Northern Golfer magazine #50 - December 2016-January 2017

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EDITOR Paul Robertson editor@northerngolfer.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk John Harrison 01661 886 400 john.harrison@matfenhall.com ADVERTISING MANAGERS Doug Brolls 07721 031 482 doug@offstonepublishing.co.uk Graeme Heads 07591 961 888 graeme@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson info@kgphotography.co.uk Nicky Rogerson nicky@kgphotography.co.uk

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EDITOR’S NOTE AND CONTENTS What a year it has been for golf in the North East and Yorkshire, with so many winners on the national stage.

Consett & District Golf Club is the latest to taste national success with a magnificent victory in the Mail On Sunday Classic.

To come through so many matches and take the trophy is no mean feat and is the reason the team has made it on to the cover of our 50th edition.

Yorkshireman Danny Willett’s victory in The Masters kickstarted the 2016 season, three of the region’s golfers represented Europe in the Ryder Cup, Briony Bayles won the St Andrew’s Junior Ladies Open, and the success of Mat Webb on the national and international PGA circuit are just some of the highlights of the year.

Added to that, three of our courses - Longhirst Hall, Moor Allerton and Close House - hosted EuroPro Tour events, with Close House also announced as the host for the British Masters in 2017.

Graeme Storm and Chris Paisley retained their European Tour spots - the latter in dramatic fashion, and Marcus Armitage was promoted to the European Tour. Those are just a few of the highlights in what has proven a fantastic season for our region. You can relive the year with our feature from page 38.

The Northern Golfer team is proud to have been part of the region’s golfing scene for five years - producing 10 issues a year which means the one you are reading now is our 50th.

The magazine aims to provide as wide a range of news from juniors, mens, ladies and seniors across the North East and Yorkshire as possible, promoting at every opportunity the wonderful courses and facilities in the area.

We would like to thank those who have sent messages of support - and everyone who has advertised with us, sent us news, and taken part in interviews and photoshoots. Northern Golfer is your magazine and it is this support which has made it possible for us to produce 50 issues. We look forward to celebrating our centenary edition in 2021!

This is the last edition of the year and the first of 2017 so all that is left for us to do is wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and we’ll see you for issue 51 in February/March.

Paul Robertson, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

04-17 TEEING OFF

Meet our Ladies Greensomes winners, Parry’s relief, Olivia’s success, new pros, and Durham’s future plans

20-26 GOLFER NEWS Jodi on course, pool of talent, and tricks of the trade

27 TOUR LIFE

Chris Paisley living the high life

38 WHAT A YEAR

We look back a memorable 2016 on the course

40 HAPPY BIRTHDAY Celebrating 50 editions of Northern Golfer

FRONT COVER

48 TIPS

Consett & District Golf Club’s team is the pride of the region after winning the Mail On Sunday Classic

Words of wisdom from Matfen Hall’s John Harrison

50 COMPETITIONS

Pages 28-30

Win fourballs at George Washington, Hartlepool, and Rothbury

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42 NEW YEAR NEW GEAR

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Amazing tale of a historic club NORTHERN GOLFER 03

TEEINGOFF

Greensomes champions Darlington team win season-long Northern Golfer matchplay event

J

ill Richardson and Jo Marshall from Darlington Golf Club were crowned Northern Golfer Ladies Greensomes champions for 2016 with a dramatic playoff victory at Matfen Hall.

Having made the turn three down, Jill and Jo fought back on the back nine to reach the 18th all-square before beating Jane Jones (Bellingham) and Chris Lees (Hexham) at the first playoff hole the par three 10th.

“We’re absolutely chuffed to bits,”

said Jill. “The final was played in the most horrendous weather - heavy rain and strong wind - and we’d agreed to talk about taking the score after nine holes.

“We were three down at that point but wanted to play on and try and get back into the match.

“We did, with some super shots on the back nine, and hung in there despite the weather.”

Jill and Jo made it to the 18th tee level and halved the last before heading to the par three 10th for

Jill Richardson and Jo Marshall the playoff - where a three was good enough to win the trophy.

“We got to the turn and needed to stick in and play each shot one at a time,” added Jill.

“Having been knocked out in the first round last year, we’re thrilled to make it so far, meet some fantastic

people and get the chance to play all over the region.

“We’ll be back at Matfen next year - when the weather improves a bit!”

Jill and Jo received the Ladies Greensomes trophy as well as a mini break for four people from event sponsors Matfen Hall.

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28 SEPTEMBER 1 OCTOBER 2017

TEEINGOFF

Third time lucky Parry saves his card again and aims to beat the Qs in 2017

J

ohn Parry confessed to being a relieved man after saving his European Tour career for a third time at Q School.

The Harrogate golfer gave a nerveless display in the final two rounds at the final stage of European Tour Qualifying School to give himself a perfect 30th birthday present.

With full cards for the 2017 season handed to the top 25, he delivered when it mattered finishing tiedninth at the PGA Catalunya Resort in Barcelona to end a disappointing year on a high note.

With his career in the balance, Parry shot seven under-par for the final 36 holes of the six-round event to finish four shots behind winner Nathan Kimsey.

“I am very relieved to get my card back at Q School,” said Parry. “I’m just

pleased to get the job done, although I don’t plan making a habit of it!”

It’s the fourth time Parry has won through qualifying having secured his first card in 2009 and twice rescued his career at the PGA Catalunya Resort after poor years in 2012 and 2014.

“I have a good track record at Q School, so I always feel confident,” Parry added. “I don’t panic if I have a bad round, which is key to staying patient. This year the scores were bunched, which meant one good or bad round could see you dropping or climbing a lot of places.”

Parry’s management company MB Partners is delighted and head of golf Duncan Maxim said: “It’s another fantastic achievement by John especially given the torrid time he’s had this season.

“He has such fight and

John Parry determination; when he has to deliver in the pressure cooker of Qualifying School you never really fear for him. We need to build upon this for next season and start to deliver what we all know he is capable of.”

Parry will enjoy Category 17 membership for the European Tour and Category 5 membership for the Challenge Tour for the 2017 season.

The news was not so good for

Barnard Castle’s Rob Dinwiddie and Morpeth’s Garrick Porteous who both missed out.

Both will be playing on the Challenge Tour and will get some starts on the European Tour.

Jack Harrison, the son of former Barnard Castle and Wynyard Hall pro Phillip Harrison, missed the cut as did Yorkshire’s Richard Finch while Ashington’s Kenneth Ferrie retired after the first two rounds.

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TEEINGOFF

Olivia goes Stateside Hamilton is heading to college in America

Y

orkshire teenager Olivia Hamilton is looking forward to the challenge of playing on the US collegiate

golf circuit.

The 17-year-old was in an upbeat mood despite finishing bottom of an elite field in her final appearance as a junior at the 2016 Telegraph BMW Junior Golf Championship at Quinta do Lago in Portugal.

Hamilton was making a second appearance in the prestigious event but admitted afterwards that her preparations for the Algarve tournament had been far from ideal.

She arrived in Portugal shortly after a two-week break in Mexico and was not surprised by her scores of 81, 76 and 85, which left her 22 strokes behind winner Hannah Screen.

Hamilton, who plays out of Bradford, said: “It’s always a great week and I’ve enjoyed it again. I just got back from two weeks holiday in Mexico

06 NORTHERN GOLFER

before playing Quinta do Lago, so I did okay considering.

“I’ve got a lot of golf coming up in the next four years as I’m off to the College of Charleston next August.

“The Telegraph BMW event has been really good preparation for life on the senior circuit. It’s such a great competition week but it’s also about meeting and playing against other great golfers. I will never forget this experience.”

Meanwhile namesake Olivia Winning will be part of the England women’s squad which starts its 2017 campaign on Florida’s Orange Blossom Tour. The 21-year-old Rotherham golfer will join Louisa Brunt, Gemma Clews, Sophie Lamb and Georgia Price to play in the Harder Hall Invitational January 4-7.

The tournament is one of five events which make up the Orange Blossom Tour and past champions include Charley Hull in 2012.

Olivia Hamilton During the 2016 season the England women’s successes included the European Team Championship, the European Amateur, the British Strokeplay Championship, the Scottish Strokeplay, the Women’s Home

Internationals and a key contribution to the GB&I Curtis Cup victory.

Winning claimed the Helen Holm Scottish Strokeplay title for the second time, and won European and Home International events.

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TEEINGOFF

BOOK James Wilson

From boys to men Teenage duo learn valuable lessons after losing out in Portugal

R

ising stars James Wilson and Barclay Brown have both said they are better for the experience of playing in the 2016 Telegraph BMW Junior Golf Championship at Quinta do Lago in Portugal.

Wilson, the 17-year-old Tyneside and Close House golfer who won the Durham County Matchplay Championship this year, went into the final day of the tournament in second place and just two strokes adrift of leader Harry Goddard after opening rounds of 69 and 73.

However Wilson struggled to a closing round of 78 to finish two shots outside the top three and 12 strokes behind runaway winner Goddard.

He said: “The course conditions were certainly different to what we get back home. I could have won but by the last round tiredness kicked.

“I wasn’t used to the small fields and the television cameras but it

certainly helps prepare you for what lies ahead.”

Meanwhile, Sheffield’s Barclay Brown, who has been named in the England Boys squad for 2017, is aiming to make it third time lucky in next year’s championship.

Brown, who finished seventh on his tournament debut in 2015, managed to clinch third place this time around and the former winner of North of England Under 14 title at South Moor is aiming for the top spot in 2017.

Brown, 15, who plays at The Hallamshire Golf Club along with European Tour star Matthew Fitzpatrick - a previous winner of the event - said: “I played well. I was striking it great on the final day and I could have won overall.

“It’s the second time I’ve managed to pull it back in the final round and finish in a good position.

“It has been great this year and the course has really come on since my first visit. The course was awesome and the greens were dangerously quick.”

Brown is one of eight new faces in the nine-strong England Boys squad - Norfolk’s Toby Briggs the only player to return from the last squad.

Barclay Brown

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TEEINGOFF

Clark’s top of the tee

The 2017 EuroPro Tour season opens at Close House in April

David Clark (© Jan Kruger/Getty Images) Morpeth’s David Clark kicked off the festive season with a superb seven under-par round of 65 at Matfen Hall to win the NE/NW PGA’s Christmas Pro Bash.

Clark finished one shot clear of Matfen’s John Harrison as South Moor’s Mark Ridley completed the top three with a round of 67.

At the event, Simon Robinson was awarded the 2016 Order of Merit by president Ray Sentence.

08 NORTHERN GOLFER

Back to school

EuroPro Tour qualifying school dates set for the New Year

T

he HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour is set to return to the North East next summer, and professional golfers from the region will be vying to be a part of it.

All professionals, as well as amateurs with an official handicap of two or less will be able to compete at the tour’s Qualifying School next spring, which is contested over two stages. Those successful will earn a

full card on the 2017 EuroPro Tour - a satellite of the European Tour which offers direct access to the Challenge Tour through its final order of merit.

First Stage qualifying will take place during the week commencing March 27 with final stage the following week at its usual host venue - Frilford Heath Golf Club in Oxfordshire.

First Stage qualifying school takes place over 36 holes and golfers will have a choice of playing at one of six

venues nationwide, with First Stage host courses set to be confirmed before Christmas.

Those who are successful at First Stage Qualifying will advance to play at Frilford Heath between April 5-7, where one round will be played on each the Red and Blue courses before the top 80 and ties from the 240man field play a final round on the Blue Course. To enter go to www.europrotour.com

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TEEINGOFF

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Great expectations Durham teenager sets his sights on the pro life as college golf beckons

C

hester-le-Street’s Alex Carr has set out his plans to make it to the top of the game having reduced his handicap to scratch this season and become the lowest-handicapped golfer at his home club.

Eighteen-year-old Alex, who started to take the game more seriously three years ago as a 17-handicapper, has won the club’s order of merit for 2015 and 2016, and reduced his handicap from 1.7 to 0.4 this season.

“It’s been a good year and I was really happy to finish the year as a scratch golfer,” said Alex. “I’ve been practising more than ever this year and building up my CV by playing in bigger events.

“I’m aiming to play college golf in the US from next September so I know I have to work hard on and off the course to get there.”

Alex counts a fifth-place finish at the Northern Masters at Rockliffe Hall as one of his biggest achievements of the season, though getting to scratch and building his experience was his main goal.

“I had five offers from colleges last year but wanted to build a better record in the UK and get to scratch. I’ve got another season of golf here to improve further before starting college.

“I’d love to turn pro and make a living in golf, but there’s a long road between where I am right now and getting there.”

TEEINGOFF

Shield of dreams Durham Ladies take the honours in annual county clash

D

urham County Ladies got their hands on the Ballingall Shield for the first time since 2011 when they won the annual derby clash with Northumberland at Tynemouth Golf Club.

Now played annually as a fourball betterball match over 18 holes, the event was originally a target golf competition played at the John Jacobs Golf Centre now Parklands.

The Shield is inscribed with Northumberland v Durham County Ladies Annual Target Match and was played as such before 1973 at the golf

This year’s winning Durham team, l-r Stacey Allen, Ella Crang, Alice Jones, captain Christine Mair, Stacie Morton, Alex Stevenson, Brittany Hill, Briony Bayles and inset Kitana Hollins centre where Peter Ballingall was manager at the time.

Peter, or another willing member of his staff, would sit on the roof above the driving range and give the score after each shot.

Spectators from both counties would

attend, well wrapped up to try and keep warm and there would be eight players per team, with a player from each side drawn against an opponent.

Each player played six shots to each target which were set out a bit like archery with highest points for a bullseye.

The team with the highest number of points were the winners. When Peter left the centre to move south - he now lives in Spain - he gave the Ballingall Shield and the decision was made to switch to a fourball betterball match in October each year at alternate county venues.

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TEEINGOFF

Chloé’s hat-trick Eight-year-old is the star of the show once again

C

arus Green’s Chloé Spencer has recorded a hat-trick victory in the club’s Junior End of Year Championship to finish off her season.

Eight-year-old Chloé, who won the event in 2014 and 2015, picked up her first set of plastic golf clubs aged two and competed in Carus’ Saturday junior rollup - the initiative started six years ago by Carus PGA professional Andrew Pickering in an attempt to introduce youngsters to the game. Just three children turned up for the first competition back in 2009.

Today, up to 25 youngsters compete each Saturday with more than 40 making up the club’s junior section.

Eighteen players took part in this

The competitors and, right, winner Chloé Spencer year’s championship, with Chloé taking the girl’s trophy and seven-year-old Luke Rainford winning the boys title in the event which tests a range of skills and is run by PGA professionals Dave Turner, Andrew Pickering and Lee Edwards.

“The weekly junior competitions have become more and more popular since

their launch,” said Turner. “We have never missed a session, even when the weather has been against us.

“We are delighted for Chloé and Luke, and all the children who have worked very hard throughout the year,” added Pickering. “The junior development programme is very important to us.”

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TEEINGOFF

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Adam Chapman

Happy Chap Adam goes pro and sets his sights on the European Tour

F

ollowing years of hard work and determination, Carus Green Golf Club member and England player Adam Chapman has turned professional.

The 21-year-old, who described the achievement as a “culmination of work and commitment,” will compete in the Algarve Tour in Portugal from December-February in his first events as a professional, followed by the Gecko Tour in Spain in March.

Adam, who is coached by Carus Green PGA professional Andrew Pickering, has enjoyed a good season in 2016 and will be looking to gain entry to play some European Tour events in 2017.

“Adam has been working extremely hard on his game and is 100% ready to compete at this level, both physically and mentally,” said Pickering. “It is absolutely the right time for him to be turning pro.

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“With massive changes ahead of him, Adam faces a challenging time, but we are all delighted for him and support him unreservedly.”

Adam said: “I am very excited to be entering a new chapter of my life and would like to thank the whole team at Carus Green for their support and encouragement. This is the culmination of many years’ hard work.

“I’m looking forward to the independence that turning professional will bring; earning my own money, travelling and working towards playing on the European Tour.”

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NORTHERN GOLFER 13

TEEINGOFF

Rothbury’s first pro

Paul Stancliffe Yorkshireman Paul Stancliffe has joined Rothbury Golf Club as the Northumberland club’s first ever club manager and professional.

A PGA professional, Paul has worked at some of Yorkshire’s biggest clubs including Cookridge Hall before he relocated to the North East and contemplated rejoining the amateur ranks.

“I’d been out the game for a while, was working in Homebase and was thinking about giving up my professional status.

Northumberland development officer Paul Whitaker sent an email to the clubs in the region to see if any of them had a need for a pro and everything fell into place.”

A change of management at Rothbury led to a potential need for a full-time manager and Paul, who had already discussed the idea, jumped at the chance to move back into golf.

“Playing the golf course and seeing the view from the terrace outside the clubhouse made me want to be a part of the future of the club.

“I want to create a hub for the community in Rothbury, more than just a place to play golf. I’ll also be working with the members and developing the services at the club, including a junior programme in the new season.

“It’s a really exciting time in the history of the club and I’m looking forward to making some positive changes.”

14 NORTHERN GOLFER

Whitburn Golf Club. Inset: Kevin Gow

New man in charge Whitburn appoints new pro as club continues to develop facilities

W

hitburn Golf Club has appointed Kevin Gow as new club professional.

Gow takes over from Neil Whinham, who has moved to Ryton Golf Club.

Gow, 52, brings a wealth of experience to Whitburn having spent 15 years at Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club and also been involved, at various times, with Cocken Lodge, Seaton Carew’s Mayfair Centre and Morpeth, Bedlington and Blyth golf clubs.

He also spent seven years in Sweden at Stockholm Golf Club as teaching pro where Jarmo Sandelin, who went on play on the European Tour and in the Ryder Cup, was among his pupils.

“I’ve spent 35 years as a pro,” said Gow, “and I like to think I know a bit about teaching and coaching golf along with everything else that goes with being a club pro such as custom fitting and giving club members good service.”

Kevin’s wife Jacqueline and daughters Samantha and Georgia will be involved in Kevin’s new venture - much as they were when he

was based at Cocken Lodge.

Gow’s appointment is another step forward for Whitburn, which embarked some time ago on plans to improve the course and clubhouse.

The club has installed a biomass boiler to reduce heating costs and investigated installing solar panels and a wind turbine, as well as recently building a new toilet and shower block. Discussions are ongoing regarding plans to remodel the clubhouse to improve the pro shop and the add a spike bar.

This past year has seen the club concentrate on improving the course, which overlooks the mouth of the River Tyne and Marsden, and Frenchman’s Bay.

Following work by greens chairman Jim Simpson and his team working alongside head greenkeeper Eddie Hackett and his staff, the club is reaping the benefit of a rolling programme of improvements to greens drainage.

Holes one, two and six were improved last winter and more will be worked on this winter while further work has gone into improving the putting surfaces.

Improvements have also been made to the club’s practice areas along with new tee signs, course furniture, paths and bunker work, and the planting of 400 new trees to improve the overall appearance of the tricky, coastal layout.

Kevin Gow with his wife Jacqueline and daughters Samantha and Georgia

TEEINGOFF

Mover and shaker Mather joins illustrious list of Alnmouth pros

P

GA professional David Mather has added his name to one of North East golf ’s most illustrious lists by joining Alnmouth Golf Club as head professional.

David moves to Alnmouth from Burgham Park and is hoping to make his mark on the nearly 150-year-old club.

“I was approached by the club in August and the opportunity was far too good to miss out on,” said David.

“Alnmouth has a fantastic history – both in its professionals and the

David Mather players it has produced - and the new facilities make it one of the best places to be a teaching professional in Northumberland.

“There are a lot of things moving forward at Alnmouth and to be part of that is going to be fantastic.”

David will be working with a full range of amateur golfers at

Alnmouth, including multiple club champions from across the county, as well as providing a full range of PGA pro services.

“The role at Alnmouth is everything you want as a PGA pro.

The teaching facilities are fantastic; I’ll have a new, larger shop ready in the New Year and all the latest

equipment for custom fitting. There are plans for more and hopefully we’ll see those later in the year.

“Peter and the team at the club have been superb in welcoming me and I’m looking forward to improving the facilities available to the members and visitors to the club.”

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TEEINGOFF

Plans for the future Durham County Golf Union secretary Jonathan Ward on the future of the game

I

t’s the time of year when we take stock, review, and plan for the next 12 months.

That’s exactly what’s on Jonathan Ward’s mind as the county season ends and his sights are set on 2017 and beyond.

Since taking on the role of county secretary two years ago, Jonathan has been part of a progressive Durham golf executive – keen to grow its events with a modern approach.

“My career has been in golf, working in development with England Golf and the Golf Foundation before taking the role with the county,” explains Jonathan when we meet towards the northern end of his patch at Consett & District Golf Club.

“I learned a lot as Durham’s first development officer, supporting clubs with new techniques to grow participation, retain membership, apply for funding, open golf to different groups of people, market their businesses – all of which is being carried on by Phil Graham who I share a strong working relationship with.”

Since taking on the role, Jonathan and the county executive have changed a handful of the county’s rules to make golf more accessible at the elite and inter-club level.

The county has introduced an online entry system for all of its events, has removed the 18-hole qualifying event from the county championship to make it simpler for people with families or working shifts and weekends, and allowed players to wear shorts in county events.

The executive is also looking to appoint members 16 NORTHERN GOLFER

with specific skills and areas of interest – from marketing to rules to junior coaching.

“The county union has been around since 1908 and stays true to many of the values set out more than 100 years ago,” says Jonathan. “We enjoy many of the traditions but appreciate the need to adapt with changes to the world around us.

“People can now enter events on their phone in their lunchbreak rather than searching the locker room for the poster and finding a cheque book, they can find out about events through Facebook and Twitter, and keep up with live scoring from matches and events.

“The percentage of people entering online has been huge with over 90% taking it up, and 95% of those who played in the Seniors Championship entered online.

“We’re trialling a new format for the County Championship to make it more friendly to players with families who find it hard to give up two weekends by bringing it into one event on one course, and we’re allowing them to be comfortable playing in shorts - should we ever get a day warm enough!

“It’s about being more flexible and more accessible while respecting our traditions.”

Perception of county golf in Durham and across the UK is a key issue in building participation further.

“There are a lot of golfers out there who have no idea what the county union is and what it does for club golfers, Jonatahn says. “Those who have heard of us often don’t realise the county is

Jonathan Ward

about more than elite championships and the county team. We have events for category two, three and four golfers as well as seniors and junior events, and we need to do more to make people aware of what’s out there.”

To that end, Jonathan has opened up the work of the county, creating a presence on social media and sharing his work, knowledge and expertise with as many clubs and club members as possible.

“The goal is ultimately to grow participation – whether that’s in the County Championship, the category three and four events or the mixed doubles events we run alongside the county ladies – it all means more people are playing more golf.

“The more we can do to highlight the benefits of club membership – of which access to county golf is one, alongside initiatives such as flexible memberships - the better chance we have of converting those taking up the sport into members.

“Each golf organisation – community clubs, members clubs, resort courses, men’s and women’s county unions, England Golf, the PGA – has to be part of growing the game.

“In Durham we have strong working partnerships between all of our organisations, and participation levels have begun to slowly rise.

“We are playing our part by shouting louder about what is out there and as each piece of the jigsaw does so I would hope to see numbers of people playing weekly and ultimately taking up club membership grow.”

TEEINGOFF

Call for more juniors While some clubs have a thriving junior section others haven’t - and it is causing real concern

T

here is a big debate taking place about the future of junior golf in the North East.

Junior leagues, county officers and club junior liaison officers are becoming increasingly concerned about falling number of junior members and the consequent reduction in teams taking part on league matches.

Northumbria Junior League chairman Marcus Chisholm pointed out that the Northumbria Junior League has gone from 24 teams to just 16.

North Northumberland now has no junior league as just three clubs have

enough juniors to be able to make up a team.

“It’s a sad state of affairs that no juniors in the northern part of the county have any competitive league golf,” said Marcus.

“Many rural clubs have substantial travelling distances to contend with in trying to attract new juniors. Some are offering free membership for juniors under 18 but have had a poor or no response.

“Golf clubs need to be more committed to welcoming young players to their club as these are the members of the future. I am passionate to push this forward but I need help.

Whitley Bay’s successful junior team “Club managers, professionals and parents along with junior organisers need to pull together to make this work as failure now will be devastating in the future.”

Marcus would like to hear from clubs and interested parties with a view to setting up a forum to discuss the issue, email: ngl@hotmail.co.uk

What can be achieved is underlined by the recent success of Whitley Bay and Hexham.

Northumbria Junior League champions Whitley Bay, along with Hexham qualified for the Home Nations Inter-Club Championship when they came through the North Regional Finals at Morpeth.

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18 holes of woods and parkland with stunning views of the Tyne Valley NORTHERN GOLFER 17

COURSEREVIEW

Seaton’s in great shape A visit to one of the oldest courses in the country proves an enjoyable day at the seaside for Alan Hedley

F

ew courses can boast as many different layouts as Seaton Carew - or as interesting a history.

Three are used mainly - The Micklem, The Old and The Brabazon, so named after the club hosted the English Strokeplay Championship in 1985.

Eighteen of the 22 holes were designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie, the man responsible for Augusta National and many others, and the other four came from Frank Pennink, another giant among course designers.

All the layouts are fascinating tests, but The Micklem and The Old, both measuring just over the 6,500 yards mark and The Brabazon, just short of 7,000 yards off the back tees, are a joy.

This is true links golf - the fairways are generous enough but they are lined with

18 NORTHERN GOLFER

punishing sand dunes, wicked buckthorn, whins and rough and if the wind blows all three are fearsome tests.

Most of the bunkers are close to and around the greens which means this is a very fair driving course. Many of the fairways are relatively flat, but you have put the ball in the right place to get at those greens which, thanks to a comprehensive revitalisation programme, are simply superb.

There is a clutch of strong par fours, some great par fives and just three short holes - each is exceptional.

The third, named Doctor after the club’s founder Dr McCuaig, is superb with several deep bunkers, a large plateau green and another bunker hidden over the back.

Then there is the sixth, Mashie, on The

Brabazon - the 12th on The Old - a gorgeous short hole of around 170 yards while the 15th, called Cosy Corner, is anything but as it’s 205 yards and played slightly uphill - usually into the prevailing wind to a green nestling at the foot of sand hills.

The par fives are as interesting as the par threes - the second is terrific and at 565 yards it’s a proper par five and, possibly, the pick of the long holes although the 484-yard 11th on The Brabazon and the 523-yard par 14th, which is common to both courses, are also great par fives.

There are several strong par fours needing two good shots to get to grips with especially the 10th at 400 yards-plus on the Brabazon which features some stunning duneland and is rated the best looking hole on the course.

COURSEREVIEW

FACT FILE CONTACT Seaton Carew Golf Cub Tees Road, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool TS25 1DE Tel 01429 266 249 Pro 01429 890 660 secretary.seatoncarewgolfclub@gmail.com www.seatoncarewgolfclub.co.uk Facebook /seatoncarewgolfclub

Golf has been played at Seaton Carew for more than 140 years the club’s first written records date back to 1874. More recently, a comprehensive programme of course improvements has been widely applauded by members and visitors alike. A 610-yard sixhole academy short course has also been added, which offers the chance for beginners and families to play together and enjoy the game in an hour or two, showing Seaton is a club which does not stand still.

GREEN FEES Mon only 2 for £50 Tue-Fri £30 Fourball £100 Weekend fourball £120 TOTAL DISTANCE White tees Brabazon 6,920 yards Old 6,603 yards, Micklem 6,594 yards Yellow tees 6,637, 6,363, 6,290 Red tees 5,853, 5,526, 5,513

The closing stretch is of the highest quality with three wonderful par fours.

Buckthorn is a real danger down the right on each especially when the wind blows - which is often here.

The 17th is the best of the trio and is one of the finest holes I’ve played and, in my opinion, is the signature hole (see fact file).

The 16th is a monster dog-leg par four of 453 yards and it’s not that easy to get the drive into a good position.

Then there’s the signature hole 17th while you must keep the tee shot away from the buckthorn on the right at 18 - the only hole with no bunkers - but that doesn’t make it any easier as the green is quite an intimidating target tucked between the car park, putting green and first tee.

FEATURES Traditional clubhouse and dining room Modern locker rooms and changing facilities Well-stocked professional’s shop Six-hole academy course Practice area Putting green and chipping green CADDY’S TIP Solid driving will pay dividends SIGNATURE HOLE The par four 17th - it’s called Snag - and it’s a potential card wrecker. Nearly 400 yards long, the fairway sweeps left to right with mounds and you need to get your drive in the right spot to have a chance with your approach to a raised green which slopes back to front and is protected by bunkers everywhere. A truly great hole.

OUR VERDICT This is proper links golf as it should be played - a great test and hugely enjoyable NORTHERN GOLFER 19

TEEINGOFF

Pool of talent Young guns show town is a golfing hotbed

H

artlepool lived up to its reputation as a hotbed of golfing talent when two of the town’s colleges went head-to-head.

The match was set up to foster a greater relationship in developing talent with six-strong teams from Dyke House Sports and Technology College and Hartlepool College of Further Education getting together at Hartlepool Golf Club.

The plan is for the friendly rivalry to become a regular fixture.

Andrew Betts, Dyke House’s golf coach, who works alongside consultant and European Tour pro Graeme Storm, said: “It was a great day for both the College of FE and Dyke House.

“Both sides enjoyed the game and the condition of the course. Thanks to the

The players with Graeme Storm (left) and Andrew Betts (right) College of FE’s Dan Farman and coach Cliff Jackson for putting a team out. It was a good game to watch and be involved in.”

Dyke House won the game 4-2 after Will Skipp got the ball rolling with a 7&5 win over Krissy Ball. There were also Dyke House wins for Briony Bayles, Jack

Ainscough and Jack Burton against Adam Stokell, Nathan Wood and Matty Booth.

The College of Further Education also registered a couple of good wins when Cameron Wallace and Harry Linighan overcame Ben Bailey and Amy Sutheran.

Clifford Jackson, the College of FE golf

coach and Seaton Carew professional, said: “It was a fabulous opportunity to bring together working relationships in a town, creating excellent pathways for young talent to express their ability.

“The new relationships bodes well for the future.”

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D

avid Edwards can look back on another amazing year for his trick shot show after a busy finale with dates in America, the Middle East and Europe.

The former Catterick Garrison and Richmond pro, who is also an ambassador for Close House, took his show to Scotland for the World Hickory Open Championships at Panmure and then moved on to Turkey to host and perform at the Beko Classic.

That was followed by appearances in Florida at the Callaghan Tire Charity Pro-Am, the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai for the sixth time, and a busy year comes to an end at the Gloria Hotels and Golf Resort at Belek in Turkey where Edwards stages a New Year’s Day Show.

Destinations during the year have also included the Made In Denmark

European Tour event at Himmerland and the Nikis Junior Tournament at Golf Nazionale in Rome as well as visits to China, Switzerland, Bulgaria and France.

During the Shenzhen International tournament in China, Edwards was joined by veteran Spanish ace Miguel Angel Jimenez, who is one of the favourite impersonations in his show.

Edwards, a former European Tour pro, has now performed in more than 50 countries at some of golf ’s biggest events and is acknowledged as the leading golf show entertainer. He displays his skills with his selection of unusual clubs – including his famous two-metre driver – along with everwitty commentary.

Besides Jimenez, Edwards impersonation of Bubba Watson has proved particularly popular with fans and fellow professionals.

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TEEINGOFF

Ewart on the right course Jodi’s fantastic end to the season sees her climb the world rankings

A

debut win on the LPGA Tour cannot be far away for North Yorkshire’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff.

The 28-year-old from Middleham ended an excellent 2016 in the US with a blitz of top finishes to finish the year 31st in the money list and - at the time of writing - in the top 60 in the Rolex World Rankings.

Jodi and Charley Hull, whom she partnered with great success in the 2013 Solheim Cup, are currently the only two English players in that top 60.

Jodi’s close to the season included a tie for second place, two shots behind winner Carlota Ciganda in the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in Mexico City, with a final round 67 to get to 11 under-par for her best result of the year.

The tournament at Club de Golf Mexico was the penultimate event of a season that concluded with the CME Tour Championship in Naples, Florida.

There, Jodi opened with a 73 before adding an excellent 67 with four birdies on the back nine. A third round 69 kept her in the hunt but she was disappointed with a closing 76 which saw her finish in a tie for 36th place.

That result was good enough to clinch 31st place in the money list with $582,906 as she notched three top 10s, including the US Open, and another seven top 20 finishes.

She will be hoping to carry that form into 2017 and make it into the European team for the second time when the Solheim Cup takes place at Des Moines in Iowa August 14-20.

Jodi Ewart Shadoff (© mooinblack / Shutterstock.com) Brought up in Middleham, North Yorkshire by parents Zoe and Harvey, it quickly became apparent that she had an exceptional golfing talent, which was honed by her coach Andy Marshall, who was pro at Catterick

and Masham.

Marshall taught Jodi from the age of 14 and he believes the only thing missing is a victory in a regular LPGA Tour event, which he says she is more than capable of achieving.

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TEEINGOFF

Burgham’s future Burgham Park Golf Club joint administrators Graham Bushby and Steven Ross of RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP are continuing to work toward securing the future of the club following its move into administration.

In a statement, they said: “Regarding the sale of the golf club and related businesses, the joint administrators have sought ‘Best and Final’ offers from all the interested parties.” The Administrators’ intend to have a plan in place by the New Year.

The statement continued: “For the time being, unfortunately the clubhouse remains closed but key greenstaff have been retained and the course continues to be maintained.

The course remains open to play for members only and the Joint Administrators will continue to liaise with the committee to ensure that all relevant communications are maintained with the membership of the club.”

Gentleman of golf Region’s sporting clubs mourn Bill Ogilvie MBE

N

orth East golf, athletics and cricket lost a real stalwart with the death of Bill Ogilvie at the age of 87.

Born into a mining family in Ashington, Northumberland he was involved in many aspects of local sport and took on roles including athletics coaching, becoming a founding member of Wansbeck Citizens Advice Bureau, sitting on the selection committee for magistrates, being a school governor and working for the National Playing Fields Association.

He was twice captain of Newbiggin Golf Club - in 1978 and 1995 - and was also club president for five years.

He served on the club committee for 20 years and was chairman of the handicap committee for 10 years.

He was prominent in driving the centenary celebrations of the golf club in 1984 and also produced the

Bill Ogilvie quarterly newsletter for over 20 years finishing in 2015 due to ill health.

Bill was chairman of Bomarsund Cricket Club, where he also coached junior cricketers.

He was a senior social welfare officer for the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation until his retirement in 1989 and worked with miners who were disabled or approaching retirement. In 2013 Bill

was appointed MBE for services to sport and the community in south east Northumberland and received the honour from Prince William at Buckingham Palace.

Another one of his proudest moments was being nominated to run with the Olympic torch in June 2012.

Bill is survived by daughters Helen, Alison and Gillian, and grandchildren Hannah, Matthew, Joe and Eve.

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TOURLIFE

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TOUR LIFE

HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS WITH EUROPEAN TOUR PLAYER CHRIS PAISLEY

Since my last column I have played my first two Final Series events. The first was in Turkey, followed by a trip to Sun City, South Africa. I didn’t perform how I wanted but played okay to finish 43rd and 49th respectively.

It was great to get a taste of two huge events - my wife Keri and I led the glamorous life that people think we lead all year round! Business-class flights, five-star hotels, huge prize funds - it was a great experience that made me hungry for more.

There were two standout moments for me during those two weeks. The first was playing with Charl Schwartzel in the third round of Sun City. It was a windy day on a brutal course and he coasted around in four under-par. He is head and shoulders above anyone else I have ever played with. That’s no disrespect to the guys I have played with so far - he was just that good.

It is a mystery to me why he has ’only’ won one major. He hits it a mile yet has so much control it’s frightening. It was the kind of round you feel honoured to watch. It filled me with pride to come from the fairways of Stocksfield Golf Club to mixing it with players like him (He only beat me by two shots that week by the way!). The other highlight was being greeted on the first tee by Gary Player another moment of realisation that I have come a long way since I first picked up a club.

Since Sun City I have been in Orlando resting and preparing for Hong Kong. I say relaxing, we’ve been house hunting and trying to arrange a foreign national mortgage, which is much more stressful than any round of golf I have ever played!

The 2017 season starts in Hong Kong for me. I am excited to see what the year brings. I learned a lot of powerful lessons in 2016 and I think they will serve me well. If I can keep those lessons in mind and continue to steadily improve, 2017 can be a breakthrough year.

Thank you for reading my column this year. It has been therapeutic for me and I hope it has provided an honest and open insight to my life on tour.

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NATIONALCHAMPIONS

Consett steel the show Dean Bailey meets The Mail on Sunday Classic champions as they reflect on their season-long journey and success in Spain

N

ational champions’ sits well on the bright blue flag which is draped over captain Gary Elliott’s arm and will soon flutter above the clubhouse at Consett & District Golf Club.

Having started out as one of more than 1,500 clubs from across the UK back in February, the Consett team has won more matches than it takes to win the FA Cup and are jubilant when we sit down at the club just a few days after their victory.

“The whole experience will stay with me for the rest of my life,” says Gary as the team

28 NORTHERN GOLFER

gathers round in the clubhouse to reflect on a memorable week.

“To get into the final four from more than 1,500 clubs was a tremendous achievement in itself. The semi-final was nerve-wrecking with the match in the balance until the very end, and the final was a real joy to watch. To see the lads play so well under that much pressure was fantastic.”

The team for the finals at El Rompido in Spain – James Newton, John Kennedy, Mark Bonser, Brian Wigham, Mark Dorritt and Craig Armstrong – beat Watford’s Porters Park 3-2 in

NATIONALCHAMPIONS

NORTHERN GOLFER 29

NATIONALCHAMPIONS

the semi-final, with John Kennedy – the man who came through a fivehole sudden-death playoff against Chester-le-Street in September – recounting the turning point in a close match.

“I’ve had a week to reflect on everything that went on and it’s remarkable how many little moments were huge during the semi-final and the final on our way to winning,” explains John. “In the semi-final I won early and Brian lost early, but the rest of the matches were really close so we went on to watch the guys and Brian picked up Mark’s bag for the final few holes.”

“That was a massive turning point,” adds Mark Dorritt. “I’d just lost three holes in a row and was one down with three to play. My opponent had a caddy and I felt lonely out there.

“Brian coming over was massive and spurred me on to win the final three holes and turn the game round.”

That result sent Consett through to the final, where opponents South Staffordshire went up in the early stages and look destined to halt Consett’s run at the final hurdle. In 30 NORTHERN GOLFER

Consett’s champagne moment in Spain

a key match, James Newton - the youngest member of the team at 21 - turned around a three down deficit following some words of advice from captain Gary.

“When I was three down with six to play and writing my apology speech to the lads, Gary had a chat with me and his advice, to go out and play the final stretch under-par, was huge.

“To come back and win 2&1 after a run of birdies filled me with so much pride.

To win a national tournament is a life changing experience.”

John, a stalwart of Durham golf, sums up the feeling as the team learned the destination of the trophy: “I was lucky enough to watch the winning putt go in. We were mostly together as a team to see it - Mark Bosner holing what was about a 12ft putt and is now somewhere around 40ft I think, to give us the title as Craig was one up playing the last.

“I was still in the zone playing the last,” adds Craig. “I’ve never heard Mark react the way he did when that putt went in. The adrenaline went once I knew and all I wanted to do was celebrate with the lads.”

The reactions to Consett’s win started to come in as soon as Mark holed that putt, with messages coming from across the North East and continuing as the team returned home.

“You don’t realise how big it is or what you’ve

achieved until you get back home,” says Craig.

“It didn’t sink in for me until I saw the flag with national champions written on it. To be part of that is an incredible feeling,” adds Mark Dorritt.

As well as congratulations from Consett members, the team received praise from Durham county captain Gerry Johnson, who managed Bishop Auckland to the title in 2003.

“Gerry sent a great message to congratulate the lads. To get that from someone who has been there and done it was fantastic,” says John.

“We played Hobson in the first round and Dave Turner was one of the first people to message us and there have been loads of messages from lads we’ve played all the way through the event.”

The team featured 10 players throughout the 11 rounds with Darren Elliott, Andrew Hastings, Aaron Leathley and Gus McArdle also playing their part.

“The whole squad, and our sponsors Gibson & Harris, Plumbcentre, Yorkshire Trade Windows, Advanced Financial Planning, Electrical Services Ltd and G Hall Building have been key to a fantastic year,” adds Gary.

With more reminiscing to be done - I expect the story may continue to fill the clubhouse at Consett for many months to come…it’s certainly one worth telling.

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GOLFERNEWS

A year to remember

Louise Miles and Jenny Boanson

PL 1 AY IN FR G 12 EE OL F

The ladies section of Blackwell Grange Golf Club ended the year by handing over a cheque for £5,000 to its chosen charity this season, The Teenage Cancer Trust.

Blackwell’s 2015/16 ladies captain Jenny Boanson had the honour of handing the cheque to Louise Miles from Teenager Cancer Trust following a season of fundraising activities and events on and off the golf course.

Fit for purpose The winning team from a corporate golf challenge held at Close House has put their success down to regular Speedflex training sessions.

The Speedflex team, including former world number one and Ryder Cup player Lee Westwood and Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer, are regular users of HIIT training regime Speedflex, which they have found invaluable in improving their general fitness and performance on the course.

Colin Wilson, who represented Speedflex in the final round of the competition, said: “Not only can I hit the ball further, my endurance levels have increased enabling me to spend more time on the golf course doing what I love most”.

Successful entrepreneur Graham Wylie, co-founder of The Sage Group plc, and now chairman of Speedflex (Europe) and owner of Close House, said: “We’re very excited that Speedflex members formed part of the winning team. It was a real achievement as the competition involved professional athletes and golfers competing on a very tough golf course.”

Speedflex has centres in London, Leeds, Newcastle, Reigate, Cork, Surrey, Southampton, Dubai and Dallas.

Golf Days and Societies Come and play our fantastic Robert Trent Jones designed golf course, with 27 holes set in 220 acres of beautiful Yorkshire countryside. Our team have years of experience in designing golf days that live long in the memory and our on site chef will create the menu of your choice as the perfect complement to your golf. This all ensures that visitors to Moor Allerton return year after year.

To find out more contact Gill Pretty on 0113 2661154 or email Info@magc.co.uk or visit www.magc.co.uk Moor Allerton Golf Club, Coal Road, Wike, Leeds LS17 9NH West Yorkshire

32 NORTHERN GOLFER

GOLFERNEWS

Indoor challenge South Moor Golf Club has launched the perfect antidote to cold and dark evenings – an indoor golf league.

The league started in early December, will run through to March, and is open to members and non-members.

PGA professional Shaun Cowell said: “Normally, the studio is used for club fitting or coaching.

“One of our members suggested an indoor winter league and the more we looked into the idea the more we liked it.”

The studio has a golf simulator system which allows Cowell and fellow South Moor pro Mark Ridley to use a 42ins television screen to examine swing path and adjust technique - as well a test skills with a range of challenges.

December sees a nearest the pin event from 100 yards out, before a 150 yard challenge in January and a long driving contest in February. All three will be combined in the final event in March. To enter, call 01207 283 525.

Growing strong

Ryan Ingram with the junior academy

Shaun Cowell

George Washington Golf Club teaching professional Ryan Ingram has received an HSBC Golf Roots Junior Development Award for his work in 2016.

Having joined the club in 2015, Ryan has grown junior participation from just nine members to 46 – with that number set to rise in coming months thanks to the club’s junior academy system.

Ryan said: “I never had anything like this when I first joined a golf club. As a coach, I wanted to give junior golfers the best chance possible of following their dreams as golfers.”

Ryan has worked closely with local schools and colleges, in partnership with the Golf Roots Foundation, and the club offers a number of routes into the game – from the Junior Golf Passport to weekly events and RLIGolf holiday camps.

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Bellingham Golf Club

GOLFERNEWS

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www.golfrus.co.uk | 07957353265 ebay.co.uk/golfrus2015 | facebook.com/GolfRus 34 NORTHERN GOLFER

Matt Fitzpatrick

Matt triumphs in Dubai

Great finish to the season for Yorkshire star Fitzpatrick ends a year to remember

M

atthew Fitzpatrick’s remarkable rise continues as the 22-year-old Yorkshireman claimed his third European Tour title on a dramatic final day of the 2016 season at the DP World Championship in Dubai.

Fitzpatrick took advantage of Tyrrell Hatton’s bogey on the 18th hole with a closing birdie to swap positions at the top of the leaderboard - his final round 67 sealing a one-shot victory.

Fitzpatrick claimed his maiden European Tour title 13 months ago at the British Masters supported by Sky Sports - since then he has won the Nordea Masters and featured in his first Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National.

His victory at Jumeirah Golf Estates means he is the youngest Englishman to win three European Tour titles - beating Nick Faldo’s previous record from 1980 by a margin of 220 days.

The win also earned Fitzpatrick the biggest pay day of his fledgling career – a cheque for €1,217,174 - and moved him into sixth position on the final 2016 Race to Dubai Rankings

presented by Rolex, a spot securing him a further €319,509 as part of the top 10 bonus pool.

“I love playing golf obviously,” said Fitzpatrick, “but it’s been a long year for me and I’ve got to admit this is just icing on the cake. As a year goes, it’s been a great one.

“I had a rough idea [what happened to Tyrrell] on the last. I saw that he had missed a putt and there were a few groans in the crowd.

But it wasn’t until I saw the scores and that I knew what I needed for the win.

“Tyrrell, he’s a great lad, he was just coming down and I saw him as I was walking into the scorer and he said congratulations. For someone to do that after he’s been in contention is very special. He’s a credit to the tour.

“This win means the world. To win one of these Final Series events is really special, and this one in particular, being the last tournament of the year is special.

“Words can’t describe it. It’s not going to sink in for a while. It’s been a special year and then to end it like this with a win is amazing.”

GOLFERNEWS

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Thomas Bjørn

Bjørn to be a winner Dane takes on the Ryder Cup captaincy

T

homas Bjørn has been named the European captain for The 2018 Ryder Cup. The 45-year-old was the first Danish player to represent Europe against the United States when he made his debut under Seve Ballesteros in 1997, the year the biennial contest was first played in continental Europe at Valderrama, in Spain.

Twenty-one years later he will become the first Dane, and the first Scandinavian, to lead Europe when The Ryder Cup returns to mainland Europe for the second time at Le Golf National in Paris, France, September 28-30.

Bjørn will bring a wealth of experience to the role of captain having featured on three victorious European Ryder Cup teams as a player, with successful appearances at The Belfry in 2002 and the win at Gleneagles in 2014 following his 1997 debut.

He has also served as a vice captain on four occasions under Bernhard Langer in 2004, Colin Montgomerie in 2010, José María Olazábal in 2012 and Darren Clarke at Hazeltine National in 2016.

The 15-time European Tour winner, who was twice a runner-up in The Open Championship, also knows the

2018 host venue particularly well, having played in the Open de France a total of 14 times at Le Golf National - his best finish a share of third place in 2007. He was chosen as Europe’s 2018 Ryder Cup captain by a five-man selection panel comprising the three most recent European Ryder Cup Captains – Clarke, Paul McGinley and Olazábal - as well as the chief executive of the European Tour Keith Pelley and European Tour Tournament Committee member Henrik Stenson.

He said: “It’s a huge honour for me to be named European captain for The 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris. This is one of the greatest days in my career.

“I studied a lot of captains as a player and as a vice captain, and always wondered what that feeling would be like to be the one leading out a team of 12 great players. Now it’s my turn to do just that and it is an exciting moment.

“I have lived and breathed the European Tour for so long, and now I will do the same with The Ryder Cup for the next two years. I’m very much looking forward to taking on this task.”

Bjørn succeeds Clarke and will lead the European bid to reclaim the Ryder Cup, and will be looking to extend the continent’s impressive run of consecutive victories on home soil to six.

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CHESTER-LE-STREET GOLF CLUB

HOST TO THE NORTHERN GOLFER JUNIOR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS EVENT 2016 MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE

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GOLFERNEWS

Yorkshire double

Stephen East

Images courtesy Leaderboard Photography

East and Thornton top order of merits

S

tephen East is England’s top senior golfer for the second time - and Charlie Thornton has made it a Yorkshire double by heading the national junior order of merit.

Meanwhile, Cath Rawthore, from Sale in Cheshire topped the England Golf Women’s Senior Order of Merit for the second time - she and East were both winners in 2014.

East’s victory in the Scottish Senior Championship was an exciting affair as he played the final 10 holes in five under-par to speed past his rivals. “To win is always satisfying, but to go up there and win was special,” said East, who was also runner-up in the Welsh Senior Championship.

The Senior Home Internationals, where he scored 5.5 points from six games, was another of his highlights.

“Winning the Home Internationals was a great thrill,” said East.

“It was a wonderful team

effort which turned out to be a dominant performance.”

His verdict on the year? “Having missed two counting events I was delighted at topping the Order of Merit, it’s most satisfying and one of the highlights of my year.

“Looking to 2017, I’m excited about representing Wike Ridge Golf Club.

My goals are simple - to enjoy my golf and keep playing and competing at the highest level possible, playing as many championships as I can.”

Fulford’s 17-year-old Thornton reached the quarter-finals of the British Boys’ Championship at Muirfield in August and has represented Yorkshire at Under-16 level since his early teens.

Now off plus-one he will step up to open competitions next season.

Thornton’s best moment was reaching the quarter-final of the Boys’ Amateur Championship at Muirfield, where he was beaten by the

Charlie Thornton

eventual champion on the 18th green.

Representing Yorkshire in the English Boys County Finals was another highlight for the teenager, who won all six of his games.

Other youngsters from the region also performed admirably over the year, continuing their development.

Hexham’s Matty Lamb was placed eighth in the order of merit with Hallamshire’s Alex Fitzpatrick 11th and Hartlepool’s Jack Ainscough 13th.

BRANCEPETH CASTLE GOLF CLUB

MEMBERSHIP OFFERS

Junior Membership up to 18 years for less than £20 per annum (includes free coaching) 9 hole and twilight membership £375 Monday Membership £200 Full and 5 day memberships available Please contact the Office Manager for terms and conditions Tel: 0191 3780075 Option 2

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Entry fees held at 2016 prices. Book online now at www.brancepeth-castle-golf.co.uk Telephone - 0191 3780075 Option 2 or email enquiries@brancepeth-castlegolf.co.uk Competition & Golf bookings available online at www.brancepeth-castle-golf.co.uk THE CLUBHOUSE, BRANCEPETH, DH7 8EA NORTHERN GOLFER 37

2016REVIEW

© photogolfer / Shutterstock.com

A golfing year to remember It may have been a year to forget in certain circles, but 2016 has been another great year for our region’s golfers Jan-Mar

Graeme Storm got the help of Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and his fellow European tour players to launch his first junior event and Ryder Cup legend Bernhard Gallacher visited Blackwell Grange.

April

Yorkshireman Danny Willett shocked the golfing world by winning The Masters, Graeme Storm hosted his first Junior Open at Hartlepool, and Stephanie Peareth shared her hopes for the future.

May

Andy Scrimshaw got his season off to a fast start with three pro wins, City of Newcastle won the Inter-County Foursomes, Westerhope GC kicked off its 75th anniversary 38 NORTHERN GOLFER

celebrations, and Northumberland’s Phil Ridden became England’s lowest-handicapped golfer.

June

Dustin Johnson won his first major at the US Open, Rebecca McGinley told us about long driving and her hopes as a Ladies European Tour player, Andrew Gibson won Northumberland’s Strokeplay Championship as Kris Rae and Rebecca Horner won Durham’s County Championships, and Matt Fitzpatrick won the Nordea Masters to set his path to The Ryder Cup.

July

Henrik Stenson won one of the finest Sunday showdowns in Open Championship history as

Jimmy Walker won the US PGA Championship.

We caught up with Jack Hermeston as he returned from his first season in the US, Mark Wharton won Northumberland’s County Championship, Mat Webb won his first national title alongside Alex Belt, Matthew Cort won the EuroPro Tour’s Dawson and Sanderson Classic at Longhirst Hall, Northern Golfer won its own charity day (again) in aid of St Oswald’s Hospice and stars of sport and television joined Steve Cram at Slaley Hall for the annual COCO charity day, as Nicky Bell won the Cumbria Matchplay title.

August

Justin Rose won the Olympic gold medal, England international James Wilson shared his dreams with us, Briony Bayles won the St Andrews Junior Ladies

2016REVIEW Open, Richard James won the EuroPro Tour’s Lookers Championship at Close House, James Wilson won the Durham Matchplay title, Yorkshireman Dan Brown won the English Amateur Championship, three of the North East’s best pros made the trip to Carnoustie for the Senior Open Championship, Brad Robinson won the Faldo Series event at St Andrews, and Mat Webb captured the PGA Assistants’ Championship.

September

The US triumphed on home soil in The Ryder Cup. Following her St Andrews win, Briony Bayles starred on our cover, Sam Donald won the Northern Masters at Rockliffe Hall, league golf ’s winners – Close House, Ramside Hall, City of Newcastle, Wynyard and Bamburgh - were crowned, Rebecca McGinley won the UK Long Drive

Championship, Whitby were named England Golf Team champions, Consett came through a thrilling match to make it to the last 16 of the Mail on Sunday Classic, Rockliffe Hall’s James Maw collected his first EuroPro Tour win, brother and sister Lucca and Ella Jackson triumphed at St Andrews and Wynyard, and Yorkshire won the Northern Counties title.

October

The King, Arnold Palmer passed away, Close House was announced as the host venue for the 2017 British Masters, Briony Bayles won the Northern Golfer Junior Champion of Champions, Dinsdale Spa won the Lombard Trophy, Jonathan Caldewll won the final regular season event of the EuroPro Tour season at Moor Allerton, David Clark and Andrew Richardson shared top spot at the NE/NW PGA Tour Championship, Steven Hutchinson

helped Europe win the Fightmaster Cup, Yorkshire won the English Men’s County Championship, and Northern Golfer columnist Chris Paisley secured his European Tour card with a third place finish in Italy.

November

Graeme Storm secured his tour card in dramatic fashion, some of the region’s best youngsters starred in England Schools’ win over Scotland, Marcus Armitage won on the Challenge Tour and captured a European Tour card, Ripon City won the Inter League as Roseberry Grange won the Rabbits League in the North East Rabbits Golf Association, and Mat Webb finished a remarkable year with victory in Australia before featuring on our cover.

WHITLEY BAY GOLF CLUB

2017 OPEN COMPETITIONS

Mixed Open Sunday 28th May 2017 – £22 per pair Seniors Open Thursday 6th July 2017 – £22 per pair Ladies Open Thursday 10th August 2017 – £33 per team Mens Open Sunday 13th August 2017 – £27 per pair Seniors 4 Man Team Open - Thursday 14th September 2017 – £44 per team Claremont Road, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, NE26 3UF Secretary: Dawn Ridley 0191 252 0180 | Professional: David Twizell 0191 252 5688 Email: whitleybaygolfclub@virginmedia.com | Website: www.whitleybaygolfclub.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 39

50 50THEDITION

not out

As we celebrate our 50th edition, here’s what the friends we’ve made over the last five years had to say

I have loved reading Northern Golfer over the past five years. It helps me keep up to date with local golf when I’m on the road.

Sharing my Life on Tour column has also been a pleasure and I look forward to working with you in the future.

– Chris Paisley Congratulations to Northern Golfer on its landmark 50th issue. It has become the North’s number one golf magazine and one of the best reads every month.

Well done to all and thanks for all your support.

– Graeme Storm Congratulations to everybody at Northern Golfer on reaching 50 issues.

Keep up the good work!

Barry Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Sport and EuroPro Tour 40 NORTHERN GOLFER

Congratulations on producing the 50th edition. The publication has always had a strong relationship with Close House and has helped us to develop the facility.

We look forward to working together in the future especially promoting next year’s British Masters. Here’s to 100!

– Jonathan Lupton, Close House 50 great issues - here’s to many more!

– Ronnie Tweedy, The Golf Factory Northern Golfer is a key part of my marketing strategy, offering wide regional coverage and excellent value for money.

– Andrew Leach, ZFL Everyone at Parklands would like to wish our favourite golf magazine a happy 50th issue.

– The Parklands team

Congratulations to all at Northern Golfer.

– Dave Souter, Westerhope GC Happy 50th Birthday. Congratulations on a fantastic publication.

– Michael Rutter and the team, City of Newcastle GC Congratulations on 50 editions - always an excellent read.

– Dawn Ridley, Whitley Bay GC Congratulations on your 50th edition! We have enjoyed working with you to help promote North East golf and advertise what we can offer the players in our region, and we certainly hope to do so for many years to come! Happy Birthday from all at Matfen.

– Peter Smith and John Harrison, Matfen Hall

50THEDITION

Congratulations on your 50th issue, it has been an absolute pleasure working closely with the Northern Golfer team for the past two years. Here’s to many more issues.

– The Woodham GC team Congratulations on your 50th issue.

– The Brancepeth Castle GC team

Many congratulations on reaching your 50th edition. In these days of point, click, put it on social media, forget it in 24 hours it’s great to sit down and relax with a magazine. The content is always current and relevant, and the team are always flexible and very helpful. Keep it going and best of luck for the future.

– The Chester-le-Street GC team

Congratulations on your 50th issue.

– The Hartlepool GC team

Congratulations on your 50th issue.

– The George Washington GC team

Huge congratulations to Northern Golfer on your 50th issue.

– The Ryton GC team

Congratulations Northern Golfer on your 50th issue! An excellent magazine for all golfers!

– The South Shields GC team

Congratulations to everyone at Northern Golfer on your 50th edition, we look forward to the next 50!

– The Middlesbrough GC team

Congratulations on the 50th issue. A great read for local golfers.

– The Tyneside GC team

Congratulations to Northern Golfer on your 50th issue. A magazine that promotes the region from within the region - one of our own.

– The Eaglescliffe GC team Congratulations on your 50th issue and for all your hard work in producing such a brilliant publication. Keep up the good work.

– The Seaham GC team Congratulations on the 50th edition of Northern Golfer, a great golfing magazine for our region.

– Helen Roseberry, Ramside Hall Congratulations to all the Northern Golfer team on 50 fantastic editions. Best of luck for the next 50 and beyond!

– C hris Mounter, Wynyard GC NORTHERN GOLFER 41

GOLFGEAR

New year new gear

M PEOPLE TaylorMade M woods and irons RRP: M2: driver £369, fairway £229 rescue £189, irons from £699 M1: driver £479, fairway £279 rescue £239, irons from £849 www.taylormadegolf.co.uk

As the world’s biggest brands begin to launch their latest gear for the 2017 season, we round-up releases from TaylorMade, Puma, FootJoy and Sunice perfect for a last-minute Christmas gift or to get to grips with ahead of the first competitions of the new season.

TaylorMade has unveiled 2017 editions of its M1 and M2 families of woods and irons as Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods join Jason Day and Dustin Johnson among the long list of players with the woods in their bags.

The new woods combine advancements in materials and geometry, with a lower density titanium in the M1 and 43% more carbon composite aiding weight distribution and forgiveness – plus more manoeuvrability thanks to increased weight in the sole’s track weights.

The M2 driver promises more forgiveness and explosive distance thanks to the same tweaks to its materials and geometry, while the M1 and M2 irons complete the new look and deliver better distance, height, forgiveness and feel that their predecessors.

Available in the New Year.

MADE FOR WALKIN’ FootJoy Pro/SL shoe RRP: from £140 www.footjoy.co.uk FootJoy has unveiled its latest spikeless footwear for next season – the Pro/SL. Combining a comfortable, waterproof upper with a mid/outsole that provides ultimate perimeter stability and spikeless traction, the Pro/SL is already worn around the world by players including Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Kevin Na, Andrew Johnston, Bernd Wiesberger and Lee Westwood.

42 NORTHERN GOLFER

INTHEBAG

IN THE BAG With Tiger Woods

© COBRA PUMA GOLF

LOOK GOOD, PLAY GOOD Puma S/S17 apparel RRP: from £TBC www.cobragolf.co.uk/pumagolf PUMA Golf’s latest range of apparel promises the brand’s lightest and most cutting-edge styles to date. The bold styling is carried across polos, bottoms and outerwear, while the new line also features more performance and fashion accessories than ever before – including Rickie Fowler’s trademark flat brims and Bryson DeChambeau’s Tour Driver Cap. The new line will be worn on tour by Fowler, Lexi Thompson and DeCahmbeau, and will available from February 1, 2017.

WINTER WARMERS Sunice 2016 autumn/winter apparel RRP: £TBC www.sunice.com Sunice’s latest range of autumn/winter apparel is available now featuring a new thermal collection and laminate technology as well as shirts, trousers and waterproofs.

The new technology delivers four-way stretch for better manoeuvrability, while the thermal elements offer improved performance in the toughest conditions. The collection also features stylish new looks across all layers of the men’s and women’s collections.

© Tony Bowler / Shutterstock.com

There’s only one bag we wanted to delve into this month, that of 14time major champion Tiger Woods as he made his return to the PGA Tour at the Hero World Challenge in The Bahamas.

There were a number of additions to Woods’ bag on his return, including the tour-leading TaylorMade metalwoods - Woods opting for a 9.5° M2 driver alongside M1 three and five woods, and the Bridestone B330S ball.

Woods did however stick with his Nike VR irons and VR Forged wedges, while wearing Nike apparel and debuting the Nike TW17 shoes.

The most notable return however was his Scotty Cameron Newport 2 putter - which he has used to win 13 of his 14 major championships to date.

No surprise then that it is one of only two clubs in Tiger’s putting studio which remain off limits to his seven-year-old son Charlie.

Here’s a full rundown of what was in his bag…

TaylorMade M2 9.5°

TaylorMade M1 15° TaylorMade M1 19°

Nike VR Pro (3-PW)

Bridgestone B330S

Nike VR Forged (56° and 60°)

NORTHERN GOLFER 43

GREENWATCH

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS, VENUES, VOLUNTEERS AND SPECTATORS IN THE NORTH EAST AND YORKSHIRE FOR HELPING US ACHIEVE THE BEST EUROPRO TOUR SEASON YET

GREEN WATCH

WITH JON WYER, ROCKLIFFE HALL

FROST AND ITS EFFECTS

WWW.EUROPROTOUR.COM

As we welcome December and look to the New Year, we have already experienced some really cold temperatures and the hard frosts they bring with them.

With courses enforcing frost rules - from course closures to winter greens and trolley bans - it feels right to end the year with this topic.

A turfgrass plant is made up of 90% water, which then freezes in cold temperatures, and makes the plant susceptible to damage.

We usually see frost in two forms - the first and more familiar one being a ‘leaf frost,’ this is easily seen as a white coverage across the playing surface.

A ‘ground frost’ is not as visible and can cause the most damage.

44 NORTHERN GOLFER

The frost may have thawed within the leaf and it may look like the greens have thawed but the crown of the plant can still be frozen. Applying pressure can break the leaf from its root system, break it from its store of winter nutrients, thus potentially killing the plant.

Both of these frost forms can have long-term detrimental effect on the playing surface - from thinning out the sward affecting ball roll to creating further plant stress, which can then lead to a disease threat.

Though the frost rules aren’t the most popular, they do a lot of good for the course and ultimately lead to a better playing condition come the summer months.

PRODIRECTORY

GEORGE WASHINGTON GOLF CLUB & ACADEMY RYAN INGRAM

SEAHAM GOLF CLUB ANDREW BLUNT PGA PROFESSIONAL

PGA HEAD TEACHING PRO Making Your Swing Perform Better RLIGolf bespoke coaching packages available.

Free initial assessment to plan an individual package to suit your game. State-of-the-art custom fit with FlightScope. Junior Academy only £35pm.

T: 07927 494 780

@RLIGOLF

Expert retailer with fully stocked shop. Great prices on everything! Facebook only offers - please follow us. 10% in-store discount with code NG12.

T: 0191 513 0837 E: andrew@bargaingolfequipment.co.uk Bargain Golf Equipment @BarginGolfEquip

HEXHAM GOLF CLUB ANDY PAISLEY

OTLEY GOLF CLUB STEVEN TOMKINSON

PGA PROFESSIONAL

HEAD PROFESSIONAL

Specialist putting coach and putter fitting with state-of-the-art putting and swing studio facilities.

• Over 30 years coaching experience • Friendly and impartial advice

GC2, HMT, SAM Putt Lab and GASP Lab 5 video analysis.

• Fantastic practice facilities • Well stocked shop with custom fit facility

T: 014343 603 072 E: paisleyandrew@yahoo.co.uk

T: 01943 463 403 E: swtomki@aol.com @OtleyGCProshop

Pros Guide Our guide to the region’s PGA pros

Want to work on your game?

Your local PGA pro is the go-to for advice, tuition and retail experience THE WYNYARD CLUB JAMES HARPER ASSISTANT PRO, ENGINEER & CUSTOM FIT SPECIALIST Sam Putting Lab Digital Putting Studio.

Re-grips, re-shafts and repairs.

Special 20% discount on all putter fittings and putting lessons through December & January when quoting ‘Northern Golfer’.

T: 01740 644 399 ext 22

NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM GOLF ALLIANCE YOUR ALLIANCE NEEDS YOU • Become a member of one of the oldest golfing alliances in the country • We play 16 of the regions top courses including, Hartlepool, Slaley Hall, Durham City, Matfen Hall, Wynyard, Ramside, Seaton Carew, Bedlington plus many more • We play on a Wednesday morning from approx 9am till 12noon approximately every 3 weeks • Open to both professionals and amateurs from either county (amateurs need to be a member of a club) • Cost of joining is £35 for professionals and £50 for amateurs • Each member pays £11 per game to cover green fee and we also run an optional sweep at £2 • The format is 4bbb stableford, maximum handicap of 18 • Presentation dinner at the end of season ,both trophies and cash prizes are given out for both professionals and amateurs For more details and enquiries please contact: Jeff Shield Honorary Secretary Telephone 07837160545 or email: jeffshield@hotmail.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 45

4 JUBAL ST L F £3 OR 0*

Alnmouth Village Golf Club

THE OLDEST NINE HOLE LINKS IN ENGLAND.

LINKSCOURSES

WINTER GREEN FEES ONLY £10

Beautiful nine hole links with stunning coastal views, open all year round. Buggies also available for only £15

Marine Road, Alnmouth NE66 2RZ Phone: 01665 830370 www.alnmouthvillagegolfclub.co.uk *Valid until end of February (Book via website).

Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club Designed by James Braid

7 d We ay lco s a me we ek

18 holes £19 weekdays £23 weekends WINTER OFFER Coffee & Bacon roll, round of golf followed by soup, large filled roll and chips weekdays £24, weekends £27 Visitors and societies always welcome

Embleton, Northumberland, NE66 3XQ Tel: 01665 576562 email: enquiries@dunstanburgh.com www.dunstanburgh.com

Glen East Links, North Berwick Redesigned to 18 holes in 1906 by James Braid & Ben Sayers

Visitors welcome 7 days a week.

th 4 en -b Win £5 a ter 0 f ll or £ ret 80 ur nv isi t

Tantallon Terrace, North Berwick, East Lothian EH39 4LE Bookings: 01620 892726 enquiries@glengolfclub.co.uk www.glengolfclub.co.uk 4B ON £80.0 ALL I LY 0 M S 2 WI O 01 TH N - 7 VO FR UC I HE R

THE REGION’S MOST UNIQUE CLIFF TOP LINKS COURSE WITH FANTASTIC SEA VIEWS

18 holes of Golf £18 per person Coffee, bacon roll & 18 holes £20 per person Coffee & bacon roll, 18 holes followed by 2 course meal £27 per person

Limit ed Mem Winter bers avail hips able tele the C lub M phone a on 0 1429 nager 2674 73

HARTLEPOOL GOLF CLUB, Hart Warren, Hartlepool, TS24 9QF hartlepoolgolf@btconnect.com www.hartlepoolgolfclub.co.uk 46 NORTHERN GOLFER

Flamborough Head G.C.

GREAT RANGE OF DEALS AVAILABLE FROM £24PP

For full details: Tel: 01262 850333 - option 3

enquiries@flamboroughheadgolfclub.co.uk www.flamboroughheadgolfclub.co.uk

LIGHTHOUSE ROAD, FLAMBOROUGH YO15 1AR

11 Fo th pay r ev e 12 ing ery th go is lfer FR s, EE

As the wet, cold weather of the winter months continues our region’s links courses - from Scotland and North Northumberland down to Co Durham and North Yorkshire, and across to the Cumbrian coast - offer some of the best conditions as well as some great deals

for /co or m 8 pe ffe or op on e / e fr le ar bac ee riv on al ro ll

tea

NEWBIGGIN GOLF CLUB

18 holes weekdays £15 weekends £20 until 31/3/17 Visitors / Societies welcome 7 days per week Newbiggin Golf Club, THE CLUB HOUSE, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland NE64 6DW 01670 817344 ext 4 pro@newbiggingolfclub.co.uk M

SILLOTH ON SOLWAY GOLF CLUB

IN 4 ID CS B OU AL WE P/ L EK SA £1 ND 30 W IC HE S

HOST TO THE ENGLISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP 2012 2015 NATIONAL CLUB GOLFER NO 1 COURSE IN GB & IRELAND UNDER £100

OFFICE@SILLOTHGOLFCLUB.CO.UK WWW.SILLOTHGOLFCLUB.CO.UK STATION ROAD, SILLOTH, WIGTON, CUMBRIA, CA7 4BL 016973 31304

AVSPE AI CIA LA L BL S E

South Shields Golf Club A hidden gem on the north east coast

FABULOUS 18 HOLES ALL WEATHER LINK-STYLE GOLF COURSE. VISITORS AND SOCIETIES WELCOME!

Cleadon Hills, South Shields, Tyne and Wear NE34 8EG Tel: 0191 456 8942 Email: ssgchonsecy@gmail.com www.ssgc.co.uk

BE PART OF NORTHERN GOLFER’S NEXT ADVERTISING FEATURE CONTACT:

DOUG BROLLS ON 07721 031 482 OR GRAEME HEADS ON 07591 961 888 FOR DETAILS

W W eekd Win ee ay te ke nd 4 B r 4 b all all £5 -£ 0 60

WHITBURN GOLF CLUB • SPECIAL OFFER – ANYONE JOINING AS A PLAYING MEMBER AGED 18 AND OVER WILL GET A FREE BAR CARD WITH 10% OF THE FEE PAID CREDITED TO THE CARD UPON JOINING • VISITORS AND SOCIETIES ARE MOST WELCOME • LADIES FIRST YEAR FEE £300 • JUNIOR FEES – Under 12 - £20, Over 12 and Under 18 - £50

WHITBURN GOLF CLUB, LIZARD LANE, SOUTH SHIELDS, TYNE AND WEAR. NE34 7AF TEL: (0191) 529 2144/2177/2180/4210 – Secretary Option 1, Clubhouse Option 2, Professional Option 3 www.whitburngolfclub.co.uk twitter: @whitburn_golf email: wgcsec@hotmail.com

NORTHERN GOLFER 47

GOLFERTIPS

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Each of the world’s best professionals has a specific practice regime, often outlined by their coach (or coaches) to ensure they prepare in an ordered and beneficial way.

Too many amateurs believe it’s enough to stand on the range and bash balls; having a plan and sticking to it can make your time on the range worthwhile and ultimately improve your scores when you get back out on the course.

There are two types of practice – technical, using drills and training aids – and real practice, using targets, your pre-shot routine and analysing each shot. A combination of these in each session is key to getting the most from your time.

JOHN’S RANGE TIPS •W rite down your plan for the session and stick to it, working on specific areas of the game or drills from your coach and doing some ‘real’ practice •T ake your time. Don’t just drag and hit - analyse what you’re doing.

If you find this tough, place your basket of balls against the back wall and walk to get each one •U se practice swings and drills to ensure each shot is worthwhile.

When I work with Ken Ferrie, a two-hour session could see him hit as few as 30 balls.

•G et the basics right. Pick a target and ensure your alignment is correct – this is the biggest cause of the classic ‘I can’t take my range game to the course’ as on the range you’re not compensating to hit it where you think you’re aiming.

48 NORTHERN GOLFER

John Harrison Matfen Hall

tel 01661 8 86 400 www.matf enhall.com

TMGOLF AMENITIES COURSE SUPPLIES BESPOKE GOLF COURSE FURNITURE

MAIN TEE SIGNS

• TEE MARKERS • BINS • SEATS • PLANTERS • RANGE MARKERS

ALL MADE FROM MAINTENANCE FREE 100% RE-CYCLED MATERIALS

TM AMENITIES LTD. 2 RAINHILL CLOSE, STEPHENSON INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, WASHINGTON NE37 3HU

T: 0191 447 3310 – www.tmamenities.co.uk – enqs@tmamenities.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 49

GOLFERCOMPETITIONS

win

Northern Golfer competitions are also listed at www.northerngolfer. co.uk/competitions or post your entry to: Competitions, Northern Golfer, Unit One, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL Please include your contact details and telephone number. Closing date Thursday February 9 2017. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT GEORGE WASHINGTON George Washington remains one of the toughest tests in Co Durham at 6,625 yards from the back tees. The club is also home to excellent facilities including a hotel, driving range and top-class practice areas.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: How many times did Nick Faldo win the Open Championship?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT ROTHBURY

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT HARTLEPOOL

Set in the Coquet Valley and surrounded by the Cheviot Hills, Rothbury is one on Northumberland’s most picturesque inland courses. A new clubhouse and 18-hole layout was opened in 2007 and a visit promises a mix of stunning views and challenging golf.

One of the finest links courses in our region, the James Braid-designed course at Hartlepool offers a tough test on a calm day and a stern challenge should the wind blow.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Who has been named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain for 2018?

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: On which island did Tiger Woods make his return to the PGA Tour in 2016?

Last month’s winners: Romanby - Brian Laverick of Chester-le-Street • Tyneside - Alan Watson of Billingham • Westerhope - Patricia Harrison of Ilkley

NORTHUMBERLAND THREE CASTLES GOLF PASS

ALNWICK CASTLE

BAMBURGH CASTLE

DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE

Enjoy a round of golf at Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle & Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Clubs from only £75.00

PERFECT FOR A 2017 GOLF BREAK!

For more information or to book please call Daniel on (01665) 602632, email enquiries@alnwickgolfbreaks.co.uk or visiting www.alnwickgolfbreaks.co.uk 50 NORTHERN GOLFER

GOLFERCOMPETITIONS

WIN A GALVIN GREEN ADDISON JACKET We’ve teamed up with Original Green to offer Northern Golfer readers the chance to win a Galvin Green Addison jacket this month.

Original Green is based at Longhirst Hall Golf Club in Morpeth and is run by PGA professional Carl Nicholls. Original Green offers great deals on golf’s biggest brands instore and online at www.originalgreen.co.uk.

Head over to www.northerngolfer.co.uk/competitions, or post your entry to Competitions, Northern Golfer, Unit One, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Who won the 2016 British Masters?

A: Lee Westwood B: Danny Willett C : Alex Noren

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

WWW.ORIGINALGREEN.CO.UK THE LATEST BRANDS AT GREAT PRICES AVAILABLE ONLINE

ALSO AVAILABLE IN STORE AT LONGHIRST GOLF CLUB UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER AND RECEIVE • SANIGNEXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE • FREE DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER £25

Longhirst Hall G.C. N O R T H U M B E R L A N D

01670 791562

enquiries@longhirstgolf.co.uk www.longhirstgolf.co.uk

FULL OPTION 1 FULL OPTION 2 55YRS+ 18-24YRS JUNIOR

2017

MEMBERSHIPS £545 £200 + £8 PER GAME £275 + £2 PER GAME £195 £60

• FULL PLAYING RIGHTS • REGULAR COMPETITION • HANDICAP CERTIFICATE • CLUBHOUSE 10% DISCOUNT CARD • TWO 18 HOLE COURSES TO PLAY • MONTHLY DIRECT DEBIT PAYMENT AVAILABLE • UP TO £40 BAR CREDIT INCLUDED NORTHERN GOLFER 51

Ponteland Golf Club 53 Bell Villas, Ponteland, NE20 9BD 01661 822 689 Prudhoe Golf Club Eastwood Park, Prudhoe, NE42 5DX 01661 832 466

directory

NOR THERN

directory

NOR THERN

Pick up a copy of Northern Golfer at any of these venues COUNTY DURHAM Barnard Castle Golf Club Harmire Rd, Barnard Castle, DL12 8QN 01833 638 355

To be listed or to advertise please call 01661 844115 or email enquiries@northerngolfer.co.uk

Beamish Park Golf Club Beamish Park, Stanley, DH9 0RH 0191 370 1382 Birtley Golf Club Portobello Road, Birtley, DH3 2LR 0191 410 2207 Bishop Auckland Golf Club High Plains, Bishop Auckland, DL14 8DL 01388 661 618 Blackwell Grange Golf Club Snipe Lane, Darlington, DL2 2SA 01325 464 458 Brancepeth Castle Golf Club Brancepeth Castle, DH7 8EA 0191 378 0075 Castle Eden Golf Club Castle Eden, TS27 4SS 01429 836 510 Chester le Street Golf Club Lumley Pk, Chester le Street, DH3 4NS 0191 388 3218 Cocken Lodge Golf Cocken Lodge Farm, Leamside, DH4 6QP 0191 584 1053 Consett & District Golf Club Elmfield Road, Consett, DH8 5NN 01207 505 060 Crook Golf Club Low Jobs Hill, Crook, DL15 9AA 01388 762 429

Oak Leaf Golf Club School Aycliffe Lane, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4EF, 01325 310 820

Bedlingtonshire Golf Club Acorn Bank, Bedlington, NE22 6AA 01670 822 457

Ramside Hall Golf Club Carville, Durham, DH1 1TD 0191 386 9514

Belford Golf Club South Road, Belford, NE70 7DP 01668 213 232

Rockliffe Hall Golf Club Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington, DL2 2DU 01325 729 980

Bellingham Golf Club Boggle Hole, Bellingham, NE48 2DT 01434 220 152

Roseberry Grange Community Golf Club Grange Villa, Chester le Street, DH2 3NF 0191 370 0660 Seaham Golf Club Shrewsbury Street, Seaham, SR7 7RD 0191 581 1268 Sharpley Golf Seaton, Seaham, Co Durham, SR7 0NP 0191 513 1100 South Moor Golf Cub The Middles, Craghead, Stanley, DH9 6AG 01207 232 848 Woodham Golf & Country Club Burnhill Way, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4PN 01325 319977

CUMBRIA Brampton Golf Club Talkin Tarn, Brampton, CA8 1HN 01697 72255 Seascale Golf Club The Banks, Seascale, CA20 1QL 019467 28202

Blyth Golf Club New Delaval, Blyth, NE24 4DB 01670 540 110 Burgham Park Golf Club Near Felton, Morpeth, NE65 8QP 01670 787 898 Close House Heddon-on-the-Wall, NE15 0HT 01661 852 953 Dunstanburgh Golf Club Embleton, NE66 3XQ 01665 576 562 Goswick Golf Club Goswick Beal, TD15 2RW 01289 387 256 Gubeon Golf Centre Walton Road, Morpeth, NE61 3YJ 01670 519 090 Haltwhistle Golf Club Banktop, Greenhead, NE49 9JR 01697 747367 Hexham Golf Club Spital Lane, Hexham, NE46 3RZ 01434 603 072

NORTHUMBERLAND

Longhirst Hall Golf Club Longhirst Hall, Morpeth, NE61 3LL 01670 791 562

Darlington Golf Club Haughton Road, Darlington, DL1 3JD 01325 355 324

Allendale Golf Club High Studden, Allenheads Road, Allendale, NE47 9QL, 01434 683 926

Macdonald Linden Hall Golf & Country Club Longhorsley, Morpeth, NE65 8XF 01670 500 011

Dinsdale Spa Golf Club Middleton St George, Darlington, DL2 1DW 01325 332 297

Alnmouth Golf Club Foxton Hall, Alnmouth, NE66 3BE 01665 830 231

Matfen Hall Golf Club Matfen, NE20 0RH 01661 886 400

Durham City Golf Club Littleburn, Langley Moor, DH7 8HL 0191 378 0029

Alnmouth Village Golf Club Marine Road, Alnmouth, NE66 2RZ 01665 830 370

Magdalene Fields Golf Club Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1NE 01289 306 130

Hallgarth Hotel Golf & Country Club Coatham Munderville, Darlington, DL1 3LU 01325 300 400

Alnwick Castle Golf Club Swansfield Park, Alnwick, NE66 2AB 01665 602 632

Morpeth Golf club Loansdean, Morpeth, NE61 2BT 01670 504 942

Hobson Golf Club Hobson, Near Burnopfield, NE16 6BZ 01207 270 941

Arcot Hall Golf Club Dudley, Cramlington, NE23 7QP 0191 236 2794

Newbiggin Golf Club Newbiggin NE64 3DW 01670 817 344

Ineos Golf Club School Aycliffe Lane, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6EA, 07974 742 679

Bamburgh Castle Golf Club The Wynding, Bamburgh, NE69 7DE 01668 214 321

Percy Wood Golf Club Coast View, Swarland, Felton, NE65 9JG 01670 787 010

52 NORTHERN GOLFER

Rothbury Golf Club Whitton Bank Rd, Rothbury, NE65 7RX 01669 621 271 Seahouses Golf Club Beadnell Road, Seahouses, NE68 7XT 01665 720 794 Slaley Hall Slaley, Hexham, NE47 0BX 01434 673 350 Stocksfield Golf Club New Ridley Rd, Stocksfield, NE43 7RE 01661 843 041 Tynedale Golf Club Tyne Green, Hexham, NE46 3HQ 01434 608 154 Warkworth Golf Club The Links, Warkworth, NE65 OSW 01665 711 596 Wooler Golf Club Dod Law, Doddington, Wooler, NE71 6AN 01668 282 135

SCOTTISH BORDERS Eyemouth Golf Club Gunsgreenhill, Eyemouth, D14 5SF 01890 750 004 Hirsel Golf Club Kelso Road, Coldstream, TD12 4NJ 01890 882 678 Roxburghe Golf Club Kelso, Roxburghshire, TD5 8JZ 01573 450 333

TEESSIDE Billingham Golf Club Sandy Lane, Billingham, TS22 5NA 01642 533 816 Cleveland Golf Club Majuba Road, Redcar, Cleveland, TS10 5BJ 01642 471 798 Eaglescliffe & District Golf Club Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, TS16 0DQ 01642 780 238 Hartlepool Golf Club Hart Warren, Hartlepool, TS24 9QF 01429 274 398 High Throston Golf Club Hart Lane, Hartlepool, TS26 0UG 01429 268 071 Hunley Hotel & Golf Club Brotton, By Saltburn, TS12 2QN 01287 677 444 Ingleby Barwick Golf Club Lullingstone Cres, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton on Tees, TS17 5GJ 01642 765 000 Knotty Hill Golf Centre Sedgefield, Stockton on Tees, TS21 2BB 01740 620 320

Middlesbrough Golf Club Brass Castle Lane, Middlesbrough, TS8 9EE 01642 311 515 Middlesbrough Municipal Golf Club Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, TS5 7YZ 01642 315 533 Norton Golf Club Blakestone Lane, Norton, TS20 3LQ 01642 676 385 Saltburn by the Sea Golf Club Hob Hill, Saltburn by the Sea, TS12 1NJ 01287 622 812 Seaton Carew Golf Club Tees Road, Seaton Carew, TS25 1DE 01429 266 249 Teesside Golf Club Acklam Road, Thornaby, Stockton on Tees, TS17 7JS 01642 616 516 Wilton Golf Club Wilton,Near Redcar, TS10 4QY 01642 465 265 Wynyard Hall Golf Club Wellington Drive, Wynyard Park, TS22 5NQ 01740 644 399

TYNE AND WEAR Backworth Golf Club The Hall, Backworth, NE27 0AH 0191 268 4274 Beamish Park Hotel Marley Hill, NE16 5EG 01207 230666 Boldon Golf Club Dipe Lane, East Boldon, NE36 0PQ 0191 536 5360 Centurion Park Golf Club Rheydt Avenue, Wallsend, NE28 8SU 0191 263 0041 City of Newcastle Golf Club Three Mile Bridge, Gosforth, NE3 2DR 0191 285 1775 Garesfield Golf Club Chopwell, NE17 7AP 01207 561 309 George Washington Golf Club Stone Cellars Rd, Concorde, NE37 1PH 0191 417 8346 Gosforth Golf Club Broadway East, Gosforth, NE3 5ER 0191 285 3495 Heworth Golf Club Gingling Gate, Heworth, NE10 8XY 0191 469 9832 Hetton le Hill Golf Club Elemore Vale, Easington Lane, DH5 0QR 0191 517 3061 Houghton le Spring Golf Club Copt Hill, Houghton le Spring, DH5 8LU 0191 584 7421 Newcastle United Golf Club 60 Ponteland Road, NE5 3JW 0191 286 9998

NOR THERN

Bedale Golf Club Leyburn Road, Bedale, DL8 1EZ 01677 422 451

Rudding Park Golf Club Rudding Park, Harrogate, HG3 1JH 01423 872 100

Horsforth Golf Club Layton Rise, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5EX 0113 258 6819

Parklands Golf Club High Gosforth Park, NE3 5HQ 0191 236 4480

Catterick Golf Club Leyburn Road, Catterick Garrison, DL9 3QE 01748 833 268

Sandburn Hall Golf Club Flaxton, York, YO60 7RB 01904 469 929

Huddersfield Golf Club Fixby Hall, Lightridge Road, HD2 2EP 01484 426203

Ravensworth Golf Club Angel View, Longbank, NE9 7UU 0191 487 6014 Ryton Golf Club Clara Vale, Ryton, NE40 3TD 0191 413 3253 South Shields Golf Club Cleadon Hills, South Shields, NE34 8EG 0191 456 8942 Tynemouth Golf Club Spital Dene, Tynemouth, NE30 2ER 0191 257 4578 Tyneside Golf Club Westfield Lane, Ryton, NE40 3QE 0191 413 2742

Westerhope Golf Club Whorlton Grange, Newcastle, NE5 1PP 0191 286 9125 Whickham Golf Club Hollinside Park, Fellside Road, NE16 5BA 0191 488 1576 Whitburn Golf Club Lizard Lane, South Shields, NE34 7AF 0191 529 4210 Whitley Bay Golf Club Claremont Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 3UF 0191 252 0180

YORKSHIRE (EAST) Beverley and East Riding Golf Club Anti Mill, Westwood, Beverley, HU17 8RG 01482 868757 Bridlington Golf Club Belvedere Road, Bridlington, YO15 3NA 01262 606 367 Bridlington Links Golf Club Flamborough Road, Marton, YO15 1DW 01262 401 584 Driffield Golf Club Sunderlandwick, Driffield, YO25 9AD 01377 253 116 Flamborough Head Golf Club Lighthouse Road, Flamborough, YO15 1AR 01262 850 333 Hornsea Golf Club Rolston Road, Hornsea, HU18 1XG 01964 534989 The KP Golf Club Pocklington, York, YO42 1UF 01759 303 090

Filey Golf Club West Avenue, Filey, YO14 9BQ 01723 513293 Forest of Galtres Golf Club Skelton, York, YO32 2RF 01904 766198 Forest Park Golf Club Stockton-on-Forest, York, YO32 9HF 01904 400 425 Fulford Golf Club Heslington Lane, York, YO10 5DY 01904 413 579 Ganton Golf Club Station Road, Ganton, YO12 4PA 01944 710 329 Harrogate Golf Club Forest Lane Head, Harrogate, HG2 7TF 01423 862 999 Heworth Golf Club Muncaster House, Muncastergate, YO31 9JY 01904 426 156 Kirkbymoorside Golf Club Manor Vale, Kirkbymoorside, YO62 6EG 01751 431 525 Knaresborough Golf Club Boroughbridge Road, Knaresborough, HG5 0QQ 01423 862 690 Malton & Norton Golf Club Welham Park, Norton,Malton, YO17 9QE 01653 697 912 Masham Golf Club Burnholme, Swinton Rd, Masham, HG4 4NS 01765 688 054 Oakdale Golf Club Oakdale, Harrogate, HG1 2LN 01423 567 162 Pannal Golf CLub Follifoot Road, Pannal, HG3 1ES 01423 872 628 Pike Hills Golf Club Tadcaster Road, Askham Bryan, YO23 3UW 01904 700 797 Richmond Golf Club Bend Hagg, Richmond, DL10 5EX 01748 823 231

YORKSHIRE (NORTH)

Ripon Golf Club Palace Road, Ripon, HG4 3HH 01765 603 640

Aldwark Manor Golf Club Aldwark Alne, YO61 1UF 01347 838 146

Romanby Golf Club Yafforth Road, Northallerton, DL7 0PE 01609 778 855

Scalm Park Golf Club Bishop Wood, Wistow Common, Selby, YO8 3RD 01757 210 846

Leeds Golf Club Elmete Lane, Leeds, LS8 2LJ 0113 265 9203

Scarborough North Cliff Golf Club North Cliff Avenue, Scarborough, YO12 6PP 01723 355 397

Leeds Golf Centre Wike Ridge Ln, Shadwell, Leeds, LS17 9JW 0113 288 6000

Scarborough South Cliff Golf Club Deepdale Avenue, off Filey Rd, YO11 2UE 01723 360 522

Mid Yorkshire Golf Club Havercroft Lane, Pontefract, Darrington, WF8 3BP, 01977 704522

Scarthingwell Golf Club The Scarthingwell Centre, Scarthingwell, Tadcaster, LS24 9PF 01937 557 878 Selby Golf Club Mill Lane, Brayton, YO8 9LD 01757 228 622 Skipton Golf Club Short Lee Lane, Skipton, BD23 3LF 01756 795 657

The Oaks Golf Club Aughton Common, Aughton, YO42 4PW 01757 288 577 Thirsk & Northallerton Golf Club Thornton le Street, Thirsk, YO7 4AB 01845 525 115

Moor Allerton Golf Club Coal Road, Wike, Leeds, LS17 9NH 0113 266 1154 Moortown Golf Club Harrogate Road, Leeds, LS17 7DB 0113 268 6521 Otley Golf Club West Busk Lane, Otley, Leeds, LS21 3NG 01943 465 329 Oulton Hall Rothwell Lane, Oulton, Leeds, LS26 8HN 0871 222 4690 Pontefact & District Golf Club Park Lane, Pontefract, WF8 4QS 01977 792241

Whitby Golf Club Low Straggleton, Whitby, YO21 3SR 01947 600 660

Rawdon Golf and Lawn Tennis Club Buckstone Drive, Rawdon, Leeds,LS19 6BB 0113 2506040

York Golf Club Lords Moor Lane, Strensall, YO32 5XF 01904 491 840

Sand Moor Golf Club Alwoodley Lane, Leeds, LS17 7DJ 0113 268 5180

YORKSHIRE (WEST)

Scarcroft Golf Club Syke Lane, Leeds, LS14 3BQ 0113 289 2263

Bradford Golf Club Hawksworth Lane, Guiseley, LS20 8NP 01943 875570

Wakefield Golf Club Woodthorpe Lane, WF2 6JH 01924 258778

Cookridge Golf Club Cookridge Lane, Cookridge, Leeds, LS16 7NL 0113 230 0641

Woodhall Hills Golf Club Woodhall Road, Calverley, Pudsey, LS28 5UN, 0113 255 4594

Dewsbury District Golf Club The Pinnacle, Sands Ln, Mirfield, WF14 8HJ 01924 492399

Wetherby Golf Club Linton Lane, Linton, Wetherby, LS22 4JF 01937 580 089

Garforth Driving Range Barwick Road, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 2DN 0113 287 1111 Garforth Golf Club Long Lane, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 2DS 0113 286 2021 Headlingly Golf Club Back Church Lane, Adel, Leeds, LS16 8DW 0113 267 9573 Hollins Hall Baildon, Shipley, Bradford, BD17 7QW 01274 530 053

OTHER GOLF OUTLETS Andy Paisley Golf Centre, Hexham Golf Club, Spittal Lane, Hexham, NE46 3RZ 01434 603 072 Aslan Golf Lizard Lane, Whitburn, NE34 7AF 0191 5294210 Bargain Golf Seaham Golf Club, Shrewsbury Street, Seaham, SR7 7RD, 0191 5130837 & Hobson Golf Club, Burnopfield, Newcastle, NE16 6BZ 01207 271605

Dan Hookway Blyth Golf Club New Delaval, Blyth, NE24 4DB 01670 540 110 Dynamic Indoor Golf Wideopen, Newcastle, NE13 7BA 0191 481 3590 Eureka Copt Hill, Houghton le Spring, DH5 8LU 0191 584 1198 George Paylor 5th Tee Horsley Avenue, Crawcrook, NE40 4XF 07737 963881 Jeffrey Musgrove Golf Shop Garesfield Golf Club Chopwell, NE17 7AP 01207 563082 Leda Discount Golf Centre Grange Villa, Chester le Street, DH2 3NF 0191 370 1757 Marshalls Golf Heworth Golf Club, Gingling Gate, Heworth, NE10 8HY 0191 4384223 Gordon Cattrell Golf Shop Middlesbrough Golf Club, Brass Castle Lane,TS8 9EE 01642 311766 Riverdale Hotel Bellingham, NE48 2JT 01434 220 254 Snainton Golf Direct Coast View, Swarland, Felton, NE65 9JG 01670 787 010 Stokesley Driving Range Broughton Road, Stokesley, TS9 5JJ Sunderland Golf Centre Newcastle Road, Sunderland, SR5 1JT 0191 516 8600 The Golf Factory 678 West Road, Newcastle, NE5 2UR 07837 001527 Tim Jenkins Golf Cleveland Golf Club, Majuba Road, Redcar, TS10 5BJ 01642 471 798 also at Castle Eden Golf Club Castle Eden, TS27 4SS 01429 836689 The Hobson Golf Range Hobson Golf Club Burnopfield, NE16 6BZ ZFL Golf Unit 8d, North Tyne Ind. Estate, NE12 9SZ 0191 270 2362 SELECTED TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES ALNWICK, BELLINGHAM, BERWICK, CORBRIDGE, HALTWHISTLE, HEXHAM MORPETH, NEWCASTLE, ROYAL QUAYS, SALTBURN, SEAHOUSES WHITLEY BAY AND SELECTED GOLF CLUBS IN THE BORDERS AND CUMBRIA

NORTHERN GOLFER 53

To be listed or to advertise please call 01661 844115 or email enquiries@northerngolfer.co.uk

Wearside Golf Club Cox Green, Sunderland, SR4 9JT 0191 534 2518

Easingwold Golf Club Stillington Road, Easingwold, YO61 3ET 01347 822 474

Custom Fit Golf South Moor Golf Club Superstore Craghead, Stanley, DH9 6AG 01207 283 525

directory

Northumberland Golf Club High Gosforth Park, NE3 5HT 0191 236 2009

from the

bunker A golf club which has been missing for more than 100 years has been returned to Gosforth Golf Club thanks to chance find at the other end of the country.

Volunteer Stephen Ivall, who runs a small charity bookshop based in Truro for the National Trust, received a donation of books as well as a hickoryshafted golf club recently.

On the shaft was a small silver tag engraved with: GOSFORTH GOLF CLUB Ltd BOGEY COMPETITION 1915 WON BY H. E. JOHNSON Stephen contacted Bill Pringle, chairman of Gosforth, and after doing some research of his own, Bill confirmed that the club was presented to Mr H. E. Johnson as winner of the “Straker-Wilson Silver Cleek Bogey Competition” in 1915.

That year was the last time the event was held as all competitions were suspended in 1915 for the remainder of the First World War. Mr Johnson was Gosforth Golf Club captain in 1917 and after the war the men’s bogey competition was replaced by the McIver Trophy.

How the club ended up in Truro is under investigation but the cleek, which is the equivalent of a two-iron and was also sometimes used for putting, is now back in Gosforth after an absence of more 100 years - much to the delight of club members.

Gosforth Golf Club and its members have expressed a huge thank you to Stephen Ivall, who instigated the process to find the origin of the club and return it to the North East.

Bill Pringle with the StrakerWilson Silver Cleek Bogey Competition club

Welcome to your reader feedback page. We want to hear your likes, dislikes and funny golfing stories, and if you’d like to make suggestions about Northern Golfer, let us know. We want to hear from you!

Chris Robinson has been in touch again after our tribute to Roy Clark last month.

He wrote: “Congratulations to the publishers and editor of Northern Golfer for reaching a half century of magazines. It is a particularly popular publication eagerly awaited each month at all golf clubs in the north and Yorkshire.

Thank you for publishing the tribute to South Moor’s Roy Clark last month, including him equalling Lee Trevino’s fine 69 in gale force winds in the 36-hole Whitley Bay Classic in 1970.

One amusing point was in Trevino’s second round when he holed-in-one at the 162-yard par three 13th - where the prize was an electric dishwasher! He immediately gave it to his famous caddie Willie Aitchison.

I can empathise with Northern Golfer as I was the publisher and golf correspondent of the county magazine North East Times for 20 years.

One of many memories was being the first golf correspondent in the North East to interview the then 23- year-old Nick Faldo when he played in the region in 1980. I met him at the George Washington Hotel and asked him: “What is your main ambition?” Nick swiftly replied: “Well Chris, it has to be to win the Open Championship.” He duly obliged with the first of his three wins being at Muirfield in 1987.

All best wishes to Northern Golfer for your next 50 issues.

Many thanks Chris and the same to you – let’s hope 2017 is another great golfing year

Now to an ace in the pack King of the Hill Sean Embleton, who has won club championships at Tyneside and Ryton, has added another achievement to his personal honours board with a hole-in-one in the Winter Open over Ramside’s Cathedral Course at the 134-yard fourth hole.

Thanks for the message and picture Shaun. Got a hole-in-one tale to tell? Email editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

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