Northern Golfer magazine #72 - April 2019 by Offstone Publishing

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EDITOR Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk John Harrison Matfen Hall 01661 886 146 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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WELCOME&CONTENTS The 2019 golf season is finally here, the clocks have changed and my handicap will probably be back up to 12 by the time you read this. While there is a lot to look forward to, which I’ll come on to, hitting the opening tee shot of the year with my handicap perched at 11.4 isn’t going to be a highlight of the year! I suppose it can only get better... Elsewhere in the golfing world, things are looking a lot brighter. There is a lot to celebrate across the region already, particularly towards the elite end of the game. Three of our region’s best girls have been named in the England squad for 2019. Caitlin Whitehead, Jess Baker and Rosie Belsham will all compete for the national girls squad this summer. Meanwhile, the next generation of girls is chasing them down, as you’ll read on page 12. The boys have been making plenty of their own news too. Matty Lamb has been globetrotting as he prepares to play the biggest amateur events of the European summer while Will Skipp has taken the next step on his own golfing journey by becoming Durham Boys captain. In the professional ranks, we had the chance to enjoy a Round With Graeme Storm this month as he continues his recovery from a wrist injury, plus we have a Tour Life update following Chris Paisley’s trip to the desert. While Chris enjoyed the desert, I fear I’ve spent too long watching golf from the Middle East, as I’ve decided to talk about it in my column on page 27 this month. Also in the pro ranks, John Harrison is continuing his remarkable record of winning in each year of his professional career - he’s now up to 42 in a row and has his eyes on more in the future. Following on from our last cover interview with Andrew Scrimshaw, we’ve caught up with his coach Andy Paisley in this month’s cover interview. As well as coaching Scrimshaw, Andy works with his brother Chris, many of the region’s most successful amateurs, the North of England Regional Boys squad and many more players who have featured in our pages. It was great to hear his thoughts on coaching at the elite level when we sat down with him at Hexham Golf Club and I’m sure everyone can learn something from what he has to say on pages 28-30. Here’s to a successful year on and off the golf course for all our readers, clubs, advertisers and greenkeepers. Good luck out there.

Dean Bailey, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

04-08 TEEING OFF

Harrison wins, Wrigley goes close, Durham action plan launched, and top trio named in new England squad

10-23 TEEING OFF

Jackson joins Sharpley, Durham’s new Skipper, and the Junior Masters returns

25 TOUR LIFE With Chris Paisley

27 DEAN BAILEY Time for a shake up

34 MATCH PLAY PAIRS Entries now open!

FRONT COVER

Andy Paisley on teaching elite golfers, working with his brother and life as a PGA pro Pages 28-31

39 YORKSHIRE When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it ©Offstone Publishing 2019. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Offstone Publishing cannot accept responsibility for errors of inaccuracies in such information. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Offstone Publishing a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine. All material is sent at your own risk and although every care is taken, neither Offstone Publishing nor it’s employees, agents or subcontractors shall be held liable resulting for loss or damage. Offstone Publishing endeavors to respect the intellectual property of owners of copyrighted material reproduced herein. If you identify yourself as the copyright holder of material we have wrongly attributed, please contact the office. Offstone Publishing do not guarantee the insertion of any particular advertisement on a specified date or at all.

36 THIRSK & NORTHALLERTON

44 FIVE PAGES OF THE LATEST GEAR

The best of the White Rose county

50 TIPS

Walk the line with John Harrison

52 PROMOTIONS

Win a Galvin Green jacket with XGolf, plus golf for four at Arcot Hall and Chester-le-Street

54 BUNKER

Golfing tales from our readers NORTHERN GOLFER 03

TEEINGOFF Gary Atkinson & Stephen Carter John Harrison

Harrison reigns in Spain

orthern Golfer tips professional John Harrison returned to the winners’ circle on the NE/NW PGA circuit with victory in the Andalucia Pro Am. John led the field with 140 stableford points as Chris McDonnell finished one point back. John said: “It’s always great to start the year out in Spain, playing great courses in

your shorts. To get a win is always a good way to start the year as well. “I’m really happy with where my game is, it’s been fantastic to keep playing over the winter in decent conditions. I’ve been a pro for 42 years now and have a win in some form every year. It’s good to get this year’s win out of the way nice and early – it takes the pressure off !” Meanwhile, Northern Golfer Match

Play Pairs champions Gary Atkinson and Stephen Carter joined the field alongside Close House-based professional Craig Smith. The team finished third as John Harrison’s team, featuring John Hunter, Chris Day, Guy Hunter took home the top prize. Gary said: “The whole experience was absolutely brilliant. We had a great time with all the professionals and their teams, while teaming up with Craig and his dad was great fun. The organisation from Kevin Batty and Tom Flowers was first-class and we can’t thank Northern Golfer enough for the opportunity.”

2019 OPEN COMPETITIONS 9th May – Seniors Pairs 7th June – Ladies Team 25th July – Seniors Team 8th August – Pro-AM 3rd October – Senior Pairs Please enter via www.golfempire.co.uk or contact the club direct. For further information please contact the Club Secretary Dawn Ridley on (0191) 2520180 or email whitleybaygolfclub@virginmedia.com For more course related information, follow us on facebook (Whitley Bay Golf Course) and Twitter (@WhitleyBayGC) Membership types prices listed on website www.whitleybaygolfclub.co.uk

Memberships available @ Whitley Bay Golf Club for 2019 04 NORTHERN GOLFER

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Alex goes close again

lex Wrigley had to settle for the runner-up spot for a second year in a row at the Ain International Pro-Am in Abu Dhabi as Chris Gane retained the title. Chris closed with a three underpar round of 67 to post a 273 total – holding off Alex by a single shot as the Hartlepool player shot 66 to finish the week. Chris and Alex, both GB&I PGA caps, slugged it out last year with Chris winning the playoff for the 2018 title. Alex has now finished second on four occasions while capturing the title once. Alex led the 2019 tournament after a first round 69 in tough conditions as Chris was one shot back and tied with South Moor’s Mark Ridley. Alex went on to post a 73 in the second round before two rounds of 66 saw him finish within a shot of the lead. Chris faired better in round two with a round of

South Moor junior members with chairman Guy Carr (left) and teaching pro Mark Ridley (right)

Junior club cash boost

Alex Wrigley 70 before shooting rounds of 66 and 67 to claim the title. Meanwhile, Mark went on to finish in a tie for seventh place after

a second round 78 knocked him back before he closed with rounds of 68 and 73 at the international pro am event.

South Moor Golf Club has won the backing of a community trust to help bring new players into the game. The club has won a £500 grant from the Project Genesis Trust, which helps groups in Derwentside. The club will use the cash to reach out to local schools and offer fun coaching sessions for beginners. Meanwhile, the club’s junior academy will get underway in April.

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Durham’s action plan

Committee members Michael Cox, David Steven and David Wakenshaw with England Golf’s Phil Graham and manager Paul Whittaker

Tynemouth hits the mark Tynemouth Golf Club has joined the ranks of England’s elite golf clubs. The club has been presented with the GolfMark, SafeGolf and Clubmark awards by England Golf. Tynemouth is only the seventh of 42 clubs in Northumberland to receive the recognition following a rigorous assessment by the national governing body.

n action plan to get more young people playing golf and joining clubs has been launched in Durham. The four-year plan has been drawn up by the men’s union, women’s county association and England Golf to offer more opportunities to youngsters. Christine Mair, chair of the Durham Golf Development Group, said: “We’ve got some great successes including club events and coaching, county competitions, the Northern Junior Golf Tour, the Order of Merit and Girls Golf Rocks. We’re also thrilled that 11 young people from Co Durham are currently studying at university in the US on golf scholarships. “We know there’s plenty of interest in golf, but we want to get more young people involved. This plan will help us to show that golf is a great game and that golf clubs are

Some of the girls that have supported Girls Golf Rocks in Durham a good place to be, where they can enjoy themselves with their friends.” The aims of the new plan include getting clubs to sign a junior pledge to develop the game, to have a junior action plan in place by 2022 and to offer short courses or forward tees. It also wants to encourage clubs to put players

forward for county coaching and to have 30 clubs playing in the Durham County League by 2022. Durham is one of five counties working with England Golf on special projects to get more juniors involved in the sport. The others are Cheshire, Lincolnshire, Shropshire and Herefordshire, and Somerset.

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Hexham globetrotter

atty Lamb is continuing to build his international experience having set his sights on joining the professional ranks. Having chosen to leave the US and pursue an elite amateur career outside of the college system, the plus-five handicapper from Hexham Golf Club has competed in Australia, Portugal and Spain so far this season, and is looking forward to returning to the UK for this summer’s biggest amateur events. Matty, 21, said: “It was good to get away for our winter, spend some time practising and then compete in four big events down in Australia. It was a great mix of travelling and playing and I’ve learned a lot about being an international amateur while playing new courses against the best players in the world.” Matty started 2019 in Australia with four events, his best finish

Matty Lamb The Rockliffe Hall team

Double success for Rockliffe coming at the NSW Amateur, where he qualified in the top 32 to reach the matchplay stages. He then headed to the Portuguese Internacional Amateur Championship, where he finished in a tie for seventh place with rounds of 72, 70, 70 and 69. In the Spanish Amateur he again reached the matchplay stages, qualifying in a tie for seventh place before losing his first round match.

“I’ve not had the breaks in the matchplay stages but I’m happy with how my game is progressing,” he said. “My game feels sharp and I’m looking forward to the summer in the UK and Europe. There are a lot of events to look forward to and while I’d love to have the results to be able to be considered for the Walker Cup, I want to concentrate on enjoying my golf and learning with a view to turning pro.”

Rockliffe Hall’s golf team won two prizes at the 59club’s Excellence Awards. The annual awards recognise some of the highest-profile and best-loved golf venues across the globe, and the people who work at them. Ben Hunt, Rockliffe’s clubhouse manager, picked up the Food and Beverage Manager of the Year Award while the golf course won the Gold Flag Resort Award for the third year in a row.

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TEEINGOFF

Whitburn Golf Club

Changes continue at Whitburn Whitburn Golf Club’s long-term plans to improve the Lizard Lane clubhouse and course show no signs of slowing down. New head greenkeeper Eddie Cuthbert and his team have been working through a major construction project to improve drainage on the eighth, 11th and 16th greens along with changes to the par three 14th hole, which will give a much better view of the green from the back tee. Meanwhile, the 15th hole will benefit from a new pond, which will replace two bunkers some 40 yards from the front of the green. The fearsome 17th hole bunker has also be remodelled. A new practice bunker is also being built on the club’s new short game practice area, while club member Ken Scott has been repairing the drystone walls which are a prominent feature of the Durham coast course. Major improvements have also been made in the clubhouse with the opening of a second downstairs lounge, and a new toilet and shower block while the club is also looking to revamp its locker rooms. Behind the scenes, Bob Button has been succeeded as secretary by Tony Leather, while Bob remains involved as chairman of the house committee. Club professional Steven McDonnell is meanwhile continuing to build the club’s junior section. 08 NORTHERN GOLFER

England call-ups L eading players from across the region have been named in the England squads for the 2019 season. The girls’ squad includes Jess Baker (Gosforth Park Ladies), Rosie Belsham (Whitley Bay) and Caitlin Whitehead (Carus Green) – all products of the North Regional Squad – along with Yorkshire’s Charlotte Heath. Meanwhile, Nicola Slater (Lindrick) has been named in the women’s squad.

In the men’s squad, Lindrick’s Bailey Gill is promoted from the A Squad to join Malton & Norton’s David Hague while Howley Hall’s Ben Hutchinson is included in a new-look A Squad. Bailey and David helped England win the Home Internationals at Conwy last September, where David won all six of his matches. A number of players have already been selected to represent England in April. Rosie, Jess and Caitlin will

Jess Baker and Rosie Belsham Inset: Caitlin Whitehead

head to The Scottish U18 Girls’ Championship at St Andrews Eden Golf Club from April 10-12. Meanwhile, Caitlin will be part of a six-person team for The French U21 Women’s Championship at St Cloud from April 18-22. Last year Caitlin, 16, won the European Young Masters, the Asia Pacific Junior Championship and the West of England Open. Rosie will return to the Scottish Girls’ where she was runner-up last year while Jess will look to add to her 10th place finish in the event in 2018, which she followed with a joint runner-up finish in the English U16 Girls’ Championship.

Plans to develop Centurion Park, formerly Wallsend Golf Club, have been unveiled. The plans include the creation of a new two-storey driving range featuring technology created by US company BigShots, which combines virtual reality with an outdoor driving range. The development is also set to include a new restaurant and bar, and golf shop.

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TEEINGOFF

Blyth’s future secured

B Seaton Carew Golf Club

Festival of Golf returns to Seaton Time is running out to sign up for Seaton Carew Golf Club’s prestigious Festival of Golf with three of the five days already fully booked. The event takes place between August 11-16 at England’s 10th oldest club. Places can be booked at www.seatoncarewgolfclub. co.uk. The cost for each day is £20 per person.

lyth Golf Club has secured its long-term future through the sale of part of the golf course for housing. The club has agreed the sale of its current 10th and 11th holes to Bellway Homes to create 92 dwellings, subject to planning approval. Blyth Golf Club chairman Ian Henderson hopes the cash injection will boost the club’s reputation while allowing it to upgrade the facilities and the course, along with altering the current layout to create a new 18-hole course. Ian said: “We hope this sale will give us the firm footing we need to never fall into a similar financial position again. The sale will give us the capital to work though our three-year business plan and member retention will play a key part in this plan. With the amount of capital available to

develop the course and facilities, we are confident in maintaining membership numbers while also attracting newcomers.”

Development work is expected to last two and a half years, with work due to start in the next 12 months.

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TEEINGOFF

Jackson on the move

GA professional Kevin Jackson has joined Sharpley Golf Club following a successful 20 years with Ramside Hall. Kevin, a PGA professional since 1995 and an accomplished player on the local PGA circuit as well as a respected coach, is aiming to grow his Kevin Jackson Golf School at Sharpley, with a particular focus on developing juniors. “It’s been a real whirlwind making the move to Sharpley,” said Kevin. “I’d been part of Ramside for 20 years – training there, working in management and then as a full-time coach, and I have so many fantastic memories there. The opportunity to move to Sharpley was a great one and I’m excited to get started.” A big focus of Kevin’s work will be on developing juniors from beginners into established golfers. He is already working with some 70 golfers on a weekly basis through

Gary Wolstenholme

Back on tour

Kevin Jackson his work at Ramside, Wearside Golf Club and with Durham Sixth Form College. He added: “I’ve got a great passion for developing golfers. I’m really looking forward to growing what I’ve been doing and seeing

The junior academy at Wearside Golf Club, coached by Kevin Jackson juniors develop into club members and good golfers at clubs across Co Durham.” For more information on the Kevin Jackson Golf School, including the junior programme, contact Kevin, tel 07904 033 678.

Carus Green Golf Club resident and European Senior Tour winner Gary Wolstenholme will return to the tour in 2019. Following a seventhplace finish at the MCB tour championship at Constance Belle Mare Plage in Mauritius and a 22nd place at Constance Lemuria in the Seychelles, Gary has been guaranteed complete playing privileges for next year and finished in 28th place on the order of merit. He will also be able to play at the British Senior Open, which will take place at Royal Lytham Golf Club July 25-28.

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TEEINGOFF

Best in the North Jill Richardson with Matthew Price (community fundraising manager at Brain Tumour Research)

Hats on for charity effort Darlington Golf Club opened its doors in March to help fund the fight against the biggest cancer killer of under 40s. The club supported the annual fundraiser, Wear A Hat Day, as part of a year of fundraising for the Brain Tumour Research charity. The national event took place on Friday March 29 with people up and down the country donning their hats in the name of brain tumour cure. At Darlington, golfers were welcomed to an open day to raise money for the charity.

he England Golf North Region squad produced a seven-shot victory in their triangular match with Yorkshire and the North West (Lancashire and Cheshire) at Moortown Golf Club. The team of six, coached by JJ Vallely and managed by Bryan Ross at Matfen Hall, featured Northumberland’s Libby Bell, Zara Naughton, Faye Wheatley and Maggie Whitehead alongside Cumbria’s Abby Roper and Harriet Barker. They returned a team score of 312 (best four scores counting towards the team total) to lead the elite event by seven shots. The North West team finished second with a score of 319 with Yorkshire third on 321. Close House-based Maggie, 12, returned the joint best score of the day with her two over-par score with Libby one shot behind. JJ said: “I’m really proud of the

The England Golf North Region Squad

girls. They had a tough day on a tough golf course and showed grit and determination. Each of the girls is making great progress and it’s great to see them developing along

a similar route to girls like Caitlin Whitehead, Rosie Belsham and Jess Baker, all of whom have gone through this process and stepped up into the national system”.

RYTON GOLF CLUB Clara Vale

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TEEINGOFF

2019 OPEN DATES: GENTS 4BBB: 26TH MAY ‘19: £38.00 PER PAIR SENIORS 4BBB: 3RD JULY ‘19: £35.00 PER PAIR LADIES OPEN TEAM OF 4: 12TH JULY ‘19: £60.00 PER TEAM JUNIOR OPEN SINGLES: 26TH JULY ‘19: £5.00 MIXED OPEN 4BBB: 28TH JULY ‘19: £35.00 PER PAIR GENTS 4BBB OPEN: 29TH SEP ‘19: £38.00 PER PAIR ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE FROM WEBSITE: WWW.MIDDLESBROUGHGOLFCLUB.CO.UK l-r Charlotte Naughton, Jasmine Lee, Zara Naughton and JJ Vallely

Back to school

he second event of the Northumberland Schools Golf Series saw some of the region’s rising stars take home prizes. Hosted by Matfen Hall, 72 competitors from 24 schools took part in the event with players aged 9-18. Charlotte Naughton (Ponteland Middle School) won the key stage two (9-11) gross category while Jasmine Lee (Cullercoats Primary School) won the nett prize. In a very competitive key stage three category (age 11-14), Junior Dobson (Queen Elizabeth High School, Hexham) shot a superb three under-par round to win the gross title as Cameron Thorburn

(Ponteland High School) won the nett prize. In the key stage 4/5 category (age 15-18), the largest field at the event, the gross competition was won by Alex Buchanan (Queen Elizabeth High School, Hexham) and the nett prize went to Daniel Bell (Dame Allans School). Meanwhile, the overall best gross for the girls’ was won by Zara Naughton from Ponteland Middle School with a score of 78 while the overall girls’ nett prize went to Haylie Philips from Dame Allans School with a score of 73. For further information on the series and to get involved contact Victoria Naughton, email victoria. naughton@ga.newcastle.sch.uk

Marsh wins in Oman Yorkshireman Nick Marsh held off a sensational final-round charge by Frenchman Robin Roussel to win the Mena Tour by Arena Tournament in Oman. The former England cap from Huddersfield (pictured) produced a fantastic finish of his own to play the last five holes at Ghala Golf Club in five-under par and win by two shots from Roussel, who started the day four shots behind

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Tel: 01450 870305

bookings@crosskeysdenholm.co.uk www.crosskeysenholm.co.uk

The Green, Denholm, Scottish Borders, TD9 8NU

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Will Skipp with the 2018 Northern Federation Championship Individual Trophy

Juniors crown new Skipp-er

ne of the most successful Durham juniors in recent years will captain Durham County Boys this season. Eaglescliffe Golf Club-based Will Skipp, 17, hopes to lead Durham to success in the Northern Counties Championship, and the Northern Federation League and Championship, which they won last year with Skipp winning the individual title. The team finished runners-up in the league competition last term. While the team was disappointed at the Northern Counties, AKA the Little Six, last year they will be looking to replicate their successes in 2014 and 2015 when the event is held at Rockliffe Hall on July 3. “It would be nice to win the Little Six on home territory and also win the Northern Federation League and retain the championship,” said

14 NORTHERN GOLFER

Will, who currently holds a handicap of plus-one. Will made his full county debut last season and is a member of the men’s county squad. He has also won the County Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 Boys titles in successive years. A student at Hartlepool’s Dyke House College, he hopes to earn a golf scholarship in the US in the future. “I definitely have that in mind,” he added, “but I need to do well in my studies to achieve it.” Meanwhile, the county union has reorganised its junior coaching programme into three tiers - Elite, Performance and Development and will be utilising the skills and experience of European Tour player Graeme Storm and new county captain Simon Robinson during coaching sessions at Wynyard Golf Club this season.

TEEINGOFF David Curry Seahouses Golf Club

Curry’s coastal switch

orthumberland golf legend David Curry has been appointed general manager at Seahouses Golf Club. Former European Tour and Walker Cup player David moves from Blyth Golf Club to take the post. He said: “I’m looking forward to seeing what the move to Seahouses Golf Club brings. “I want to continue to build on the club’s

recent success, particularly its growing membership and green fees, along with the popularity of the bistro. It will also be really important to continue the local community’s involvement with the club. “Seahouses is a very friendly club in a beautiful area. The stunning views and laidback atmosphere allows everyone to feel welcome. “I enjoyed my time at Blyth a great deal,

but this was an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse.” David is one of Northumberland’s greatest golfers. Winner of the Amateur Championship in 1986, he competed in The Masters and The Open the following year before competing in the Walker Cup and going on to play on the European Tour. Following his time on tour, David has worked at clubs across the North East including Linden Hall and most recently Blyth Golf Club.

Alnmouth Golf Club Indoor Golf Studio with David Mather Golf • The first to open in North Northumberland with the latest GC2 technology for the very best indoor golf experience. • Play, learn and practice all year round in comfort • Play some of the best courses in the world: Pebble Beach, Doral Blue Monster, Kingsbarns + more • Practice on the virtual driving range with full shot analysis • Skills challenges: Nearest the Pin, Longest Drive plus others • Lessons from our PGA Professionals, David Mather and Joe Clements • Club and Ball custom fittings with our professional staff • Fun games for Juniors Golf Course Simulator Hire: 1 player £10 per hour, 2 to 4 players £8 per person per hour. Virtual Driving Range Practice Sessions: 30mins £8, 1 hour £10 per person

NEW FOR 2019 PRACTICE FACILITIES MEMBERSHIP £150 per annum includes: • Driving Range Card – Unlimited Use • Full use of practice facilities: Short game area, all Putting greens, Chipping green, Short course. • Clubhouse Bar Card for drinks and food discount • Complimentary 4 Ball for the course - Complimentary 1 Hour Simulator use for 4 people • Complimentary 15 minute lesson with our PGA Professional • Members rates for Indoor Golf Studio with discounts up to 50%

For more information on the membership or to book the Indoor Golf Studio Ring 01665 830231 Ext 2, email secretary@alnmouthgolfclub.com or visit www.alnmouthgolfclub.com Alnmouth Golf Club, Foxton Hall, Alnmouth, Northumberland, NE66 3BE NORTHERN GOLFER 15

TEEINGOFF The Rotary Club of North Shields will host its annual golf day at Tynemouth Golf Club on Friday June 21. Now in its 23rd year, the golf day has raised more than £113,000 for charities caring for adults, young adults, children and babies across the North East with incurable conditions.

Junior Masters returns

he Lookers Junior Masters returns this summer with seven qualifying events across the north of England ahead of the final at Close House in October. The event, which began in 2017 as part of Close House hosting the British Masters, will see youngsters from across the region compete in local events, from which the top two boys and one girl from each age category will progress to the final. The age categories for the event are 12 and under, 15 and under and 18 and under. This year’s qualifying events take place at: Lancaster Golf Club (April 19), Close House (May 27), Middlesbrough Golf Club ( July 26), Durham City Golf Club ( July 29), Worksop Golf Club ( July 29), Carlisle Golf Club (Aug 12) and 2017 winner Henry Joynson with Lee Westwood Bradford Golf Club (Aug 26).

Wynyard Golf Club

An exceptional golf experience

SPRING GOLF PACKAGES 2018/19 GOLF ONLY SOCIETY PACKAGE 18 holes of golf on the championship wellington course (minimum of 12 golfers required). 1st May – 31st October £37 per head WYNYARD 4 BALL Includes Coffee & Bacon Rolls on arrival followed by 18 holes of golf on the championship wellington course. 1st May – 31st October £180 per 4 ball WYNYARD 2 BALL Includes Coffee & Bacon Rolls on arrival followed by 18 holes of golf on the championship wellington course. 1st May – 31st October £99 per 2 ball For More Details or To Make a Booking, Please Contact The Professional’s Shop on 01740 644399 Ext 22 email proshop@wynyardgolfclub.co.uk 16 NORTHERN GOLFER

The final will take place over the Colt Course at Close House on October 28 with 63 players taking part. Close House managing director Jonathan Lupton said: “We’re really excited to host the Lookers Junior Masters for a third time in 2019. “The event has been a great success in its first two years with many talented youngsters taking part in events all across the north of England. “The idea for the event came from our attached professional Lee Westwood and has really been embraced by clubs and juniors. We’re excited to see more players than ever before, from even further afield, competing for the trophy this year. “A huge thank you to Lookers for supporting the event again this year, and to PING for their continued support.”

TEEINGOFF

First for Boldon

Ravensworth Golf Club www.ravensworthgolfclub.co.uk

MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE IN ALL CATEGORIES PRICES FROM 1ST APRIL TO 31ST DECEMBER 2019 7 Day £470 5 Day £390 Twilight (April - Oct) £250 Armed Forces £169 Intermediate Rate available up to the age of 24 Flexible EZ4U Membership £150 then pay per round With this membership you can • Play at Ravensworth on any weekday, after 2.00 pm Saturdays and after 1.00 pm Sundays • Enter mid-week competitions at Ravensworth • Receive full voting rights • Gain and maintain a CONGU Certified Handicap • Discount Card for Bar Purchases • Reduced Rates For Your Guests • No requirement to transfer to another membership category on renewal. The Cost of this membership is £150 Yearly Fee Plus £9 Per Round April to End of September £6 Per Round March & October £3 Per Round November to End of February SOCIETY AND CORPORATE BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN

MENS OPEN COMPETITION

l-r Mike Greener (England Golf club support officer), Steve Watkin (club manager), Alyson Chapman (charter champion), Alan Pearson (club captain) and Chris Pascall (Durham Ladies’ Association)

oldon Golf Club has become the first club in England to sign up to the R&A’s Women in Golf Charter. The Durham club has made a series of pledges which include running events to encourage more women and girls to play golf, to have at least three female board members, and to create even better community links. It has also appointed Alyson Chapman as its charter champion to support new players and members. Alyson, who has previously won a Durham award for her efforts to get women involved in golf, said: “I’ve had a huge amount of pleasure out of golf and I enjoy sharing that with other women and girls. “Golf isn’t just about competing. Women and girls at Boldon really value the social and friendship groups, and we’ve got a growing group who holiday together with ages from 20-70. Golf is a really great

hobby and it’s got the extra plus of lots of health benefits.” New member Diane Lilley added: “The club has been amazing and helpful. “I’m one of 12 women who joined from a group of 20 who started with Get into Golf.” Lauren Spray, England Golf women and girls manager, said: “Boldon has been wonderful to work with. The team has set realistic targets and it is fantastic to see them looking at everything from leadership positions to recruiting new women into the club.” Currently Boldon has 42 women and six girl members, including seven who are following the club’s pathway to full membership. The target is to increase this by five during 2019. The club already has a great track record with its Get into Golf sessions for women, which are supported by Alyson. It has also run family days which attracted boys and girls to the junior Wee Wonders programme.

Saturday 9th June Ravensworth Bowl 36 Hole Scratch £25per person Durham County Order of Merit Event

Visitors and Societies Bookings now being taken

Angel View, Long Bank, Wrekenton, Gateshead, NE9 7NE Tel: 0191 4876014 | email: info@ravensworthgolfclub.co.uk

OPENS 2019

Pairs Open – 22nd June, 21st July & 6th October Team of 4 – 29th June & 1st September Texas Scramble – 10th August Seniors Open – 15th May & 25th September Ladies Open – 6th July Book online at www.seahamgolfclub.co.uk

VISITING PARTIES WELCOME

City of Newcastle Golf Club’s Phil Ridden and Alex Dixon reached the final four of the 85th Sunningdale Foursomes at Sunningdale Golf Club, missing out in their semi-final match to the team of Joe Sullivan and Louis Hirst.

Bookings are now being taken for 2019 Packages tailored to suit your needs

MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE FOR 2019 See our website for details

FOR MORE INFORMATION RING 0191 5811268 FOR MEMBERSHIP / 0191 5130837 FOR VISITING PARTIES OR EMAIL SEAHAMGOLFCLUB@BTCONNECT.COM SHREWSBURY STREET, SEAHAM, CO. DURHAM SR7 7RD SEAHAMGOLFCLUB.CO.UK

NORTHERN GOLFER 17

TEEINGOFF The Robbie Livermore Memorial Trophy will take place at Longhirst Hall Golf Club on May 14 with teams of four (£160) invited to compete. The event will include food after the round as well as a charity auction featuring local sports memorabilia. For more information email gary@ koastradio.co.uk

Wilson signs with Rockliffe

ndrew Wilson has continued his progress in the professional ranks by signing up with Rockliffe Hall as an attached professional. The former England international, 24, from Darlington, becomes Rockliffe Hall’s third attached professional - joining Web.com Tour player Callum Tarren and Ladies European Tour player Ellie Givens. “I’m really excited about joining Rockliffe Hall as one of their attached golf professionals,” said Andrew. “I’m very lucky to be able to improve my game on such a fabulous, challenging course and I’m looking forward to starting my professional career on the Challenge Tour in April.” Andrew, who started playing golf at the age of 13, turned professional in November last year following an impressive amateur career in which he played for England at every

Andrew Wilson age level. Before joining Rockliffe he’d played the championship golf course only a few times, including his win in the Northern Golf Masters in 2015. Despite turning pro and hoping to make his breakthrough at the top level, Andrew, who has a degree in geography and a masters in business for finance, is also currently studying for his AAT

Accountancy qualifications. Martyn Stubbings, director of golf at Rockliffe Hall, added: “Andrew has been on our radar for quite some time and I’ve watched his progress with interest in the last few years. “He’s a promising young golfer and we’re delighted to welcome him to Rockliffe Hall as our latest attached professional.”

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• SUNDAY 5TH MAY MENS OPEN 4 BALL BETTER BALL £20.00 PER PAIR • MONDAY 3RD JUNE LADIES OPEN 4 PERS TEAM EVENT £36.00 PER TEAM • MONDAY 17TH JUNE SENIOR MEN 4 BALL BETTER BALL £20.00 PER PAIR • SUNDAY 23RD JUNE TEAM EVENT 4 PERSON TEAM £50.00 PER TEAM • SUNDAY 4TH AUGUST TEXAS SCRAMBLE 3 PERSON TEAM £40.00 PER TEAM • THURSDAY 8TH AUGUST SENIOR MEN 4 BALL BETTER BALL £20.00 PER PAIR • SUNDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER TEXAS SCRAMBLE 4 PERSON TEAM £50.00 PER TEAM

5, 6 & 7 DAY MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE Details on request, Contact Pauline for further details SOCIETY BOOKINGS WELCOME FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE CLUB ON

0191 2362794

www.arcothall.co.uk • email: arcothall@yahoo.co.uk Arcot Hall Golf Club, Dudley, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 7QP 18 NORTHERN GOLFER

TEEINGOFF

Macdonald Linden Hall

New team at Linden

GA professionals Martyn and Greg Jobling have joined Maconald Linden Hall as the resort’s director of golf and PGA professional respectively. Martyn, who leaves Morpeth Golf Club to take up the position, is looking forward to developing the resort’s reputation as it hosts its first EuroPro Tour event in July. Meanwhile, Greg joins the resort from Sunderland Golf Centre. Martyn said: “I’m really looking forward to welcoming people back to Linden Hall this summer, reminding golfers across the North East just how good the golf course and facilities are here. “Leaving Morpeth was a hard decision but I was looking for the next step in my career and the opportunity to join Linden in this role was too good to miss out on. The EuroPro Tour in July is sure to be a huge highlight, while we’re hosting more than 25 opens in the next 12 months to get people back

Greg Jobling (above) and Martyn Jobling visiting and enjoying what is one of Northumberland’s best layouts.” The EuroPro Tour, which offers the UK’s most talented young professionals a route to the Challenge Tour along with more than £850,000 in total prize money in 2019, will head to the Northumberland course July 3-5. The 6846-yard Jonathan Gaunt design will also host the first stage of the tour’s Qualifying School in April. For information on all upcoming opens, visit the Golf Empire website.

Catterick Golf Club professional Rob Stansfield has opened a new swing studio. The new space will allow players of all abilities to have lessons indoors as well as offering the opportunity to analyse golf shots.

PRO-RATA GOLF MEMBERSHIP AT CLOSE HOUSE (APRIL 1-SEPTEMBER 30, 2019) Do you want access to the only two Lee Westwood golf courses in the world, a relaxing and modern clubhouse, and unrivalled practice facilities? We’re currently offering new members the chance to join on a pro-rata basis until the 30th September 2019. · Corporate/Associate partner - from £625 per month. · Full membership - £175 per month. · Spouse membership - £137.50 per month. · Premium academy membership (with Filly course access) - £60 per month. · Intermediate membership (18-25 years) - £70 per month. · Country membership (live 40+ miles away) - from £60 per month. Members can benefit from 10% discount off on-site purchases, discounted green fees for your guests, exclusive tournaments and events, discounted bedroom rates, reduced green fees at reciprocal clubs, and much more. A full list of member benefits can be found at www.closehouse.com For more information, please contact membership manager Craig Wright, tel 01661 85 22 55 (option 5), or email craig.wright@closehouse.co.uk *Full and Premium academy memberships are very limited in numbers and come with a one-off joining fee. This can be paid in full or spread across the direct debit at no extra cost.

CLOSE HOUSE, HEDDON ON THE WALL, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, NE15 0HT TELEPHONE: 01661 85 22 55 EMAIL: craig.wright@closehouse.co.uk • WWW.CLOSEHOUSE.COM

NORTHERN GOLFER 19

TEEINGOFF

The race is on in Durham Caitlin Whitehead

Caitlin joins elite shortlist Caitlin Whitehead joined some of England’s most successful golfers from last year as she was shortlisted for England Golf’s Performance of the Year Award. Caitlin scored a three-stroke win in the girls’ championship at the European Young Masters in Norway before she went on to represent Europe in the Asia Pacific Junior Championship in Hong Kong, winning both the girls’ and team titles. She also won the West of England Open and was in England’s winning team at the Girls’ Home Internationals.

he 2019 Mizuno Durham County Golf Union Juniors Order of Merit, formerly the Race2Rockliffe, will take place across the county before heading to new Grand Final venue Wynyard Golf Club in September. The Mizuno DCGU Junior Order of Merit uses selected junior opens and DCGUJ events throughout the season as qualifiers towards the central order of merit. The highest placed players in gross and nett categories at the end of the summer will be invited to compete at Wynyard Golf Club on Saturday September 14 to become the 2019 Mizuno DCGU Junior Order of Merit champion. There are 16 events in this year’s order of merit, starting with Blackwell Grange’s Junior Open on Monday April 8 and the DCGUJ George Crawford Cup at Hartlepool on Monday April 15. Three events follow in May – at

Last year’s order of merit prize winners Darlington (May 6), Billingham (May 27) and Heworth (May 29). In June and July the events move on to junior opens at Brancepeth Castle ( June 2) and Barnard Castle ( June 30) before Consett ( July 7), Boldon ( July 13), Ryton ( July 20) and Houghton-le-Spring ( July 22). The final run of events include junior opens at Tyneside (August 5) and Beamish Park (August 12), the DCGUJ Jack Golightly Trophy at

South Moor (August 15), Durham City’s junior open (August 26) and the DCGUJ Autumn Meeting at Dinsdale Spa (August 29). The order of merit is open to junior affiliated club members in County Durham with a CONGU handicap (max 28 for boys and 36 for girls). For more information contact initiative manager Jordan Pout, email juniors@ durhamcountygolfunion.co.uk

GOLF SOCIETIES PACKAGES FROM £15PP

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2019 Opens now bookable through Golf Empire or the Garesfield website GOLF OFFERS CAPTAINS AWAY DAY 2019 Packages available NEW MEMBERS OFFER FOR APRIL First 25 members pay only £300 Contact the Secretary for details

All enquiries contact the secretary on 01207561309 or email garesfieldgc@btconnect.com 20 NORTHERN GOLFER

Prudhoe Golf Club Welcomes societies and visitors to our well maintained course and friendly clubhouse • Societies from £15, visitors from £18 per head • Limited availability for societies at weekends from £20 • 9 hole and twilight golf including weekend afternoons Enquiries to John Crawford or Joanne Robinson on 01661 832466 Full membership to April 2020 available for £349

www.prudhoegolfclub.co.uk

THE GREAT ESCAPE

With an 18 hole championship golf course and an award-winning luxury hotel, Rockliffe Hall is the ultimate golﬁng venue. After you’ve enjoyed your game, relax in the award winning Spa, dine in your choice of three restaurants, and enjoy five-star luxury accommodation. Rockliﬀe Hall... get away from it all.

www.rockliffehall.com Hurworth-on-Tees Darlington County Durham DL2 2DU +44 (0)1325 729999 enquiries@rockliffehall.com

NORTHERN GOLFER 21

PROFILE

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WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO? “I’ve been at Cocken Lodge two years now and a lot has changed since I joined the club. We’ve recently opened our new studio complete with GC Quad technology along with a new shop, so there’s a lot of change and a lot more potential for coaching and custom fitting. I’ve really concentrated on coaching since turning pro in 2017 and I’ve got a real passion for helping people improve their golf, from experienced players through to juniors who come along to the junior academy on a Saturday morning or who I meet through sessions at local schools. It’s been busy but I wouldn’t trade it.”

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The Business and Leisure Magazine for the North East Region

For advertising and editorial enquiries contact Michael Grahamslaw on mjgrahamslaw@outlook.com or visit the website www.northern-insight.co.uk

22 NORTHERN GOLFER

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE GAME? “I seem to have always had a golf club in my hands, going right back to the pictures of me as a toddler hitting balls up and down our back garden. I started playing properly when I was nine and was always told that if I progressed at school, I could have lessons and progress my golf. I’d dreamt of being a pro as a kid watching Tiger Woods and like most, I wanted to play on the tour. As I got older and learned a bit more about the game, I got more interested in the golf swing and the idea of coaching as a career, which I got the chance to do through the PGA foundation degree programme.” WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? “The future is going to be really exciting at Cocken Lodge as more people use the facilities – from the great course we’ve got out there to the driving range, studio and shop. As a coach, I want to see the junior academy kids progress into better golfers as more join and fall in love with the game. We’re continuing to grow in loads of different ways at Cocken Lodge and we’re welcoming more and more people all the time. I can’t wait to see where we go in the next two years.”

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TOURLIFE

Chris Paisley

Marching on Chris Paisley updates us on his time in the desert and life at home, and looks forward to returning to the UK for the British Masters

ince my last column, I’ve travelled back to the desert for events in Oman and Qatar. I then had a week of practising in Dubai where my coach, Andrew Nicholson, came out for a few days. I rounded out the early season with the Maybank Championship in Malaysia and I’m currently heading into the final stretch of my 28-hour journey back to Orlando to see my girls. Once I’m back home, I’ve got four weeks off to prepare for a busy summer. The three events were somewhat successful. I made all three cuts, with my best finish coming in Oman with a tie for ninth place. The most positive thing I have taken from the season so far is the amount of cuts I have made. I’ve

I’m looking forward to being back in Europe, particularly when we’re back in the UK for the British Masters at Hillisde with Tommy Fleetwood in May

only missed one so far and I have not had my best stuff by a long shot. This shows a lot of experience and maturity. A few years ago I would have missed several of those cuts. The down side is that I haven’t played well enough to compete or win, although I was close at one point in Oman. This isn’t something I am worried about. I have a clear plan of what I am working on in all aspects of my game, and I feel as though I am heading towards that same top form once again. It’s just a case of working hard, being patient, and letting it come to me. Most of the long haul events are now finished and the events will be closer to home for the rest of the season, which is a relief! I love playing in the Middle East and Asia, but the travel can be difficult. It’s one of the very few down sides to this job. We took the bold step of travelling as a family to most of the events so far this

season and it has been wonderful. Ella is an extremely relaxed baby and she travels very well. Having her on the road has certainly made life more enjoyable, and she continues to give me great perspective. It’s sometimes easy to get lost in your own world when travelling on your own for long periods. I have some really exciting events coming up. Morocco is played on a wonderful golf course and then I am playing at Hillside in the British Masters. My good friend Tommy Fleetwood is hosting. It’s so nice to see how well he has done the past few years. He really is a top player, but an even better person. If you’re an aspiring pro, Tommy is a wonderful role model in all aspects. Hopefully we will see a lot of the readers down there supporting what is sure to be one of the best events of the season.

NORTHERN GOLFER 25

BEAMISH HALL

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COLUMNIST

Dean Bailey

Time for a shake-up The last few weeks of European Tour golf have been tough going, even for the most die-hard viewers among us

’ve watched quite a lot of European Tour golf in recent weeks, even by my own high standards, and I can’t help but feel bored by a great deal of it. It’s not the players; the golf on show has been great and the likes of Scott Hend and David Law have produced superb performances to win in Malaysia and Australia respectively. Despite their efforts, I can’t help feeling that I’ve watched the same tournament continuing one week to the next. The courses and locations at this time of year don’t help, nor does the weakness of many of the fields. While we all understand why the tour is out in the Middle East and Asia, and it’s certainly not for crowd sizes, the last few weeks have felt like a monotonous trudge through the dessert, sprinkled with only the occasional oasis of a star-studded field or a fun format like the Super 6 down in Australia. While the PGA Tour can rely on its week-in week-out star power – mainly powered by Rory McIlory’s will he, won’t he storyline over the last few weeks - the European Tour simply cannot compete on that front. Despite the fact that the courses in the US tend to feel even more monotonous than those in the desert – though I did really enjoy watching the WGC Mexico event where the players

had to tackle a properly tree-lined course – that star power makes watching on a Sunday night feel so much more important. So what can the European Tour do about it? They can start with the golf courses. Make them more interesting, choose them for their design appeal and how they look on TV while choosing layouts which look distinct from one another with enough entertainment value to make us care about shots being hit by players many of those watching haven’t heard of. They can also use some of their interesting formats at this time of year too – anything to break up the repetitiveness. The European Tour cannot just rely on the same people tuning in every week, they need to make the product more appealing at this time of year when fields are weaker and the golf is played far away from their home turf. The tour will be back closer to home soon – the British Masters heads to the brilliant Hillside in May and is sure to attract big crowds while the Belgian Knockout and Golf Sixes in Portugal will provide interesting formats before the tour brings out its big guns in the heart of the summer with the Irish and Scottish opens ahead of The Open Championship at Royal Portrush. Bring on the summer!

NORTHERN GOLFER 27

COVERINTERVIEW

Coach to the stars Dean Bailey meets Andy Paisley, the coach behind some of the North East’s brightest golfing talents

pend a few minutes talking about golf in the North East and you’ll hear the Paisley name. While European Tour winner and Northern Golfer columnist Chris may be your first thought, his older brother Andy has built a reputation as one of the UK’s best coaches and the man behind many of the region’s most talented players. Hexham Golf Club professional Andy, who counts a number of European Tour players, England internationals and county players among his pupils, has worked with his younger brother throughout his golfing career. “I really enjoy working with Chris and we have a fantastic working relationship,” Andy explains following a session at Hexham in pouring rain. Six years older than Chris, Andy says he’s always looked out for his little brother, preferring to compete against their older brother Richard. Andy works closely on Chris’ putting while Andrew Nicholson is credited as Chris’ main coach. He regards his brother’s success as an important part of his own career, as well as a source of family pride. “Chris is the best player I work with and his stats have really improved in the last couple of years [he was ranked second in strokes gained putting on the European Tour last year]. People are noticing that.” Andy admits it’s the kind of relationship he could only enjoy with his brother. “We’re always very honest, brutally honest, with each other,” he says. “Telling Chris the truth is really important and it works for him. Other players might not take to that style, but we’ve got the balance spot on.” Andy has become more and more in-demand on tour recently thanks to the success of his players. “It takes time to develop your reputation as a

28 NORTHERN GOLFER

coach. It’s a great feeling to have great players contact you to work together, it means you’re getting things right,” he says. “What I’m most proud of is the pipeline of players I have coming through. It starts at the top with Chris and the guys on tour, and comes down through the elite amateurs to the juniors. “There are 12-year-old juniors learning the same techniques as a European Tour winner; that’s going to benefit them so much going forward. With Chris being so successful, I’ve been able to spend more time around the best players; that’s helping me as a coach and it will help every one of my players.” Challenge Tour players Charlie Ford and Scott Henry are also among Andy’s professional players, along with Ladies European Tour golfer Kylie Henry. Andy has also recently started working with South African European Tour player Justin Walters. At home at Hexham Golf Club, Andy’s close relationships with his long-standing pupils are some of his most rewarding, including his work with our February/March cover star Andrew Scrimshaw. “I really value the work we’ve done together and the friendship we’ve built,” he says about Andrew. “He is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen and his passion is incredible. He’s turned into a quality player; his statistics show that. I’d love to see him make it to the next level. He really deserves it.” Many of the region’s best amateurs can also be found on the practice ground at Hexham alongside Andy and Ossie - Andy’s springer spaniel and trusted assistant. The list features Matty Lamb, a former England boys captain, England girls squad member Jess Baker, and one of Northumberland’s most successful amateurs of the last few years Andrew Minnikin – who manages Andy’s England Boys Regional squad.

COVERINTERVIEW

NORTHERN GOLFER 29

COVERINTERVIEW

“I love working with players right through their development – from kids learning the fundamentals through to the tour players. I get a lot of satisfaction from coaching a really broad spectrum of golfers,” he says. “The ultimate goal of a coach is to make players better – better practisers, better technicians, whatever they need to improve. Golf can be very results driven but it’s really important to focus on controlling the things you can control. We focus on measuring improvement and looking at statistics - from there we hope results will follow but good processes and continuing improvement is the key.” While all his players are very individual, Andy explains that every golfer can learn from the traits his best players share. “There are just two things that I want every player to do,” he says. “The first is to do the big things well – master the important skills for each section of the game while not sweating the small details too much. “The second is to do the simple things well. The best putters I coach have amazing attention to detail – anyone can learn that. Everyone can have great aim, alignment and tempo. The best players I coach are the best at those things.” Though he plays less golf than he’d like to because of his coaching commitments, Andy’s coaching has led to his game improving recently. “I realised pretty early on in my professional career that I wasn’t going to be a tour player, but 30 NORTHERN GOLFER

Andy Paisley

my game is solid without too much time on the range,” he explains. “In the last three years I’ve played some of the best golf of my life despite practising less than ever before. “It all comes from working with good players; talking about good mechanics, good green reading and how to play and practise the right way. I can think about that and then apply it without necessarily hitting the balls.” Andy exudes passion for the game in all forms, as his soaked gear in the back of his pro shop shows, and that has a lot to do with two of his mentors, fellow PGA professional John Harrison – who he worked alongside at Matfen Hall before moving to Hexham - and Andrew Nicholson. “I watched John teach hundreds of lessons and learned so much about working with people. John has this incredible way of forming relationships with people and he taught me to invest in people as their coach. “I was lucky enough to work with Andrew Nicholson as a kid and he always made me feel like I was Tiger Woods by the end of a lesson. He has the brilliant ability of filling you with energy and enthusiasm because he is so passionate about your golf and your improvement. I want every golfer I work with to feel like that. “I’ve learned so much from both of those guys which I use in every lesson to this day.” While his elite players grab the headlines

and have allowed him to grow an enviable reputation in his 17 years as a PGA professional, Andy’s life as a club-based PGA professional is one he wouldn’t want to trade. “It can be busy with coaching then having the business on top, and my phone never stops, but I wouldn’t trade it. “I get a lot of videos and texts from players. I read a lot too. I study the game and spend a lot of time on players, tracking progress and keeping notes on sessions to make sure their on a good long-term path. It’s a real passion. “Coaches have to be there for players. We need to care and players need to know that we care. That means investing in them. “I couldn’t be at a better club to do all of that. The club and the members are so understanding when I’m away - my assistants Josh and Jonny are really experienced now and run the shop, custom fitting and loads more to allow me to commit my time to being the best coach I can be. I couldn’t do what I do to this level without an understanding and committed team behind me.” While he’s incredibly busy, standing on the range at dusk in the rain or waking up to swing videos from his US-based players, Andy’s enthusiasm for the game is second to none. His players clearly appreciate everything he does to unlock their potential and their results are proof that the commitment is working.

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ROUNDWITH

A ROUND WITH...

Graeme Storm The two-time European Tour winner from Hartlepool shares his favourite places to play, his dream fourball and his favourite golfing memories

head of his return to the European Tour this summer following a wrist injury, we got the chance to catch up with two-time European Tour winner Graeme Storm. As well as being one of the region’s most successful tour players, Graeme has invested a great deal of time into supporting golf in the region – through his growing series of junior events and his work with the Durham County Golf Union. Here’s what we learned during our most recent round with Graeme... 1 How do you spend your time at home? I spend as much time as possible with my family. I really enjoy doing the school run, taking the kids to swimming club, piano and golf lessons - just spending as much quality time together as possible. When I’m on my own, I’ll watch Liverpool FC on TV and I try to get to a match as often as possible. 2 How did you get into golf? My grandfather introduced me to the game when I was seven, firing balls at old worn out tyres on the practice area at Hartlepool Golf Club. I didn’t take it up properly until I had turned 11, when I got my first handicap of 36. Football was always my first passion but he encouraged me to pursue golf as a career and once I knew I wasn’t going to be a professional footballer, I turned my full attention to golf. From the age of 14 I concentrated solely on trying to be the best golfer possible. 3 Which is your favourite course in the region? I’m sure there are some hidden gems which I still haven’t played and I hope to discover them before I retire. My heart belongs to where I grew up playing, Hartlepool, and I enjoy playing it to this day. 4 And further afield? I have played so many great courses around the world and you always love the courses where you are successful. I’m no different so I would have to choose Le Golf National, where I won the French Open. It’s such a mentally demanding course. You don’t have to be the longest hitter but you have to be very accurate, which plays to my strengths. If I was pushed to choose one in the UK I would have to stick with my roots and pick a links course, so I’ll say St Andrews as I love the feel of the place.

32 NORTHERN GOLFER

5 What’s your best ever round? My lowest round on the European Tour is a 62 on the west course at Royal Johannesburg. My best round would have to be when I shot 66 with no bogeys in the final round of the 2007 French Open to win.

13 Which event is your favourite on tour? The Dunhill Links because we get to play with and meet so many different people. I’ve been lucky to play with the likes of Ronan Keating, Damon Hill and Sir Steve Redgrave to name a few.

6 Which is your favourite golfing memory? Winning the British Amateur is right up there, plus it gave me entry into The Open (at Carnoustie) and The Masters (at Augusta National), which allowed me to fulfil a long-time dream of playing in two of the greatest championships in the world.

14 Who is your favourite tour player? My favourite player growing up was Bernhard Langer as I loved watching how he plotted his way around the course. I have met most of the greats of the game but the one lasting memory was when I played with Jack Nicklaus in a practice round at his tournament, The Memorial. It was a dream come true and I loved every minute of it.

7 What about embarrassing moments? I’m lucky that I haven’t had any real embarrassing moments as a professional... to-date. 8 Do you have any superstitions? Just one; I like to use a ball marker my daughter gave me and it has two different messages on it. When I mark the ball, I will always put it down a certain side up depending whether I have holed a putt on the previous green. 9 What are your strengths on the course? Most people say my main strength is my putting, I seem to hole the crucial putts. 10 And where do you focus your practice time? I focus on the scoring part of the game as that’s where I believe you can get the most out of your practice. I always work on my scoring clubs, on the range and on the course, mapping out where I need to position my ball to make the best score possible.

15 Do you follow a lot of golf when you’re not playing? Unfortunately I have had plenty of time to watch golf on TV due to my injury. I like to follow as much as possible and I managed to get to do some commentating last year at tour events and The Open, which was awesome. 16 Who do you admire? My wife, Sara, for being by my side along every bumpy road. She knows I’m not the easiest person to live with when my golf isn’t going too well. I am truly grateful to have a very understanding, loving wife who has stuck with me through the highs and lows that golf can throw at you. I am the luckiest guy alive.

11 Which is your favourite club in your bag? I get asked this question all the time when I deliver Tri Golf sessions in schools. It has to be my seven iron as that’s the club I grew up hitting. To this day, I hit seven iron the most when I practice.

17 Which three people would join you in your dream fourball? I change my mind on this one quite a lot. I’d have to have a Liverpool legend in their, so Kenny Dalglish would definitely be invited. Tiger Woods would be there as he’s a legend of the game and I’ve never had the chance to play with him. I’d invite Daniel Craig too - he’s James Bond and a fellow Liverpool fan.

12 Who is your best golfing friend? I have made a lot of friends over the years through playing golf and I actually wouldn’t say that I have a best friend on tour but there are a few I know I could always confide in and count on - Marc Warren, Simon Dyson and Justin Rose. If I ever needed help, I could turn to those guys.

18 If I could offer you a Green Jacket or a Claret Jug, which would you choose? A really difficult one as I think any golfer would take any major. If I’m being pushed, I would have to say The Claret Jug as the Open is the one major I always want to play in. Just imagine having a chance to be called the Champion Golfer of the Year...

Â© Mitch Gunn-Shutterstock.com NORTHERN GOLFER 33

MATCHPLAYPAIRS2019 MATCH PLAY PAIRS APPLICATION FORM For your chance to win, enter online at www.northerngolfer.co.uk or fill in this application form and send it to: Dean Bailey, Northern Golfer, Offstone Publishing, Unit One, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: TUESDAY APRIL 23, 2019

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Match Play Pairs entries open he Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs tournament is back for 2019 with a new venue for the finals and a new prize for our champions. The 2019 winners of the event will each receive a prize of £300 (£600 for the pair) along with a place in the region’s golfing history books. 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 to progress to the semi-finals and final to be held at Wynyard Golf Club in October.

Entries are now open, via post using the form here or online at www.northerngolfer.co.uk/matchplay-pairs/enter-2019. Entries close Tuesday April 23, 2019. Played throughout the season, teams are drawn against one another in the knockout format, played with 90% handicap allowance. You can read the full rules for the event online at www.northerngolfer.co.uk/matchplay-rules For more information contact Dean Bailey, dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk, tel 01661 844 115.

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2018 champions Gary Atkinson & Stephen Carter

MONDAY MADNESS TROUGHOUT JUNE, JULY & AUGUST Available from 2pm onwards Light snack and 18 holes golf £25.00 per person minimum 4 players Telephone 01429 274398 option 2 to book

2019 OPENS 4th May Hartlepool Open 4BBB Stableford £25 a pair 27th May Ladies Team Open 2 from 3 Stableford £21 per team 3rd August John Proud Open 4BBB Stableford £25 a pair 4th August John Proud Mixed Open 4BBB Stableford £20 a pair 12th September Senior Open (55+) 4BBB Stableford £25 a pair 10th October Charity Open (Men, Ladies & Juniors in any combination) Greensome Stableford £15 a pair Entry forms available from www.hartlepoolgolfclub.co.uk or www.golfempire.co.uk

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

COURSEPROFILE

Parkland golf at its best Dean Bailey heads to the south of the region to play Thirsk & Northallerton Golf Club

espite being more than 100 years old and home to one of North Yorkshire’s finest parkland layouts, Thirsk & Northallerton Golf Club is continuing to build on its reputation year-on-year. Few clubs have made as much progress with their course as Thirsk & Northallerton has in the last two years. Much of the work may no longer be visible - miles of new drainage added to the oldest parts of the golf course in October 2018 – but the benefits are clear. Investment in new machinery and growing the full-time greenstaff to six are all providing improvements on the golf course. Laid out in 1914 as a nine-hole course before being re-routed to make an 18-hole layout, the course is designed to completely test of your abilities from tee to green. A number of generous fairways allow you to let loose with driver before requiring an accurate approach. Meanwhile, narrower tee shots through corridors of ancient trees reward those who find the fairway with

36 NORTHERN GOLFER

angles to attack pins. While 6,564 yards from the back tees, taking out driver often brings with it a great deal of risk and reward as tress and greater penalties lie in wait for those who stray too far. The 400-yard par four first is a tough opener, which requires a long tee shot to leave a mid or long iron into a small green which is narrower in the back half. The second, a 515-yard par five, also requires a long tee shot to leave a good view of the approach down to a stream which crosses the fairway around 70 yards from the green. Leave as short an approach as possible here into one of the smallest greens on the course. The 163-yard third is a great looking par three from the tee with three bunkers all cut below the putting surface while the short par four fourth, just 384 yards, is a good chance for birdie should you take your tee shot over the tree guarding the right side of the fairway while avoiding the penalty area which runs up the right side. The fifth and sixth holes, a 531-yard par five and a 457-yard dogleg right par four, are both played

to generous fairways and big drives are rewarded with easier approaches to two of the most difficult greens on the course. Heading towards the turn, the par four seventh and ninth holes are both good birdie chances at roughly 350 yards, if you find the fairways. The par three eighth measures 208 yards and is the toughest of this three-hole stretch – watch out for the pond short right, which has a knack of catching anything which lands short of the green. At the 150-yard par three 10th, beware the tree on the left side en-route to the green. You will need a draw around it to get close to any pin on the left side. The green is one of the trickiest on the course. The short par five 11th can be a card-wrecker, despite measuring less than 500 yards. The tee shot is played blind to a generous fairway flanked by out of bounds right and tall conifers on the left. The hole gets narrower as you head towards the green, where you must lay up short of the burn which crosses in front of the green. A short pitch to a bunkerless green can yield a birdie chance

COURSEPROFILE

FACT FILE

should you reach the right spot in the fairway in two. The short par four 12th is also a great birdie chance at just 321 yards. The fairway is generous should you take on the tee shot over three fairway bunkers on the right side. Another bunker on the front right corner of the green and a huge bunker to the left side must be avoided. The 551-yard 13th is the only par five without water here and you should try and take advantage of the downhill tee shot to a wide fairway. The best line is to the right side, from which the ball will run into the centre of the fairway. From here you can sling a wood around the corner to the green or head towards the left side of the second dogleg to leave an uphill wedge shot to a green which slopes from back to front. The bunker to the left catches anything towards the left side of the green and leaves a tough bunker shot. The straightaway par four 14th is 382 yards and requires a solid drive through a corridor of trees to leave as short an approach as possible uphill to the green, particularly when the flag is on the right side, bringing the bunker cut below the green and guarding the right half of the putting surface into play. The 15th, signature 16th (see fact file) and 17th are a tough trio of par fours. At the 407yard 15th, the tee shot is again the key. Played through a narrow corridor of trees it must find the left side of the sloping fairway to avoid running into the tress on the right. At the slightly shorter 17th, the tee shot must favour the right half of the fairway with out of bounds left. From here you are faced with a shorter approach around the dogleg to a two-tier green guarded by two bunkers on the left side. Played in front of the clubhouse, the 182yard par three 18th is a challenging final shot, played uphill and often back into the wind. A generous green awaits a good shot while two bunkers on the front edge will catch any mistruck shots.

CONTACT Thirsk and Northallerton Golf Club Thornton le Street, Thirsk North Yorkshire, YO7 4AB tel 01845 525 115 www.tngc.co.uk Facebook @thirskandnorthallertongolfclub Instagram @tngcgolf Twitter @tngcgolf GREEN FEES Weekday £30 Weekend £36 For more information, including group bookings, contact the secretary

Thirsk & Northallerton Golf Club, through subsidiary HIS, has been supported by Sport England with a £100,000 investment in its machinery. This equipment is available to the greenkeeping team at the club while also being available to local sports facilities, which are able to bring in the equipment and the team from the club to maintain their pitches. A popular club for visitors, the calendar of 2019 opens is again proving popular. Limited spaces are still available, see the website for details and contact the club to book your place.

TOTAL DISTANCE 6,564 yards (white tees) 6,314 yards (yellow tees) 5.600 yards (red tees) FEATURES Practice area Pro shop Clubhouse bar and catering Buggy/trolley hire CADDY’S TIP Manoeuvring the ball and plotting your way through the ancient trees from the tee is a big advantage. Be careful with club selection into the greens – many of them feature several distinct plateaus. SIGNATURE HOLE The short par four 16th, just 330 yards, is far tougher than its yardage suggests. A huge tree sits in the centre of the fairway while more timber flanks each side of the route to the green. Your tee shot must head down the right side, towards a pond, to leave a view of the green around the tree. From here a short iron is played over the pond and stream to the green, where a left pin is often accessible while a right pin is incredibly tough to get close to as you play over a bunker to the smallest part of the green with steep slopes running away in every direction.

OUR VERDICT A fine parkland layout which requires strong course management and the ability to hit 18 different tee shots – from long drives to accurate long irons. The course is great fun to play while very challenging for good players from the back tees. NORTHERN GOLFER 37

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YORKSHIRESPECIAL Owston Hall

Tour of Yorkshire This month we visit some of Yorkshire’s finest golf courses

OWSTON HALL One of Yorkshire’s finest modern layouts, Owston Hall will reopen this season with a new design philosophy aiming to present a more enjoyable layout for golfers of all ages and abilities. Opened in 1996, the layout just north of Doncaster has been softened from its 7000yard original design following a re-routing, the creation of four new greens and five new tees,

and the creation of a new golfing philosophy to make golf enjoyable. The new layout can be played from 4,000 to 6,000 yards and while it maintains elements of the challenge presented in the past, the extreme length of the course has been removed. A past host of the EuroPro Tour and numerous professional events, the course has a great pedigree and a tour-ready presentation

year-round. The team led by head greenkeeper Jauquin Ruiz, who arrived in 2018 from Royal Madrid and The Grove, presents a stunning course year-round, priding themselves of having the greens and tees in play year-round. The course will welcome professionals back in the next 1218 months too with the Yorkshire PGA and a women’s PGA event to be hosted by the club, while

regular opens and a range of packages for visiting groups ensure there is always a great atmosphere around the club. Away from the golf course, Owston Hall is also home to a luxurious hotel, spa and leisure facilities as well as first-class dining and events. Owston Hall, Owston, Doncaster, DN69JF, tel 01302 722 800, www.owstonhall.com

NORTHERN GOLFER 39

YORKSHIRESPECIAL THIRSK & NORTHALLERTON GOLF CLUB The classic English parkland layout at Thirsk & Northallerton is a fun challenge for players of all abilities. Stretching back to 6,564 yards, it will test the best players from the back tees with its mix of demanding driving holes and tight approaches. Many of the greens present equally stern challenges, particularly when the pins are tucked away behind bunkers and into the smallest corners. While the more generous fairways allow you to let loose with driver before requiring an accurate approach to a narrow green, far narrower tee shots through corridors of ancient trees reward those who find the fairway. There is a great deal of risk and reward here, making for an enjoyable round on every visit. Played from the forward tees, the course is equally as much fun with the chance to take on challenging shots and plenty of opportunities to plot your way around. Despite being more than 100 years old, the club is continuing to improve the golf course year-on-year with investment in machinery and drainage proving a great success recently. Thirsk & Northallerton Golf Club Northallerton Road, Thirsk, YO7 4AB tel 01845 525 115, www.tngc.co.uk

RICHMOND (YORKS) GOLF CLUB

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YORKSHIRESPECIAL

RICHMOND (YORKS) GOLF CLUB One of the shortest courses on our list, Richmond Golf Club makes up for its lack of length with a mix of five stunning par threes, which may well be the best mix of short holes in the region. The key to good scoring at Richmond, which was founded in 1892 and has been situated on

the current site at Bend Hagg on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales since 1904, is a sensible approach from the tee and a hot putter. The undulating greens offer a great deal of defence. The finishing hole at Richmond offers a great story for the end of every visit. A par three played through a narrow gap in the thick

RIPON CITY GOLF CLUB • Perfect venue for visiting parties and societies Beautiful parkland course • Superb greens • Spectacular views

trees to a green sitting on the edge of the clubhouse veranda; birdies are met with warm applause, while not making it out of the trees may result in a few laughs from your playing partners. Richmond (Yorks) Golf Club Bend Hagg, Richmond, DL10 5EX tel 01748 823 231 www.richmondyorksgolfclub.co.uk

LATEST VISITOR FEEDBACK “GREENS ARE EXCELLENT, STAFF AND MEMBERS FRIENDLY. PLAYED MOST COURSES IN THIS NECK OF THE WOODS, THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST.”

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SPRING OPENS

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Palace Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3HH NORTHERN GOLFER 41

YORKSHIRESPECIAL RIPON CITY GOLF CLUB Set in beautiful parkland, the 6,084-yard course at Ripon City Golf Club aims to challenge players of all abilities while offering a number of scoring opportunities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a very friendly welcome. The rolling Yorkshire landscape provides natural elevation changes and frames many of the holes, while a combination of water and bunkers will punish players who are too aggressive or find themselves out of position. The finest example of this is found at the par three 14th. This 162-yard hole is played over water to a green protected by a bunker at the front left corner. Members and visitors in the clubhouse behind make this even more daunting. Improvements to the course in recent years have added to the classic English parkland design, while maintaining the original style of the course and its architecture. The newly redesigned first and 18th will be fully in play in April and the new balcony on the clubhouse will provide the perfect place to relax after your round. Ripon City Golf Club, Palace Road Ripon, HG4 3HH. Tel 01765 603 640 www.riponcitygolfclub.com

WINTER GREEN FEE ONLY ÂŁ15

May 2019 Next month we will be taking a look at some of our favourite stay and play venues for 2019 To be part of this special feature contact

Contact: Doug Brolls E: doug@offstonepublishing.co.uk T: 07721 031 482

GROUP BOOKINGS 1 IN 8 GOES FREE BOOK NOW - 01845 525 115 www.tngc.co.uk 42 NORTHERN GOLFER

Golf breaks from ÂŁ99 Quote Promo Code OH19NE to receive a 15% discount Owston, Doncaster DN6 9JF 01302 722800 reservations@owstonhall.com www.owstonhall.com

GOLFERGEAR

New season, new gear The golf season is finally here and there is a lot of new equipment to get your hands on before heading out onto the course. This month we have new apparel from PING and Callaway, footwear from ECCO, trolleys from PowaKaddy and Motocaddy, putters from TaylorMade, the new Titleist Pro V1 and more, including a look into the bags of Francesco Molinari and Rory McIlroy

SUMMER LOVIN’

PING SS19 Apparel Collection RRP: Various www.ping.com

PING has unveiled its 2019 Spring/Summer apparel ranges for men and women, which take their inspiration from the company’s heritage in Arizona and for the first time feature innovative Sensor Cool Cotton, which is engineered with COOLMAX fabric for enhanced comfort and feel. The collection is inspired by the rich colours and natural landscape of Sedona, Arizona and features a Sedona Sunrise theme, which encapsulates the natural gradients found in the desert state. Innovative Sensor Cool Cotton features in many of the garments in the new collection to deliver exceptional softness and comfort as COOLMAX fibres move moisture away from the body, keeping the skin temperature low and enabling the wearer to feel cooler and more comfortable during the round. You can view the full SS19 range on the website.

44 NORTHERN GOLFER

INCY WINCY SPIDER

TaylorMade Spider X putters RRP: 299 www.taylormadegolf.co.uk The putter which propelled Rory McIlory’s sensational start to the season, including his win at The Players, is now available in the UK. TaylorMade’s new Spider X line, the 10th generation of the Spider putter, features a new True Path alignment system along with a new weighting system, which includes aluminium (2g), steel (6g) and tungsten (12g) options. The new alignment system has been developed using 10,000 pieces of data from a series of 12ft putts. Results showed that golfers strike the ball toward the toe of the putter 66% of the time. As a result, the putter head has been re-engineered while introducing a new alignment system – True Path – for easier alignment, leading to more putts struck on the centre of the face.

GOLFERGEAR

HOT WHEELS

PowaKaddy Compact C2i GPS RRP: from £699.99 www.powakaddy.co.uk

PowaKaddy will add to its trolley range this summer with the introduction of the Compact C2i GPS model. The C2i was the fastest-selling electric trolley of all-time when it was launched in 2017 and new for 2019, PowaKaddy has expanded its ultra-compact offering to include fully integrated GPS in the Compact C2i. The C2i GPS is compatible with PowaKaddy’s new Mobile App allowing golfers to update course maps on the go, with the trolley coming pre-loaded with over 38,000 golf courses worldwide - no annual fees or subscriptions are required. The C2i also incorporates the Simple-2-fold mechanism to ensure that the Compact C2i folds to 20% smaller than its nearest competitor. Meanwhile, PowaKaddy has also unveiled details of its latest bag line-up with the Dri Edition Cart Bag (RRP £229.99), Premium Edition Cart Bag (RRP £179.99), Deluxe Edition Cart Bag (RRP £149.99) and X-Lite Edition Cart Bag (RRP £119.99) available this summer.

ALL-WEATHER PERFORMANCE BIG MAX AQUA bag range RRP: from £249.90 www.bigmaxgolf.com

The award-winning AQUA bag range from BIG MAX is getting two new designs for 2019. The brand’s Drop-Stop system guarantees the bags are 100% waterproof with sealed seams, Japanese waterproof zippers and fabric with a waterproof rating of 10,000 mm. Ultra-lightweight, tear resistant materials complete the construction of each bag in the line-up, which features the AQUA V-4 and AQUA Style 2. The AQUA V-4 features a V-Lock organiser top to keep your woods organised and within easy reach along with 14 full length dividers, nine waterproof pockets, a hybrid putter/umbrella well, two cooler pockets, glove and towel holder, umbrella holder, transport handles and generous 10-inch top. The AQUA Style 2 combines storage space and a 14-way divider top while weighing just 2.1kg. Meanwhile, BIG MAX has also unveiled the TI One Push Cart – a three-wheel cart packed with technology which has an RRP of £169.99.

TOP TECH

Callaway Swing Tech Apparel RRP: Various www.callawayapparel.com

Callaway has launched new Swing Tech apparel for men and women, which aims to combine athletic performance, a classic fit and game-changing innovation. The range aims to maximise stretch to allow players to move more thanks to SWING TECH – which has changed how garments are constructed to create greater flexibility. The range features a number of polos, shorts and outerwear.

NORTHERN GOLFER 45

GOLFERGEAR

NEW LOOK

Motocaddy 2019 range rrp: from £499.99 www.motocaddy.com Motocaddy has released details of its upgraded S1 and S7 REMOTE models along with the new Z1 push model. The S1 has received a significant upgrade, while maintaining the reliable construction and signature frame design. Upgrades include modernised styling and eye-catching graphics along with a new high-resolution, sunlight friendly LCD screen offering nine-speeds plus advanced battery meter and speed indicators. Meanwhile, the new S7 REMOTE model features improved controls thanks to a new drive system and the brand’s Automatic Downhill Control, which adjusts to maintain a constant speed while moving down a gradient and is more energy efficient than its predecessor. Motocaddy has also unveiled the new Z1 push model - enhancing the choice of non-powered trolleys, which also includes the CUBE CONNECT, the compact CUBE and the quick-folding P1. Motocaddy has also unveiled the versatile AquaFLEX stand bag for 2019, which is also designed to fit onto your Motocaddy while being 100% waterproof and super-lightweight at just 2.2kg.

NEW BALLS, PLEASE

Titleist ProV1 And ProV1X RRP: £52 www.titleist.co.uk

The new Titleist ProV1 and ProV1X are now available. The latest versions of the most popular ball on worldwide tours have been designed to leave the clubface with more ball speed and lower long game spin for more distance, while providing ultimate short game control to help golfers shoot lower scores. Innovations in Titleist’s multicomponent technology and precision manufacturing process have combined to deliver the new models, which are available for the first time in white and yellow. Innovations include a 17% thinner Urethane Elastomer cover system and a new core to help boost ball speed even further.

46 NORTHERN GOLFER

GOLFERGEAR CONTINUING TO EVOLVE

ECCO GOLF BIOM Hybrid 3 range RRP: from £170 www.eccoshoesuk.com

ECCO GOLF has added several new styles to its men’s and women’s BIOM Hybrid 3 range with the GORE-TEX waterproof design now available in a range of Spring/Summer colour combinations. Featuring the groundbreaking TRI-FI-GRIP outsole, the shoe is the latest evolution of the brand’s best-selling franchise. TRIFI-GRIP ensures multi-purpose zonal performance through three segments - one for stability, another for durability and a third for rotational support. The shoes also feature an ECCO Racer Yak leather upper with supreme breathability and durability, 100% GORETEX waterproof protection, the option of a BOA closure system for optimum fit, and BIOM NATURAL MOTION technology, which brings the player closer to the ground while offering an anatomical last shape with superb cushioning and advanced support.

IN THE BAG with Arnold Palmer Invitational winner Francesco Molinari

Francesco Molinari made his first start as a Callaway staffer at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, filling his bag with a full Callaway setup and putting the clubs to good effect as he lifted the trophy. Francesco posted rounds of 69, 70, 73 and 64 for a 12 under-par winning total, which included a hole-in-one on Thursday, eight birdies on Sunday and a 44ft birdie putt on the 72nd hole to seal victory. Here’s what was in his bag…

X MARKS THE SPOT

TaylorMade TP5 Pix balls RRP: TBC www.taylormadegolf.co.uk

TaylorMade has unveiled the latest version of its TP5 range of golf balls – the TP5 Pix – which features a multi-coloured pattern of X-shaped images to improve putting and allow players to see the golf ball’s rotation – particularly around and on the greens. The red and yellow has been developed with the help of researchers at Indiana University and follows in the footsteps of balls like Callway’s Truvis ball.

Driver: Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero (9°), Fujikura Ventus 6X shaft Fairway: Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero (13.5°), Fujikura Ventus 6X shaft Utility: Callaway Apex Hybrid (20°), UST Mamiya shaft 4 iron: Callaway Apex Pro, True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100 shaft Irons: Callaway Apex MB 18 (5PW), True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100 shafts Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy 4 (50°, 56°, 60°), True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100 shafts Putter: Odyssey Toulon Madison Stroke Lab Ball: Callaway Chrome Soft X

NORTHERN GOLFER 47

GOLFERGEAR GO THE DISTANCE

IN THE BAG

Bushnell PRO XE RRP: £449.99 www.bushnellgolf.com

with The Players Championship winner Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy capped his superb start to 2019 with victory in the PGA Tour’s flagship event, The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in March. McIlroy posted rounds of 67, 65, 70 and 70 en-route to the title, which adds to his T4 at the Sentry Tournament of Champions, T5 at the Farmers Insurance Open, T4 at the Genesis Open, second place finish at the World Golf ChampionshipsMexico Championship and T6 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Here’s what was in his bag at Sawgrass… Driver: TaylorMade M5 (9°), Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro White 70 TX Fairway wood: TaylorMade M5 (19°), Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro White 90 TX 2 iron: TaylorMade P790, Project X Rifle 6.5 3&4 iron: TaylorMade P750, Project X Rifle 7.0 Irons: TaylorMade “Rors Proto” P730 (5-9), Project X Rifle 7.0 Wedges: TaylorMade Milled Grind (48°), TaylorMade MG Hi-Toe (54° & 60°), Project X Rifle 6.5 Putter: TaylorMade Spider X Ball: TaylorMade TP5

48 NORTHERN GOLFER

Bushnell has launched its latest and most innovative laser rangefinder, the Pro XE. The new device introduces Slope with Elements, a technology that takes Bushnell’s compensated distances to the next level thanks to its ability to incorporate temperature and altitude data – giving golfers the most precise compensated distances ever through a new Slope Algorithm. The latest Bushnell design also features the brand’s PinSeeker with Visual JOLT Technology, which makes picking out the flag easier. The Pro XE is capable of finding ranges of more than 500 yards and is accurate to within one yard.

NEXT GENERATION

GolfBuddy W10 GPS watch and Voice 2 GPS RRP: Various www.golfbuddy.co.uk GolfBuddy has introduced the latest generation of its golf GPS devices – the aim W10 GPS watch and the Voice 2 GPS. The aim W10 GPS watch is GolfBuddy’s most advanced smart golf GPS watch yet and features a full colour touch screen, zoom in feature, in-depth hole view with dual arc distance and distances to front, centre, back and hazards. The watch also includes a digital scorecard; downloads automatic course updates via Bluetooth; has a battery life of 13 hours in GPS mode; and is capable of casting to a smart phone. The Voice 2 GPS combines the brand’s advanced GPS technology with unmatched simplicity of use. The Voice 2 features audio distances to front, centre and back of the green along with a visual display. All GolfBuddy GPS systems have access to a library of 40,000 courses worldwide.

EASTER GIVEAWAY

GOLFERTIPS

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

WALK THE LINE This is a great drill to promote a nice crisp strike with your iron shots. Take a piece of chalk and draw a line on the range mat at right angles to your ballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s target line. Setup with the club against the line, making sure you have the correct ball position for the relevant club. All you have to do now is focus on striking just on the hole side of that line. This will help you instinctively create a powerful impact position and get your weight shifting better through the ball.

50 NORTHERN GOLFER

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NORTHERN GOLFER 51

GOLFERPROMOTIONS

win Northern Golfer competitions are also listed on our website www.northerngolfer.co.uk/ competitions Alternatively, you can post your entry to: Competitions, Northern Golfer, Unit One, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL Please include your contact details and telephone number. Closing date Thursday May 2, 2019. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

WIN A GALVIN GREEN DIEGO INSULA JACKET WITH XGOLF XGolf, the Wynyard-based golf fashion retailer which is home to brands including Galvin Green, Hugo Boss, J Lindeberg and Adidas, is offering you the chance to win a smart half-zip Galvin Green Diego jacket (RRP £104.95) featuring INSULA fabric, which combines exceptional breathability with thermal regulation to produce the ideal pullover for golf played in cooler conditions. For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Who won the 2019 Players Championship?

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT ARCOT HALL GOLF CLUB

WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT CHESTER-LE-STREET GOLF CLUB

The James Braid-designed layout at Arcot Hall Golf Club remains one of Northumberland’s finest parkland layouts.

Set in the shadow of Lumley Castle, the parkland layout at Chester-leStreet is a strategic test of golfing ability.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Who won the Masters Tournament at Augusta National in 2018?

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

Congratulations to last month’s competition winners: Beamish - Julian Christopher of Wall George Washington - Craig King of South Shields • Prudhoe - Malcolm Black of Gosforth

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www.golf-escapes.com/book-package/?id=36384 52 NORTHERN GOLFER

from the

bunker

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! The wintery weather may have been fleeting for much of the region but it did yield this picture from Peter Whitlock (left) and Jim Westgarth of Prudhoe Golf Club. Peter wrote to tell us: “It was only -6° that day and we are both renowned for wearing our shorts, no matter what the weather. I hope this picture makes people smile… as we are both mad!” It certainly raised a smile in the office Peter.

Our Congratulations to Alan and Mavis Cross from Leeds Golf Club, who will celebrate 70 years of marriage this June and 80 years of combined membership at the club. Alan and Mavis joined together in 1978 and while Mavis retired from playing last year, 91-year-old Alan continues to play at least three times a week.

We seem to have hit a rich vein of interesting club achievements in recent months; the latest comes from Morpeth Golf Club member Jim Paxton. Playing in a seniors’ winter competition, nine-handicapper Jim managed to record five twos – one at each of the course’s par threes as well as one at the shortened par four 16th. Fantastic golf Jim. If anyone reading this has come across a similar feat, or anything else you would like to share with us, email editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

Another rare golfing feat this month, this time from Ramside Golf Club’s Douglas Wright. Douglas, 73, has completed a full set of aces on Ramside’s Prince Bishops Course by acing the 172-yard 15th hole with a seven iron in March. Douglas has previously aced the third, seventh and 10th holes on the Prince Bishops Course, along with the 15th hole at Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club. Congratulations Douglas – a great achievement.

Finally, an update from Twitter from our Tour Life columnist Chris Paisley, who has made a change to his team. Chris Paisley (@ChrisPaisley86): Today marks the end of an era. Can’t thank @ChamonixSean65 enough for his hard work, patience, and friendship over the past four and a half years. We’ve had lots of highs and lows and he’s been with me through every single one. Thank you Sean. Chris will have former tour player Jason Palmer on the bag going forward. 54 NORTHERN GOLFER

Those looking to flex their muscles on the driving range should head to Close House this season for a series of Long Drive Championship events using the TopTracer technology at the PGA Academy. Events take place on April 24, May 28, June 25, July 24, August 28 and September 25. Each event will start at 6.15pm, with registration from 5.30pm. To sign up, signal your intention to attend on the event page on Facebook. The entry fee of £10 is payable on the night and you can enter as many events as you like. The top two players from each event will qualify for the Grand Final at the end of the year. For further information, email craig.wright@ closehouse.co.uk Congratulations to Simon Mulholland (pictured above with Close House’s Jonathan Greenwood), winner of the first qualifier in February.

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