ISSUE 19
SUMMER 2019
SURREY GOLF T H E
M A G A Z I N E
F O R
S U R R E Y
C O U N T Y
G O L F E R S
SPOTLIGHT
COUNTY NEWS News and events from around Surrey
Shirley Park Golf Club
PRO TALK
Simple training aids: The tee!
GOLF BREAKS PRODUCTS
Check out the latest ‘must haves’
Northern Ireland: Made for golf Tee off in beautiful Tenerife Golf, battles and beers in Belgium Heaven on earth in Slovenia
PLUS...
DAVID BOOTE’S A-Z OF THE CHALLENGE TOUR
ATTOE WINS ENGLISH SENIOR MEN’S OPEN
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Welcome...
PUBLISHED BY Abstract Media Services Ltd Tel: 01883 370308
“Summer has finally arrived” was something I was hoping to say at the start of this edition, but the Great British weather is having other ideas! It is a good job that Surrey has some of the best fairways when it comes to drainage! We have another packed issue with all the news from across the county and we put the ‘spotlight’ on Shirley Park Golf Club. PGA Professional, Sam Truman shows how to work on your game using the simplest of tools available, the humble golf tee, David Boote gives us an A-Z insight of life on the Challenge Tour and James Bargeron asks: “why is golf still so tough?” We travel to Mons in Belgium – great golf, affordable green fees and easy access from the UK make for a perfect golf break. Northern Ireland offers world-class golf courses in some of the most spectacular locations. If you’re in search of the sun, then Tenerife is a great golf destination or for something a bit different discover Royal Bled Golf Club in Slovenia – undoubtedly one of the most scenic and beautiful places to play golf. We also bring you the latest ‘must have’ products. Check out our Instagram page
Editorial: Jo Habgood E: jo.habgood@abstractmediaservices.com Advertising: Justin King E: justin.king@abstractmediaservices.com Design: Mandy Boosey E: mandyboosey@yahoo.com SURREY COUNTY GOLF CONTACTS Tel: 01483 755 788 Fax: 01483 751 771 www.surreygolf.org Office Manager and all Knockout results: Jane Duhart Colts (18 – U26) Manager: Alan Page Junior U18 Manager: Gary Barthram Junior U15 – U16 Manager: Brian Woodham Junior U12 – U14 Manager Peter Millham RookieTour Manager: Bob Lacey Head County Coach: John Noble
@surreygolfmag
COUNTY OFFICERS
p24
p44 Editor
County Secretary: Steve McNeill County Secretary Assistant: Caroline Hardy-Evans Treasurer: Colin Barr President: Jack Buchanan Chairman: Terry Christy
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EG voting member: Jack Buchanan TEAM CAPTAINS/MANAGERS County Captain: Kieran Lovelock Seniors Manager: Pat Cunningham SURREY LADIES COUNTY GOLF ASSOCIATION
We want to hear from you! Send us your news big or small, individual or clubs. Email editor@surreygolfmag.com NEXT ISSUE – October 1st 2019
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
Tel: 01483 751622 President: Val Howard Ladies Secretary: Sarah Brown Ladies Captain: Lorna Robey
ABSTRACT MEDIA SERVICES LIMITED
Surrey Golf 3
CONTENTS
CONTENTS NEWS
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6 Patrick Cunningham starts his tenure as Captain of the Surrey Seniors. Shirley Park wins Teamwork Trophy
16 8 Superb season for Guildford Golfing Alliance
19 Chobham Golf Club celebrates 25 years
10 West Surrey – one of the county’s best kept secrets
20 Purley Downs holds 2019 Surrey Amateur Championship
12 Tandridge offers great opportunity to learn golf
JUNIOR NEWS
16 New Foxhills practice den
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14 Rafiah Banday wins Junior Championship U12 Boys County Championship
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SENIOR NEWS 18 Ian Attoe wins English Senior Men’s Open
Walton Heath Pair win Mothers & Daughters’ Title
SURREY LADIES
PRO TALK
22 Lottie Woad joins the prestigious ranks of Surrey Ladies County Champions.
26 Simple Training Aids With PGA Professional Sam Truman
24 92nd Roehampton Gold Cup
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32 James Bargeron asks: “why is golf still so tough?” SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
44 34 David Boote gives us an A-Z insight of life on the Challenge Tour
Spotlight
SPOTLIGHT 28 Shirley Park Golf Club
COACHING 30 Hugh Marr shares his secrets on new online service Birdietime
GOLF BREAKS 36 Golf, battle and beers in Mons, Belgium 38 Northern Ireland – made for golf
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PRODUCTS
50 Heaven on earth in Slovenia
54 Lambda’s classic handmade golf shoe and Big Max launches new travel covers
52 Live the golfing dream with a property in Spain
56 Nikon’s COOLSHOT 20 GII laser rangefinder
44 Tee off in sunny Tenerife
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
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SURREY NEWS
PATRICK MAKES A FLYING START AS SURREY SENIORS CAPTAIN Royal Mid-Surrey club stalwart leads county to impressive results
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atrick Cunningham, the Royal Mid-Surrey Committee stalwart who has been associated with the club in Richmond for almost 30 years, has made a flying start to his tenure as Captain of the Surrey Seniors in 2019. Surrey’s 32-man squad of accomplished golfers aged 55-plus remains unbeaten after a series of friendly matches against nearby county
rivals and Jersey, ahead of forthcoming South East group contests involving Kent, Sussex, Dorset and Hampshire. In recent weeks, the Surrey Seniors have beaten teams representing Hertfordshire at Moor Park and Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire (BB&O) at Burhill; drawn with a Middlesex 1st Team of talented teenagers; and secured victory for the
first time against Jersey over on the Channel Island. “It’s been an encouraging start to the year and I have a group of very good golfers to call on, including ten players who are off 1 in competition,” said Patrick, who is also on the committee of Surrey Golf and was Committee Chairman for Royal Mid-Surrey’s high profile 125th anniversary celebrations in 2017. “Among our current squad are Ian Attoe from Worplesdon, an English Senior Men’s Open champion, and Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of the R&A, who is another fine golfer from the same club. We also have exceptional players from clubs like Hankley Common, Addington and Sunningdale etc, plus two from Royal Mid-Surrey; while our squad benefits from having excellent support from Surrey coaches John Noble and Jim Christie,” he added. A South East Foursomes event is taking place at Royal Mid-Surrey in August (22-23), when the Surrey Seniors will take on BB&O, Hampshire and Sussex for a place in the English National Seniors Championship.
SHIRLEY PARK WORK TOGETHER FOR VICTORY Club managers and PGA Pros get together to play for the Teamwork Trophy
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hirley Park’s club manager, Steve Murphy, and PGA Professional, Mark Brailey, put on a terrific team display at Woodcote Park to win the Teamwork Trophy in this year’s Club Manager & PGA Professional Challenge, supported by Open Solutions. Playing in gloriously sunny weather, 28 teams of managers and PGA Professionals competed at Woodcote Park Golf Club in a Fourball BetterBall format. Murphy and Brailey outshone the opposition with a stunning score of seven-under-par 65*, two shots better than the 67 of their nearest rivals from
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West Hill, club manager Patrick Dawson and PGA Professional Guy Shoesmith. Open Solutions CEO, Ed Beale, commented afterwards: “The Teamwork Trophy is going from strength to strength, and is testament to the ideas and hard work of Woodcote Park’s PGA Head Pro Wraith Grant and former club manager Adrian Dawson who started this initiative.” Beale added: “The PGA in England (South) do a great job of organising the whole event and making sure it all runs very smoothly, and Woodcote Park led by its new general manager Jerry
Kilby laid on a terrific day on and off the course. It’s obvious that everyone who came to compete had a great time, and I’m delighted to confirm we’ll not only continue to support this event, but with the PGA’s help, develop it around the other PGA regions as well.”
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
SURREY NEWS
GUILDFORD GOLFING ALLIANCE
Another superb season as they head to their Centenary in 2021
Winners: Matt Rice (Pro), Peter Young, Pat Owen and Brian Hogan
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he Guildford Alliance – the Surrey based pro-am series – has just completed another very successful season with even more events than previous years. A total of 17 golf events were held between October 2018 and April 2019 at some of the truly great golf courses in the Guildford area including Hankley Common, The Berkshire, Worplesdon, Camberley Heath, West Hill, Swinley Forest, New Zealand, Blackmoor, Woking, Liphook and Walton Heath as well as new venues in North Hants, Effingham and West Byfleet. The end of season championship held over 36 holes at Walton Heath was won by Jonathan Didlick (Hankley Common Golf Club) with a very impressive 2 under par with Craig Sutherland (Poult Wood Golf Club) finishing one shot behind. The leading Scratch Amateur was Tony Jansen (The Wisley) and Handicap winner was Adrian Dawson (Woodcote Park Golf Club).
Professional’s Challenge Cup Trophy: Winner – Jonathan Didlick
The season long professional Order of Merit was won by Martin Woodbridge (Oxford Golf Club) with a new professional to the Guildford Alliance, Adam Wootton (Oxford Golf Centre) in second place and Jordan Godwin (Barnehurst Golf Club) in third. The season long Amateur Order of Merit (first introduced in 2017/18) was won by Past Captain of the Alliance, Mark Taylor (Bearwood Lakes) with his usual playing partner Jason Webb (Bearwood Lakes) in second place and Paul Colyer (The London Club) taking third. The two day trip to Sandwich was won by Matt Rice (Purley Downs Golf Club) with his team members Pat Owen, Peter Young and Brian Hogan (all Sundridge Park Golf Club) and the Pro individual with a great 11 under par over the 27 holes at Princes and 18 holes at Royal St George’s – was Jordan Godwin (Barnehurst Golf Club) with Matt Rice (Purley Downs Golf Club) a couple of shots back and Maria Tulley (Piltdown Golf Club) in third.
Professional Order of Merit: Winner – Martin Woodbridge
Amateur Handicap: Winner – Adrian Dawson
Amateur Scratch: Winner – Tony Jansen
The Guildford Alliance organises Golf days between October and April. If you are interested in playing in the 2019/2020 season please contact David on davidgalliance@hotmail.com or @GFORDALLIANCE 2021 will mark the Centenary of the Guildford Alliance and to mark this special occasion they will be holding a Centenary event at Walton Heath Golf Club in October 2021. If you have played in the Guildford Alliance in the past and wish to come along to mark the Centenary please get in touch. Amateur Order Of Merit: Winner – Mark Taylor
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SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
Welcome to hospital treatment built around you. At the Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital, we do more than just fixing broken bones. X-ray and diagnostic services. Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital provides rapid access to state-of-the-art diagnostic scanning including MRI, CT, X-ray, mammogram and ultrasound. We aim to arrange your diagnostic imaging appointment within 48 hours of referral, so you can get on with the important things in life. Recovery Plus Programme. Recovery Plus is Nuffield Health’s flagship recovery programme available free of charge to our private self-funding patients. It brings together a spectrum of healthcare services across Nuffield Health’s Hospitals and Fitness & Wellbeing Gyms providing you with a personal recovery programme. This includes a health check, exercise and diet advice, a 3-month gym membership and your own recovery coach.
Physiotherapy services. Our Physiotherapists based at Guildford Hospital are all experienced clinicians, members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and are registered with the Health Professions Council. So whether you are suffering from severe back pain, or a minor niggle, we offer the expertise to get you back to your best. We are not-for-profit. As a trading charity, we do not have investors or shareholders to answer to – our patients come first. All our income is invested back into operating and developing our health and wellbeing services and pioneering new models of care and delivery so more people can benefit.
To find out more call 01483 378 509 or visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/guildford @nuffieldhealthguildfordhospital
Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital Stirling Road, Guildford GU2 7RF
SURREY NEWS
SURREY’S BEST KEPT SECRET Few can doubt the beauty of West Surrey’s golf course. Designed by W Herbert Fowler in 1910, West Surrey is a quiet and scenic parkland course, featuring attractive tree-lined fairways with wide and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside that is always maintained in superb condition and offers an enduring challenge to golfers of all abilities.
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et within 220 acres of the tranquil Surrey Hills, this parkland course has USGA specification greens which allow free draining, thereby creating putting surfaces of the highest quality that remain playable all year round. They are impervious to the heaviest of rainstorms and are amongst the best in this county. The watering system installed in 2002 has also enabled the greenkeeping staff to present fairways of a consistently high standard on all holes, whatever the weather. Over last three years the club has invested in hole and bunker improvements with renowned course architect Ken Moody. The club itself has everything a member would want. A very welcoming, friendly and warm atmosphere with
a beautiful clubhouse and terrace overlooking the 18th green. Club Rollups form the main focus for friendly play and take place on most mornings and afternoons of the week. These roll ups are completely open and are a wonderful way for new members to meet others and play some competitive golf. The Junior Section seeks to provide youngsters with an early introduction to golf, to the fun and challenges it offers and the chance to learn the necessary playing skills as well as absorbing the culture of the game. The club has the GolfMark accreditation recognising the high level and standard of junior and beginner friendly golf facilities. West Surrey boasts a well stocked Pro Shop, run by Advanced PGA Head Pro Duncan Giblett. Practice facilities
at the club include a covered teaching area, full length driving range, putting green, short game practice area with chipping green and practice bunkers. Adjacent to the 8th green is a wonderful half-way house for golfers needing sustenance after their first 8 holes. The team are on hand to provide breakfasts, an array of sandwiches, excellent homemade cakes and hot and cold beverages throughout the year, weather permitting in the winter. A visit to the ‘hut’, as the members call it, is a must; the hardest decision you have is what delights to choose from. West Surrey is open throughout the year, welcomes lovers of the game, either as new members, visitors or society players. Come and discover the secret. Full details are available on the club’s website or, for a personal introduction please call Membership Secretary Tara Cosser or Club Secretary James Newman on 01483 421275. Enton Green, Godalming, Surrey GU8 5AF Telephone: 01483 421275 Professional Shop: 01483 417278 Email: office@wsgc.co.uk
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SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
West Surrey
SURRE Y ’S BEST K E PT GO L FIN G S E C R E T Join us at a long established, friendly and welcoming Club. Set in the heart of beautiful, tranquil Surrey countryside. Indulge yourself in more than a centuries worth of golďŹ ng history, designed by the legendary Herbert Fowler. For new golfers who want to learn the game we have an excellent beginners Academy led by PGA Professionals to get you started, whatever your experience of golf. Welcoming Membership applications with no Joining Fee for Ladies and Juniors.
wsgc.co.uk 01483 421275 West Surrey Golf Club, Enton Green, Godalming, Surrey GU8 5AF
SURREY NEWS
RENOWNED SURREY CLUB OFFERS GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN GOLF A Surrey golf club is anticipating a flurry of beginners to join after cutting significantly its annual academy membership fee.
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andridge GC, in Oxted, has reduced its academy membership fee by nearly 40 per cent, from £750 to £475, as it looks to encourage more people – particularly ladies and girls – into the sport. Club secretary Andrew Tanner explained: “We have an excellent coaching staff here at Tandridge, in PGA pro Chris Evans and his team, but – as a private members club – historically we’ve probably been guilty of under-utilising their talents. “We’ve never actively promoted academy membership here as an entry point to the sport in the local community but that is changing – and it is a change that many of us feel is long overdue. “The chances of a beginner stepping out confidently onto the course in the early days are slim, so there’s little point in factoring into the membership fee a course-use charge. The fee should act as an incentive for beginners to take advantage of the excellent facilities we have on offer – not a barrier.”
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Academy membership entitles the individual to 10 individual range lessons of 40 minutes each, six one-hour group lessons, and unlimited free use of the driving range – with balls – for the duration of the membership, ensuring that, weather permitting, there should never be any deterrent to practise. Tanner added: “We will also maintain the fee structure for subsequent years, so newcomers don’t need to worry if they’re making slower progress than they thought they would. Academy members will also be mentored as they undergo the process of improving and getting their first handicap. “This is one more step we are taking in making Tandridge GC more of a community asset. It remains a private members club, but it is now a private members club for the 21st century.” Evans, an Advanced PGA professional, is a former winner of the Welsh Professional Championship and represented Wales in the Johnnie Walker European Team Championship. Until moving to Tandridge in 1998, he was head pro at the former Open Championship venue, Prince’s GC, Kent. He has led the team at Tandridge for more than 20 years and said: “I am delighted and very excited by the prospect of getting more players into
the game and, ultimately, seeing them progress to become members of a wonderful golf club right on their doorstep. “Having top-level PGA instruction, along with free unlimited practice, should be a catalyst for academy members to flourish and reach a decent playing standard. We are really looking forward to the challenge of helping more people get into golf.” The delightful Tandridge course, near Oxted, was designed by the legendary Harry Colt and affords spectacular views of the Surrey North Downs and the High Weald, with the front nine running along relatively gentle land and the back nine sited in more rolling and dramatic terrain. Visitors to Tandridge may play golf by paying a green fee on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, or any day from 4.30pm, with prices from £40. To enquire about academy membership at Tandridge GC simply call assistant secretary Jane Edwards, on 01883 712274, or email asst.sec@tandridgegolfclub.com The pro shop is open seven days a week and the team is on hand to answer any questions. Call them on 01883 713701. www.tandridgegolfclub.com
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
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JUNIOR NEWS
RAFIAH BANDAY WINS JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP AT WOODCOTE PARK The Junior Championship was held on Thursday 30 May at Woodcote Park.
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he course was in good condition although some of the players found the greens quite challenging. As you would expect from our Surrey girls there were some very good scores. Congratulations to Rafiah Banday who won the Junior Championship with excellent scores of 70 and 69, a total of -7 par. She proved to be a runaway winner and a deserved Champion. The runner-up was Olivia Horsford. Other trophy winners were: The U15 Junior Championship
was won by Hyun-Ji Kim on 157 with scores of 83 and 74. The U13 Junior Championship was won by Herry Ji on 157 with scores of 81 and 76. The winner of the best nett aggregate
was Evie Kircher on 139 with nett scores of 70 and 69. The winner of the best nett score of the day was 9 year old Eleanor Lichtenheim with a wonderful score of nett 65!
U12 BOYS COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP With a field of nearly 60 players the Surrey U12 County Championship, Paul Casey Trophy, took place on a pleasant Sunday afternoon in May at Chobham Golf Club.
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ith players as young as eightyears-old taking part, with handicaps ranging from 5 to 34, the future of Surrey junior golf was clearly on display and didn’t disappoint. The format for the U12 Championship is 18 holes scratch stroke play. In
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addition, there were handicap prizes and a putting competition. Luke Jones (Cuddington) won the putting with 31 strokes from Callum Smithson (Reigate Hill) in second with 34 and Alex Alder (Wentworth) in 3rd two strokes further back. The handicap prize was a very tight affair with no less than five players having to be separated by count back for 3rd place, which in the end went to Joshua Thompson (Windlesham) with Nikolai Wilding, Henry Bale, George Miller and Jaden Hanson who all scored a nett 62, just missing out on a prize. Runner up was Caleb Strauss (Farnham) with a 61 and the winner was Jake Platt (Farnham) scoring a fine nett 60. Onto the main competition of the day, the U12 County Championship, and what a great competition we had. Last year’s youngest ever U13 & U14 Champion Kris Kim (Cuddington) took
the Championship with a superb gross 71, followed by Oscar Lent (Walton Heath) with a 74 and in third by virtue of count back was Charles Beeson with a 76, who just pipped Evan Taylor and James Parsons (both Foxhills).
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
ADVERTORIAL
UPPER BODY RULES THE SWING!
D
1. THE KNOWLEDGE
id you know, from the top of your backswing all the way round to the finish position, your golf club travels a surprisingly long way of approximately six meters! This big circular journey of your club is controlled by the movement of your arms. As your arms are attached to your upper body, the coordination between your arms and upper body through impact determine the potential of each shot. When this relationship is poorly managed, it would then require a manipulation from the hands, creating a world of inconsistent golf shots. Here are some images and drills to help you manage your upper body movement through impact.
Control the lowest point! To help you strike your fairway shots like the pros with a divot after ball. it is important you can control the lowest point of your club’s journey. The placement of the centre of your upper body (sternum) ahead of the ball through impact helps create a natural low point just after the ball. Therefore upper body control is vital for a good swing.
3. EXERCISE As standing on a tight rope, position your right foot directly behind your left. This is teaching you the skill of upper body placement. Once set up in good balance you can place a ball behind the centre creating the perfect environment for your club to be descending into the back of the ball. Hit some small pitch shots with a wedge using this drill. Once upper body is doing well you will find it much easier to secure the perfect strike and build this feeling into a full shot
2. MISPERCEPTION For years and still today people are being taught their hips and legs starts the downswing. The movement of your legs and lower half driving towards the target kills your upper body placement leaving upper body too far back. This makes the lowest point before the ball resulting in fat/ thin strikes and directional issues.
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SURREY NEWS
NEW FOXHILLS PRACTICE DEN A two-time European Tour winner believes Foxhills’ new short-game practice area is up there with the best in the UK.
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ecently-retired European Tour professional, Anthony Wall, was on hand to play his part in the opening of the new short-game area – the Practice Den – at the historic Surrey resort and provided a coaching clinic to test out the new practice bunkers, pitching and chipping areas. Wall said: “The Foxhills golf facilities must be one of the best in the country with two Championship courses, a short course for beginners and kids, along with two putting greens and now the new addition of an oversize Tour spec short-game area. “It is designed to be able to practice all types of shots but, for me, one of the best things about the Practice Den is its position. Members or guests have to walk past it on the way to the range, so hopefully that will convince them to practice their short game a bit more. The short game too often gets ignored by amateurs but it is, without doubt, the best way of improving handicaps quickly. The new floodlit area is 3,500 square metres with two practice bunkers, synthetic hitting areas and a 650 square metre green at a cost stretching well into six figures. Developed alongside renowned
golf club architects Edwards Design International, Foxhills director of golf & leisure, Chris Fitt said: “As we stand right now, I think our practice facilities are now the best in the region. “Since we have made this investment, a number of other clubs have either begun projects or are thinking about starting projects. That’s inevitable I suppose, but I’m glad we were leading the charge. “I’m really pleased with the end
result. The green needs a little more time to bed in and the wildflower beds, plants, hedging and trees will become more established as time goes on so it will get even better. “But we’ve got exactly what we wanted. Golfers at Foxhills no longer have any excuses to ignore their short game practice! “It basically completes our offering. We have the nine-hole par three Manor course, nice driving range, two putting greens and now a bespoke chipping, pitching and bunker facility. There’s not much more a golfer of any ability could want or need.”
For more information, visit foxhills.co.uk
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SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
Set in 140 acres of landscaped parkland, it is the tranquillity of Coulsdon Manor that allows you to forget you are just 15 miles from the centre of London. The estate boasts a wonderful collection of rare trees gathered from all over the world by the Byron family. Take time out for yourself with a round of golf on the challenging 18 hole par 70 golf course designed by Harry S Colt.
Weekday adult – £22.50 • Weekend adult £27.50 including Bank Holidays Twilight (after 3pm) Weekday adult – £13.00 Weekend adult £15.00 including Bank Holidays
Coulsdon Manor and Golf Club, Coulsdon Court Road, Old Coulsdon, Surrey CR5 2LL 0208 660 6083 golf.coulsdonmanor@bespoke-hotels.com https://www.bespokehotels.com/coulsdonmanorandgolf/pages/golf
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
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SENIOR NEWS
Image © Leaderboard Photography
Defending champion Ian Attoe pulled off an impressive wire-towire victory when he won the English Senior Men’s Open by eight shots at Holme Hall Golf Club, Lincolnshire.
ATTOE WINS BY EIGHT IN WIRE-TO-WIRE VICTORY
H
e was nine-under par for the 54 holes and his win gave him his third championship title since 2015. The runner-up was Yorkshireman Richard Norton while third place went to Tim Whittaker from Beaconsfield in BB&O. Attoe, from Worplesdon in Surrey, commented: “The wins are all equally good, but this is the most satisfying at the moment because I kept going forward in the competition and I was really pleased with the quality of golf throughout the three days.” He started with six-under 65 at Holme Hall, added one-over 72 at the companion cub, Elsham, and finished off today at Holme Hall with four under 67. When he set off today he led by three from playing companions Richard Norton (Beverley & East Riding) and another Yorkshireman, Ian Clarke (Lindrick). Almost immediately the lead was cut to one when Attoe parred the first hole
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while Clarke chipped in for an eagle two – and Norton birdied it. “It was a bit of a wake-up call,” said Attoe. “I thought I had played the hole well but I lost ground to both of them! But my putter worked very well and I holed long putts for birdie on the next three holes.” He couldn’t relax, though, because Norton was also notching up the birdies. However, Attoe had a two shot cushion after the fifth, when he got away with a bogey to his rival’s double. The seventh set him firmly on the path to victory when he played a difficult shot from the back of a fairway bunker – and then sank the 60ft putt for birdie. “That really was a turning point, I think then I knew it was going to be my day,” said Attoe, who admits to being superstitious and was sporting the same green shirt that he wore for last year’s win. His other shot of the day was the
six-iron into the 16th which finished 10ft away and set up another birdie, his seventh of the day. For Attoe, there’s the additional satisfaction of claiming a place in the England senior men’s team. “That’s my annual ambition and about half way through the round I knew I was going to be in the top three and hopefully gaining enough points to play for England,” he said. The leaders played much of the final round in wet and windy weather, but the conditions did not deter a good crowd of spectators who enjoyed the fine golf. “I don’t think I’ve seen that many people before and it was lovely to have so many people – friends and golfing acquaintances – wishing me well.” Attoe also had compliments for the host clubs, Holme Hall and Elsham. “The clubs have been so welcoming and both courses have been superb. I only had one three putt in three rounds of golf.”
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
SURREY NEWS
CHOBHAM CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
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hobham Golf Club is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. The superb 18 hole, par 69 golf course opened in 1994, which was designed by Peter Allis and Clive Clarke and is laid out on naturally undulating parkland
set amongst mature oak woodland giving the impression that the course has been around for many more years. The course provides an excellent challenge to the skills of low and high handicap players alike.
Built to championship standards with USGA greens and tees, the course has automatic irrigation and a drainage system designed to provide excellent year round play. Among the many attractive features of the course are the six strategically placed lakes which come in to play on nine of the 18 holes. There is a combination of challenging par fours, tempting par five and six superb par threes. The club’s signature hole is the 15th, a 222 yard par 3 nestling in front of the clubhouse terrace. Membership vacancies are available with no joining fees and our clubhouse has fantastic function facilities to cater for conferences, weddings and celebrations. www.chobhamgolfclub.co.uk E: info@chobhamgolfclub.co.uk
Membership at
Chobham Golf Club
ACROSS 7 & 5 DAY MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES YOU WILL ENJOY: ● Full social club membership giving access to the club house 7-days-a-week ● A levy card granting 15% discount on food and drinks ● Gain a Congu handicap and access to competitions, including social golfing events ● Reciprocal tee times at 8 other golf clubs ... and many more fantastic benefits for you and your family
£25 TRIAL ROUND available throughout July and August just quote ‘SurreyGolf’ Please contact the General Manager to book your trial round or for further information email Sarah@chobhamgolfclub.co.uk, call 01276 855584 or visit our website
Terms & conditions apply
To find out about this fantastic offer, get in touch today...
01276 855584 | info@chobhamgolfclub.co.uk | www.chobhamgolfclub.co.uk
SURREY NEWS
SURREY COUNTY GOLF AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP 2019 The Surrey Amateur Championship 2019 was held at Purley Downs GC in the club’s 125th celebration year.
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he course was as always in great condition with many comments from the players about “the best greens I’ve seen this year” being common over the weekend. Lead qualifier was Surrey First team player, Angus Flanagan of St George’s Hill, previous England Boys Champion and International with 62-71 for 133 and a -7 total, the first round beating both amateur and professional course records. Two time champion David Corben, current U18s & U16s Champion Harry Crockett, First team player Will Dugdale and U16 squad member Harley Yates, were runners up on level par (140) with Harley being second best round of the day with a 66. The cut fell at 147 which forced a play off for the single last spot and a breakfast date with the previously mentioned Angus Flanagan. Six players would play in two groups to decide who would proceed. Group one saw Joe Favata, Luke Stock and Sean Mullen take 4,3 & 3 respectively Of the players in group two, former County Captain Simon Crockett and USA student Conor Cull made birdie 2’s, the former playing to within a few inches and the latter holing a long putt to continue the play-off. Current County Champion Jacob Aaholm picked up after having already played two shots when Conor sank his putt for birdie. Simon and Conor returned up the hill to play the stunning par 3 again in front of
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a growing audience of enthusiastic club members to witness Simon hitting it even closer 2nd time round to earn the early alarm call for Saturday via an airport run to collect eldest son Charlie, who was returning from college in the US. After some very tough matches on Saturday the 4 semi-finalists on Sunday morning were, Angus Flanagan v Adam Bailey of the host club & David Corben v Frankie Boylan. The Final would see many people’s top two seeds go head to head. Angus led off and just managed to grab a piece of the fringe about 40 feet away whilst David missed the green down the bank. A deft chip from Angus saw him open the scoring with a par. Hole 2 saw David even things up with two solid irons to the front of the green whilst Angus had a bit of bother in the trees left of the fairway. Both players missed the green at the 3rd and David got his head in front holing a sublime bunker shot from left of the green. David went over the green on the par 3 fifth hole and two putts from Angus from the back fringe of the green saw the match level again. Both players hit big drives at the par 5 sixth, indeed Angus was estimated to been 392 yards off the tee. The hole was halved in birdies after both narrowly missed eagle putts. Angus chose the tourist route off the next tee, hitting back up the 5th hole to the amazement of the Purley members,
saying that it gave him a better line into the green. As it transpired both players missed the long par 4 to the right, Angus played a delicate lob shot that just ran out a little and then David followed with a great bunker shot to 5 feet. Angus calmly rolled in from 20ft but David was cool enough to follow him in for the half. Again to the bewilderment of the locals, Angus chose his driver on the dog leg 7th, while David took the more conventional route and found the back edge after 2 shots. Angus has 55
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
SURREY NEWS
yards to go on the 445yd hole and was unlucky to kick forward off the fringe and run across the green. Both players showed their excellent short game skills and the hole was halved. The tricky par 3 eighth, saw both hit lovely irons which Angus converted for a birdie with David just coming up short. Both players hit big drives down the 9th, with David having a slightly better angle. Both players needed 2 putts although David caught a big bit of the hole, but the ball stayed above ground. Angus 1up at the turn.
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
Two more huge drives up the hill on the 10th had both playing short irons to the green. Angus’s putt just slipped past and David levelled the match from 6ft. Angus slightly misjudged his approach to the downhill 11th but an excellent chip matched David’s regulation par. A slightly pulled drive from Dave at the 12th and an excellent pitch for a conceded birdie from Angus saw him back in front. The toing and froing continued at the 13th where David found the green and had 20ft left for eagle, Angus pitching over the bunker to have a 10ft birdie try. Two putts were required by both and the match was again level. The exhibition of driving continued on the tough 14th, followed by two nice irons to the green. Angus came up just short on the fringe and chipped to about 4ft. David burned the edge from
20ft before Angus cleaned up for the half. David hit front again at the par 3 15th with a nice 8ft birdie putt after Angus just missed from a bit further out. Both players tried driving the 16th, a short par 4. Angus was pin high left, David just running through into the semi rough behind the green. Both played excellent chip shots but again Angus’s putt slipped past and David holed a curling putt to be 2up with two to play. David played safely to the fairway at the 17th, Angus being more aggressive and driving over the corner. David then played a lovely iron to around 15 feet, followed by Angus playing to around 30ft. Again Angus’s putt slipped past and David had won his third County Championship. Well done to both on a great final and congratulations to David Corben the Surrey County Champion for 2019.
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SURREY LADIES
15-YEAR-OLD LOTTIE WOAD WINS 2019 SURREY LADIES COUNTY GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP Worplesdon Golf Club hosted three days of the Surrey Ladies County Championship with an exciting final day seeing Lottie Woad of Farnham GC clinching victory on the final hole from Lauren Gooding of Roehampton. Lottie, just 15-years-old, joins the prestigious ranks of Surrey Ladies County Champions.
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he event attracted an initial field of 41 players. After 36 holes strokeplay, the top 16 competitors qualified for the weekend matchplay. There were very close matches on the Saturday and plenty of good golf to watch. Defending champion, Jess Adams (West Hill) lost to Alice SpaniMolella (Royal Mid-Surrey), on the 19th and Rafiah Banday (Royal Mid-Surrey) was also taken to the 19th by Ellen Yates (Windlesham). The afternoon matches saw Sarah Wilmore (Worplesdon) beat leading qualifier Nicola Taylor (Walton Heath) on 18th, Lottie Woad beat Rafiah Banday 4&2, Olivia Horsford (Wimbledon Park) beat Alice Spani-Molella 2&1 and Lauren Gooding, who had recently won the London Foursomes with her partner, beat Ella HammondBaveystock (Wentworth) 4&3. The final day semi-finals saw Lottie beat Sarah Wilmore 3&2 and Lauren
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beat Ella Hammond-Baveystock 3&1, creating an exciting final with two young players battling it out. The afternoon match proved to be a real show stopper with Lottie being 1 up at the turn and 2 under par. The birdies kept coming for both girls with Lottie then finding an amazing eagle on the 12th hole. She followed that with two consecutive birdies making her 6 under par in 6 holes! Lauren didn’t give up and fought back valiantly getting the match back to one down going down the 18th. Lottie only needed a half to win and her steady play proved to be good enough. What a terrific final it had proved to be with Lottie the worthy County Champion and now an integral part of the Surrey 1st team. Lottie also won the prestigious Midlands U16 Girls’ Open Championship at Hawkstone Park in Shropshire. It’s the second successive
win for Surrey, after Rafiah Banday’s triumph in the same event in 2018. It was an exciting finish that went to a sudden death play-off, which Lottie won on the 4th extra hole when she holed a 20 foot birdie putt!
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
Crowborough Beacon Golf Club Consistently ranked amongst the best in the Country
Green Fees from £25pp - Society packages from £45pp Experience
Stunning Heathland Golf in East Sussex (just 20 miles from Gatwick Airport)
www.cbgc.co.uk 01892 661511 office@cbgc.co.uk
DOUBLE UP SOCIETY DEAL Booking your society this summer? Why not spoil yourself with an amazing ‘double deal’ at two of the best courses in the South of England? With the forthcoming merger of Reading and Caversham Heath Golf Clubs a unique opportunity has become available to play both courses with your society. Tea, coffee, bacon rolls, 18 holes of golf and a two course meal for an amazing price of £44.00 per person when playing at each course. Book both courses between July and October this year, with a minimum of 12 players each time and you will pay just £88.00 for both. Monday –Thursday only. Limited availability so book early to avoid disappointment. John Ross, Caversham Heath
Jamie Sparrow, Reading
0118 947 8600
0118 947 2909
SURREY LADIES
92nd ROEHAMPTON GOLD CUP What a difference a year makes – and I am not talking about Tiger Woods!
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he weather for this year’s Roehampton Gold Cup could not have been more different from 2018. While on course preparation had the benefit of some decent spring weather and the golf course was in perfect condition on April 13th, there had been morning frosts all week and sure enough play had to be delayed for half an hour on Saturday morning as the ground had to thaw. The golfers took to the course without a murmur, from as far afield as Wales, Cornwall and Ireland. The high-class field was made up of 24 professionals and 30 amateurs with highest handicap 3. The professionals claimed the top three spots. Annabel Dimmock, aged 25 and carving out a career on the Ladies European Tour, representing Wentworth Golf Club, came in with two rounds of 71 & 69 for a total 140. Annabel is proud to have her name on a trophy that dates back to 1927, seven years older than
the Masters! She heads off to Morocco this weekend for the Lalla Meryem Cup at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. Annabel is an ambassador for ‘Girls Golf Rocks’ an initiative by England Golf to encourage more girls to play the game. In second place was Dulcie Sverdloff from Thorpe Hall with 142 (72,70) and in third Hannah Burke, from Essendon, on 146 (70,76). The leading amateur, Chloe Ryan from Castletroy in Ireland, was close on their heels in fourth spot on 147. First time lucky, Chloe, 25, had never played the course before! Two Roehampton players were in the field this year – both returning the previous evening from competing in the Scottish Girls’ Open on the Eden Course at St. Andrews. After coming a very close second in Scotland, Issy Simpson was placed 12th in the Gold Cup with rounds of 77,78 total 155 and young Lauren Gooding came in with a 36 hole total of 159 (78,81). Highly commended was 14-year-
old Hyun-ji Kim, five handicapper from Wimbledon Park, who was called up at the last minute to take the place of an injured player. She reached the club in 30 minutes and teed off without a murmur, coming in with a very creditable 166 (88,78)
WALTON HEATH PAIR WIN MOTHERS & DAUGHTERS’ TITLE Strong field at Royal Mid-Surrey included six Bonallack family members
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lison and Nicola Taylor from Walton Heath won the Mothers & Daughters tournament held at London’s Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club last weekend, having scored 118 points over 27 holes of the Pam Barton course. The 87th staging of the historic Open Foursomes competition saw 44 pairings take part, including defending champions Christine and Charlotte Griffith, also from Walton Heath Golf Club. The competitive field also included six members of the Bonallack golfing family, led by Angela Bonallack, former
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Curtis Cup star and among the first women to become a member the R&A. She was joined in competition by three daughters and two grandchildren. The wife of former R&A Secretary Sir Michael Bonallack teed up with her daughter Jane Baker, representing St Rule & Burnham on Crouch GC against Sara and Natasha Stocks from Royal West Norfolk. The other family pairing saw Glenna and Claudia Beasley compete for Woburn. The pair played with former Curtis Cup Captain, Liz Boatman and her daughter Alex. The prestigious tournament has been running every year since 1932 and staged at Royal Mid-Surrey in Richmond for the past 57 years. This year, it featured representatives from leading clubs such
as Sunningdale, Royal Wimbledon, The Berkshire, Worplesdon, Ashdown Forest, Denham, West Hill, Hankley Common, West Sussex, Burnham & Berrow and Royal Porthcawl. Open to Mother and Daughter pairings from across the country, the event is played on the 5,446-yard, par-71 Pam Barton Course - named the after the legendary British and US Amateur champion and club member who claimed the same title with her mother back in 1936. There is no handicap limit to compete in the tournament, but places are handed to the 64 lowest combined handicaps on the final day of entry. The event features handicap as well as scratch prizes.
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
Retirement Village
‘I never knew it would be this good!’ WINDSOR Independent living with peace of mind. 1, 2 & 3 bed apartments for the over 55s with tremendous communal facilities and care if required
Come and see for yourself we have an open week from 1st - 7th July 10am - 4pm. or make a private appointment at your leisure. Contact Ruth Wilson on 01753 378 127
www.castleviewwindsor.co.uk
#1 in Scotland
info@castleviewwindsor.co.uk
ROYAL DORNOCH GOLF CLUB
#5 in the world
DORNOCH TOWN & COUNTRY LETTINGS Have an excellent reputation for the quality of self catering accommodation in their portfolio and for the high standard of service we provide for our guests, many of whom return year after year. RDGC is easily accessed from all of our houses in the heart of the town, making walking to the course or strolling to a restaurant in the evening a pleasure. Let us help you plan your visit to Dornoch: We are able to assist you with airport transfers, taxi sight seeing trips, organise a breakfast cook (or something a little fancier if you wish to eat at home one night) and many other factions that make your trip happy and hassle free. It’s our job to make your stay here a memorable and happy experience.
Please contact Maggie at Dornoch Town & Country Lettings, High Street, Dornoch, Scotland IV25 3SH
+44 (0)1862 810851 | www.dornochtownandcountrylettings.co.uk
PRO TALK
SIMPLE TRAINING AIDS
DRIVING Low tee – angle of attack up: Lot’s of golfers struggle with hitting too much down on the ball with their drivers. This causes a lack of distance and often unneeded curvature. Most golfers would then tee the ball higher and higher to try and encourage an upward blow on the golf ball. However, this is often a flawed process.
THE TEE! With PGA Professional
Sam Truman When it comes to full swing technique, there is a never ending list of training aids and devices to help you with your game. However, I’m going to resort to showing you how to work on your game using the simplest of tools available, the humble golf tee. From driving to short game, the golf tee will have you covered!
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So instead, try teeing the ball much lower (as pictured) and then actively try to launch the ball up in the air. You’ll be able to generate an ascending attack on the ball with ease.
IMPACT Picture the divot: If you struggle with taking divots or getting proper ball first then turf contact with your irons, then this drill is perfectly suited to you. Place a tee roughly 3-4 inches ahead of the ball. The location of the tee resembles the end of an imaginary divot. With a well struck iron shot, we need the low point of the swing arc to be ahead of the golf ball (descending blow). Therefore, if you can make a solid contact with the ball and the tee then you’ve created a nice downward blow on the golf ball.
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
PRO TALK
LOFTED CHIP SHOTS Snap! For most golfers the lofted chip or flop shot is a dreaded task. It’s so tempting to try and help the ball up into the air and this often leads to miss strikes and a lack of consistency. With the tee snap drill, it will give you the incentive to create a descending blow down under the ball and will help eradicate the dreaded thinned or fatted lob shot. Tee a ball up with a small amount of tee left above the surface. The aim is to snap the head of the tee clean off or bend it into the floor. If you can do this, you know you’ve created a descending strike and have made proper contact with the turf under the ball.
SWING PLANE High tee drill: This drill is a great way to work on one of the key aspects of your swing. All you need is a pack of high tee (Orange Castle Tees or at least 2¾ inch wooden tees). If you suffer with the dreaded slice, ‘coming over the top’ or are fed up with coming down steeply into the golf ball, then look no further than this high tee drill. By teeing the ball up way higher than normal, if you come down steeply into the golf ball there’s a good chance you will either go straight underneath the ball or make contact high up on the face. To retain a centred strike you will need to instinctively move the club on a shallower swing plane into the ball. If you can hit the ball a good distance with a sweet strike you’ve mastered this drill!
Sam Truman is a PGA Professional based at The Surrey Golf Lab, Reigate Hill Golf Club and is regarded as one of the best young performance coaches in the region. Current roles include: • Performance Coach – Hugh Marr Golf • Surrey Boys (U12’s & U14’s) and Girls (U18’s) County Coach • Elite Academy Coach for Whitgift School Under the tutorship of European Tour Coach Hugh Marr, Sam prides himself in providing the best holistic coaching experiences for his players. Sam works with all levels of golfers from the young aspiring junior all the way up to European tour professionals. Sam is able to provide clients with access to the most up to date golf coaching technology at one of the best practice facilities in the UK Clients are exposed to Trackman club and ball tracking and also the SAM Putt Lab Analysis System in the new indoor putting studio. For more information follow Sam on: @SamTrumanGolf @SamTrumanGolf E: SamTrumanGolf@gmail.com
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
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Spotlight
SHIRLEY PARK GOLF CLUB Opened in 1914, and designed by Tom Simpson and Herbert Fowler of Walton Heath and Pebble Beach fame, the 6,200-yard parkland course is not overly long, but the undulating nature of the topography, clever bunkering, narrow fairways, several dog-legs, and testing approaches, ensure that all elements of your game are examined and birdies are well earned.
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he club has a fabulous quartet of par threes, including the 180-yard seventh, which is played across a valley to a raised green. The short holes all offer an opportunity for good scoring, although getting four Pars is easier said than done.
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The greens are presented in excellent condition all year round, even during last year’s heatwave and the wettest of winters. A tip for visitors is to remember that many of the straightest-looking putts may not be quite as simple as they seem! With no two holes alike, and some interesting changes in elevation, it’s a course that you’ll want to come back to, again and again. Located just 12 miles from Central London, and one mile from East Croydon train station, the club boasts excellent transport links, with the A232 right on the doorstep. Despite its urban location, the protection provided by mature trees from all
sides ensures the 135-acre site offers an ‘oasis of green tranquillity’. The club boasts an active and well-supported social scene, with an event calendar featuring regular music evenings, quizzes and horse racing nights, as well as formal club occasions. Even when there is not a function in the diary, there is invariably a buzz in the clubhouse, with members and visitors enjoying the excellent range of food and drinks on offer. The members and visitors can enjoy top quality sport on the latest TV in the Players Bar, and the atmosphere on match days especially, is the envy of many clubs nearby. Whether your first contact is with
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT
SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP OFFER
There is currently no joining fee, and membership subscriptions are very competitive. Just contact the club for details of the latest offers. Those aged 33 and under receive an additional special discount. The club accepts memberships all year round, with new members paying pro-rata for the months of membership based on a golf year of 1st June to 31st May. The current offer for new members includes a £150 voucher which can be spent in the Pro Shop or added to your bar card. You choose! Our Pro also offers a free lesson to all new members.
the club’s General Manager, Steve Murphy, and his team, or via the Pro Shop run by Head PGA Professional Mick Taylor, every effort will be made to ensure that your visit is an enjoyable and memorable one. The friendliness of the members contributes to the feelgood factor, both on the course and in the clubhouse. The club does not operate a tee booking system for members, who enjoy the freedom of turning up for games without having to plan their diaries too far in advance. Visitors can book online, and are welcome throughout the week, and after 2pm at weekends, with green fees starting from £38 for 18 holes
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
We have a well-stocked Pro Shop and our team of professionals have years of experience in helping players of all standards. There is an indoor studio which includes Trackman as seen on TV by Top Professional’s Coaches. In addition, there is a club fitting service to make sure that you play with clubs that suit your physique and swing. We have recently refurbished the dining room which can comfortably accommodate more than 120 guests and our superb caterers are dedicated to looking after members, guests, visitors and societies and they can also cater for special occasions such as weddings, birthday parties and wakes.
SOCIETY DAYS We have a wide range of society packages for visiting groups of golfers, starting at just £38 for the winter package and from £53 for the summer.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION E: steve.murphy@shirleyparkgolfclub.co.uk or call 020 8654 1143 Visitor green fee bookings, call 020 8654 8767 or book online at http://www. shirleyparkgolfclub.co.uk/brs.aspx Follow us on Facebook
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COACHING
HUGH MARR
DISCOUNT With promo code HUGHMARR20
SHARES HIS SECRETS ON NEW ONLINE SERVICE BIRDIETIME
Surrey-based Hugh Marr has been coaching top tour players from the European Tour and PGA Tour for years. He’s now teamed up with other top coaches of the world. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO GET ONLINE WITH YOUR COACHING? The biggest motivation for me was to be able to share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years working with tour players. As I am constantly traveling with the Tour, going digital was really the only realistic way of doing this. I had been looking for an opportunity like this for a long time so once I met the Birdietime guys, it was easy to say “yes”. WHO ELSE IS WORKING WITH YOU? Altogether we have nine world-class coaches and tour players on Birdietime. To have the opportunity to work closely with coaches and players like Phil Kenyon, Kevin Kirk, Dr. Mark Bull, Rob Goldup, Robert Rock and Paul Casey is a great opportunity for me to learn more as well. These guys are the best in the business and this is a fantastic opportunity for club golfers to improve their game with tour proven expertise. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE NEW SERVICE? Just the other day, somebody described it as the ‘Netflix for golf’ and in many ways they 30
were right. It’s basically an online platform designed to inspire players to improve and to learn the game of golf in its entirety. WHAT TYPE OF ONLINE LESSONS DO YOU OFFER?
the lessons. The videos are HD quality and you can watch them at home on your computer or TV. The videos also work on your smartphone, so you can take them with you to the range or practice area.
We offer lessons for all skill levels. We currently have more than 350 video lessons in the service packaged into 40 classes for different purposes. The classes are designed to cover all aspects of the game from short game to swing to mental training to biomechanics. I don’t think anything this extensive has been made available to leisure golfers before.
HOW CAN YOU JOIN BIRDIETIME?
WHO IS ONLINE COACHING SUITABLE FOR?
HUGH MARR... PGA Fellow Professional European Tour Coach Current Home Club: Reigate Hill Golf Club Students: Lucas Bjerregaard, Thorbjørn Olesen, Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston
This is the beauty of Birdietime – it really suits players of all levels from juniors to ladies and seniors and everyone in between. The lessons are designed to be easy to follow, and provide loads of drills, practices and exercises to help the player improve all aspects of their game.
Go to www.birdietime.tv to join and start your journey. With promo code HUGHMARR20 Surrey Golf Magazine readers can get a £20 discount on an annual subscription.
SO HOW DOES IT WORK IN PRACTICE? Birdietime is really simple to use, for the cost of two private lessons, you get full access to all
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
2017 12 Surrey Golfer HP Golf Breaks.qxp_135mm h x 210mm w 29/11/2017 13:49 Page 1
Wish you were here Ufford Park Woodbridge
11 night GolfBreaks Breaksfrom from £125* night Golf only £98*per perperson person
includes complimentary use of the Health Club with it’s gym and pool.
Looking for the perfect all year round venue for your golf break? Set in the heart of Suffolk and located just off the A12, our 18 hole, par 71 course is ideal for the beginner or the experienced player. Book your tee time online, visit the on-site AmericanGolf superstore and practice your swing on our 2 tier floodlit driving range, all before you even set foot on the lovingly cared for, award-winning, top winter course. *Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.
t 0844 847 9489 (local rate) w www.uffordpark.co.uk Yarmouth Road | Woodbridge | Suffolk | IP12 1QW
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
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PRO TALK
WHY IS GOLF STILL
SO TOUGH?
Golf equipment and the golf ball have come a long way from the days of elastic wound balls and bladed clubs, but with all this new gear coming out so frequently, why is golf still so tough? By James Bargeron
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t’s certainly no secret the top performers now work on both their swing and their minds, something that most club golfers don’t do, but it’s the biggest challenge they face and the area many golfers struggle with. Here are six of the best ways to improve your mental game and maintain enjoyment during your round. Prepare: How you prepare is vital. Getting your mind into a positive state before you even get to the golf course will help you focus on what you’re looking to achieve. If you’re anxious before you even tee off, it will be difficult to control your mind on the course when you face some tough shots or putts. Language: How you speak to
yourself or what you say to others about your game is key. Telling yourself or others that “I can’t putt” or “I always hit it into the lake” only affirms this into your mind. Changing this to something more positive like “My putting is improving” will help develop a more positive attitude and actions. Pressure: Many players say they are relaxed on the putting green or range but as soon as they’re on the course they tense up and get jittery. Making your practice more challenging and replicating the pressure on the course will help your mind get used to it. Play within yourself: Don’t let your mind make appointments your game can’t keep. Trying to hit 300 yard plus drives isn’t going to help your game Ian Poulter had a challenging time a couple of years ago and when asked earlier this year, what’s the greatest skill to have in the game of golf today, he said:
A really good mind and mental strength
if you’re a mid-handicap golfer. Golf is great on tv, watching the best in the world but club golfers aren’t able to play at that level. It’s no different than trying
Your mind holds the key to your success at golf and your enjoyment of the ‘greatest game of all’ Jack Nicklaus
to drive like Lewis Hamilton after you’ve just watched him win another race, it’s a recipe for disaster. Stay present: Many golfers focus on trying to get lost shots back or problems which cause them to get anxious or frustrated and does nothing to help them stay calm and smooth in their swing. Learn to focus on each shot Staying present will really help improve your scores. ACCEPTANCE: Learning to accept whatever happens is a skill and an important one. It takes time but is worth it and will help you stay calm and improve your concentration. If you would like to know more information on how to work with James and how he may be able to help you and your game. www.golfing-minds.com T: 07928 914666
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SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
PURLEY DOWNS GOLF CLUB Host of the 2019 Surrey Amateur County Championship
OFFERING POSSIBLY THE BEST YEAR-ROUND GREENS IN SURREY ON AN EXCELLENT, CHALLENGING COURSE SOCIETY DAYS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR c Probably the best society course in the area c Free draining chalk based course providing great playing surfaces all year long c Golf buggies and electric trollies for hire throughout the year* c Easy to reach from London or the M25 c Limited availability so book early *Only in exceptionally bad weather will these conditions not be available.
For more information please email info@purlyedowns.co.uk or speak to the club professional on 0208 657 8347 www.purlyedowns.co.uk
Call us or visit the website for our latest offers
PRO TALK
A-Z OF LIFE ON THE CHALLENGE TOUR The year on the Challenge Tour is fully underway now and it has been a fun start. I’ve travelled to some new places and revisited two courses I played last year. My best finish so far has been a 25th place in the Czech Challenge at the end of May. This time, I thought it’d be fun to do a little A-Z of things that I’ve experienced during life on tour. David Boote
A
ddition, whoever knew, you have to do a lot of mental arithmetic on the course! Playing 4 rounds of competitive golf a week using a yardage book with no distance measuring device, simple addition and subtraction of yardage numbers from the course planner can become a challenging task, especially when you’re coming down the final stretch of holes! Bunkers can catch you out in more ways than one. A hefty fine is dished out for not raking bunkers perfectly. This means extra care is sometimes needed when finishing up in the sand traps. Caddies, to be or not to be. It’s tough to find a caddie who you have a great relationship with and who you work well with. With the lower prize funds on the challenge tour a lot of guys tend to not have caddies. The quest is on for me and I hope to find my perfect match soon. Dedication, in order to keep improving and do well out on these
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tours you need to be constantly dedicating yourself to your practice and golf game. Everyone out here is good and working hard, so you need to be in good habits to do well. Expectations, managing these and keeping them in check is one of the most important parts of performing well out on the course. Fairways, you guessed it.. are important! Hitting these can make your life a lot easier! Simplifying the game to fairways and greens results in good scores for me. Graft, hard work, whatever you call it. All the years I’ve put into this game of golf and all the years still to come. Honesty – being honest with yourself and your game is a key part of improving. I use a really good stats system called ShotstoHole and this helps me analyse the parts of my game that I need to work on. Inspiration – my alma mata Stanford just won the Men’s NCAA Division 1 championships. This is inspiring for me to see because the freshman when I was a senior are now seniors on the team. It makes me proud of the years I spent over there and brought back a lot of memories of 2014 when we reached the semi finals. Jelly is often the feeling in my legs after walking off the 72nd hole of a tournament. Especially a couple of weeks ago on a hilly course in Brno Czech Republic. KBS shafts in my irons. I would highly recommend! Long drives are a big part of the modern game. I am constantly working in the gym and on my swing to try to hit longer straighter drives. Matchplay events are few and far between in professional golf.
I narrowly missed out of getting into the Belgium Knockout of my European Tour category but we do have a Challenge Tour event coming up in Spain in mid-June which is called the Costa Del Sol Matchplay. No Laying Up podcast is something that I have got into listening to over the last few months. It is something which I would recommend to anyone who has to do long journeys in their cars. Opportunity is one word that comes to mind with professional golf. You never know when a good result is around the corner. The platform that the Challenge Tour provides to the European Tour is also a big opportunity. Practicing is one of my favourite reasons for playing golf. I love the challenge of getting better through practicing with purpose. Qschool is an event I’ve played in three times now. It was a case of 3rd time lucky last year for gaining status on the Challenge Tour. It would have been great to have shot a few shots better and secured a European Tour card but learning my craft on the Challenge Tour is something I’m excited for. Rough is generally a lot lower on the Challenge Tour than the European Tour. There is talk of making courses tougher with more rough, which sure would make things a little better for the straighter hitters! Short game is my favourite and the best part of my game. I put the most amount of hours into my short game and really enjoy the challenge of making up and downs. Tiger is the reason why I play the game. I was so inspired when I was just starting out between the ages of 8-13 by him when he was on the top of the
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
PRO TALK
game. His recent win at the Masters brought back so many fond memories. Under par is the name of the game. Scoring is low in professional golf and sometimes taking the risk of playing aggressive for birdies and eagles can pay off more so than back as an amateur. Visualisation is very important, both off the course and on the course before you hit shots. Water hazards no longer exist! The newly termed penalty hazards that accompanied the new 2019 rules
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
have in my opinion made it easier to understand how to take a drop from these areas and has thus sped up play with less need for calling rules officials. X-Factor – my favourite show Years, the many years I have invested in this game of golf. Zonal games with cones or sticks are my favourite to do when practicing my short game. They’re really easy to set up, and only require some cones or a few alignment sticks where you can mark down zones or areas on the green.
Putting zones on the greens means you can pick out specific landing zones and see how many shots it takes to hit it into each one. Maybe even set up some smaller zones and tell yourself you can’t leave the short game area until you have completed the game, making your practice extra difficult!
@davidboote123
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GOLF BREAKS
BATTLES AND BEERS: MONS MEMORIES AND GREAT GOLF
Belgium: more flavour than world famous beers and the finest chocolate; more culture than classic comic strip hero Tintin. Its landscapes, history and picturesque towns coupled with great golf, affordable green fees and easy access from the UK have the makings of a perfect golf break – and the weather’s not bad either.
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n Wallonia alone there are 35 courses to challenge your golfing prowess. From the classic designs of its royal golf clubs by noted architects like Tom Simpson and Robert Trent Jones to the more modern, contoured layouts of Gary Player, there’s something for every ability as well as an opportunity to alternate between past and present design in one round. If we suggest Mons as your base you can add the bonus of beer and cultural experience to the mix. Within
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two hours drive from Calais you’ll be sitting enjoying a cold one in the town’s Grand Place. Bustling cafés and restaurants with hearty Belgian cuisine, lively terraces and cobbled streets set the scene. Mons is also steeped in history – witnessing the first and last casualties for the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front. The Mons Memorial Museum provides a fascinating visit for all those interested in our wartime past. GOLF COURSES Royal Hainaut GC, just outside Mons is providing 27 challenging holes that dip and wind through peaceful woodland on the edge of Bois de Ghlin forest. The three nine hole loops translate into three terrains: Les Bruyeres (heather); les Quesnoy (a nearby Northern French town) and Les Etangs (Ponds). Accuracy not length is the key to doing well here with the aim to keep the balls out of pines trees and undulating heathland as well as the challenge of accurate driving in the
hillier areas and sand traps. Mont Garni is offering an excellent 18-hole course stretched across a 150-hectare estate. The course (par 73, length 6,331 m) is one of the longest in Belgium and was designed by Irish Architect Tom McAuley with a very varied landscape. The first and last 6 holes are located in the woods, whereas the other 6 are in fields. Its many bunkers and water hazards offer an interesting challenge to players, even the most experienced. Don’t forget to seek out the castiron monkey sitting at the Mons town hall’s façade and rub him with your left hand for good luck. Who knows, it might even improve your chances on the course.
WIN a weekend break for two: 2 nights’ accommodation in Mons 2 rounds of golf 2 entrances to Mons Memorial Museum Eurotunnel crossing www.walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk (competition closes 14 July)
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Golfing in Mons – Southern Belgium
© IBIS MONS CENTRE GARE
©
© MARTIN’S DREAM HOTEL MONS
• 2 nights B&B • 2 rounds at ‘Royal Hainaut’ & ‘Mont Garni’ • Eurotunnel crossing (based on 4 people per car) • Welcome drink
• 2 nights B&B • 2 rounds at ‘Royal Hainaut’ & ‘Mont Garni’ • Eurotunnel crossing (based on 4 people per car) • Welcome drink
From £230.00 per person
From £245.00 per person
E: admin@agolfingexperience.com T: 01494 875164
© VAN DER VALK HOTEL MONS • 2 nights B&B • 2 rounds at ‘Royal Hainaut’ & ‘Mont Garni’ • Eurotunnel crossing (based on 4 people per car) • Glass of sparkling wine & VdV golf ball per person From £260.00 per person
GOLF BREAKS
Northern Ireland MADE for GOLF
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n any golfing trip to Northern Ireland most people will be aiming to play Royal County Down and Royal Portrush – two of the greatest pieces of golf architecture in the world. While the big name courses are not to be missed, especially at off peak prices, the list of hidden gems is pretty long in Northern Ireland. BELVOIR GOLF CLUB Founded in 1927, and almost 100 years old, this Championship parkland course, which meanders through 163 acres of mature woodland, was designed by the famed course architect Harry S. Colt, who in 1929 laid out the plans for the famous Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club, host of the 148th Open Championship in 2019. Belvoir Park Golf Club is situated
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just two miles from Belfast City Centre, and is within easy reach from both Belfast Airports, and easily accessible to the two famous Golf Clubs of Royal Portrush and Royal County Down. Belvoir Park Golf Club boasts a distinguished history having hosted The Irish Open, The Irish PGA, and The Irish Close. Golfers are shielded from the noise and sights of the city by huge, mature trees which line every fairway, many of which were well established when the course was first built using teams of horses and hand ploughs. Largely unaltered since its design, the only changes to the course have been brought about by thoughtful planting of 40,000 new trees in the late 1950s. From the balcony of the imposing new clubhouse, the green fingers of the fairways fan out
like avenues, giving panoramic views of the 9th green, 10th fairway, 13th tee and 18th green. To the right of the clubhouse can be seen Samson and Goliath, the twin cranes of the Harland and Wolff shipyard which built the famous RMS Titanic passenger ship. www.belvoirparkgolfclub.com PORTSTEWART GOLF CLUB What can be said of the mighty Strand Course? Dubbed as ‘the sleeping giant’, do you dare to tackle it? It is without doubt one of the very top true links golf courses in Ireland. It easily stands alongside the two Ulster Royals, Portrush and County Down. Founded in 1894 and redesigned by Willie Park in the 1920’s this championship links course received its greatest makeover with the purchase
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Portstewart Golf Club
With world-class golf courses in some of the most spectacular locations, Ireland’s credentials are up there with the best when it comes to golf – some of the world’s best golfers hail from this fair isle. And the great thing about golfing in Ireland is that there’s far more to a golf trip than just the challenge of the fairway – Ireland blends exceptional golfing with wonderful off-the-course experiences too!
GOLF BREAKS
Belvoir Golf Club
OFF THE COURSE GAME OF THRONES TOURING EXHIBITION 131 luxury bedrooms in the heart of The Touring Exhibition will make its debut visit to the UK and Ireland at the Titanic Exhibition Centre from 11th April – 1st September 2019! Designed specially by GES Events in collaboration with HBO® Global Licensing, the dramatic exhibition combines costumes, authentic props and majestic settings from all seven seasons to create an interactive and immersive Game of Thrones® experience like no other. www.titanicexhibitioncentre.com TITANIC BELFAST
Portstewart Golf Club
Royal Portrush
of land known as ‘Thistly Hollow’ in 1986. This enabled the club to build a stunning new seven holes through towering dunes and fabulous and natural links land. Designed by Des Giffin the Strand Course is the jewel in the Portstewart portfolio. A ‘true test of golf ’ is a much overused phrase, but in this case it is a reflection of the variety and ingenuity of the shots required to get round this masterpiece of a golf course. The views from almost every hole are quite simply, magical. The Atlantic is never very far away and the beauty of the course has to be seen to be believed. It is a treat that will take a very long time, if ever, to fade from the golfers memory. www.portstewartgc.co.uk
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ROYAL PORTRUSH GOLF CLUB Founded in 1888, the legendary Royal Portrush Golf Club has two championship courses – the renowned Dunluce Course and the smaller but equally enjoyable Valley Course. Both command impressive views across the North Atlantic with breath-taking views of Scotland and Donegal but the golf is even more spectacular. In preparation for 2019’s championship, architect Martin Ebert has added new sixth and seventh holes, fashioned from land on the club’s Valley Course, to replace its 17th and 18th.This means ‘Calamity’ will now be the 16th (instead of the 14th as it was previously) and the old par-4 16th will now be the closing hole. The overall length of the course has been increased by just under
Constructed at the cost of £97million and opened in 2012, Titanic Belfast relates the story of the famous ocean liner. The iconic building (shaped like the bows of a ship) comprises of nine galleries over four floors. Titanic Belfast transports the visitor through time: travelling from Edwardian ‘Boomtown Belfast’ (learning about the lives of the workers who built the ship and the lives of the passengers and crew who made the fateful voyage) to the present day with live streaming from where the wreck lies at rest on the ocean floor. www.titanicbelfast.com SS NOMADIC The SS Nomadic was built by Harland & Wolff in 1911; it was the tender (a small vessel) that transferred passengers from Cherbourg Harbour to RMS Titanic which, due to its size, was obliged to anchor well off shore. Now fully restored, SS Nomadic sits in Hamilton Dry Dock, beside Titanic Belfast. Part and parcel of the greater Titanic story, the Hamilton Dock, pump house and caisson (a movable gate) are of significant historical maritime importance. The dock, built in 1867, was the first to be established on County Down side of the River Lagan; the caisson is the oldest surviving vessel constructed by Harland & Wolff. www.nomadicbelfast.com
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GOLF BREAKS
HOTELS & RESTAURANTS TEN SQUARE 131 luxury bedrooms in the heart of Belfast. Combining boutique-style elegance with an easy, warm, genuine welcome, Ten Square Hotel is renowned locally and nationally for its unique atmosphere and unbeatable location, whether as a hotel, conference centre, wedding venue, or just a place to meet. The very definition of chic city centre accommodation, Ten Square offers an enticing array of bespoke accommodation packages to suit all occasions and events. www.tensquare.co.uk BUSHMILLS INN
Set against the backdrop of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, The Bushmills Inn is the perfect retreat for those who crave the unconventional, yet still expect exceptional service. The welcome is warm and the fire always lit. The 4-star Bushmills Inn blends stunning architecture, beautiful grounds, unique rooms and modern facilities and has been lovingly restored to pay homage to its rich Irish history. Originally a coaching inn in the 1600s, this 4-star boutique hotel and restaurant is steeped in Irish history with a myriad of places to hide from the world. Step back to a time steeped in charm. www.bushmillsinn.com
Royal Portrush
Bushfoot Golf Club
200yds to 7337yds and the number of bunkers increased by three to 62 – still leaving Royal Portrush with the fewest bunkers of any of the courses which host the Open. www.royalportrushgolfclub.com
and only a good drive from the Giants Causeway, Bushfoot is a course that can test the best. Just ask Honorary Member Darren Clarke (2011 Open Champion). With relatively small greens that make the requirement for accuracy imperative and it’s own ‘Road Hole 17th’ where you have to hit your tee shot over the greenkeepers shed, Bushfoot is a great days golf. With stunning views from the clubhouse and superb food & drink available throughout the season it’s well worth a visit & green fees won’t blow the bank with 18 holes costing £25 or less. www.bushfootgolfclub.co.uk
BUSHFOOT GOLF CLUB Bushfoot Golf Club is the nearest golfing neighbour of Royal Portrush Golf Club and is ranked in the top 10 nine hole courses on the island of Ireland with the 1st/10th hole rated as the best opening hole of any and was recently described by PB Dye (son of Pete Dye) “As without doubt the best opening hole he has seen anywhere”. Positioned at the mouth of the River Bush, more famous for the whiskey,
GALGORM CASTLE GOLF CLUB Galgorm Castle is one of Ireland’s finest championship parklands and is the home of the European Tour’s Northern Ireland Open. Awarded the IGTOA’s ‘Parkland Course of the Year 2014’ award, Galgorm Castle is consistently ranked among the Top-3 Parklands in Northern Ireland. The championship layout is nestled in the heart of 220-acre Galgorm Castle Estate, providing a mature setting that
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promotes an easy, relaxing rhythm that makes playing golf so pleasurable. The course is bordered by the rivers Main and Braid which come into play and include a magnificent oxbow feature and five very impressive landscaped lakes. This is truly an exciting course and offers both the novice and low handicapped golfer a stimulating challenge and a memorable round. Galgorm is the perfect venue for the ultimate golfing experience. www.galgormcastle.com MALONE GOLF CLUB Malone is a fine championship course situated on 330 acres of undulating wooded parkland. Its 27 holes of secluded gently undulating parkland countryside is just 5 miles from Belfast City center. The centrepiece of the course is the beautiful natural trout lake which extends for some 25 acres. The course is a real challenge with mature trees shaping many of the holes with the lake coming into play on the 13th. Beware the 15th where the tee shot is a tricky undulating green over water all the way. Also the 18th is daunting where almost any ball to the right of the green is water bound. www.malonegolfclub.co.uk
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STAY & PLA Y NOV 2018-MARCH 2020
FREE
golf daily & use of the spa
With a stunning cliff-top location overlooking St Austell Bay, the Carlyon Bay offers the perfect golfing escape for groups as well as couples Room & Breakfast
Dinner, Room & Breakfast
22 Sept - 31 Oct 2019
90
110
1 Nov 2019 - 31 March 2020
80
100
1 April - 30 June 2020
95
115
22 Sept - 31 Oct 2020
95
115
1 Nov - 22nd Dec 2020
85
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GROUP RATES
Prices are per person per night based on two people sharing a twin/double inland facing room for a minimum of two nights for groups of 10 or more. Upgrades available at a supplement.
To make a booking:
Call 01726 812304 quote ‘Surrey Golf’ Email reservations@carlyonbay.com Visit carlyonbay.com Sea Road, St Austell, Cornwall PL25 3RD
Price Includes: Round of golf per person per night of their stay, lunch in the clubhouse, 20% off buggies, luxury accommodation at the 4 star luxury Carlyon Bay hotel and full use of spa & leisure facilities.
Whether you’re starting your career, want to change career direction or return to work after a break, our Golf Greenkeeper Apprenticeship is available to aspiring greenkeepers of all ages.
ed is A gn G co BIG Re by
GOLF GREENKEEPER APPRENTICESHIP
Course Informatio n Event: Wed 16 O ct, 5.30-8pm
This Apprenticeship Standard will teach you the skills and knowledge required to manage the maintenance, care and overall appearance of a golf course. If you’re not already employed by a golf club, there are a number of vacancies available every week and we may be able to help you find an employer. There are also funding options available, but will depend on your circumstances, employer and the type of Apprenticeship.
www.merristwood.ac.uk Tel: 01483 88 40 40 Email: mwinfo@guildford.ac.uk Proud to be part of Activate Learning
The best design by par Specialists in graphic design, print and marketing for the golf industry
icon graphics
• Logos/corporate identity • Advertising • Facebook banners • Brochures/flyers • Magazines/newsletters • Menus/Price lists • Signage • Annual reports • Wedding brochures • and much more Wherever you are in the world, we’ll bring your ideas to life in creative and eye-catching ways
4 creative solutions please contact Mandy (designer of Surrey Golf magazine)
mandyboosey@yahoo.com
00353 86 203 5571
welcome to
BASINGSTOKE GOLF CLUB Take the opportunity to play this memorable course (maybe for the last time), enjoy the clubhouse hospitality and receive a special rate by quoting this advert.
Make it memorable!
Basingstoke Golf Club was formed in 1907 and moved to its current location at Kempshott Park in 1928 on a course designed by James Braid. As we move towards 2020, Basingstoke GC will again be looking to relocate as ‘progress and planning’ dictates our future. So you have a limited time to experience our wonderful mature parkland James Braid course! We warmly welcome golfers/societies/green-fees and, as well as a fabulous golf course, our renowned in-house clubhouse team will offer you a warm welcome, outstanding quality service and food. Our PGA Professional team offer a fully stocked shop – buggy hire, trolleys and, of course, an option of clubs from leading stockists.
Tel: 01256 465990 (Office) 01256 351332 (Professional) www.basingstokegolfclub.co.uk
MALONE GOLF CLUB Stunning parkland golf course located just 5 miles from Belfast city centre • Considered by many to be the best ‘old style’ parkland course in Northern Ireland • 27 hole facility with green fees to suit all budgets • Host venue of the Vagliano Trophies in 2015 and many other championships over the years • Mature 330 acre estate, with a magnificent 180 year old main clubhouse building
In any 19th hole discussion attempting to determine the accolade of a supreme inland course in Ireland, it is perfectly understandable that there will be a case for the claims of Malone Golf Club. Not much argument is really required for, truth to tell, the gently rolling summertime tapestry of mature wood, restful lake and blaze of flowers sets it quite apart. John Redmond, Great Golf Courses of Ireland
MALONE GOLF CLUB 240 Upper Malone Road, Belfast, BT17 9LB T: 02890 612758 E: manager@malonegolfclub.co.uk
www.malonegolfclub.co.uk
BUSHFOOT GOLF CLUB
Established in 1890, Bushfoot Golf Club, enjoys breathtaking panoramic views and the 9-hole course with double tees offers challenging play for golfers at every skill level.
HOTEL
HOTEL
GOLF CLUB
GOLF CLUB
FITNESS SUITE
FITNESS SUITE
A Course not to be missed when you visit Cornwall
HOT
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LU F C
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SS ITNE
SUIT
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01208 262570 golf@lanhydrockhotel.com www.lanhydrockhotel.com Lanhydrock Hotel and Golf Club | Bodmin | Cornwall | PL30 5AQ
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Discover a true ‘hidden gem’ on the Northern Coast of Ireland... 50 Bushfoot Road, Portballintrae BT57 8RR T: 028 2073 1317 E: admin@bushfootgolfclub.co.uk
www.bushfootgolfclub.co.uk
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SURREY GOLF BREAKS NEWS
Tenerife TEE OFF IN
Golf Las Américas
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SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
GOLF BREAKS
Tenerife has rapidly established itself as a popular beach golf destination in the Canary Islands. With more courses in the pipeline, golf is really taking off on Tenerife now.
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xcellent golf courses combined with a mild year-round climate, luxury golf hotels and stunning beaches, it comes as no surprise that Tenerife is widely regarded as an excellent destination for your next golf holiday in the Canary Islands. The original El Peñón golf course was joined by five excellent courses in the tourist resorts of the south-west; now there’s plenty of golf available for any travelling player. Tenerife is a popular golf destination throughout the year as European golfers flock here to enjoy the (almost!) guaranteed sunshine and mild climate. The courses reduce their rates considerably during the summer months, so a golf break in Tenerife, from early May to late September can be much cheaper than on mainland Spain. Tenerife South Airport is close to most of
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
the golf courses and resort areas and is served by major UK airports year-round making Tenerife highly accessible for all travellers. GOLF LAS AMÉRICAS Opened in 1998 and covering 90 hectares of land, Golf Las Americas is a fantastic course nestled in the heart of the key tourist area of Playa de Las Americas. This course is ideal for those seeking a leisurely round on a meticulously well kept and thoughtfully designed course, offering panoramic views of the coastline and mountains throughout. The luscious green is in perfect contrast to the woodland and mountain backdrop. This is an excellent holiday course with golfers of all abilities able to enjoy the continued on page 46
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GOLF BREAKS
Buenavista Golf
Golf Las Américas
challenge provided on the two returning loops of nine holes. Golf Las Américas bears a challenge consisting of well-placed hazards of both water and sand variety, large undulating greens and gently sloping fairways. The par-72 layout measures 6,607 yards, and is punctuated by charming streams and waterfalls, making it a special place to play. The undulating greens are particularly challenging, and the locals will always advise you to keep the ball below the hole to leave an uphill putt. The proximity of the golf course to the most popular tourist areas makes Golf Las Américas a firm favourite with Tenerife regulars, and comes highly recommended. www.golflasamericas.com AMARILLA GOLF TENERIFE Amarilla Golf Tenerife is one of life’s hidden gems, probably the best Tenerife golf course, it hosted a round of the PGA European tour in 1990; designed by Donald Steel in the late
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Amarilla Golf
1980s it features an imaginatively designed golf course sandwiched between the bright blue Atlantic Ocean and Spain’s highest mountain, the majestic El Teide. Amarilla Golf is set among residential and holiday accommodation with about half the fairways having villas or apartments running along part of their length. The hole that grips everyone is the short par three fifth; 115 meters off the yellow tees there is no fairway, just the sea to cross and then to land on a small green, it can play anything from a wedge to a five iron depending on wind conditions. This Tenerife golf hole must rank as one of the most spectacular par threes in the world. Amarilla golf is a wonderful test of golf and of golf course management; featuring long par fours and short par threes which need considerable thought Amarilla golf course is not easy for the once a year holiday hacker. The course is fair but punishing for the golfer trying too hard who gets a little wayward, push
Amarilla Golf
or pull a shot here and you won’t find an accommodating adjacent fairway from which to play the next shot. www.amarillagolf.com BUENAVISTA GOLF Buenavista Golf course was designed by Seve Ballesteros and is true to its name, translating to ‘beautiful view’. This course is perched on the cliff tops overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Teno mountain range, offering views of unrivalled beauty throughout. With many of its holes lining the coast line, players will be offered a challenging yet unforgettable round here. The Buenavista course is located on the north west coast of the island and a simple 60 minute journey from Las Americas in an area of outstanding beauty. Despite being situated slightly further afield than the other courses in Tenerife, this course is well worth the journey, and here you will benefit from a tranquil atmosphere and unspoilt continued on page 48
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GOLF BREAKS
WHERE TO STAY Hotel Gran Melia Palacio de Isora is located on the beachfront between the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Teide, this resort in Guía de Isora has the longest salt water hotel infinity pool in Europe. Superior-quality dining options offer Spanish and international cuisine made with the finest local ingredients. The Spa by Clarins has an ambience of total harmony and well-being. www.melia.com Gara Suites Hotel is located 1200 meters from The Patch featuring a nightclub, sun terrace and an outdoor swimming pool. Situated in the heart of the golf course Las Americas, Hotel Gara Suites Golf & Spa distinguishes, as a world by itself, offering a refuge of welfare for family and friends. Amenities are designed, thinking of you, with activities and maximum relaxation. www.garasuites.com Hotel Suite Villa Maria – a unique 5-star resort of 78 villas with private gardens, inspired by Canarian architecture, with breath-taking views overlooking Los Lagos golf course, mountains and the Atlantic. It offers a wide range of services, that are ideal for families, couples, golfers, sports enthusiasts and guests who simply wish to relax. www.hotelsuitevillamaria.es Melia Hacienda del Conde is a quiet exclusive colonial-style ‘adults-only’ resort which boasts a privileged location overlooking the sea and is surrounded by the Buenavista Golf course. Enjoy superior quality cuisine or chill out with a cocktail at the pool bar. Enjoy an unforgettable stay with VIP services, personalised attention, private areas and the YHI Spa. www.melia.com For further information or to book your Tenerife getaway visit www.golf-escapes.com
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Abama Golf
Atlantic Ocean when full concentration is not applied. Furthermore, the sea breeze may also come into play when trying to hinder your scorecard, and it can create havoc when selecting the appropriate club, and judging distances on the greens. www.buenavistagolf.es
Abama Golf
views. Buenavista golf has five holes right on the coast and hundreds of new trees have been planted to define the fairways. Water only comes into play on three holes and the clubhouse is raised up high in the middle of the course to offer spectacular views all around. The course has received excellent reviews from all that have played it and is certainly well worth the drive! Players on this course will be kept on their toes with a varied course, featuring 6 par 3’s, 6 par 4’s and 6 par 5’s. On the five holes lining the coast, golfers will benefit from the stunning views, unlike anywhere else on this captivating island. However, golfers must not be distracted by these panoramic views; a wayward shot could be swallowed up by the
ABAMA GOLF With incomparable views of the ocean and surrounding Canary Islands from most of its 18 holes, guests truly play on top of the world. Acclaimed as one of the finest in Spain, this is a Tenerife golf course crafted to test and surprise all golfers, no matter what their level of expertise. Rising up the west face of the Teide Volcano, Abama Golf course was created by world renowned golf designer Dave Thomas. The immaculately maintained 18 hole championship course contains over 300 species of subtropical plant life, including over 20,000 palm trees. Almost all of the holes of the course have spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the island of La Gomera. With 22 lakes spread throughout the course’s ever-changing terrain, as well as waterfalls and white sand bunkers, the course is challenging enough to test even the most experienced golfer. www.abamagolf.com
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GOLF BREAKS
With breathtaking views and perfectly manicured greens, Royal Bled Golf Club in Slovenia is undoubtedly one of the most scenic and beautiful places to play golf...
HEAVEN ON EARTH R
oyal Bled is the oldest and the largest Slovenian golf course. Its origins date back to 1937 and it is regarded as one of the most scenic courses in Europe. The club comprises the 18-hole King’s Course and the 9-hole Lake Course. The course is set apart by its unique location overlooked by the highest of the Slovenian Alps and the wonderful countryside embracing it. It attracts amateurs and professionals from all over the world. The Kings Course was recently renovated and offers golfers spectacular views of the amazing natural landscape adjoining the
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course. Royal Bled has hosted several prestigious golf tournaments over the years. In addition to world class golf, Royal Bled features a state of the art golf academy, well-appointed clubhouse and luxurious accommodation. Royal Bled Golf Club is only three kilometres away from the Bled centre and Bled Lake, offering the perfect destination at Ljubljana’s door step. The club is also part of IMG Prestige, an elite network of 200 golf clubs that feature leading properties and partners from across the world which have a close association with IMG.
For further information please visit: www.royalbled.com
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PLAY & STAY IN FRANCE THIS AUTUMN
This break includes
✓ Overnight outbound sailing with your car and comfortable cabin
✓ 3 nights at Hotel Hermitage, 4 nights away from just £505pp Our Autumn special offer gives you the chance to play some top quality courses near the famous French holiday destination of La Baule, with plenty of après golf close by. Sailing from Plymouth, Portsmouth or Poole, you can enjoy three rounds at a choice of top golf resorts in Western Loire and Brittany and a three night stay in La Baule.
La Baule
✓ Deluxe Sea View Rooms ✓ Dinner, Bed & Breakfast ✓ 3 rounds of golf at a choice of courses
✓ Return daytime sailing
Call 0330 159 5418 email golf.desk@brittanyferries.com or visit brittanyferries.com/golf Price includes return sailings with car and 4 passengers, with standard 4 berth cabin on outbound sailing, 3 nights hotel half board (twin rooms) and 3 rounds of golf. Promotion cannot be combined with any other offer. Terms and conditions apply - see website for details.
GOLF BREAKS
LIVING THE GOLFING DREAM: Buying property in Spain to play all year round
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pain can be a golfer’s paradise, with warm weather all year round and courses on the PGA European tour circuit to enjoy. Valderrama in Costa del Sol has been highlighted as the number one course in continental Europe since 1998 and is frequently named as one of the best courses in the world. There are other Spanish destinations with exciting courses to lure golfers in too, such as Villamartin, Campoamor, and La Finca in Costa Blanca. If you’re a keen golfer and are looking to buy a second home abroad, you might be considering Spain. In recent years, the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development has claimed that property in Spain is up to 26% undervalued, meaning buying a second
home or expatriating to España can be an appealing opportunity. If you’d like to learn more about buying property in Spain, see what’s on offer, and find out how you can make the most of your overseas currency transfers for property costs and other payments, why not join Global Reach for its Spanish property seminar at the Hilton Hotel in Cobham, Surrey. Hosted on 14th-15th September, you’ll be able to watch presentations from a range of experts on all the essential aspects you need to consider, such as legal advice, finance options, and the Spanish property purchase process. Admission is free, but you need to register your interest at cbva.co.uk/sps. To find out more about sending your money abroad, visit globalreachgroup.com.
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Looking to buy a home in Spain? Join us for our Spanish property seminar at the Hilton Hotel Southern Spain is one of the go-to golfing destinations, but it’s also an excellent choice for expats or those looking for a second home. The Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine have made it a fabulous location to take a break away, and play golf all year round. You can find out more about buying or renting property in Spain, at our seminar at the Cobham Hilton Hotel, Surrey, on the 14th and 15th of September. You’ll be able to meet a panel of experts, and view presentations on legal advice, finance options, the Spanish property purchase process, and how to make the most of your overseas currency transfers. You can also view available properties, and find out more about purchase options, and facilities in the local area.
Admission to the event is free, but please register your interest at cbva.co.uk/sps You can find out more about Global Reach and sending your money abroad, at globalreachgroup.com
Global Reach is a trading name of Foreign Currency Exchange Ltd. Foreign Currency Exchange Ltd is authorised by the FCA as an Authorised Electronic Money Institution (AEMI) under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 for the issuing of electronic money (FRN 900205). Registered office: Woolgate Exchange, 25 Basinghall Street, London, EC2V 5HA. Registered Company No. 5452483. V02230519
PRODUCT NEWS
LAMBDA HANDMADE GOLF SHOES A whole new classic golf shoe created, designed, handcrafted and manufactured by hand with a passion for golf. Lambda’s innovative patented technologies have resulted in a classic golf shoe handmade in Portugal. The Roma Brown is a classic handmade waterproof golf shoe and features: • European water repellent prime leather upper, Aquastop inlay breathable membrane ensures waterproof guarantee. • Detachable soft latex foot bed, covered in leather, for extra comfort. • Ethylene-vinyl acetate insert on sole and heel for shock absorption impact on knees, hips and back. • Soft high quality TPU sole. • 100% Waterproof
Lambda shoes have a waterproof breathable membrane inserted between the leather upper and the leather lining (one year waterproof normal use guarantee). The outer leather undergoes a patented water repellent treatment during the tanning process that becomes our golf shoe’s first waterproof barrier and enables easier cleaning and care after play. INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES Lambda´s innovative patented technologies have resulted in a handmade golf shoe with a design and construction that provides golfers with a solid stand allowing the foot to breathe while remaining flexible, lightweight, and extremely comfortable. SOLES Patented handmade soles and heel construction used in all Lambda golf shoes have a double-layer inlay that ingeniously absorbs heel and sole force reducing impact on knees, hips and back. rrp: €290.00 lambdagolf.com
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SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
PRODUCT NEWS
BIG MAX HAS YOUR 2019 TRAVEL COVERED BIG MAX is getting ready for the holiday season with the launch of two new travel covers. The BIG MAX Aqua TCS and the BIG MAX Traveller each boast innovative features that make life easier for the travelling golfer and are perfect for a golfing trip whether it’s a short break or a full week away. The BIG MAX AQUA TCS is a 6-wheel travel cover that combines BIG MAX waterproof technology with the innovative Travel Connection System (TCS). BIG MAX Aqua technology uses 100% waterproof material, waterproof zips and sealed seams to provide an unprecedented level of waterproofing while the brand new Travel Connection System turns two pieces of luggage into one! Via a connection system that fits to any wheeled suitcase, the Aqua TCS fixes to the handle of the luggage enabling the travel cover and the suitcase to be pulled as one piece.
the inevitable knocks and bumps that occur in transit, keeping all your gear safe and secure on its travels. Two large storage compartments add to the practicality on offer and complete this perfect travelling companion for a short golfing trip away. www.bigmaxgolf.com TCS – SRP: £199.99. Available in Black, Black/Lime, Black/Red Traveller – SRP: £129.99. Available in Black bigmaxgolf @BIGMAXGOLF @BIGMAX.GOLF
The Aqua TCS also features EZUP loading technology for upright loading and an internal bag fix system to keep clubs safe and secure throughout transit. With additional space from two shoe pockets the TCS offers style, storage, protection and practicality that is sure to be a hit amongst frequent travelling golfers. The BIG MAX TRAVELLER is a 2-wheel travel cover that is perfect for a short trip away. EZ-UP-loading technology allows for upright loading and an internal bag fixing system keep all clubs in their place during travel. Combined with its durable nylon cover, the robust design will endure SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
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PRODUCT NEWS
THE COOLSHOT 20 GII The COOLSHOT 20 GII laser rangefinder packs power into a compact body. Yet there’s nothing small about its performance on the course... Your golf game just got more precise with an extensive range of 5-730 m – displaying the distance every metre – plus single or continuous measurement for up to eight seconds. First Target Priority algorithm measures the distance to the closest of overlapping subjects, so it’s easy to get an accurate reading to the flagstick even with woods in the background.
Images are bright and clear thanks to the high-quality 6x monocular with multi-layer coating, and it’s lightweight enough to hold comfortably in one hand. • Far-reaching range and precision targeting • Fast and easy single or continuous measurement • Bright images and easy viewing • Compact, durable and lightweight
Finder: Magnification (x) 6 Effective objective diameter (mm/in.) 20 Actual field of view (º) 6 Exit pupil (mm/in.) 3.3 Eye relief (mm/in.) 16.7 Dimensions: 91 x 73 x 37/3.6 x 2.9 x 1.5 Weight: 130g (excluding battery)
Power up your game with the COOLSHOT 20 GII.
Power source: CR2 lithium battery × 1 (DC 3V)
Measurement range: 5-730 m/6-800 yd.
Automatic power shut-off: after approx. 8 sec. unoperated
Distance display: Every 1m/yd. Accuracy: ±1 m/yd. (shorter than 100 m/ yd.) ±2 m/yd. ( 100 m/yd. and over)
RRP £179 www.nikon.co.uk
TARMAT Ltd BUGGY PATH AND CAR PARK SPECIALISTS HEAVY DUTY TARMACADAM We supply and lay 6mm/10mm dense industrial tarmacadam laid to the correct thickness, all rolled and consolidated from as little as £10 per square meter.
INDUSTRIAL SURFACE DRESSING We offer hot K180 road bitumen and hard stone wearing course, machine laid, from as little as £5.99 per meter. • Tarmac repairs • Surface dressing • Road repairs • Driveways
• Car parks • Road markings • Playgrounds • Drop kerbs
• Pothole repairs • Public and private roads • White lining • Resin driveways and footpaths
All site preparation and clearance included. Ideal for car parks, farm roads, buggy paths and courtyards.
NATIONAL COVERAGE ACROSS ENGLAND AND WALES info@tarmatltd.co.uk • 0800 046 6442 • www.tarmatltd.co.uk
CLUBS. CLOTHES. COMMITMENT.