Northern Golfer magazine #46 - August 2016 by Offstone Publishing

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BRILLIANT BRIONY

ST ANDREWS TRIUMPH REVIEWED

DURHAM CITY GIRLS ON FILM

GOLFING BLOCKBUSTER

WILSONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A WINNER

ANDREW HAS HIS SIGHTS SET ON PROFESSIONAL CAREER

WIN FOURBALLS AT MATFEN HALL, PARKLANDS AND SOUTH MOOR

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EDITOR Paul Robertson editor@northerngolfer.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk Paul Corney 07521 389 536 pcorney@northerngolfer.co.uk Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk John Harrison 01661 886 400 john.harrison@matfenhall.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Paul Bramley 01661 844 115 paul@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson info@kgphotography.co.uk Peter Skelton www.photo-psp.co.uk

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EDITOR’S NOTE AND CONTENTS As the summer season draws to a close there are plenty of winners to congratulate. Perhaps the most impressive performance came from young Briony Bayles, who took the St Andrews Junior Ladies Open at the Old Course. That said, there have been plenty of impressive victories across the region and beyond to celebrate. Mathew Webb’s win at the Galvin Green PGA Assistants’ Championship at Little Aston being one, and many others which feature throughout this issue - from 17-year-old James Wilson through to 85-year-old Jim Blakey. It just goes to prove that you are never too young or too old for this sport, and it is great to see so many golfers from our region doing so well. This month’s cover story features a mature young man - Andrew Wilson - who has enjoyed much success in his amateur career while continuing with his university studies. A quiet, unassuming guy, he is keeping all options open but remains hopeful of giving tour life a go. The EuroPro Tour enjoyed another successful trip to the North East at Close House, where a Welshman took the spoils, and we have a special report on the remarkable story of Jenny Lee Smith, which may yet end up on the big screen. Our courses continue to attract rave reviews - including Durham City, which Dean Bailey enjoyed this month - and there are a number of late summer deals for you to enjoy across the region in our feature, which starts on page 34. Thankfully, some kinder weather has allowed greenstaff throughout the North East and Yorkshire to present our courses at their very best, hopefully taking some of the financial pressure off with courses open and in great condition so often. It continues to be challenging to get more people into the game so it is now more important than ever for us to champion our clubs and support them both on and off the course. Enjoy the rest of the season - it won’t be long before we’re playing in jumpers and jackets! See you next month.

04-16 TEEING OFF

Superb wins for James Wilson, Briony Bayles, Martyn Jobling, Kelly McNulty and Anthony Black plus the latest from the EuroPro Tour, Westerhope Juniors, Dinsdale Ladies and Hexham’s secret garden

20-23 TEEING OFF

Belt and Webb do it again, plus success for Brad Robinson

27 TOUR LIFE

Paisley on golf at The Olympics

28 GOLF GEAR

Equipment and trendsetting

30 WONDER WEBB

PGA success for Bedlington pro

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Publishers: Jane Pikett & Gary Ramsay Address: Offstone Publishing Unit 1, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield Northumberland, NE43 7AL Tel: 01661 844 115 E: enquiries@offstonepublishing.co.uk Twitter: @offstonepublish Facebook: /offstonepublishing

Paul Robertson, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

32 GIRLS ON FILM

FRONT COVER

Movie interest in the remarkable story of Jenny Lee Smith

Andrew Wilson on his successful amateur career to date and his hopes for the future on and off the course

40 TIPS

Turning on the power with Matfen Hall’s John Harrison

Pages 24-26 When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it ©Offstone Publishing 2016. 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.

18 DURHAM CITY GOLF CLUB

42 COMPETITIONS

34 LATE SUMMER DEALS

Win fourballs at Matfen Hall, Parklands and South Moor

46 BUNKER

Meet the South Moor champion aged 85 NORTHERN GOLFER 03

TEEINGOFF

Lamb lifts another trophy

Matty Lamb & William Coker (© Leaderboard Photography) Hexham’s Matty Lamb picked up the Malcolm Reid Salver for the best aggregate score in the Peter McEvoy Trophy and Carris Trophy, following a fifth place finish in the Carris at Hunstanton Golf Club. Lamb won the trophy with an eight under-par aggregate score following a five under-par total at the Carris Trophy (English Boys’ Under 18 Open Amateur Stroke Play), and a three under-par total at the McEvoy Trophy at Copt Heath Golf Club for a fifth place finish there.

King and Queen of the castles

The ever-popular Three Castles Open attracted more than 240 players to the Northumberland coast, including BBC News Correspondent Naga Munchetty (pictured above). Played over three days at Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle and Dunstanburgh Castle, this year’s tournament was sponsored by Bamburgh Castle Golf Club and won by the duo of David & Sharon Jenkinson from Wearside Golf Club with a total of 132 points. Mick & Cynthia Curnin were second overall with a total of 131 points as Phil & Christine Clegg finished third with 126 points. 04 NORTHERN GOLFER

Richard James

Richard the Lionheart James claims maiden EuroPro title in dramatic fashion with a storming finish from well behind at Close House

ichard James stormed to his first professional title at the EuroPro Tour’s Lookers Championship at Close House, coming from three shots back on the 13th tee to lift the trophy. James, who returned a three-round total of 10 under-par over the Lee Westwood Colt Course, claimed the £10,000 winner’s cheque having trailed Billy Hemstock (Teignmouth Golf Club) for most of the final round. James (Aberdovey Golf Club) shot a finalround 68, three under-par, for the win - but was three shots back when he hit his tee shot at 13. He birdied that hole and in the group behind Hemstock, then 11 under-par, bogeyed it to see the gap reduced to one. A birdie at 17 saw James draw level and with the pressure of needing a par at the last, Hemstock pulled his tee shot at 18 into the thick rough. With an unplayable lie he took a penalty drop and his next shot ricocheted off the wall in front of the green and back onto the fairway. That left the Devon man, who carded a course record of eight under-par in his second round, needing to hole his approach to force the playoff. He came up short and double bogeyed the hole to sign for a 73, finishing two back on eight under-par. “I was buzzing all day out there, I was enjoying myself and had a smile

on my face all day,” said James, who also took home a Motocaddy S1 Lithium trolley, Bushnell Tour X Range Finder and Bolle Sunglasses. “It isn’t often you are in contention and I wanted to enjoy it. I think that is the biggest reason why I performed the way I did. “My putting was key. I kept it in play but I putted unbelievably. I will remember the putt on 18 for a long time. “I don’t play for the money but that is a huge part of playing and I can kick on now and push for that top five at the end of the year.” For the first time, Lookers sponsored the event, with a car up for grabs at the par three ninth each day should a player make a hole-inone. Unfortunately, no aces were recorded. Heike O’Leary, marketing director at Lookers, said: “We are very excited to sponsor the EuroPro Tour. It’s a perfect fit for us as Lookers has a very proud tradition of hosting very successful charity golf days, so to be involved in such a prestigious event is a fantastic opportunity. “Lookers is beginning to establish a strong sporting pedigree, supporting various sports at grass roots level and beyond in the UK.” Chris Lloyd (The Kendleshire) finished third, two more shots back on six under-par. Hemstock’s £6,000 runners-up cheque saw him move up to second on the Race To Desert Springs with a win to his name earlier in the season at Montrose Golf Links. Matthew Cort, who followed his win at Longhirst earlier this season with a second at The Carrick, still leads the way with Greg Payne third. James moved into the all-important top five with his win.

TEEINGOFF

Young Wilson proves a winner James becomes the youngest to hold Durham matchplay title

ngland Boys cap James Wilson underlined his growing reputation when he clinched the Durham County Matchplay Championship in dramatic fashion at Seaton Carew. Having just turned 17, Wilson is thought to be the youngest ever winner of the title, and his victory over Bradley Hildreth at the first extra hole is also believed to be the first time the winners of both county titles - the strokeplay and the matchplay - are from the same club. Kris Rae took the strokeplay crown back to Tyneside earlier this season as Wilson finished in the top 10 at Wearside before making it a club double at Seaton Carew in a topsy-turvy final. Three up early in the final against Bradley Hildreth, Wilson was hauled back by the Billingham player, who holed some big putts around the turn, and the match was all square after 13. Despite Wilson edging ahead at the next, Hildreth squared the match again at 16 and then won 17 to go one up. Having watched his semi-final opponent Grant Dixon push his tee shot at 18 into the bushes to lose the hole and take that match into extra holes, which Hildreth won at the 23rd, you

would have thought he would have avoided that line at all costs. But the golfing gods were not with him as he put his tee shot into the bushes, had to take a penalty drop, hacked out and could do no better than a double bogey six. With Wilson on in two, Hilderth conceded the hole for the final to go down the 19th. Deflated, Hildreth struggled on the 19th while Wilson calmly holed a 15ft putt for birdie and his first senior county title. “I hope this victory will lead to many more,” said Wilson, who was capped for England Boys against Wales last year. “It’s been quite a good year and I’ve been striking the ball well, although the scores have not been quite as good.” Wilson is in his second year of sixth form at Wallbottle and is in the England Schools team to play Scotland later this year. Last year he won Northern Golfer’s inaugural junior champion of champions. “I’ve been thinking about university but we’ll see how things go, and what my options are. A golf scholarship in Victoria in Canada is a possibility and I have family over there.”

James Wilson with the Durham County Matchplay Championship trophy

Bradley Hildreth in trouble on 18

NORTHERN GOLFER 05

TEEINGOFF

Top class at Brass

Haider Hussain receives the North of England Youths Open trophy from Middlesbrough captain Mick Davidge Haider Hussain ran away with the North of England Youths Open at Middlesbrough Brass Castle - finishing nine shots clear of the field. The 20-year-old from Kendleshire Golf Club leapt ahead of the field on the final day with rounds of 65 and 68 to finish nine shots clear of his nearest challenger, James Robinson. Hussain, 20, served notice he may be the one to beat when he opened with rounds of 68 and 66 to lead at the halfway stage. That third round 65 made it his tournament to lose and a closing 68 gave him a total of 267. Robinson posted rounds of 66, 70, 69 and 69 for a total of 276 while Mitch Wade was third on a total of 281. The Fairweather Salver for younger competitors went to Hallamshire’s Barclay Brown, a former winner of the North of England Under 14 title at South Moor, with rounds of 72, 70, 71 and 72 while the Bates Trophy for the highest-placed Middlesbrough player was won by James Swash. Hussain played at the Callaway World Junior Championship at Torrey Pines in the United States and is coached by George Ryall, a European Seniors Tour player. 06 NORTHERN GOLFER

Briony Bayles (© St Andrews Links)

Opponents no match for brilliant Briony Durham teenager takes St Andrews Junior Ladies Open

ishop Auckland’s Briony Bayles won the biggest event of her golfing career to date on the 18th green of Old Course in the St Andrews Junior Ladies’ Open. Briony, who also plays at Wynyard, beat favourite and top seed Alison Muirhead (Emirates) 2&1 in the morning semi-finals before beating Jessica Bailey (Kirby Muxloe) one up in the final of the scratch event for women aged under 23. Following the event, Briony said: “It still hasn’t sunk in - I can’t remember what happened in the last four holes. “I hit the ball really well all week and I was really excited to play at the home of golf.” Following a strokeplay qualifying event for the 63 players on the Strathtyrum Course, and two matchplay rounds on the Eden Course, Briony made it to the first tee at the Old Course. “It was my first visit to St Andrews and my goal for the week was to get through and play the Old Course,” added Briony. “When I got there, it was amazing – though I had a 7.10am tee time so I had to be up at 5am. “I was really nervous warming up and on the first tee, but the more the round went on, the more comfortable I felt and I started to enjoy it. “It was really special to play a match at such a historic course and get my first big win on the 18th green in front of the R&A. It’s definitely the

biggest win of my career so far.” Sixteen-year-old Briony has just completed her GCSEs and will be studying for her A levels at Dyke House in Hartlepool, where the elite golf programme is supported by European Tour player Graeme Storm. “I’m really looking forward to doing my A levels and getting to play golf at the same time,” she said. “Looking further ahead, I’d like to study at university in America and play college golf. The dream is to then turn professional, but I know it’s going to take a lot of hard work to get there. “The win at St Andrews has given me so much confidence. I played some really good golfers and I now know I can shoot the scores to win big events. I can’t wait for the last few events of 2016.” Established in 1989 to complement the Boys’ Open, past winners of the junior ladies title include Ladies European Tour players Carly Booth and Anna Scott. The Girls’ Open Quaich, played with handicaps, was won by Jodie Taylor (Downfield), who beat Ellen Caton (St Regulus) by one hole in the final. In the Boys’ event, Japanese visitor Gaku Tsukamoto beat John Paterson (St Andrews New) 2&1 in the final over the Old Course. In the handicap section, Thomas Craig (Falkirk) beat Finlay Le Bouille (Cullen) 4&3 in the final.

TEEINGOFF

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Rhys Thompson

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Durham duo’s impressive show can’t stop Yorkshire

hys Thompson and Chris Handy top scored in the Northern Counties Strokeplay Championship - the Big Six - but Durham had to settle for fourth place as Yorkshire took the team title. Durham will be frustrated further by missing out on third place to local rivals Northumberland on countback, both teams finishing with a total of 902. English Boys Champion of Champions Handy blasted his way around Delamere Forest with a course record-equalling 66 in the first to give his Durham teammates a huge lift. But the England Boys international from South Moor missed out on the top individual prize with a disappointing second round 75 for a total of 141 as Thompson, from Boldon, came through to pip him by one shot. Thompson, last year’s Durham County Matchplay Champion and winner of the Durham County Order of Merit, added a 69 to his opening 71 for a total score of 140. With two players leading the scoring, Durham would have expected to be closer to the top spot, but Yorkshire’s David Hague (72), Bailey Gill

(71) and Kealan Lowe (72) all delivered in the second round to keep Yorkshire out in front as they finished 10 shots clear of last year’s winners Lancashire. Meanwhile, the Northern Counties League title looks like Lancashire’s to lose. The third round of matches saw Lancashire and Yorkshire produce significant away results, while Durham upset Cheshire’s chances with a single point win at Brancepeth Castle. Yorkshire won 12–6 against Northumberland at Hexham while league leaders Lancashire increased their advantage with a 13½-4½ win over Cumbria at Appleby. Lancashire now top the table with three wins out of three and six points, two ahead of Yorkshire while Cheshire also have four points but are third on individual match points while Cumbria and Durham are on two points and Northumberland prop up the table with no points. The next round of matches sees Lancashire take on Cheshire at Clitheroe while Durham travel to The Oaks to play Yorkshire and Cumbria and Northumberland clash at Penrith Golf Club. NORTHERN GOLFER 07

TEEINGOFF

Bay win

Whitley Bay captain Matthew Wood with league chairman Marcus Chisholm Whitley Bay ended a 36-year wait when they won the Northumbria Junior League title. There was a family story to the trophy presentation too. The last time Whitley Bay won the title, in 1980, it was presented to team captain Stephen Wood, who went on to win multiple club championships. Thirty six years on, Stephen’s son Matthew was presented with the league trophy for 2016 by league chairman Marcus Chisholm after Whitley triumphed in the finals day at Morpeth, coming through a battle with Hexham in the final. The league is made up of 16 teams in two divisions of eight teams, which can consist of both boys and girls. The top two teams in each division progress to finals day, which this year was at Morpeth. In the first of the morning semi-finals, Whitley Bay beat Blyth 10-2 while Hexham defeated 2015 winners Ponteland by the same score. In the afternoon final, Whitley faced Hexham and an extremely tense match unfolded with Whitley winning by the narrow margin of seven points to five. Ponteland won the third place playoff against Blyth. Whitley’s team, managed by Ian Suttie, consisted of captain Matthew Wood, Jack Suttie, Rosie Belsham, James Burston, Brandon Jones and Tom Swinney. Whitley were fortunate to be able to call on Aaron Blackwood, Brad Mann, Alex Jay, Charlotte Pickering and Stephen Turner during the season, proving a strong squad is essential. 08 NORTHERN GOLFER

Kelly McNulty and Rosie Belsham

Three in a row

McNulty wins Whitley Bay Club Championship for third year running

elly McNulty continued her success in Whitley Bay Golf Club’s Ladies Club Championship with a third consecutive win. McNulty, who won her third club championship at the age of 20, beat 14-year-old Rosie Belsham in the final at the first extra hole following an action-packed final. “We had a great match in the final,” said McNulty. “Rosie went ahead early and both of us made a ton of birdies all the way through. It was fun to play in front of a crowd of members and to win my third championship is a fantastic achievement.” McNulty, who is studying Applied Sport and

Exercise sciences at Northumbria University and currently working with Edinburgh-based GolfFit as part of a placement, is hoping to land a career in the golf industry. “I’d love to work in the golf industry and apply what I’m learning at university,” she added. “I’m really enjoying my course and it’s been great to be part of a really successful golf team at the same time. “It’s a lot to fit in with uni work, and uni and club golf but I’m enjoying it and hopefully things keep going well on and off the course.” In the men’s club championship, Northumberland County player Seton Wakenshaw beat Steven Findlay.

Pros share NE/NW PGA prizes The NE/NW PGA season continued apace last month, with the region’s best pros competing for pro am titles and making their way through the season-long Matchplay Championship. At the Cockermouth Pro Am, Martyn Stubbings led the field with a three under-par 66 as Ross Crowe, James Maw and Simon Robinson shared second place with rounds of 68. A week later, at Houghton-le-Spring, Darren Crowle and Robinson shared the winner’s cheque with rounds of 68. Darren Pearce and Mark Watkins were two shots back in third.

Close House’s Andrew Scrimshaw returned to the top of the leaderboard with a round of 68 at Richmond, as David Clark finished a shot back with Craig Goodfellow a further shot adrift. In the Matchplay Championship, Martin Forster beat Andy Paisley at Hexham to make it through to round three as John Harrison beat Phil Waugh at Close House to also progress. Sixteen of the region’s best professionals remain with the final to be played in September. For full results from the NE/NW PGA go to www.nenwpga.co.uk

TEEINGOFF

Home on the range

Anthony Black

Pauline Michie and Cally Cooper

Back to Black

Anthony wins his 10th club championship at George Washington

eorge Washington’s Anthony Black wound back the clock to win his 10th club championship, picking up the trophy in a fourth consecutive decade. Black returned a 36-hole total of seven under-par over the par 73 course, including a five under-par 68 in Sunday’s final round. He said: “To win in four different decades is unbelievable, I never thought I’d be capable of winning it again. “To be able to compete with the young players and win over a tough course is a great feeling - having been there and done it before gave me a big advantage.” Black, now a one-handicapper, won his first

championship in 1989 aged 22 and his 10th victory came at the age of 49. “The back nine on Sunday is where a big event really starts and I made four birdies coming in, which is always going to be tough to beat,” added Black. “Working away, it’s tough to get into the rhythm of playing good golf but this year things worked out perfectly with six weeks at home to prepare before playing the club championship just before I headed away again. The timing couldn’t have been better.” Meanwhile, Pauline Michie and Cally Cooper won the Durham County Ladies Golf Association Fourball Betterball Open at George Washington Golf Club. Playing at their home club, the duo returned a nett score of 65. The club’s ladies open takes place on August 23.

Topgolf Entertainment Group has highlighted Newcastle as a prime location for its next golfing entertainment centre, adding to its three successful driving ranges in Hertfordshire, Surrey and Essex. Property consultants Savills are searching for locations for the 12-acre site, which will feature a 60,000sqft building, 250-metre driving range and car parking. Topgolf is one of the leading entertainment companies in the US with more than 20 venues including Las Vegas, Tampa and Salt Lake City. Facilities include shot tracking and a number of competitive games for golfers.

NORTHERN GOLFER 09

TEEINGOFF

Young guns deliver perfect gift Junior victories help Westerhope celebrate 75th anniversary in style

esterhope’s juniors are doing the Newcastle club proud in its 75th anniversary year. In May, William Wilkinson won the Northumberland County Junior Matchplay Championship at Parklands. A month later, Ryan Pittiglio won the Northumberland County Junior Strokeplay Championship with scores of

William Wilkinson (left) and Ryan Pittiglio

73 and 72 over his home course. Wilkinson finished as runner-up with rounds of 78 and 72. The duo then teamed up with William Elsender in the Northumberland County Junior Teams Championship at Tynemouth and won the title with a score of 234 as Pittiglio took the individual title, which included a hole-in-one. Wilkinson followed up his

matchplay win with victory in the Northumberland Under 21 strokeplay at Wallsend with rounds of 75 and 72. Both Pittiglio and Wilkinson were selected for the Northumberland team to play in the Northern Boys Championship at Lindrick and both have also been picked for the county juniors side to face Cumbria It’s not only the boys who have been keeping the club’s name up

in lights - Amy Hargrave has been named Northumberland Girls County Captain. Club president Alan Burlinson said: “I am naturally very proud of the young golfers we have coming through the junior ranks and would like to give a personal thank you to John Stopher who has overseen the juniors for a number of years. It is down to his dedication that we have such a thriving junior section.”

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TEEINGOFF

Malone is champion

Samantha Malone

Baker misses out on the dough Teenager Jess shows great promise despite letting lead slip in England Girls Open

ess Baker shot the best round of her life to be in with a chance of winning the English Under 14 Girls Open Championship at The Nottinghamshire. The 13-year-old - who plays at Gosforth Park Ladies, which is part of the Northumberland Club - shot a one over-par 73 on the Signature course to lead by one from Finland’s Kerttu Hiltunen and Zanaib Jeppe of Mill Green in Hertfordshire at the halfway stage. She was unable to match her first round exploits the following day, and had to settle for an 81 in the third round, which dropped her down the leaderboard. She closed the event with a round of 76 finishing tied for seventh place for the championship. During the event Baker also took part in the final of the Abraham Trophy for England’s most improved girl golfers on the basis of handicap. She tied for second

place in the event with a nett score of three under-par. Baker opened her first round in the championship in style with birdies on the first two holes. “I played really well this morning and I really like the course, it’s the best round I’ve ever had,” she said following the round. Armed with a new driver, which she used to good effect throughout the event, she also putted well throughout the round - avoiding any three putts. After her opening birdies she played steadily, with just three bogeys, and kept the momentum going with a downhill 30ft putt for par on the short 16th. Last year Baker reduced her handicap from 18, and this season has come down from 10 to six. Gloucestershire’s Ffion Tynan beat par in the final round with a 71 to win the title, four shots clear of joint runners-up, Elena Moosmann of Switzerland and Kirttu Hiltunen of Finland.

Samantha Malone’s first Gosforth ladies championship didn’t come easily. The 18-year-old was up against seasoned champion Sarah Phillips - winner of the title for the last 10 years - in the semi-finals and it didn’t look good when she was three down at one stage in the match. But Malone battled back to win on the 19th hole before getting the better of Lillibeth Ratcliffe in the final, winning 5&4. Samantha also won the NJGA strokeplay title and reached the final of the matchplay during her junior career.

10 of the best

Andy Wiltshire, Ian Maclaren, Kevin Potter and Howard White Pontefract & District Golf Club has seen a total of 10 holesin-one already this season, including a pair of double aces in recent weeks. Members Andy Wiltshire and Ian Maclaren defied the odds to make a pair of aces at the 213-yard seventh hole at their home club in August. Meanwhile, Kevin Potter and Howard White aced the 17th and 14th holes respectively during the club championship weekend. NORTHERN GOLFER 11

TEEINGOFF

Chester aim to reign in Spain

Chester-le-Street’s team which finished third in the Mail on Sunday Classic finals in 2012 Dave Foreman holed a pressure putt on the final hole to take Chester-le-Street into the last 32 of The Mail on Sunday Classic. The putt earned the Durham club a 3-2 win at Warkworth in Northumberland and the chance of a return to Spain for the finals. Four-handicapper Foreman rolled in the 4ft putt to finish one up as Brian Nelson wrapped up a 2&1 win and club champion Matthew Haggarty finished two up. That was just enough for Chester to go through to face Consett, who beat Penrith 5-0, in the last 32. “We thought this tie might have been our stumbling block,” said Harry Wood, who has been managing the side for the past 10 years. “The matches were changing all the time. You couldn’t predict who was going to win until it happened.” Four of the squad made it to Spain for the grand finals in 2012, where they finished third. Chester-le-Street are now three matches away from making a return to El Rompido in Andalucía, where the last four men’s and women’s teams compete to become champions in the world’s largest golf club team event. Wood added: “It’s my job to hold the reins back a little bit, I’m here to say ‘calm down guys, we’ve got another few matches to play yet’.” Other results saw Saltburn beat Pannal 5-0 and they now travel to Hornsea, who defeated Sandburn Hall 3-2, while Cleckheaton, who defeated Shipley 3-2, face Burnley at home. 12 NORTHERN GOLFER

The new practice area at Hexham Golf Club

Secret garden

Hexham opens short game area in magnificent surroundings

exham Golf Club has unveiled a new short game practice area set in a Grade I-listed Victorian walled garden at the Northumberland club. The facility, which was opened by former club president Viv Younger and Sport England’s Alan Dovaston, features areas for chipping and pitching, as well as a bunker, practice green and artificial green. Hexham’s PGA professional Andy Paisley, who works with many of the region’s best players, including the North of England U18 team and Northumberland County squad, said: “This is a tremendous boost to the extensive facilities we already have here at Hexham. “Many golfers underestimate the value and importance of fine-tuning their skills around the

green - this purpose-built facility will give players of all abilities the opportunity to practise and save shots.” Head greenkeeper Malcolm Lathan, who oversaw the construction, added: “Developing the short game facility within the confines of the ageing Victorian walls was a unique challenge. “We shifted hundreds of tonnes of soil and rubble before embarking on the landscaping and re-planting process last year. Getting early growth on the site wasn’t easy because of the high walls, but we’ve nurtured the grass and bunker sites now and we’re really pleased with the way it’s all come out.” The project, which took almost four years to complete, was funded by Sport England and Northumberland County Council.

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Dan Brown (© Leaderboard Photography)

Dan’s the man Yorkshireman completes county’s hat-trick

orkshire’s Dan Brown staged a tremendous fightback to win the English Amateur Championship in an exciting final at Ganton Golf Club, and become the third player from the county to lift the trophy in as many years. Brown was four down after 26 holes of the final against George Bloor of Derbyshire before he piled on the pressure and was rewarded with a two up victory to follow Nick Marsh and Joe Dean and lift the trophy. Brown, from Masham, received immediate congratulations from another Yorkshireman, the 2007 English Amateur champion and 2016 Masters champion, Danny Willett. He sent a message to the presentation, telling Brown: “I can remember the feelings you’re experiencing and your family and friends will rightly be very proud of you. You’re obviously on the right track so keep doing what you’re doing, be smart and effective with your practice and who knows how far you can go?” In the morning 18 holes, the lead changed hands repeatedly as the pair traded birdies, an eagle and a few loose shots as Bloor came in for lunch one up. He pushed on in the afternoon,

winning the second with a par, the third with a birdie and then stringing a series of pars together to get to four up after eight holes. Brown won his first hole of the afternoon session on the ninth, where he fired a great second shot at the pin. He pulled back another on the 11th but lost the 12th to a par after his second shot was bunkered. Brown then moved up a gear. He had winning birdies on the long 13th and on the 14th, where his tee shot almost reached the putting surface. On the 16th he was back to all square after Bloor found trouble. Wayward drives from Bloor on both 17 and 18 then helped Brown to move ahead and claim his victory. “It was crazy going four down and I knew I had to play some good golf to apply the pressure – and I did what I needed to do,” said Brown. “I knew anything was possible, but George played such good golf that I had to hit some really good golf shots coming down those final few holes. “This means such a lot. I’ve been playing really well but haven’t had the results I felt I deserved. Mum and dad and my coach are sick of hearing me say that there’s a big result coming, but it’s happened!”

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MEMBERSHIP PROMOTIONS 2016 15 MONTHS FOR THE PRICE OF 12 FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE BRS BOOKING SYSTEM IN OPERATION PLAY ON MAIN TEES & MAIN GREENS ALL YEAR ROUND Email our Secretary Jeff Shield for more details on: enqiuries@durhamcitygolf.co.uk BEGINNER GOLFERS WELCOME GENTS AND LADIES GET INTO GOLF GROUP SESSIONS AVAILABLE FROM AUGUST 22ND CONTACT OUR PROFESSIONAL TOM CRANFIELD ON: 0191 378 0029-2 Visit our website for more details at: www.durhamcitygolfclub.co.uk Please contact Tom Cranfield on 0191 3780029 ex 2 or email: proshop@durhamcitygolf.co.uk Durham City Golf Club, Littleburn, Langley Moor, DH7 8HL NORTHERN GOLFER 13

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Hague gets to grips with Vardon trophy

Darren Pearce

David Hague Malton & Norton’s David Hague continued his successful season with victory in the Vardon Grip Trophy at Harrogate Golf Club. Part of the Yorkshire Order of Merit, Hague led the field of more than 50 players in the 36-hole event with a total of 137 – three shots clear of Fulford’s James Cass. The win follows Hague’s success in the Pannal Rose Bowl earlier this season and saw him rise to third in the season-long Order of Merit.

East triumphs Yorkshire’s Stephen East added the Northern Counties Seniors crown to his recent Scottish triumph with a superb second round 69 at Hexham Golf Club. The Moortown and Wike Ridge player was two shots off the pace after Johnny Lawrence from Moor Allerton and Don Campbell from Styal fired two over-par rounds of 72 to lead by one shot from David Nelson (Northenden), Peter Simpson (Alnmouth) and Trevor Foster (Accrington) after round one. Following his 74, the former English and Spanish Seniors Champion took control with a one under-par 69, the only sub-par round. His total of 143 saw him finish top of the leaderboard by two shots from Nelson with Lawrence third and Simpson next. 14 NORTHERN GOLFER

Jasper Parnevik

Tom Watson

Senior success Forster celebrates 50th birthday by qualifying for the Senior Open Championship and joining legends at Carnoustie

or PGA professional Martin Forster, turning 50 brought with it a huge opportunity. A regular winner on the North East/North West PGA circuit, Forster chose to celebrate turning 50 by entering the UK’s two biggest seniors events – The Senior PGA Professionals Championship at Fox Hills and Qualifying for the Senior Open Championship at Carnoustie. Five months since his birthday, Forster has a sixth place finish at the PGA and one of the best weeks of his golfing career under his belt. “It’s been one of the most enjoyable periods of my golfing career,” said Forster on his return from the Senior Open. “To qualify for a major championship was the goal going into the year and to make it through at Panmure, where I played my first Final Qualifying for the Open Championship in 1990, made it extra special.” Forster qualified in a tie for second place at Panmure having led until the final group returned their scores. Meanwhile, fellow North East pros Darren Pearce and Steve McNally also made it through to Carnoustie. “Coming through qualifying was my victory,” added Forster. “I was blown away when I got to Carnoustie and saw the clubhouse, the grandstands, the huge posters of Langer, Watson, Montgomerie and Jimenez, and then my name on a

locker alongside them. To be there and to practise with two North East pros and good friends in Darren and Steve was special and we had a great time together.” Following two days of practice, teeing up on the range alongside the likes of Scott Verplank, Jeff Sluman and Paul Goydos, “while hitting a few sand wedges to get loose and hoping you’re not going to chunk them,” Forster teed it up in the biggest event of his career to date. Although he missed the cut with rounds of 81 and 80, Forster was happy with his week. “The course is rightly one of the toughest Open host venues, played at 7,400 yards for the week, and there are some challenging shots out there. “It was exciting and I loved the experience – despite making a couple of trips to the burn at the 18th and dropping five shots there over the two rounds. “I played nicely enough, though the score doesn’t reflect how well I hit it in both rounds. “It’s the first time I can recall playing a golf tournament and my score was the least important thing. I wanted to play well of course, but it was an amazing feeling to be part of the tournament and to rub shoulders with the greatest players to ever swing a club was an amazing feeling. I’ve taken so many positives from it. “It was definitely the greatest golfing experience of my life.”

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Martyn’s maiden triumph Morpeth assistant wins first pro event at The Nottinghamshire

orpeth Golf Club’s Martyn Jobling shot a six under-par 65 to win the 2016 Foremost Assistants Championship supported by Srixon/Cleveland Golf at The Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club. Jobling, who qualifies as a PGA pro this summer, collected the winner’s cheque and a full staff contract from Srixon/Cleveland Golf, having been part of the awardwinning junior coaching team at Morpeth which was recognised by England Golf earlier this season. He carded five birdies and an eagle on his way to a two-shot

victory over Alresford’s Philip Bryden and leading the field of 110 professionals from around the UK. Jobling said: “Although I’d never played the course before, I got off to a nice start with birdies at the first two holes. I just managed to play the rest of the round one shot at a time without getting too ahead of myself. “After making a bogey to drop back to one under-par, I was able to string three birdies together at the eighth, ninth and 10th, and then managed to play some steady stuff coming in before finishing with a nice eagle three up the last.” The win was Jobling’s first as a

Martyn Jobling receiving the trophy professional having turned pro in 2011. “To win my first event was great, and to do it with so many bonuses from Srixon made it extra special. “I’ve got a handful of events lined

up to finish the season and I’ll be fully qualified within a week or two. I’ve got a lot more confidence on the course with a win and things are going really well with the coaching at Morpeth too.”

CHESTER-LE-STREET GOLF CLUB HOST TO THE NORTHERN GOLFER JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS EVENT 2016 MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE More tee times reserved for members than other local clubs

VISITING PARTIES AND SOCIETY GROUPS WELCOME GOLF PACKAGES AVAILABLE Check out our course development plans at

www.clsgolfclub.co.uk/course-development Contact: Secretary 0191 388 3218 or email: clsgcoﬃce@tiscali.co.uk PGA Professional 0191 388 2333 Chester le Street Golf Club, Lumley Park, County Durham, DH3 4NS

www.clsgolfclub.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 15

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Bower plays his part

The Great Britain & Ireland team (© The R&A) Brabazon Trophy winner Jamie Bower was part of the Great Britain & Ireland side which retained the St Andrews Trophy after a draw with the Continent of Europe at Prince’s in Kent. The match finished level at 12½12½ and while Meltham’s Bower will probably feel he wasn’t at his best, losing his singles clash when Frenchman Victor Veyret picked up three holes in a row from the 14th to seal a 3&2 success, he and Alfie Plant did gain a vital half point in the final foursomes match. GB & Ireland trailed their opponents 8-4 at the start of the second day, but won three of the morning foursomes matches and halved the other to reduce the Continent of Europe’s lead to a single point at 8½ -7½ going into the afternoon’s singles. The destination of the trophy came down to the result between David Boote and Ivan Cantero Guiterrez, with Boote securing a par on the 18th to beat the Spaniard by one hole to secure a 12½-12½ final score and ensure that GB & Ireland retained the trophy.

Bellingham set for pro am Bellingham Golf Club hosts its annual pro am for the third time on September 13 with the region’s best pros expected to tackle the demanding Northumberland layout. Entries are still open for the team competition, which will see teams of three amateurs paired with a PGA professional. To book, contact the club on 01434 220 530. 16 NORTHERN GOLFER

Nikki Dunn and Sue Kiddle

Dinsdale duo cash in Pair edge home at Dunham Forest to book a trip to Portugal

etired banking director Sue Kiddle was on the money at Dunham Forest Golf Club to win the WPGA Lombard Trophy regional final. The Dinsdale Golf Club amateur from Stockton on Tees partnered PGA professional Nikki Dunn for the event, where they carded a four under-par round of 68 to win by one shot ahead of Sophie Daws and Kate Mills of Kent’s Etchinghill Golf Club and Eleanor Robinson and Gill Swaby-Ward of Wike Ridge Golf Club in Leeds. All three pairings will now play in the inaugural £7,500 WPGA Lombard Trophy grand final, which is supported by Coca Cola and will be held at Pestana Golf Resort in Vila Sol from September. “I saw the field and knew there was a one in five chance of us qualifying, so I just put my mind to it and

focused on us getting there - and we did,” said Kiddle. “I’d never played with Nikki before - she didn’t know how I played at all, but it worked out so well. My knees were knocking a bit at the start but I had a big smile on my face driving home.” Kiddle holed two nett eagles in successive holes - the 11th and 12th - and that proved to be the difference at the top of the leaderboard. “Sue was a real superstar, she had a great day and so did I,” said Dunn. “I wanted to play this event to support the PGA as it has made more events available for women to play in. It’s great that we have our final in Portugal and that they’re doing more for the women’s game. I know the men’s event is very popular and I can see the women’s version going the same way from now on.”

Consett juniors win Durham title For the first time in 26 years, Consett & District Golf Club’s junior team, represented by Anthony Curry, Stephen Turnbull, Ryan Johnson and Joey Thompson, won the PD Cowell Memorial Salver. Held at Boldon Golf Club, the Consett boys will now go on to represent the county in the

Anthony Curry, Joey Thompson, Ryan Johnson and Stephen Turnbull English Junior Champion Club Tournament at Frilford Heath Golf Club, Oxfordshire this month.

COURSEREVIEW

Delightful Durham Dean Bailey leaves the city to visit a classic course with some of the region’s best par threes

tretching far into the distance as you look out from the clubhouse, it’s hard to believe the rolling, tree-lined layout at Durham City Golf Club exists as you make your way to the golf course. Driving through industrial units and past a couple of cafés, it’s hard to imagine what awaits as you turn down into the car park and catch your first glimpse of the golf course. It is a classic English golf course, challenging from the tee, well bunkered, with a fantastic set

18 NORTHERN GOLFER

of par threes, which rival any collection of short holes in our region. The opening hole is a great opportunity to get off to a good start. The fairway runs downhill and is generous at this 557-yard par five. Depending how far you run down the hill, lay up short of the bunker 60 yards from the green or play over it to a large putting surface. The second and third are more difficult – an uphill par three of 160 yards to a large two-tiered green where a putt back to the front is extremely

quick, followed by one of the toughest tee shots on the course. Avoid out of bounds right and thick rough and trees left at this 400-yard par four before playing to a long green guarded by two bunkers. Things don’t get easier at the fourth, another par four of just over 400 yards with out of bounds right. The line from the tee is the bunker right of the green, leaving an iron to a large, two-tiered green protected by a cavernous bunker right. The fifth is a tricky par three, played downhill with trees left and a steep run off to the right of the green. A great looking hole - it’s tougher than it looks. The sixth is also a tough, long par four with out of bounds right while the seventh is the pick of the par threes and our signature hole (see fact file). At the eighth, play to the right of the fairway as the ball will run left down the slope. The fairway is generous and a good drive will leave a short shot to a green which slopes right. Played back up the hill, the ninth measures the same as the eighth, 388 yards. The key here is to make it up the hill to have sight of a big green protected by a shallow bunker left. The tee shots are key at the 10th and 11th, the first an iron to the corner of the dogleg, avoiding out of bounds left before playing to a kidney-

COURSEREVIEW

FACT FILE CONTACT Durham City Golf Club Littleburn Rd, Langley Moor, Durham, DH7 tel: 0191 378 0029 web: www.durhamcitygolfclub.co.uk

Off the course, facilities at Durham City are topclass with an extensive practice ground beside the clubhouse, which is set to be added to with an indoor teaching studio. The menu in the clubhouse is equally good, whether you’re getting a bacon sandwich to go or popping in for the popular fish and chips on Friday or Sunday lunch overlooking the golf course and hills beyond

GREEN FEES Mon-Fri All day £35, with a member £15 Per round £30, with a member £15 Junior £15, with a member £8 Twilight (after 3pm) £20 Weekends and Bank Holidays Per round £40, with a member £20 Juniors £20, with a member £10 Twilight (after 3pm) £25 shaped green with a steep tier through its centre. At the 11th, a long drive will give you a chance to attack this 530-yard par five with the second shot played downhill to a green guarded by a steep run off back into a ditch at the front. The par four 12th and 13th holes present good birdie chances while the 14th is a short par five at 487 yards with two subtle dog legs. The final par three, and the most difficult, the green at the 15th is cut into a steep slope which will gather anything left and long back towards the green while sending anything short down the hill. A tier runs through the centre of the green, finding the correct half is key to making par. The closing stretch at Durham City is a great opportunity to finish in style. Three short par fours, the 16th requires a long iron to the corner of the dogleg before playing to the biggest green on the course – some 40 yards long. At 17, there is a high risk chance to drive the green, but the best option at this 337-yard severely downhill hole is to play to the bottom of the hill before pitching to a green which slopes back to front with a deep bunker left. At the last, big hitters will like their chances of getting close to the green in firm conditions. At 341 yards, a good drive will leave a pitch to a large green which slopes back to front and is overlooked by the clubhouse balcony.

BUGGIES Per round £20, per day £25 TOTAL DISTANCE White tees 6,367 yards Yellow tees 6,057 yards Red tees 5,646 yards FEATURES Large clubhouse with lounge, bar and dining room Changing rooms Well-stocked professional’s shop PGA professional tuition Extensive practice area CADDY’S TIP Though there are a few par fours of more than 400 yards, driver shouldn’t be the go-to here with thick trees and out of bounds in play on many holes SIGNATURE HOLE Set in thick trees, this downhill 140-yard par three is the prettiest of the short holes at Durham City. Played from an elevated tee, finding the green is key to par as rough, trees and a huge bunker short right await mishit, or misclubbed, shots. The green’s slopes are subtle - a two here is well deserved

OUR VERDICT A classic English course with great par threes and plenty of birdie opportunities - one of the most enjoyable courses to play in the county NORTHERN GOLFER 19

TEEINGOFF

Winning feeling

Olivia Winning Yorkshire duo Steve Robinson and Olivia Winning played their part in the England women’s team first European Championship victory for 23 years. The team, who are coached by Robinson, beat Spain 4-3 at Oddur Golf Club in Iceland to win the gold medal for the first time since 1993, when they also beat Spain to the title. Since then they’ve had three silvers and, for the past three years, have been involved in bronze medal playoffs but have left the championships empty handed on each occasion. The winning point was scored by English champion Bronte Law, who won all five of her games in the recent Curtis Cup match, in an incredibly tight final with six of the day’s seven matches going to the 18th hole. Robinson said: Steve “The Curtis Cup girls Robinson were immense with their performances but the other girls have been huge as well. They have dug in and fought for every single point. There has been a huge fighting spirit and never once did I see heads go down. We just all thought we could win.” 20 NORTHERN GOLFER

Bob Mcallister

Bob does the job H eworth’s Bob Mcallister was in peak form to clinch his first Durham County Seniors Championship. Bob, who is father to three golfing sons who are all category one players at Heworth, plays off four and won the event with a two under-par 70 at Wynyard. The score gave him a three-shot victory over Boldon’s David Conway and Castle Eden’s

Graham Border. His score of nett 66 was also the best in that category, with Bishop Auckland’s Rob Saunders and Consett’s Paul Reed second with rounds of 68. Bob now goes forward with County Champion Kris Rae and Boys County Champion Cameron Wallace to represent Durham in the England Golf Champion of Champions tournaments at Woodhall Spa.

Leeds cup switch The iconic Leeds Cup, professional golf’s oldest trophy, has been switched to Moor Allerton later this month. The event was originally meant to be played at Howley Hall earlier in the month but has been switched to the Leeds club. The 36-hole tournament will be preceded by a pro am on August 23, the day after a pro am at nearby Moortown, where the Leeds Cup celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. The 2015 event was won by Carden Park-attached Garry Welshman Garry Houston, Houston who also prevailed at Oulton

Hall in 2012 and is expected to defend the title this season. Sandwiched between the preceding two years were Selby’s Nick Ludwell and Ben Mason from Waterfront Golf, which completed four successive wins by professionals with European Tour experience. Meanwhile, Moor Allerton head PGA professional James Whitaker has helped to raise the prize fund for the event. The cup was presented to the PGA on its formation in 1901 by the Lord Mayor of Leeds to be competed for annually by professional golfers.

TEEINGOFF

England call-up Richmond’s Karen Jobling to represent her country at the European Seniors in Poland

aren Jobling has been named in the six-strong England side for the European Senior Ladies Championship at Siarra Golf Club in Poland at the end of this month. Richmond’s Jobling, who suffered an agonising extra-time defeat by Cath Rawthore in the English Senior Women’s Championship, joins the Cheshire player and Jackie Foster, from Hertfordshire, along with Julie Brown of Staffordshire, Helen Lowe of Leicestershire and Katherine Russell of Sussex for the championships, which start on August 30. The team includes the top four players from the senior order of merit and two selectors picks. The automatic places were taken by Rawthore, Foster, Jobling and Russell. Jobling was never behind until she lost

the 21st hole to Rawthore in the Seniors Women’s Championship final at Ross-on-Wye. Jobling was two up with two holes to play but Rawthore, from Sale, holed tricky putts on the 17th and 18th to get back to all square and head down the 19th, which both players birdied. At the 20th, Rawthore had a chance to win, but took three putts from above the hole. The match ended on the 21st when Jobling’s ball went through the green into a near-impossible lie, while Rawthore had a birdie opportunity. In the semi-finals, Rawthore beat Jo Shorrocks (Bigbury) 2&1 while Jobling beat Jackie Foster (Bishop’s Stortford) 3&2.

Karen Jobling (© Leaderboard Photography)

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Awesome foursomes Webb and Belt enjoy more success

M Mathew Webb and Alex Belt

athew Webb and Alex Belt have formed a four-midable partnership. The duo teamed up to win another top event in the North –the MASfab North of England Foursomes Championship at Rockliffe Hall. Following their success earlier this season in the Golfbreaks.com PGA Fourball Championship North Qualifier at Woodsome Hall, Bedlington’s Webb and Snainton Golf ’s Belt put together a two-round total of 143. “It was great to team up with Alex for another win, particularly in such a tough format,” said Webb. “It’s tough to get going in foursomes but we have a pretty similar style, which is key when you’re playing one ball. “It’s another win in what’s looking like a very strong season of results – let’s hope they keep coming!” The team of Mark Ridley and David Clark finished second with a

score of 144 as the teams of Scott Campbell and Isaac Simpson, and European Tour player Graeme Storm and Durham youngster Jack Ainscoughfinished in a tie for third place with scores of 145. The event, which was open to amateurs and professionals, was sponsored by custom welding and steel fabrication company MASfab, which is based in Tursdale, Durham. Wonder Webb - Page 30

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Visit www.heavenlyhybrid.com 22 NORTHERN GOLFER

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Kick it out

Brad’s major moment Robinson follows in major winners’ footsteps with Faldo Series victory

lose House’s Brad Robinson returned to the Duke’s course in St Andrews to win the overall title at the Faldo Series Scotland Championship, having won the under 18 title in 2015. Robinson, who was back home having completed his freshman year at Lenoir–Rhyne University in North Carolina, shot two rounds of 73 before finishing with a one under-par 70 to win by two shots. “The Duke’s is a tough course and the weather was difficult all three days so to get the win feels really good. I played my best golf on the final day and it’s great to be part of history and join the incredible list of names who have won Faldo Series events,” Robinson said following the win.

The win, over a strong international field, guarantees a spot in the 20th Faldo Series Grand Final. “Things are going really well in the States,” added 19-year-old Robinson. “The lifestyle is fantastic and I’m enjoying being part of a strong golf team. I can’t wait to get back and get some more college golf under my belt.” New Zealand’s Markopolo Fullepp won the under 16 category by three shots, while Daphne Van Houten (De Haenen) won the girls’ championship. Forty Faldo Series tournaments take place in more than 30 countries worldwide, touching thousands of golfers each year. Past winners include major champions Tseng Ya-ni and Rory McIlroy.

Open season Catterick enjoyed its own Open Championship weekend with Anthony Martin winning the Claret Jug trophy. The club hosts a strokeplay competition with each player’s score added to that of an allocated player at Royal Troon. Martin was paired with Thongchai Jaidee and won with a score of 67 added to Jaidee’s 71. Jeff Mills finished second with Henrik Stenson on 75+63, also for 138.

Meanwhile, Ruth Suffell has been crowned the ladies champion after posting a two-round total of 180 (90-90). Catterick is running a number of new events this year including SpeedGolf and Night Golf competitions. They’re also partnering Bedale and Richmond in the inaugural Dales Golf Festival this month.

Inset: Brad Robinson receiving his trophy Main: The Duke’s course at St Andrews

Some of football’s biggest names are teaming up for Kick It Out’s third Charity Golf Day at Leeds Golf Centre on August 31. Neil Mellor and Dougie Freedman will be joined by Marieanne Spacey (England Women’s assistant manager pictured), Craig Fagan, (Hull City and Derby County) and Clarke Carlisle (former PFA chairman). Former Brentford players David Hunt and Richard Lee, ex-Birmingham City defender Michael Johnson, journalist Tom McDermott, former QPR and Wycombe striker Steve Brown and Sky Sports presenter Rob Palmer will also be taking part. As well as the 18-hole event, there will be a Footgolf competition on the day with all proceeds going to support Kick It Out’s continued work in tackling discrimination and promoting inclusive opportunities in football.

Rockliffe award Rockliffe Hall has been named the number two hotel golf resort in the UK by the country’s leading hoteliers. The Co Durham resort, which earlier this year also picked up Large Hotel of the Year at the VisitEngland Awards, is also the highest ranking North East hotel to feature in the Hoteliers’ Hotels Top 100. Eamonn Elliott, chief executive at Rockliffe Hall, said: “We are thrilled to feature in this prestigious list. To be the highest ranking hotel in the North East and the second best hotel golf resort in the country, only behind Gleneagles, is fabulous.” NORTHERN GOLFER 23

ANDREWWILSON

Wilson – a mature student of the game Andrew Wilson takes a break from his packed summer schedule to tell Dean Bailey about life on and off the golf course, the student life and what’s next

or Andrew Wilson, fitting in interviews is a scheduling nightmare. An England international, the 22-year-old has spent the summer travelling across the UK playing the amateur circuit. When we meet, he has just returned from the English Amateur Championship at Ganton, and having moved out of his student house in Jesmond, is packing to leave for the European Amateur Championship in Estonia in the morning. “It’s been a busy few weeks with some big highs and some lows,” admits Andrew as he relaxes in the sunshine at Wynyard. “Finishing fifth in the qualifying for the British Amateur was a huge success. It’s one of the biggest amateur events in the world and playing well in that field gave me a big confidence boost.” Wilson made it through to the matchplay rounds at the amateur after a course record-equalling 66 at Pyle & Kenfig and a second-round 75 at Royal Porthcawl. “I’d been struggling in the week before and I didn’t go up until late on the Saturday so didn’t play a practice round at Pyle & Kenfig. In the first round, I knocked in a couple of 30ft putts, double bogeyed the fourth and then made an up and down par at the fifth after a drop, so it could have been a lot better…or a lot worse,” he adds. Having recorded such a low score in the opening round, Wilson admits his second round was more about making it through than shooting a low score. “I definitely got nervous, but I get nervous in every competition I play. I’m pretty good at controlling it now and played steady enough to get through.

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

“My nerves are something I’ve grown to deal with. Still getting nervous shows how much I care about what I’m doing.” Spaniard Alejandro Del Rey knocked out Wilson in the first matchplay round, though he understood what was needed going into the match. “It was frustrating to qualify so high and then get knocked out in the first round, but you know you’re going to get a hard game no matter where you qualify and I didn’t play my best.” That honesty and openness about his game is a recurring theme. An assured 22-year-old, Wilson acknowledges staying in the UK to study a Bachelors and Masters degree at Northumbria University has given him a different perspective than many fellow elite players. “I used to get fired up on the golf course and felt golf was the only thing in the world. As I’ve grown up, I’ve learned there are so many ways to have a successful life and career.” Not making the trip to the US for a golfing scholarship has also given him a different viewpoint. “The golf here isn’t as strong all the way through as it is in the US, but there are some of the world’s best amateurs playing university golf in the UK. You’re still playing against internationals week in week out and you have to go out and play well and shoot the scores to win. “Our events are played at some great courses too and we play our team golf through the winter which is great because I wasn’t one for playing too much in the colder months. It keeps you going and makes the start of the season a little easier.”

ANDREWWILSON

NORTHERN GOLFER 25

ANDREWWILSON

Wilson has been successful on the British Universities and Colleges Sport circuit, winning the league title with Northumbria as well as individual titles and finishing second in the Tour Finals at Crail Golfing Society in Fife. Having finished the first year of his Masters in Business and Finance, the +4.1 handicapper has spent the summer playing the biggest events, from the Lytham and Brabazon trophies to the British and English Amateurs as well as representing England. “I have a really odd schedule compared to a lot of my England teammates. It’s busy, but then I’ll miss all of May with exams. This year I headed into the practice round for the Lytham Trophy having not hit a ball in two weeks. “It’s difficult for me to judge where I am against the top players at this stage as I’m the only player in the England Squad at university. I don’t play as much as I’d like to and it’s tough to go into these events with little confidence having not played. “But, I’m happy to not be sharp for a couple events at the start of the season while I’m at uni. I chose to stay on and do my Masters and that’s given me a great perspective on golf and where it fits into my life. Whichever way I take my career forward that’s going to be really useful.” A member of the England squad for two years now, Wilson has benefitted a great deal from the coaching system, though maintains his independence from too much coaching. “The support and opportunities I’ve had through being part of the England squad have been unbelievable. There is a great balance to the coaching with the ability to take pieces from each session, which is great for me as I’m quite independent when 26 NORTHERN GOLFER

it comes to my golf. I’ve always had coaching, mainly with Ralph Givens at Blackwell Grange, but we tend to work on a lot of fundamentals and making sure things are in the right place. Too many players get sucked into changing things too much - I’ve always tried to keep it simple and get the ball around.” As well as working with Givens and the England team, Wilson has spent time with Close House’s Jonathan Lupton, who manages the Northumbria University squad. “Jonathan has been a great source of information

“I’m not a big dreamer. I’m very realistic and know how hard it is to make it.” and he’s a really inspiring guy,” he adds. “He’s won the biggest amateur events and is now a successful pro. He’s always been great to chat to and ask questions about my golf and what I should be doing.” A relative latecomer to the sport, he first picked up a club at Darlington, minutes from his home, Wilson’s progression to an elite player didn’t take long. “I was a pretty good footballer as a kid and didn’t pick up a golf club until I was 13. I joined Darlington with 10 friends from school and everything went from there.

“My first handicap was 44 and I asked to be cut to 25 before my first competition. I shot 26 over-par and was devastated because I could have won by 15 shots. From there everything seemed to progress really quickly. My handicap dropped to 15 that year, then to six, three, and plus one in four years. “I only played one year of Boys’ golf nationally before going into the bigger events, which were a huge learning curve. I went in at the deep end and it took a while to get into the swing of things but I won the North of England Youths at Brass Castle that year and things just went on from then.” Coming towards the end of his season, Wilson starts a three-month internship in September which will limit his golf, he is happy with where his game is and looking forward to what the future holds. “I need to sit down with my mum and my coaches, but I feel that after a fifth year of the top amateur events next season, I’m ready to try to earn a living playing golf. I don’t have any specific plans but I have a broad outline of where things are going. I’m going to finish my Masters then go to European Tour Qualifying School next September after another full season of amateur events. “If I didn’t get my card, I don’t know whether I’d turn pro straight away. I’ve been at uni for five years and if I don’t make it at the first attempt I’d like to take a bit of time and assess what my options are and go from there. “I’m not a big dreamer, I’m very realistic and know how hard it is to make it, but of course I want to win on the European Tour. “It’s great to know I can give it a go safe in the knowledge I have my degree behind me and some good prospects off the golf course too.”

TOURLIFE

Chris Paisley

TOUR LIFE

TIME OFF AND OLYMPIC DREAMS

Can you sell this space?

WITH EUROPEAN TOUR PLAYER CHRIS PAISLEY My last Tour event was the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart, where I finished tied 13th in an interesting week performance-wise. For two days I played beautifully - the other two were a grind. Despite the disparity in performances, I am proud that my scores were consistent. This is a result of the work I have been putting in on the psychological side of the game. I have been working to develop a better ‘B’ game - a change in mindset and strategy which allows me to score well when I’m not at my best. Since Scotland, I have had two weeks off in Orlando with my wife. It was lovely for us to have some time in our new home. It also gave me the opportunity to hammer some gym work and chip away at my game. With the majors now completed, attention will turn to the Olympics in Rio. I think it is fantastic that golf has been included, but I am also worried that it could be a farce. A lot of top players have withdrawn, which doesn’t paint golf in a good light to casual fans and those who look at golf from the outside. Let’s be honest, Zika has little to do with their decision not to play. Golfers simply don’t grow up dreaming of winning an Olympic gold medal, we want to win Green Jackets and Claret Jugs. This reason, along with the fact that it is in an unstable, potentially dangerous, far away country, means the draw of a medal simply isn’t reason enough for some of the top players to go. Add to that the timing, immediately after two majors within 11 days of one another and just before four FedEx Cup events and a Ryder Cup, it’s not ideal. Personally, I would love the opportunity to represent my country in the Olympics. I’m sure the Ryder Cup wasn’t a huge part of the golfing schedule when it began, but look at it now. It is one of the finest sporting events in the world. Golf is a very individual game but it seems that when we are given the chance to represent something bigger than ourselves, it brings out the best in us. I hope golf in The Olympics is a success and continues to grow.

We are looking for a talented and experienced media sales professional to help with the future development of Northern Golfer magazine. With 10 issues per year, a growing website and several popular events we are the ‘must read’ publication for golfers in the area. The role will be to further develop commercial partnerships both in print and online, and the ideal candidate will have a good knowledge of golf in the region as well as a successful media sales background. Based at our offices in Stocksfield, the rewards include a good basic salary, bonus and a company car. Interested? Send us your C.V. along with a covering letter to givemeajob@offstonepublishing.co.uk, or apply online at offstonepublishing.co.uk Unit One, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AJ t: +44 (0) 1661 844 115 www.offstonepublishing.co.uk

NORTHERN GOLFER 27

GOLFGEAR

Trend setters Looking the part

There is plenty new gear to help improve your scores and look good on the golf course as we head into the final part of the season. This month we bring you some of the latest releases from Srixon, Ping, FootJoy, ECCO and Trendygolf.

SRIXON Z65 WOODS, HYBRIDS AND IRONS RRP: TBC www.srixon.co.uk Srixon has unveiled its latest range of drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons, the Z65s, designed for maximum distance and control. The Z656 driver feature a new 460CC head which promotes a higher launch and more forgiveness with a slight draw bias, while the Z765 driver is slightly smaller at 445CC in design. The range also features ZF65 fairway woods, ZH65 hybrids in three lofts, the Z965 – muscle-back blade, Z765 – muscle cavity, and Z565 irons, as well as the Srixon ZU65 utility clubs.

BEST FOOT FORWARD ECCO Cage Evo footwear RRP: £160 golf.ecco.com The innovative folk over at ECCO have released their latest golf shoes, the Cage Evo, featuring a fully integrated wrap system and multi-material upper for better stability, protection form the elements and comfort on the golf course. Expect to see the likes of brand ambassadors Graeme McDowell, Thomas Bjørn, Thongchai Jaidee, Minjee Lee, Caroline Masson and Gerina Piller in a pair of these on tour.

LAYERING UP FootJoy Autumn/Winter 16 apparel RRP: TBC www.footjoy.co.uk After extensive testing involving a number of European Tour players, FootJoy has unveiled its new Autumn/Winter Performance Golf Apparel range. Based on a three-layer system,it brings together the most advanced fabrics and technologies available to make playing in changeable weather conditions easier.

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INTHEBAG

IN THE BAG With Open Champion Henrik Stenson

THE IBLADES HAVE IT Ping iBlade irons RRP: TBC www.ping.com

TRENDY! Trendygolf Essentials clothing RRP: from £15 www.trendygolf.com

Image credit: L.E.MORMILE / Shutterstock.com

Ping has unveiled its latest iron design, the iBlade, which has been produced following extensive research and observation with leading tour professionals and aims to offer more control to execute the most demanding shots. The blade-style iron follows the S55 model, which has more than 50 wins around the world since its launch two years ago. Precision cast from soft, high strength-toweight ratio 431 stainless steel, the irons feature a thinner top rail, minimal offset, straight lead edge, thinner face and sharp high toe.

Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson’s so far untitled duel at Royal Troon in the 145th Open Championship will go down as one of golf’s greatest head-tohead contests. The Iceman produced a stunning final round of 63 on Sunday to close out his first major championship - including 10 birdies to equal the lowest final round score in major history. Stenson’s major win was the third of the season for Callaway, following Danny Willett’s win at The Masters and Lydia Ko’s win at the ANA Inspiration on the LPGA Tour. He put the XR 16 driver, with a 45ins shaft and slight fade bias, in play back in January while the Legacy Black irons and White Hot XG #7 putter have been mainstays. Here’s what was in the Swede’s bag at Royal Troon…

Driver: Callaway XR 16 Driver 9°

Fairway Wood: Callaway Diablo Octane Tour 13°

Irons: Callaway Legacy Black (2-PW)

Trendygolf’s debut collection, Essentials, features fine fabrics from Italy and England with the modern fit and styling you’d expert from a brand with trendy in its name. The range features classic two-button polos, Italian-made merino wool zip-knits in navy and black and caps in navy and black.

Putter: Odyssey White Hot XG #7H

Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy 3 Milled (52° & 58°) NORTHERN GOLFER 29

GOLFERNEWS

Strokeplay entries open Entries are now open for the fourth North of England Amateur Strokeplay Championship. The event is expected to attract a field of high quality golfers and will be held at Alwoodley, on the outskirts of Leeds, September 17-19. Won in the last two years by England cap Adam Chapman from Windermere, the 72-hole event is limited to a total field of 117 competitors. There is handicap limit of 1.4 and the entry fee for the event is £60. The championship has the backing of England Golf, will be eligible for World Amateur Golf Ranking Points, and is the last counting event of the season towards the Titleist Footjoy Order of Merit. To download an entry form, enter online or review the conditions of entry for the championship, go to the NCGU website.

American dreams Hartlepool’s big-hitting Alex Robertson is through to the final of the American Golf Long Drive Championship. Robertson had previously qualified for the regional finals of the nationwide Long Drive Championship with victory at the first round event held at his local American Golf store. Having won through to the regional final, he produced a fantastic display of power hitting which was enough to secure the regional title in the open category. He now heads to High Legh Park in Cheshire on August 19 to compete alongside nine regional winners and last year’s champions under the spotlight of the Sky Sports’ cameras. Meanwhile, South Moor’s Abbi Wheatley has made it through to the UK & Ireland Grand Final of the American Golf Junior Championship. She won the qualifying competition at Playsport Golf near Glasgow to go through to the final at Gainsborough. 30 NORTHERN GOLFER

Mathew Webb (© Jan Kruger/ Getty Images)

Wonder Webb

Bedlington pro wins national assistants’ championship

athew Webb withstood a few final round jitters to land the Galvin Green PGA Assistants’ Championship at Little Aston for the biggest win of his career and another win in his remarkable season. The Bedlingtonshire assistant carded a closing 69 for a 12 under-par total to beat Rushcliffe Golf Club’s Ben Hall by two shots. In an enthralling final round, Webb’s three shot lead at the start of play had evaporated at one stage as Hall reached 11 under-par and continued to pile on the pressure. Hall’s 66 was the low round of the day – only blotted by a bogey on the last hole which gave Webb a cushion playing up the last. Retford’s James Freeman was also in contention at various points, buoyed by a spectacular start, which saw him reel off four straight birdies. The former England amateur eventually signed for a 67, as did St Mellons’ Toby Hunt with the pair sharing third at eight under-par. Webb admitted to a few nerves but was delighted to get over the line and seize the playing opportunities the victory affords him. As well as pocketing the £5,000 first prize and a clothing deal with sponsor Galvin Green, Webb earns entry to the PGA Play-Offs and a chance to win a

place in next year’s BMW PGA Championship. He will also play in the Australian Futures in October, when he takes on the leading assistants from Down Under. “There are so many incentives so it’s a huge boost, plus you get the confidence from playing in this event and winning, which is massive,” said Webb. “It’s amazing to win because this was one of my targets for the year along with Tour School.” Webb’s round began with a wayward drive, which cost him a bogey, but three birdies soothed the nerves until two more shots went at six and seven. “I hit a rubbish shot off the first so I think I was a little nervous but three birdies seemed to calm me down before I hit another wobbly stretch. “I played okay but hit some bad ones which I got punished for. I putted defensively; I think if I’d had a foot more on my putts I’d be three or four shots better - but I knew I was in a good position so didn’t want to risk three putting.” Nearest challenger Hall kickstarted his round after three putting the par five fourth. “I hit it to 15ft and three putted so I was pretty livid after that and hit it to six inches at the next and decided after that I was going to play well and went out in four under,” he said. “I kept it going, made a good par save at 15 and it was just a shame at 18.”

GOLFERNEWS

GREEN WATCH

WITH JON WYER, ROCKLIFFE HALL

IRRIGATION

MIDDLESBROUGH GOLF CLUB BRASS CASTLE LANE Telephone 01642 311766 www.middlesbroughgolfclub.co.uk Visiting Party Packages - From £35 per person 4 Ball Special - £100 (call for available times) Mixed Team Open 2nd October £50 per team To book or for further information contact Gordon Cattrell Club Professional on 01642 311766 or email gcattrell@tgigolf.com

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system is ready to supply water on demand along with making sure each head is watering its designated area properly. Further maintenance and close monitoring are required throughout the year. Tasks range from trimming irrigation heads to prevent excess grass affecting the water arcs, lifting heads if they have sunk so they are flush with the surface, fixing leaks and components within the heads as well as pipe replacements or fixing joints. Many of these issues can lead to water being leaked and used up where not needed, or reduce efficiency to water areas as well as being costly should the issue not be fixed.

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Nearly all golf courses have some form of irrigation system, ranging from small systems to water greens right up to a full coverage system watering the majority of the course. Regardless of size, it is important the system is maintained throughout the season. This will ensure it runs as efficiently and effectively as possible to maximise its ability to supply the course with water throughout the hotter parts of the year. As most golf courses will drain their systems through winter to prevent freezing water expanding and cracking pipes, it is vital when the system is turned back on in the spring that issues are highlighted and fixed immediately so the

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GIRLSONFILM

Tale of the unexpected J

Helen and Jenny (© Bill Allon) Jenny in action during her days as champion golfer

Golfer’s remarkable story could end up in cinemas enny Lee Smith was a trailblazer for England and North East golf. Winner of the first Women’s British Open in 1976, she was also the North East’s first female professional, first from the region to play on the WPGA tour - the forerunner of the LET - and the first Geordie to make it on to the US LPGA Tour. A champion swimmer, a champion amateur and professional golfer, she discovered she’d been adopted shortly after birth - and had a twin sister Helen Edwards. The pair were reunited after more than 60 years not knowing of each other’s existence and they eventually decided to find out the truth about their separation at birth and their family history. That journey led to much joy as well as heartache and the publication of a best-selling book, My Secret Sister, which may now be turned into a film. “There is possible interest of a film based on the book,” said Jenny. “Whether it comes to anything we wait and see, but a director is interested. “My husband Sam says it’s okay to go ahead as long as George Clooney plays him!” Jenny - now Jenny Lucas - was brought up in Jesmond, Newcastle. She lives in Kent with Sam and has three children, one of them adopted, as 32 NORTHERN GOLFER

she was herself, something she didn’t find out about until she was 14. While Jenny had a loving childhood with her adoptive parents Connie and Sidney, Helen who remained with her mother Mercia and stepfather Tommy, endured an abusive and traumatic early life. Jenny has never forgotten her Newcastle roots so it came as no surprise she was back in the area recently to meet up again with Helen, who lives in Northumberland with her Texan husband Dennis, not far from where she grew up. Jenny enjoyed a successful career as a top professional golfer before injury intervened. She played in the Curtis Cup as an amateur, played for England and won the first Women’s British Open as an amateur in 1976. She began working for John Jacobs at the Golf Centre in Gosforth Park and she hit thousands of golf balls there under the watchful eye of the man known as Doctor Golf, who would also become Ryder Cup captain and the father of the European Tour. He told Jenny: “One day young lady you will play for England” which proved to be correct as Jenny went on to win, with Neil Moir, the Hoylake Open Scratch Mixed Foursomes; the Northumberland County Ladies Championship in 1972-73-74; she was selected to play for England in the Home Internationals, the

1974 and 1976 Curtis Cup team as well as in the European Teams Championship, The Commonwealth Teams Championships, World Team Championship and was also named Daks Women Golfer of the Year. In 1977 she won her US LPGA Tour card and played on tour for seven years, but came back to play the WPGA European Tour and over a four-year period won 12 tournaments and was leading money winner in 1981 and 1982. A serious back operation signalled the end of her playing career in 1984 and she began teaching golf at the same Gosforth Golf centre where she had started her career and she became the pro and coach at a golf centre named after her in the south. She doesn’t play now and concentrates on breeding dogs but she still keeps in touch with golf and was one of the guests of honour along with Vivien Saunders and Janet Melville also winners of the title - at the 40th anniversary of the British Women’s

GIRLSONFILM Open at Woburn recently. “It’s been great to meet up with the likes of Doug McClelland (another North East trailblazer on the European Tour) and David Huish during my visit back to the North East,” said Jenny, “and there have been lots of memories revived especially with my sister Helen. “We were so thrilled that our book was the number one best-selling non-fiction book in Canada last year. “A lot more has come to light since we published the book. We’ve done a lot of interviews - Russian TV, German TV, Australian newspapers - and we have had a lot of emails to our website from people with the similar situation of trying to find siblings.” Helen added: “It seems to have struck such a chord with a lot of people all over the world who want to tell us their life stories and saying now that we have read your book we’re going to start searching for our family. “As we delved deeper into our story we discovered an amazing myriad of lies surrounding the circumstances of our birth. We eventually realised that just about everyone in the family knew our story except us. “Everyone in the family was told they could not say anything,” said Jenny. “They all knew. It was tangled web. I used to approach my mother Connie when I found out I was adopted and

she would just not say anything. I had lots of questions, where did I come from? Why was I adopted? She would just get so upset and end up in tears and say ‘you’re my daughter and I’ve loved you and cared for you for years’ and I just didn’t want upset her any more. “We decided to write our life stories for each other to share, this was much harder than it may sound, there were many tears, much laughter and a lot of heartache. But, when it was done we were amazed at how our two lives had run parallel to each other.” Jenny finally tracked down her own birth mother, Mercia, in Whitley Bay, shortly before Mercia’s death in 2003. Mercia revealed to Jenny, she had a half sister and after much hard work by Jenny and her friends and family, the two had an emotional reunion in 2007, and they were instantly stunned by their s imilarities. In 2009 they took a DNA test, which confirmed they were full sisters and then further investigations revealed their mother had given birth to twins on Jenny’s birthday, December 2, 1948. “The DNA test was, frankly, a bit frightening,” said Helen. “We realised we were full sisters and before we knew it, we were twins.” A remarkable story which could yet see a twist thanks to Hollywood.

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Jenny playing golf at Embleton as a youngster

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NORTHERN GOLFER 33

LATEDEALS

Late summer golf There’s still time to play our region’s best courses in top condition, plus some great deals to be had

LONGHIRST GOLF CLUB

Consett & District Golf Club 2016 Membership Oﬀers

Join now with our Stepping Stone Membership Oﬀers Annual Membership Category

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Year 2 membership subscription runs from 01st March 2017 to the 28th February 2018 (12 Months).

Flexible monthly membership payment options available and further discounts available for groups joining together. To join or to enquire about membership please contact Vince Kelly on 01207505060 (option 1) or email consettgolfclub@btconnect.com or call into the golf club for an application form: Consett & District Golf Club, Elmﬁeld Road, Consett. DH8 5NN. Why Join Consett & District Golf Club • Competitions for all abilities • PGA Qualiﬁed Professional with an indoor golf simulator • Superb clubhouse overlooking the Derwent Valley • Excellent value for money catering • Member Loyalty Card scheme which provides discounted bar purchases • A friendly Over 60s Senior Section with competitions on Tuesdays and Thursdays • Free Junior Membership for your son/daughter or grandson/granddaughter

34 NORTHERN GOLFER

Mixed Open - Sunday 14th August’16 Air Ambulance Charity Day - Sunday 28th August Gents Sponsored Open - Saturday 24th September’16 Seniors Open 4 Man Team/LadiesThursday 29th September’16 Great oﬀers available for Visiting Parties. All functions provided with excellent Catering and Facilities. Please contact the Secretary for all of the above; Vince Kelly on 01207505060 (option 1) or email: consettgolfclub@btconnect.com

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BACKWORTH GOLF CLUB

BACKWORTH GOLF CLUB The 10-hole layout of Backworth Golf Club may be one of the shorter options on our list, but it’s one of the most fun to play and perfect for a quick game after work before the clocks change. The tree-lined 5,939-yard course sits in the shadow of the 18th Century Backworth Hall and features 10 greens with 18 separate tees. Its main defence is small putting surfaces, protected by deep bunkers, often at the front of the greens. With two driveable par fours and a reachable par five in the nine-hole loop, Backworth is great for a matchplay game with plenty of birdies, and punishment for misplaced shots, on offer. Backworth Golf Club, Backworth Hall, Backworth, NE27 0AH tel 0191 268 1048 www.backworthgolf.co.uk

Brush up your teeing off skills at our Driving Range.

100 balls £5.50 • 50 balls £3.00 • 15 balls £1.00 Last balls at 8pm. Open 7 days a week. RANGE BALL VOUCHER Cut out & bring this voucher with you to get 100 driving range balls for £4. Email:................................................................................................................. Photocopies not accepted. Parklands reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Email address to be completed. Valid until 30/9/16.

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NORTHERN GOLFER 35

LATEDEALS

Backworth Golf Club A MUST PLAY HIDDEN GEM IN NORTH TYNESIDE 18 MONTHS MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE FOR £550 Summer green fees 18 holes £18 | 9 hole special £10 Societies welcome

Contact John Robinson on 01912684247 or 07979220403 for course availability. Ring 01912689131 for course information and events. Email: backworth.miners@gmail.com • www.backworthminers.co.uk/golf The Hall, Backworth, NE27 0AH

Membership Specials Join now until 1st March 2017 – Only £250 or until 1st March 2018 – Only £750 3 Month Trial Membeship

Only £150 (includes 2 half hour coaching sessions) Telephone the Secretary on 0191 5811268 or email seahamgolfclub@btconnect.com

SEAHAM GOLF CLUB

Shrewsbury Street, Seaham, Co. Durham SR7 7RD

www.seahamgolfclub.com

HOT DEALS HOT DEAL 1:

HOT DEAL 2:

HOT DEAL 3:

• Any hot drink • Round of golf £12.00

• Any hot drink • Bacon Sandwich • Driving Range Token • Round of Golf £15.00

• Driving Range Token • Round of Golf • 1 Course Meal from Daily Specials Menu • 1 pint of lager/beer/ cider £18.00

CONSETT AND DISTRICT GOLF CLUB CONSETT AND DISTRICT GOLF CLUB One of Co Durham’s finest courses, the layout at Consett and District Golf Club sits above the Derwent Valley with spectacular views of Northumberland to the north and the North Pennines to the west. This mature parkland course, designed by the legendary Harry Vardon in 1911, is set in 100 acres on the county border between Northumberland and Durham and offers a mix of challenging holes, stunning views and chances to improve your score. Noted for its superb greens, this one is well worth a visit if you’re trying to make the most of the last days of the season. Consett and District Golf Club Elmfield Road, Consett DH8 5NN, tel 01207 505 060

ROMANBY GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB You’ll find great views and challenging shots at Romanby Golf and Country Club, which sits on the River Wiske and follows the natural contours of the North Yorkshire landscape. The course features an array of water features, including the river, while the greens here have been constructed to a modified USGA specification. You will find excellent putting surfaces right through to the end of the season at Romanby, as well as a warm and friendly welcome in the clubhouse before and after your game. Romanby Golf and Country Club Yafforth Road Northallerton, DL7 0PE tel 01609 778 855 www.romanby.com

Oﬀer available from NOW until September 30th!! Bookings of 4 players or more receive a FREE Footgolf 4 ball voucher!! To book please call the golf reception on 0191 3700660 and quote your chosen deal.

FOOTGOLF Come and try the UK’s fastest growing sport! Adults £10 a round - Juniors £5 a round Corporate - Birthdays - Team Building - Stag Party Packages available Roseberry Grange Golf Club “The Friendly Golf Club” Grange Villa, Chester le Street, County Durham, DH2 3NF Tel: 0191 3700660 (club) or 0191 3701757 (shop) Email: roseberrygolf@gmail.com Web: www.roseberrygrange.com

36 NORTHERN GOLFER

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ROMANBY GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

LATEDEALS

GREENFEE OFFERS

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY: BUY 1 GET 1 HALF PRICE AFTER 2PM TUESDAY & THURSDAY: TWO FOR £20 AFTER 12.00

FOURBALLS WEEKDAY £55 / WEEKEND £65

BOOK YOUR SOCIETY GOLF BEFORE 31/8/16 AND GET FREE TICKETS TO NEWCASTLE RACES Packages start from as little as £17.00 per person. Available 7 days a week. *T&Cs apply. Parklands reserve the right to withdraw these offers at anytime.

SEAHAM GOLF CLUB ROSEBERRY GRANGE COMMUNITY GOLF CLUB Now run by the club’s members and open to all, the course at Roseberry Grange Community Golf Club was built on the site of the former High Handenhold Colliery and opened in 1987. It has been run by members since July 2011 and is laid out over the rolling landscape, offering a number of chances to build a good score, while trouble waits should you miss the greens. Expect a warm welcome and a great day’s golf. Roseberry Grange Community Golf Club, Chester-le-Street DH2 3NF, tel 0191 370 0660 www.roseberrygrange.com

SEAHAM GOLF CLUB Seaham Golf Club is renowned for its fast greens, which remain in great condition long into the autumn. Close to the centre of the former mining village on the Durham coast, the course is just over 6,000 yards and its main defence is its large, undulating greens while a number of well-placed bunkers await around the greens. We recommend more than just a few whacks on the putting green before you head out (you’ll thank us later!). Seaham Golf Club Shrewsbury Street, Seaham SR7 7RD, tel 0191 513 0837 www.seahamgolfclub.co.uk

High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HQ Tel: 0191 236 4480 info@parklandsgolf.co.uk www.parklandsgolf.co.uk

ROSEBERRY GRANGE GOLF CLUB NORTHERN GOLFER 37

LATEDEALS

WOODHAM GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Cally Palace

HOTEL & GOLF COURSE

SPRING 2017 GOLF BREAKS 2 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast with 2 rounds of golf Par 71, 6062 yds Parkland Course

from

£170 per person

t: 01557 814 341 | e: info@callypalace.co.uk

Fernhill Hotel Portpatrick

North West Castle Stranraer

Tel: 01776 810 220 E: info@fernhillhotel.co.uk

Tel: 01776 704 413 E: info@northwestcastle.co.uk

2 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast with 2 rounds of golf

from £152.00 pp

2 NIGHT STAY & PLAY

from £170.00 pp

LARGE GOLF GROUPS & GOLF SOCIETIES WELCOME

Golf available on Stranraer, Portpatrick, Glenluce or Cally courses.*

Golf available on Stranraer, Portpatrick, Glenluce or Cally courses. *

or book online at

www.mcmillanhotels.co.uk

Rates subject to promotional availability, conditions apply.

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WOODHAM GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB The par 72, 6,688-yard course at Woodham Golf and Country Club is considered to be among one of the best in the region. Set in mature woodland and parkland, the course weaves through trees and a number of water hazards, making for an enjoyable, if challenging round. The course is presented in superb condition throughout the year and is well worth a visit. Woodham Golf and Country Club, Burnhill Way, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham, DL5 4PN tel 01325 318 454, www. woodhamgolfandcountryclub.co.uk MAGDALENE FIELDS GOLF CLUB Just north of Berwick, the links at Magdalene Fields have been home to golf for more than 100 years. Founded in 1903, Magdalene Fields Golf Club is the most northerly course in England, just two miles from the Scottish Border. The current layout, opened in 1974, affords stunning coastal views – northwards over Marshall Meadows Bay towards the

towering cliffs at Eyemouth or south over the mouth of the River Tweed with Lindisfarne in the distance. It measures 6,574 yards and is playable year round - ideal late in the season. Magdalene Fields Golf Club Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1NE, tel 01289 306 130 www.magdalene-fields.co.uk LONGHIRST GOLF CLUB The two championship courses at Longhirst Golf Club have hosted the EuroPro Tour in recent years and present two great tests of golf. Set in rolling Northumberland countryside, The Lakes course is a demanding layout, rewarding accuracy with water playing a part on 15 holes. The Dawson course offers players a little more room from the tee, while demanding a great short game to its smaller, wellprotected greens. The club is also home to a state-of-the art driving range and top quality greens throughout the season. Longhirst Hall Golf Club, Morpeth NE61 3LL, tel 01670 791 562 www.longhirstgolf.co.uk

LATEDEALS

Golf in the Scottish Borders Traditional country inn ideally situated for playing MINTO, HAWICK, THE HIRSEL AND ROXBURGH plus many more. 12 en-suite bedrooms with tv, wi-fi, tea/coffee making facililties, Sky tv. Restaurant and bar serving cask ales (good pub guide)

STAY & PLAY - £85 per night on two people sharing

The Auld Cross Keys Inn

(2 course evening meal, B&B, 18 holes at Minto Golf Club & Hawick Golf Club )

Tel: Karen or Dave on 01450 870305 bookings@crosskeysdenholm.co.uk www.crosskeysenholm.co.uk Five Star Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence

The Green, Denholm, Scottish Borders, TD9 8NU PARKLANDS GOLF CLUB PARKLANDS GOLF CLUB Set in Gosforth Park, Parklands Golf Club is well worth a visit following improvements to the course in recent years. Beautifully presented throughout the year, there are a number of challenging drives, undulating greens and some challenging par threes throughout the round. As well as the golf course, there is a 28-bay driving range, 18-hole Mini Golf Course, and short game area, as well as a welcoming clubhouse. Parklands Golf Club High Gosforth Park, NE3 5HQ tel 0191 236 4480 www.parklandsgolf.co.uk BELLINGHAM GOLF CLUB Set in the stunning landscape of the Northumberland National Park, Bellingham Golf Club offers some of the best views in the county, while the golf course is a real favourite too. Between Hadrian’s Wall and the Scottish border, there are

spectacular views extending up the Tyne Valley towards the Border Forest Park and Kielder reservoir. One of England’s oldest clubs, founded in 1893, this par 70 layout is no pushover with tight, twisting fairways and one of the best short pars fours in the North East – the signature hole 12th. Bellingham Golf Club, Boggle Hole, Bellingham, NE48 2DT tel 01434 220 530 www.bellinghamgolfclub.com AULD CROSS KEYS INN, DENHOLM A popular spot for golfers travelling north from our region, the Auld Cross Keys Country Inn has been at the heart of life in Denholm for more than 200 years. It is perfectly positioned for golf in the Scottish Borders with top courses including Minto, Jedburgh, and Kelso all less than 25 minutes’ drive away. Auld Cross Keys Inn Main Street, Denholm, Hawick TD9 8NU. tel 01450 870 305 www.crosskeysdenholm.co.uk

MAGDALENE FIELDS GOLF CLUB Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1NE

GREEN FEE SPECIAL Monday to Friday tee off between 10.30 to 11.30 £5 Per person - maximim of 4 people per booking Valid until 31st October 2016 Excellent Visiting Party Packages For further details telephone the Secretary on 01289 306130 e: secretary.m.f.g.c@hotmail.co.uk www.magdalene-fields.co.uk

Bellingham Golf Club

VISITING PARTIES WELCOME 7 DAYS A WEEK DISCOUNTS FOR BOOKINGS OF 8 OR MORE BUGGIES AND CATERING AVAILABLE

ONLINE SPECIAL GREEN FEES FOR AUGUST & SEPTEMBER Mon - Fri £20 round per player Sat & Sun £22.50 round per player

2016 OPENS

Follow the link on our website to enter and choose from Senior Men’s Open 4BBB Stableford - 31st Aug Mixed Open 4BBB Stableford - 11th Sept CONGU Handicaps required

NEW MEMBER INTRODUCTORY RATE 2017

Full £250 - Second Club - £195 - Country (over 25 miles) £195 Nothing more to pay until 1st November 2017

BELLINGHAM GOLF CLUB

Telephone 01434 220530 or email admin@bellinghamgolfclub.com Bellingham Golf Club, Boggle Hole, Bellingham, NE48 2DT

www.bellinghamgolfclub.com

NORTHERN GOLFER 39

GOLFERTIPS

Johnon HaartfreinsHall M

400 61 886 6 1 0 l te ll.com tfenha a .m w ww

TURNING ON THE POWER Many golfers are looking for a little more power off the tee and a lack of flexibility is often the biggest thing holding them back. Poor flexibility creates a shorter, steeper swing, which isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t conducive to good driving. To create a better turn, try turning your left foot in towards the centre of your stance a little at address. This will free up your hips, allowing for more rotation on the backswing creating a more powerful, and shallower, swing.

ON THE RANGE A great drill to get the feeling of generating more speed is to turn the club upside down and swing the grip-end as fast as you can. As there is no weight to hold you back, this gives a great feeling of releasing the club, which will deliver more clubhead speed.

40 NORTHERN GOLFER

GOLFERNEWS

Wild thing at Wynyard John Daly talks golf and life to help raise thousands of pounds

olfing legend John Daly took time out of his schedule to support a fellow sportsman’s charity in the North East. Daly called into Wynyard Golf Club as guest of honour at a charity dinner on his way to The Open at Royal Troon, where he took part in a driving challenge, posed for photos with guests and conducted a question and answer session all in aid of the Finlay Cooper Fund in memory of former Middlesbrough star Colin Cooper’s son, who died in a choking accident in 2002. The day began with 24 teams taking to the Wellington Course in a stableford competition – won by the Wynyard Concierge Services team with 90 points. Organised by European Tour pro Graeme Storm and his wife Sara, the event, which included an auction, raised more than £6,000 for the charity. Daly, who turned 50 in April, flew to the North

John Daly with staff from Wynyard Golf Club East straight after the PGA Champions Tour event Dick’s Sporting Goods Open in New York City, where he finished tied 11th despite being in contention on the final day where he putted one-handed. Daly, who was accompanied by his fiancée Anna Cladakis, told a captivated audience at Wynyard the reason wasn’t injury – he was struggling to get the pace of the greens. After naming St Andrews as his favourite course and Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the two most talented golfers he has played with, he was asked whether he thought Woods could ever get back to his best. “With Tiger’s mind and talent I do believe he will come back. He has given himself time to recover and

he still in his early 40s,” said Daly. “I believe in the guy and think he will come back really strong.” Before leaving for a late night trip to Royal Troon, the wild man of golf treated golfers to a rendition of one of his songs to round off the evening. His trip to Wynyard didn’t help him at Troon, where he missed the cut ,while he finished tied 54th in the Senior Open at Carnoustie the following week. Colin Cooper and his wife Julie set up the Finlay Cooper Fund in 2006 when he retired from football and so far it has raised over £400,000. Donations have been given to a large number of children’s causes including hospices, a diabetes trust and a Cancer Ward.

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GOLFERCOMPETITIONS

win

Northern Golfer competitions are also listed on our website www.northerngolfer.co.uk/competitions, Alternatively, you can enter via email at competitions@northerngolfer.co.uk (mark the competition name in the subject field) or post your entry to: Competitions, Northern Golfer, Unit One, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL

Please include your contact details and telephone number.

.WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT MATFEN HALL. Matfen Hall’s 27-hole resort is one of the finest in Northumberland and is the home of European Senior Tour player and Matfen Hall head professional John Harrison. Laid out on a classic parkland landscape, it incorporates challenging water features and rolling fairways to test golfers of all abilities.

Closing date Thursday September 8 2016. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Who won the Senior Open Championship at Carnoustie?

.WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT PARKLANDS GOLF CLUB.

.WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT SOUTH MOOR GOLF CLUB.

Set in the grounds of Gosforth Park, Parklands Golf Club has matured into a fine parkland course with a number of on-course improvements made in recent years. It is also well known for its excellent practice facilities, a driving range, short game area and mini golf.

The Dr Alister MacKenzie-designed South Moor layout is one of Durham’s finest with its rolling landscape making for a stern test punctuated by gorse, heather and bracken. Accurate driving and a solid touch around the greens is required at South Moor.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Which two men will represent Team GB in golf at the Olympic Games in Rio?

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: In which year did Tiger Woods win his first major championship?

Congratulations to last month’s competition winners: Arcot Hall - Chris Mills from Whitley Bay Close House - Michael Gilmore from Prudhoe • Ramside - Mervyn Hilton from Prudhoe

S EW N LL N IXO BA SR GE N

CENTURION PARK ONLY 4 MILES FROM NEWCASTLE CITY CENTRE... Visitors & Societies welcome | Excellent Membership deals for 2016 - ring the Secretary on 0191 2621973

SUMMER GREEN FEES

Weekdays £14 - Weekends £16 4 Ball Weekdays £40 - Weekends £50 THURSDAY SPECIAL - ONLY £10 inc Free sandwich Play 5 rounds get 6th FREE www.centurionpark.com

42 NORTHERN GOLFER

OPEN EVENTS

Saturday Sept 10th - Centurion Park Open in aid of British Heart Foundation 4BBB Stableford £20 couple GREAT PRIZES

Contact the Pro Shop to book or for more information on 0191 2624231 ext 2

DRIVING RANGE 24 Floodlit bays 50 balls Only £3 100 balls Only £5 Buy digi card save £££’s

Rheydt Avenue, Wallsend NE28 8SU

GOLFERNEWS

Carus Green leads the way

Nessling achieves his goal Sunderland shot stopper swaps gloves for clubs with great success

s a talented goalkeeper in his youth, Paul Nessling was on Sunderland’s books alongside England star Jordan Henderson. But golf is now Nessling’s focus and he was very much in contention at the Titleist and FootJoy PGA Professional Championship at The Oxfordshire. Nessling shot an almost flawless 67 in tricky conditions to join Ireland’s David Higgins at the top of a crowded leaderboard after three rounds. He might have hoped to be in at the finish but a disappointing closing round of 76 dropped him to joint 11th as Higgins withstood the charging Andy Raitt to run out a convincing winner. The Waterville Links pro from Co Kerry carded his second 66 of the week to post a 15 under-par total of 273 and three stroke victory over Raitt, who fired a 67. Higgins pocketed a cheque for £10,000 while Nessling had to settle for £1,300 in winnings, considerably less than he might have been earning had he stuck with football. Professional at Cooden Beach in Bexleyon-Sea, Nessling’s third round 67 showed he can certainly play the game and included an explosive start with three birdies in four holes. Fittingly his fireworks came alongside playing partner, and occasional coach, Andy Raitt who had ignited the £78,000 event with a course record equalling 63 in the first round. Big-hitting Nessling revelled in both the

David Higgins (© Tom Dulate/Getty Images) challenge presented by the Oxfordshire course and playing alongside Raitt with echoes of the recent Open fresh in their minds. “We were joking around saying let’s do a Mickelson and Stenson. We were dragging each other along – he made a couple of bogeys but came back well,” he added. “I had a few lessons with Andy last year – he said I’d improved which is always a good thing.” Nessling hails from a footballing family with dad and brother both keepers but golf was always his preferred option despite being offered terms by Premier League outfit Sunderland. “I was living in Sunderland but phoned up my dad and said this isn’t for me. I came back and did my PGA training and went from there. “I used to get a lift to training with Jordan Henderson in his mum’s car which he was on the insurance for. I’m sure that’s changed!”

Carus Green is leading the way in Cumbria with The Gary Wolstenholme Academy. An impressive set-up with new state-of-the-art GC2 golf simulator, teaching studios, video rooms and putting and chipping suite offers what the club believes is among the best golfing facilities in the North of England. Carus’s PGA professional Lee Edwards explained: “The new GC2 golf simulator is the ultimate in modern golfing technology and we’re delighted to be able to offer it at The Gary Wolstenholme Academy. “It’s a very sophisticated system and enables me and the other professionals here to teach using videos and numbers, allowing the golfer to analyse spin rates, launch angles, ball speed and smash factor. This has taken tuition to the next level.”

Pro am for Blackwell Blackwell Grange hosts its first pro am in more than 40 years later this year and there is still time to sign up. The last time the club hosted a pro am was The Stockton & Darlington Railway 150th Anniversary Pro Am in 1975, where players included Bernard Gallacher, Sam Torrance, John O’Leary, Eamon Darcy, Christy O’Connor Jr, Neil Coles, Hugh Baiocchi and Tommy Horton. This year’s event takes place on October 4, just two days after the Ryder Cup, with teams of three available for £195. For more information, and to enter, contact the club via www.blackwellgrangegolf.com NORTHERN GOLFER 43

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