Northern Golfer magazine #63 - May 2018

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63

MAY 2018

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GIRL POWER

MICHAEL BURROW ON CADDYING FOR ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST

BAGGING A LIFE ON TOUR

GREAT START TO THE SEASON REVIEWED

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EDITOR Paul Robertson editor@northerngolfer.co.uk EDITORIAL Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk EVENTS Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk ADVERTISING MANAGER Doug Brolls 07721 031 482 doug@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson & Nicky Rogerson info@kgphotography.co.uk

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

EDITOR’S NOTE AND CONTENTS The world of golf is not always just about those who play the game.

Whether it is the greenkeepers working tirelessly to ensure our courses are in the best condition, the restaurant and bar staff keeping us fed and watered or those selling us the latest gear, they all play their part.

It is the same on the professional tours and one job which deserves a huge amount of recognition is that of the caddy, the one who has to keep their charge focused, be ready to step in with an inch perfect yardage and carry their gear come rain or shine.

Michael Burrow is one such man and in our cover story he gives us a fascinating insight into life on the bag of one of the world’s fastest rising stars Haotong Li. Of course we have plenty about golfers of all abilities inside this month’s magazine too, including Chris Paisley on his fun week with Tommy Fleetwood; Dean Bailey rummaging through his overly full bag; a round with Matfen Hall’s Nicola Hawes; plus news of success for some of our region’s best young players.

One man who does not feature heavily this month is Graeme Storm, whose season has been cut short by injury. He is currently recuperating following surgery on his problematic right wrist. Having worked so hard to get back to the top it is a big blow to his ambitions but we wish him well and look forward to seeing him back in action in 2019.

Elsewhere in this issue, it is great to see such positive developments at our clubs. In our course profile we take a trip to the seaside to check out the improvements at Whitley Bay, and we were not disappointed.

There is also an opportunity to try out some courses in Dumfries & Galloway, while back on home turf our popular Match Play Pairs competition is underway.

Thankfully the brutal winter is becoming a distant memory and golf across the North East and Yorkshire is finally returning to some sort of normality - not before time.

So whether you are a seasoned swinger or someone picking up clubs for the first time, enjoy the superb facilities on offer throughout our region and raise a glass to the sun.

Remember to let us know your news - whether it is a win, loss or something unusual.

04-08 TEEING OFF

Briony is off to the US, girl power, Wilson’s victory, Close House’s scholars, and awesome foursomes

10-19 TEEING OFF

Jack’s the lad, hats off to Carus, Rich pickings and a charity round-up

21 TOUR LIFE

Chris Paisley is having the time of his life

23 DEAN BAILEY

Just what is in the car boot and the bag?

30 ROUND WITH

Matfen Hall’s Nicola Hawes

34 GEAR

The latest trends, fashion and equipment

Paul Robertson, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

36 MATCHPLAY PAIRS First round draw in full

FRONT COVER

Michael Burrow tells us what it’s like to caddy for one of the world’s rising golf stars Pages 24-26

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32 WHITLEY BAY GOLF CLUB

39 STAY AND PLAY IN DUMFRIES

42 TIPS

Getting out of the sand

44 COMPETITIONS

Win fourballs at Brancepeth, Close House, Woodham and a trip to Dumfries

46 BUNKER

Golfing tales from around the world and happy readers

NORTHERN GOLFER 03

TEEINGOFF

Briony signs up for US trip

Briony Bayles Briony Bayles is heading to the US. The highly promising Bishop Auckland golfer, who won the Durham County Championship last year,will be attending Kansas State University on a golf scholarship.

Kansas state head coach Kristi Knight announced that Briony has signed a letter of intent and will be joining the golf squad later this year.

“Briony possesses a wealth of tournament experience and a strong, solid golf swing,” Knight said. “She is a talented golfer and a young lady of great character.

She fits in with our current family and will be a wonderful addition.”

Briony has enjoyed an impressive amateur career so far. She is part of the England Golf northern girls’ squad and won the St. Andrews Junior Ladies Championship in 2016.

She also won the Ping Ladies Championship with Shannon O’Dwyer in 2016 and the first Northern Golfer Junior Champion of Champions title.

“It was a special year,” said Briony. “Winning at St Andrews was the main thing. I wasn’t even going to enter the competition because it clashed with a Northern Counties event but my dad said I should go up for the experience.”

Briony is now focused on heading to the US. “I really want to go there because it will help me towards becoming a tour golfer. Whether that is on the LPGA Tour or the Ladies European Tour, that’s what I would like to do.”

04 NORTHERN GOLFER

Rosie Belsham

Girl power in Scotland

O

ur region’s top female golfers are off to a fast start in 2018 with strong finishes in the Scottish Girls Open Championship at Monifieth Golf Links.

Whitley Bay’s Rosie Belsham, 15, led the way with rounds of 72, 73 and 75 to finish in second place on one over-par in the international field – just two shots behind winner Ffion Tynan.

Rosie said: “I went into the event

excited for the season after working hard over the winter and hoping for a top-10 finish. After the first round I realised my game was in great shape and it could be a really successful event for me. I’m ecstatic with the result and looking forward to the rest of the season”.

Meanwhile, six more girls from our region finished in the top-15 – Ulverston’s Natasha Slater (third), Carus Green’s Caitlin Whitehead ( fourth), Bishop Auckland’s

Briony Bayles (tied-seventh), Gosforth Park Ladies’ Jess Baker (tied-10th), Katie Sibley (Carlisle) and Beamish Park’s Alex Stevenson (tied-13th).

Following her second place finish, Rosie went on to finish in a tie for 13th place in the Irish Girls’ U18 Open Strokeplay Championship at Roganstown before heading to the Leveret Trophy at Formby where she shot rounds of 74 and 73 to finish in eighth place.

Tour off to a great start The RLIGolf junior golf tour, hosted

by PGA professional Ryan Ingram, got off to a great start with juniors taking part on a cold Saturday afternoon at George Washington Golf Club.

The competition was fierce in all four of the age categories with

the lowest score coming from Alex Gordon with a one over-par 38 in the 7-9 age category. The RLIGolf junior golf tour features five events this season as part of its order of merit and final. The next event takes place at South Moor Golf

Club on Saturday May 26. For more information go to www.rligolf.co.uk or contact Ryan, tel 07927494780 or email ingramgolf@gmail.com

TEEINGOFF

Wilson wins the Battle

T

yneside’s James Wilson made a successful Border raid to win the Battle Trophy at Crail’s Craighead links.

Wilson, 18, surged up the field and into contention with a brilliant nine under-par third round of 63, which included an eagle and eight birdies after opening with rounds of 71 and 76.

On paper, it equalled the course record of 63 set by Jack McDonald in 2014 but as preferred lies were in operation it won’t count officially.

However, the former Durham County Matchplay Champion’s score slashed Euan Walker’s lead from five strokes to one and the Kilmarnock Barassie man was unable to hold off the charging Wilson as the England Boys cap signed for a final round of 73 for five under-par 283, one stroke in front of Walker.

The third round was played in benign conditions which afforded Wilson the chance to go

James Wilson for every pin and make the most of his chances, but the wind got steadily stronger as the day wore on until it was tearing through the course at more than 20mph, which puts Wilson’s final-round 73 into perspective.

“I’ve entered the Lytham Trophy, so felt that I needed some competitive golf as preparation,” said Wilson, a former Northern Golfer Junior Champion of Champions

winner. “Having heard about the Battle Trophy tournament I took a chance and travelled up from Newcastle. I was very impressed with the standard of the Crail course, the condition of the greens and the very high standard of golf being played. There are a lot of good golfers in the North East of England who should make the effort to come here and play in this competition.

They would really enjoy it.”

Golf clubs across Northumberland are backing England Golf’s drive to get more women playing golf - helped by laughter, fizz and a novel twist to scoring.

The six clubs involved are: Close House, Morpeth, Tynemouth, City of Newcastle and Matfen Hall.

For more details go to getintogolf.org and search for one of the clubs.

NORTHERN GOLFER 05

TEEINGOFF

Top scholars

Hague reigns in Spain David Hague saved his best for last as England swept away the competition at the European Team Championship at Sotogrande in Spain.

The Malton and Norton players posted a final round of 68 as England took the trophy by 20 shots. Hague’s England teammate Todd Clements took the individual title by five strokes.

The England team of Gian-Marco Petrozzi, Matthew Jordan, Clements and Hague finished on 11 under-par.

R

achel Gourley and Jack Vincent have been awarded the Lee Westwood scholarships

by Close House following an assessment day with PGA professionals and Lee Westwood.

Rachel and Jack will receive membership, free use of the PGA Academy, and monthly lessons and guidance from head professional Matthew Naylor and PGA professional Sally Hinton at the club, which is home to Lee Westwood and hosted last season’s British Masters.

Close House head professional Matthew Naylor said: “The thing that put Jack ahead of the rest of the field was his potential and his desire to make the most of this opportunity this season. I think the scholarship will make a big impact on Jack’s game and I look forward to seeing him make a big jump in handicap and hopefully catching the eyes of the county selectors.”

PGA professional Sally Hinton

Matthew Naylor and Lee Westwood welcoming applicants added: “Rachel really impressed us with her focus and determination on the assessment day. I’ve worked with her as part of the county squad and know she has a fantastic work ethic.

I’m really looking forward to seeing her establish a position among the best girls in the county.”

Close House managing director Jonathan Lupton added: “The Lee Westwood scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for the next generation

of elite players in the region to access the industry leading facilities at Close House.

“The scholarships are part of a much wider programme of support, tuition and competition for junior golfers at Close House, which includes our junior golf passport coaching, our work alongside Lookers on delivering coaching programmes in local schools, and the Junior Masters tournament.”

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06 NORTHERN GOLFER

TEEINGOFF

North’s awesome Foursomes

P

aul Caldicott and Andrew Gibson displayed admirable tenacity to win the Northumberland and Durham Inter County Foursomes Championship at Westerhope.

Both county players, Caldicott has played 25 times and Gibson won the county 72-hole Strokeplay title in 2016 - the pair were by no means favourites to win the title for The Northumberland Golf Club, whose last victory came in 1996.

Most expected Tyneside’s dream team of former Durham County Strokeplay and Matchplay Champions Kris Rae and James Wilson to do the business and they didn’t look like disappointing as they cruised through to the Durham final.

But the Tyneside pair then came up against Aaron Scott and Will Marshall, seeking the title for the first time in Heworth’s history.

With Scott’s prodigious tee shots - he drove the green on a couple of 300-yard-plus holes - Heworth went

Debut for Springbok

Andrew Gibson and Paul Caldicott on to win the Durham title 1up.

Caldicott and Gibson, having had to go the 21st hole to beat Slaley Hall on their way to the Northumberland final, just got the better of Alnmouth’s Luke Denny and Richard Gander 2up to win their county final.

It looked like Heworth would be celebrating when they went 2up with five threes in the first six holes.

“They started like a train and

we thought we were going to get thrashed,” said the Northumberland duo. “We just tried to make pars and stay in it.”

It worked as Northumberland dropped just one shot all day and clawed their way back and into the lead after 12. With both side missing good birdie chances on the closing holes Gibson and Caldicott managed to edge home to lift the title with a 2&1 win.

The Durham county team completed its preparations for the Northern Counties League with a 11.5-6.5 win over the Teesside Union at Wearside.

County captain Gerry Johnson took the opportunity to have a look at the depth in his squad with some new faces in the side including Pretoria-born Stefan Laubershagne (pictured), who is attending Durham University.

Durham led 4-2 after the morning foursomes and won the singles 7.5-4.5, taking 4.5 points out of the last six matches to clinch victory.

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TEEINGOFF

Durham’s junior push

Graeme Storm answering questions at the Durham Junior Golf Conference Durham’s involvement in England Golf’s two-year plan to get more young people involved in the sport has made an encouraging start.

Along with Cheshire, Lincolnshire and Somerset, Durham was asked to join the pilot project and Lee Dolby, England Golf’s young people manager, was impressed with Durham’s junior conference held at George Washington Hotel and Golf Club and backed by their newly formed Golf Development Group.

He said: “Durham has enormous commitment and enthusiasm for developing junior golf and involving more young people.”

Dolby, Mike Greener, Jason Budd and European Tour winner Graeme Storm were all in attendance to pass on their expertise to club representatives and to answer questions.

Greener, England Golf club support officer and coaching co-ordinator, said: “Durham is already deeply committed to growing junior golf. The county works closely with England Golf, the Golf Foundation and club PGA professionals on projects such as Girls Golf Rocks and HSBC Golf Roots activities, as well as running a successful and popular Junior Golf Tour, Race to Rockliffe and a coaching talent pathway.”

08 NORTHERN GOLFER

© Leaderboard Photography

Rocking all over the county

G

irls’ golf is about to get rocking in Northumberland with a campaign to inspire new players underway across the county.

Girls Golf Rocks aims to attract beginners to have fun, learn a new sport, get active and play alongside friends – with no pressure. Girl golfers from the county squad will be acting as ambassadors, sharing their enjoyment and inspiring the newcomers. The project started on May 5-6 with free taster sessions as six clubs – Arcot Hall, Bedlingtonshire, Alnmouth, Close House, Hexham and Ponteland - for

girls aged five to 18, which will be followed by coaching courses with PGA professionals.

Northumberland is one of six counties to join the national campaign in 2018, which is run jointly by England Golf and the Golf Foundation, with U.S Kids providing equipment. It aims to increase the number of girl golfers from the average of just two full members per club. When Girls Golf Rocks ran in 15 counties last year more than 850 girls took part and more than 730 enjoyed it so much they went on to take coaching courses.

Irene Gillon, the County Girls’

Organiser for Northumberland, said: “Sometimes girls feel very apprehensive about trying the game and so using current players as ambassadors will be a great encouragement.

“It is very important to grow the game of golf for junior girls and to help show new players how much fun the game can be. This would encourage more girls to become members of golf clubs as often they can feel isolated.”

Follow the campaign on Twitter @GirlsGolfRocks1 or Facebook. com/GirlsGolfRocks or go to www.girlsgolfrocks.org

Seaham tribute Seaham members gathered in their clubhouse to pay tribute to Michael Moran, who was the club professional and died of his wounds when he served on the Western Front in the First World War. Moran remains the only man to win the Irish PGA Championship five years in a row and could have made it six had he not been barred

from playing as he was based in England, at Seaham, in 1914. He was also the first Irishman to win money in The Open, finishing third at Hoylake in 1913. He enlisted in the British Army in 1915 and served on The Western Front, where he was wounded, captured and died from his wounds on April 10, 1918.

Seaham members were joined by the Mayor Cllr Sonia Forster, members of the The Royal British Legion Seaham Branch bearing their standard, and a bugler from The Army Cadet Force Durham who sounded the Last Post.

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TEEINGOFF

Ingleby’s county switch

Pontefract and District’s men’s team received the First Division Team Championship Trophy at the Leeds District Union of Golf Clubs annual dinner at Elland Road. Led by captain Stuart Charlesworth, they collected the prize as Andy Wiltshire collected the Foursomes Final Trophy.

I

t has taken a couple of meetings - including one to change boundary rules - but Ingleby Barwick Golf Club has been accepted as a member of the Durham County Union.

Ingleby’s nine-hole course and magnificent two-tier driving range sit on the south bank of the River Tees and are therefore outside the boundaries of the Durham Union by mere yards.

However, the club felt it would be better off being in the Durham Union instead of the Yorkshire Union, and decided to follow the example of its ladies section - which had already made the switch.

The club had to get Yorkshire’s permission to leave their county union, which was granted and Durham then had a lengthy meeting to debate Ingleby’s request and approve their application.

Ingleby officially became a member of the Durham County Golf Union on May 1.

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TEEINGOFF

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in to the Longhirst tournament.

While the EuroPro Tour was - and is - my main aim, I’ve been looking at the 1836 Tour and Jamega Tour. I’ve already played in a couple of 1836 events and it’s gone quite well.

“There’s still a lot of options available and it’s a case of finding out which is the best route. It’s all about gaining experience of playing professional golf and I have a lot to learn.”

Rhys is continuing to work on a part-time basis in golf operations at Slaley Hall, where he is attached and coached by Steve Fawcitt, although he played out of Boldon as an amateur with regular success.

“I was consistent last season, I held my own in the bigger events, and was able to pull it together. I seemed to be more consistent than I have before and that was a really big improvement.”

If you are interested in sponsoring Rhys, contact him on 07793 025 865 or go to his GoFundMe page.

E

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M

issing out on winning his card on the EuroPro Tour hasn’t put a dent in Rhys Thompson’s ambition.

The 22-year-old turned pro this year after a successful amateur career which saw him top the Durham County Order of Merit three times.

He also decided to give website GoFundme a try alongside backing from sponsors, friends and family, and was genuinely surprised and grateful at the level of support he received.

“It did really well, which was quite surprising and I was really happy with it and very grateful,” said Rhys, who hopes to use the EuroPro Tour as a stepping stone to the Challenge and European tours.

“Unfortunately I was quite unwell in the lead up to the qualifying school for the EuroPro Tour and missed out by one shot, but I’m still hoping to receive some invitations towards the end of the season and I’m hoping I might get

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NORTHERN GOLFER 11

TEEINGOFF

Bamburgh improvements backed

Well done to Whickham’s new captains for 2018 - men’s captain John Brown, junior captain Mac Sutton, ladies captain Hayley Gobin and seniors captain Paul Tinnion who drove into office supported by members and bagpiper Darren Tench.

B

amburgh Castle has embarked on an ambitious programme of course improvement.

Many of those who have played the scenic and quirky course might be querying what needs improving, and club officials are keen to stress there will be no wholesale changes after appointing leading golf architects Mackenzie and Ebert to guide them through what is essentially a renovation project concentrating initially on the bunkering.

Mackenzie and Ebert have worked at St Andrews, Royal Troon, Turnberry and Trump Aderdeen, and are considered a world leader in modern golf design. Bamburgh club chairman Keith Whitfield is confident they have picked the right team for the project.

“It’s a real challenge to improve

what is already loved by so many,” he said. “The experience of Tom Mackenzie and his team gives us the confidence that we can make the course even better while retaining the character that makes it so special.”

There has been a golf course at Bamburgh for more than 100 years with a history of gradual change and that is clearly what the club aims to continue, which will please both

members and visitors alike.

Work so far includes rebuilding bunkers on the first and 18th holes.

Mackenzie said: “I, like most other visitors, fell in love the place as soon as I saw it.

“Rarely will you find a course with such natural charm. We are delighted to be undertaking this project, which has got off to a great start with the bunkering alterations to the first and 18th hole.”

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TEEINGOFF

Jack’s the lad

Yorkshire’s Alex Fitpatrick just missed out on the Spanish Amateur title when he lost in the final to England teammate Billy McKenzie at La Manga. McKenzie just scraped into the match play stages in the 32nd and final spot after an anxious wait at the end of the 36hole qualifying, but he never looked back after that going on to beat Alex in a close final.

J

ack Hermeston’s US college career isn’t over just yet as his University of Missouri, Kansas City team won the Western Athletic Conference Championship at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, Kansas to book a trip to the NCAA Regionals this month.

Jack, a Northumberland county champion and member of City of Newcastle Golf Club, shot rounds of 71, 76 and 76 in the team event to help the UMKC Kangaroos to win by four shots. Jack’s teammate McCain Schellhardt shot a one over-par total of 211 to win the WAC Individual Championship.

Jack said: “As a team we played our hearts out and came out on top, there is no better feeling than sharing it with my teammates and coaches.

“On top of that my parents were able to be there to watch me play which made it even sweeter. My college career isn’t done just yet!”

Jack Hermeston with his mum and dad – Dave and Michele

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Our April cover star Maggie Whitehead is up and running in 2018 having picked up the top prize in the Silloth Ladies Open.

Maggie, 11, shot a gross score of one over-par on the Cumbrian coast to win both the gross and net (eight under-par) trophies.

Des takes top job

N

orthumberland’s Desmond Duffy has taken office as the 2018 president of England Golf.

Desmond, who succeeds Cambridgeshire’s John Williams, is a renowned rules expert.

He has refereed at eight Open Championships, the Walker Cup, the Palmer Cup, on the European Tour, European Senior Tour and at English amateur events.

He has been a member at Bamburgh for half a century and has been captain and club champion and is an honorary vice president. he has also been president of the Northumberland Union of Golf Clubs.

Desmond Duffy (© Leaderboard Photography) In addition, Desmond has been a board member of the former English Golf Union, represented England on the Council of National Golf Unions and sat on the R&A Rules and Championship Committees and

on the PGA Rules Panel. Incoming vice president Jenny Clink is a member at Lilley Brook Golf Club in Cheltenham. She chaired the former English Women’s Golf Association and was England team captain.

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TEEINGOFF

Rich pickings

J

onathan Richardson got his season off to a fast start by picking up his first winner’s cheque as a professional at the NE/NW PGA’s pro am at Rockliffe Hall.

Jonathan, who works with Andy Paisley at Hexham Golf Club, shot a seven under-par 65 to finish three shots clear of the field. Sharpley’s Simon Robinson (68) finished in second place as Westerhope’s Michael Nesbit shot a two under-par 70 to finish third.

Jonathan said: “It was a great feeling to get my first win as a pro. I played really steady all day, concentrating on hitting greens and managed to get to seven under-par pretty quickly, including holing out for eagle from 80 yards. It’s been a busy few months at home and finishing my PGA exams

David Clark

Jonathan Richardson with Jon Stacey

so my expectations weren’t too high at Rockliffe. Winning was on my to do list this season so it’s great to have that under my belt before we hit the busiest part of the year.”

Meanwhile, Morpeth’s David Clark won the season-opening Spring Pro Am at Archerfield with a two-round score of five under-par (77 stableford points). Chris McDonnell (Golf at Goodwood) took second place on three under-par as Andy Paisley took

third spot on two under-par. Golf at Goodwood’s team of Scott Robinson, Kevin Mackey and Stephen Falcus won the team prize with 177 points.

In the Wynyard Pro Series event, Andy Paisley and Simon Calvert shared the top spot with rounds of 64 while Simon and Simon Robinson shared top spot in the Silloth Pro Am with rounds of 70.

For the latest results from the NE/ NW PGA go to www.nenwpga.co.uk

Düsseldorfbased hotel operator Schloss has bought the Dave Thomas-designed Roxburghe course and 23-bedroom hotel in the Scottish Borders.

The team from Schloss plan to carry out a £30m refurbishment programme at the resort, including the addition of 57 new bedrooms as well as 60 luxury lodges on the surrounding estate.

Exclusive offers to readers of Northern Golfer VISITING PARTIES: Special offer to Northern Golfer Readers, Coffee, bacon roll, 18 holes, 2 course meal £36pp.

Tee Times subject to availability. Minimum 12 players TWILIGHT GOLF: After 3pm, weekdays excluding Wednesday.

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pontedistrictgc NORTHERN GOLFER 15

TEEINGOFF

Hat’s off to Carus Green

C

arus Green Golf Club will host The Trilby Tour Regional Championship for a second year this summer.

The Trilby Tour Championship of Cumbria takes place on Thursday June 21 with three regional qualifying opens. The first took place in April with two more on Saturday May 19 and Sunday June 3. The International Grand Final will once again take place at Hull Golf Club on Thursday August 30.

Last year’s event at Carus Green was hailed ‘a tremendous success’ and welcomed thousands of spectators across the North West who turned up to watch 130 players battle it out in one of golf ’s biggest amateur golf tournament.

Famous faces such as former Westlife member Brian McFadden

16 NORTHERN GOLFER

and Geordie Shore’s Gaz Beadle added to the excitement of the tournament, which was filmed by Sky Sports and saw 53-year-old Sheffieldbased Paul Naylor lift the trophy.

Now in its 11th year, golfers have hailed the Trilby Tour as the closest experience to a professional tournament, playing under the pressures of an international televised event accompanied by their own caddies, with die-hard fans returning year after year gripped by its fierce

‘winner takes all’ competitive format.

With annual viewership figures of more than 3.5m, the Trilby Tour is officially the largest amateur golf television series in Europe.

“Following the incredible success of last year’s event, we are delighted to once again be hosting the Cumbrian regional championship of this year’s Trilby Tour,” said Carus Green’s owner Graham Curtin.

“Carus is a fresh, modern and ambitious club with exceptional facilities; the triumph of last year’s event demonstrated our standing as the North of England’s premier golfing destination. That the Trilby Tour organisers have deemed us

worthy of hosting this prestigious event once again, is a fantastic compliment and we are very much looking forward to it.”

Meanwhile, Carus Green’s Academy has been awarded PGA accreditation. The facility, which features 18-bay driving range, two Flightscope fitting rooms, an indoor putting lab, chipping and putting green, outdoor all-weather short game practice area and state of the art GC2 golf simulator is home to a team to a team of nine PGA professionals and joins PGA-branded facilities around the world including The Belfry, Gleneagles and Formby Hall in the UK.

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2018 CHAMPIONSHIP OF CUMBRIA

The Trilby Tour, the UK’s fiercest amateur golf tournament, returns to Carus Green this summer.

Win a place in the event at one of our pre-Championship qualifying events on May 19 and June 3.

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Steve Cram

Steve Cram and 2017’s celebrities

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ne of the North East’s best-established sporting fundraisers is set to make a welcome return on Thursday June 28 when the 15th annual Steve Cram Celebrity Golf Day gets underway at Q Hotels Slaley Hall.

The event will see stars from the world of sport joining teams from businesses across the region to help raise tens of thousands of pounds for international children’s charity COCO. World champion athlete and BBC commentator Cram will be joined by sporting stars which in past years have included Olympic gold medal winners, footballers from all the region’s league teams, England cricketers and big names from rugby, basketball, many other sports and the world of broadcasting.

The event has raised in excess of £222,000 so far for Newcastle-based COCO, which was co-founded by Cram alongside former British Army Major Jim Panton in 2000. Since its inception, COCO has raised over £4m that has been invested in

sustainable projects to improve the quality of education for children living in poor and marginalised communities in remote regions of East Africa.

Lucy Kendall, CEO of COCO, said: “The annual golf tournament is a unique opportunity for members of the North East business community to spend time with Steve and our fantastic celebrity supporters who always come out in force for the event. It’s no surprise that 15 years on, the event remains as popular as ever. Not only do guests get to enjoy a fantastic day of golf in the stunning surroundings of Slaley Hall, but they do so while raising lots of money that is invested directly into transformational projects that are improving the lives of many young people in some of the poorest parts of Africa.”

Tickets are priced at £550 for a team of four or £800 for three plus a celebrity. Those not taking part but would like to join the dinner can purchase tickets, priced at £60 per person. To find out more about the work of COCO visit www.coco.org.uk

TEEINGOFF

Backing another winner

Score with Keegan

charity golf day hosted by Sir AP McCoy at Rockliffe Hall helped raise £3,490 for the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Alan Shearer, Tony Pulis, Neil Bauser and Graham Wylie were among the golfers taking part in the event, which was won by Rockliffe Hall members Paul Morrison, Rob Wytcherley, Kevin English and Colin Forster.

Jack Berry, vice president of the Injured Jockeys Fund, also attended the event and a team from one of the charity’s rehabilitation centres, Jack Berry House in Malton, North Yorkshire, took part.

The Injured Jockeys Fund was founded following the devastating accidents of Tim Brookshaw and, a few months later, Paddy Farrell in the 1964 Grand National. Both falls resulted in severe paralysis which immediately ended their careers. The Injured Jockeys Fund has since spent over £18m helping over 1,000 jockeys whose injuries have forced them

A round of golf with former Toon favourite Kevin Keegan is on offer in this year’s National Golf Club Challenge Online Auction.

Backed by patron Lee Westwood, the National Golf Club Challenge is the UK’s largest amateur charity inter-club golf event and the tournament and the auction raises a huge amount of money for the On Course Foundation to continue its support of injured UK service personnel.

The star prize in the auction is a four-night journey for two golfers aboard Belmond Royal Scotsman on The Scottish Golf Tour in association with Sam Torrance.

The prize list also contains golf breaks and rounds of golf with tour players and celebrities including Keegan, Ronan Keating, Robbie Fowler and Matt le Tissier.

A

l-r Andy Herridge, Andy Sinton, Dave Thomas, Eamonn Elliott

l-r Brian McCourt, Mick Fitzgerald, Katie Atkinson, Sir AP McCoy, John Francome

l-r Colin Wilson, Franco Granziani, Mike Browne, Dave Kemp

l-r Neil Bausor, Tony Pulis, Jonathan Gould, Dave Kemp

to give up riding – providing care, compassion and financial help.

Berry said: “We had a fantastic day at Rockliffe Hall. There was a great turnout and some excellent golf was played on what is a fabulous course.

We’re thrilled that the event raised so much money for the Injured Jockeys Fund and I’d like to say a personal thank you to the entire Rockliffe Hall team for organising such a great event and looking after us so well.”

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PRO -FILE

WILL ROBSON AGE: 27 TURNED PRO: 2015 HOME CLUB: Close House CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Joined the Close House team in 2015; won the Western Athletic Conference as part of the University of Missouri, Kansas City team; won his first Northumberland county cap aged 16 WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO? “I’ve been really busy teaching, both at Close House and out in local schools. We hosted a tri-golf tournament recently and I’ve visited 14 schools since then, introducing around 250 kids to golf and showing them how much fun the game can be. It would be great to inspire them and see them visiting the academy setup at Close House this season. I’ve also been playing locally in the NE/NW PGA events. We’ve got some great events coming up and I’ll be heading off to the qualifying for the PGA Assistants’ Championship and to the PGA Fourball Championship event with Jonathan Richardson later this summer.”

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE GAME? ”I picked it up with my dad at Bellingham Golf Club when I was 10 and went through to playing for the junior team, then the junior county and on to the men’s county side before flying to the US for my golf scholarship.

During all that I went through the junior coaching cycle at Matfen Hall with JJ Vallely from being 12 through to when I went out to the US to attend University of Missouri, Kansas City with golf coach JW Vandenborn.

I’ve learnt so much from both of these coaches and it’s great to be passing that on.”

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? “Finishing my PGA qualifications and finding a nice balance between coaching and playing. I really enjoy working in schools, introducing kids to golf for the first time and it’s great to be able to balance that with coaching at Close House and playing the PGA circuit.”

20 NORTHERN GOLFER

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This month’s column writing position is a little different – I’m sitting in the Hilton Garden Inn, Charlotte, North Carolina on the Tuesday of the Wells Fargo PGA Tour event. I’m here thanks to finishing in the top five in the Zurich Classic alongside Tommy Fleetwood. Golf really is a crazy game!

There were two obvious highlights from my week with Tommy – my hole-in-one on Friday for a start, then our 72nd hole on Sunday. We were really struggling as a team on Friday, lingering around the cut mark at five over-par for the day. To say we needed a boost was an understatement! I hit a perfect held up fade five iron into a right to left wind from 220 yards, it landed well short of the pin on the firm greens and found its way into the hole. We couldn’t see it go in but the crowd went nuts and so did we. Not as nuts as we got on Sunday though!

We played really well in the final round and were sitting in the top 10 playing the 18th hole. I knew that a top-five finish would get me into the following week and a birdie on 18 might do the job. After a good drive from me and a perfect three wood by Tommy, I had a 47-yard pitch. Tommy said as I walked to the ball “I’ll leave the putter in the bag mate, I won’t need it”. There were thousands of people in the grandstands, I had some family and friends there. I played the perfect shot and it dropped in!

It was the first time I have ever lost control on the course, I went crazy and so did Tommy. We jumped around like idiots and he even gave me a peck on the cheek! I’ve had some special moments on the course this year but that was the most pumped up I have ever been. It made us a lot more money and got me into the Wells Fargo, but most of all it was such a buzz. It’s something you see other golfers do and hope you get to do something like it one day.

This season has been full of incredible highlights and it’s only May. I am loving my time on the course and I am just going to keep working hard and riding the wave for as long as I can.

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NORTHERN GOLFER 21

CHESTER-LE-STREET GOLF CLUB

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DEANBAILEY

Dean Bailey

Just bootifull

A

Golf is an odd game, isn’t it? Why does it require so much stuff?

sunny weekend afternoon in April brought with it the annual golf bag switch over and a rummage through the boot of my car to see what had been lurking in there for months without being thrown out. It also brought with it a realisation – I’ve become some sort of golf hoarder!

Who needs 200 tees in their golf bag?

Or two woolly hats? Or somewhere between 12-20 golf balls including a few I wouldn’t even practice with but have decided to collect on a recent trip to the bushes at the back of the sixth green?

There’s just no need to be carrying this around, surely?

The search continued into the boot of the car – a spare fairway mat just in case I forget the one which lives in my golf bag October-March, another dozen or so balls, tees of varying lengths and levels of brokenness (I never use a broken tee – call me superstitious).

Confronted with my problem, it was time for a clear out – starting with a flapjack which was past its best after a couple of months alongside the aforementioned stash of golf balls. Out too are the fairway mats for another year or so, and all the broken tees and Top Flites.

So today I am down to the far more

manageable car boot of: golf bag and 14 clubs (obviously), two pairs of golf shoes (just in case the pair I’ve worn for the last 12 month or so do…something), push trolley, spare putter (just in case I have a falling out with my favoured flatstick of the last eight years), alignment stick (though I feel a bit silly using it sometimes and use a wedge), a spare umbrella, various putting aids I haven’t used more than once, a snood and a spare woolly hat (you never know what’s round the corner after all).

There is also: waterproof trousers and jacket, a waterproof bag hood, a jumper, a cap, a woolly hat, four new gloves, three ‘practice’ gloves, an umbrella, a rangefinder, two towels, a dozen balls, 100 or so tees, enough ball markers for a Ryder Cup team, three pitch mark repairers, a scorecard holder and three spare cards for my home club, three sharpies, 12 pencils and two water bottles. I live about five minutes from my home club and have to check this is all in place every time I pack the car. I fear I still have a problem…

Are you similarly well prepared (Ed – mad)? Or have you gone the other way and managed to minimise what you carry? Tweet @deanbailey92 and @negolfer and we’ll feature the best of your tweets in the next edition.

NORTHERN GOLFER 23

MICHAELBURROW

24 NORTHERN GOLFER

MICHAELBURROW

Bagging a dream job Michael Burrow, caddy to world top-50 player Haotong Li, tells Dean Bailey what it’s like to work alongside the greatest golfers on the world’s best courses

W

e’ve all dreamt of making it onto the European Tour, playing in The Masters alongside the likes of Fred Couples and Paul Casey, and beating Rory McIlroy down the stretch on Sunday to win in Dubai, haven’t we?

Michael Burrow had those dreams growing up and now he’s been a part of all those things having teamed up with Chinese sensation Haotong Li late last year.

Back home in Newcastle, Michael admits it’s been an interesting start to the year – he’s just arrived back from caddying at The Masters when we catch up at his home club, Northumberland.

“I’d always dreamed of being a tour player but just didn’t have the talent. The next best thing is carrying the bag. You get all the experience of being one of the best golfers in the world without having the talent,” says Michael, who made his second trip to Augusta having caddied for British Amateur champion Garrick Porteous there in 2014.

“Haotong was leading after 16 holes on the first day and looking at that leaderboard was a pretty cool moment. It’s the one course where you can’t switch off so to actually enjoy it during any rounds is nearimpossible. I’ve had a bit of time to let it settle in now and there were so many amazing moments.

“I was lucky enough to visit the week before the tournament with Haotong and have breakfast and lunch in the clubhouse, and absorb it all. That was something I never thought I’d be able to do.

“It’s warm with those boiler suits on though,” adds Michael.

“The wind is so challenging and you can’t switch off for a second. You’ll play 11 down to the bottom of Amen Corner and it’s into the wind, which means

12 should be in off the right. Then you get there and 12 feels like it’s straight down wind but the flag on 11 just 50 yards away is telling you it should be in and the tree tops are telling you it’s in off the left.

“The greens are unbelievable too. We spent a long time working them out and they can catch anybody out. We played with Fred Couples the first two days, who was playing his 30th Masters, and on 11 he still chipped it down the hill and into the water.”

A tied 32nd place finish at The Masters added to Haotong’s excellent stock among the best golfers in the world – a position which took a huge leap forward in Dubai when he saw off Rory McIlroy in Sunday’s final group at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic to win by a shot.

Having taken up the role at the start of 2018, Michael explains what it was like getting off to such a fast start. “We’d actually missed the cut the week before in our first event of the year together. Then everything clicked into place.

“To be part of a win on the European Tour for the first time, in just my third event with Haotong, was fantastic. I knew I wouldn’t be phased by it on Sunday. There’s something very odd that just takes me out of being a fan or a golfer and we can get down to working through each shot. Before you know it, you’re standing on 18 and once we’d agree the line for the putt on the last, inside left up the hill, my work was done. That was the best feeling I’ve had as a caddy so far. To experience that so early in my caddying career was pretty special.”

There’s a lot of luck involved when it comes to caddying, and even more to get the chance to pick up the bag of one of the world’s best players.

Having taken holidays from his career in hotel management to caddy during European Seniors Tour events at Slaley Hall, Michael teamed up with

NORTHERN GOLFER 25

MICHAELBURROW

Garrick Porteous, first for the Masters then for his first tilt at European Tour Qualifying School.

Good fortune, a call from Garrick’s Q School playing partner Mike Lorenzo-Vera, led to what Michael calls his first big break. The pair teamed up in 2014 when Lorenzo-Vera captured a European Tour card by finishing ninth on the Challenge Tour order of merit.

“I’ve managed to work pretty much on the main tour since then,” says Michael. “I teamed up with Scott Henry for a couple of seasons, then worked for Marcus Armitage in 2017 as he got a place on the tour through the Challenge Tour rankings.”

The biggest break of Michael’s career followed as Haotong – then around 60th in the world, contacted him with a one-week job out in Hong Kong.

“By the Sunday morning, having played with Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia, Haotong asked me to work for him on a more permanent basis and I wasn’t going to pass up a chance to work with one of the best players in the world.

“It was a long way to go for just a week but Marcus had just missed his card by a shot at Q School and when you get an opportunity like that you have to take the chance.”

For a golfer – in Michael’s case a twohandicapper who holds the club championship at Northumberland having grown up playing at Morpeth – there’s no better job in the world.

“You get a front row seat to the best golf in the world. It takes a little bit to get used to when you first start but you get used to it pretty quick. We’ve played with Rory, Justin Rose, Fred Couples, Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson – all these guys are huge stars but once you’re inside the ropes they’re personable guys and you relax 26 NORTHERN GOLFER

Michael Burrow walking the course at The Park

pretty quickly. I talked to Rory a bit in Dubai.

He’s a Manchester United fan and I’m a Sunderland fan so we got to talk about this season, just normal chat like you’d have with your mates off the first tee at home. You do have to pinch yourself occasionally.”

While there’s no caddies’ university, Michael says he picked up the skills pretty quickly.

“There’s a lot more than the old cliché of keep up and shut up. You’ve got all the basics like being on time – we say if you’re not five minutes early as a caddy you’re late.

But you’ve got to be able to understand your player and be adaptable in how you approach them on different days, different holes, even one shot to the next. It’s about knowing when to speak and what to say when you do.

“You’ve also got to measure how much information he wants. Some days your player will be so dialled in he just needs a number and a line, other times you need to manage things and talk through it. That’s different for every golfer on the planet.

“The biggest thing is to do the work. I’ll spend Monday walking the course before he’s even on-site, be there before and after every practice round and range session working things out and having all the information. You need to be ready so that when he asks you’re ready to go. If you’ve been there on Monday and Tuesday rolling balls and checking wind, measuring angles, you’ll have the answers come the back nine on Sunday.

“Ultimately it boils down to communication. There’s no blueprint for a caddie so you need to do what your player needs you to do. The only way to know that

is to be able to communicate with them really well. You also need to be able to communicate when you know your reads are right on the greens – and that comes back to doing the hard yards at the start of the week.”

So how does that relationship work for Michael and Haotong?

“For a 22-year-old, Haotong is supremely professional. He knows exactly what he wants and his standards are high, but he’s also pretty relaxed in general,” says Michael.

“There’s one big rule though – only me and Haotong can touch his putter.

Michael is preparing to head out to US to start a busy summer of the game’s biggest events, including The Players and US Open.

“We’ve got a busy summer so it’s great to have a chance to recharge. It will be amazing to experience events like the Open.

“The lifestyle when you’re working for someone like Haotong is pretty good – though I’ve done plenty of the two days of flights through three different airports because it was £100 cheaper. It’s not as glamorous as it looks on TV. “That said, I’d happily take that while getting to be inside the ropes with the best golfers in the world. If England got to the World Cup final, you couldn’t just go and sit in the dug out between the players. As a caddy, working for one of the best players in the world, I’m right in there at the biggest events in the world.

“I’d love to be able to caddy for Haotong in the President’s Cup in the future, or for a player in the Ryder Cup, but for now we’ve got a lot to experience and I can’t wait to see where we get to.”

GEORGE WASHINGTON GOLF CLUB

40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 2018

FANTASTIC MEMBERSHIP DEALS FOR 2018 PRO RATA DEAL NOW AVAILABLE TRY OUR FLEXI MEMBERSHIP, IT’S GREAT FOR GETTING INTO GOLF AND FOR THE BUSY GOLFER £270 FOR 15 ROUNDS, FULL MEMBER STATUS.

(Payment in Full or use our NO FEE Direct Debit facility) For all Great Membership packages designed for the 21st century Golfer call: Bill Michie on 0191 417 8346, e-mail: gsd@georgewashington.co.uk for more details Come along and join us at one of the most improved Courses in the County.

ADVERTORIAL

GET INTO GOLF T

he benefits of playing golf are huge – whether you’re spending an hour on a par three course in the evening or retired and playing a few holes each morning with friends at your local club.

Get into Golf aims to inspire people to take up golf – with sessions aimed at people who have never played the game before, but want to have a healthier lifestyle, meet new people and enjoy the sport.

Run by England Golf and supported by Sport England National Lottery Funding, the initiative is delivered locally by

golf clubs and PGA professionals.

Through its network of 33 County Golf Partnerships, England Golf works with golf clubs and PGA professionals to offer taster sessions, beginner courses and follow-on activities and memberships.

All sessions are run by PGA professionals in a fun and relaxed environment.

Equipment will be provided so all you have to do is book and turn up on the day in comfortable clothing.

For more on Get into golf, contact your local club – see the list right – or head to www.getintogolf.org

PEOPLE WHO PLAY GOLF ARE THE GAME’S GREATEST AMBASSADORS – TELL YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND WORK COLLEAGUES ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF GETTING INTO GOLF AND WHERE THEY CAN TRY GOLF FOR THE FIRST TIME. 28 NORTHERN GOLFER

5 LESSONS FROM £25 WITH QUALIFIED PGA PROS

FOR FULL DETAILS AND A WARM WELCOME TO GET INTO GOLF SESSIONS PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF THE PARTICIPATING CLUBS BELOW: Alnmouth GC Beamish GC Bedlington GC Billingham GC Bishop Auckland GC Chester-Le-Street GC Consett GC Eaglescliffe GC Garesfield GC Heworth GC Hobson GC Matfen Hall GC Newbiggin GC Newcastle United GC Ramside Hall GC Sharpley Springs GC South Moor GC Stocksfield GC Wearside GC Whitley Bay GC

secretary@alnmouthgolfclub.com eil.stothert@btinternet.com webbmarcus2@aol.com uregolfman@aol.com secretarybagc@outlook.com leesproshop@hotmail.com consettgolfclub@btconnect.com secretary@eaglescliffegolfclub.co.uk garesfieldgc@btconnect.com marshallsgolflive.co.uk secretary@hobsongolfclub.co.uk jjvallely@yahoo.co.uk pro@newbiggingolfclub.co.uk info@newcastleunitedgolfclub.co.uk krjcoaching@gmail.com info@sharpleygolf.co.uk professional@southmoorgc.co.uk info@stocksfieldgolfclub.co.uk krjcoaching@gmail.com davidtwizellgolf@outlook.com

01665 830231 0191 3701984 01670 822087 01642 557060 01388 661618 0191 3882333 01207 580210 01642 780238 01207 561309 0191 4384223 01207 270941 01661 886400 01670 817344 0191 2869998 07904 033678 0191 5814821 01207 283525 01661 843041 07904 033678 0191 2525688

NORTHERN GOLFER 29

ROUNDWITH

A ROUND WITH...

Nicola Hawes Northumberland cricket captain and Matfen Hall golf manager Nicola Hawes tells us about her love of sport, her favourite places to play golf, and whether she’d prefer to win The Ashes or The Open Championship

S

port is a big part of Nicola Hawes’ life – a lifelong cricketer from Stocksfield who splits her time between golf and cricket along with her role as golf manager at Matfen Hall – where she has spent the last 17 years of her career having worked her way up from the hotel’s reception desk. Here’s more…

1 With a packed schedule how do you fit golf in?

I’m lucky to be able to finish work and have the golf course outside the office door. I go through fits and starts with golf, I used to play three times a week then dropped off.

The plan is to play a lot more this season and stick in. I’m playing off eight at the minute and want to get my handicap down with a bit more practice.

2 How did you get into golf?

I started as a junior at Stocksfield playing with a few of my friends from cricket. I left it after a couple of years then picked it back up when I started working at Matfen – it would be such a waste to have access to everything we have and not use it. Since then I’ve been playing competitively and representing the team here.

3 Which is your favourite course in the North East?

Locally my favourite course is Alnmouth (Foxton). I’m not a fan of links golf, I haven’t got the imagination for it, so to have a more parkland layout with all the views of a coastal course is perfect.

4 And further afield?

I’ve played a little bit out in Spain and loved San Roque. I’ve also been lucky enough to play Gleneagles and Archerfield in Scotland.

Archerfield is amazing and I’d say that’s probably my favourite course.

30 NORTHERN GOLFER

5 What’s your best ever round?

I shot five over-par at Tyneside when I was a member there a few years ago.

6 Which is your favourite golf memory?

There’s a few from over the years but I’ll always remember playing a match at Matfen and making a hole-in-one at the 10th having been three down. I went on to win, which was pretty special.

7 What about embarrassing moments?

I’ve hit plenty of bad shots but there are no big horror stories in there – not any that I remember anyway.

8 Do you have any superstitions?

Not any golf ones, though I do mark the ball the same way every time. When I’m playing cricket I have to put my left pad on first though. I’ve put them on the wrong way round before and had to take them off and start again.

9 What are your strengths on the course?

My putting, I’ve always been a solid putter with my really old PING Craz-E. 10 And your weaknesses?

Chipping - if my confidence goes I end up hitting a bit of a cricket shot by leaning into it too much and catch them thin or fat.

11 Which is your favourite club?

I’ve got a really old Cleveland Halo hybrid which is my go-to club.

12 Who is your best golfing friend?

I play a lot of golf with Lisa Ferrie, who’s my pairs partner. We’ve known each other for about 17 years and we get on really well.

She’s a really good player and she can talk for England but we’re really good friends on and off the golf course.

13 You’ve played cricket since you were seven, does it help your golf?

I’ve played a lot more cricket than golf over the years and can say it definitely doesn’t help your golf.

14 Who is your favourite tour player?

I’d probably say Rory McIlroy, I think the way he conducts himself is very good. I also make an effort to follow Chris Paisley every week too.

15 Which event do you enjoy attending the most?

I haven’t been to too many events, though I did love going to The Open at Muirfield.

I also went to the British Masters last year, which was a fantastic event to have on our doorstep and a great experience.

16 Who do you admire?

One of my first cricket captains, Michael Graham at Stocksfield. He had a list of cricket etiquette that he’d pin up on the wall and I’ve always taken a lot from it. I want my teams to follow that and think it’s really important to set a high standard for the way we behave when we’re playing sport.

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

It’s a really tough choice because there’s so many people I’d like to put in there.

I’m going to have to say: Elton John, Larry Hagman and Declan Donnelly.

18 If I could offer you a place in a winning Ashes team or The Open Championship, which would you take?

That’s really tough. There’s something very special about the Ashes and it would be really tough to pass that up but I think I’d have to take an Open win at St Andrews.

NORTHERN GOLFER 31

COURSEPROFILE

Baywatch: Changes by the seaside Dean Bailey returns to Whitley Bay Golf Club to see how recent alterations have improved one of Tyneside’s best tracks

A

lot has changed at Whitley Bay since our last visit three years ago.

A programme of work overseen by course manager Simon Olver and greens chair Seton Wakenshaw has improved the 6,579yard layout no-end. Gone are swathes of hawthorn and large unplayable areas while extensive tree management has allowed for a more open aesthetic.

Work with architect Jonathan Gaunt has seen the greens and fairway bunkering on the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth remodelled – the middle two holes improved hugely to create two tricky short par fours which were once regarded as the weakest on the course.

However, the changes have not all been to toughen up the course. Thick rough has been reduced while you’ll find around 160m2 of additional fairway – with many benefitting from the simple, though striking, change to mowing to highlight the landing areas and narrow the fairway for those

32 NORTHERN GOLFER

looking to overpower the course. It opens with a short par five of just 476 yards with two bunkers to the left of the fairway and out of bounds down the left side. The first of the tough par fours follows – a 422-yarder played uphill with more out of bounds left. The fairway is generous, as is the green, though you’ll require two good shots to reach in regulation while avoiding the deep front right bunker.

The first par three plays downhill with three bunkers on the right side of a large green, while the short par four fourth is just 377 yards and now features more room in the landing area on the corner of the dogleg left. From the corner you’ll have a short approach to a green which slopes from back to front with three distinct tiers guarded by two large bunkers on the left side.

The fifth presents the first tee shot which must navigate the Briar Dene. Aim to find the flat spot on the other side of the ravine around 150 yards from the green. From here you’ll have a good look at

another generous green. The first of the holes which have been remodelled, the sixth measures 515 yards and requires a drive left of two fairways bunkers and a lake which is hidden behind them. A new green is far better guarded now with two bunkers well short of the putting surface, another on the left side of the green and two more on the right edge. New mounding creates a number of tough up-and-downs should you avoid the sand.

The seventh and eighth, measuring 374 and 352 yards respectively, have been improved a great deal with new green complexes. What were two very simple birdie chances are now tougher prospects with two bunkers below the green on the left side at seven, and two large fairway bunkers matched with two deep greenside bunkers flanking the green at eight. The greens now feature some very tricky slopes, long putts and pitch shots from the wrong side could easily lead to high scores at these two holes. The amphitheatre-like green at the 155-yard ninth is a

COURSEPROFILE

FACT FILE CONTACT Whitley Bay Golf Club Claremont Rd, Whitley Bay, NE26 3UF Tel 0191 252 0180 www.whitleybaygolfclub.com GREEN FEES From £18 - see website for full details

slightly older Gaunt addition and presents similar tests of putting and short game should you fail to get close enough to the flag.

The 10th shouldn’t cause too many problems for those who play close to the ditch, which crosses the now wider fairway some 60 yards from the green. Meanwhile the 414-yard 11th requires a long tee shot up to the fairway to leave a good look at a wide green which features a deep bunker at the front right that can be hidden from parts of the fairway.

The 12th is the signature hole (see fact file), while the 13th shouldn’t present too many problems at 162 yards from its elevated tee.

The 14th, a 390-yard par four, tests your driving again with the ravine to your right while longer drives can find a steep drop in the fairway and leave a blind shot back up the hill into a green.

The 15th needs another decent drive, this time to the left over the ravine and Dene.

The opening up of the 16th hole is a great example of the work here. While the challenge remains stern, the all often severe punishment for missing the fairway has been reduced with the removal of hawthorn and a reduction in thick rough. A very good long iron is still required to reach the plateau green up the hill.

The toughest of the par threes, the 17th plays 189 yards uphill from the tee to a large relatively flat green. The 18th is more challenging than you’d expect of a 459-yard par five. Anything left here is in trouble while airing too far right will leave a blind shot. Another large green accepts a long approach though anything missing right, left or long will leave a tricky uphill pitch from a tight lie in front of the clubhouse balcony.

The work in recent years has been extensive here, including the remodelling of greens and major earthworks in the last few months to improve the walks from the 15th and 16th tees. The overall improvement to the setup of the course, including the shaping of fairways, approaches to greens and opening up of wooded areas has lifted the aesthetics further, creating a stunning golf course which will only continue to improve in years to come.

TOTAL DISTANCE White tees 6,579 yards Yellow tees 6,304 yards Red tees 5,754 yards FEATURES Pro shop Indoor swing studio Practice ground, putting green and chipping green CADDY’S TIP The key here is staying in play from the tee and making the most of the shorter par fours. Spend some time on the putting green – the stimp meter reading was already up over 10 when we visited in April.

SIGNATURE HOLE The 582-yard par five 12th is one of the region’s toughest par fives with its double dogleg fairway sweeping downhill right to left from the tee before rising back up to the green. Work has been done here to open up the right side of the hole from the tee, helping the ball fall down the hill to leave a long approach, which must stay right of the Charlie’s Folly water hazard while not drifting too far right where you’ll find the out bounds. For big hitters, the play is to go over the hazard and leave a short pitch, as this is the wider section of the fairway. The green is a simple one, relatively flat though divided in the middle by a ridge to create two tiers.

Five is always a good score here.

OUR VERDICT Already a great layout, the recent works have elevated Whitley Bay into the top-tier of courses in our region. Pay a visit this summer.

NORTHERN GOLFER 33

GOLFERGEAR

Clubs shoes & balls The new gear keeps coming this month with a new driver from Callaway, new flat sticks from Odyssey, three new additions to Stuburt’s footwear range, a new golf ball from Titleist, and the arrival of TaylorMade’s tour proven driving irons.

ON A ROLL

Odyssey EXO Putters RRP: £349 www.odysseygolf.com The latest line of Odyssey putters – the EXO variations of the #7, Rosie and Indianapolis head shapes – arrives this month. The multi-material construction enables the Odyssey team to provide maximum forgiveness thanks to an incredibly high MOI (moment of inertia). The lightweight 6061-milled aluminium in the centre allows weight to be positioned around the perimeter of each design to drive up MOI for more consistent ball speeds and directional control. The White Hot insert provides the exceptional feel you’d expect from Odyssey, while each model is available in face balanced and toe hang variants depending on your stroke path.

MAIN EVENT

Stuburt shoes RRP: from £86 www.stuburt.com

GOING FASTER

allaway XR Speed Driver C RRP: £339 uk.callawaygolf.com

Callaway’s latest driver is available this month and promises to bring together everything the brand knows about aerodynamics and face technology in its best performing – longest and most forgiving – XR driver ever. The technology in the new design includes the latest version of Callaway’s Variable Face Thickness design to maximise ball speeds across the entire face, a carbon composite crown reducing overall weight by 45% compared to the XR 16, improved aerodynamics thanks to a refined Speed Step design, and the Project X HZRDUS shaft as standard.

34 NORTHERN GOLFER

The latest footwear from Stuburt – the eVent Tour Classic, Endurance Sport eVent Spiked and Vapour eVent Spikeless shoes – bring together classic and modern looks with the performance of the brand’s eVent waterproof fabric. With billions of microscopic pores per square inch, the eVent fabric is air-permeable but the pores are too small to let water through, meaning feet stay cool but dry.

Stuburt’s eVent Tour Classic shoe (pictured here) features a traditional wing-tip design with premium full-grain leather uppers and the eVent membrane system, guaranteeing performance in all conditions.

GOLFERGEAR TaylorMade P790 UDI Forged driving iron RRP: £199 www.taylormadegolf.eu

TaylorMade has extended its release of the P790 irons with the addition of the P790 UDI Forged driving iron. Available in a 17° loft and completed with Project X’s HZRDUS Black shaft (85g) as standard, the driving iron features SpeedFoam Technology for golfers seeking the forged look and feel of a players iron with increased distance and accuracy off the tee or fairway. To date, world number one Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy and Jason Day have all played the P790 UDI on tour.

IN THE BAG

with 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed

© Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com

MAKING ITS MARK

Patrick Reed won his first major championship at the Masters with a final round of 71 and a 15 under-par total. Reed’s opening rounds of 69, 66, and 67 allowed him to post a closing one under-par round to edge out Rickie Fowler by one shot and Jordan Spieth by two. Here’s what was in his bag…

Driver: Ping G400 LST 10° Fairway wood: Nike VR Pro LTD 15° 3 iron: Titleist 716 T-MB 4 iron: Callaway X-Forged Irons: Callaway MB-1 5-PW Wedges: Artisan 51°, 56° & Titleist Vokey Design SM5 61° Putter: Odyssey White Hot Pro Ball: Titleist Pro V1

X FACTOR

Titleist AVX golf ball RRP: £52 per dozen www.titleist.co.uk

Titleist’s new AVX golf ball will be available in July and is designed to offer distance and a soft feel with new technology throughout the design. The multi-component construction includes a high speed, low compression core to provide explosive distance with soft feel, a new high flex casing layer to enhance speed and control spin, a GRN41 thermoset cast urethane elastomer cover to deliver scoring control and durability, and a unique catenary aerodynamic design to deliver a piercing, low trajectory.

NORTHERN GOLFER 35

MATCHPLAYPAIRS

Close House

Seconds out...

Match Play Pairs 2018 is underway across the North East and Yorkshire

T

he Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs 2018 tournament is underway across the North East and Yorkshire with teams competing for a trip to Spain for the NE/NW Pro Am and the coveted title.

This year, 75 teams will compete between May and October.

Played throughout the season at venues across the North East and Yorkshire, Match Play Pairs offers the chance to compete against teams from across our region and win a place in the NE/NW PGA Overseas Pro Am – to be played in February 2019.

This year’s winning pair will team up with one of the North East’s best professionals in February 2019 for the NE/NW PGA Pro Am in Spain, as well as adding their names to the Match Play Pairs trophy.

Played throughout the season, teams are drawn against one another in the knockout format, played with 90% handicap allowance, with the final four teams making it to Close House for the semi-finals on Sunday October 7. The final will be played over the Colt Course at Close House, official venue of the 2017 British Masters, on Sunday October 14 with the winning pair heading off to Spain courtesy of GolfingHolidays.org.

Read the full rules for the event online at www.northerngolfer.co.uk/match-play-rules 36 NORTHERN GOLFER

Preliminary round MATCHES TO BE PLAYED BY SUNDAY MAY 27 Preliminary match 1 Philip Shaw & Liam Hall (Houghton) VS John Walvin & David Naunton (Houghton)

Preliminary match 2 Russell Hunter & Joseph Hunter (Alnmouth) VS Dean Scrafton & Ian Parkin (Wearside/ Washington)

Preliminary match 3 David & Martin Seccombe (Bedlington) VS Paul Stocks & Kevin Broadfoot (Close House)

Preliminary match 4 Trevor Smith & Ian Smith (City of Ncl) VS Robert Woods & Lee Sloane (City of Ncl)

Preliminary match 5 Alan Anderson & Paul Smith (Ryton) VS Craig Tetley & Allan Bendelow (Romanby)

Preliminary match 6 Kevin Hill & Michael Rowell (Arcot Hall) VS Anthony Lawlor & Stuart Vickery (Chester-le-St.)

Preliminary match 7 John Russell & Geoff Blemings (Consett) VS James Ogden & Carl Brydon (Tynem./Newb.)

Preliminary match 8 Darren Barlow & Anthony Kelly (Roseberry) VS Phil Graham & Andy Dixon (Morpeth/Dur. City)

Preliminary match 9 Martin Crossland & Patrick Ward (Matfen) VS Steve Buxton & James McCullagh (Romanby)

Preliminary match 10 Duncan Foster & Neil Timbey (South Moor) VS Ryan Mould & Stephen Mould (Crook)

Preliminary match 11 Jonathan Rennoldson & Darren Richards (Seaham/Hobson) VS Kenny Cramman & Paul Murphy (Newbiggin)

MATCHPLAYPAIRS Round one MATCHES TO BE PLAYED BY SUNDAY JUNE 24 *FOR THOSE WAITING FOR A PRELIMINARY RESULT, YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED OF YOUR OPPONENTS AS SOON AS THAT MATCH HAS BEEN COMPLETED Match 1 Peter Simpson & Barry Walker (Alnmouth/ Bamburgh Castle) VS Raymond Glendinning & George Freeman (Hobson)

Match 2 Ross Muirhead & Neil Morrison (Boldon) VS Winners of prelim match 8

Match 3 Dean Findley & Chris Park (Durham City) VS Edmund Thompson & David Jenkinson (Wearside/ Houghton le Spring)

Match 4 Mark Watson & Mark Todd (Tyneside) VS Adam Bates & Dean Bates (Darlington/ Blackwell Grange)

Match 5 Will Wood & Shaun Batey (Close House) VS Steve Slater & Colin Henderson (City of Newcastle)

Match 6 Winners of prelim match 7 VS Andrew Martin & Marc Morgan (Stocksfield)

Match 7 Stewart Breckon & Steven Robinson (Bishop Auckland) VS Mark Brown & George Longthorn (Crook)

Match 8 Gary Atkinson & Stephen Carter (Dur. City) VS Winners of prelim match 9

Match 9 Winners of prelim match 2 VS David Robison & Harry Iveson (Whickham)

Match 10 Paul Gray & Phil O’Ware (Sharpley) VS Stuart Allan & David Haswell (South Moor)

Match 11 Steve Weldon & Alan Saunders (Westerhope) VS John Jamfrey & Robert Ellison (Roseberry Grange)

Match 12 Andy Foster & Paul Foster (Catterick) VS Paul Watson & Peter Whitlock (Prudhoe)

Match 13 Len Eyre & Alan Scrambler (Mag. Fields) VS Nicky Younger & Ian Pattinson (Roseberry Grange/ Dinsdale Spa)

Match 14 Steve Bell & Ian Duff (Hobson) VS Craig Beadling & Jamie McPhillips (Romanby)

Match 15 Paul Cooper & Bill Morgan (Ramside/ Garesfield) VS Winners of prelim match 5

Match 16 Robert Hughes & Stewart White (Chester-leStreet) VS Winners of prelim match 1

Match 17 Anth Mckeown & Alan Slater (Ramside) VS Paul Whittaker & Robert Whitehead (Tynemouth)

Match 18 William Herron & Cameron Bowman (Bedlington/ Newbiggin) VS T Kelly & R Preston (Billingham)

Match 19 Michael Davison & David Scott (Bellingham) VS Adam Murphy & Brendan Murphy (Tynedale)

Match 20 Geoff Cruickshank & Nick Sibley (Eaglescliffe) VS Winners of prelim match 6

Match 21 Matthew Sibley & David Wainman (Eaglescliffe) VS Alan Walton & Dave McColl (Durham City)

Match 22 Malcolm Cregan & Robert Shanks (Prudhoe/ Westerhope) VS Bryan Magee & Matthew Magee (Castle Eden/ Hartlepool)

Match 23 David Hornsey & Barry Cranston (Consett) VS Bill Michie & Steve Slater (George Washington)

Match 24 David Cameron & Rod Martin (Beamish) VS Winners of prelim match 4

Match 25 David McNeill & Dennis Wright (Billingham) VS Michael Rutter & Phil Ridden (City of Newcastle)

Match 26 Jack Herriot & James Carr (Tyneside) VS Francesco Di Pietro & David Geddes (Tyneside)

Match 27 Mark Laverick & John Douglas (Stocksfield) VS John Potts & Graeme Robson (Ramside)

Match 28 Winners of prelim match 11 VS Winners of prelim match 10

Match 29 Ben King & Jack Johnstone (Bellingham) VS Ian McConnell & Geoff Wilkinson (Whitburn)

Match 30 Colin Mackay & Les Gutteridge (Centurion Park) VS Peter Newman & Jason Green (Brancepeth Castle)

Match 31 Jason Emmerson & Gary Davies (Chester-le-Street) VS Peter Gallagher & Neil Walmsley (Durham City)

Match 32 Michael Hughes & Stephen Turnbull (Crook) VS Winners of prelim match 3

FOR THE LATEST RESULTS, DRAW INFORMATION, SCHEDULING, TOURNAMENT RULES AND MORE GO TO WWW.NORTHERNGOLFER.CO.UK/ MATCH-PLAY-PAIRS-2018 CONTACT DEAN BAILEY TEL 01661 844 115

DEAN@OFFSTONEPUBLISHING.CO.UK

NORTHERN GOLFER 37

NORTHERN

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST NEWS AND VIEWS FROM GOLF IN THE NORTH EAST AND YORKSHIRE AT WWW.NORTHERNGOLFER.CO.UK @negolfer

/northerngolferuk

@northerngolferuk

DUMFRIES&GALLOWAYFOCUS

Head North This month we head north to Dumfries and Galloway

THE CAIRNDALE HOTEL Situated in Dumfries town centre, the Cairndale Hotel & Leisure Club is the ideal base for those heading north to sample the high quality golf and hospitality in Dumfries & Galloway, and into Cumbria. The Cairndale Hotel’s Golf Coordinator, Kevin Potts, is a local expert in his field with a wealth

of contacts locally and further afield to ensure you get the right mix of golf courses around the counties during your break, as well as arranging your tee times, preferred meals and rooms in the hotel. All golf breaks at the hotel include a full Scottish breakfast each morning, a four-course Table d’hôte dinner each evening

and complimentary use of the hotel’s extensive leisure facilities. Check out the hotel’s golf breaks Facebook page for the latest competitions and offers facebook.com/GolfCairndale.

Cairndale Hotel & Leisure Club English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2DF tel 01387 254111 www.cairndalehotel.co.uk

NORTHERN GOLFER 39

DUMFRIES&GALLOWAYFOCUS LOCKERBIE GOLF CLUB From its elevated setting, Lockerbie Golf Club affords stunning views over the Annandale Valley and the Lakeland hills while presenting a fine parkland test with tree-lined fairways and subtly contoured greens protecting the par 67 layout.

The original nine-hole course was designed by the legendary five-time Open Champion James Braid before a further nine holes were added in 1986.

Short by modern standards at 5,463 yards, the course is protected by trees, water and its small sloping greens. Water comes into play on three holes while five par threes present tricky tests of 100-200 yards. With no par fives, the par fours at Lockerbie range from great birdie chances to stern holes protected by hazards and thick rough - driver is often a risky play and tactical play can be the best way to unlock good scores.

Situated on the east side of Lockerbie, just five minutes from the north and south exits of the M74, this is a great place to start your trip north.

Lockerbie Golf Club, Corrie Road Lockerbie, Dumfries & Galloway DG11 2ND, tel 01576 203 363 www.lockerbiegolf.co.uk

LOCKERBIE GOLF CLUB

THE

CAIRNDALE HOTEL & LEISURE CLUB

ENGLISH STREET, DUMFRIES, SCOTLAND, DG1 2DF

The ideal location for your golfing break with a choice of more than 25 local courses Dumfries & Galloway Golf Breaks 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast plus 36 holes at Dumfries & County Golf Club (Midweek in June or July) ÂŁ99.00 per person 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast plus 2 rounds of golf at Dumfries & Galloway and Thornhill (Weekend in June or September) ÂŁ180.00 per person (*Rates based on a minimum of 2 people in shared twin accommodation. Subject to availability. Group rates available.)

Tel 01387 254111 www.cairndalehotel.co.uk Visit our website www.cairndalehotel.co.uk or contact our Golf Coordinator Kevin Potts on 01387 240286 40 NORTHERN GOLFER

DUMFRIES&GALLOWAYFOCUS

SOUTHERNESS GOLF CLUB SOUTHERNESS GOLF CLUB Set on the shores of the Solway Coast, Southerness Golf Club is one of the region’s most spectacular courses. Designed by MacKenzie Ross and built in 1947, this championship links course is a true golfing test set in the rugged coastal landscape. Located between the beauty of Criffel to the North and the Solway Firth to the south which leads to panoramic views of Cumbrian and Galloway hills and on a good day the Isle of Man, you can expect a warm welcome and firstclass facilities here.

Southerness Golf Club Southerness, Dumfries DG2 8AZ, tel 01387 880 677 www.southernessgolfclub.com

POWFOOT GOLF CLUB Set in the breathtaking Dumfriesshire landscape, Powfoot presents a stunning combination of links land and parkland golf. Founded in 1903 with the course designed by Sandy Herd, the layout was redesigned by the legendary James Braid in 1923 and offers a superb test with challenging holes set among whins and rough, and beside the Solway Firth. At 6,274 yards, the course makes up for its shorter length with a number of demanding tee shots, which often force you to play for the safety of the fairway with an iron.

Powfoot Golf Club, Cummertrees Annan, Dumfriesshire DG12 5QE, tel 01461 204 100 www.powfootgolfclub.com

STRANRAER GOLF CLUB James Braid’s final design, the golf course at Stranraer lies beside Loch Ryan and is a testing parkland layout measuring 6,308 yards from the back tees with just one par five. You’ll find spectacular views of the loch towards Ailsa Craig here.

Stranraer Golf Club, Creachmore Leswalt, Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway, DG9 0LF, tel 01776 870 245, www.stranraergolfclub.net DUMFRIES & COUNTY GOLF CLUB Laid out by 1883 Open champion Willie Fernie in 1912, the two loops of nine at Dumfries & County are excellent examples of parkland golf in the region with mature trees

and tough bunkering presenting a tough challenge.

Dumfries & County Golf Club Nunfield, Edinburgh Road, Dumfries DG1 1JX, tel 01387 268 918 www.thecounty.co.uk LOCHMABEN GOLF CLUB On the shore of the loch, Lochmaben Golf Club still showcases many of James Braid’s influences on its design - in both its original nine holes and its 1995 additions. Short at just under 6,000 yards, tough bunkering and fast greens are sure to test you.

Lochmaben Golf Club, Castlehill Gate, Lochmaben, Dumfries & Galloway, DG11 1NT, tel 01387 810 552, www.lochmabengolf.co.uk

LOCHMABEN GOLF CLUB

June 2018 Next month we will be looking at the best places to Stay & Play. To be part of this special feature contact

Lockerbie Golf Club

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

LOCKERBIE GOLF CLUB HAS FRIENDLY STAFF, EXCELLENT CATERING AND VISITORS MOST WELCOME. The course is 18 holes 5463 yds par 67 Green fees £22 – mid week. £27 – w/end. Group discounts available .

Lockerbie is also a member of the James Braid association.

Catering and Buggy hire available.

Lockerbie Golf club. Corrie Road, Lockerbie DG112ND Tel: 01576203363 Email: enquiries@lockerbiegolf.com www.lockerbiegolf.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 41

GOLFERTIPS

BUNKER BASICS

When you find your ball under the lip of a bunker, the instinct is to try and help it up in the air.

Unfortunately, this often creates the opposite effect - a thin strike which hits the lip and falls back into the bunker.

Instead, setup with the ball slightly forward in your stance and open the clubface slightly. When you make your swing, feel the club pulling through towards your left pocket with speed. This will force the club down into the sand and cuts under the ball popping it up quickly.

John n Hteal 01r66r1i8s86o400 om tfenhall.c www.ma

42 NORTHERN GOLFER

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GOLFERCOMPETITIONS

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

Closing date Thursday May 31, 2018.

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

WIN A TRIP TO DUMFRIES FOR FOUR PEOPLE

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR ON THE FILLY COURSE AT CLOSE HOUSE The Filly Course at Close House is challenging while offering many rewards for tactical play.

Redesigned in 2013 by the same team which constructed the Colt Course, the Filly is laid out at the foot of the Tyne Valley, with a number of great birdie chances as well as a couple of the most challenging holes on the estate.

For your chance to win, head over to the Northern Golfer Facebook page (@northerngolferuk), like the post with details of this competition, like the Northern Golfer page and like the Close House page.

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT WOODHAM GOLF CLUB

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT BRANCEPETH CASTLE GOLF CLUB

The prize includes a full Scottish breakfast, a four-course Table D’Hote dinner, full use of the leisure facilities, free car parking, free wi-fi, two bedrooms (twin or doubles for a party of four), and one round of golf at a chosen golf course.

Subject to availability.

Measuring 6,671 yards, Woodham is one of Co Durham’s finest courses. Laid out by the grandson of James Braid, James HamiltonStutt, in 1981 the course is a mix of parkland and American-style target golf with numerous water hazards and tree-lined fairways.

Between Durham and Crook, Brancepeth remains one of the finest examples of Harry Colt’s design work in our region. Just 15 minutes drive west of Durham city, the course still bears all the trademarks of a classic Colt and is a stern, but fair, test.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Where will this year’s Scottish Open be played?

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: In which year did St Andrews last host the Open Championship?

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Which course will host this year’s Ryder Cup match?

Congratulations to last month’s competition winners: Cairnale Hotel - Michael Gilmore of Prudhoe • Alnmouth - Brian Murphy of Wallsend Castle Eden - Steve Paxton of Jesmond • Romanby - David Partridge of Low Fell 44 NORTHERN GOLFER

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EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: COMPETITIONS@ORIGINALGREEN.CO.UK COMPETITION CLOSES 31.05.18. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND NOTIFIED BY EMAIL OPT IN CLAUSE AVAILABLE ON ENTRY TO RECEIVE FUTURE PROMOTIONAL EMAILS FROM ORIGINAL GREEN

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from the

bunker Our Tour Life columnist Chris Paisley teamed up with Tommy Fleetwood for the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic – making a hole-in-one and chipping in on 18 on Sunday to finish in a tie for fourth place in the pairs event.

The event featured walk on music for all the pairings and Chris and Tommy, who played in the same Walker Cup team in 2009 but had never teamed up, chose Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac, which we think was the perfect choice among an eclectic playlist of heavy metal, K-pop, rock and Down Under by Men at Work (Greg Chalmers and Cameron Percy).

For your reference, the Northern Golfer team would have gone with: Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen (Paul) and Let Me Entertain You by Robbie Williams (Dean).

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!

CREDIT: @CHRISPAISLEY86

Next up, a big thank you from last month’s cover star Maggie Whitehead and the Northern Golfer team to all our followers on social media for the response to last month’s cover interview.

Maggie received some fantastic comments from our readers and followers, and we look forward to seeing her featured in our pages in the months to come.

Keep up to date with Northern Golfer on Twitter @negolfer, on Facebook @northerngolferuk and Instagram @northerngolferuk 46 NORTHERN GOLFER

The Northern Golfer competitions continue to prove popular with hundreds of entries every month – and recent winners Colin Richardson and Dave MacSween wrote to tell us about their experiences.

Colin wrote to tell us: “I won the fourball at Linden Hall competition in Northern Golfer issue 54. Due to injury, illness and a generous supply of snow during the winter I was unable to get to Linden Hall until recently.

My playing partners and myself thoroughly enjoyed the visit. A big thank you to Ross Astley who graciously extended the time limit for using the prize and also to Guy, who was on duty in the shop, who provided a very warm welcome to the course.

“Thanks for providing the opportunity for me to take three good friends along to play a magnificent course. I look forward to entering further Northern Golfer competitions.”

Meanwhile, Dave wrote: “I had the good luck to win the recent competition for a golf break staying at the Cairndale Hotel and as part of the prize we played at Lochmaben Golf Club. The treatment we received at the club was exceptionally good. Considering the time of year the course was in magnificent condition and it felt like millionaire’s golf. We seemed to be the only people on the course, and it definitely deserves another visit.

Kevin Potts from the Cairndale really pushed the boat out for us and could not be faulted while the food was to die for. On behalf of myself and playing partners Bob Dignen, Graham Lister and Steve Harper I would like to thank everyone concerned. We’ll be back”.

Thank you for the great feedback. You can enter this month’s competitions on page 44.

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Leave A1 (m) at junction 63 Chester-le-Street and follow B693 to Stanley, turn left onto B6532 (Asda roundabout), follow road to end and turn right, pass Blomfomtein School and follow sign to South Moor Golf Club

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