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November/December 2018
DAN’S THE MAN Gavins secures Tour spot – but Chris misses out
IN FOCUS: COBBLE HALL
INSIDE - YOUR 2019 YORKSHIRE GOLF CALENDAR
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November/December 2018 Yorkshire Golfer is published by League Weekly Ltd, 31 Branch Road, Batley, W. Yorks WF17 5SB Tel 01924 470296 for subscriptions & deliveries Contents are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced wholly or in part without permission of the publishers
IN THIS ISSUE
EDITORIAL:
Sandra Kirton 07771 885757 sandra@yorkshire-golfer.com mike@yorkshire-golfer.com @yorkshiregolfer
find us online: www.yorkshiregolfer.net OLYMPIC DREAM A great Buenos Aires trip has kindled Joe Pagdin’s ambitions to emulate Justin Rose p4
SCHOOLING TALENT An exciting partnership with Shipley College is bearing fruit for golf clubs looking for greenkeeping staff p5 MOOR PLEASE Nick Dougherty has opened the new Yorkshire Golf Academy at Moor Allerton Golf Club in Leeds p6 LOYAL SERVANT Brough pro Gordon Townhill (right) has called time after 40 years at the club p8
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JUST CHAMPION Nick McCarthy stormed to victory in the Europro Tour Championship to lift the trophy and book a place on the 2019 Challenge Tour p10
GOOD TIMES Leeds Golf Club – Cobble Hall – is back on top of the game. 22/23 GOLF CALENDAR Some of the key dates for the Yorkshire golf faithfuls’ diaries, as we all start looking forward to 2019 p13-16
BIG PLANS Leeds Golf Centre has unveiled £9 million plans for major developments at Wike Ridge p18 BREAKING UP Top caddie Billy Foster talks about his break-up with long time partner Lee Westwood, as the Lindrick member gets back to winning ways – with his girlfriend on the bag p24 HANSON HEARTBREAK This month finds our columnist Chris Hanson in positive mood, playing in the British Masters and Dunhill Links – despite whatever the 2019 playing furure holds p25
Spread your club's good news... email your results, open events, photographs and news items to us on: mike@yorkshire-golfer.com and follow us on Twitter @yorkshiregolfer THE NEXT ISSUE OF YORKSHIRE GOLFER WILL BE DELIVERED TO CLUBS ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2019
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November/December 2018
MIXED FORTUNES Back to Challenge Tour for our columnist Chris after back-9 heartbreak
Gavins holds his nerve to regain place on Tour THE big dipper at Puerto Aventura theme park that sits beside Lumine Golf Club in Spain is an ironic symbol of the emotional rollercoaster ride that is the final stage of the European Tour qualifying school. Joy and pain sit cheek by jowl during this gruelling six round marathon, and two Yorkshire golfers experienced the highs and lows as 28 players were handed a golden ticket to the European Tour. As Howley Hall’s Daniel Gavins celebrated a return to the top table of European golf, Huddersfield’s Chris Hanson was trying to deal with the heartache of coming home in 40 over the very last 9-holes to miss out by two shots. Their immediate reactions said it all. Leeds born Gavins tweeted: “It’s been a tough few years but we’re back on the European Tour! “ After five rounds Yorkshire Golfer columnist Hanson looked set to join Gavins as one of the top 25 and ties but his final round of 74 saw him plummet from a share of 10th into a tie for 37th. “Tough one to take but will try move on quickly!! Game not solid enough when it matters...” tweeted Hanson, who has spent the last three years on Tour. One of the players to overtake him was the strongly finishing Joe Dean from Hillsborough, whose final-round 67 saw him climb up to 28th which agonisingly turned out to be just one shot too many from graduating to the top tier. Dean looked to have done enough after a brilliant 16 holes on the last round but was left to rue a bogey at the 8th, his 17th, to just miss out and the chance to cap off a great year. The former English Amateur champion has made great strides this year thanks to some very consistent golf capped by a fifth-place finish in the PGA EuroPro Tour ranking which earned him a place on the Challenge Tour in 2019. Dean’s top 30 finish at Lumine improved his overall ranking and he said: “I’m absolutely gutted to fall one shot short of a European Tour card at the qualifying school but looking forward to a new chapter in my career on the Challenge Tour.”
SECOND SHOT: Howley Hall man is back amongst the big boys Gavins turned pro in 2012 having started the game at Wheatley Golf Club in Doncaster and was one of only seven players to come through all three stages of the qualifying school, playing a total of 252 holes. Another graduate of the PGA EuroPro Tour, Gavins earned Challenge Tour exemption in 2014 before having a season on the main tour in 2016, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in his second go around. He led the competition after rounds three and four before closing scores of 73 and 71 saw him fall into a tie for 13th, although it was enough to regain his Tour status by two shots. Gavins carded a two under par 69 in round four to add to earlier rounds of 62, 69 and 66 to maintain his position at the top of the leaderboard as the 156-player field was reduced to 77. “It was a lot tougher out there today,” said Gavins at the conclusion of 72 holes. “The wind really picked up and the flags were tucked away so it was hard to attack. “But I’m really happy with the way I
stayed patient out there today, and I holed the putts when I needed to. Anything under par at this stage is exactly what you need. “I’ve come through Q-School before and I know I can do it again. There’s still a long way to go so I just need to take it one shot at a time.” “It’s been pretty good so far. I’ve played on the EuroPro Tour this year and have been pretty consistent on there but didn’t hole a great deal of putts, so it was nice to come and hole a few so far this week. “It’s been a tough few years since playing on the European Tour in 2016, so it would be nice, and it would mean a lot to get back there.” The cut line, though, which fell at six under par, ended a remarkable run from another Howley Hall player Ben Hutchinson. “Hutch” entered as an amateur thereby giving up the rights to any prize money and he was using the event as an invaluable learning experience. The former county champion is widely tipped to be promoted to England
Late charge sees Sheffield’s Joe Dean go oh so close to glory...
Golf’s A squad in 2019 which will see him represent his country in parts of the world he has not previously experienced, and he was one of only two amateurs who successfully negotiated the first two stages and made in through to Lumine. Moortown’s Nick McCarthy closed with a 72 to finish tied 63rd to end a life changing last few months. He didn’t have the £1,750 entry fee for the Q school but a good week on the 1836 Tour at Northenden in the middle of August changed his fortunes. “I wasn’t going to enter and then I played an 1836 and won £600 there. My girlfriend and family said I had to enter, even an Aussie guy that I played with said I should give it a go, so I chucked it on my credit card,” said McCarthy. He started out at Hardelot in France and, after three rounds, faced the very real prospect of missing out at the first hurdle. Then he shot an 8-under 63 to make it to second stage. Two weeks later he won the EuroPro Tour Championship, and with it a cracking first prize of £22,540, to get a spot on the Challenge Tour. Again, it looked like the year was coming to a close, but he birdied the last two holes at Alenda in Q2 to grab one of four places available in a six-man playoff. “This winter I was going to be delivering parcels for Amazon again. I still might do, but the win in the EuroPro Tour Championship at Desert Springs has given me some options and I can play a bit over the winter.” Rotherham’s Jonathan ‘Jigger’ Thomson, who won his Tour card via this route last year, will head back to the Challenge Tour after a 72 for an eightunder-par total, eight shots off the pace. He said: “It was a disappointing end to my first year on the European Tour, but lots learned going into next year and I will be back.” Alejandro Cañizares and Zander Lombard shared the spoils on top of the leaderboard on -24, and as is customary in the case of a tie in the event, the duo were crowned joint winners with no play-off taking place.
Willett’s back in winning form DANNY Willett bravely ended a 953-day winless drought to claim the biggest prize on the European Tour with victory in the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. The 31-year-old from Sheffield had not tasted victory since winning his first major title at Augusta National and had slumped from a careerhigh of ninth to outside the world’s top 450 earlier this season after numerous injuries and a loss of form. Willett credits coach Sean Foley - who formerly coached Tiger Woods and fitness trainer Kev Duffy for his resurgence. He started working with Foley at last year’s US PGA Championship when he admitted he was “pretty low and open to trying anything” to save his career. Having started the final round in a share of the lead with Patrick Reed, Willett surged three shots clear with a long-range eagle on the par-five second and a birdie on the seventh. That lead was wiped out after bogeys on the 10th and 12th, but Willett responded brilliantly to birdie the 14th, 15th and 17th. He held his nerve on the last, where his drive somehow finished inches short of the creek which runs the length of the hole, and he got the ball back in the fairway to set up a title winning par. See our in-depth interview with Danny in the January 2019 issue
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November/December 2018
ROSE’S FOOTSTEPS Joe’s heading to college with professional ambitions
Olympic dream is kindled by Buenos Aires experience YORKSHIRE’S Joe Pagdin has described competing in the Youth Olympics as “the experience of a lifetime”. Pagdin, who was born in Sheffield but now resides in Lake Nona, Florida, and Essex’s Lily May Humphreys, represented Team GB in the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They didn’t figure in the medals, but both had the experience of a lifetime, competing in individual and team events. Humphreys, 16, from Stoke by Nayland Golf Club in Essex, is one of England’s youngest ever Curtis Cup players and is a multiple winner. This year she became the Scottish women’s open amateur champion and last year she won English, British and European titles and also had her first victory in the USA. Pagdin, 16, a semi-finalist at the British Boys’ Championship, was in England’s winning teams at the Boys’ Home Internationals of 2017 and 2018 and helped GB&I beat continental Europe to win the Jacques Leglise Trophy. He said: “This is the coolest thing I’ve ever done in my career and living
in this village for the last two weeks is an amazing opportunity. “It’s definitely a big learning curve being here with all the different athletes from the different countries. You learn a huge amount about sport, languages, cultures as well as what an Olympics is like. “I feel like anyone who competes “I think golf had a real place at an at these Games, and whether you Olympic Games. It’s an individual compete badly or well, it’s an experisport but at the Games they can make ence that you won’t forget, and I realmore of a team event. I think golf has ly enjoyed my time here. This has a real future in the Games. You look taught me a lot being at how well it was out here I hope that can supported in Rio help me get to the next and also here in level. Argentina. “Unfortunately, the “I’m just finishgolf wasn’t the greatest ing up High School for me. This field has now and I’ve combeen really strong. news@yorkshire-golfer.com mitted to the There are five or six University of kids ranked in the top Florida for golf, so I’ll be going there 100 in the world in this event and it in 2020 for four years. I’m still taking was highly ranked. Compared to a lot it one day at a time and working out of international events I play this was my game but the overall goal is to right up there in terms of the strength become a professional golfer. of the competition. “To be part of the senior Olympics “I compete with a lot of these guys would be a dream come true. To comon a weekly basis. We’re always beatpete at that level and be an Olympian ing each other each week and it’s just not only means you’re a good golfer, who can get an edge at any event.
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but you’ve achieved a lot in your career. That’s obviously some way off in my career but it would be a cool story to compete in the Youth Olympics and then the senior Olympics. Watching Justin Rose win it was a motivational moment for a lot of people and I know a lot of the other players really embraced it. I started played golf was I was about eight, growing up in the US but I am originally from Sheffield where we still have a lot of family. “I met Ian Poulter in a sandwich shop and started talking to him when I was seven in 2006. After that I just wanted to become a golfer and now we live in the same area and our families are great friends. He’s my idol and supports me with my game.” Photo – Pagdin competing in Buenos Aires
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WAKEFIELD’S Betty Sworowski and Julie Wheeldon scored a two-shot win when they teamed up for the first time in the Brenda King Foursomes at Brough Golf Club. The pair led from start to finish in England Golf’s season-ending tournament for senior women. They opened with three-over par 74 before adding 82 in the second round. They held off the fast finishing combination of Jo Shorrocks (High Post, Wiltshire) and Penny GriceWhittaker (Tankersley Park), who shot 76 in the final round. Shorrocks has won this competition for the past three years with a different partner, while Grice-Whittaker is a past winner of the Women’s British Open. “We were both a bit tense in the second round. We knew we had some really good players chasing us,” said Sworowski. “But we held on and won by two shots, so we were pleased by that.” Sworowski and Wheeldon met when Betty became a senior two years ago and joined the Yorkshire Vets. They play off three and two respectively, are regulars at English championships and also both play for the Yorkshire senior team. Photo – Betty (left) and Julie
‘Old timer’ Westy still has what it takes...
LINDRICK member Lee Westwood wiped back the tears after shooting a brilliant 64 to lift the Nedbank Challenge in Sun City, his first win in over three years. This was no ordinary comeback win from the former world number 1. Not only was the European Tour event part of the elite Rolex Series, boasting a near £1million first prize, but Westwood had to hold off two major winners to prevail at the Gary Player Country Club. However, Sergio Garcia and Louis Oosthuizen could not live with the inspired 45-year-old as he reeled off an eagle and six birdies and remained bogeyless, despite the swirling winds. Westwood looked like his old ruthless self down the stretch, birdieing five of the last eight holes to beat Garcia by three strokes to collect his 24th Tour title and 43rd worldwide. Westwood had not tasted victory since the Indonesian Masters in 2015 and on the European Tour since the Malaysian Masters the previous year, and he was plainly choked up. “I’m a bit emotional to be honest, you’re never sure whether you’re going to be able to do it again,” Westwood said. “Still got it, I guess. It’s just nice to do it again under pressure and win against a couple of quality players at the end there. I can’t wait to watch the highlights to be honest, because I hit so many good shots coming in.” What made it even more remarkable was that Westwood did his own yardages. His partner, Helen Storey, was on the bag and normally she would be due roughly a £100,000 cut of the winnings. “It’s been brilliant,” Westwood said. “She’s caddied twice for me this year and we lost in a play-off in Denmark and we’ve won here.” Bingley’s Billy Foster is his regular looper and Westwood added: “I might have to have a bit of a rethink, not least about who caddies for me, but our percentages.” Westwood might have to reconsider a few issues as well, not least his schedule. This effectively secured his place in next year’s Open at Royal Portrush and, as he has risen from 119th to 64th in the world, return to the Masters, where he has a strong record, also now beckons.
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November/December 2018
GREEN FINGERS College apprenticeship scheme is providing a real boost to Yorkshire golf clubs
Turfing out the talent YORKSHIRE golf clubs are working with Shipley College’s Apprenticeship Team to recruit and retain a motivated and knowledgeable greenkeeping workforce. Open to anyone aged 16 and over, greenkeeper apprenticeships are attracting both keen horticulturalists and those with an interest in golf. These training partnerships are helping to keep courses in peak condition as well as delivering Government approved golf greenkeeper qualifications that been written and developed by the Greenkeepers’ Training Committee (GTC). Kyran Lilley, head greenkeeper at Horsforth Golf Club, would recommend taking on apprentices and praised the recruitment process. “Taking them onboard was really easy. First, we emailed Shipley College to see what courses were available and what the course entailed. “We have used Shipley College before and it worked very well. The apprentices have improved our course in the year or so they have been with us. It
has helped to have new skills and new ideas coming in which has built a better team,” he added. Kyran rated the “good communication” with Shipley College. “When there has been a problem they have rung up and the college tutors have been good at keeping us in the loop which is important because we are a business and we need to know what’s going on with our staff and it has worked out well.” Apprentice Andrew, who previously worked as a lithographer for 24 years before looking for a change of career said: “I enjoy being outdoors and I am a golfer as well, so it did tie in to me wanting to see ‘the other side of the fence’ sort of speak. I enjoy working and learning. I can bring back new things from college like the legislation we have to keep up with.” Apprentice Josh, based at Otley Golf Club, is enjoying the whole experience and looking forward to learning how to operate bigger equipment like fairway and semi rough mow-
ers. He added “I have always liked doing practical things and being outdoors and I would like it to lead to a job and hopefully go on to a Level 3 qualification.” Will, also an apprentice at Otley, was drawn to the role from his interest in golf and his favourite part so far has been getting to know how everything works. “It’s a great place to work. Just getting out there and trying new things and learning about the machinery and different plants and trees has been really good”, said Will. He also wants to develop his career in greenkeeping. Head Greenkeeper Steve Heaton would recommend apprenticeships as a route to “getting extra pairs of hands”. He acknowledges that finding their way around the course can be one of the challenges that apprentices face, for example finding a particular green or hole. The new 2-year apprenticeship standard which Shipley College offers covers maintaining a good quality playing sur-
Otley head greenkeeper Steve Heaton watches on as Will (left) and Josh (right) rake a bunker face, as well as environmental and ecological operations, bunker maintenance, laying turf, planting trees and shrubs plus developing wildlife habitats. Apprentices also learn about the preparation of the golf course for play using specialist equipment to maintain and renovate turf surfaces, applying turf treatments and controlling weeds, fungal diseases, pests and turf disorders plus maintaining drainage and irrigation systems. John Baker, Head of
Horticulture at Shipley College recognises that the relationship between the college and the individual clubs is key. He added: “This new type of apprenticeship is heavily dependent upon a good working relationship between the head greenkeeper and the Shipley College team. Regular reviews will take place with all parties involved, the college, the club and the apprentice. Progress is reported and any gaps in training are discussed. “The new End Point Assessment test will be critical
to the success of the new standards. When the college and the head greenkeeper are in agreement that the apprentice is ready, the apprentice will be put forward to be assessed at the golf club by an independent City & Guilds assessor, who could be a head greenkeeper at another course. Both practical elements and the theory behind these will be tested.” For further information contact the Business Development Team at Shipley College on 01274 327390 or email employers@shipley.ac.uk
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November/December 2018
FAB FACILITY Moor Allerton home to exciting new project promoting junior golfers
Dougherty opens new Academy THE Yorkshire Golf Academy in association with Snainton Golf were pleased to welcome Sky Sports presenter Nick Dougherty to officially open the new facility, based at Moor Allerton Golf Club in Leeds. The Lynx brand ambassador was given a warm Yorkshire welcome as he put on a superb show for members and guests alike, showcasing his long game skills and then switching his attention to the more delicate shots around the green. Nick also gave a great insight to life on tour and talked openly about his own game before officially opening the new academy. Head Professional Jonathan Pearson commented: “It was an absolute joy to see so many young golfers and families listening to Nick. “Not only did he provide some fantastic tips, it was wonderful to see him interact with our members and guests. We are working hard to encourage children and beginners to play on the course as soon as possible to enjoy this great game,
and having someone like Nick with us to show how simple and fun this game can be was invaluable.” The newly opened Yorkshire Golf Academy offers a learning experience to all golfers young and old with some superb all year round facilities. With grass roots golf at its core, the academy has launched a fabulous junior programme that encompasses weekly tuition and regular on course play. Having its base at the superb Trent Jones 27-hole Moor Allerton GC has meant that a new junior academy course has been set up to allow children to experience the game. The academy recently held its inaugural junior tournament across the 4 junior tees set out one each hole, with children as young as 5 competing. Kevin Paver, Marketing Manager at Moor Allerton added: “To have someone of Nick’s standing in the world of golf to come and spend an afternoon with us and our guests to officially launch our superb new facility is testament
Ten-year-old Sam McIntyre takes some tips from Nick Dougherty during the clinic
Abi hits top form in Girls’ Autumn comp
ABIGAIL Taylor picked up the Shirley Guest Trophy during the Yorkshire Girls’ Autumn Meeting at Woodsome Hall Golf Club. The Headingley youngster returned a fine score of 39 points with Selby’s Mia Eales-Smith two further back. Smith also finished runner-up in the Order of Merit Division 1 which went to Amy Staveley of Scarborough South Cliff. Joint winners of Division 2 were Aaliyah Hryniewiecka-Irwin (Huddersfield) and Romanby’s
to the work put in by Jonathan and his team. We are all super excited about 2019 and what the season will bring.” The academy boasts a flood-
Lizzie Edson. Abigail received the Shirley Guest Trophy from Yorkshire County Ladies 2018 captain Helen Lilley.
lit driving range, teaching suite and separate indoor teaching studio with the latest ball tracking software and high speed video cameras to give the ulti-
mate lesson and custom fitting experience, as well as a golf retail facility stocked by the popular online retailer Snainton Golf.
Awesome foursomes
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BINGLEY St Ives’ Andy Town and Terry Brushwood are the new Yorkshire 2018 foursomes’ champions. They overcame Beverley & East Riding’s Neil Burnley and Richard Norton by 4&3 in the 36-hole final at Moortown. The morning round was frequently played in heavy rain and two competitive pairs were only separated by a couple of holes at lunchtime, with Town and Brushwood holding the upper hand. As the weather improved and cheered on by a small but vociferous band of ‘West Riding’ supporters, Town and Brushwood moved out of reach and won 4&3. The trophy was presented by Yorkshire Union President Eric Wainwright with Moortown captain, Malcolm Slinger, also in attendance. In making the winning speech Brushwood (left) and Town thanked the YUGC and Moortown Golf Club and also recognised their opponents for a good ‘fight’ and congratulated them in reaching the final for the third time as a pair.
Be ready for start of new rules coming in NEW Rules of Golf come into effect on January 1 and golfers are encouraged to pick up a copy of the new rules guide and familiarise themselves with the changes, as ignorance will be no excuse come the turn of the year. In a bid to make the rules more accessible and easier to understand, the R&A and USGA have reworded every rule and made alterations that will affect the way every golfer in the world plays the game. These are the most comprehensive rules changes seen in the game for almost 40 years. “We need our rules to be more accessible and to be easy to apply and understand,” said David Rickman, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club’s Executive Director of Governance. “And we believe that the new rules are more in tune with what golfers would like and are easier to understand for everyone who wants to enjoy playing this great game. There is enough flexibility so that they can encourage and be inclusive to anybody who wants to play golf, and wherever they want to play it.” The new rules will be reduced in number from 34 to 24, and some of the changes will create ripples throughout the game. As well as speeding up the pace of play and making the game more approachable with the use of plainer English, many of the changes are also a reaction to a litany of minor infringements that have occurred in tournament play in recent years that have resulted in harsh punishments. The key changes include no penalties for accidentally moving a ball on the green or when searching for a ball; no penalty for touching or lifting loose impediments in a bunker; no penalty for double hits, or if your ball hits you, your equipment, your caddie, or a flagstick left in the hole; players who lose a ball have the option under a local rule to drop the ball ‘in the vicinity of where the ball is lost or out of bounds’ under a twostroke penalty; all damage to greens – including spike marks – can now be repaired; the time for searching for a lost ball has been reduced to three minutes; and the ‘furthest from the hole plays first’ etiquette has been dropped in favour of ‘ready golf’.
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November/December 2018
Brough pro Gordon calls time after 40 yrs
BROUGH head professional Gordon Townhill (pictured) has retired after spending 40 years
at the North Humberside club. He combined his club duties with a very successful playing career and was a regular on the European Senior Tour. Gordon also played in The Open Championship in 1988 and 1989 and has made occasional appearances on The European Tour since 1971. He was also on the Great Britain and Ireland PGA Cup Team in 1977 and boasts a long list of accolades in the PGA North Region, where he was Captain in 1980 and 1987 and Order of Merit winner in 1988. A dinner was held in his honour, and fittingly enough earlier in the day- and during his final official round as club professional – he made a hole in one on the 13th.
BOY WONDER Unbeaten for England 16s, then ‘Boys’ call-up
Ben’s great year goes on and on ROTHERHAM’S Ben Schmidt rounded off a fine year with a 100% winning record as England triumphed in the first mixed under 16 international against Ireland with a convincing score of 15.58.5 at Limerick Golf Club. The team laid the foundations of their success in the first day’s foursomes and fourballs, in conditions described by manager Nick Over as “particularly wet and trying.” Despite that the team played excellent golf to lead 10-2 going into the final singles session. Schmidt was one of three players to win all of his games over the weekend, the others being Caitlin Whitehead and Rafiah Banday. Another three were unbeaten, with 2.5 points from three: Rosie Belsham, Conor Gough and George Leigh. The England boys are pictured, from left: George Leigh, 16, Trevose, Cornwall; Ben Schmidt, 16, Rotherham, Yorkshire; Conor Gough, 16, Stoke Park, BB&O; Max Hopkins, 15, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire; Josh Hill, 14, Jumeirah, Dubai; Ben Pierleoni, 16, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. Following the resounding win over Ireland was celebrating again when he was handed a place in the England Golf national boys’ squad.
He is one of four new members in the 12-man squad and joins fellow Tykes Barclay Brown, of Hallamshire, and Sheffield born Joe Pagdin who now resides in Orlando, Florida. Schmidt, 16, is the English Boys’ County Champion of Champions and the winner of the Lee Westwood Trophy. He was runner-up in both the McGregor Trophy and the Italian U16s. Meanwhile 17-year-old Brown beat
A CHARITY golf event at Rockliffe Hall has helped raise £7000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Football celebrities Alan Shearer and Tony Pulis were among those taking part in the event which raised a total of £4,000, which adds to £3,000 already raised by Rockliffe Hall’s Chief Executive, Eamonn Elliott, and
an international field to win the English under 18 boys’ open for the Carris Trophy. He captained GB&I to victory in the Jacques Leglise Trophy against continental Europe. Pagdin, 16, was a semi-finalist in the Boys’ Amateur, represented Team GB in the 2018 Youth Olympics in Argentina, England in the Boys’ Home Internationals and GB&I in the Jacques Leglise Trophy.
his close friend Paul Graham. They recently completed the epic Wales End to End cycling challenge, covering over 250 miles and climbing 21,000ft. Eamonn, who also played in the competition, said: “It was an honour to host this fabulous event and we’re delighted to have helped raise so much money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.”
Students are truly on course
STUDENTS in the newly created Wath Comprehensive 6th Form Golf Scholars’ Programme have just started their first term. The programme includes spending 13 hours a week at nearby Waterfront Golf where the students have a set programme for play and practice including six hours of tuition with Waterfront owner and PGA professional Frank Houlgate. Two of the students are already England internationals in Ben Schmidt and Charlie Daughtrey and they are sure to challenge for top honours when the college competes for the first time in British Schools’ events.
Houlgate said: “We are delighted to have formed this partnership with nearby Wath Comprehensive and for aspiring golfers who want to move into the 6th form this is an ideal scholarship programme. My son Luca is one of the scholars and it looks like we have a talented group in this initial year. We are excited about helping these youngsters to achieve their golfing and academic goals.” Photo – from left: Waterfront owner Frank Houlgate, Frank Houlgate Jr, Luca Houlgate, Ben Schmidt and Charlie Doughtrey
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November/December 2018
ADVERTORIAL Skytrak is revolutionising home practice sessions at affordable prices
Sky’s the limit for all golfers SINCE hitting the UK in late 2015, SkyTrak has become the fastest-growing launch monitor and golf simulator on the market. No wonder, since at under £2,000 (and with a 0% paymonthly deal to make it even more affordable), SkyTrak costs a fraction of the amount you’d pay for already-established technology such as Trackman and Flightscope. Questions were asked early on, inevitably, as to whether SkyTrak would prove as accurate as its more expensive rivals – but three years’ worth of side-by-side comparisons by PGA pros worldwide have answered them with an emphatic ‘yes’. And now, hundreds of UK golf clubs and club pros now use SkyTrak not only to offer golf lessons and clubfitting, but also to create social events where it’s used as a golf simulator (you can access an incredible 100,000 plus golf courses through your SkyTrak, according to which software subscriptions you buy). In autumn 2018 SkyTrak has come of age with its latest TV campaign seen by many on Sky Sports, and a £200-off deal which you can access via an offer code in many golf magazines, and on
lots of different golf websites. There’s also an offer code at the end of the TV ad which you can use – but in all cases the £200-off offer expires on November 30th. Like your smart phone or tablet, SkyTrak – which is part of the well-established SkyCaddie family along with the SkyPro personal swing analyser – is being updated constantly by its developers, and this autumn’s v3.3.1 update added yet more improvements including a ‘Randomiser’ which introduces a real-life scenario into your Practice Greens session, challenging you with an ever-changing variety of approach shots. There have also been further improvements to SkyTrak’s popular Wedge Matrix feature, which helps you determine which wedges are right for your game, plus there have been a host of other upgrades during the 2018 season. Prestigious golf clubs such as Royal Troon have even designed entire swing rooms around their SkyTrak, with golf lessons missed due to bad weather being a thing of the past for PGA professionals with a SkyTrak set up indoors. But most of all, a new generation of golfers are now
hitting balls at home, with a SkyTrak. Forget chipping balls into a net on your lawn, and trying not to take a divot – nowadays, if you get yourself a mat and a net to hit into, with SkyTrak you can enjoy a full-on swing sessions at home, or have your friends round for a night’s golf, or even take your own SkyTrak to somebody else’s house (or your golf club). All you need is a SkyTrak and a laptop or an iPad and you’re away. Work on your long drive stats, your spin rates or your short game, or test different golf balls and
Home comfort for Forder GEORGE Forder capitalised on home advantage when he won the PGA North Members Tour fixture at Fulford. The 27-yearold assistant professional mastered the tough, windy conditions with a three-underpar 69 as he prevailed by two strokes from Crosland Heath’s Kieron Gaskell. It was the last of 12 events in its inaugural season which attracted an impressive entry of 44. PGA North regional manager Jonathan Paine confirmed that and the decision to run the series next year has already been confirmed. He said: “Judging by the increasing number of players during the year it’s clear that there is a demand for the events.” LEADING SCORES: 69 George Forder (Fulford); 71 Kieron Gaskell (Crosland Heath; 72 Alex Boyton (Cottingham); 73 Martyn Hamer (Davyhulme Park), Oliver Adamson (Ganton), Andrew Rossington (Lees Hall); 74 David Mansell (Wakefield), Jonathan Cheetham (1836tour.com), Marcus Maith (Owston Hall).
golf clubs, or simply have fun playing real golf while it’s dark and cold outside. SkyTrak could be the greatest thing ever invented for
winter golfers! There’s a new website just launched at www.skytrakgolf.com, to explore further – or speak to your pro and try yourself.
Got a story for us? Then send your club news to news@yorkshire-golfer.com
@yorkshiregolfer
10
November/December 2018
EUROPRO VICTORY Moortown golfer McCarthy ready for another crack at Challenge Tour in 2019
Nick feels just champion MOORTOWN’S Nick McCarthy saved his best for last when he won the season ending Andalusian PGA EuroPro Tour Championship at Desert Springs Golf Club, Spain, and with it a place on the Challenge Tour in 2019. McCarthy, 30, started the week 24th in the Order of Merit, needing a win and nothing less if he was to play his 2019 golf at the next level. His track record at Desert Springs heading into the week wasn’t the strongest, as three rounds in the mid 70s in 2016 saw him finish tied for 43rd. He knew it was a tall order but took good form into the event. He said: “I knew that going into Desert Springs, so it was very much win or bust. But I had been playing well and shooting low numbers thanks to some good iron play, so I was optimistic, and you never know what is around the corner in this game. “Before I got here I would have said this isn’t a track that suits my eye, but I managed to strike the ball well and put myself in great positions all week and got the putter working.” A second-round tournament low of 64 put him in the driving seat but with plenty of work and high-class golfers just a few shots behind as he embarked on what he anticipated to be a grueling round. However, McCarthy showed no signs of nerves as he flew out of the blocks, picking up five birdies in his opening seven holes to open a three-shot cushion over the field. But, the birdie train de-railed at the ninth, as McCarthy dropped shots on the 9th and 11th whilst Steve Surry (Cumberwell Park) drew level for the first time in the round. McCarthy remained unfazed and bounced back with an excellent birdie at the 12th, before collecting his final birdie of the day on the 17th. A stunning approach shot into a tricky pin, positioned at the back of the green, gave him an
WINNING FEELING: Nick with the Tour Championship trophy
easy birdie and a four-shot cushion heading down the 18th as Surry could only manage a bogey to fall back to -14 with the chasing pack. And with the ball in McCarthy’s court, barring complete disaster on the last his mission was achieved – a bogey was enough to give him a three-shot win, and more importantly the coveted Challenge Tour card he was chasing.
“To go out leading, and to now be standing here with this trophy is the best feeling ever.” said McCarthy. “I won’t lie, I felt the pressure, and there were a few things running through my head, whether I should attack it or not, but I just tried to play as I did in the last two rounds. “After my approach into 17 I started to believe that it was going to be my day, especially as Steve had found a bunker. I thought I would at least be heading down the last with a three-shot lead. “I relished being in a final group with two quality players and really good lads beside me, I felt we pushed each other along today as there were a lot of birdies out there. It’s great to finally get my hands on a bit of silverware, I’ve had some chances over the years and not quite got the win so to be stood here with this trophy is great.” He was quick to praise his coach Peter Barber who he turned to during a difficult time. “I have known Pete a long time through my dad (Dave) who worked in the golf equipment industry. I had always got along well with him and he had always offered his help. About two and a half years ago I was in a bad place mentally and with my game, so I turned to him and haven’t looked back since. He is the one who deserves all the credit. He has turned my game around.” Mancunian Barber knows plenty about the dog eat dog life of a professional golfer having been a journeyman on the European Tour from 1975 to 1987. His regular playing partner at Gog Magog GC near Cambridge away from tournament golf was Ron Atkinson, and he was part of one of the football manager’s famous pranks. Barber had called at the Cambridge United
ground for a coffee when Big Ron was in charge. He arrived straight from the airport after competing in the Scandinavia Enterprises Open and was wearing a white blazer emblazoned with an oversize tournament logo. Atkinson took one look at him and said: “The press are due in here in 10 minutes. I will do all the talking. I will tell them you can’t speak English and that you are our new signing from Sweden. And don’t take that blazer off.” Sure enough there he was next morning all over the newspapers as Big Ron’s secret signing! The Challenge Tour is not unchartered territory for the Moortown golfer as he played a full season in 2011 before going through a rough few years during which he contemplated giving up the game. “During those times when I wasn’t playing well I seriously thought about packing it in and getting a regular job, but I knew I would miss the competitive side of the sport too much. “I just love competing and that’s what spurs me on. It can be a lonely life at times out there but I’m lucky that I enjoy the travelling which some guys find hard. But I have also had great support from my Mum (Sally) and Dad, my brother Duncan and my girlfriend Nicky.” Dad Dave is as a former winner of the Leeds Open and played for Yorkshire many times. As Director of European Operations for golf shaft manufacturer True Temper, he was in close contact with many or the top players in Europe and as seen at first hand what it takes. He caddies regularly for his youngest son including during the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in 2016 when Nick made it through the final qualifying rounds. Now they will turn their attention to raising enough money to compete next year on a Tour where the top 15 will graduate to the European Tour.
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November/December 2018
How Did I Do? You won the really big one, Jon! NORMANTON Golf Club member Jon Hathaway has won one of the UK’s biggest competitions during just his first full year of playing golf. Jon, who plays off a handicap of 23, scored 42 points in the grand final of HowDidiDo’s How Do We Beat It competition at the prestigious Castle Stuart resort in Scotland. He said: “I started playing at Lofthouse Hill Golf Club with some mates from work on a Thursday afternoon and I just used to borrow some clubs. “Then earlier this year five of us decided to join Normanton so this is my first full year as a golfer,” added Jon who works as a bus driver for Arriva and lives in the Lupset area of Wakefield. “I said I would never pick up a set of golf clubs until I was 40 or 45 as I just didn’t see it as being for me. I was happy watching Leeds United in my spare time although I did play a bit of amateur football. I’m only 37 so I’m glad I went back on my word or I would never have won this event. “Castle Stuart was amazing, absolutely fantastic. I had never played a true links course before and thankfully there was no wind. I just kept hitting it straight and kept out of trouble and the next minute I was picking up the trophy. To be honest it really hasn’t sunk in yet even though I won it back on October 30th.” More than 5,500 participants in the competition also helped raise a staggering £37,845 for Prostate Cancer UK, and a cheque for that amount was handed over to
Richard Peabody, CEO of HDiD’s parent company, Yumax Media; Bronwyn O’Riordan and winner Jon Hathaway
Bronwyn O’Riordan, the organisation’s fundraising manager for Scotland. After signing up to How Do We Beat It with a minimum £5 donation, golfers logged their scores with HowDidiDo. Their best ‘eclectic’ round, between April and September 30, was calculated automatically by the system and the 15 best eclectic cards qualified for the grand final in the Scottish Highlands. Jon added: “I was also pleased to help support the charity. I always throw a couple of quid in the Prostate Cancer collection box when I can as it is a cause I like to support.” HowDidiDo spokesman and chairman of Yumax Media Barry Dyett said: “This is the second year we have run the eclectic How Do We Beat It competition and we
smashed last year’s total raised. Thank you to everybody who took part and generously donated – and congratulations to Jon.” All money raised is donated to PCUK, a charity fighting back against a disease that kills one man every 45 minutes. James Beeby, director of fundraising at PCUK, said: “Golf is a great fit for Prostate Cancer UK, but sadly this disease is not out of bounds. “One in eight men in the UK will be affected by prostate cancer in their lifetime, so we need to drive home this serious message. “The money raised will fund groundbreaking research to help fight the disease. That will help us provide dedicated support and information to men and their families affected by this disease.”
Marcus shouldering burden of injury ONE player who decided against going through the rigours of Tour school was Marcus Armitage. He dislocated his shoulder the week before playing in the Open Championship and has been operating at “50-60%” capacity since then. “I would have had to go to Q school 2 first and then try to get through to the final stages which would have meant 10 rounds pretty much on top of each other, and my shoulder is just not up to that.” He had hoped to have surgery in early November but couldn’t afford to have it done privately and is now trying to rehabilitate the injury himself. “I spoke to the consultant and explained that I didn’t have the money for the operation. He reckons I will be out of action for 3-6 months, but it is likely to be more like 6 than 3.” Marcus hopes to be playing events in Spain in spring in time for the Challenge Tour which starts in April. When Yorkshire Golfer caught up with him Armitage was wielding a lump hammer and knocking old plaster off the walls of a stone terrace house he has just bought in the Huddersfield village of Shelley. “I’m trying to get to the point where there is no pain or nipping in my shoulder. As
I get to the top of my backswing and start to change direction I feel a nipping sensation which is distracting enough. But the end result is that my left arm feels like it freezes and gets left behind and I get really steep and ugly and lose it off the planet to the right.” He’s also working on losing over 40 lbs to get to his “fighting weight” of 15 st. Playing Europe’s leading development tour is a costly exercise. This year events took place in 20 different countries and as a way of generating enough money to cover his expenses Armitage is selling 300 shares in his career at £150 a time and offering a 25% return. And to keep his game in shape he’s competing such as he can on the local 1836 tour having won two out of the last three events. “The last three years have been manic so its nice to have some time off and get ready for next year both physically and mentally.”
GARFORTH GOLF CLUB Alister MacKenzie Course est. 1903 OW BOOK NOID TO AVINTMENT
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BOOKING FOR THE 2018/19 SEASON AVAILABLE Twilight golf from 2.30pm weekdays £20pp (Quote YG0918) Societies Welcome Sunday pm, Society Packages available. 2018/19 Corporate & Society Days bookings now being taken.
Telephone: Ken Findlater, Golf Professional, on 0113 286 2063 - For Special Offers or Lessons.
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November/December 2018
White Rose prevails as stars come out for War of Roses THE second War of the Roses will be played at Clitheroe Golf Club next June following a successful inaugural event at Ilkley Golf Club, where the White Rose county came out on top. Organised by Leeds based SGH Sporting Events and supported by famous sporting names including Robbie Fowler, Paul Scholes, Lee Sharpe, David May and Ryan Sidebottom, the format for next year’s event will see a slight change to allow more players to compete. The Ryder Cup style event at Ilkley in June this year saw 12 two-man teams from each county take each other on head to head, with Fowler leading Lancashire and Sidebottom captaining Yorkshire. But such was the demand for places, organisers have decided that the 2019 renewal will be extended to 12 teams of four with two scores to count. There’s a shotgun start at 1pm, and golf will be followed by an evening meal at Piccolino’s in Clitheroe with an after-dinner speaker from the sporting world. Other attractions on the day will include speed golf, a cross bar challenge, Indian food and Langton’s Gin on the course, and a £10,000 hole in one prize with live scoring. The cost for a team of four starts
Snainton family just keeps growing TWO more golf clubs in Yorkshire have entered into partnership with multi-channel retailer SnaintonGolf. The Snainton Golf model offers members a wide choice of top brands at internet pricing and splits profits with the club. The two new stores are at Malton & Norton and Brough Golf Club. Joel Preston steps up from assistant professional at Malton & Norton to succeed Michael Brooks. who left the club at the end of October.
at £695 plus vat which includes a bespoke Druh team shirt and belt for each player. Other winners on the day this year were the two charities nominated by Sidebottom and Fowler with £5,000 shared between Martin House Hospice and Zoe’s Place in Liverpool, and profits from 2019 will once again go to good causes. For more information visit: https://sghsportingevents.com/events/ war-of-the-roses Photo – former Man Utd players Lee Sharpe and Paul Scholes
AUTUMN/WINTER SPECIALS 1st November 2018 31st March 2019
And over at Brough, Oliver Cross had made the move from The KP Club where he was a teaching professional. He takes over as head professional from Gordon Townhill who retired recently (see story on page 8). Both shops have undergone a complete refit and their indoor teaching and club fitting studios have been upgraded with the latest technology. Snainton founder John Hinchcliffe said: “I’m pleased to be able to help Joel and Oliver as they embark on their careers as head professionals at these two clubs.” The company is also moving over the Pennines for the first time to establish a Snainton operated golf shop at Burnley Golf Club, and the new addi-
“Yorkshire’s hidden gem’’ – Peter Alliss
tions take the number of Snainton stores to 21. Above: Snainton Golf’s James Blenkinsopp (on left) welcomes Joel Preston to the Snainton family, plus Oliver Cross (left)
2019 SPRING/SUMMER SPECIALS Great value Spring/Summer packages available for visiting societies, clubs and groups.
SOCIETY & GROUP BOOKINGS From £25pp
The more golfers the better the deal
inc Coffee & Bacon roll *Organiser goes free if booked by 30th November 2018 (bookings of 12 or more) OR 4 Ball for £100 weekdays or Sunday afternoons (from 12 noon) including coffee on arrival
OUR FRIENDLY CLUB HAS • 3 loops of 9 holes • Day or 18 hole rates • Excellent catering • Fantastic range and short game facilities • Buggy hire available • A warm welcome
WHEN BOOKING PLEASE QUOTE “YORKSHIRE GOLFER”
WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU IN 2019
TO BOOK PLEASE CALL: 01653 697912 or email: secretary@mngc.co.uk • www.maltonandnortongolfclub.co.uk
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November/December 2018
GOLF GUIDE 2019 Yorkshire Golfer’s calendar of key open tournaments and dates for your diary MARCH Saturday 2 Spring Open Am-Am, Burstwick Country Golf Wednesday 20 YUGC Annual Council Meeting, Pannal Saturday 30 Yorkshire v Lincolnshire, Crosland Heath
APRIL Monday 8 Men’s Spring Senior, Ilkley Wednesday 10 YUGC Seventh Division Team Championship Prelim, Woodhall Hills Danny Willett lifted Thurs-Sun 11-14 US The Masters in 2016 MASTERS, AUGUSTA and is finally back in the winning groove. NATIONAL, GEORGIA He’ll be back at Augusta in April Friday 19 Spring AmAm, Woodhall Hills Wednesday 24 YUGC Seventh Division Team Championship, MAY Otley Thursday 2 YUGC County Members’ Spring Meeting No.1, Bradford Friday 26 Ladies Am-Am, Ripon City Sunday 28 Men’s 4-man team Spring Saturday 4 YUGC 125th Anniversary Invitational Event, Huddersfield; Gents Am-Am Ripon City Spring Open, Bentham Monday 29 Ladies Open Am-Am, Sunday 5 Mixed Open, Leeds Golf Ilkley Club
Wednesday 8 YUGC Sixth Division Team Championship, Pike Hills Friday 10 Seniors 55+ Open BB, Burstwick Country Golf Saturday 11 Yorkshire v Durham, Seaton Carew Sunday 12 Mixed Open, Woodhall Hills
Monday 13 Yorkshire Seniors v Lancashire, tbc; Ladies Open Day team event, Scarcroft Tuesday 14 Brabazon Trophy Northern Qualifier, Lindrick Wednesday 15 Spring TriAm Open Day, Kirkbymoorside Thursday 16 YUGC County Members’ Spring Meeting No.2, Wath; Senior Spring Open, Northcliffe; Senior Spring Open 4BBB, Ripon City Thurs-Sun May 16 – 19 USPGA, BETHPAGE BLACK, FARMINGDALE, NEW YORK Saturday 18 Gents Spring Open 4BBB, Ripon City Sunday 19 Mixed Spring Am-Am, Ripon City; Gents Open, Shipley Monday 20 Sir Norman Rae Classic rounds 1 and 2, Northcliffe; Men's Seniors Open Day. Scarcroft Wednesday 22 YUGC Fifth Division Team Championship, Scarborough NC Friday 24 Pro-Am sponsored by The Audio Room, Burstwick Country Golf; Ladies Am-Am, Hallowes
THE LEEDS GOLF CLUB @ Cobble Hall LS28 2LJ
18 Holes Of Golf And Choice Of Meal Before or After Playing
Only £22 per person
Winter Warmer offer Offer available from October 1st 2018. Cannot be used with other promotions
Book online at www.leedsgolfclub.co.uk call 0113 254 9203 to book
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November/December 2018
YOUR 2019 GO Saturday 25 Open Mixed 4BB, Kirkbymoorside Tuesday 28 Yorkshire Boys’ Championship, Selby Thursday 30 Northern Federation U16 Boys, Penrith; Senior County Members Meeting No.1, Forest of Galtres Thurs-Sun May 30 – June 2 English Men’s Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship (Brabazon Trophy), Alwoodley
JUNE
For a great day’s golfing in Yorkshire visit…
Ilkley Golf Club
For our best prices and a list of all our offers please visit... w w w. i l k l e y g o l f c l u b . c o . u k o r c a l l 0 1 9 4 3 6 0 0 2 1 4
Saturday 1 Men’s Texas Scramble, Bentham Monday 3 Men’s Open, Ilkley; Ladies AmAm, Northcliffe Thursday 6 Seniors Open Day, Kirkbymoorside; Ladies Open, Shipley Saturday 8 Yorkshire v Lancashire, Fairhaven; South Bradford Men’s Am-Am Sunday 9 England Golf Mixed Club Team Championship, Moor Allerton Monday 10 Senior Open, Shipley Wednesday 12 YUGC Fourth Division Team Championship, Scarcroft Thurs-Sun 13-16 US OPEN, PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA Saturday 15 Invitation Day 1, Northcliffe Sunday 16 Northern Federation, Northumberland GC Monday 17 Mixed Team Open Day, Scarcroft; Senior Texas Scramble, Bentham Mon/Tue 17-18 Yorkshire Seniors’ Championship, Garforth Thursday 20 YUGC Senior County Members’ Meeting No.2 Cottingham Parks; Mixed Pairs Open BB, Burstwick Country Golf Monday 24 Yorkshire Seniors v Cumbria, Penrith; Mixed Open, Ilkley Tuesday 25 Cobble Hall Past Masters, Leeds Golf Club Wednesday 26 YUGC Third Division Team Championship, Bedale Saturday 29 Ladies Open Day, Am-Am stableford teams of four, South Bradford
JULY Wednesday 3 EG Northern Boys Qualifying, Rockliffe Hall Thursday 4 YUGC County Members’ Summer Meeting No.1, Cookridge Hall Saturday 6 Yorkshire v Cumbria, Ilkley Sunday 7 Gents Summer Am-Am, Ripon City
The US Open returns to one of the great courses of the world California’s Monterey peninsula south of San Francisco (top) Royal Portrush in Northern ireland gets the honour of staging T summer (centre. The season’s second Major this year features Black for the USPGA (bottom photo)
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November/December 2018
OLF CALENDAR
e world in 2019 – Pebble Beach, on o (top) taging The Open Championship next eatures the gruelling test of Bethpage
Monday 8 Men’s Summer Senior Open, Ilkley Wednesday 10 YUGC Second Division Team Championship, Doncaster Thursday 11 Ladies Open, Leeds Golf Club Saturday 13 Men’s Open Am- Am, Kirkbymoorside Sunday 14 Bridgestone Chase Your Dream Men’s (North), Scarcroft; Mixed AmAm, Hallowes; Summer Open, Bentham; Mixed Open, Shipley Monday 15 Yorkshire Seniors v Cheshire, Stockport Thursday 18 YUGC County Members’ Summer Meeting No.2, Richmond Thurs-Sun 18-21 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP, ROYAL PORTRUSH Friday 19 Ladies Open AmAm, Woodhall Hills Saturday 20 Invitation Day 2, Northcliffe Sunday 21 The Real Open, Northcliffe Monday 22 Yorks v Lancs U16 Boys, Rossendale Tue/Wed 23-24 EG Northern Seniors Champs, Ormskirk Wednesday 24 Yorkshire Team Championship, Huddersfield Wednesday 24 Leeds Amateur Cup and Cobble Hall Scratch, Leeds Golf Club Thursday 25 Senior Sumer Open 4BBB, Ripon City Friday 26 Ladies Summer Am-Am, Ripon City Saturday 27 Gents Summer Open 4BBB, Ripon City; Captain’s Charity Open AmAm, Burstwick Country Golf Sunday 28 Mixed Summer Am-Am, Ripon City Monday 29 Yorkshire Boys v Lancs Boys, Sandburn Hall Tuesday 30 Senior Open, Hallowes Wednesday 31 Ladies Open Day, Kirkbymoorside
AUGUST Thursday 1 Senior Open Day, Kirkbymoorside; Senior Open, Shipley Saturday 3 Open Day run by the Rabbits Section, Kirkbymoorside Sunday 4 Summer Waltz, Bentham Monday 5 Yorkshire Seniors v Northumberland, Tynemouth Wednesday 7 EG Northern Group Qualifying, Alnmouth; Senior Open, Bentham Thursday 8 YUGC County Members’ Autumn Meeting No.1, Rudding Park; Seniors Open, Woodhall Hills Friday 9 Yorkshire Boys v Cheshire Boys, Hillsborough Saturday 10 Yorkshire v Cheshire, Hallamshire Monday 12 Young Talent Identification Day, Sandburn Hall; Junior Open Individual Stableford, Burstwick Country Golf; Mixed Team Open Day Scarcroft; Mixed Open, Ilkley Tuesday 13 Yorkshire U16 Boys Championship, Wortley Thursday 15 Senior Autumn Open, Northcliffe Friday 16 Yorkshire U16 Boys v Cheshire U16 Boys, Prestbury; Summer Am-Am, Woodhall Hills Sunday 18 Mixed Open, Northcliffe Monday 19 Yorkshire Seniors v Durham, Knaresborough; Ladies Summer Open Am-Am, Burstwick Country Golf Tue/Thurs 20-22 Yorkshire Amateur Championship, Pannal Saturday 24 Open Mixed 4BB, Kirkbymoorside Thursday 29 YUGC County Members’ Autumn Meeting No.2, Wetherby Saturday 31 Yorkshire v Northumberland, Middlesbrough
Welcome to
SCARCROFT GOLF CLUB
Scarcroft is one of the best courses in Leeds and one of the few to still have tree lined fairways. Over the past few years intensive drainage work and sensitive tree management has meant the course can be played and enjoyed throughout the year. You would be welcome to come and try for yourselves. SPECIAL OFFER WITH THIS ADVERT... 4 Ball - 18 holes + One course meal for just £100
FOR THE BEST PRICES & LATEST OFFERS VISIT
www.scarcroftgolfclub.co.uk
SCARCROFT GOLF CLUB, SYKE LANE, SCARCROFT, LEEDS LS14 3BQ
Telephone: 0113 289 2311
Woodhall Hills Golf Club
SOCIETY GOLF PACKAGES 2019 A SELECTION OF PACKAGES AVAILABLE FROM ONLY £20 p.p.
PARTIES OF 12 OR MORE THE ORGANISER PLAYS FOR FREE, NEAREST PIN / LONGEST DRIVE PRIZE INCLUDED.
VISITING GOLFERS MOST WELCOME WELL STOCKED PRO SHOP OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC
TEL 0113 256 2857 (OPT. 2) PROFESSIONAL’S SHOP TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS OR MAKE A BOOKING
www.woodhallhillsgolfclub.com
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November/December 2018
DIARY DATES FOR 2019 When Danny Willett edged out Lee Westwood to win the 2015 Masters , it was on the back of winning the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa – won this month by none other than Westy, with girlfriend Helen Storey on the bag...
SEPTEMBER Saturday 1 Men’s Am-Am, South Bradford Monday 2 Ladies Open Am-Am, Ilkley Mon/Tue 2-3 EG Northern Group Seniors Qualifying, Garforth Tueesday 3 Cobble Hall Autumn Seniors, Leeds Golf Club Saturday 7 Summer Open Am-Am, Burstwick Country Golf Sunday 8 Sir Norman Rae 4BBB, Northcliffe Monday 9 Ladies Shotgun Am-Am, Northcliffe Wednesday 11 Ladies Tri-Am Open Day, Kirkbymoorside Saturday 14 The Wenningdale Trophy, Bentham Monday 16 Men’s Autumn Senior, Ilkley Wednesday 18 Senior Open, Shipley Thursday 19 YUGC County Members’ Invitation Meeting, Saltburn Fri/Sun 20-22 Yorkshire Match Play
Championship, Woodsome Hall Saturday 21 Men’s 4BBB Open, Woodhall Hills Sunday 22 Mixed Open, Shipley; Men’s Team Open, Woodhall Hills; Men’s Open Day Team Event, Scarcroft Fri/Sun 27-29 England Golf Men’s County Championship, Huddersfield Golf Club Monday 30 Senior Team Am-Am, Northcliffe
OCTOBER Sunday 6 Men’s Open Am-Am, Ripon City Thursday 24 Ladies Festive Fayre, Woodhall Hills
NOVEMBER Friday 1 YUGC Annual Dinner, York Racecourse Saturday 2 Xmas Open Am-Am, Burstwick Country Golf Wednesday 13 Ladies Xmas Shotgun Open Am-Am, Burstwick Country Golf
Every month, Yorkshire Golfer reaches tens of thousands of active players – let US help promote YOUR golf club!
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November/December 2018
Pretty as a picture, Woodhall Hills MANY golf courses in the Broad Acres can lay claim to having the best views in the county, but one that may not immediately spring to mind is Woodhall Hills. Established in 1905 Woodhall Hills is well positioned between Leeds and Bradford, near the village of Calverley. The course stands in over 130 acres and affords wonderful views over the surrounding countryside which wraps around the two cities. You may be taken in by the views, but you will need all your powers of concentration to take on this charming parkland layout throws up an Intriguing mix of four short par fours, complex par threes and meaty par fives which test every shot in the bag and reward a thoughtful and strategic approach. The superb views are matched by the course condition which is
always immaculate. Several layout changes have been made over the last century and a bit, and the host greenkeepers are regularly commended for maintaining the excellent “all year round” course conditions. It is a popular venue for out of towners, who take advantage of attractive packages and the warmest of welcomes. Woodhall Hills has become a firm favourite with societies and packages in 2019 start from just £20 per person and for parties of 12 or more the organiser plays free and prizes for nearest the pin and longest drive are also included. *If you have a favourite view from your golf course please take a snap and send it along with a few words to: mike@yorkshiregolfer.com
Oulton Hall man heads to Slaley OULTON Hall greenkeeper Neil Smith is heading north after being named as the new course manager at Slaley Hall. Smith, 44, will bring a wealth of experience to his new role having previously spent 14 years on the greenkeeping staff at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, and the last six years as golf courses and estates manager at Oulton Hall near Leeds. Slaley Hall head of golf, Jonny Mould, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Neil to the team; he brings invaluable experience with him gained from his time at The Belfry and our group’s Oulton Hall. “Neil will be responsible for anything and everything that happens on a 36-hole golf course from drainage and bunker construction to grass maintenance.” Smith, who will lead a team of nine greenkeepers at Slaley Hall, said: “I’m thrilled to join Slaley Hall as its new course manager and am looking forward to working closely with Jonny and the team as we put our ambitious plans to work. “We have two stunning championship courses with unrivalled views to maintain – I’m very excited for the changes and challenge ahead.” Neil (left) is pictured with Jonny Mould
Honour for Hallamshire
Howley pals are all in the prizes FOUR golfers who joined Howley Hall Golf Club 10 years ago all picked up major trophies at the club’s annual prizegiving. Martin Barber, Steve Turner, Rob Edward and Phil Stanton continue to play together and were praised by club captain David Jones who handed out the trophies on the evening. Jones said: “I cannot recall a fourball group having such a successful season. Some older members may know different, but I feel they are due a special mention.” Pictured at the presentyation evening are Steve Turner with the G W Turton Memorial Trophy, Phil Stanton with the Famous Grouse Trophy, club captain David Jones, Martin Barber with the Newsome Memorial Salver and captain’s prize winner Rob Edward. Meanwhile the Howley Hall club’s annual Children in Need Day was another resounding success with more than £20,000 raised on the day. This takes the total donated to Children in Need and other local charities to more than £325,000 since the inaugural event in 2002. Members of the club also dug deep
HALLAMSHIRE Golf Club is one of 17 finalists in the 2019 Golf Environment Awards. The GEA’s are organised by Bingley based The Sports Turf Research Institute and recognise golf clubs and individuals that strive to undertake environmental best practice. Hallamshire was one of over 30 long-listed clubs visited earlier in the year by STRI ecology consultants Bob Taylor and Rowan Rumball, and was nominated as one of four finalists in the Outstanding Environmental Project category, Representatives from the club will attend an awards ceremony on January 23 at the Crown Hotel in Harrogate.
Golf Environment Awards judge Rumball said: “This is my first year managing the GEAs, and it has been a fantastic, but challenging, experience. It has been humbling and such a privilege to see first-hand all the good work golf clubs are striving to achieve.” She added: “The range of projects has been massively diverse, and the scale is inspiring. Golf is truly leading the way when it comes to ecological and environmental commitment.” All GEA finalists receive free entry into the Foundation Award in Amenity Horticulture course, and the winners will be able to enjoy a European Golf & Environment trip to Portugal.
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in support of member Ben Hutchinson. They raised more than £3,000 to help the former Yorkshire amateur champion step on the first rung of professional golf when he entered Stage 1 of the European Tour qualifying school at
Frilford Heath. Pictured above are Ian Gledhill (Captain of Leeds society of past captains), the winning team of Scott Hartley, Jamie Poyner, Martin Smith and Danny Denison and club captain David Jones.
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November/December 2018
EXCITING TIMES Wike Ridge facility submits £9m plan for fantastic new facilities including lodges and clubhouse
Leeds looks to fabulous future... MULTI million-pound plans for a major expansion of Leeds Golf Centre have been submitted to Leeds City Council. In 2017 alone, over 300 local children were introduced to the game of golf for free by Leeds Golf Centre which was named England Golf’s Club of the Year for 2018. As well as teaching them the importance of exercise and focus, the programme focussed on boosting confidence and embedding values around hard work, discipline, respect and tol-
erance. The creation of a new Centre of Excellence will further enhance the owner’s vision to make golf accessible to all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Since it was purchased by The Parklane Group in 2011, the course, which is the UK base of the prestigious Leadbetter Golf Academy, has already seen a multi-million-pound redesign. The new plans include a new clubhouse with a striking double height glazed entrance space and a two-tier
Kids and dads in the swing
INSPIRED by Europe’s success in Paris, youngsters at Oulton Hall recruited parents to join them in their own Ryder Cup-style FUEL Golf foursomes event. Thirty pairs made up of an adult and junior were split into two teams, representing Europe and the USA in a fun-filled competition. Ultimately, after totalling all the scores, Europe triumphed again, by the narrow margin of 425-423. Individual prizes on the day were won by Eddie, aged seven, and Pete Claughton, who took first prize in the nine-hole competition with a nett 31, 1.5 points ahead of second-placed Louie (14) and Martin Parker. Oliver (11) and Phil Hobbs were third after shooting a nett 36. The five-hole competition was won by Max (nine) and Simon Carrington, with Jayden (nine) and Chris Gray just pipping Izzy (nine) and Barry Rankin to second place. A further prize was awarded to 10-year-old Finn Roberts Green who won the ‘best dressed’ award with a spectacular Europe-themed outfit. Thomas Devine, FUEL Golf junior programme director, said: “As ever, it was great to see so many adults and children on the golf course. This was our third adult-and-child event of the year and we are already planning more next year. There seems to be a real buzz when the kids get to play with their parents. It’s also great to see some serious adult nerves on the first tee!” FUEL (Future Elite) Golf is a dynamic and unique junior golf programme, currently being run at the Oulton Hall Golf Academy. Leeds. Photo – some of the competitors in the event
driving range with state-of-the-art interactive facilities currently not seen outside of London. The new Centre of Excellence building will also feature a modern sports bar. Thirty-seven bespoke eco-lodges designed specifically for golf breaks overlooking a newly created lake are also part of the planning application. Managing Director of The Parklane Group, and course owner, Naveen Ahmed, said: “I am thrilled that our plans for this £9million investment into Leeds have taken a major step for-
ward. “As an enthusiastic golfer, I recognise the importance of Yorkshire having a golf venue which can compete on an international stage – attracting visitors from across the world to our city. I believe these plans will help the region achieve that aim. When we bought Leeds Golf Centre in 2011, my vision was to create somewhere inclusive, where everyone in the community can feel welcome. “We have taken great strides towards that aim and we are proud of
how we have engaged different communities around Leeds – with a major programme of school engagement, support for juniors, ladies and seniors, and work to open up the sport to those who usually wouldn’t play. Our continued investment into the Centre will allow us to build further on this good work over the years to come.” A decision on the planning application is expected in early 2019. The image above is an artist’s impression of the rear of the planned new clubhouse.
Gotts Park boost for community group ONE of the most rewarding and enjoyable projects to come to light this year relates to a partnership brought together to teach golf to people with learning difficulties. When Aspire support worker Shireen Causebrook asked her ‘customers’, as she likes to call them, what activity they would like to take up this year, they voted unanimously to learn to play golf. Shireen approached Clive Walton, the Secretary/Head Greenkeeper of Gotts Park Golf Club in Leeds about the project, and he was very happy to provide practice facilities for them each week. PGA Professional, Jeff Whittam was also delighted to be asked to join the enterprise. Throughout the year Aspire’s inhouse transport has picked up the new pupils from three different community bases within the local Leeds area – Kirkstall Leisure Centre, Headingley Heart and Strawberry Lane Community Centre – and transported them to the course each Thursday morning. The men and women have differing learning and physical disabilities and are aged between 18 and 70. A drink and a sandwich at the golf club on arrival soon gave way to the main purpose on the practice area, with stations already marked out by Jeff. The lessons have been an education in themselves, with the whole session carefully monitored and overseen by two or three support workers, with Jeff teaching the basics of the game. Good shots were celebrated by whoops and cheers, as the group encouraged each other in a relaxed, fun, but purposeful environment. Jeff said: “Although I have been teaching for almost 30 years, I was quite
nervous to be taking golf lessons for people with learning difficulties, but having been with them now for the last four months, they are absolutely brilliant. They try their hardest and are great to be with. I really do enjoy the time I spend with them.” Shireen along with support leader, Jackie Spencer, and senior support worker, David Johnson, set up the project with no previous knowledge of the golf but have been thrilled with the response. Shireen added: “Our group have
been so keen to learn the game, they love coming to Gotts Park, where they are made to feel so welcome, and they think the world of Jeff – he makes the lessons great fun for them all, no matter what their age or physical problems. They can hardly wait to come each week. “They all received a Certificate of Achievement, and we have also had a lot of support from the members, and one of them, Harry, even donated golf clubs for my group to use. I’m hoping that the project can be extended to new groups. It’s wonderful to see the progress they’ve made, and the impact that golf has had on them.” Aspire CBS is a Social Enterprise, and the Fulfilling Lives Day Service is dedicated to supporting people with learning difficulties in providing a range of healthy, safe and purposeful daytime activities. People attend between one and five days per week, depending on their assessed needs. Shireen went on: “This scheme has been so successful in every respect, and we can’t thank Clive Walton, Gotts Park, and Jeff enough for their positive support and encouragement.” Photo – ASPIRE Support Worker, Shireen Causebrook, with PGA Professional, Jeff Whittam
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November/December 2018
Dewsbury’s stars of the future
THE stars of the future at Dewsbury Golf Club were recognised during the annual junior prize presentation. A thriving junior section is the lifeblood of every golf club and Dewsbury’s success in attracting youngsters to the game is down to the hard work of junior organiser Linda Dyson and coach James Ward, who is also Dewsbury’s assistant professional. Captain Mick McGrath presented the prizes which included his junior prize which went to Jacob Brown with a nett 65, and he also won the Junior Trophy for the best score at the Junior Open. The Blue Tee medal played on the same day was won by Benji Jenkinson who was also named as the Most Improved Beginner and earned the Organisers’ Trophy. The End of Season seven-hole competition for improvers was won by Lois Gledhill, while the six-hole event for beginners was won by Alastair Terry. Eclectic Gross went to Lewis Eccles, the
John’s Team Europe ‘wins cup for Billy’
Eclectic Nett winner was Layton Durham, the Eclectic Gross Blue Tee victor was Jack Dyson and Lewis Carden was Eclectic Nett Blue Tee winner. Mollie Brown was named Most Improved Player. The Paul Stewart Memorial Trophy, which is played for in their winter league competition, was won by Layton Durham and the Organisers’ Cup was won by Evan McGlade. Mollie Brown also won the Order of Merit for the second year in succession, with Jack Dyson awarded the Blue Tee Order of Merit. The club said: “Well done to our junior golfers; all levels are improving well thanks to James Ward and his patient, friendly and skilful coaching.” Pictured are (front) Connie Dyson and Alistair Terry; second row - Charlie Walker, Jack Dyson, Benji Jenkinson Lois Gledhill, Lewis Eccles; third row - Harry Walker, Jacob Brown, Mollie Brown, club captain Mick McGrath, coach James Ward, Evan McGlade and Layton Durham.
YORKSHIRE’S John Riordan was part of a European team that overcame a massive pretournament shock to land a major honour on American soil. Riordan, 66, who is a member at Oulton Hall, Leeds, is a director and northern events coordinator for the Disabled Golf Association (DGA), a pandisability charitable interest organisation. He was selected to play for Team Europe in the Phoenix Cup, in Florida – a team event against disabled golfers from the USA. However on the day before the tournament, one of the European party, Scottish golfer Billy Cairns, passed away. The event went ahead anyway, with John saying the Europeans “won it for Billy”. John commented: “Billy had said, before travelling, that the trip ‘was the chance of a lifetime and (he) wouldn’t miss it for anything’. “His passing obviously knocked everyone for six, but if ever there was a motivation for a team to get out on the course and win then this was it. There is no doubt Team Europe went out there and won it for Billy.” Although Riordan lost narrowly on the 18th hole of all three of his matches – foursomes, fourballs, and singles –
the team managed to secure victory in the three-day event by 13pts to 10. He said: “Naturally, we were all buoyed by the success of the European team in the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National, and it led to some goodnatured banter with our opponents. “It was a great experience playing against the American guys in Florida and we were John Riordan – part of winning delighted to win.” Team Europe Riordan, who lives in Dewsbury, also featured in a The biennial team event, recent clash at his home club the Auld Enemies Cup, is also a between DGA and Scottish team competition and Riordan Disability Golf and Curling captained the DGA. “Sadly,” he (SDGC), of which he is also a smiled, “that victory went north member. of the border!”
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November/December 2018
Ganton – a gloriously tough test GOLF was first played at Ganton in the summer of 1891 and was soon established as a course where history was to be made. In 1896 Harry Vardon was appointed professional and it was during his stay that he won the first three of his six Open Championships and the US Championship Trophy in 1900. The course features at No 77 in the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World and this is testament to Vardon, Ted Ray (also a Ganton professional and Open and US Open Champion), James Braid, JH Taylor, Harry Colt, Dr Alister MacKenzie, Tom Simpson and CK Cotton who have contributed to the design and continuing improvements on the course.
Apart from the deep bunkers it was the additional planting of gorse in the late 1930s that developed the nature of the course into the challenge it remains today. Ganton has been the venue for matches and championships of the highest quality including the 1949 Ryder Cup, 2000 Curtis Cup and 2003 Walker Cup. It has also hosted a succession of major amateur and professional tournaments for men and women. In staging the Amateur
Return trip for Tommo
Championship in 1964, 1977 and 1991 Ganton remains the only inland course ever to have done so. Gary Player once said that Ganton is the only inland course worthy of holding the Open Championship. It provides a relentless test for those aspiring to the greatest achievements in the game; the fast running fairways and the firm true greens require the highest quality of shot making and control. The club is proud to have been so closely linked with the
‘Ganton is the only inland course worthy of holding the Open’ Gary Player
story of British golf and looks forward to hosting leading events in the future, including England v France international in 2020 and the English Amateur Championship (Brabazon Trophy) in 2021. Due to the sandy nature of the soil the course remains a great option throughout the winter months. The deep and prolific bunkers, rough, gorse and large undulating greens have made for a searching examination of the game’s best players and provides a memorable experience for all who visit. Ganton looks forward to welcoming golfers to take on the same challenge as the golfing greats have over the last 127 years.
STEVEN Tomkinson (pictured above on left, with partner Andy Harm), will be making his second appearance in the final of SkyCaddie PGA ProCaptain Challenge later this month but any similarities between the locations, aside from 18 golf holes, are purely coincidental. Tomkinson, the head PGA Professional at Otley Golf Club, played in the competition’s final in 2005 when it was contested in the heat of the desert at Riffa in Bahrain. This time the culmination of a competition that is sponsored by SkyCaddie and supported by Golfplan will be closer to home and, given the time of year, in a milder climate. Tomkinson, his partner, and the nine other pairs vying for a portion of the £22,000 prize fund will
head for Arabella Golf on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Tomkinson and his partner, Otley Golf Club captain Andy Harm, booked their place in the 36-hole final as a result of posting 39 points in the Stableford format qualifier at nearby Headingley Golf Club. They finished level with four other pairs after being among the first to tee off in windy conditions and, much to Tomkinson’s surprise, won on countback. “Never in a month of Sundays did we think we’d hold on to the lead,” he said. “It was so windy, brutal - we thought we’d drawn the worst of the conditions, but we were delighted to win it on countback. “I have played in this final before, when it was in Bahrain. But this is the first time I’ve done anything like this since.”
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November/December 2018
Historic Leeds Cup back home where it belongs... Publisher DANNY LOCKWOOD visits a club back on top of its game
T
HESE are good days, very good days at Leeds Golf Club – Cobble Hall, to its many friends and patrons. The course is looking immaculate, the oldest professional trophy in golf – the Leeds Cup – is back home where it belongs and the grassroots of the junior section is flourishing again after a few fallow years. It’s all so much brighter than six years ago, when the club that can trace its heritage back to the very origins of golf in Leeds, faced desperate times and was on the verge of folding. “We had to go to the members and ask them to put up lump sums to keep us afloat,” said club secretary Paul Mawman. “We needed at least 75% of them to dig deep for the club. We got 75% of them. It allowed us to turn the corner.” Since then the club has gone from strength to strength, but Paul is keen to thank neighbours who stood by Cobble Hall when times were tough. It would be a blow to any club to lose 25% of its membership but he praised local clubs who said they would delay processing new applications until Leeds GC got back on its feet. “Headingley, Wetherby, Garforth golf clubs, they were really supportive,” added Paul. “That speaks volumes about the people in our sport.” Indeed, such has been the upturn in the club’s fortunes that former members, hearing the great things being said about the reinvigorated Cobble Hall, are back knocking on the door. Membership is growing, thanks in large part to the innovative approach to flexible packages that mean golfers don’t pay the full fee until the age of 40. Junior play for free until they’re 12 – and it’s only a modest £85 to age 17. A flexiplay, points-based offer that makes the
perfect gateway to golf has been successful for Leeds GC, and the arrival of new head professional Adrian Newboult and his assistant Andrew Rigby has also had a real impact. “The juniors are doing fantastic now, under Andrew,” explained Paul. “We had to drop out of the Leeds and District competition because we were down to three or four juniors. Now we have 20-plus and we’re back in the league, and you can see their confidence growing.” The Wilkinson Sword Junior Championship, once a leading county event, has been reborn and is symbolic of the general positivity in the air at the club, just four miles from Leeds city centre and part of the Roundhay estate. “Like any club we’re in the market for new members and more visitors and we have a wide range of attractive packages to build on that,” added Paul. The club currently has a great winter deal – £22 for 18 holes and a meal, while new members can take advantage of an 18 months-for-12 deal running from January 2019 to June 2020. Anyone interested can check the club website for details. Ady Newboult has has also created a fantastic swing studio in some old outbuildings, and stages a winter league, with visitors coming to use it too.
B
UT any golf club is really only as good as its course, and 2018 has been a landmark year for Cobble Hall, with the recruitment of new Course Manager Ian Pullan from Slaley Hall. “It’s been a massive plus for us,” added Paul Mawman. “The plaudits just keep flowing … the greens have never been so good, and both
members and visitors have been delighted with the condition of the course. “Ian has had an immediate impact and we’re now getting into a winter programme of improving the bunkers. That’s not to denigrate our previous staff, but Ian’s fresh eyes and ideas have been excellent. We’ve invested in new machinery too. “We consider ourselves a really friendly club – the friendliest in Leeds, we think! – but you can have the best hospitality, bar and restaurant facilities, but they are ancillary activities because your bread and butter is the golf course. You have to get that right.” The off-course part of the deal is a given, because Leeds Golf Club has won national club, catering and steward of the year awards in recent times. If the club has a challenge, it is perhaps in its location somewhat off the beaten track – despite being nestled inside the Leeds ring road. “We’re not surrounded by chimney pots,” said Paul, “so it isn’t as though we have locals to use it as a pub or restaurant – but when we get them here, we want to make sure they’re keen to come back!” And speaking of ‘coming back’ the return of the Leeds Cup in 2017 after an eight year absence has cemented the new-found confidence in Cobble Hall’s future. Enthusiasts knocking balls around the horse pastures in 1890 that became in turn Leeds GC in 1896 and then a separate Roundhay club – they merged in 1900 – had a certain Dr Alister MacKenzie amongst them. He was a member at Leeds from 1900 to 1910 and gave advice regarding the bunkering and layout, before he went on to create some of
his masterpieces, starting locally with Alwoodley in 1907 and Moortown. In 1901 the Lord Mayor of Leeds presented the newly formed PGA with the Leeds Cup, the first professional trophy in golf to be played for annually, and it was inaugurated at the club in 1902. Winners included Open champions and first Leeds Cup winner Harry Vardon, Ted Ray, Sandy Herd and George Duncan. With the Leeds Amateur Cup and Cobble Hall Scratch also part of the club’s proud calendar, the sport’s history is firmly back in safe hands. The course itself is bordered to the north by the ring road and the east by Elmete Lane and is accessed from Wetherby Road. It’s a mature, parkland track with most of the holes tree-lined, and traversing land which falls away from the north. The signature hole is the 7th, a delight on the eye from the tee, culminating in a trademark MacKenzie green perched on the hillside above your approach. Just as famous locally – or notorious more like – is the par 3 15th, which the club calls ‘Tribulation’ but gets called plenty of things beside! It’s a steep uphill test. “The brewery gave us a guest beer called ‘Tribulation’ after the hole and 15 free pints were on offer to anyone getting a hole in one,” said Paul. None were won, although just recently at a North Leeds Ladies Alliance, an Alwoodley member aced it – the first this year, according to the secretary. The test won’t get any easier with the passing of time, but the resurgent Leeds Golf Club can see only good times ahead.
A warm welcome is assured at Leeds Golf Club, whose signature hole the 7th (left) features a handsome vista from the tee and a green typical of former member Dr Alister MacKenzie
November/December 2018
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The 1st hole shares a green, St Andrews-like, with the 16th hole at Cobble Hall, whose clubhouse (main photo) overlooks a rural idyll on the Roundhay estate, just four miles from the city centre
Leeds Golf Club YELLOW TEES 1- 318yds, par 4 A short and straight opener, with a ditch tight down the right hand side, so it’s all about safety off the tee. The fairway rolls from right to left, and rises to the green so you might not be able to see the base of the flag on a double green, shared with the 16th. 2- 381yds, par 4 Back on yourself behind the clubhouse, a tree-lined avenue of a hole, but a good drive brings two lateral bunkers into play. Sand protects the approach and watch out for the road to the right which is OB. 3- 392yds, par 4 Reverse direction again, to a hole with a diagonal
ditch, but it will take a good hit to reach it. The hole falls away down towards a shaped green with a bunker top right and below left, with a run-off at the back. 4- 400yds, par 4 Index 1 and a sweeping left to righter, tree lined. Position is vital off the tee. There’s a lateral front bunker and the green has another pot bunker mid left plus some tricky run-offs. 5- 370yds, par 4 Parallel back to the 4th so a slight dogleg right to left this time. So far everything has fallen away from the ‘top’ of the course. A broadish fairway then downhill into a well protected green, which slopes from front right to back left, with tricky run-offs too.
LEEDS GOLF CLUB Elmete Lane, Leeds LS8 2LJ Tel: 0113 265 9203 www.leedsgolfclub.co.uk
6- 113yds, par 3 A short par 3 but very easy on the eye. Get it right though, because the green has plenty of challenges and it is ringed by bunkers.
going into a back-to-front sloping green with sand left and right. 9- 168yds, par 3 Uphill to the turn, a short hole which played longer than it looked for us. There are short left and right bunkers, then more traps beyond, protecting a big green with some devilish undulations. 10- 407yds, par 4 A wide open downhill par 4, which is 50 yards longer from the white tees, hence its index 2 rating. Stay on the short stuff and you’re going into a green with a bunker front right and run-offs to the sides and rear. 11- 514yds, par 5 The hole runs parallel to the ring road. Avoid the grassy mounds that traverse much of the fairway at about 260 yards. You’ve still a way to go before the hole drops away to reveal the green in the far corner of the course. It has bunkers above front right and below front left and is ridged, with steep run-offs.
7- 357yds, par 4 What a fabulous looking hole, a big downhill vista, with just the fairway bunkers to avoid. The hole then 12- 375yds, par 3 A daunting tee shot, with trees tight left sweeps towards a typical MacKenzie, two-tiered green, with a and a fairway sloping away to the right. Your second is back up the hill. narrow entrance protected by a big trap. It broadens out at the back. 13- 149yds, par 3 An attractive, downhill short hole with a 8- 400yds, par 4 The 8th is uphill with everything big lateral bunker short of the front to make sure you club it correctly, and a green with in front of you. Trees are the major some subtle slopes. issue but a good drive leaves you
14- 485yds, par 5 Get your line right on this difficult hole because you won’t see the green until your third – or fourth – shot. There’s a dogleg, tree trouble both sides, before you go blind over a steep incline, then down to a narrow, sloping green tucked away. 15- 156yds, par 3 Did I say there was an incline on the 14th? It’s tough to correctly club the 15th ‘Tribulation’ first time round because it’s steeply uphill, with pot bunkers front and left, but at least the green slopes from the back towards you with a helpful banking behind it. 16- 377yds, par 4 Downhill with the fairway running away left to right, towards fairway bunkers and the boundary wall. The two lateral bunkers well short of the green shared with the first shouldn’t come into play – but there are more greenside. 17- 320yds, par 4 The drive looks a lot tighter than it is, but make sure you favour the left side, avoiding the sentinel oak tree, to get position into the green below on the right, that slopes away from you. 18- 162yds, par 3 All uphill to finish, so take plenty of club. There are traps and mounds protecting a green angled at 45 degrees, and which clopes back right to front left.
New Course Manager Ian Pullan has the greens in superb condition with bunker work scheduled for the winter
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November/December 2018
Barclay picks Stanford HALLAMSHIRE’S Barclay Brown is following in the footsteps of Tiger Woods after accepting the offer of a golf scholarship from Stanford University. Tiger attended the California school between 1994 and 1996, also on a golf scholarship, and England international Brown, 17, is expected to join next September after signing a National Letter of Intent earlier this month. Conrad Ray, the Knowles Family Director of Men’s Golf said: “We are fired up to welcome Barclay Brown to the
Stanford Golf Family. His tournament experience in high level international competition, his leadership roles on the English squad and his size and athleticism bode well for a successful collegiate career at Stanford. The sky is the limit.” The former Yorkshire Boys’ champion, who won the Carris Trophy earlier this year, is currently ranked number 4 in the European under 17 rankings, number 8 in the under 18s, 54 in the men’s rankings, and he’s at 438 in the official World Amateur Golf Ranking.
‘Amicable divorce’ for caddie Billy and Westy CADDIE Billy Foster says his split with long term boss Lee Westwood is “gut wrenching”. The break up was confirmed after the former world number one’s victory at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa where his girlfriend Helen Storey was on the bag. It appears she may well be continuing with the job after Bingley St Ives member Foster revealed that Westwood has begun doing his own yardages. Speaking to Yorkshire golfer immediately after the split was announced Foster said: “It’s gut wrenching as we are big friends, but situations change, and Lee has changed his outlook and there’s nothing I can do about that. “ Foster said that Westwood making him ‘basically just carry the bag’ created an “uncomfortable atmosphere” on the course. “Ultimately it was no good for Lee and not fair on me either, so unfortunately the partnership had run its course and we both knew that. Times change. It has been a great 10 years of my life with Lee and we had many special times and successes together.” The Yorkshireman was working with Lindrick member Westwood in his previous start at the Turkish Airlines Open and would have bagged around £100,000 had he stayed on another week for the Nedbank. Foster said, “I can only wish him good luck moving forward – although I do feel he could have waited more than a week before winning a million dollars!”
His interest in caddying was sparked when he watched the 1981 Lawrence Batley International at his home course when he was an apprentice joiner with his Dad and “getting sacked two or three times a week.” “I caddied at Bingley for a while and decided to follow a few tournaments. I went to Fulford and got a job with Jesus Lopez, he was the next Seve at the time. I decided to take a sixweek holiday to Spain for the Spanish, Sanyo and Portuguese Opens. While I was there, Hugh Baiocchi offered me a full-time job. I ditched the £25-a-week with my father and became a caddy.”
Times were tougher back then and he admits to sleeping in tents and sometimes bushes. “My first real cheque was in Portugal. We finished seventh, that was worth about £795 for Tony Johnstone and £135 for me. I had to find my flight money, accommodation, meals and everything else out of that cheque.” After Baiocchi he saw success with Gordon Brand Junior before teaming up with Seve Ballesteros, Darren Clarke, Thomas Bjorn and Sergio Garcia. But his most enduring relationship was with Westwood. Foster is arguably one of the greatest caddies of all time and given his record of success, it’s likely he will find another full-time bag for 2019 fairly quickly, with speculation already surfacing that maybe he will connect with Rory McIlroy in the New Year. But Foster loves his Yorkshire base and McIlroy has already indicated that me may only play twice in Europe which would mean Billy spending the majority of next year Stateside. He has appeared during Sky’s golf broadcasts, most notably during this year’s Masters where the combination of his Yorkshire wit and microscopic knowledge of Augusta National made interesting viewing. Many feel he is a perfect fit for an on-course role and he’s certainly not ruling that out. “I’m definitely open to ideas outside of caddying,” he added. Westwood wins: p4
Liam reflects on year of growth for Drax
Golf Breaks at Foxton Hall One of Alnmouth Golf Club’s unique features is its in-house accommodation. The Dormy House occupies the first floor of the clubhouse with room for up to 26 guests, whether that be all golfers or golfers and their partners. In fact there is precious little Dormy House accommodation left in England and with prices starting from only £90 per person per night including DBB and 2 rounds of golf, Alnmouth Golf Club are proud to uphold this uniquely British tradition.
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AS THE search begins for winners of the 2019 England Golf Awards, Yorkshire’s Liam Ridgill, recipient of the Young Ambassador of the Year for 2018, has spoken about his accolade. Liam is the captain of Drax Golf Club, taking on the role at the age of just 23! He is the youngest captain in the club’s history and the only person to have been both junior and club captain. Winning the award has had a great influence on his year. He explained: “The award became a catalyst for success, not only personally but for the club and more importantly in my eyes, the game. “I have always aimed to help modernise the game and attract younger players to all golf clubs. After all, it is a fantastic social sport that has served me well since picking up my first 7-iron at the age of eight. I’m happy to say that through further initiatives from members’ benefit schemes and other developments at the club, we have seen 34 new members this year – with the majority (having) never been members of golf clubs before! “While it has been fantastic welcoming new players to the game, I have tried to focus on keeping people playing and involved in the sport. In the busy 21st century, some of us unfortunately don’t find the time to play golf, mixing it
with work and family time. This is why in March 2018 we at Drax introduced ‘Sticks at 6’. It was a new 9-hole social gathering which was run by me every Wednesday from March to mid-September to encourage people to pick up their clubs for 9 holes at 6pm. “This was also a great way to integrate new members with longer serving members of the club. Two of the new members, off the back of our first Sticks at 6, managed to reach the semi-finals of our doubles knockout competition.From the success of this year, I encourage all clubs in England to host their own Sticks at 6 and keep their members engaged with the club. “As you can imagine, being a club captain at such a young age has been a happy challenge. However, it has now put me in good stead, along with the award, to start looking at the future of golf in terms of junior players. “When I first joined Drax as a 12-year-old, we had 40+ juniors. Sadly, over the years
the number has unfortunately dwindled. My focus for 2019 and the following years will be around encouraging and supporting the younger generation of players and trying to encourage those of school/university age to take up the sport we all know and love. “I’m hoping to draw on the award to show people of a young age that golf is a game for everyone. I believe that England Golf has fantastic values that can be relayed to a wide audience using all forms of social media. “Drax members have come to embrace platforms such as Facebook and Twitter and it is now an invaluable part of our marketing strategy.” Liam (right) is pictured with TV presenter Dan Walker (left) and Brendon Pyle, Chief Exec of the Golf Foundation
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November/December 2018
CHRIS HANSON THE EUROPEAN TOUR BLOG
A clear mind, heading to finish line... J
USTIN Rose and his team along with the European Tour put on a fantastic British Masters at Walton Heath. They mixed the two courses together and changed three par 5s to par 4s for the tournament, but the condition was great, and the greens fantastic. The food in the players’ lounge was exceptional too – warm hearty meals, salads, fresh smoothies, homemade flapjacks, and of course the odd cheeky pudding which went well with the special bar of Cadbury’s Justin left with a note in my locker. Monday to Wednesday the weather was perfect, and as per usual changed for the tournament days with a strong and gusting wind. In round one I controlled the ball well and gave myself plenty chances but took none and didn’t make one birdie and a mistake on 3 and 4 made the round look distinctly average, leaving me down in 100th spot. I knew I had to play some special stuff in round two and a chip in from 20 yards gave me an ideal start backed up by another birdie on the second. On three I found the fairway bunker, and I will tell you they have never been my strong point. My caddie Cyril earned his wage right there and then and flipped the situation round making me feel extremely confident that it was the right shot and worth taking on. I had 185 yards out of the sand over a steep lip into a strong wind – in my favour it was an uphill lie – but I didn’t have my normal stance. Where this shot came from I don’t know, and I clipped it off and found myself 30ft from the flag. I was buzzing! Another birdie followed on 6, then the power play on 7 didn’t come off but I was still in good shape. I made a straightforward birdie on 11, then parred around to the 14th green before bad light called an end to the day. Next morning, I played perfect stuff to record the second-best score of round two but Saturday
the weather during the Dunhill which left me with one shot at keeping my card at my favourite course, Valderrama. It was a long shot at that; I knew it, everyone knew it as I needed to win or finish second at a pinch, but anyway it was a week of stop and start golf due to horrific weather and for me it was another missed cut. I didn’t feel too down, though. I’d had a fantastic chat with my mental coach Iain Highfield a few weeks prior and set my stall out for the rest of the year based on all outcomes and scenarios, and this was already one we had discussed.
D Everything was superb at the British Masters
proved a disappointment with a round of one over. Then a change in the wind direction made the last day tricky to say the least. The 14th is a 469-yard downhill par 4 and had been running like a road, and on Saturday Lee Slattery found the greenside hollow with his drive. Just 24 hours later I hit driver, 4 iron to just find the front edge of the green. A poor back nine which included taking an unplayable when my ball got lodged 15’ in a tree after bouncing vertically off a root eventually led to a finish just inside the top 50. At St Andrews my game was about as good as
RIVING away from the Home of Golf got me thinking back to 2006 when I started my first year on the EuroPro Tour, when I really didn’t know what to expect from this crazy game. Back then my dream was to play on the European Tour, maybe one event, maybe a handful. I wasn’t sure it would ever happen, so to be coming towards the end of my third season as a full member of the European Tour has been for me a pretty incredible achievement. I had my dream printed on the back of my business cards which I used to hand out to attract sponsors, and when I achieved that I just don’t think I knew what the next dream was. Over the last few weeks I’ve had some pretty deep conversations with Laura, my coach Mark, and Iain my mental/performance coach, but currently acting more like my counsellor or life coach. I 100% still have that dream to play on the European Tour, and whilst the year is not over yet I know my back is firmly against the wall. After writing down and discussing all the different scenarios that could happen over the next few months I’m already looking forward to whatever path the next few months takes me down. I firmly believe I have a good process in place with my full game, and it’s showing with the
quality of many shots I’m hitting. I don’t however feel my process with my putting has been as strong. With my eyes now firmly set on Q School I had a week at home where I took to the course to keep competitive, hitting real shots and holing putts, not just standing on the spot being repetitive. I knew my game was in good shape and I was swinging it well, so I kept fresh and focused on playing. My caddy from the previous four events Cyril had ‘sacked’ me after Valderrama as his previous boss Ben Hebert had asked him back for the final three big money events, which I totally got and was extremely grateful for his work and professionalism. So, did I want a caddy for Q-School 2? I had messages from a few guys but after some thought and having played some good stuff at home carrying my own bag we decided Laura would come with me and caddy. Around 80 guys teed it up at El Encin in Madrid with 24 spots on offer at final qualifying. The weather for three days set perfect, although less so for the last round, and it was a straightforward exam with no rough and super soft greens at an average pace. It wasn’t a course that rewarded good play, but I made it through in T21st position shooting 67, 71, 68, 72 for a -10 total. I didn’t drive the ball great, but I did manage my game well and stayed very patient. For Laura it was back home to relieve the inlaws of their child-minding duties, pour them a large whisky and let them chill out and have some much needed rest, while I made the fivehour drive east to Lumine Golf for the final qualifying school... *Chris failed to retain his European Tour card when he missed out by two shots at the final qualifying school. Full report on page 3.
November/December 2018
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TONY HOWARTH, Academy Director at Scarthingwell Golf Academy, on working on your game through winter Every winter I get asked for my best tips and golf drills that you can practice indoors at home to improve your golf game. Here are two of my favourites... INDOOR GOLF PUTTING DRILLS HERE are many ways to work on your putting while stuck indoors during the winter even without a real golf putting green to practice on. One of my favourite putting tips is to work on starting putts on line. It’s important especially if you’re a golfer who has trouble pulling and pushing your putts. An easy drill to practice is by hitting two golf balls at the same time and watching them roll equally side by side. Set two golf balls on the ground so they’re side by side and almost touching (1). Then place the putter head behind them so that one ball takes up half the putter face and the other ball takes up the other half of the face. If you don’t strike them with a square putter face, you’ll know (2). If the toe leads (closed
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TONY HOWARTH, 2004 Sinclair Award Winner, Academy Director and Golf and Marketing Manager at Scarthingwell Golf Course, has over 25 years PGA experience and has taught all levels of golfers. This experience ranges from European Tour, Ladies European Tour and County players through to club golfers and complete beginners. Tony has appeared as guest speaker at many events including the Junior Golf Partnership seminar held at the Belfry, as Key Note Speaker at the inaugural Golf Careers Convention at the University of Northumbria,
face) you’ll see the top ball outpace the bottom ball. If the heel leads (open face) you’ll see the bottom ball outpace the top ball.
INDOOR GOLF CHIPPING DRILLS THE biggest problem most golfers have with chipping is solid contact and getting it to happen consistently. Also, many player’s chipping weakness is likely to be their distance control. This winter chipping drill is going to help you start your chip shots straight on line with your intended target just like we did above with the putting drill. Set down a target on the ground about 5 feet away from you. I like to use a sweater as this can be used both large (3) and folded up into a smaller target (4). To increase the difficulty, you can move the target further away from you or fold it up even smaller!
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guest speaker at the UK Golf Show, the Turkish Golf Federation 1st Annual Coaching Conference and most recently at the GolfEurope Show in Augsburg, Germany. In his role as SNAG Master Trainer, Tony works with International Golf Development implementing first touch coaching and development programmes across the world including Europe, Africa and Asia. Tony’s simplistic style of coaching has been his road to success and he has become known as an expert not just on the golf swing but especially on the short game and putting.