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September 2016
Becki misses out on Emotional Downing’s joy long drive showdown at ‘biggest thing I’ve won’ BIG-HITTING Becki O’Grady just missed out on a trip to Oklahoma after being beaten in the semi-final of the American Golf Long Drive Championships at High Legh, Cheshire. The four handicapper, who is Howley Hall’s lady captain, went out to defending UK champion and Wearside professional Rebecca McGinley, who produced an incredible drive of 311 yards. McGinley went on to place third in the world last year after being crowned UK champion. O’Grady was introduced to the game by her father, who took her to a taster session at Sand Moor, where former Tour player Peter Tupling saw her potential. She went on to gain county and international caps before being forced out of the game for eight years by back and shoulder injuries. In the run-up to the final she was registering hits of up to 290 yards but knew she would need a career-best distance to oust McGinley from the top spot. She said: “I had a brilliant day. The whole experience is something I can’t wait to do again. I loved being filmed for Sky Sports and can’t wait to see the highlights show. “I’m proud of my performance, although it was the most nervous I’ve been with a golf club in my hand. “I came third in the preliminary rounds and won my quarter final knockout match. I then faced the
reigning champion in the semi-final and unfortunately got knocked out by her 311-yard drive. “Of course I couldn’t have done it without my husband Darren and Helen Simpson who were there from start to finish, supporting and cheering me on, and thank you also to all my family and friends for all their support and encouragement. Bring on 2017.”
YORKSHIRE’S Clive Downing completed an emotional rollercoaster when he won the England Golf Gold Medal to become the men’s handicap golfer of the year. Downing, from Hillsborough Golf Club, had a net score of four-under 68 on the Red course at Frilford Heath in Oxfordshire – and came off the course in tears, revealing: “It’s been an emotional day because my wife has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.” His wife, Jane, who was diagnosed in the last few weeks, accompanied him to the championship and walked the last nine holes as he played his way to success. “It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever won in golf,” said Downing, who was playing off six handicap. “It’s been fantastic and everyone has been so supportive of Jane.” He finished two shots ahead of a group of three players who had net scores of two-under 70 – Graham Anstey (The Kendleshire), Darren Booker (Tadmarton Heath) and Roman Toloczko (Scraptoft). The host club’s William Ayres took fifth place on 73. The Gold Medal was open to the 2015 medal winners at English golf clubs and Downing was originally third reserve for the final, but once he got his place he made no mistakes. He went round in a gross score of two-over par 74, which he described as “fantastic”, especially after a disappointing practice round. Downing’s short game was bril-
Reflecting on success... Clive Downing with the Gold Medal trophy. Picture courtesy Leaderboard Photography. liant, with a chip-in on the long sixth for an eagle three and two long putts holed, both from off the green. He enjoys medal golf, commenting: “It’s a good test of mind and character building. I had a double bogey but then came back par, par.” Hanging Heaton’s Joe Ratcliffe tied for seventh with a net 75, two shots ahead of his clubmate Scott
Colquhoun. On the same mark as Colquhoun was Malton & Norton’s Jonny Dunning, who in turn was a shot better than Brian Fisher from Pontefract and District. who tied for 19th place with a 79. Further down the field were Richard Seels from The Oaks (82), Romanby’s Neil Atkinson (79), Eric Welburn from Ganton (85) and Matthew Ryder from Skipton(87).
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September 2016
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Young Fitz is England star in conquest of Scotland ALEX FITZPATRICK helped England Boys to victory in the Home Internationals at Ballyliffin Golf Club in Donegal. The Hallamshire youngster and his partner Callum Farr secured a crucial point in the morning foursomes as England defeated the holders Scotland 9-6 in the deciding match. The win saw Derek Hughes’ side regain the trophy they narrowly lost to the same opponents 12 months ago in Wales. “Everyone played their part this week and that’s very satisfying,” said the team captain. “It was a hard-fought win, as it always is against Scotland. We always seem to have a good tight match and winning the foursomes 4-1 proved decisive.” England have now won the under18 team event 15 times in the last 20 years. The foundations of the latest victory were laid in the morning foursomes, when they took a 4-1 lead into lunch. In the top match, Matty Lamb and Oliver Clarke set the tone with their 6&5 win over Jamie Stewart and Scottish Boys’ champion Eric
McIntosh. Although Scotland’s Ben Ferguson and Rory Franssen responded quickly with a 3&2 win against Charlie Strickland and John Gough, England claimed the final three foursomes with wins from Fitzpatrick and Farr, Toby Briggs and Dan O’Loughlin and Michael Gilbert and Harry Goddard. As the sun made its first appearance of the week, it meant Scotland required something special in the singles. All afternoon the scoreboard suggested the 2015 champions had an outside chance of overturning the foursomes deficit but it proved to be a bridge too far. Strickland put in another leading performance in the top match to deny Stewart 4&2. Ferguson then demonstrated Scotland’s battling qualities in the second match. After being two down with eight to play he took Lamb to the 18th and won the final hole to secure a halved match. McIntosh defeated Gough 3&2 but Clarke responded for England with a narrow one-hole win over Franssen. Darren Howie then replied for
Alex Fitzpatrick, front second right, with the winning England team. Picture courtesy the R&A Scotland with his one-hole win against Goddard, this year’s SE Group Junior Champion, illustrating the ebb and flow nature of the afternoon. Hughes’ side edged closer to the magic number when Briggs won 3&1 against Marc Watts, winner of this year’s Paul Lawrie Junior event. England secured the winning point when Farr was dormie two up on Sam Locke playing the 17th and halved the hole in par to win his match 2&1 and let the celebrations begin. In the lower order, English Boys’ Open Amateur Stroke Play champion Angus Flanagan halved with Graeme Greer, while Michael Lawrie, son of the 1999 Champion Golfer of the
Pyman’s Pointers In our new feature, Iain Pyman lends his expertise to improving the game of senior and lady golfers in particular How to promote a good swing path without a full shoulder turn….. Restricted flexibility in senior players both men and ladies - often means that a full shoulder turn is not completed, which in turn promotes an out-to-in swing path. The most common result is then a slice. But keeping your back to the target for a few seconds longer as you start your downswing will help promote an in-toout swing path which will help to draw the ball and also deliver a higher launch angle and longer carry with your driver. Pyman’s Theories brought to you by the Iain Pyman Golf Academy at Howley Hall Golf Club. Visit www.iainpaymangolf.co.uk or call Iain on 07813 971937. Look out for another great tip in next month’s issue
Year Paul, defeated Fitzpatrick, brother of European Tour player Matt, by one hole. England will defend their title on home soil at St Annes Old Links in Lancashire next year. ENGLAND Toby Briggs (Dunston Hall), Oliver Clarke (Hillside), Callum Farr (Priors Hall), Alex Fitzpatrick (Hallamshire), Angus Flanagan (St George’s Hill), Michael Gilbert (Chelmsford), Harry Goddard (Hanbury Manor), John Gough (Stoke Park), Matty Lamb (Hexham), Dan O’Loughlin (Ruddington Grange), Charlie Strickland (Ham Manor).
■ YORKSHIRE’S Charlie Daughtrey and Barclay Brown played leading roles as England’s U16 boys began their 2016 campaign against the other home countries with a resounding 15-
5 win over Wales at Newport Golf Club. Daughtrey was unbeaten with two wins and a half, including a foursomes win with Brown, who also claimed two points from a possible three. England U16 team manager Nick Over commented: “The boys excelled in the final round of singles after what was a close initial opening round. “This is a good result, with a number of younger players featuring for England, and it bodes well for the future.” ENGLAND Barclay Brown, 15, (Hallamshire); Dominic Clemons, 14, (Gog Magog); Charlie Daughtrey, 15, (Rotherham); Matthew Freeman, 15, (Worksop); Conor Gough, 13, (Stoke Park); Charlie Hilton, 15, (Ifield); Hugo Kedzlie, 15, (Spalding); Charlie Salter, 16, (Northamptonshire County).
September 2016
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Lindrick trio set out to win the cup for Europe Dewsbury pair make history DEWSBURY District’s Eileen Hogan, left, and Janet Pearson added another milestone for the club in its 125th anniversary year by capturing the Yorkshire Ladies County Golf Association Foursomes at Knaresborough. They triumphed over a field of 82 pairs from six Yorkshire qualifying events with a par equalling nett 75. After an anxious wait of more than three hours Eileen (29 handicap) and Jan (26) received the Clifford Trophy to become the first DDGC winners in the trophy’s 48-year history.
Family affair BONDHAY father and son Paul and Daniel Plant scored 47 points to finish second in England Golf’s first PING Family Fourball championship at Gainsborough – while, Paul’s wife Amanda partnered the couple’s other son, Adam, 15. Paul said: “We never pushed the boys to play but they started when they were five and seven. We just go out and enjoy it.” Daniel, 17, is the Bondhay junior captain.
THREE Lindrick members are in the European Ryder Cup team that will take on the USA at Hazeltine later this month (September 30). It is the first time a triumvirate from the same club has made the side in the history of the 89-year-old event, after Lee Westwood was named as a captain’s pick to join Lindrick colleagues Danny Willett and Matt Fitzpatrick. Club professional John King, who is a former coach of Westwood’s, said: “It’s a great achievement for the guys and a great achievement for the club – something very unique in the history of golf.
“It is even more remarkable when you realise all three are normal members who pay their subs like everyone else. “None of them is a honorary member and I suppose that’s the strength and culture of Lindrick – a great course, history, tradition and a fantastic atmosphere and fellowship amongst the membership. “We are all very proud and I’m sure when the competition starts there will be some long nights in the clubhouse cheering the lads on and hoping that ‘Lindrick’ can win the Cup for Europe.” Lindrick is no stranger to Ryder
The Lindrick trio, from left, Lee Westwood, Matt Fitzpatrick and Danny Willett, at the EurAsia Trophy earlier this year. Cup history, having staged the competition in 1957, the last time the trophy was ever won by a team made up solely of Great Britain and Ireland players. The link is strengthened by former club professional Pete Cowen, who
along with his right hand man Mike Walker coach half of the European side. And John Jacobs, who captained Europe’s Ryder Cup team on two occasions, was born a mere seven iron from the famous course.
Key role for Tykes in double bronze haul YORKSHIRE golfers played key roles as England’s senior men and women pulled off a double when both won bronze medals in the European team championships. The men, playing at the Diners Club in Slovenia, beat Italy 3-2; the women, playing at Sierra Golf Club in Poland, defeated Sweden 3.5-1.5.
Stephen East from Wike Ridge put the men en route to the bronze medal when he polished off his singles 7/6, playing the 12 holes in five-under par. “He played quite brilliantly,” said captain Roy Smethurst. The women, captained by Huddersfield’s Pat Wrightson, were top seeds in their championship and
defeated the Netherlands in the quarter-finals before they were beaten in the semis, losing to Belgium. The bronze medal play-off pitted them against Sweden and the match started with a tight foursomes, but Leicestershire’s Helen Lowe and Richmond’s Karen Jobling played par golf to win 3/2 and set England on the
path to the medal. Wrightson said: “The standard of golf has increased significantly this year and the all the matches in Flight One were a challenge. The England players dug deep to pull out their best golf to win the bronze medal after the disappointment of losing in the semi-final, having been leading qualifiers.”
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September 2016
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Bower joins England’s pursuit of world team championship MELTHAM’S Jamie Bower is on his way to Mexico as part of an England side that will compete in this month’s World Amateur Team Championships. Bower, 23, will team up with Amateur Champion Scott Gregory and Lytham Trophy winner Alfie Plant for the men’s Eisenhower Trophy. All three were members of the GB&I team which retained the St Andrews Trophy against the Continent of Europe in July and part of the England team which beat France in this season’s biennial international. The championship will be played at Mayakoba El Camaleion Golf Club in Riviera Maya from September 2124. Bower is one of the country’s leading amateurs, having won the English men’s open stroke play for the Brabazon Trophy and reached the last 16 in the Amateur Championship at Royal Porthcawl. Earlier this season he won twice in South Africa – in the Gauteng North Amateur and the Southern Cape Open – and was third in the African Open. He joins an illustrious list of names who have competed in the event, including Yorkshire’s Rodney Foster from Bradford and Scarborough’s Mike Kelley.
Jamie Bower...Mexico quest Foster teamed up with Michael Bonallack, Michael Lunt and Ronnie Shade to lift the trophy at Olgiata Golf Club in Rome in 1964, whilst Kelley was part of a victorious GB&I team at Penina in 1976. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy head a past players roster that also includes Rickie Fowler, Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia, Luke Donald, Phil Mickelson and Jack Nicklaus. The idea of a World Amateur
Team Championship and the World Amateur Golf Council grew out of a suggestion that the USGA received to consider the possibility of a team match between the USA and Japan in 1957. The USGA, which was fortunate to have received many such invitations from other countries, simply could not accept them all so instead suggested a team competition that would bring together the best players of all countries. In January 1958, the USGA Executive Committee approved in principle a plan for such a championship. That March, a group of USGA representatives, including USGA President John D. Ames, met with officials of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club to discuss the plan. St. Andrews was proposed as the site of the first championship later that year. The R&A joined in implementing the idea. In May, representatives of the national amateur golf associations of 35 countries attended a planning conference in Washington, D.C. and formed the World Amateur Golf Council. The council had 32 member organisations, and planned the first championship.
USA President Dwight D. Eisenhower received the delegates in the Rose Garden of the White House and consented to the naming of the championship prize as the Eisenhower Trophy. Eisenhower endorsed the concept, saying: “Both officially and personally, I am interested in the plan advanced by the USGA for an amateur team golf championship among nations. “I visualise it, as you do, as a potent force for establishing goodwill and friendship between yet another segment of the populations of nations.” The championship received yet another stroke of good luck when Bob Jones agreed to be captain of the first USA team. Jones had taken the first leg of his 1930 Grand Slam at St. Andrews by winning the British Amateur but 22 years had passed since he had last visited there.
The first championship was played on the Old Course of St. Andrews in October, 1958, and 115 players representing 29 countries took part. Australia won in a playoff with the USA. The lowest individual scores for the 72 holes were 301s by Bill Hyndman III of the USA, Bruce Devlin of Australia and Reid Jack of GB&I. Nicklaus, who represented the USA in 1960 at Merion Golf Club (East Course), in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, holds the 72-hole individual scoring record of 269, although individual champions are not recognised. The USA has prevailed in 13 of the 24 competitions and GB&I four times, while countries as diverse in the world of golf as Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Sweden have each captured the Eisenhower Trophy.
HUDDERSFIELD’S Megan ■ Lockett will make her Wales debut in the World Amateur Team
Golf Club and Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club, Riviera Maya. Lockett, 19, is the daughter of Cleckheaton professional Warren and has overcome scoliosis – which had left her with curvature of the spine in three places – thanks to the work done by her Birmingham University strength and conditioning coach Ray Jakeman.
Championship in Mexico. The former Yorkshire ladies champion has been rewarded for a fine season and will take her place in the Espirito Santo Trophy for the ladies teams this week (September 14-17) at Mayakoba El Camaleón
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September 2016
W
ITHIN easy driving distance of both Leeds and York, Scarthingwell Golf Course is situated just outside the village of Towton on the A162 which runs between Tadcaster and Sherburn-in-Elmet; just 10 minutes drive from the A1M and M1 motorways. Scarthingwell is a beautiful setting for a leisurely round of golf. With its strategically placed bunkers, intriguing elevations of competitions, which changes and sharp doglegs you need to be playing well to include very popular mixed events. register a good score. There is also a well-estabAfterwards, why not enjoy lished Seniors’ Section, which a drink in the bar and a game meets each Wednesday, as of snooker? well as a developing Juniors’ An easy-walking 18-hole Section in which the parents course, Scarthingwell is set in of young golfers are encourtranquil rural surroundings aged to become involved. and has become well estabThe club also participates lished since its opening in in competitions organised by 1990, providing a fair test for the York Union and provided golfers of all abilities, as well the President of the York as gaining a reputation for its Union in 2005. friendly and informal atmosThe best way to appreciate phere. all the facilities that The course is owned and Scarthingwell Golf Course managed by members of the has to offer is by becoming a Pick family, who developed member and enjoying full the site from jointly-owned access to all weekly and periland in the early 1990s and odic competitions as well as still live nearby, having the range of social events. farmed in the area since 1925. Visitors are also very welEach of the partners plays come on a ‘pay and play’ an active role in the day-tobasis with some very competday operation of the golf course and at least one partner itive and affordable regular offers. is usually on-site at most All visitors must abide times of the day. by Course Rules and Dress The Head Greenkeeper at Code and by the General Scarthingwell is John Waite, Rules of Golf and all guests who has held the position are welcome to use the facilisince 1995. ties in the Spikes Bar before Together with his three and after their round of golf. assistants, John works closely with the owners in maintaining the excellent standard of MAJOR point of difthe course. ference between An annual subscription Scarthingwell and the provides membership of majority of other golf clubs Scarthingwell Golf Club and nationally is the catering the opportunity to play the facilities. course at any time, subject to Not only as a visitor do the usual booking arrangevisitors have full access to ments. The Spikes Bar with its patios Scarthingwell Golf Club overlooking the 18th green, operates under the auspices of but there is also The the family-owned Dintingdale Restaurant; a Scarthingwell Golf Course well-known and respected and the club’s Membership eatery in the local area. Committee organises a vast Open 5 days a week, array of competitions both for Wednesday to Sunday, it is members and external visitors the perfect venue for intimate alike and provides handicaps meals for two, as well as wedunder the aegis of the relevant dings, parties and family celegoverning bodies. brations. The flourishing Ladies’ Located on the first floor and Gentlemen’s Sections of the Clubhouse with extentake pride in the warm welsive views over the course come extended to new memand the surrounding Vale of bers and the extensive range York stretching between York
A
Family roots keep Scarthingwell on track for future and Leeds, Dintingdale Restaurant takes its name from the nearby site of a skirmish between Yorkist and Lancastrian forces on the day before the infamous and bloody Battle of Towton on Palm Sunday 1461. The area is now a haven of rural tranquillity, providing the perfect backdrop to our tempting menus. As befits a restaurant run by a family with almost 100 years of farming heritage, the club is deeply committed to high quality food, using only the freshest ingredients
sourced from local producers wherever possible. Under the watchful eye of Head Chef Phil Dawson, the dedicated kitchen team creates mouth-watering modern British dishes, using the highest quality produce, locally sourced wherever possible. Menus are complemented by an extensive wine list that has been compiled to suit all paletes and our well-trained and helpful waiting staff are always on hand to assist with recommendations where requested.
y e e d e , e h n e s
Scarthingwell is an easy-walking course in the beautiful Vale of York just outside the village of Towton. Above, the luxurious lounge
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September 2016 A beautiful setting: Through the apple tree branches towards the 9th green
SCARTHINGWELL GOLF COURSE Scarthingwell, A162 Nr Tadcaster, LS24 9PF 01937 557878 www.scarthingwellgolf.co.uk
Academy caters for all needs O
NE OF the more recent additions to the businesses portfolio is that of the Scarthingwell Academy. The management believe that playing consistent golf means keeping it simple. The club’s PGA professional Simon Danby and Academy Director Tony Howarth will help aspirational golfers to refine their game through personalised programmes resulting in simple, focused steps that golfers of any ability can take to improve their swing, strategy and ultimately, their score. A new indoor studio consisting of video bay and putting area allows the coaches to deliver video lessons and short game sessions all year round from 9.00am to 9.00pm, whatever the weather. Scarthingwell have also created the Academy Course Tees, which play the
SCARTHINGWELL – THE COURSE Hole 1 – par 4 – 430 yards You can open your shoulders on the first, a wide open fairway which doglegs right. Watch out for the bunker through the back of the green. Hole 2 – par 4 – 395 yards Straight on, which feels tight to the left although it opens up beyond the initial row of trees. A gentle uphill rise to an inviting green protected by a frontleft bunker. Hole 3 – par 4 – 430 yards Another inviting driving hole, which looks like you
same fairways and greens as the full course. These tees allow all beginners young and old to play from distances starting at 50 yards. As their skills increase and ‘par’ scores are achieved, the beginners will progress through the levels until they can play from the regular Red and Blue tees on the golf course. The Academy tees make the game easier, quicker and more enjoyable for the beginners, allowing them to play alongside more experienced players without any fear of holding up play.
Our in-house professionals Academy Director and 2004 Sinclair Award Winner, Tony Howarth has over 25 years PGA experience and has taught all levels of golfers from European Tour and
could land a plane on it – hopefully not to be confused by amateur pilots with the former RAF Church Fenton nearby. There’s a big bunker smack in the middle of the fairway, plus others left and right of a big, inviting green. Hole 4 – par 3 – 153 yards First of the short holes and a nice big target, again hemmed in by bunkers at the side and with some subtle run-offs from the green. Hole 5 – 460/468 – par 4/5 Definitely one to play from the blues for higher handicappers and another generous driving hole, with a couple of fair-
Ladies Tour players to complete beginners. Head PGA Professional here at Scarthingwell, Simon started his professional career at the prestigious Alwoodley Golf Club in 1996 before moving to Scarthingwell in 2002 where he has helped to build one of the biggest junior sections in Yorkshire. For the complete beginners, they offer the opportunity to learn with a special one month ‘Get into Golf’ Programme. These packages allow the beginner to attend group sessions and to experience golf via fun based group sessions. During the summer months, these sessions are held on the practice facilities and through the winter months, sessions are held in the indoor studio, allowing people to enjoy their introduction to golf all year round!
way bunkers to negotiate plus the greenside traps on a twotiered putting surface. Hole 6 – par 5 – 531 yards A little bit more trouble to watch out for from the tee, on a sweeping dogleg left which should be respected. Uphill to the green at the closest point you’ll come to Towton. Besides bunkers this back-to-front sloping green has a pretty steep drop off in front, so watch out for approaches coming back to you. Hole 7 – par 4 – 278 yards A pretty hole, driveable in theory although you’ll almost certainly hit the sand protecting
the front. A good mid-iron or utility down the right side is the smart way to open up the sheltered green. Hole 8 – par 4 – 385 yards The water and trouble to the right shouldn’t come into play. Watch out for right-side fairway bunkers. The undulating green has just the one bunker but overhit approaches can find the run-offs. Hole 9 – par 3 – 157 yards Make sure you carry the bunker in front of a wide but not too deep green. Hole 10 – par 4 – 411 yards If you’re big and brave enough to carry the corner at 250 yards (with out of bounds all the way to it) then the water hazard 50 yards short of a green like an upturned pudding basin won’t come into it. Bail out right and you’ve a tough choice to make. Hole 11 – par 4 373 yards Again, tight on the left, with a ditch at about 170 yards. Your drive needs to be right half to take the left-hand greenside bunkers out of play. Hole 12 – par 3 - 146 yards The ring of bunkers provide the difficulty to a par 3 which plays 35 yards longer off the whites.
Fabulous food at The Dintingdale restaurant
Water comes into play on the tough 10th hole
Hole 13 – par 4 – 438 yards Stroke hole 1 down the far
outside easterly part of the course, again tight left, a pair of fairway bunkers, then a ditch which runs diagonally right-toleft at the greenside from about 100 yards out. Another pudding basin green, this one with a couple of elephants buried in it. Hole 14 – par 5 – 580 yards A handsome long hole with plenty of fairway to aim at, then a ditch 90 yards short of the green to make you think on your 2nd shot. For people trying to get home in two, the bunkers lurk behind the putting surface. Hole 15 – par 4- 324 yards Short par 4 with left hand bunker at 200 yards and right side at 280, then sand protecting the front left too.
Hole 16 – par 5 – 515 yards A dogleg left with a big tree guarding the corner, above the ditch, then a mid-fairway bunker awaiting second shot lay-ups. Greenside sand at front left and on the right. Hole 17 – par 4 – 365 yards This hole is a slight dogleg right, a good, honest par 4 which gives a scoring chance if your drive leaves you with a decent approach. Hole 18 – par 4/3 - 189/260 yards From the back tees going for glory is a dangerous option with trouble left. Even from blue tees as a par 3 this is to a huge and devilish, two-tiered kidney-shaped green in front of the clubhouse.
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September 2016
HOLE-IN-ONE MAGIC AT WEST YORKSHIRE COURSES
BRADFORD MOOR Golf Club husband and wife Frank and Sandra Eccles defied the odds to ace the same hole on consecutive days on their home course. Sandra, who plays off 12, was first to strike when she holed her tee shot on the 156 yards 14th hole whilst competing in the Kath Stead Trophy. It was the second ace of her career. Just a day later, 13 handicapper Frank followed suit on the same hole to record his first hole in one on his way to victory in the midweek Stableford competition.
Aces all... Andrew Wiltshire, Ian Maclaren, Kevin Potter and Howard White. MAYBE there’s something in the air, the water or the ale behind the bar that is responsible for the hole-in-one craze that is sweeping through Pontefract and District Golf Club. Scratch golfer Andy Wiltshire and fellow member Ian Maclaren, who plays off eight, defied odds spiralling into the millions when on the same day they both aced the par three, 213 yards seventh hole, which is ranked the fourth hardest on the course. Less than a month earlier, Kevin
Potter and Howard White also notched an incredible daily double whilst competing in the club championship weekend. Potter holed his tee shot on the 17th before White followed suit by acing the 14th, adding to a haul of no fewer than 10 holes-in-one recorded by members of the club so far this year . Club manager Malcolm Huddlestone said: “I have suggested that the club should start its own lottery syndicate.”
HEADINGLEY’S victorious team after beating Sand Moor to lift the Leeds & District 8-15 Knockout Cup. In the final, Bob Ashley and Alan Pirie won by one hole, John Bennett and Keith Bell triumphed 2&1 and James Tollefson and Rob Craven eased through by 5&3, with John Comiskey and Phil Charlton losing by one hole.
Maw’s luck turns as ace sets up EuroPro victory SHEFFIELD’S James Maw won the EuroPro Cobra Puma Championship by two strokes on 16 under after a final round which included a hole-inone at Hawkstone Park. Maw, who plays out of Rockliffe Hall, began the last 18 as one of four players tied for the lead on 10 under but got off to a flier with an ace at the second on the par-71 Championship course. He stumbled with a bogey at the fifth but put together an outstanding run of five birdies in six holes from the 10th, with some championshipwinning putting giving him distance from the field. By the time Maw played the last, he was two strokes clear of Curtis Griffiths (Wentworth) and three better than playing partner Chris Lloyd from The Kendleshire. “I feel very happy, it was about time I won one,” said Maw, who took home £10,000 along with a brand new Motocaddy S1 Lithium trolley, Bushnell Tour X Range Finder and Bolle sunglasses. “It was one of those days. When I had the hole in one at the second I thought maybe it was my day and holing putts from everywhere helps as well. “I putted well for the nine under first round, on Thursday I struggled a little bit in the afternoon and then in
James Maw... a change of luck the final round I putted very well. I was very aggressive – you can be here – and some of the scores this week do show that. If you can putt well, you’ll do well. “I looked at the leaderboards at every opportunity. I thought somebody might have caught up by the time I got to the ninth so it was nice to see they hadn’t and I could have a go. “I have had enough bad luck go against me in final round situations and you do need a little bit of luck on your side.” Maw climbs to sixth on the Race To Desert Springs Order of Merit, from which the top five at the end of the season earn a Challenge Tour card.
Knaresborough Golf Club Host to the Yorkshire Seniors’ Championship 2015 and Yorkshire Ladies Foursome Finals 2017 2017 Open Competitions
A championship parkland course in a stunning setting all year round
Winter Warmer Hot roll & coffee, 18 holes & main course meal £28 for groups of 8 or more Call us to book your tee time
Friday 21st July – Ladies Open Texas Scramble Sunday 30th July – Men’s Open Sunday 13th August – Mixed Open Thursday 17th August – Senior’s Open Thursday 7th September – Ladies Am-Am Knaresborough Golf Club Boroughbridge Road, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 0QQ Tel: 01423 862690 www.knaresboroughgolfclub.co.uk email: secretary@kgc.uk.com
September 2016
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? ANDY TAYLOR
I love the good life in Germany... but I can’t rule out coming home... THE name Taylor is synonymous with golf in the Huddersfield area but is now equally well-known in Northern Germany. Fixby stalwart Rodney Taylor is a prominent figure on and off the golf course and started the Brighouse-based Stromberg golf apparel brand 34 years ago. Stromberg is also a long-term sponsor of Woodsome Hall’s European Tour player and Yorkshire Golfer columnist Chris Hanson. But Rodney’s eldest son Andy Taylor has made a name for himself in the world of professional golf in the Hamburg area having moved there in 1994.
He played at Longley Park and Fixby before joining former PGA captain Parnell Reilly at Bradley Park and becoming qualified. Said Andy: “I saw an ad in the PGA magazine and it was quite the thing to do at the time. A lot of young pros left the UK for Germany and other places like Denmark. It felt like a great adventure.” He spent the first 10 years at the Golf & Country Club Treudelberg and gained a reputation as one of the top teaching professionals in the area, hosting workshops with the likes of Dennis Pugh and putting guru Geoff Mangum.
He then took the head professional’s job at Golf Resort Adendorf, south of Hamburg, before another spell at Treudelberg. Last year he teamed up with Paul Phillips, who hails from Essex, at Kitzeberg Golf Academy in Kiel and they have a burgeoning business putting the next generation of German golfers on the right path. Andy and his German wife Kirstin have two children, Emily, 12, and Bradley, 10, and enjoy a lifestyle he would find hard to replicate here. He added: “We have a good way of life in Germany and I have
done a lot of things in golf that I probably would never have had the chance to do back home, including making trips to China to look at opportunities in the golf travel market. “But I do miss home and especially the Yorkshire humour and Huddersfield Town. “I can’t rule out coming back home at some point but I would probably have to start at the bottom and work my way up. But never say never.” He stays in regular touch with his old Fixby golfing mates Mark England, John Lingard and Dean Stokes, who is now a realtor in Florida.
Ladies’ Open boost for charity
Andy Taylor at Kitzeberg Academy
THE ladies section at the Forest of Galtres Golf Club raised over £120 for the Lady Captain’s charity – Yorkshire Air Ambulance – by holding a raffle and providing cakes and refreshments at the halfway house during their Ladies’ Open competition. The results of the closely contested Tri-Am were: 1st - Ronnie Davison,Sonia Simpson and Sandra Linaker (all York) 82 points ( back nine, 40 points); 2nd - Val Eccles and Gill
Ward (both Forest Park) and Steph Jephson ( Easingwold) 82 points (back nine, 39 points); 3rd - Sue Bland, Pauline Bratten and Dorothy Hill (all Thirsk & Northallerton) 78 points; longest drive - Sonia Simpson (York); nearest the pin - Ronnie Davison (York). Next year’s Tri-Am Ladies’ Open will be on Thursday, September 7. Entry forms can be obtained from the secretary by emailing secretary@forestofgaltres.co.uk
Margaret Bradburn, Sue Procter, Sandra Wood and Sylvia Symmonds from the ladies section at Forest of Galtres.
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18
September 2016
CHRIS HANSON THE EUROPEAN TOUR BLOG
Czech damp squib ... but every penny counts
I
T’S BEEN a strange time of year, having had a two-week break after the Scottish Open and a similar lay-off after the King’s Cup in Thailand due to the way the ‘Majors’ have been scheduled around the Olympics. The Kings Cup was the smallest event on Tour and a 26-hour trip door-to-door, so I opted to pay £140 to guarantee exit row seats on the two seven-hour flights out. Coming home I can deal with the cramped seats but I wanted to be as fresh as possible. And I had the bonus in getting upgraded to business by Etihad on leg two. Bangkok is just too humid for me, as you are constantly wiping your hands and face, changing gloves, and drinking water by the bottle on every hole. If there was an exam in how the golf swing should look, not many Asian players would pass the test as they are all very individual. But there is one test most of them do pass and that’s scoring. The course played very short despite changing two of the par fives to par fours to make it more of a challenge. But the only real protec-
My group of supporters from Huddersfield who joined me in Prague. tion was the firm, small greens, which in parts were poor as the rainy season had washed away some areas. My game for two rounds was pretty average but still to miss the cut which fell at +1 when I should have been five under after five was disappointing. Not making it to the weekend and a guaranteed cheque is never easy to take but when I sit down at the end of the year I can say I gave myself the best chance by taking all the opportunities... “have clubs, will travel”! Up next was the Czech Masters, which held happy memories for me having played two years ago whilst
still on the Challenge Tour. I was joined by fellow Woodsome members Phil and Sheila Shaw and their son Greg Selbie.They very generously helped me out with my expenses for the week, which included staying at the official hotel, which was something of a luxury for me. To have support when you’re away means a lot and they were joined by my former Tour caddies Michael (Veggie) Appleyard from Bradley Hall and ex-Woodsome member Mike Ockenden and their respective wives Jackie and Lin. I felt my game was on the up and I was cruising at two under through 12 in the opening round but a couple
of three putts and two other soft bogeys led to a 74 and in 90th spot I was under pressure to make it through. The fast start I was looking for didn’t happen when I spun my approach back into the water on the first and then I found another hazard from the fourth tee and found myself way off the mark at +5. Then three shots down the eighth really changed the day and gave me new momentum after I fired a five iron from 200 yards to 15 feet off a great drive and made the putt. A textbook birdie at the turn gave me a fighting chance and then I made an up and down birdie on 12 after
bailing left from 270 yards to a green guarded by water. Standing on the 17th, I felt I needed to birdie the last two and took the aggressive line off the tee, which gave me a chance after a great six iron from 193 yards to seven feet. But when the putt slipped by I thought I was gone. Driver was not the play on the last but I had to go for broke and my best shot of the week left me 100 yards down breeze and I turned to Steve and said: “It’s a perfect yardage for the lob wedge... I could hole this.” I nailed it and saw it pitch three feet past and spin back, shaving the cup. So a tap-in birdie left me at +1 and with an agonising seven-hour wait before qualifying right on the mark at +1. I felt proud of the way I had knuckled down and dinner tasted even better that night. The positive momentum continued and at four under after 11 I started taking more shots on to improve my position. But a mis-hit three wood on 12 was the start of the unravelling en route to a 73. A rain-delayed last round of 74 felt like a damp squib in 77th spot. But every penny counts.
September 2016
19
PAUL BROWNING: Tributes paid to long-serving Low Laithes professional
A man ahead of his time P
AUL BROWNING, who was the face of Low Laithes Golf Club for 45 years, has retired after a lifetime of service at the club. ‘Brownski’ and Low Laithes were seemingly made for each other, as folklore has revealed that the committee had already picked their man two days before Browning’s interview. “Back in the day we had Lady Alliances where local professionals would team up with ladies from a variety of clubs. We had played at Pontefract and I joined the ladies I had been playing with for a drink in the bar. “One of them introduced me to the Lady President of Low Laithes Margaret West. Her first words were: ‘Pleased to meet you. You are our new professional’. I didn’t know what to say as I hadn’t even been for the interview. But that did rather relax me when I did go for the job a couple of days later.” Paul enjoyed many special moments at Low Laithes and equally endearing memories. Fittingly he will continue to be a familiar face at the club once he has nursed his wife Molly back to full health following a recent hip replacement. “Being made captain in 2002 to mark my 30 years at the club was a very special honour and the members really went out of their way to make it a special year for me. Then the club staged a 40
year celebration and one of the old junior members Paul Kester contacted Jack Nicklaus to ask if he would send a note of congratulations. I used to run Paul all over the place when he was a junior. “One day I set off from home in Woodlesford where I was living at the time and picked him up in Ossett. We drove all the way to Longley Park in Huddersfield only to find it covered in snow and we hadn’t even seen a flake on the way there. I had to take him back the following week. “Anyhow this lovely signed print of Jack walking over the Swilken Burn arrived along with a letter congratulating me on my retirement! I guess Jack figured that 40 years in one place was enough for anybody.” Former European Tour player and Yorkshire Golfer columnist Paul Carrigill who is now a Tour referee was another to send a congratulatory note that year. “We used to drag Paul all over the place playing in pro-ams, get him drunk and then send him home. He must have enjoyed it because I received a lovely letter from Paul thanking me for all I had done for him and saying that I was his inspiration for becoming a professional. They were very special words.” Another special moment came last year when he was the first professional to be elected President of the Leeds & District Union of Golf Clubs.
Paul Browning with Paul Carrigill at a testimonial golf day held in his honour
“To be named as the first professional to hold the position of President of an inter-union was a very proud moment for me as some of the unions are over a
hundred years old.” Browning started his career as an assistant at Garforth Golf Club, joined Low Laithes in 1971 and has fulfilled various roles,
adding that of secretary/manager to that of club professional in 2012. When asked how he would like to be remembered by the members, he hoped the words ‘he was helpful’ would be a big part of their testament. “I helped a lot of people over the years with their golf and I enjoyed every minute of it. Low Laithes Golf Club has literally been my life for the last 45 years and I would like to thank everyone associated with the club for their kind words and encouragement throughout my time there. PGA Chief Executive Sandy Jones and the President of the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs Jonathan Plaxton were quick to praise Browning. Sandy Jones said: “To remain at one club for so long as Paul has is remarkable. Even more remarkable are the number of roles he has undertaken in that time. Indeed, it’s fair to say that he has packed several careers into one. His versatility is testament to his ability and willingness to get involved in all aspects of running a club and are qualities The PGA is encouraging his modern day successors to do – clearly in this respect Paul was ahead of his time. “Congratulations are also in order for the positions he has been invited to take on which are
not usually associated with those undertaken by a PGA Professional. That he has been club Captain and President of the Leeds and District Union of Golf Clubs shows how highly thought of he is both at Low Laithes and by the Yorkshire golfing fraternity. He is a credit to The PGA and we wish him well in his retirement.” Jonathan Plaxton added: “The contribution made by Paul Browning to golf, particularly in Yorkshire, is immeasurable. Low Laithes Golf Club and Leeds District Union have been fortunate to enjoy the loyal services of Paul for almost half a century. This is testimony to the wisdom of those who first appointed Paul and his understated enthusiasm for the game and those who play it. “He has fulfilled a number of roles in golf, all with distinction, whilst being wholly committed to his club, district and county. I know that many individuals and organisations are grateful for his help, support and encouragement. Golfers of all ages and abilities have benefitted as a result of his practical advice, dedicated work and good humour. “As President of The Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs I congratulate Paul on his career in golf and thank him for his contribution to the game in the White Rose county and indeed to golfers beyond.”
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September 2016
20
IN FOCUS GOLF IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE
Beautiful South S
On the way to the third hole at Beauchief... courses don’t come more picturesque than this Sheffield gem.
OUTH YORKSHIRE is being heralded as the new epicentre of golf following Danny Willett’s Masters win, Matt Fitzpatrick’s automatic qualification for Europe’s Ryder Cup team along with Willett, and their coach Pete Cowen’s success in guiding Henrik Stenson to Open Championship victory. A passion for golf in the four metropolitan districts of Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley has produced a string of talent over the years, with skills honed on the rich diversity of courses to be found in the area. Sheffield-born three-times European Tour winner Mark Roe, who is now a leading pundit with Sky, discovered the game at Hallowes Golf Club. Founded in 1892, Hallowes has remained a traditional members’ golf club ever since. The course is situated on the South Yorkshire/ Derbyshire border and has stunning views over the Peak District countryside. The imposing 17th century clubhouse offers a warm welcome to members and visitors alike. The well-manicured, undulating parkland course offers a complete
variation of holes with quick, true greens and provides challenges for golfers of all standards. There is limited membership available in all categories, including a flourishing Academy section for adult beginners and an active and enthusiastic Ladies section. Hallowes is particularly keen to welcome more lady members and a first year subscription of £600 is a very attractive proposition. Ladies Captain Christine Dobson said: “We have a small and friendly ladies section aged 14 to 84 and would welcome new ladies, either experienced players or those wishing to take up the game. “We run a friendly, informal session every Monday evening for beginners and established golfers alike.” Any lady who would like to try golf in a welcoming atmosphere should just turn up at 6pm any Monday at the club –Hallowes Lane, Dronfield S18 1UT – or call 01246 413734. SIV operates five top golf courses – Beauchief, Birley Wood and Tinsley Park in Sheffield, Tapton Park in Chesterfield, and Sinfin Golf Course in
21
September 2016
IN FOCUS GOLF IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE Derby. Each offers a different way of playing golf. From the long, sweeping fairways of Sinfin to the spectacular views of Sheffield from Birley Wood, there is something for everyone. They don’t come more picturesque than Beauchief’s 5,606-yard, par 67 layout. Beauchief Abbey is a major feature within the grounds, not to mention a spectacular backdrop to the third and fourth holes – and the undulating fairways require concentration from start to finish. Draped on a hillside, with long, sloping fairways, Birley Wood is a par 69 course, offering beginners and young players the chance to play on open fairways, whilst experienced players will find the course tricky. It is playable all year round thanks to an excellent drainage system and is the course where Willett took his first steps towards the green jacket. Tapton Park has an 18-hole course, nine-hole academy course, nine-hole pitch and putt and a footgolf course. Offering spectacular views and one of the longest par fives in the country (625 yards) this course features a whole array of tests on each of its unique holes. Plus, Tapton Park will soon be home to a new driving range, complete with berm lighting, 14 bays and a coaching and custom fitting bay, opening this autumn. Tinsley Park has several memorable holes amongst its 150 acres. The 6,140-yard, par 70 course is a challenge for every type of golfer. Length, accuracy, judgement of distance and concentration are all examined. The 6,288-yard Sinfin Golf Course is set in mature parkland with narrow tree-lined fairways. Sinfin’s a flat,
The ladies’ section at Hallowes Golf Club, situated on the Yorkshire-Derbyshire border, is always ready to welcome beginners and experienced players parkland course which beginners will be able to enjoy and more experienced players will relish the challenge of taking on the longer holes – including the third and fourth, which offer a stern test. For more information visit https://siv.org.uk/golf. FRANK HOULGATE and his wife Jo are celebrating their second anniversary at Waterfront Golf in Wath upon Dearne having taken over in August 2014. Frank says it has been an interest-
ing and busy time, coming from running a shop and teaching at Sand Moor golf club to now running an entire golf facility. He said: “We have done so much in such a short space of time – new equipment for the course, a new commercial kitchen and three chefs, plus two state of the art fitting studios for former European tour player Ben Mason and myself and an indoor golf simulator room for the cold months. “New robots that pick the range and cut the grass have also been great additions.
“We have just started phase one of our work to extend the range by 50 yards in length and 40 yards in width and work on the par three course will start after that. So yes, I guess you could say we have been busy! “We love Waterfront and are really keen to keep the relaxed feel around the club going and can’t wait to develop a facility that will encourage many new golfers to the game with our all-weather par three course plans. It will be perfect for kids and beginners to experience golf at an easier level.”
With a championship nine holes course built to exacting USGA standards, a driving range, pro shop and bar serving an extensive menu, Waterfront really is a one stop golfing destination. Covered driving ranges offer golfers of all abilities a not-to-bemissed opportunity to keep their game in shape as the days shorten. They are also an increasingly important breeding ground for future stars and there’s a good chance that
Continued on Page 22
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22
September 2016
IN FOCUS GOLF IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE
Beautiful South Continued from Page 21 you could be rubbing shoulders with some of the brightest talent in the amateur and professional ranks in the county if you stop in for a bucket of balls or a lesson. SITUATED at Barnby Dun, Doncaster Golf Range is the biggest and most established range in the Doncaster area and is open seven days a week from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday, with free parking. This specialist golf facility has 26 purpose-built indoor bays, along with a multi-purpose all-weather putting and chipping green to fine tune your short game and help save those vital shots around the greens The range owners have also invested in the foresight GC2 launch monitor and simulator, which allows the professional staff to create a perfect environment on site for club fittings and yardage assessment, with the Head Measurement Technology delivering the most accurate analysis available. Regular custom fitting days are held and last year’s Callaway Demo Day saw Danny Willett in action at the range. In addition to Callaway, there are other leading golf club brands in the
The indoor golf simulator at Waterfront Golf... perfect on cold, wet winter days golf shop, along with a huge range of clothing and shoes from top companies like J. Lindeberg, Wolsey, Ping, Footjoy, Druh Belts and Mizuno. Golf lessons are under the expert tuition of head coach Lyall Jardine and PGA assistant professional Andrew Wilkinson, and as the weather takes a grip, golfers can further develop their skills on the simulator with the choice of 25 of the best courses around the world – a perfect way to stay competitive and have fun along the way. Tankersley Park Golf Club has
become well-known for extending a very warm welcome to visitors to a course with a rich and varied history – and a new autumn offer where four play for the price of three at £75 is sure to be popular. Tankersley covers a tract of land with a fascinating and varied history. In the past few centuries it has been an oak forest, a civil war battlefield, a baronial deer park, a coal and ironstone mining area and even a battle-tank testing ground. Now it provides a great test of golf with a premium on accurate iron play on a superbly manicured layout.
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24
September 2016
DANNY WILLETT: The Yorkshireman who mastered Augusta talks to Yorkshire Golfer’s Mike Smith
The Master has business still to settle in 2016... DANNY ON .... THE OLYMPICS MS: What’s your lasting memory from the Olympics?
DW: “It was just a very cool experience. As soon as it was a possibility, I started to look forward to it and I loved being there. It wasn’t my week on the course but I think the tournament was a memorable one and had a dramatic finish, which is all you can ask for really. I was obviously delighted for Rosey to win gold.” Did you have much interaction
with other Team GB members and which other events did you attend?
“I went to see Andy Murray in the tennis and a few other bits. Going to the velodrome was great and it was really inspiring to see the cyclists in action. In terms of the golf, we get on great with Rosey and his caddy Fooch so we practised with them and I was so pleased when he won.” Did you learn anything from mixing with other world class athletes?
“There’s nothing that I’m doing particularly differently but
it’s always fascinating seeing how top athletes prepare and go about their business. At the same time you wanted to let them do their own thing. It was just cool seeing people like Andy and Jamie Murray and Jessica EnnisHill at breakfast.” Some golfers did not use the official accommodation. Where did you stay?
“I stayed in the village.” Where do you think an Olympic gold medal sits against the Majors?
“It’s not the same, no, but I really wanted to win gold and I hope to a few more chances in
the future.” Do you think the Olympic golf event should be changed to an amateur format or indeed become a team event?
“I think it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Olympic golf. People were asking a lot of questions in the build-up to it but, as I said earlier, it was an excellent week with a brilliant finish. It’s a great base to move forward from and I’m sure it’ll grow and grow whatever they decide to do.” Would you have done anything different preparating for Rio if given the chance again?
“Not really. Any week that you don’t win you can look back on little things, but that’s just golf. I certainly don’t have any regrets, put it that way.”
ON ... THE RYDER CUP You are one of six debutants for Europe at Hazeltine. Do you think having so many rookies on the team will be a disadvantage?
“I wouldn’t say it’s a disadvantage, no. They’re technically rookies but they’re guys that have been playing well for a long time and have won big golf tournaments. I think we’ve got a nice balance to the team. We had a glimpse of it at the EurAsia Cup and I’m really confident in the group we’ve got going over to the United States.” How much do you know about the course?
“It’s not something you think a lot about until the week itself. I’ll do a lot of work with Jonny and with the rest of the team. I know how
ONE MOMENT IN TIME: Danny Willett’s great Sunday at Augusta created an image for the ages hard Darren has been working on things so I’m sure there will be no surprises and we’ll be totally ready come Friday.” You use a Callaway ball. Do you think that will have a bearing on who you play with in the foursomes?
“I don’t think so, no!” Do you have a view on who you would like to play with in the foursomes and fourballs?
“Not really, no. That’s entirely up to Darren. There are things we’ll work on in the early part of the week. I’m sure he’s got his plans and ideas and we’ll see what he comes up with. We’re all going there for the same reason, to try to bring that trophy back to Europe with us, and we’ll be working together to try to achieve that.” What are Europe’s strengths and how do you rate our chances?
“I think we’re two really well-matched teams and there’s no question it will be close with tiny margins deciding it. I just can’t wait to experience it. I’ve watched a lot of it on tv over the last few years and the guys have told me so much about what it’s like to be on that first tee. I’m looking forward to that challenge.” How would you describe Captain Clarke’s team preparation?
“Obviously things will step up as a group when the week starts but, from what I’ve seen and heard, Darren has been meticulous in everything he’s done in getting ready for Hazeltine. I know how much
time and thought has gone into it from him.”
ON ... GOLF IN GENERAL What does your schedule look like between now and the end of the year?
“Busy enough! After the Ryder Cup it’s the Dunhill and then the British Masters before we go into the Final Series of the Race to Dubai. There are some great weeks ahead and I’m looking for a big finish to the season. There’s also the World Cup of Golf to look forward to the week after Dubai.” What are your goals for 2017?
“The goals never really change. I just want to keep improving and try to be there or thereabouts, in the final groups coming down the stretch on a Sunday, as often as possible.” Are you disappointed not to have won since your Masters victory and how would you assess the year to date?
“I’ve probably not played as well as I’d have liked over the last couple of months but I’ve had two big wins in 2016 and there are plenty of big weeks coming up so there’s plenty to play for.” Finally what’s the best thing about golf in South Yorkshire?
“That’s a hard one! There are so many brilliant courses that I play as often as I can with my mates and lots of great people.”
25
September 2016
Nathen’s game is sharp in lifting Wilkinson Sword
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COOKRIDGE Hall’s Nathen Ali picked up the prestigious Wilkinson Sword for his win in the Leeds Golf Club Junior Championship. Nathen fired a fine round of 69 in the event which attracted a strong field of boys and girls after a three year absence from the calendar. Saul Guilford from Moor Allerton won the inaugural Wilkinson Shield with an impressive net 65. Pictured are Saul Guilford (left) and Nathen Ali
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26
PUTTING DRILLS
An ‘easy’ 6-footer? Don’t be too hard on yourself! DO YOU get nervous on those short putts? When I speak to club golfers, putts under 6 feet seem to be a recurring theme. People tend to feel tense, tentative and this gets them in to a bit of a funk. The fact of the matter is that people’s expectations tend to be a little elevated. The fact of the matter is that European Tour professionals on average will hole 60% of putts from 4-6 feet, a figure that most find a little underwhelming. However, knowing this can help take the pressure off somewhat. You could hit the perfect putt with perfect line at the perfect pace, and that ball could still hit an imperfection on the putting surface and miss. I guess what I am trying to say is don’t be too hard on yourself, and don’t let the expectation of having to hole everything from inside 6 feet put extra pressure on you.
HERE is a great technical drill that can help you keep the hands working together, and keep your grip pressure constant when putting. 1. Grip the club with your top hand (left for the right handed golfer), making sure the edge of the flat front to the putter grip nestles securely into the lifeline. 2. Set up to the putt as usual, but hover your bottom hand about an inch behind the putter, with your palm facing down the start line of your putt. 3. Make your stroke, maintaining constant distance between your bottom hand and the putter (the hand should neither touch the putter handle during the stroke, nor lag any further behind). THIS is a little tip to help you get a nice flow to your stroke by giving you a nice simple routine. 1. Line the logo or sharpie line on your ball up at the start line, allowing for the break. 2. Walk in to the putt and focus on precisely lining your putter up to the line on the ball (TRUST THE LINE!) You have a much better view of where the line is pointing when you are looking down the line of the putt from behind, so trust that you have done a good job! 3. Take your grip and align your body while the putter is behind the ball. 4. Take one look up at the hole. 5. Hit the putt. This is a really simple routine, so it doesn’t take long, which means that you can be precise, and relax. Notice there is no practice stroke, no fidgeting around the ball – it’s a good routine!
September 2016
September 2016
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