a week. They do this (almost) every day.

We also get an insight into the mental preparation most guys do these days. There are many different techniques, and players tend to use these either alone or with their sports psychologist. In my

experience, the priority here is eliminating negative thoughts. It’s so noticeable how the very top guys play with no fear whatsoever - they come to the golf course knowing they’re going to play well. I specifically remember the third round in Saudi Arabia a few years ago alongside Ian Poulter - he oozed confidence, went for every flag and finished sixth without getting out of first gear.

This is a mindset we can all learn from as club golfers. While we’re never going to get the ball out there like a tour pro, putting a bit of time into your preparation might just help you turn up next week knowing you’re going to play well and avoid those disasters when you’ve got a score going coming into the last few holes. Some food for thought ahead of your next round.

Sean Russell

Dean Bailey

Part of the club

As the cost of living rises, there’ll be lots of golfers asking, is golf club membership right for me?

W hen golf clubs emerged from Covid before other sporting venues, membership was undoubtedly the best thing an amateur sportsperson could have access to. But, as the cost of living rises and with life back in full flow post-Covid, there are about to be many golfers questioning whether to maintain their membership.

From my point of view, it’s essential, and not just as a golf writer, I’ll admit that being a member of a golf club is part of who I am. I get a great deal of value from the experience - the chance to play whenever I want, to practise using the club’s faculties, to be part of a unique community both on and off the golf course… all of these are important factors for me, and many others who will prioritise their membership fees in 2023.

For clubs, this is a time to ask: are we

providing value? This is a moment to reflect on golf’s post-Covid boom and assess how they have handled the influx of players, and how they will keep them.

A key part of membership is feeling part of the club. Members who feel part of the fabric of the club and its community are far more likely to want to continue being part of it. So too are those who make the most of the facilities and benefits of membership and clubs should be telling members what’s available to them, reminding them of all the benefits they have on top of access to the golf course.

Few clubs can simply post their fees on the notice board and watch the money flow in and we, their customers, have a range of options at almost every club.

Five-day options, flexi-memberships with small additional green fees per round, paying over 12 months, and taster memberships – to name a few – are all

still out there and those who may want to reduce costs in 2023 will look for these.

Meanwhile, clubs which provide options which work around busy lifestyles – such as nine-hole competitions – have another tool available to them.

Clubs which are moving forward also have an advantage in the coming months. Sharing progress on the golf course, showcasing what recent investments have achieved and highlighting there’s more to come are key things to share as members make decisions for 2023.

I can’t throw enough support behind being part of a club. From playing five holes in the evening to spending hours on the practice green, there is simply no better, or more flexible, way to enjoy your free time. It’s imperative clubs remind members of the benefits of membership in the coming months, show they are moving forward, and keep golf in a strong position.

© Katherine Welles - stock.adobe.com

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

David Whalen, Luke Allen and George Washington’s Bill Michie

Dream team

Beamish Park’s Luke Allen and David Whalen outlast 59 other teams from across the region to win the 21st Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs tournament

After six months of matches across the region, Beamish Park’s Luke Allen and David Whalen were crowned Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs champions for 2022 following victory in the event’s final at George Washington.

Luke, who plays off a handicap of 17 and 18-handicapper David overcame Whitley Bay-based pair David Billham and Steve Weldon in the final to add their names to the trophy in the event’s 21st year and win the £600 prize.

“It’s fantastic to be the champions,” said David Whalen after the Beamish pair secured a 4&3 victory. “Having signed up just to give an inter-club event a go, we never expected to make it through a couple of stages, let alone win the whole thing.

“The fourball betterball format suited us really well. Some weeks, I’d play well and others Luke would do

a lot of the work. We definitely gelled well together and had a fantastic time all the way through the tournament.”

“It’s been an unbelievable experience, right from the first round, and I’m over the moon to put my name on the trophy beside David,” said Luke. “The format is something a bit different for me, getting out to other clubs and not having to solely rely on my own shots all the time. Teaming up with David was great too and we certainly worked well as a team.”

With Luke dating David’s daughter and the pair living together, teamwork and staying on the same page throughout the tournament proved key to their success.

“We definitely know each other pretty well now,” said David Whalen. “I know when Luke needs a little word to keep him right on the course, and he’s been great all the way through with big shots and putts when needed.

“We’ve been under pressure at times and got through some close games, but honestly getting past the first round was a bonus for me. Getting right the way through is a great feeling.”

“The key has been going out there and just playing golf our way,” added Luke.

In the final, all four players made nervy starts with their tee shots at the first, but a great approach shot from Steve led to an opening birdie. That quick start was then cancelled out by Luke at the second hole, where a nett birdie got the teams back to all square.

Luke’s shot at the difficult par four fourth hole would also prove crucial as David Billham failed to make a nett par and the Beamish team took a 1up lead.

They would lose the advantage to comfortable bogeys at the next hole before regaining it at the

seventh – David Whalen this time using his shot to make a nett par. The advantage would be doubled at the short par four eighth before the momentum turned once again at the ninth as David Billham made a huge putt for birdie to reduce the deficit to one at the turn.

A couple of halved holes steadied the match before the pivotal moment came at the 12th – Luke making a superb nett birdie with David Whalen out of the hole to double the lead and swing the match in their favour. His excellent pressure putt there would prove critical as David Whalen went on to make the only par three at the 13th.

With all four players out of position at the 14th, Luke’s nett bogey was enough to stretch the advantage to four, and then a short putt for par for David Whalen was enough at the 15th to secure the half there and the 4&3 victory.

“It was a nervy start for sure,” said David Whalen. “It took some time to settle in but after the opening few holes we got into it.”

Luke added: “I felt absolutely fine, no nerves whatsoever… until we got to George Washington. I was a bundle of nerves by the time I got on the first tee.

“Once I settled down, it was about getting on with it, enjoying the game and the walk, and letting the result work itself out.”

“We said on the tee, what will be will be, and luckily it worked out in our favour this time,” added David Whalen.

Having progressed through the early stages - including wins on the third extra hole at Beamish in rounds two and three - Luke and David made it to the final with victory over the Durham City/ South Moor pairing of Steven Dodds and Neville Wanless.

“I was keen to be part of the event so I could see other courses and play competitive golf against some new players,” said Luke on the season-long run of matches. “While I was always looking forward to the away draws, David was wanting to play at home as it’s such a big advantage to know the course.”

2022 finalists David Whalen, Luke Allen, David Billham and Steve Weldon

“Our quarter-final match against Craig and Jamie from Romanby was a big highlight for me. Playing so well around a new course, which was such a pleasure to play, was exactly what we’d wanted to do when we signed up,” added David Whalen.

Runners-up David Billham and Steve - who teamed up at short notice after Steve’s original partner was injured - received a £100 prize having reached the final with victory over the Burgham Parkbased pair of Simon Watson and Russell Taylor.

Steve said: “A big well done to

David and Luke, who played some great golf in the final and kept us at arm’s length for much of the day.

“I’ve always enjoyed match play and while we’ve played some very good golf to reach the final, we didn’t quite have our A games. Luke and David dovetailed perfectly for a well-deserved win.”

“It’s been brilliant to play new courses and meet like-minded people from other golf clubs right across the region,” added David Billham. “The tournament is a lot of fun and we’d highly recommend it to anyone as a way to get out and play some fun, competitive

matches right across the North East.”

Having presented the trophy to the winning pair, George Washington’s Bill Michie said: “Congratulations to Luke and David on winning this year’s Match Play Pairs. We’re incredibly proud to have hosted the final stages of another successful year of the event. It’s always a pleasure to showcase our course, and to hear positive feedback from the players who took part in both the final and semi-finals.”

A huge thank you to all the players who have been part of

MATCH

this year’s tournament, which saw six rounds of matches completed between May and October. Northern Golfer’s thanks also go to all the clubs which have given courtesy to visiting players. A special thank you also goes to the management, greenstaff and clubhouse teams at George Washington.

For full results visit www.northerngolfer.co.uk/ match-play-pairs-2022

Match Play Pairs will return in 2023 and further details will be published in the new year.

A ROUND WITH...

Siân Oakley

Siân Oakley has had an incredibly busy golfing career since picking up the game 12 years ago. She’s captained her home club, Gosforth, as well as the Northumberland County Ladies Golf Association. She’s also been county junior organiser, a role she recently left in order to become manager of the highly successful North of England girls’ Regional Squad. A former competitive rock climber - Siân represented Great Britain as a lead climber and boulderer - when she’s not up a mountain there’s a good chance you’ll find the 12-handicapper on or very near a golf course. Here’s more…

1 How much golf do you get to play?

I tend to over-schedule a little between working as an A Level psychology teacher, serving as a magistrate, and fulfilling my roles in golf, but I still average a couple of games per week right through the year. I also still climb, and row, so there’s not a lot of downtime in my diary.

2 How did you get into golf?

My dad, Tom Killen, got me into climbing immediately after I finished my politics degree at Birmingham University. Once he’d stopped climbing, he took up golf and I followed him into that too as it was the perfect way to spend time with him. I did a beginner class with Marcus Webb at the Morpeth Family Golf Centre and I’ve loved it ever since.

3 Which is your favourite course in the North East?

I’ve always been a member of Gosforth Golf Club and still love playing there. I’m also a big fan of my second club, Hexham, too. Away from those, I love the courses on the Northumberland coast, especially Bamburgh.

4 And further afield?

I would have to pick The Glen in East Lothian. It’s a spectacular location on the Firth of Forth and it’s where I played most of my golf with my dad, so I have lots of special memories

there – including meeting Adam Scott and his dad when the Open was on.

5 What’s your best score?

I shot seven over-par at Gosforth on Captain’s Day this year, which was a good time to do it with lots of great prizes to win.

6 Which is your favourite golfing memory?

It was one of the last times I played with my dad at The Glen before he stopped playing. My daughter played with us as well and it was so special to do that with both of them.

7 What about embarrassing moments on the course?

When I started playing, I was the bandit of choice for lots of people as my handicap couldn’t keep up as I improved. Having been specially chosen for a foursomes county event at Bamburgh Castle, my partner let me tee off on the odd holes. On the first tee, I hit four balls off the cliff in front of loads of people. She properly stitched me up!

8 Do you have any golfing superstitions? No, there’s nothing I’m too attached to when it comes to golfing rituals or routines.

9 What are your strengths on the course?

I don’t take it too seriously and you’ll never see me get wound up on the golf course. I think that’s a good strength to have as an amateur golfer.

10 And your weaknesses?

Ironically for a psychology teacher, the bit between my ears gets in the way too often, particularly with my driver.

11 Which is your favourite club in the bag?

I’ve got a very old, quite cheap, Ben Sayers 23-degree rescue club. It’s a bit battered, but it’s my go-to club anytime I feel a bit worried about a shot.

12 Who is your best golfing friend?

My dad. He’s the reason I took up the sport and we played so much golf together. While he can’t get out on the course anymore, he’s the person I’d want to play with every time.

13 What would you be doing if you weren’t so involved in golf?

I’d be climbing more mountains and probably have a bit more free time.

14 Who is your favourite golfer?

I like Ian Poulter, he has a great spirit for a sportsperson and his passion for the Ryder Cup was phenomenal.

15 Which golf event do you  enjoy most?

The Northern Counties Junior Jamboree, which brings together girls with handicaps of 15 and above, is brilliant. Seeing the girls enjoy themselves, bond and get into the spirit of the event is fantastic.

16 Who do you admire?

I’ve been inspired by the Suffragette movement for a long time. They recognised that golf, like horse racing, was a bastion of male power and decided to target courses and confront prominent politicians while they were playing to further their campaign to get the vote. While I don’t agree with some of their tactics, what they achieved was so brave and incredibly important to where we are today.

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

My dad would have to be in there first. I’d also pick Naga Munchetty as she’d go up against my final pick, Donald Trump, if he were to try anything questionable on the golf course.

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

If I could have got just one ball in play off the first tee at Bamburgh with all those people standing around, that would be perfect.

The new North of England girls’ Regional Squad manager and former Great Britain rock climber on her love of golf, her strengths on the course, and who makes it into her dream fourball

NORTHERN GOLFER

A northern powerhouse

South Moor Golf Club holds a unique place in the North East’s golfing heritage as one of the few courses in our region to have been worked on by the legendary architect Dr Alister MacKenzie – the man behind Augusta National, Royal Melbourne, Cypress Point and many other great courses.

The golf courses designed, renovated, remodelled and enhanced by MacKenzie are renowned and respected around the world, and at South Moor you’ll find a superb example of his design philosophy. The heathland course - a MacKenzie redesign which began in late 1925 and would be his final recorded work in the North East - makes great use of the land’s natural shapes to test every aspect of your game.

Founded in 1923 and operated by the National Coal Board, today South Moor maintains close ties to its unique heritage as well as its championship pedigree - with heather, bracken and gorse providing aesthetic beauty as well as golfing challenge. Many elements of MacKenzie’s natural design philosophy are easy to pick out as fairways transition near-seamlessly into greens and bunkers appear to sit naturally in the ground. While not long today, the course demands accuracy, while MacKenzie’s fascinating greens have to be played many times to even begin to navigate properly.

The par three first may only measure 157 yards from the white tees, but take note of the pin’s position on this long green as it dictates the

difficulty of the shot – front pins are accessible while back ones require the ball to be threaded through the pair of greenside bunkers.

A short par five of 460 yards follows, though the double dogleg requires you to move the ball right to left from the tee and then the opposite way to either reach the green or leave an approach up its length. While there is space to the left, a pitch from this side must navigate a steep slope and will encounter many twists and turns as it rolls across this tricky putting surface.

The par three third is framed wonderfully by trees, while the two-tiered green features a short but steep slope around its perimeter.

At just over 400 yards, a solid tee shot favouring the left side is required at the fourth hole in order to hold the steeply sloped fairway. Players must also favour the left side with their approach, which can be tricky from a slopping lie, as two bunkers guard the right side of a green which slopes towards the sand.

Tee shots from the longer hitters at the fifth must avoid a single fairway bunker on the left, some 80 yards from the green. Stay right with your approach to use the slope while avoiding the steep drop, trees and bunker on the left side of this incredibly narrow, 30-yard long green.

Having taken in the views over the course and across Co Durham, the tee shot at the 313-yard sixth hole is played steeply downhill and can get close to the green, which is a big advantage with a semi-circle of four bunkers guarding its front half

while many subtle undulations make sure a birdie putt is never easy here.

Another downhill par four inviting a long drive follows, though a precise shot into a green beautifully set among the trees is required with little room for error.

A pair of far trickier tee shots follow. The 365yard eighth hole requires a left-to-right shape to follow the dogleg. From here you get a good look at a brilliant MacKenzie green which slopes from back to front and features a false front as well as a cavernous bunker on the right side. At the longer ninth, gorse and heather play their first major roles as they create a corridor leading to a bunkerless plateau green.

While the front nine bears many MacKenzie hallmarks and its green designs are fantastic, it’s on the back nine – which begins with South Moor’s own Amen Corner – where the good doctor’s work is strongest.

The back nine begins with a thrilling downhill par five, once again bordered by gorse and heather. A stream meanders in front of a devilishly tricky green which is wrapped around a single bunker on its right side. A second trap guards the route to the green from the left while circles of heather add purple highlights to the green complex.

The 143-yard 11th is set against a backdrop of trees with another superb green, while the stream features once again to the left of the hole.

Position is vital on the uphill par five 12th, with a drive into the fairway essential before you

Dean Bailey visits one of the North East of England’s most important golf coursesthe Dr Alister MacKenzie-designed South Moor

play up the hill, avoiding the boundary wall on the right, and then make the climb. Once you reach the summit, the bunker on the left side of the green creates fantastic slopes and contours throughout this left-to-right sloping putting surface.

A long tee shot on the 13th will give you a good view of the enormous green at this 403yard par four. Measuring some 60 yards from front to back with two deep front bunkers, it must be seen to be believed.

A long par three set among ancient trees with a trio of bunkers staring back at you follows, and your tee shot must make it up the slope at the front of the green here.

At the 348-yard 15th, be cautious from the tee as the fairway feeds down towards a stream on the left side, while longer shots can run out of room and find the water as it cuts across the fairway 50 yards short of the green. The uphill approach can be tricky to judge and must favour long over short as two front bunkers – including a massive one on the left with a vertical face – wait to catch any shots which comes up short.

The short but incredibly difficult par five signature hole follows (see fact file).

The final two holes are both a little over 380 yards and shaped from right to left. The tee shot at 17 must favour the right side of a vast fairway to use the slope and leave a route to the green, which is positioned on a shelf in the hillside with a pair of greenside bunkers.

A right-to-left shape is key for those who hit driver down the hill at the 18th in order to avoid the bunker on the right side and get a good view of an incredibly wide green set yards from the clubhouse, which slopes from front to back and left to right, and features a pair of bunkers on its front corners.

FACT FILE

CONTACT

South Moor Golf Club, The Middles Craghead, Stanley, Co Durham DH9 6AG, tel 01207 232 848 secretary@southmoorgc.co.uk www.southmoorgc.co.uk

GREEN FEES

For tee bookings, visit the website. For groups and other enquiries, please call 01207 232 848

TOTAL DISTANCE

White tees: 6,287 yards (par 72)

Yellow tees: 6,064 yards (par 72) Red tees 5,490 (par 73)

FEATURES

Large practice area

Artificial short game area Putting green Buggy and trolley hire Custom Fit Golf pro shop with FlightScope launch monitor Top-quality catering including popular Sunday lunches

CADDY’S TIP

Take your time on the expansive greens. A hallmark of MacKenzie’s work, his greens at South Moor remain endlessly challenging with their free-flowing contours, swales, crowns, tiers and terraces providing great challenge and entertainment

SIGNATURE HOLE

A challenging par five with modern equipment, we can only imagine how difficult the 449-yard 16th was in MacKenzie’s time. An accurate tee shot is required - staying left of the trees while avoiding the rough to the left and beyond the landing area. From here, the hole turns 90-degrees to the right and climbs uphill between trees and gorse. The smallest green on the course is perched at the top of the climb with a steep slope on the right side and a bunker to the left. A brilliant, challenging par five despite it measuring less than 450 yards

OUR VERDICT

With all the hallmarks of MacKenzie’s green complex design still very much on show while gorse and heather punctuate the layout throughout, South Moor remains a key part of the North East’s golfing heritage

The club has major plans for redevelopment going forward, with new holes and facilities in the pipeline but the course is expected to remain on its current 18 hole layout throughout 2023. Investment in the course continues unabated, with more improvements expected over the winter. With that in mind, a visit to South Moor and its stunning MacKenzie design is highly recommended

Time for a change

This month we have got our hands on new putters from Cleveland and TaylorMade, had a first glimpse of the latest generation of Titleist’s Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls, got to grips with new winter accessories from PowaKaddy, and got a first look at new threads from Mizuno and Stuburt.

NEXT GENERATION

TITLEIST PRO V1 AND PRO V1X GOLF BALLS RRP: TBC WWW.TITLEIST.CO.UK

The 2023 Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls have made their debuts on the PGA Tour.

Titleist’s tour seeding and validation process for the new generation of the tour’s mostplayed balls - which are being manufactured at Titleist Ball Plant 3 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA - will continue in the coming weeks ahead of their global release.

Titleist’s flagship models are trusted by more than 72% of players across the PGA Tour and major worldwide tours, with Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls used by the winners of all four men’s major championships in 2022.

“The Pro V1 and ProV1x, as a whole, are the best balls in golf so it’s hard to say, ‘How are you going to possibly make that ball better when it’s already the best?’” said Jordan Spieth, who has won three majors and 13 PGA Tour titles playing a Pro V1x. “When you think of anything being the best, you’re really going against yourself then. You’re trying to beat your former self versus worrying about the competition. I think Titleist does that. They continue to push being the best and continuing to stay number one - and that’s a really difficult thing to do.”

THREE OF A KIND NEW TAYLORMADE SPIDER GT PUTTER MODELS

WWW.TAYLORMADEGOLF.EU

TaylorMade’s Spider GT line of putters has been expanded with the addition of three new models.

The three additions - the GT centre shaft, Truss TM1, and Truss TM2 - feature the same high MOI undercarriage which the Spider line is known for as well as an easy-to-align, high-contrast black top plate and white sightlines.

The putters feature a lightweight aluminium top plate/crown and dual steel side weights which position more than 80% of the head’s total mass towards the perimeter to enhance stability. That extra stability helps keep the ball on line, while the Pure Roll insert helps create consistent launch and reduced skid for a better roll.

To add even more stability, the Truss TM1 and TM2 models feature a wider hosel contact point to reduce twisting at impact. Meanwhile, the Spider GT features an open frame multi-material design with two steel side wings (90g each) pushing 82% of the total weight to the perimeter to stabilise the putter on off-centre strikes.

MIZUNO FEEL

RRP:

WWW.MIZUNOGOLF.COM

2022

Mizuno’s latest clothing collection combines refined materials with practical golf tailoring and proven technologies. The autumn-winter 2022 collection showcases Mizuno technologies including Nexlite Flex, Breath Thermo, Thermal Plus and Biogear.

The new range includes the Nexlite Flex Jacket - a lightweight and free moving waterproof option which is water resistant to 20,000mm, breathable at 25,000g/m2, and features 15% additional stretch compared to the previous model. The material is also free from harmful perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

Meanwhile, the Breath Thermo Move Down Jacket (£180) and Gilet (£160) feature Breath Thermo warming technology, while the Breath Thermo Move Tech Jacket (£140) and Gilet (£118) offer highly efficient all-round, mid-weight options which provide a balance of warmth and movement.

RRP: £329

READY FOR WINTER

POWAKADDY WINTER ACCESSORIES RANGE

RRP: VARIOUS WWW.POWAKADDY.COM

PowaKaddy has updated its range of winter accessories, including enhanced Winter Wheels and new, electronically heated ThermaMitts. Each accessory has been designed with the winter golfer in mind and has been engineered to satisfy the needs of any player in even the most adverse conditions.

The newest addition to the range is the electronically heated ThermaMitts. Heated by microwire technology, they warm up quickly and offer a combination of comfort and warmth. The microwire heating layer is evenly spread throughout the mitts to distribute warmth onto the hands, while the simple control button offers three heating levels.

Meanwhile, PowaKaddy’s ergonomically designed Winter Mitts have been designed to keep your hands warm in the coldest of winter conditions while being quick and easy to attach to your trolley handle.

A staple of the winter accessories range, the Winter Wheels - developed in association with the British International Golf Greenkeepers Association - feature a unique, patented design to keep you moving throughout winter.

OPTIMISING CONSISTENCY

HB SOFT MILLED PUTTERS

RRP: £199 (STEEL SHAFT), £249 (UST SHAFT)

Cleveland Golf’s new putter line - HB Soft Milled - features Speed Optimised Face Technology (SOFT) to help produce a purer and more consistent roll.

Each headshape is cast in steel before the sole of each putter is hand-polished and the face and back are milled to create finely tuned performance characteristics. Meanwhile, the new Speed Optimised Face Technology aids distance control with modelspecific milling normalising ball speeds across the face.

The 10-strong line-up includes a model to suit every type of putting stroke – from streamlined blades to mid-mallets and forgiving full mallet designs. These headshape options are matched with Golf Pride Pro Only grips to complete the customisation of each design.

FRESH LOOK STUBURT AUTUMN-WINTER 2022 RANGE

RRP: VARIOUS WWW.STUBURT.COM

Stuburt has launched its 2022 autumn-winter clothing range, promising performance-based options at affordable prices.

New fabrics, designs and branding are brought together in the range, which features water-resistant options, a number of midlayers, and new Active-tech garments.

The range is designed to keep you playing through anything the British weather can throw at you with versatile layering catering for a wide variety of golfers and conditions. As well as water-resistant fabrics, there are comfortable soft brushed-back fleeces, thermal and windproof technologies as well as technical performance fabrics promoting moisture transfer.

Active-tech garments, which are new for 2022, include the Active-tech fleece, Active-tech zip neck top and a contemporary midlayer featuring a contrast camouflage panel as well as a lined sweater with water-resistant front and back panels.

Range of benefits

Winter evenings are the perfect time to work on your golf swing at the driving range or in a state-of-the-art swing studio. Our region is home to some fantastic practice facilities to help keep your swing in shape, improve your game and learn from some of the best coaches. Looking to sharpen your game in the months ahead? Try these…

High Gosforth Park Golf Club

High Gosforth Park’s driving range is open to the public seven days a week from 9am. The floodlit range features 28 bays with high-quality mats, Srixon golf balls, and multiple targets to enhance your session. Range bays are available to reserve online through the club’s website or by using the Elitelive app. Range vouchers are also available for regular visitors, while the team of PGA professionals is on-hand to help you improve your game.

Open to members and the public, the driving range and academy at Longhirst Hall is one of the finest practice facilities in Northumberland. The floodlit range has 14 bays with power tees along with a teaching studio, where you’ll find PGA professional Paul Fiddes. The academy is also home to a 360-degree short game practice area with space to practise your chipping, pitching and bunker play. Academy membership is available for £20 per year and includes discounts on purchases, a free round of golf and social membership of the club.

Northern Golfer Half Page November 2022.qxp_Layout 1 27/10/2022 11:12 Page 1

High Gosforth Park Golf Club, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle NE3 5HQ, tel 0191 236 3322, www.parklandsgolf.co.uk

Welcomes the hugely popular Driving Range powered by

Perfect to meet up with friends

Can be used for fun or general practice

Nearest the pin competition to win prizes

No need to book

We have golf clubs if needed

The Toptracer app can be downloaded in advance from your app provider or by scanning the QR code below

Longhirst Hall Golf Course, Morpeth, NE61 3LL, tel 01670 791 562 www.longhirstgolf.co.uk

Longhirst Hall Golf Course

Sharpley Golf Course

is home to excellent practice facilities, including a 14-bay covered driving range and four open-air bays which were added in 2022 along with an additional practice green with a greenside bunker and fairway bunker. The range features a number of targets, while power tees are also available in several of the covered bays. Open daily from 8am to 8pm, to members and the general public, you’ll also find top-quality tuition at Sharpley from PGA professionals Kevin Jackson and David Howdon, while Kevin’s successful junior academy continues to support the development of young golfers. Meanwhile, the facilities at Sharpley will be added to in November with the opening of the Virtual Golf and Development Suite, where players can work on their game with access to state-of-the-art technology and play some of the world’s best courses. Work is also underway on the creation of an extra four-bay driving range, which will be perfect for group and junior sessions. Sharpley Golf Course, Seaton, Seaham, SR7 0NP, tel 0191 513 1100 / 07789 220 505, www.sharpleygolf.co.uk

George

and

Ramside

Hotel, Golf and Spa

Take your practice sessions to the next level at Ramside this winter with Toptracer technology available on the driving range, allowing golfers to track shots, play fun games and test their ability on some of the world’s best courses.

Toptracer – which has also revolutionised TV coverage with its ball tracking system – is available in each bay at Ramside’s floodlit driving range and offers the chance to track every shot in 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 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 in the sport, Go Fish is a fun game using golf shots to catch each of 24 different sea creatures.

All your data is stored on your account in the Toptracer app, which enhances the experience further.

Ramside Hall, Carrville, Durham, DH1 1TD tel 0191 3869 514, www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk/golf

GEORGE WASHINGTON

There’s no escaping goddess of golf

An iconic Mediterranean Escape

in the midst of a protected landscape and

the Mediterranean Sea, the award-winning

Aphrodite Hills Resort

located on two plateaux.

This idyllic and fully integrated Resort o ers a diverse range of first-class facilities, including stunning accommodation at the 5-star Aphrodite Hills Hotel by Atlantica; an impressive

of Holiday Apartments & Villas from Aphrodite Hills Holiday Residences; world-class sports facilities; a variety of

and entertainment options.

Shawn O’Neil golffitnessnortheast.com

STARTING YOUR GOLF FITNESS JOURNEY

Having decided you’re ready to get fit for golf, it’s time to begin your journey with an assessment of your physical abilities and restrictions. But what does an individual Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) assessment entail, and why is it so important? In my first column, I briefly mentioned an assessment and that it is vital in order to make sure you’re prioritising what will benefit you the most, especially if your time is limited.

TPI is the world leader when it comes to fitness for golfers. Right now, 18 of the last 20 male major champions and 25 of the top 30 players in the OGWR are advised by a TPIcertified professional. With access to the best players in the world and data on hundreds of thousands of golfers, the people behind the TPI system have been able to create a comprehensive screening process.

This assessment is made up of 16 different screens which look at the mobility in certain joints, how well you can stabilise certain movements, and if muscles pass a certain strength test.

From there, we are able to link physical attributes and limitations to your golf swing and use our data to analyse and support change in certain swing characteristics.

For example, if you’re a player who makes an over-the-top move, can you rotate your hips while keeping your shoulders very still? If you struggle with too much lateral sway and/or slide in your golf swing, do you have adequate internal hip rotation? If either answer is no, then it’s unlikely you’ll fix the swing issue without addressing the physical limitation.

There is a strong correlation between higher assessment scores and lower handicap indexes - in general better physical capability produces better golfers. That said, every golfer can benefit from an assessment, and following it up with a specific programme to reduce their limitations and enhance the things they already do well.

IN OUR DECEMBER-JANUARY EDITION WE WILL BE PROMOTING LINKS GOLF, VISITING THE VERY BEST COURSES ON THE REGION’S COAST

Contact Doug Brolls (Durham and wider region) on 07721 031482, doug@offstonepublishing.co.uk or Gillian Corney (Northumberland) on 07903 500401, gillian@offstonepublishing.co.uk

www.northerngolfer.co.uk

DRIVING LESSON

An efficient ball flight is one of the keys to maximising driving distance – and for many golfers this involves reducing spin and increasing launch angle.

A great drill to achieve this involves just one item and we’ve always got it to-hand - a towel.

For this drill, simply roll up the towel and place it approximately 2ft in front of the ball.

From here, let your instincts take over – your weight will shift to your right side a little more in the backswing (for the right-handed golfer) and your shoulders will adjust to increase the launch angle you create through the ball. From here, make a few swings and adjust your positions to create a ball flight which sends the balls over the towel and further down the range.

Doug BrollsPGA Professional

win

Northern Golfer competitions are also listed on our website www.northerngolfer. co.uk/competitions

Alternatively, you can post your entry to: Competitions, Northern Golfer, Unit 5b, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL

Please include your contact details and telephone number. Closing date Thursday November 24, 2022. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT LUNDIN GOLF CLUB

With noted architects including Old Tom Morris and James Braid, the course at Lundin, which was formed in 1868, remains one of Scotland’s finest links with spectacular views across the Firth of Forth. The course remains largely as it was some 100 years ago. The first five holes are in classic links tradition proceeding to the Mile Dyke. Players then cross the now extinct railway line and play the, relatively, newer James Braid-designed nine holes before returning back across the railway to the pure linksland.

For your chance to win answer the following question: In which year did Celtic Manor host the Ryder Cup?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT SEATON CAREW GOLF CLUB

Few courses can boast as interesting a history as Seaton Carew. Most of the 22 holes were designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie, while some of England’s biggest events have been staged over these links, including the 2022 North of England Amateur Championship.

For your chance to win answer the following question: Who won the 2006 Open Championship?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT LONGHIRST HALL GOLF COURSE

Longhirst is home to two beautiful courses, The Lakes and The Dawson, offering two fantastic challenges set in the Northumberland countryside. Both courses have hosted top events including the EuroPro Tour, and are presented in fantastic condition year-round.

For your chance to win answer the following question: How many major championships has Lydia Ko won to-date?

Congratulations

winners: Newcastle United - Mark Pope of Peterlee • Heworth - Anthony Lee of Billingham • Garesfield - Peter Lee of Alnwick

bunker from the

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!

Members of Whitburn Golf Club have raised nearly £6,000 for Cancer Connections following a series of fundraising efforts and the club’s annual Texas scramble event. A cheque for £5,889 - boosted by support from the Barbour Foundation, which once again supported the event with a £2,000 donation - was handed over to Deborah Roberts from the charity by club chairman James Simpson.

With league sponsor Tony Williamson presenting the prizes, champions Close House received the league trophy as Westerhope received the Hadrian League Plate. Winners of individual honours throughout the season were also present - including Stocksfield’s Ben Lee, who was crowned player of the year; young player of the year Junior Dobson from Hexham; and James Glenn, the leading individual player in the Dixon Cup, which was won by Durham City.

Thanks to Anthony Brian Allington, who wrote to us after winning one of our fourball competitions in August. He said:

“Just a quick message regarding our visit to Brampton Golf Club. We played the course on Tuesday September 27 and it was an amazing day - from arriving in the morning and being shown round, to playing the course, which we all agreed was in fantastic condition. I would like to thank everyone associated with the golf club for making us welcome and all the members we spoke to on the day. I look forward to playing the course again.”

Thank you for your email, and best of luck to everyone entering this month’s competitions.

A century after the rabbits movement was founded by two Yorkshire clubs, Knaresborough hosted Oakdale in a special commemoration of their pioneering match in October 1922. Two teams of 12 pairs also marked the opening of a commemorative bridge as part of the event. Knaresborough was only two years old when some of its members, frustrated by the absence of team competitions for higher handicappers, invited Oakdale to a match for “players of 18 handicap and over”. After the KnaresboroughOakdale match in 1922, the appeal of higher handicap competitions began to spread across the county, with the formation of the West Riding Rabbit Golf Association in 1938. In 1955, that changed to the Yorkshire Rabbit Golf Association. Today, 99 Yorkshire clubs have rabbits sections.

We’re delighted to hear that the centenary match, won by Knaresborough, will be played annually going forward.

After a two-year hiatus, the Hadrian Golf League’s annual dinner returned to celebrate the successes of clubs and individuals in 2022.

Stocksfield’s Ben Lee receiving the Player of the Year trophy

Dave Armstrong, captain of Close House, receiving the Hadrian League trophy

Field Day team gross winners Newcastle Utd

Davison Cup winners Northumberland

Craig Armstrong, captain of Westerhope, receiving the Hadrian League Plate

OUR BEST. NOW BETTER.

From high-MOI blades to multi-material malle ts, each model is individually designed t o achieve the proper balance of feel and f orgiveness in a confidence-inspiring look.

Firmer milled faces or so fter inserts, each model is engineer ed to match your preferred feel.